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Les diagrammas suivants illustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 f J'' a <_. £.^/-<:. t I FATHER EELLS OR THE RESULTS OF F;FTY-F1VE YEARS OF MISSIONARY LABORS IN WASHINGTON AND OREGON A BIOGRAPHY OF REV. GUSHING EELLS, D.D. BY MYRON EELLS WUh an Introduction by Reii. L. If. Hallock, D.D. BOSTON AND CHICAGO Congresational Simtiag. School m^ i^ubligljing Societg 4 jr'/ ' ^/. ..- CorvKioiiT, 1R04, By Congregationai, Sunday-School and Puhlishing .Society # SI tribute of affection TO GUSHING EELLS AND MYRA F. EELLS bp tbeir aionfl!. 4fif592 PREFACE. Ti(E writer was onco at a church nicctii.- ulurc soii.c thin.^s wore sai.I, a.nl perhaps justly, a-ainst a minister who ha.l prea.-hc, I for the chur<-h. His son, wlio was present, defende,! hi.s faMu-r There were those at the nieetin^^ who hy no means ai,^reed with the father hut who honored the son for what lie said. Mo tlie .sons of Cushinj,^ and Myra Eells, would at least honor our parents True, they were not what many call j^reat. Neither were they perfect. None knew this hetter tha.i themselves. We heliove however, that they have done a jrreat, good work for (.n.-^on and Washington, and we desire to record this and perpetuate "the memory of what they Imve done. From what was said at the funeral services of Dr. Eells, fron. the nund,er of memorial •services held since ins death in large cities in eastern and western Washington, from the contents of letters of condolence received from distinguished Christian men and women from Massachusetts to Washington, from the number and character of those wlio have expressed a wish that this biography be written, we believe that tnere are others who have thought very highly of them for their work's sake. Favors in preparing this work have been received from many friends, more especially from L. II. Hallock, D.n., Roy J Edwards, Wallace Nutting, d.d., and Rey. F. P. Noble, of (;hica.^o' the last of whom has rendered great assistance by his criticisms'of the whole work. Union City, Washington, January, 1894. ^' ^' 8 INTRODUCTION, TiiK roraanco of the Oregon Territory, which Includes the great .States of Washington and Idaho, is unsuri)asHed in Action and has the higher charm of nbsoluto trnth. Encamped on the eastern l>order, the early New England colo- nists little dreamed of tl-.- vastness of this Western empire or the magnitude of its economic future. JJy purchase they obtained the vague domain o^ ..ouisiana, and afterward became conscious of the existence of an indclinlte tract of country stretching oil' into the far-distant and almost inaccessible Northwest. From Indians and from Paciflc navigators came hints and from the Hudson's Bay Company reliable tiding.s of a fur-producing wilder- ness away toward the sunset, Where rolls the Oregon, aud hears no sound save i'.s own dashing. It was not the conquest of territory that first stirred the Interest of Americans in this direction; the earliest movement was for evangelization of the native population. It was really a foreign country, a.id the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions made the first advances. When they sent out such men as Whitman and Eells they sought for souls, not soil. Little thought those bold, indomitable missionaries, who journeyed weary weeks from St. Louis toward the blue waters of 6 INTliODUCTION. ? Puget Sound, that they would Hve to see there three great states, the pride of the Union, rich in wlicat waving on a million fertile fields, bearing a i>riceless beard of lofty lir and cedar forests, having choice orchards on the banks of rivers which run salmon enough for a nation, and shipping its products to the Atlantic sea- board over four transcontinental railroatl lines, and to the far Orient by oceanic steamships from Tacoma to China and the New Japan. But Dr. Cushing Eells, after his rigorous bridal tour of three thousand railcs, after a patient service of fifty-five fruitful years, resulting in the evangelization of Indian tribes, the founding of two colleges and many churches, and the ripe accumulations of fourscore years, did see all that; and if his unbounded modesty had not forbidden could have honestly said, concerning the reli- gious and moral transformations at least, ^'' 3Iafjna pars fiii,''^ The story of Dr. Eells which is now given to the public by one well worthy to be his faithful and loving chronicler is not the history of a man but of a movement, and a movement of great significance to our whole American nation. The vast wealth borne on the surface and buried in the mold and mines of the North- west our children will estimate more accurately than we can; but whatever its uncounted value shall prove to be, it basks beneath the glorious folds of the Stars and Stripes because such men as Eells and Whitman were here, statesmen as well as Christians, and because they traversed the wild mountains and taught the wild tribes with an intelligent and far-seeing patriotism, wisely coupled with Christian sweetness and light, married also to an indomitable will and undying determination. Such tales as those which follow can have no duplicate. If the men are born, the opportunity cannot recur. Unknown empires INTBODUCTION. within our indeterminate borders exist no longer; the age is late, the titles have been disputed, the domain explored, the lines drawn. We shall send no more foreign missionaries to distant fields and waken to find the land still our own and the title won by a caravan of settlers led over the mountain passes by a conse- crated missionary of the cross, an appointee of the American Hoard of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. It is best to read this well, for between the lines of personal biography runs the cipher tale of a new nation, still under the old Hag, but destined to play a signal part in the future of American life and national power through its limitless resources. The Indians will pass away, but the Indians of the Northwest will wear in the heavenly fields the white robes, because Father Eells pointed them tenderly to the faithful shepherd, the Christ. The front rank of settlers, the pioneer missionaries, has even now van- ished — Dr. Eells was the last of them; but the Institutions they founded, the churches they builded, the works they finished, abide. They molded the infant civilization, and the print of their faith will not be transient. Verily it was an honor to know Father Eells, and a rare privi- lege to sit and listen to his thrilling tales of early struggles and later conquest for his Master. The little pcLknife given him in Hosmer's store in Hartford, before he started for the frontier, he showed me the Friday before his death, his companion for fifty years ; and many a deft bit of surgery it performed in the hand of its skillful owner. It wasn't much like a case of modern sur- geon's tools, but that difTerence illustrates the fine contrast between this modest, old-fashioned servant of God and some of his luxurious successors. As simple in his faith and in his rigor- T 8 INTBODUCTION. ous economy of living and in his transparent worth as the true blade he carried unchanged for half a century, he was a benedic- tion to all who knew him. And with all that simplicity he had only charity for his brethren and fine appreciation of every mark of respect and deed of kindness that any brother might pay him. I saw his life go out like stars at the coming of the dawn. On Friday he mounted his famous horse, Lo Blond, at my door and rode oft". On Sunday he listened reverently as I preached. On Wednesday in the early morning, with the old trait of doing promptly what was to be done, he left us for the last journey. The longed-for eighty years were completed, and our Father's House was richer by the entrance of faithful Father Eells. As you read, remember the rigors of his early years, the mellow- ness of his final harmonies, and the rare unselfishness of his whole eventful career. " Whose faith follow." With deep and tender respect I sign myself, in gratitude for the honor, his last pastor, L. H. HALLOCK. Tacoma, Washington, Octwber, 1896. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. BIRTH, ANCKSTRY, AND KARLY LIFE. Birth. — Major Sjuuuel Eells. - Other ancestors. ~ Character- istics of the family. -Justice to tlie Indians. -Ministry.- Patriotism. - Education. - Lon- life. - lihmdford. - Incident. -Conversion. -Education at lilandford. — East Granville. — Dr. Coe.-Monson Academy.- Williams College. -East Windsor. - The Zulus. - Ordination. - Marriage. - Mrs. Eells AGE 15 CHAPTJ<]R II. CROSSING THE CONTINENT. 1838. Change of life work. -Early Oregon missions. - Bridal tour. -To New York. -Julia Brace. -Instructions. -Sab- bath incident. -To Cincinnati. -Pack saddles. -Slavery. - Missouri. -Packing. -First day. -American Fur Company. -Mode of travel. -Nicking a horse. - Buffalo meat. -Fort Laramie. -North Fork of Platte. -Rain. -Mrs. Walker. - Crossing Sweetwater. - American rendezvous. -Fourth of July. -Fort Hall. -Bois6.- Arrival at Dr. Whitman's . . 33 9 10 CONTENTS. CHAPTER III. ORKGON IN 1838. PAGE Government. — Population. — Hudson's Bay Company. — Set- tlements. — Passports. — United States in 1838. — Large cities. — Wagons. — Houses. — Furniture. — Hotels. — Sacks. — Clothes. — Beef. — Matches. — Post oflices. — Mail. — Stores. — Money. — Mrs. Eells' impressions. — Indians. — Their number. 63 CHAPTER IV. THE MISSION ESTABLISHED. 1838-48. Arrangements. — Messrs. Smith, Rogers, Gray, Spalding, Walker, Whitman. — To Colville. — Sele(!ting station. — At Dr. Whitman's, 1838-39. — To Tshimakain. — Gardens. — Frost. — The Spokane language. — School. — Packing. — Religious instruction. — (ieneral work. — 1840. — Habits of Indians. — Religious instruction. — School. — Indian character. — Pros- pects. — Fire. — Progress. — School. — Music. — Travels. — School. — Dr. Whitman's journey east in 1842-43. — Whitman controversy. — 1844. — Progress. — Maternal association. — Severe winter of 1846-47. — Shoes. — Shawls. — Cheese. — Death of Mrs. Eells' father. — Prospect 82 \ CHAPTER V. THE MISSION BROKEN UP. Massacre of Dr. Whitman. — Providences which sav-u Mr, Eells. — Incident about Mr. Walker. — Fidelity of the Spo- kaues. — False rumors. — Cayuse war. — Removal to Port Col- ville. — War whoop. — Councils. — In dangers oft. — Travels. — Good-by to Tshimakain. — To the AVillamette. — Spokane CONTENTS. PAGE ny. — Set- rge cities. SaclvS. — Stores. — ■ number. 63 Spakling, ion. — At — Frost. Relijjious idians. — •. — Pros- ravels. — Whitman iation. — Jlieese. — iV-,u x*Ir. tlie Spo- ^'ort Col- Travels. Spokane 82 11 PAOR Indians. — Dr. Dirt xv tt n ^j. ,, ^ Wrfeht ^1 J! ' • -Y'"'"™ '■""■■ - Colonel wlh ■, '""•-*"*'■• L"^'«u>.eoI. -Spokane, at W,.ll» T.ree ....aj.."! r:::- ^r,; - ""'"• - '"""-' ,, 12o CHAPTER VI. IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY. 1848-60. Town", '^'!'""""" '" '^-«»™""»"'- Population. - Towns. -Money. -Congregational mi„i.,ter» and oburebes -Congro^atlonali.,,,, tho„ „„., „„„ west of the MK,i.,Mppr. -' West „, New En.lan.l. - TeaCIn, at Salen,. - Hare, ti™L. - A Fores Orove.-,. rices at Hlllsboron,.,. - Dl.nlsslon fron, the Board Rem™ to Forest Grove. -„.„K||„,. of the Con- «re^.t,ona,eh,,r„h._Kn.,ow,n„nt„f a.-rofessorshlp I,. Pae,„e 158 CHAPTER VII. WHITMAN SEMINARY. 1860-82. J2 '°7""" ''^'"'" '" •^'''-DHern^lnation to found a school. s„„,„„ „, j8o„ „j „,^ ^^^^^^^^^ mission. -Walia Wa ,„ „. ,«.-Pourth Of Ju„.-Pirst trustees' n.eeting 1861. -Wmterot 1801-02. -Final ren.oval in 1802. - Con.-r^ Eat,o„al ehnr,.|, at Wulla Walla. - Horse stealing. _ V|.-lla°,ce comn.lttee. -Location and building of Whitnmn Semhrary.- Dedn:a.,on.- Teaching in Whitman Seminary. _ School ,u- penntendent of Wnlla W, County. -Paying the debt on the rw','°7'~f'"'""""-"'"-""''"""'*<"'-""'^"-Teachers m Whitman Seminary from 1809 to 1882 • • • -i 4 ^ minmmmmmi 12 CON TENTS. CHAPTER VIII. WHITMAN COLLEGE. 1882-93. PAGE Dr. A. J. Anderson. — Going east. — National Council. — Disappointment. — FecjJings. — Extrac^ts from letters and jour- nal. —Will. — Incidental pleasures. — Relatives. -- Blandford. Return to Washington. —New college buildings. — Fiftieth anniversary. — Denominational relations of the college. — President Eaton 199 CHAPTER IX. HOME MISSIONAKY WORK. 1872-81. Who is a home missionary? — Pugot Sound in 1872. — Sko- komish and vicinity. — To Colville,1874. — 187o. — Lc Blond.— Seventieth birthday of Mrs. Eells. — At Colville in 1876.— Mrs. Eells to Forest Grove. — Magnetic drawing east of the Cascade Mountains. — Northeastern Washington in 1874. — Colfax. — Organization of church. — Letters to the church. — To Dr. D. S. Baker. — Fortieth anniversary of marriage.— Death of Mrs. Eells. — Building of the church at Colfax.— Prayers. — School superintendent. — Resignation as pastor . 219 .n CHAPTER X. HOME MISSIONARY WORK, CONTINUED. 1875-88. Out-stations. — Dayton. — Chewelah and Colville. — First and last work in Washington. — Cheney. — Charge and right hand of fellowship to Rev. F. T. Clark, Spokane.— Tribute CONTENTS. of Dr. AlkiiiHon. — JU'inovai to Mnlical Lako. — To Clieucy. S|)ra;,'ii('. — Mrdical Lako. — lt«;tiirn tlieic — Pleasant Prairie. —DenoMiinational zeal. —Ite!si;^'nation. — Prayers 13 |'A(;k 248 CHAPTER XI. LAST DAYS. 1888-93. Retired, yet i)reacbing. — Fiftietii Anniversary. —Foiir- seore. — Last trip to Skokoniisb. — Baptism of ^^randciliildren and death of one. — Ministerial Alliance. — Eij^bty-one.— Death of his brother Charles.— La grippe. — Injury.— Thoughts of death. — Death of fellow workers.— Death. — Funeral. —Memorial Services. — Tributes 272 CHAPTER XII. CHARACTERISTICS. Pioneer. - Memory. - Precision. — Economy. - Prayer. — Benevolence. -Consistency. -Love for Christian education. -For the ministry. -For the missionary work. -Consecra- tion. -Trial and faith. -An answer to skeptics.- An ordi- nary man. - Changes. - In due time ye shall reap if ye faint not. — Conclusion 310 ii FATHER EELLS OR The Results of Fifty-five Years of iMissionary Labors in Washington and Oregon. CHAPTER I. BIIITII, ANCKSTKV, AND EAKLY LIFE. CUSHING EELLS was borii at Blantlford, in western Massachusetts, February 16, 1810, and was the son of Joseph and p:iizabeth (Warner) EeUs. He was the third child and oldest son of a family of ten, all of whom lived to be of age. The fh-st of the Eells family to come to America was John, who arrived in Massachusetts probably in 1G30. He lived at Dorchester until 1640, when he returned to Barnstable, England. He never came back to Amer- ica. He took with him his infant son Samuel, who was born at Dorchester, Mass., June 23, 1639, and bap- tized by Rev. Richard Mather. Samuel remained in England untU 1661. While there he was a major in CromweU's army, among those "Ironsides" whose 15 1 V 16 FATIIEli EKLLS. motto was to "trust in God and keep their powder dry." When he was twenty-two years old he returned to this continent and became the progenitor of all of the name in America. He went to Connecticut and was one of tiie first settlers of Milford. He was a man of wealth, a lawyer, and commanded a garrison in King Philip's War. He died April 21, 1709. The following is the direct line of descent from him to Gushing : the youngest son of Major Samuel was Rev. Nathaniel, born November 26, 1677, at Milford, who graduated at Harvard University in 1699 and settled at Scituate, Mass., in 1704, where he lived until his death, August 25, 1750. His second son was Rev. Nathaniel, who was born February 4, 1710, graduated at Harvard in 1728, and settled in Stonington, Conn., where he remained until his death in 1786, at the age of seventy-six years, fifty-three of which he spent in the ministry.^ He married Mercy Cushing, a daughter of Hon. John Gushing, from whence came the name for the subject of this sketch. His third son was Deacon Nathaniel, who was born 1 He is mentioned iu the centennial papers of the General Confer- ciice of Connecticut, gathered in 1876, and an election sermon of his, preached before the General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut at Hartford, May 12, 1748, and printed by the printer to the Governor and Company, is iu the possession of the writer. BIUTII, ANCESTliY, AND EARLY LIFE. 17 July 16, 174'J. He lived at North Coventry, Conn., and died at IJolton, in the same state, December 20, 1799. His fifth child was Joseph, the father of Cushing, who was born at Coventry, May 12, 17H1; married, first, Elizabeth Warner, of Windham, Conn., by whom he had nine children, and who died at lUandford, April 27, 1822 ; and second, Abigail Green, by whom he had one daughter. He died at Norwalk, Ohio, January 1, 186 1. It is proper here to note a few items in regard to the family in general. Love of justice to the Indian was one strong trait in the character of Major Samuel Eells. The historian of King Philip's War says Cap- tain Eells immortalized his name by his opposition to the diabolical act of government (the Plymouth Col- ony) ill selling Indian captives as slaves. "In- deed," says llev. W. W. Eells, a distant relative of Cushing, " had not his plans been overruled by mere force, there would have been no such war." Brownell says in his Indian Races of America : ^ " Not far from this time (July, 1675), the town of Dartmouth, having been in a great measure destroyed by the enemy, a large number of Indians, not less than one hundred and sixty, who had dwelt in the country thereabout, and who were not active partakers in the 1 Page 242. II I 18 FATIIEIt EELLS. destruction of the town, delivered themselves (ip to one Captain Kelis, ui)on promises of j^ood trejitment. They were nevertheless tiiken to rivmoiith, sold by the colonial authorities as slaves, and transported to foreign ports. Captains Church and Eells made upon this occasion the most vehement remonstrances, ex- pressed by Church with his characteristic energy and spirit ; but all to no purpose, as it only secured him the ill-will of the government. The act was grossly impolitic, as well as perfidious and cruel." With such an ancestor it has not been strange that the same idea of justice to the Indian remains in the family. An inclination toward the ministry has also been prominent in the family. Major Samuel Kells was not a minister, but he married the daughter of Kol)ert Linthal, the first minister of Weymouth, Mass., who, although she died when her son Nathaniel was only twelve years old, seems to have I' ' such an impress on him that he entered the ministry. So did his son. In speaking of Edward Eells, Jr., then recently licensed to preach. The Presbyterian Banner of Octo- ber 7, 1885, says: "He is the twentieth of the same name and family in the ministry of the gospel since 1703. All but one of these have been in Consrre never seeing them again in this world." [She < ' \ ' lid.] From the Gth until th^ 17th the time wa. snent in visiting and traveling to New York city. From Holden to Worcester they were taken in the snow on runners, and from Worcester to East Windsor .*. CEOJSSiya the continent. 37 3 went as arrival in ry. Thus ete. 1, Mr. and 3 not com- of April, callers in I from the 5' recoUec- parting at nts : How- may be to on to read far distant cheerfully ar pnd dear r. y never in the mud — a very different method from tliat in use forty-five years later when Dr. Eells made the same trip easily in the cars. At Hartford they met Julia Brace, who was deaf, tluml), and blind, and yet they saw her place a needle on her tongue and the thread in her mouth, and in a few seconds the needle was threaded. She would also distinguish by feeling between two different silk handkerchiefs from the same web, so near alike that other persons could not do the same when seeing them. At New York they met, for the first time, Rev. E. Walker and wife, who had been married on the same day as themselves, and who were to be their compan- ions and associates for ten years, as well as trusted friends through life. On the Sabbath, the 18th, the two couples received their instructions as missionari 3S from Secretary Greene, of the Board., at the Brick Presbyterian Church of which Gardiner Spring, d.d., was pastor. The instructions were followed by remarks from Dr. Spring. The concluding prayer was made by vSecretary Armstrong. The next day, having been delayed, Rev. A. B. Smith and wife who were also to be their associates, arrived. On the afternoon of the 20th they left the East, *' after receiving the advice and counsel of many ! friends in New York." Mrs. Eells wrote: "Mr, m I i i ill !;|ii 38 FATlIh'Jt I'JI'JLLS, AniiKlronn: comimMxU'd hh U> (iod sis (mii* only PioHervLT :iiul rroteclor, prayinj^ that our livos iiiid hoaltli niijj;lit Ik; H|)jiriMl Jiiitl that wo nnsj;lit ha abusidniitly i)k'SHod aiiionjjj the hoathcn :iii(l finally roceivo the wi'U'oiiu^ phiiidit of our diviiu» MMHttir, ' Well done, »>;ood and fnithful servant, enter thou into the iov of thy Lord.' Mr. W. VV. ('ln'Htcr, Mr. S. V. S. Wilder, Mr. Armstrong and others aecompanied us to the boat, where we had a Holenni partinj^." Steanier.s and ears took them rapidly to C'luunbers- in*g in rennsylvani;i, where Ihey found a Ktnl>sith, while (n-oHsin}^ tiie continent, cunu! seriouKly heforc! them. The ii(lvi(!e of Dr. Lynum IJeiicher wmh nsked. He HJiid snhHtjintially that if Ik; w(m-^f I! I !li! 40 FATUEn hi: U.S. w'ito. Sho H'.WH tluii lior m.'iHtiM' tri'jils licr kiiully. • ft Wo S!iw nolliinjj; to iii'.'ipii(>niMli,'i of folic yoiiiitr fjiiiiilicH alH)id; to Hl.sirt on m, l.'iiid joiirn(!y of niiuiiium limulnMl iiiih'H to mii nnkiiowii home. Says Mr. lu'llH : — "At tiio ('omnuMir(!inont the lji))oriiig oar wjih ciiipliMticidly with Mr. (Irjiy. Tlirec. iiovic :^^ tli( -rr 42 FATIIKIi KKLL8. M on llu> i:;r()uiul ho Hsiid to ISIr. KoUh : " You inuHt have luort' help or you won't hMvo nie." Ac'fordinjjjly u l:\r«»:o, Htronu; insm, naniod Slcvcn.s, was omployi'd as packer. Ho sorvocl until tlio party roacluMl WaUa Walla. Tiiov also hirod another man as hunter, whose name was Klehartlson. As INIrs. Kells realized more and more thnt she was p:ettin<2j far away from home, new thouij;hts would come into her mind. She recorded the followinji; : — " I enn hardly suppress my feelin«;s when I think of the many precious seasons spent at my own happy home. I now realize some of the privileges I once enjoyed ; but I am happy in the choice 1 have nuxdo in relation to spending the remainder of my days among t!ie heathen. 1 love to feel that I am making a little sacritlce, if such it may be called, for the cause of Christ. If I am the means of bringing but one soul into the kingdom of Christ, I shall bo abun- dantly paid for all my privations. . . . '' Westport, Sabbath, April 22. How unlike the Sabbaths at home ! Hold a short season of prayer ; go to church. A INIethodist missionary among the Kansas Indians preached in the morning. Feel it a privilege to tind a few Christian brethren and an untinished log church here in this part of the country. Mr. F.ells preached in tlie afternoon. The truth is the same here as in a civilized land. This is probably CUOSSINQ Till': (CONTINENT, 43 till' last S:il)l>!itli tliiH wide of the iiiountiiiuM whore wo ('.III have piihlic vvoiHliip. Am I propiirod to live without the onlinjiiurcK of the j^ospt'l?" Ah tho I^'iir Coinpjuiy Htartod from that place on that (l;iv, tlie missions rv party preferred to remain and start tlie next day, Monday. They did not overtake the company until the next Saturday night. Dr. Cliute, a miswionary re.siding tliere, aecrompa- iiied them until May 2. He wan i good man, and aj)parently went out of sineere friendHJiip. lie waH of e.sscntial service during tliat first part of the journey. When he k;ft tiiem they bought his horse to taiie the phice in part of some whicli were stolen (hning the first week by the Indians. When asked liow lie would get home to Wc8ti)ort, he said : " 1 can dig out a canoe." Extracts from INlrs. VaAW diary arc as follows: — a s 2Gth. 1 am too tired to help get or eat supper. '* 27th. Last night we were disturbed by the pi owliiiiT wolves, and we iniairined Indians. To-d: ly we have suflicient proof of it. Three of our best horses are not to be found." Tiiey hunted for them a good share of the day but could not find them. They afterwards heard from them, with some Indians on them. On the 28tli they overtook the company at the Kan- sas River. Says Mrs. liells : — - 'Vi , :,!-!T ■i '9 i Hi! ■\ V 44 FATHER I'JELLS. *' Almost as soon as our tents were pitched Captain Drips and Stevens called on us and had a social talk. The former had command of the caravan, and the latter was an Enj^lish gentleman traveling for pleasure. We gave them some biscuit and cheese. They appeared pleasant, though they said we had better travel by ourselves, either before or behind camp, as they should keep their animals guarded nights, and it might not be convenient for our men to stand guard. Mr. Gray told them that his men expected to stand guard. They seemed to think each company had better take care of their own horses. This gives us to understand that they do not want us to travel with them. However, Mr. Gray did not mean to take the hint, as he knew it would not be safe for us to travel alone ; and he insisted on a due proportion of the guarding being assigned to us. " Indians are on every side of us. They come around our tent to watch us like great dogs. Our dog grabbed one who was nearly naked. Mr. Eells called him ofif, whipped him, and then tied him. *' Will God give me grace, wisdom, knowledge, and strength equal to my day ; make me useful in life, happy in death and in eternity? Mr. P^ells is so tired that he says a bed of stones would feel soft." The American Fur Company had its headquarters at St. Louis and sent a caravan to the Rocky Mountains cnossimi the continent. 45 every year to gather the furs obtained by their trapi)ers and to buy others from free trappers and Indians. This was as far as they were allowed to go, the Hudson's l^ay Company having complete control of the fur trade west of those mountains. To pay for these furs, the company carried out goods vrhich consisted principally of blankets, garments, whiskey, and tobacco. This year they had about two hundred horses and mules and seventeen carts, each drawn by two mules tandem, except the cart of Captain Drips, the commander, which was drawn by three mules. Captain Stewart had a six-mule wagon. The mission- aries had twenty-two horses and mules, and for a time one wagon. This was taken so that for the first part of the way the ladies might ride in it at times, and rest from horseback riding until thoroughly accus- tomed to it. In the whole procession were about sixty men. The wagons were all covered with dark oilcloth. During the night five men were on guard and five were on guard during the day. To make it easy, the night guard changed three times in the night, which gave about two hours and a half to each man, and each man was on guard every fourth n'ght and one day in every twelve. At night the wagons were arranged in a circle into which all the horses and mules were brought and picketed. At half -past three they were '( 1 1 'D 1 * ;, 1 H -'^ 1^' ! * ^■^■i^^i' ill 4C FATllin: KKLI.S. f i lot looKO to food ontHidi' tho circh* until six, when lln\v wiMV ImniosMcd mikI pju'luMl (or (rMvclinjr. Tins tooU Ii.'iir or Ihri'i' (|n:irltMs of :in lilf and oiu* for his wife to ride, and ono to pack. Mr. Hojjjims had lhri'i>, one (o ride and two to pack. Mr. (Iray had (Invo, tw») for ridin*; and ono for the w:ij;on of whicli lie had ciiar^c. Mr. Stevens, the packer, liad ft)nr, one for ridinu; and tlu'ee for packinu;, and Mr. Ki'ils four, two for ridinj;" and two for i)acking. These tiiev were to catch, niorninj;', noon, an»l night. Hefore start in*:; every man i)ut on his belt, I)owder llask, knife, and the like, and took his irnn on his horse before him. This done, thev rode from three to six hours. Once thev rode nine hours without stoppin*:. 'I'he wafz;ons moved tlrst, then pack animals aiul cattle, the missionaries taking t.vclve of the latter. The ladies rode sometimes behind all and sometimes between the wagons and pack aninials. Messrs. Walker and Smith drove the cattle ; Messrs. Stevens, Rogers, and Fells the mules, and Mr. Gray the wagon. Mrs. F.ells wrote : — '' We generally stop about two iiours at noon, turn out the animals, get our dinners and eat ; then we wash the dishes again, the men catch the animals and pack them. We mount our horses and are riding over rolling prairies, over high blulVs, through deep ravines CROssi^/tf Till': coyriSKST. 47 nnd rivoi'H, hut tliroiiy were found not much food was left, only flour enough for gravy. It was buffalo, buffalo, buffalo all the time. The sudden (!hange to green buffalo meat, morning, luon, and night, did not, however, agree with Mr. P>lls. It soon sickened him. When he was at East W. .Isor planning for the journey, his kind pupils had said : " Novf what can we do for you?" He replied: '* Please make two rich cakes, so rich and nice that I can put them in ray trunk and carry them across the continent and keep them until I shall need them." This was done. When he was suffering from so much CBOSSING THE CONTINENT. 49 buffalo meat he would dissolve a little of that cake in water and drink it. Tliis was the only food for which he had any relish for a long time. For this he was more grateful than words could express, and with unwonted emotion he wrote : " God bless those young persons who prepared those cakes." The party had tin plates for eating purposes, but some had small earthen cups for drinking. When Mr. Ermatinger, of the Hudson's Bay Company, saw these during the latter part of the journey, he said : " Take away your little earthen cups. They gave me one of the little tilings and I swallowed it right down with its contents." He wanted a tin cup that would hold several times as much as the earthen ones. There was a fright or two from Indians ; that is, Indians were discovered, and everybody was required .to have their rifles ready. Mr. P^ells never loaded his, though it was loaded once or twice for him by others. There were no encounters, however, nor serious trouble with them. Mrs. Eells' journal says : — '' May 9. All is hubbub and confusion. Camp wants to move early ; horses bad to catch ; dishes not packed in season. Oh, how much patience one needs to sustain him in th :s life ! " May 12. It rains so hard that notwithstanding we have a good fire we cannot dry our clothes at all. ; ■■ :it^ i tl ;ii;'i| m ! f 1 1 ■ t • 1 60 FATHEB EELL8. Obliged to sleep in our blankets wet as when taken from our horses. Our bed and bedding consist of a buffalo robe, a piece of oilcloth, our blankets and saddles. Our tents are our houses. Our sheets are our partitions between us and Mr. Gray. When it rains they are spread over the tents. " 13th. Sabbath. Arise this morning, put on our clothes wet as when we took them off, and prepare for a long ride. I am so strongly reminded of bygone days that I cannot refrain from weeping. "21st. Have seen dangers on every side of us — deep ravines to go through, loose horses taking fright so as to put us in danger of our lives if they come near us. " 24th. Mr. Eclls and myself hardly able to sit up, but obliged to eat, drink, and work as though we were well. Think it is trying. * " 29th. Husband faint and v/eak, in consequence of not having such food as he can relish. I would gladly exchange appetites with him, because he is obliged to work so hard. It is true that nothing but the restrain- ing grace of God can carry us through. I trust we both have this grace. "June 2. liide into Fort William. It is a large hewed-log building with an opening in the center and partitions for various objects. It compares very well with the walls of the Connecticut state prison.' u \ CBOSSINCf THE CONTINENT. 61 At the crossing of the Nortli F'ork of the Platte it was necessary to make boats out of buflfalo skins. The hunters brought in the skins, and others brought willows and made a kind of basket, somewhat like a deep boat, and then they were turned up to dry. As it was raining very hard it took some time for them to dry. As there were only two boats it took (juitc a while to put everything over, for all the carts and Avagons had to be taken to pieces and, with the bag- gage, taken across in them, while the animals swam over. As the snow was on the surrounding mountains, the water was very cold. Mr. Eells was not lazy ; he did his share in driving the cattle in, and was wet up to his waist for a long time. He became so cold that he suffered severely, and thought that if he should ever feel the genial warmth of the sun again, he would be more thankful than he had ever been before. It rained so much that the camp was flooded, and they were obliged to pile their baggage well up in their tents to keep it fnjin injury. Mrs. WalkcM- was strong, vigorous, and cheerful, vith a pleasant word for almost everybody ; but this wa.s too mut h for her. She went into her tent, climbed on top of a ;'ilo of goods, sat down and began to cry. Mrs. Smith said to her: ''Why, Mrs. Walker, what is the matter?" The reply was: "I am thinking how corafonable my father's hogs are | " :lt:ii!i 1 n ;;.! 0- Mi 1 iai i 11 52 FATHEB EELL8, The journal continues : — " 13th. Mrs. Gray and myself hold a short season of prayer for ourselves and husbands. " 15th. We crossed the Sweetwater. I rode along tlie bank, saw the carts cross, and thought it was about three feet deep, though many of the loose horses were swimming. I felt a little afraid, and said to Mr. Gray, ' We will stop until our husbands have taken the mules across and return for us,' as Mr. Eells had gone to lead the way for the pack animals, and the other gentlemen to drive them. M/. Gray, the last after the mules, said : * The ladies come directly after us.' Mrs. Gray went first and I fol- lowed her. My horse mired, entering the river. I somehow managed to dismount and wade through the water and mud on to the bank again, but saw no one comin": to my assistance. As soon as I could I went back and tried to help my horse out, but he struggled so that I could not reach his bridle. Then Mr. Smith came to my help. As soon as we were both out I saw Mr. p]ells and mvself covered with mud, and found my strength nearly gone. Mr. Eells asked me if I was hurt. I said I thought only frightened. By this time the company were; all over and gone, and we must not stop. Mr. Eells had a tin cup fastened to his belt, and he rinsed the mud off my cloak, and then set me on my horse again and we went safely across. k ill iilr / CROSSING THE CONTINENT. 53 We then rode four and a half hours without gutting off our horses. By this time the upper tide of my clothes was nearly dry, while the under side was as wet as when we came from the river. At noon I changed my shoos and stockings, dried my other clothes on me as well as I could, and in the afternoon rode three and a half hours again. This to me was a pretty sorrowful da}', though I had great reason to be thankful that I was not hurt ; neither did 1 take cold. 1 *' 19th. Mr. Eells and myself renewedly conse- crate ourselves to the God of missions." On the twenty-third of June they arrived at the American Rendezvous, and there thev remained for nearly three weeks. *' 24th. Sabbath. To-day for the first time since we left Westport we have a Sabbath of rest. Mr. Walker preached in the forenoon, from 2 Peter 3:7. Mr. Eells preached in the afternoon from Psalm 66 : 13. Trust it has been a profitable day to us. Hope some good may result from the sermons. Some eight or ten men came from the company to attend worship." The Fourth of July was spent there, but with no especial appropriate ceremonies. Captain Drips, Walker, and Robbies took dinner with them. But m ^ Sells' Indian Missions, p. 86. i i il I ' h 64 FATHEIi EELLS. ill , T ■•? during the night they were troubled exceedingly by drunken white men, who came to their tent .and wanted to settle accounts with Mr. Grav. Mr. Eells talked with them as best he could. Mr. Gray stayed inside and loaded a gun, and Mrs. P^elis and Mrs. Gray, who were ])oth in tlie same tent, made preparations for escape. But after a time they went off, and there was no further trouble from them. Of the next day she says : — ''Captain Bridger came in about ten o'clock with drums and firing, an apology for a scalp dance. After they had given Captain Drips' company a salute, fifteen or twenty mountain men and Indians came to our tent with drumming, firing, and dancing. If I might make the comparison, I should think they looked like the emissaries of the devil, worshiping their own master. They had the scalp of a Blackfoot Indian, which they carried for a color, all rejoicing in the fate of the Blackfeet in consequence of the smallpox. The dog, being frightened, took the trail, crossed the river, and howled so that we knew him and called him back. When he came he went to each tent to see if we were all safe." On the following day she again says : — " Last night twelve white men came, dressed and painted in Indian style, and gave us a dance. No pen can describe the horrible scene they presented, ( iii'i CBOssma the continent. 55 ' N I I could not imagine tliat wliite men, brought up in a civilized land, can appear so much to imitate the devil." The prices of things at that place were given as fol- lows : flour, two dollars a pound ; sugar, coffee, and tea, a dollar a pint ; calico, worth in the States twenty or' twenty-five cents, was five dollars ; a shirt, five dol- lars ; tobacco, three to five dollars a pound ; whiskey, thirty dollars a gallon, and yet on some days nearly the whole camp of the trading companies wae unfit for business because of its use. About this time Mrs. Eells wrote : — " There is much more danger attending the journey than we supposed. Since we left the States we have found the horseback riding in imagination and in reality two different things. During a considera- ble part of our journey we are liable to be met by war parties of wild Indians, and if we are not suflfl- ciently strong, our animals may be taken and we left to wander in the wilderness. The first week after we left Independence three of our best horses were stolen, which cost us two hundred dollars. We often speak of the journey as going to sea on land. I be- lieve we all agree that no pen can fully paint the real- itv of it so that one will understand it who has not tried it. We have had very few whole days in camp since we left Missouri. I t^ink one day in crossing i. f i^ n II 66 FATHER EELLS. the Kansas River, two in cmssinj^ the North Fork of the Platte, which we did in boats made of skins, and two at Fort William, are the only days we have not traveled some distance. Before reaching Rendezvons we had to travel eleven hundred miles west of the west- ern boundary of Missouri. Camp means any place where the company stops. Fort means a place pre- pared by the company to stop and recruit animals and exchange if necessary. Fort William is about halfwav between the States and Rendezvous. Fort Hall is about halfway between Rendezvous and Walla Walla. Rendezvous is any place where the companies meet to trade with the Indians and with each other. It is generally, if not always, in the Rockv Mountains. '*Our Sabbaths have always been the hardest day's woi'k. This has led me very much to question the duty of going to the heathen in this way. I cannot tell how it is consistent for us to break one of God's positive commands to obey another. This you see we must do to go with the company. To stop would not be safe. We have now traveled eleven hundred miles and have not seen anything like a house but once. >» Washing was done in kettles for tubs, and they heated water, washed, boiled, and rinsed the clothes in the same kettle. i i CROSSmO THE CONTINENT. 57 The missionary tour came near being stopped at this place. It was the intention to come this far with the American Fur Company, then at this rendezvous to meet the Hudson's Bay Company, who were to escort them tlie rest of tiie way. But that year the Fur Company had become vexed at the Hudson's Bay Company, and instead of meeting them as usual, went to a new place a hundred and fifty miles north. This usual rendezvous was on Green River, a branch of the Colorado ; but this year it was on the Popoazua, a branch of Wind River. In passing east the year before, Mr. Gray had said to Mr. F. Ermatiuger, of the Hudson's Bay Company, that he expected to bring a party out the next year ; and as Mr. Gray had favored Mr. Ermatinger, the latter intended to meet the party at the old rendezvous. But when Mr. Ermatinger arrived no party or trace of one was to be found. The American Fur Company were about through with trading, and were ready to return east in a dav or two. It was unsafe for the missionaries to proceed alone. They found a party of trappers going to California. They must either return east or go with this party to California and attempt to make their way thence to Oregon. They had about half determined on the latter course when Providence favored them. Some one who was somewhat friendly to the missionaries, either Dr. Robert Newell, an inde- m ■' -I ... I il ■r i\ : ,1; 58 FATHER EELLm', ■\ tt! pendent trapper, or a halfbreed named Black Harris, who had learned of this rendezvous of the American Fur Company, had with charcoal written on the old storehouse door: "Come to Popoazua on Wind River and you will find plenty trade, whiskey, and white women." The words "white women," told them what was meant, and Mr. Ermatinger went immedi- ately there, arriving only four days before the com- pany was ready to start on their return to the States. With him were Rev. Jason Lee and Mr. P. L. Edwards, of the Methodist Mission, who were on their return east for reinforcements. They brought the welcome intelligence that Dr. Whitman and Mr. Spalding had sent fresh horses and provisions to Fort Hall for them. "This," Mrs. Eells wrote, " at first almost overcame us. We felt that the God of missions liad foreseen our wants and seasonably supplied them beyond our expectations." As to their provisions she wrote at the same time : — "When we leave we expect to find buffalo meat for twenty or twenty-five days. After that we shall find no game for ourselves. Our meat is to be cut thin, dried over a slow fire, and packed for the last part of our route. We cannot say we have suffered for food, though coarse has been our fare, and sometimes short. The change from vegetable to animal food was so great that for many days some of our company could not CBOSsma the cnxTixFXT. 69 cat enough to keep them comfort{i])le. Mr. Eells jind Mr. Wiilker have suffered tl)e most. We took frojii Independence provisions to hist lo tiie bnffulo country four weeks. Since that time we have made our meals of tea, coffee, and buffalo meat. We iiave tlie milk of two cows, which, with a little flour, makes us a good gravy with our meat. When we left Independence we had a hundred and sixty pounds of Hour, fifty-seven pounds of rice, twenty or twenty-five pounds of sugar, a little pepper and salt — but our salt is almost gone, and we cannot buy it at any price here. Mr. Gray has jviiMt been out and bought a pint of tea for three dollars. Coffee and sugar are all the same now. These we expect to be our luxuries to Fort Hall. From iliere we have supplies from Messrs. Spalding and "NVUitman." The twelfth of July they started from this rendez- vous with a company of about twenty men. On the next day in crossing a ravine, which wns deep and naiTow, so much so that her horse refu^^'d to carry her, Mrs. Eells got off, the horse jumped turough, and sh«? climbed through on her hands and kne> s. On the 14th they were on the backbone of America ; scenery romantic, mountains of red sandstone piled on moun- tains on every side, so steep that they could only go up and down them sideways. On another day they rode an hour and a half on the side of a mountain the an"le > 1: I , II ' Hi ! i ' f|i h|i«I 60 FATJfKJi EKLLS. t« ,IP of wlii(!li wjifl ju(l«^(!cl to l)c forty-five dogreos, and no pjitli but what tlioy inmlo. Iliid tlic horncH made one mlHstep they must have be(Mi procipitatod about a hun- dred and twenty-five feet. On the nineteenth of July tlic ground was covered with flowers, but anow was idl around th^n. "July 22, Sabbath. Tlie Indians arc about our tents before we are up, and stay about all day. Think they are the most filthy Indians we have seen. Some of them have a buffalo skin around them. Mr. Walker read a sermon, and althou";h thev could not understand a word, they were still and paid good attention. The}' appeared amused with our singing." On the 27th they reached Fort Hall, where they stayed two days, being received very kindly by Mr. McKay, the chief factor. Here through inducements held out by the company and statements made by Mr. Ermatinger, they left their cattle, American ones, and afterward received in exchange Spanish ones at Fort Colville. On the ninth of August they passed Salmon Falls, and on the 14tli arrived at Fort Boise, where they feasted on milk, butter, turnips, pumpkins, and salmon. Here they stayed two days, Mr. Gray and wife leaving the rest of the company and hurrying on to Walla Walla. But one night is described here as a restless one. "The dogs bark, the wolves prowl, the horses take fright and break loose, some of the men CnONSISU THE conti^text. 61 jilxmt the fort liuvc a spree, the winds blow our tent over, and the Indians are about watching for an oppor- tunity to take what they can get." On the 2'M\ three of their horses were stolen by the Indians. Two days afterward as they came into the Grand Honde Valley, INIrs. Conner, an Indian woman, was taken sick. ISIr. Conner, Mr. Smith and wife stayed with iier, and they did not get into camp that night. The next day being the Sabbath, the main party rested, and aI)out ten o'clock the others arrived, Mrs. Conner ])ringing an infant daughter. She had ridden about fifteen miles that day and twenty-five the day previous. On the 27th Mr. Rogers was thrown from his horse and hurt badly. He tried to go on, but could not, and was bled. Accordingly Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Conner stayed with him, while the others moved on. The next night while on the Blue Moun- tains they were cheered by meeting a white man who bad been sent by Dr. Whitman with fresh saddle horses. Wednesday, August 29, the journal has the follow- ing entry : — "Rode seven hours, thirty miles; arrived at Dr. Whitman's. Met Mr. Spalding and wife, with Dr. Whitman and wife, anxiously awaiting our arrival. They all appear friendly and treat us with great hospi- tality. Dr. Whitman's bouse is on the Walla Walla li 1 i I ■ «!,! 62 FATHER EELLS. I iil River, twenty-five miles east of Fort Walla Walla [now Wallula]. It is built of adobe, mud dried in the form of brick, only larger. I cannot describe its appearance, as I cannot compare it with anything I ever saw. There are doors and windows, but they are of the roughest material, the boards being sawed by hand and put together by no carpenter, ])ut by one who knows nothing about the work. There are a number of wheat, corn, and potato fields about the house, besides a garden of melons ond all kinds of vegetables comi on to a garden. There are no fencQS, there being no tim))er of which to make them. The' furniture is very primitive ; the bedsteads are boards nailed to the si^tj of the house, sink-fashion : then some blankets and husks make the bed ; but it is good compared with traveling accommodations." The next day Messrs. Smith, Rogers, and Conner arrived, and the day following they settled with their hired help. The long journey of one hundred and twenly-nine davs from the M souri River, and one hundred and seventy-seven from the starting place in Massachusetts, was ended, and the distance between the Alissouri and Walla Walla had been traveled a second time by women. CHAFFER III. I OREGON IN 1888. •:■ .} TMIE Oregon of 1838 was very different from the Oregon of 18U3, when Dr. Eells died. Not iilone Oregon, but Washington, Idaho, and a small part of Montana and of Wyoming were then called Oregon. It had not been decided, however, that it belonged to the United States. The treaty between Great Britain and the United States which settled that controversy was not signed until Dr. Eells had been in the country eight years. Even the provisional government for Oregon formed by the Americans for their own pro- tection, independent of the United States until one government or the other should assume control, was not formed until 1843. Indeed, in 1838 there were not enough Americans in the whole country even to wish to form such a government. Previous to the arrival of this missionarv reinforcement of 1838 there were, as nearly as cau now be ascertained, only fifty-one Ameri- cans in Oregon, thirty of whom were connected with the Methodist Missionary Society and the American Board, and hence expected to govern themselves, leav- ing oulv twentv-one who needed further government. ,:il « :j I TH 64 FATHEU EELL8. 1 i In fact the Hudson's Bay Company ruled the country. It of course governed its own employes, but it also did much more. It located the missionaries, placing the Methodists in the Willamette valley, although they had planned to settle east of the Cascades, because the company thought that region too far inland for easily protecting them. It located the mission- aries of the American Board, who had expected to work west of the Cascades, east of those mountains, because the Methodists were there when they ar- rived. The company had about the only goods in the country. Everybody was dependent on it for sup- port. It managed the Indians, and generally quite well, as it was for its interest so to do. Although by treaty between the United States and Great Britain Americans had as many rights in the country as Englishmen, yet the company drove out every American trading company, at least eleven of which attempted to enter the region previous to 1838. This it was its interest to do. The company told the missionaries what articles they might trade to the Indians and fixed a price for each. When it said, " Do not touch beaver skins," the missionaries obeyed. If they did not obey, they must perish or leave the country. From about 1821, when the company estab- lished itself in the country, until after 1838 it was " monarch of all it surveyed." The factors were, OREGON IN 1838. 65 however, kind to the missionaries, and assisted them in all reasonable ways, as long as they attended to their proper business. At that time in Oregon, which in 1892 contained about 900,000 inhabitants,^ there were only thirteen settlements : the mission stations of Dr. Whitman at Waiilatpu in the Walla Walla valley, of Mr. Spalding at Lapwai among the Nez Perces, of the Methodists at The Dalles and near Salem ; and the Hudson's Bay Company's forts at Walla Walla (now Wallula), Colville, Hall, Boise, Vancouver, Nisqually, Umpqua, and Okanogan, and the settlement at Astoria. Neither California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, nor Alaska belonged to the United States, all the people over whom our country had direct control in the riiiion now covered by all these states and territories being comprised in the above- mentioned fifty-one Americans. This was even then so much of a foreign country that it was necessary for the missionaries to procure passports from the secre- tary of war. ^ Un 1890 Washington had a population of 349,390; Oregon, 313,767; Idaho, 84,IW'); five counties in southwestern Montana, and one in north- eastern Wyondng, which were in the Oregon of 18!8, 65,802; total, 813,404. In K-Oi the poi)ulation of Washington had increased to 395,589. It has been impossible for the writer to obtain the figures in reganl to the rest of the region above specified for 18'.)2, but if it Increased as rapidly as Washington, the total population would have been 982,469. *The following Is a copy of the passport of Mr. Eells, which was given in duplicate:— 1 IW 66 FATHEB EELL8, I i' !.;'r At that time, in fact, the whole United States con- tained less than seventeen rnillion people, only about one ({uartcr of what it did at the time of Dr. Eells' tleath. The cities too had changed as nuich or more. Pittsburg, with its quarter of a million, had only twenty thousand peojile when his party gave up the [)riviloge of spending a part of the Sabbath in it, that they migiit " remember the day to keep it holy." Cincin- nati, where he saw his first pack saddle, has increased during those years from about forty thousand to three hundred thousand. The St. Louis of to-day, with nearly a half a million, was then a border town of about fifteen thousand. Chicago, now the second city in the United States, with its million and a half of inhabitants, had not previous to 1838 been of suffi- cient size to have a United States census taken of it, and had only 4,470 people two years later. New York, with her more than a million and a half, had only about two hundred and ninety thousand when The Rev. Gushing Eells, Missionary jind Teacher of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to the tribes west of the Uocky Mountains, liaving signlflcd to this Department his desire to pass through the Indian country to the Columbia lllver, and requested the permission recpiircd by law to enable him so to do, such permission is hereby grante l^j 4> [,l f 70 FATUKU EELIS. I J i' if by the third clay, and then wheat and corn cooked whole were used the rest of the time. Such were the conditions in the great agricultural region which a year before Dr. Eells' death produced over twenty-nine million bushels of wheat.' The flour sacks were of buckskin, for it was cheaper than cloth, as well as more enduring. One has been kept by the pioneer missionary. By its side is a valise of the same material, though no stranger would recog- nize it as such. The overalls and pantaloons com- bined were made of the same material, with a leather apron for packing, and sinew was a common thread. The beef neither chewed the cud nor parted the hoof. It was made out of the Indian pony. Cattle were very scarce. The Hudson's Bay Company owned all in the country, except what the missionaries had brought. Neither love nor money could procure one from the company. About half a dozen horses were killed for beef at Dr. Whitman's during the winter of 1838-39, and for several years Mr. Eells was accus- tomed to salt one down every winter. They were fattened on the rich bunch grass and with few excep- tions were eaten with a relish, even by the fastidious. Mrs. Eells once wrote : '*I had the luxury of eating 'The wheat product, from the best statistics I have been able to ob- tain, is: Oregon (18J»2), ir>,00<),00(); Washinj,'ton (\»9l), 1>,21G,000; Idaho (18i)l), 1,811,000 bushels. OBEOON IN 1838. 71 a piece of the first cow that was driven into the coun- try." In 1818 a pair of calves were taken by boat from Vancouver to Fort Walla Walla ( Wallula) . In 1838 one of them was the ancestor of all kine between the Cascade and Blue Mountains. She was twenty years old, with not a tooth in her head, and about use- less to keep alive. But though toothless she had been so fattened that she was believed to be good beef. She was killed and a liberal portion sent to Dr. Whit- man, the first winter after Mr. Eells arrived, and she was the best beef ever eaten in the Walla Walla valley. Before Dr. Eells died this whole region pro- duced nearly eight hundred thousand cattle, and was exporting beef to all parts of the United States.' Matches were made of stone, iron, and rotten wood, — flint, with sometimes the striking part of iron, and punk, — wHh occasionally a homemade affair of sulphur. The post offices were as scarce as the mails were infrequent. Usually the latter came twice a year, in the Hudson's Bay Company's vessels, by way of Cape Horn and the Sandwich Islands to Vancouver, which was the distributing office. Mail for the missions east of the Cascades was taken up the Columbia to Fort Walla Walla. On learning of its arrival Un 1892 Oregon had 388,619 cattle; Washington, 224,723; Idaho, 177,826. nw 72 FATIIKIi FELLS. Mr. KoIIh would start witli puck animals and a helper, go to the post ollice two hundred miles distant, and return in two weeks. Tlie newest papers were six months and sometimes twelve months old. In January, 1844, Mrs. Eells wrote to her sister in Massachusetts: " Your letter dated September, 1841, I received July, 1843, a long time sure enough, but, as the Indians say, ' I am tiiankful to get a letter of any date.'" In April, 1847, she wrote to the same sister: " I liave just been reading your sisterly letter of December, 1844, and although it was written more than two years ago, yet since it is the \u,st I have heard from you, it is like reviving conversation and talking of jiast events. You said that it had been two years a short time previous since you had heard from us." In October, 1847, she wrote about a letter re- ceived the previous Jul}' : "I am sorry to delay answering so good a letter so long, but have not known of an opportunity to send letters to the United States." Even as late as November, 1850, she wrote from Forest Grove to a friend in Africa: " If I remember right, your letter of 1848 was received last June." Information as to the treaty between Great Britain and the United States, made June 15, 1846, was received at Fort Vancouver about November 3 of the same year, via the Sandwich Islands, four months and a half, and later was sent east of the Cascades. This oitKdo.v i.v is:ja. 73 wan telcgra[)hic conununicution of tlic most iniportuut kind. For the missionaries at Tshimakain Fort Colvillc was occasionally a way station or letter box. Dr. Fells gives the following account of one trip to that place to de})osit mail : — *' With our limited facilities the annual autumnal passage of the brigade of the Hudson's Bay Company from east of the mountains down the Columbia was an important event. Its arrival at Fort (-olville was to be prepared for. Thus an opportunity was afforded for the convevance of letters to Vancouver, and thence via the Sandwich Islands to Boston. I had written and had arranged with an Indian to accompany and assist me in conveying the mails, and in convey- ing supplies from the fort. In vain I looked for the arrival, according to promise, of the needed helper. The morning hours passed. According to our meas- urement 11 A.M. was nearing. The idea of not for- warding what I had prepared was unendurable. On a riding horse, with pack mule carrying tent, bedding, food, I started. The moon was at its full. After a ride of forty miles I camped. Seasonably the next morning I was traveling. The distance, thirty miles to the post, was passed. The boats had not arrived. My mail was left and I returned twenty miles. *'The fifty miles for the next day should be com- ,]\' ' 1 ■ii -t = !' 74 FATHER EELL8, menced early, as the last fifteen miles were darkened with timl)er. The moon would not rise till more than two hours after sunset, and it was cloudy. With such facts in mind I encamped. I slept, I awoke ; my first thought was, It is daylight. The moon was concealed behind the clouds. Hurriedly I struck tent, saddled, packed, and was oflf. After riding an indefinite length of time the location of the moon was discernible. Judging thus, it was not far from midnight. After a nocturnal ride of ten miles I lay down again and slept without fear of being benighted in dark timber. The distance traveled was one hundred and forty miles ; length of time, a little in excess of two days and a half, with object obtained and mail taken to post office."^ The goods were largely in P^ngland. At the forts were supplies used in the Indian trade, but not for civilized families ; consecjuently their bills for a year's supply had to be made out a year beforehand, for- warded through the Hudson's Bay Company to London, and then brought back. These were paid for by drafts on Boston. The cur- rency of the country was beav(U", with tobacco and clothes for change. Money was almost unknown. In ten years Mr. P^ells used two and a half dollars in ft' cash. A gold piece of this amount he gave to Dr. Whitman for filling a tooth. 1 Walla Walla Watchman, March 27, 1885. OUEUOS IN 1838. 75 Mrs. El'IIh' impn^ssiims of the country Jiru aldin<; and Dr. Whitman with many of the neeessaries of life, whieh the aut live in lodjjes nuide of sticks set in a circle in the ground and drawn toj^ether at the top and fastened with a string, leaving ii place at the toj) for the sraoke to pass out. Over this frame they throw skins, grass, willows, and the like, which make their covering. They build tiieir lire upon the ground, in the cciiter, around which they sit and sleej). They generally have one kettle in which they lM>il their fish, moat, corn, and potatoes, if they have any. None of them have corn and potatoes except what they get from some of the iibove-named settlements. Not many of them have any dishes, knives or forks or spoons of any kind. They eat standing, with the kettle in the middle, their hands supplying thr place of all dishes. They will often perform a long journey ' ' 'i ■i ' ■ 1 1 1 f. I i 78 FATJIKU KKLLS. for ;» kiiifo or w Mankol,. They drt'ss in hUImh. Somo of tluMii jj;ot Miinkt'tH for tluMr .st'rvi<'»>s to tlio whiU's, which (h«'v vnhio hijihlv- Thcv Imvc no written h«n- j^nnm*, and I holiovc no two trilns spojik tlie .same lanjXn.Mjic, thonLjh there in some siniihirity. '' It is not known that they worshij) idols, tliongli it, is supju>se(i that they worship soinethinjj;. rornuMiy when one died, owninjj; horses, some of the rehilives kilU^l them, sayinjjj he wonld want them in another worUi. AVlien thev are sick thev have a kind of jni;- gUM'y. I have jnst been \o see one of tlieir perform- ances. The woman who was sick was slandinj." ahont half bent, beatinij; ni>on a bit of board with a stick, uivinii herself (he hardest of exercise, all the while sijxhinii and sobbing as if her heart W(Me broken, and sweatinii profuselv. Five or six old women were sit- tinsi aronnd her, keeping perfect time with all her gestures by tlrumming upon something with a stone. When the sick one is too feeble to j)erform, or too young, some one performs for lior. We tried to tell tJieiu it was bad, and she k f t olT and lay down while we were there, but as soon us wc were away they were drujuminjx asxidn. "Thev sav thev are jjflad we have come to teach tiieiu ; that their mind is dark, that thev know but little, and tliat their children will know more. There are a great many ohildren, though very many die quite OBKiioN m ia;i8. 79 young. It iH tliought tlioy arc diJciT-UHing, notwitli- stnndiiig hoiiu; of tluMii have a large iiiiiiilxtr of wives. The more wives lliey have the richiT they are. The women perform all the drudgery and do all the work. They are a very imitative people ; what they see U8 do they try to do. They are very striet in their mortiijjg and evening devotions and the observance of the Sabbath and the like. They do it because they have see'* • 4 ,'e^ \ \ fv ^. >. ^^ <^. o \ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 86 FATIIEB EELLS, I mi . il tion, and fanning operations were very attractive, and caused Mr. Walker to remark : " A city under a liiil." Thev were received very kindly. Mr. INIcDonald was a-) intellijifent Scotchman, and exceedinjijlv kind to the missionaries as long as he remained in charge, which was for several years. Ilis wife was a native of the country, hut, according to Mr. Eells, was a jewel of rare excellence, intelligent, and her numer- ous children were a living testimony to her maternal elliciency. For three or four nights Messrs. Walker and Eells remained there and discussed matters of importance. Mr. McDonald recommended as their station a place called Tshimakain, now Walker's Prairie, six miles north of the Spokane liiver, on the road between Colville and Walla Walla. He however suggested as worthy of consideration a place on the Pen d'Oreille Lake, and advised them to look at it before deciding. They did so. Going there first, they next visited Tshimakain, " the plain of springs." They decided on the latter place, as it was the home of the chief. They remained there some time to do what they could in preparing a home. Having nothing but a hatchet they sent to Colville for two Canadian axes, and with these and Indian help they cut logs about twelve inches in diameter and fourteen feet long, and built two log pens about twenty feet apart for their future :; ii i: II THE MlSiSlON EUTABLISHED. 87 homes. As winter \v;i.s upprojiehing thev did not sttiy to cover tlicni, but returned to Wtilhi Walln ])y way of Lapwiii, having been absent about six weeks. At Dr. Whitman's during that winter was a com- munity of fifteen persons : Dr. Whitman and wife, and daughter Alice ; Messrs. Smith, Walker, Eells, and their wives, Margaret McKay, and five natives of tiie Sandwich Islands, then in tlie employ of Dr. Whitman, Joseph and iiis wife Maria, Jack, Mungo, and Havia. The first two were members of the Sand- wich Island church. There, too, December 7, 1838, Cvrus Hamlin Walker was added to their number, believed to be the first American white boy born in Oregon, as it then was. During that winter at Dr. AV^iitman's considerable time was spent in studying the Flathead language, which the Spokane Indians used, under the noted Nez Perce chief. Lawyer, who was acquainted with it as well as with Nez Perce. In the autumn of 1838, when Messrs. Walker and Kells left Tsliimakain, they made arrangements with some Spokane Indians to come to Dr. Whitman's early the next spring to assist them in moving. Late in Fe])ruarv came the chief with four men and four women. On March o, exactly one year after eacii couple had been nuirried, they started again to finish their bridal tour. In the journey they went up the west side of the Palouse River, where the scenery iy M'H fl ^'!l I 88 FATHER EELLS. /i grand, almost frightful. On the right was the stream generally flowing rupidly but at one i)lace falling ai^out a hundred and sixty feet, and at another, about twelve miles from its mouth, where the trail leaves the river, dropping ten or twelve feet. On their left the basaltic bluffs towered iuindreds of feet almost perpen- dicularlv, wliile on the other side sometimes the bluff below was as far between them and the river, and sometimes the river was at their feet. In passing this region they were detained one day by snow and another because of a kick which Mr. Walker received. On the 20th they were at Tshimakain. They pitched their tents expecting to remain, but as they were nearly out of provisions they sent to Fort Colville for more. With the food an urgent invitation also came from Mr. McDonald requesting the ladies and baby to partake of the hospitalities of the fort until the men should make the buildings more comfortable. They did so, and it was not until the last of April that they returned and began housekeeping, and were ready to receive bridal calls, nearly fourteen months after marriage. These houses have been described in the previous chapter. It was also necessary for gardens to be made. The roughest kind of a homemade plow was used with a harness as rough, but still something was done. Yet of all that they planted their wheat and potatoes THE MISSION ESTABLISHED. 89 ■ i alone ripened, tlieir corn having been frost killed on Augnst 18. Only about once in tiu'ec years could they raise corn and tender vegetables, some years there having been frost every month. It WMS also necessary to learn the language. They had studied it some at Dr. Whitnian's, but their knowl- edge was very imperfect. Two words they found exceedingly useful : Stem akivest (What name) ? This language they had also to reduce to writing. They did so, following Pickering's rules. The Spokane language is harsh and guttural. One person on hearing it said: "It makes me think of persons husking corn." In this respect it is very unlike the adjoining Nez Perce, which is soft and musical. It is also unlike tiie Ne/ Perce in its use of prepositions, the former having many and the latter almost none, their places being sui)plied by the inflections of the verb. A few nouns form their plurtd by reduplication, and some are irregular. For example, the word for man, skul-tu-mi-hu^ becomes in the plural skul-skul-tu-mi-hii ; hand, kal-lhh, is kil-kul-Ush ; and mountain, ets-im- mo-ko, is ets-im mo-ko-mo-ko ; but woman, sem-aiv^ is jml-pil-kici in the plural ; and tree, sa-at-kly is sil-a-sil. The plural for Indian, skai-ln^ is the same, and that of boy is expressed by a numeral. There are no comparatives or superlatives among i: ■ ■ :<■'. tM k^i 10 PHI \H) FATIIKn KKIJ.S. llu- !ul jtM'livcs. If Iwo lioiHcs iiit' |»Im('('(I Hide l>v Hide, one is Itjid ;meyon(l its sources. The geography of this Salishan family covers the greater portion of Washing- ton, southern Idaho, and much of British Columbia, though other families, as the Saliaptian, including the Nez IVrces and Yakima, the Waiilatpuan, Chi- nookian, Chimakuan, Athapascan, and Wakasb.an, spoken at Noah Hay, are also used by the Indians of the state. The five hitter families are, boweyer, each I 1 '-? 77//'; MlS>S/ON luSTMilJiSUKD. 91 UHcd hy M very limiU'd miiiihor of IndisuiH in i\\v. sl.'ilr. The Spokiinc l!m^ii!i iliOHi; jiist iiu'iilioiHMl, llirrc li;ivt» l)«M>n riT(|ii('nt viHil,(H'H from M»'i^lil)oriiio IciimIs, comiiii:; in v.'iriouH ininiltcrH, I'lnni Www or four to sixty at ji time 'I'lioy nsmilly spoml one (»r two wi'iks nnd \\w\\ return. " Wo IiMvc li:il)itUMlIy cnnduiitiMl worsiiip with thorn nu)rnin«:; Mud ovoninii, wlion wo rond ti portion of Scripturt's :ind, ho '(wy ns w(^ mii' ;d)h', oxplnin it, sin^', Mud pray. On tlu' Saljhath wo havo lia«l throo Horvicos. WliiU' tho wiMllior oontinuod warm, th(> plaoo for wor- ship was undtM" sonio pino troos ; hut as it hooamo oohl a houso w.as proparod ontiroly by tho pooplo, oxprossly for worship. It rosonji)ios somowhat in form tlio roof of a liouso in Now Kn«>land, inaivin«»; tho an aro maih' in tho samo way. *' For want of a tlu)rou<;h accpiaintanoo with tlio lan- ouaiio, nuuh of tho instruct ion oonnnunioatod has rolatod to Sorii)turo history, tlu)U«2;h I think wo havo not faiUnl to Ljivo thom somo oorroct idoas rospcetin*; tlio cliaraotor of God, tho fallen state of man, the doctrine oi the atonement uud regeneration, and tho necessity of repentance and faith in Christ to secure salvation. It is strictly true that they must have 'line upon line ' ; every new idea luust be repeated many rilK MISSIOS ICSTMIUSIIKI). 07 timcH. 'V\\v iH'jircr our h'.'icliiii;^ .•ipproiiclics to S;ih- l>:itli-H<'li- ■^- --1^-:-- Lam - a-lem, on - a -we Je Thanks . . thee ... Je ho ho vah, vah. ^m -i9 E^^^z Kain - pe - la We .... tas ka - leel, kait - si - ah not . . dead, We . . all r- P 0^-^. :t^ 1 1 t> M^^^ — > — — — 9- . ¥ — sJ wheel - a - wheel. Kain - pe - la a - - live. We t d- ^i :±:: ets - in sing . . ko nam kaits We . chow. pray. * 1 I ^ :;• 1 . ;» r 1 : :, i This has been very popular and is still sung with earnestness by those Indians. Mr. McLean, of the Hudson's Bay Company, said that he had heard the Indians singing it on the tops of the Rocky Mountains. The next winter was so severe that only about fifty THE MISSION ESTABLISHED. 105 Indians remained near the station. What could be done was done to teach the few children there. Pub- lic worship was conducted three times each Sabbath and twice during the week. There was respectful attention to religious instruction. Many knew their duty, but did it not. During the year ending March 1, 1841, Mr. Eells traveled for the station twelve hundred miles on horse) )ack, work which took him from home fifty- seven days. He also went more than four hundred miles to teach the Indians, which took him from home twenty-three days more. On some of these trips sick Indians thronged him, appearing to think he had med- icine to cure every ill. At last he was obliged to tell them that white people were sick and died, notwith- standing the fact that they were attended by skillful physicians. This confession obtained a respite from their entreaties. A few Indians were seen wearing the papal cross. ^ During that winter besides the school at the station, which numbered only eleven, another was kept up five miles distant which had twenty-two scholars, and was visited by some one from the mission almost daily .^ After this the school continued, but seldom num- bered more than fifteen ; yet progress was made. •Missionary Herald, 184.<, p. 81. 2 Annual Ucport A. B. C. F. M., 1843, p. 171. r!l: » 'M „, ,:? nipr lOG FATIIhin KELLS. Moro hihor iluin iisiinl, too, whh porforniod for ilio oldor IndisiiiH. Novor lu'foro lisul tlicrii boon linlf mh much (loju» for tluMii, and never hefon* whh ho njiicli trouble experienced or sihuHe received. In proportion to tlie compassion bestowed and labor rendered they vexed and tritul their teacherH. Still there was satis faction in the consciousness of havini^ tried to do them good. Tiie missionaries were armed with an answer when tauntingly asked what thoy had ever done for the Indians ; and they cherished hope that in due time fruit would appear.' In the autumn of l Missiouai-y lieraM, 1844, p. 386. * 77//'; Mfssmiv h:sTAit/js'iH':/K 107 tiio (M'cdit of iniHHiouK. II(> hh'u] ho piihlicly. In liis joiiriH'y cmhI, in \HVtl'} lu; told tin' Ht'crclaricH of llic AniLM'icjiu Hojinl Muit vvliih; tlu^y had Iummi ricciiHtomcd to look upon their On^^roii niiHHion sih n fuilnrc, it WJIH Ji j!;nind kuccosh. Tlu^y wiu't; very Hkcpticid, nnd thought that iniiny extr:iv:i inli:il)il.Miits of this coiintrv. II(^ iuiswcrcd iIm; (iiicstioM liiiiiscir i»v s.'iviiiy: Hnl)sl:mti!illv, ' Tlu' dc- scoiuImiiIs of tli(^ Hudson's Iljiv Compjinv.' Dr. Wliit- iu:in s.'iid, with reference to tlu? Hjiine class of persons (of mixed bloocl) : ' Fifty years hence tiiey will not, he found.' Dr. Whitman understood, with a ^^ood de- o;ree of correctness, apparently, that it was the plan of the Hudson's Hay (■onijjany to secure this (country to tlu^ Knv. .1. S. (iiillin and liis missionary associates traveled from the western frontier to Kort Ilall with wayjons. Thev were there told l»v agents of the Hudson's Itay Company that it was impracttieable, if not impossible, to take their wagons to Walla Walla. Con8e(piently teams and waj^ons were ex(than|j;(!d for pack animals and fixtures. In 1810 Uev. II. Clarke and other missionary laborers performtnl the same journey in like manner. At Kort Hall they were induced to leave tiieir wagons. In IHl.'J this game; was tried again, and at the opportune monumt when Dr. Whitman was absent from camj). On his return he found some wee[)ing, others much disturbed. He at once comprehended the plot, and then and there is said to have jiddressed them as follows : ' My coun- trymen, you have trusted nie thus far; believe rac now, and I will take your wagons to the Colum})ia River.' "■I mav not ])e able to furnish evidence entirelv sat- isfactory to others, but in view of all the past relating to this subject, of which I have been an eye and ear witness since August, 1838, I am prepared to say that to my mind there is not the shadow of a doubt that 11 I I 112 r.r/7//;/r kills. Dr. WliiljuMn, l\v Iiin »'lTortH willi rroHidrtil Tylrr iind SorrotMiv NVoltslcr. iit IMl.'l, mimI Iiih m^ciu'v during llir siunc vrsM' in <'iM Iiiv( connncnM' of tlu» WiMlilshMll luovo ov«M" tin* luoHt. (linM't routt<, mikI wlini tho lMt«M»t ivsoiiroos of this vMst ro^itui hIimII lisivr Im'imi fiillv ilovolopod, tluMv will ho :» tluMiio worMiv of llio host iMuloMVors «>f tho stMtcsinMH aiul oiMtor." Or. Troat in:uU' public use of tliiH Htiitcinout in tlio autumn «>f ISTit*, Mt tho mooting:; of tho AmoricMU Ho:»nl. !»iui it was t'opiod far anil wide l>v tho oasttMii and wostorn pross. AlH>ut ISSO thoso facts boijan to be (picstionod, then donioil, hv sni'li persons as lion. Khvood Kvans, Mrs. F. F. Victor, .ludiie M. V. Deadv. nnd others. It was denied that Or. Whitman went Fast with any political intent whatever, that he ditl anythip;jj politically while there, that anv meetinjx of the mission was held authorizinir him ti> go, and even that he went to Wash- iniiton at all. The iliscussion which followed, often called tho Whitman Controversy, was long and volii- 'nii<: /i;/.'.s7o,v i<:srAiu.isiiici>. li:; i!. iniiioiiH, «'H|M'riiilly ill IHHl HTi. Dr. I'",«IIh rollow< Hmil<-lird llic lioiiorK winrli Im< hrlicvrd Itcloii)/ l,o Micm. Amoiiir oilier Htufji- mriiJH iiindr dnriiifr fiiiM cofitrovriHy flir followirij/ WHH IlliU In Ifv Dr. KcIIh: — " Scpf.cmlM'r, IMt'2, ji Icll.or wiil.lcn by Dr. WliiliiiHri, iiddn'MHcd io \{v\. Mchhih. V., WalKrr Jiiid (!. Krllw af, 'rHiiiiiuikMiii, rciu'lu'd if,H dc.Ht.iimtion iind wjih n'w.'wi'A by tin' prrHoiiH to wliom it, wjih wriMrn. I»y IIm- con- IciiIk of Hjiid letter ii mec'tirit^ of tlie, Oregon MiHHion of ilir AmericMM lioard of ('(urimiHHioiierH for Foreign MisHioiiH wiiH invited to Inr lield jit, WMiiluipii. TIm; object of Hjiid iiiectinj^, iih Ht.'ited in tli(^ letter named, WJIH to approve f»f ji jmipoHe formecl by Dr. Wliit- Mum, tliJit lie f^o KjiHt on beludf of (>re<;on jih related to the linitiMJ Stjit<*H. In tin; jiid<(m«!nt of Mr. Walker Jiiid invHc^lf tliJit obj(;(^t wjih forei«jfn to our aHnij^ned work. With troubled thouj^htH we antieipat<',d the pro- |)OHed miHutinj^. On th(^ followinj^ djiy, WedncHday, we Htart<'d, Jind on Sjiturdjiy Jifternoon camped on the Tou- clu^t, at the ford ncnir tlu^ Mulliin brid^^c;. We were plejiHed with the proHpcKit of enjoying ;<, period of rest, reflection, and pniyer — needful prepjiration for the an- tagonlHin of oppoHing ideas. We never moved camp I 'I i!i ii 114 FATHER SELLS. ^^ on the l^ord's Day. On Monday morning we arrived at Waiilatpu and met the two resident families of Messrs. Whitman and Gray. Rev. H. H. Spalding was there. All the male members of the mission were thus together. In the discussion the opinion of Mr. Walker and myself remained unchanged. The pur- pose of Dr. Whitman was fixed. In his estimation the saving of Oregon to the United States was of par- amount importance, and he would make the attempt to do so, even if he had to withdraw from the mission in order to accomplish his purpose. In reply to considerationa intended to hold Dr. Whitman to his assigned work, he said : ' I am not expatriated by becoming a missionary.' The idea of his withdrawal could not be entertained, therefore to retain him in the mission a vote to approve of his making the perilous cnde.ivor prevailed. He had a cherished object for the accomplishiiicnt of which he desired consultation with Rev. David Greene, secretary of correspondence with the mission at Boston, Mass., but I have no recollection that it was named in the meeting. A part of two days was spent in consultation. Record of the date and acts of the meeting was made. The book containing the same was in the keeping of the Whitman family. At the time of their massacre, November 29, 1847, it disappeared. "The fifth day of October following was desig- THE MISSION ESTABLISHED. 115 nated as the day on which Dr. Whitman would ex- pect to start from Waiilatpu. Accordingly, letters, of which he was to be the bearer, were required to be furnished him at his station in accordance therewith. Mr. Walker and myself returned to Tshimakain, prepared letters and forwarded them seasonably to Waiilatpu. By the return of the courier information was received that Dr. Whitman started on the third of October. It is possible that transpirings at old Fort Walla Walla hastened his departure two days. *' Soon after his return to this coast Dr. Whitma:. said to me he wished he could return East immediately, as he believed he could accomplish more than he had done, as I understood him to mean, to save this coun- try to the United States. I asked him why he could not go. He said : ' 1 cannot go without seeing Mrs. Whitman.' She was then in the Willamette valley. *'I solemnly affirm that the foregoing statements are true and correct, according to the best of my knowl- edge and belief. So help me God. (Signed) ''GUSHING EELLS. *' Sworn and subscribed to before me this twenty- third day of August, 1883. (Signed) " L. E. KELLOGG, " Notary Public^ Spokane County^ Washington Territory.^' The journal of Mr, Wfilker afterwards discovered 11! *» i: •! •1 I ' ' . :i ? f 116 FATHER KKLLS. confinnod Mr. Kclls' statement ji!)out the meeting being held and its date, by writings made at the time, and the unearthing by Dr. S. J. Parker, of Ithaca, N. Y., in 1891, of a letter of Dr. Whitman's in Wash- ington, D. C, written by him in 1843 to James M. Porter, secretary of war, and by another writing made at the time, proved beyond possibility of dis- pute that he went to Washington with political intent. Dr. Eells had the satisfaction of living to see the facts so thoroughly believed that they were published not only by the missionary and religious press and Gray's '* History of Oregon," which might be accused of bias in their favor, but by Barrows' " Oregon," Butterworth's "Log Schoolhouse on the Columbia," Gilbert's "Historic Sketches of Walla Walla, Whit- man, Columbia, and Garfield Counties of Washing- ton, and Umatilla County of Oregon," Lang's " His- torv of the Willamette Vallev," Brown's " Political History of Oregon," and Scudder's " History of the United States, for Schools and Academies." When Dr. Eells was presented with a copy of the latter work, which contains also a picture of Dr. Whitman leaving his station for Washington, it was most plain that the truth learned by the school children had been fostered bv God and would be scattered so far and wide and deep that no combination of learned men or human reasoning could successfully oppose it. TUB muslON ESTAIILISIIED. m Altbougli at first Dr. Eells was (lecldedly opposed to Dr. Whitraan'a going East, and only yielded when tlie reasons seemed siillicient, yet he afterwards said that the little he had to do as a member of the meet- ing which authorized Dr. Whitman to go at that time gave him great satisfaction as one of the best episodes of his life. A letter written by Mrs. Eells to her sister in Massa- chusetts gives the following items : — " Our Indians were never more about us than now. Some three or four are at work for Mr. Eells prepar- ing timber for a new house to be put up in the spring if prospered. Besides we try to employ a number of boys and girls for the threefold purpose of keeping them out of idleness, encouraging industry, and fur- nishing them food. Mr. Walker emplo\i about as many. The Indians are quiet and very submissive at present but do not seem inclined to seek the one thing needful. They spend a great deal of time in gam- bling and jugglery. If we could see them embracing the truth in the love of it, our hearts would leap for joy. If I was sure I had not run before I was sent, I would on no condition leave them, though I may never in this life be permitted to see much fruit of our labor. " Mrs. Walker and myself observe the last Wednes- day afternoon of each month in concert with the other ! if'. n ' ■»!,"< H''-' — W^^ > I WS '^ ■ 118 FATIIKU KELLS. members of tlie missions as a season of prayer for our eliildren. There is quite a large maternal assoeia- tion, of whieh perhaps I may tell you I am president. I liavo never seen lialf of the members and probably never shall. . . . " We observed last Monday as a day of fasting and prayer in conneetion with the ehurches at home for the conversion of the world. We observe the monthly concert and our Tuesday evening meetings, though we seldom have more than our own little number, four. I think there have never been more than six pro- fessors of religion present at any one time, and never more than three men." The maternal association mentioned in this letter was probably the first on the coast, and was organized September 3, 1838, at Dr. Whitman's. It then con- sisted of the six women connected with the mission. By 1842 seven others had joined it, two of whom were the wives of persons connected with the Hud- son's Bay Company, and the other five were the wives of men who came to the country as independent mis- sionaries. The preamble says : — *' Sensible of the evils that beset the young mind in a heathen land, and confident* that no arm but God's can secure our children or those committed to our care from the dangers that surround them and bring them early into the foltl of Christ and fit them TJIK MISSION KSrAIiUSniCD. 119 for iisefulnoss liere and glory horeaftor, wo the siib- Hcrihcrs agree to form ourselves into an association for the i)uri)ose of adopting such rules as arc best calculated to assist us in the right performance of our maternal duties." Its name was the Columbia Maternal Association. Thus affairs went on without much change until the winter of 1846-47. This season was very severe. Mrs. Eells wrote : — "The past winter has been the most severe in the memory of the oldest Indians. The snow ])egan to fall about the middle of November ; about the middle of December it was not far from two feet deep and it continued to increase to the first of March. For more than five montlis the earth was clothed in a robe of white ; for more than three months we were literally buried in snow ; all the west side of our house was banked to the roof and would have been dark only that the snow was shoveled from the windows. Our meetinghouse was not opened from the seventeenth of January till the last Sabbath in March, and then Mr. Eells went on snowshoes. Several Indians went to worship on the first Sabbath of April, but Mr. Eells went on horseback ; sometimes it was so cold that the air cut like a knife and about the first of March we could not keep ourselves comfort- able. From the middle of December until some time lili n ■t ( ■1. , im \2{) /•M7'i7/.7; /•;/.;/ J,. V. Ill /Kuril, tnrn, uoniiM), '.\\\*\ rliildicii IrMvclcd ni) huow- o\«mv>\Ihm(> oiiNitIt' of 11h' «'V(Mv«Imv Im>mI«mi HllOOH \y.\\\\. 'V\w o\I«mH of INIr. VaAW mimI Mr. WnlKrr'H liMvolino; wmm lo \\w Imlinn l«nl»>t>H i\\u\ nl>oul m (HImiIim' t>f :i n\iU' to I'ro.l lIuMf 1u»ih»vm mikI omHIo; it wmh h\\\\ 1>V uinvoiniiMl l!«l>oi' inul \Uo groMlost oronniny in I'immI- ing 1l\Mt ;Mu>\i«>h of oni' «'Mltlo :»ml horM«>H \v»m«' smxmmI l\)r |>ros«M»l «JH(\ Only ono hoist* Iimh diiMl, lint \vt> li.'no lost twolvo o:»ttl«\ Wo h:\vo, liouovt'r, liMil mm mImiii- (Inn 00- o r tl h* iuH'»'Ms:\rn»M o f lil'( ind nmro o f it! Invnrios th:ni Ii.ms sonuMiiiu^s fMlltMi to onr lot, " riio t'oiv \M\r\ of tho \vint»M-, both Iii«li:iii inoii Mini woiiion spiMit M iiioMt |>:irt of tluMi* tinio mikI Htroii^tli diiioino- MWMV tho snow so tliMt thiMi' horsos oonld m>t, jjiMss. Somotinios thov would iMit lono- i>rMss mimI U'Ci\ tluMii ; but Mlinost :ill tlii^l boforo tho hist of JMiiiiMry. Tho old i^hiof s;iys ho had sovonty hors«\s Miid thirty OMttlo but bofoiv tho oloso of A|Mil ho lind no liorso Mild only \y\o «':ittlo. Tho IndiMiis ooiuMiilly liMd from Olio \o ton luMsos, soino moro, soiiio loss, soino not Miiy, but m11 aliko miv iioav on foot. 1 ilo not know of Inilf M dtv.on livo onos in all this rooion boloiiiiiiii>" to tho IndiMiu Thov had iionrlv forty OMttlo which thov had obtainod thronoji onr instninionlMlitv ; Ihoro miv only throo or four loft. A band o( sixtooii oatllo boloiiii;- iuii to Iho l^ay Indians was sont to tho Sjiokano Uivor U> wintor ; iMilv ono of thoni is now alive. 77//'; UnSS'lON hSTAHUSllhlK 121 " Al, Culvillc llir llmlHMirH I'liiy ( 'oiii|niiiy liinl (wo liiimlrcd iiml h«'V«'IiIv Imhhch ; liy April only llirro wen" iilivc. I'iVciv <>n(> of iiiKJllicf IkiihI of ("i^lilv Iioihch \uAn\\ir\\\iT 1(1 M hIii^Ic tniiii \h (IomI. 'I'Iic Iioihoh of llic liHjMiiM ill tliiit rt'^ioii mikI iiIho of llic H.'iy IndifiiiM fiirllirr iioilli nn* nil driui. Af, Colvilli" hoiih' <»f IIh; ('.'idle froze (o IOmhI, Io licr <'liil(lrrii, who wvvv ilu'ti mImmiI (linM> iiiKJ u. iuilf iiml live mikI m luilf yourH old: — ''Tln'v htwo iiumy IIimiiUh to himkI tlicir liMld coiiHinH for llicir ('oiitril)iilioiiH (llioiir hjiw Imi one pjiir of hIkm'h), wliicli uvv, (MMljiinly v«M*y vnliuiMc in IIiIh comilry wliciii llic hiiow Vwh on Ww j^ronnd four or livo iiionlliH ill ji y(>!ir. 'rin\y iisiisdiy wcnr inoccHHiiiH imd Mre obliged to sImv in (lie, lioiisc' or liuvo wet feet." About llu> Hjiuio time hIh' wrote nhoiit ji hIijiwI wIiIcIi lijul hiM'ii H«Mit in a box from the KuHtern StiiteH. She sjiyH : — " Mrs. Wnlker snul I hud each our red merino nhfiwls dial wt» wore in tiie Stsites (nini! years [)revious) jind o ir plaids are pretty good, though they huve been washed several times, and we coiieluded it was l)CHt to send the shawl to Mrs. Wliitman, sis we W(!re [)retty sure she had none. She has sinee sent back many tliauks, as she was destitute," ' II II : vm \' ' M 122 FATIIi:ii EKLL8, Their experience in making cheese is given in this yfixy : — '* Last year !in\p(M'(iii hcciI (Iioii^Ii Iiik( oik! oT Mm; Hn(lil(*Hl ill the (tiitirt^ liiHtory of llu; (^ohhI,. I)i'. Wliil- iiiiin, IiiH wifV(MidM'i' 2!>, and four otli(;i'H kooii after, inakiii^ foiirtcirii in all. Tin; rcHiilt waH IIk; (;ntin; hri'akin^ up of tlir miHHioiiH of tlici Aincrioan Hoard, ii('V(M' to 1m' niHiiiiKMl aH Hiuili. Tlu! liJHtory of this, like tliat of Dr. Whitnian'H jouriHiy to VVaHhinj;ton, belongH to tlie liistory of Orc^j^on or tlu; life; of Dr. VVIiltiiian. Only HiH^h bcarinj^B on it as relate; to the life and work of Mr. Eellw require record here. Twice it was the intention of Mr. Eells to he at Dr. Whitman's at the time of the massacre, and twice his purpose was thwarted as i)lainly as was his going to Africa. The long cold winter at Tshimakain, and especially that of 1846-47, together with the apparent want of success in inducing the Indians to become Christians, had been very trying to health, especially to that of Mr. Kells. Four children at that station were old enough 130 ^f ii^ I J jj^i" i ^H |H 1 Bl 126 FATlIEli KI:LLS. to g er, sent runners in all directions with the Vvords : " Believe not the message. It is not the way the Americans do." He said to the mission- aries: *' Avoid being out after dark; make the door fast ; place a strong shutter over the window. If there be a call for admittance, delay; make inquiry. By the dialect of the applicant may be determined from what band he comes — whether from those well or evil disposed." It was, however, reasonable to believe that Messrs. Walker and Eells would be the especial objects of attack. They were compelled to look death squarely in the face, and in case it should occur make provision for widow and orphans. " Never^" says Mr. Eells, " has this right hand so reluctantly guided a pen as « !l THE MIHSION BnOKElf UP. 131 when it wrote to Mr. Lewes, then in charge of Fort Colville, that in the event of mv nieetinjr a, violent death, he vvonld have the kindness to take charge of those thus bereaved, conduct them down tlie river to Fort Vancouver, see them safe upon a Hudson's Bay Company's vessel for conveyance to the Sandwich Islands, to the care of the mission of the American Board there." But He who had twice kept Mr. Eells from death now kept death from him. Soon after the massacre the government of Oregon raised volunteers, chiefly in the Willamette valley, who chastised the Cayuses, built Fort Waters at Dr. Whitman's station, and drove the Indians out of their own country h^ rly halfway to Tshiraakain. This brought the enemy so near that there seemed to be more danger than before. Mr. Walker went to Fort Colville about the first of March to consult in regard to their safety. Mr. Lewes said: "Remain quiet at the mission as long as you can. If you shall be con- vinced of real danger, come to my fort, and 1 will protect you equally with myself and family." The Spokane Indians were now showing great friendliness. They saw the strong probability of losing their teachers. This made them all the more friendly. On one Sabbath, about the first of March, the chief, on being invited to speak, so exalted the excellence of the glorious gospel that Mr. Eells said n ! \' 132 FATIIEU KELLS. V' i H from the HJMtion (lu»v lMM\'nn(» HMlislUMl th;»( no oiio Ii.-hI Ihmmi Killod, jilthoiijih tliov bolioviMl \\\\\i lioslil(» Cmvuhch wtM'o in tlu» rojrion. ThoHo in (lio v.'ui wMitiMJ for tlioso fiirtluM' l»oliin«l ; lIuMi tlu'v Hlioutcd \\'\\\\ joy thiit '' Ihoir toMcluMM wcro Hnfc," miuI wi the hjumo time lo lot tho (MUMny kiiou, if lurking suiumuI, lliiii tlioy niUHt lot tl loso tonohors mIoiu As thoy suspiuMod tiiat spies wore nosir the niissi< >n. Imrsos woro pl.-iood in si pon suui looked up, lln^s were kept iMnninii, .'ind a watch during the niuht. One of those Indians, named Chnrles, was more intolli}j;ent and less oxeitahlo than many. Wiion asked what, they Avould have done if thev had met the Caynsos with evil intent at Tshimakain he replied : '' We wonld have i'ouiiht them." Sneh aots and statements, with others like them, sIiowimI ovidenoe of sincere regard by those Indians for their leaehors. The Indians then asked Messrs. Walker and Kells to iTo to their oamp to hold a council. The decision was, however, that it was better for them tirst to go to Colville, consult with ISIr. Lewes, and then retur n for the council. AcccM'dinijly the- next day they started, i^uarded through the prairie by the Indians. Most of these returned by another route after a short time, a rather secret route, so that the enemy might be led to believe that the teachers were well s ?5a TlIK MhSSION llliOKKN IJV. i;}5 ^iiMidcd, but n few of i\\v\\\ kept »riiJir(l all tlu*. wwy to Colvillc II WMH ll;t'M decided IIimI Mr. Wulkcr hIiouM rcjuniii id, Mm5 fori, while Mr. I'ielJH HJioidd «j;o to the <'omi('il, mh Mr. Widker wji.s live y^'.'UH older, coiiHiderMltly inon; iidirm, iiineli h(«.'ivier, jind would be !i hiiidrunc.c! If they nhonld be h.'ird piiHhed iind id tempt to llee. Mr. KeweH objeebMl jo Ihe phm, hHII It wjih Hre not lookinj.^ out for theni- H(>lveH {done. 'I'he work now wjih to kiM'p the Spo- kiines sind ms ni:n»y of the iieii»,hborini^ bunds UH possible from joinlnen so spreiid nbrond thiit even the IndisuiH sibout lM)rt Colville had beconn^ so hostile that Mr. Lowes hud nt one tune durin*; the winter ke[)t his fort Liuurded night nnd da}' for two weeks. WluM) Mr. Kells rcuehed 'rshirnHkain idl wsis cpuet with no evidence of devsistution. From this j)hu!C one h.'df-breed turned back, afraid to go further. Tic was willingly allowed to dei)art. Such si ])erson would be of no use. The next afternoon Mr. Kells was jit the appointed camp. There was a large gathering and all the bunds ! !f| , ! i i. : !i I ; ■■') I i 136 FATJIEIi EELLS. were represented. Sue-a-tul-ka-ku-sum, the father of the present Moses, was there. "When Mr. Eells asked wliether it was wise for him to pitch his tent the reply was, *' Yes ; the Cayuses arc afraid of us." Tiiat night the largest lodge was closely packed. When Mr. Eells asked what they wished their reply was : " We are loyal to the Americans. We are ready to make proof of what we say. We are scantily sup- plied with arms and ammunition. We wish you to write our words to the white chiefs — those wise in heart, great in war, and powerful in speech." Mr. Eells took a Testament from his pocket and asked Ce-lim-klim-a-lak-a-lah and Suk-a-tal-ka-ku-sam to place their hands on it, and in the presence of Him whose book it was, to speak truly and faithfully. Their faces showed that they knew the meaning of the act and words. The letter was written and three trusty Indians went with it on foot, first westward across the Columbia, then soutii to Fort Walla Walla (now Wallula) where they recrossed, and Ah-ma-mel-i-kan, one of their num- ber, afterwards the patriarchal leader and preacher, took it to Fort Waters at Dr. Whitman's station. At that place orders had been given to shoot every Indian approaching the place unless he had a white flag. The sentinel saw the Indian coming without a flag, as he THE MLS a J ON liliOKEN UP, 137 did not know of the order or custom. The uppsiront feiuiessucss and innocence of tlie Indian staved the shot. A kind Providence preserved him, but he was told that when he should come again on peaceful errands he must show a white flag. When he returned, though by a less circuitous road, Mr. Eells was there again to receive tiic i)ackage. For two months communications passed constantly between him and the militarv. His work was to cor- rect false rumors, quiet fears, and keep the army and those at Fort Colville posted. lie was mostly on the move. When the families had been at Fort Colville ten weeks he had been there ten nights. All this time he never went armed, believing that he was safer with- out arms. He was counseling for peace. He had, however, a swift horse, which no Indian could catch, and a pack mule which could scent an Indian half a mile or more. In camping he selected some secluded place, hobbled his horse and staked the mule. If any Indians came within smelling distance, the mule would snort and tear, awaken his master and warn him of the approach. Only two or three times did he feel alarmed. On his last trip but one, when at Tshimakain, and ready to start for Colville he was induced by ihdians, chiefly Palouse, to go southward in an opposite direction fifty !!; 1 n I ,. r 1 iJ I a m '^ 1 .«^J , ■", ; \l m 138 FATHER KKLLS. niik'S to nejir wliero S|)r{ilanl 9W' '' Li n ikl ' 144 FATITEU EKLLS. down (ho river ])y water .iiid reached Orec^on City June 22. Mr. Kells arrived two days later, and all were rejuly to listen on the followinp; Sabbath to the prcacli- ing of Kev. (l. II. Atkinson, the first person sent by the American Home Missionary Society to Oregon. It W!is his first sermon at that place, he having arrived during that very week. Colonel Lee then declared the upper country closed to American settlers, as the gov- ernment could not protect them. Thus it remained, until opened by military proclamation in 1859. Tlie missions of the American Board in Oregon were broken up. Could they be resumed? The only mis- sion in regard to which there was any hope was that among the Spokanes. Hoping that the way would open for their return, Messrs. AValker and Eells did not formally sever their connection with the Board for live vears. The Indians were very anxious to have them return, and in 18;')! journeyed four hundred and fifty miles to Oregon City to obtain teachers. Dr. Dart, superintendent of Indian affairs, did what he could to aid them, but after thoroughly weighing the matter neither Mr. Walker nor Mr. Eells could feel it his duty to return ; for, first, there was no ade(iuatc pro- tection at Tshimakain. and. second, the cost of resum- ing and sustaining operations was very great, owing largely to the high prices resulting from the discovery TllK MISSION niiOh'hW UP. 145 <»f iTold in Ciiliforuiji. Mr. Eells (ruU^uhited that transportation would cost ten times as nnicli as pre- viously ; in(lced, procuring 8upi)lies would occupy so unich time and strength that little would be left for missionary operations. Ilencc in 1855 their connection as missionaries with the Board was formally dissolved. '' This step," wrote Mrs. Ktills, " has been very tryinjj; to my feclinj^s, })ut I have acquiesced in it, as not seeing any other way to do." Yet although thus out- wardly released, their hearts were still in the work. Mr. Kells made visits to the Spokanes when he could, and Mrs. Kells as long as she lived prayed for " the aborigines of the country for whom they had labored." To bring this Avliole su])jcct together it may be well to anticipate and record later facts about these Indians and the results of the missionary work. The Indians had been left bv their teachers, and the question was, Would they return to their former practices? Instead of retrogression came advance. If not members of the visible church, — and not one had been thought fit for church membership, — some showed that they were members of the invisible one. Several, as if divinely called, took position as leaders and teachers. There were public Sabbath services and daily worship in their lodges. If the head man were absent, another took his place. If the praying men were all uwa^, the praying women took their places. '^1 ^'|. T i^ '! ' 1 (I 146 FAT HE 11 EELL8. Annually some of these Indians were accustomed to go to the Willamette, especially to Oregon City, the metropolis, for work. Their constancy and apparently devout manner of attendance on public worship were noticeable. They asked persistently to be supplied with religious teachers. In the spring of 1850 or 1851, when about to return home, they asked with especial earnestness of Dr. A. G. Dart, superintendent of Indian affairs, for such teachers. He was expecting to visit their region, and when they knew this he said: "They would not leave without a promise that one of their former teachers would accompany me." Mr. Walker decided to do so. Notwithstanding all the commotion about Tshima- kain in the spring of 1848 the wheat had been sown in hope that it might be needed. When the mission- aries left in June Mr. Eells gave the Indians the two sickles and they were instructed to cut it when it was ripe and put it in the barn, and if the missionaries did not return before the snow should fall, they might thresh and eat it. It was liarvcsted, but the chief said it must be kept for the use of tlieir teachers on their return. It was used in time of need for seed, but was replaced. When they expected Mr. Walker to visit them they carried it to Colville, had it ground, and brought it back for the use of the party. II THE MISSION BBOKEX UP. 14' ! ii Dr. Dart tiud Mr. Walker started according to expectation, but were overtaken by a messenger, who informed them that Dr. Dart was needed in southern Oregon to look after the Indians there, and the trip was necessarily abandoned. To the Indians this was a great disappointment. In 1855 Mr. Eells was living near Hillsborough, Oregon. About that time the Colville mines were discovered. Among those who went was William II. Bennet, one of Mr. Eells' neighbors. When he and his party reached the Spokane River they at first found no way of crossing. Looking down the river they found some Indians, who assisted them. Mr. Bennet told them that he was acquainted with Messrs. Walker and Eelis. Then the Indians' faces brightened and they worked with delight. After cross- ing it was time to eat. The whites said that since the Indians had been so kind they ought to ask the chief to eat with them. They did so. When they were seated the chief looked as if he were waiting for something, the white men could not tell what. When they had almost, or quite, begun eating the chief bowed his head and asked a blessing. The whites were rebuked. AVhen one of them told Mr. Eells about it afterwards the narrator said : " Those Indians were better Christians than we vrere." The Yakima war of i855-56 followed, which 4 '^ y<, I W 1 1 i , 1 1 li II ii 1 , i 1 ■ 1 , 1 Hi 148 FATHER EELLS, extended from Rogue River in southern Oregon to the Spokanes on the north ; but with them it stopped. One of them made himself especially useful to the whites in the Indian attack on the Cascades. In the war of 1858, which resulted in the defeat of Colonel E. J. Steptoe and the campaign of Colonel George Wright, the main body of the Spokanes were engaged, together with the Palouses, Yakimas, Ca'ur d'Aleres, and Pen d'Oreilles. When the Spokane council was held, in which it was decided to unite with the other hostiles, Big Star, the chief of that band, among whom missionary labor had been mainly spent, opposed it as long as he could. When the decision was made he drew off with his band, saying that he would not fight against the whites.^ Kip, in his " Army Life on the Pacific," speaks twice of Big Star and says that he talked peace. Major P. Lugenbeel was in command of Fort Col- ville, that is, the new United States fort, for years. He also acted as Indian agent. In 1861 he said to Mr. Eells: "Those Indians of yours are the best Indians I ever saw. I wish you would go back and resume missionary operations among them." From 1860 to 1872 Mr. Eells was in the Walla Walla valley. In 1862 he revisited Tshimakain for the first time and spent a Sabbath there. A large number > Eells' Indian Missions, p. 236, THE Mission BBOKEN UP. 149 came from within fifteen miles to meet him. Of tliat visit he siivs : "I made note of the evidence of increasing good fruits of mission work. Those who had exi)erienced the saving power of the truth and Spirit of God were distinguishable. By word and deed they showed forth the praises of II im who had called them out of darkness into his wonderful light." During the time he was at Walla Walla a number of them came to that region, especially to the Touchet and Walla Walla valleys, and worked for farmers. Many often attended the Congregational church at Walla Walla. Thev could not understand the serv- ices in English, yet they came to be present even at these, for they said that they likod to be there, as they knew that God was being talked about. After church they remained at Sabbath-school, where Mr. Eells gathered them into his class and taught them in Indian. This class varied in numbers, the highest being thirty-six. A pamphlet called " Scripture Cuts," full of Bible pictures, was given to them during the early mission- ary period. It was very helpful in assisting them to I'cmember the Bible. This they carefully preserved and often when they had an opportunity asked to have these pictures again explained. To help them to remember dates a simple chronological chart was \m *-m 150 FATllKli KKI.LS. \\ j„ 5 ^if % i in:uU', Ji lonji; liin* l•^'|>^('Houiin^ si luiiulrcd y<"ii'H, si nliorliM' oiu' W\\ y»'!»rH, siiul .*i Hlill Hiiorlcr ouo ji y«'!ir. Tims llu' tiiiu' from (lie crcMliou to llu' dclii^o, lo tlio tiiiu' of CliriHl, \\\\k\ to tlu* incsonj djitoH could \\v illustrsitod. This wsis ko|)t imlil IMiiy 21 , IHCH. The noxt dsiv tliov woiv to Icsivo Wnllsi W.'dlu. Aftor m, tsilk witli ton of tluMU sit Ssibbsitli-scliool iiiitd four o'clock Mr. KcUs went liomc, six mihvs ; but thsit ovcuiiijz; throe wsilkcd to liis housi' for furthtM' insl ruc- tion, smd A-msi-nu>l-i-ksin prcsiMitcd thsit psipor, ssiy- inj2;, '^ Tcm-c-vnJsW (It luis come to pieces). Wy constant use it wjjs litersdly worn out. A new one wsis prepared and j:;iven to them. In hS72 Mr. Kells moved to Skokomish, on Tuget Sountl. Hefore tins Kev. II. II. Spaldiujjj hsul returned to his work among the Nez IVrces, and the yesns from 1871 to 1871 were his njost successful ones there. When these vSpokanes knew not where else to turn for instruction they applied to him. lie went among them in 1871 and without orgsmizing any church baptized two hundred and llfty-three. Over si hundred more were baptized after his death ; not that these were all professing Christians, though many were. Another reason brought others to this step. In 1871, when President (irant adopted the })e5ice policy, the Spokanes were assigned to the Colville Agency, which was under the Catholics. There was THK MISSION liliOKNN UV. 151 iniM'li iMTort to iruliK't^ tliciii to )M<(M>inr ('iitliolicH, ('H|K'<'iiiIly to hv. l>!ipliz(Ml. Soiik; yvMVH jncvioiiH w Catliolic' iniHHioii wuh (^HiuliliHlMMl about forty iiiilcM !il*ovo 'rHiiiiiiMkiiiii iind it i)uinb(!r of coiivcrtH wtu'i; iu.'kU' ; but llic ProtcHtnut portion would not JUMM^pt C.'itliolid t('jiohin»>;H, and to Have thoiiiHcrlvcH from con- Hlant iniportunily by ('athobcH Honu; who were; not n»al ('hriHtiaiiH aHkcd for and rccuMvcd l>aptiHni. VVh(!n lliiH was done tliat importunity ('(MihimI. Still iriany now onoH bocanu; (/luiHtians, for Mr. Spalding bad l)riMi('b»'d oarnoHtly and bad uIho Home Nez l*orcii li(>l[H>rH \«lio asHiHt(;d liim. At the lp(Ml to build (he (irst, sawmill at Spokane Falls tin; year before, spoke of these Indians. Some of them (Micamped near tiiat i)la('e and mornin^r and evenin<^ had daily called the people together for worsbij) and also for two pu])lic Sabbath services. William 'I'' ree Moun- tains, or Auts-kai-ope-lea, was their lead r. Mr. Eclls heard this ; he heard someth.ag of Mr. Spalding's work, and he was drawn as by a magnet towards them. {So on Jnly 15, 1874, he left Skoko- mish on his horse Le lUau, crossed the Cascade Mou!it:iins, walking about one third of the way, the horse carrying his food and bedding. He went by 1 'JtJ FAT HE K I'Jl'J/J.S. •t ill way of Wullu Wsilhi and Colfux. Wlicii jiitohs the Spokuiu* Kivcr Uy saw a lodge of IiidiaiiH; In; said: "Do yon know nie?" " Yoh ! yes! Mr. 1ah')« ! " was (III! roply, for that was aa correctly as they could prononiu'o his name. Soon he met others, and it was arranj^ed that ho should hold services at Chewelah the followinjj; Sahbath. While one of them, called Abrsdiam, was ridinj; with hiin, he said : " I think the book of God is like a torchlight," this being used by them in the dark ;• an expression very nearly like the Scripture : *'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Two services were held on the Sabbath with these Indians, two more with the whites, and all within six hours. After this Mr. Eells went to Fort Colville to see the Indian agent, J. A. Simms, then came back to the Spokane River, where he conducted more services, and finally visited the embryo town of Spo- kane, where he met Rev. H. T. Cowley, their mission- ary and teacher. This mission had, in connection with that among the Nez Perces, been taken up by the Presbyterians, and they had recently sent Mr. Cowley there. It has since been continued by them. After that Mr. Eells returned in the same way to Skokomish. In the summer of 1875 Mr. Eells made a similar trip, leaving Skokomish April 21), going on horseback THE MISSION IlIiOh'EN UP. 153 to tlio Coluinbiji Hivcr, near Monticello, thence by steunier to Portland, and then again hy steamer to The Dalles. From this place he went by land, preaching on the Sabbaths until he arrived at Old Fort Colville, ten miles north of the present town, and then started on his return. Both going and returning he spent considerable time with the Spo- kanes, holding twenty-four public services with tlu'^m. Leaving his horse east of the Cascades he returned home from Wallula by steamer and cars by way of Portland, arriving at home August 27. One Sabbath in connection with Mr. Cowley the Lord's Supper was administered. Three hundred and sixty persons were present at the services, the com- municants numbering sixty. Mr. Eells says: *' I made note of the propriety of language used in prayer." Mr. Cowley said that at a late communion service one hundred and eight partook of the emblems of Christ's body and blood. At that time he was requested to give the com- munion to an Indian dying with consumption. To questions with reference to his views and feelings his replies were intelligent and gratifying ; his feelings were tender, tears flowed. He said : " I am a sinner, but it is to no purpose that I am a sinner, since there is One by whom we may live." I n^ r I i '; [' ■I •I I I 154 FATHEU SELLS. In the surainer of 1876 Mr. Eells was asked to preach to the whites of Colville and vicinity. He did so, giving Ilia Sabbatli services largely to tliem and his week days mainly to the Spokanes at various places. When with the latter he usuallv had one service at night and another in the morning, and during the day administered to the sick. At one time, when Mr. Eells was living at Tshiraa- kain, a limb had fallen and badly injured a woman on the head, tea^n^ away the skin. Mr. Eells, then seven miles disttnt, was sent for, and dressed and sewed up the wounu. She and others believed that he thus saved her hfe, though he hardly thought that true. During tnese later years whenever he met her s!ie would take him by the hand, her lips would move, evidently in recognition of the divine favor, but her voice was not heard. Tlie last time he met her she was about eighty vaars old and blind, but her tongue was loosed, and si .; said : ''It is because of our Maker that we are spare^^ Meeting you is like meeting my deceased husboud and others," whom she named. " I believe," wrote Mr. Eells, "in answer to her prayers God's benediction has been upon myself." During nineteen weeks of that summer Mr. Eells held forty services with the Indians })esideH forty more with the whites. Tlieir mo(^'^ of living was much as it had been thirty-five years previous, for they lived THK MISSION BEOKEX UP. 155 upon fish, roots, and berries, with some wheat and garden produce, and consequently were continually migrating, as of old. No treaty has ever been made with these Indians, because they neither wished to go on the Colville Res- ervation nor that of Moses. They hoped for one of their own, and in waiting many became considerably discouraged and demoralized. Some, however, too radical to wait, took up homesteads and formed colo- nics. One of these was under Chief Lot, with the patriarch A-ma-m61-i-kan as their preacher. In 1880 they had a thousand acres under fence. Another was begun by \> iiliain Three Mountains. This person, then about sixteen years old, in 1839 had been in Mr. Walker's familv. He was cheerful and faithful and learned well. After two years of service he left. He had learned too well, for the chief wished to excel in Scriptural knowledge, and when he found that William was surpassing him William was hindered. But he was not a Christian when the mission broke up. His own account of his conversion, as given to Mr. Eells, is as follows; "I understood the teaching of Mr. Walker and yourself, but I did not regard it. Subse- quently my father died. I heard his dying counsel, but 1 did not regard that. Two years thereafter I came to a stand. 1 turned about. I became another person.** < I ■' i^ III ':i!^! 'il-l Iff ifi I i f 156 PATHEn EELLS. The change was noted by many. The date was noticeable. It was about 1864, sixteen years after the mission families had left, ten years before the great reviving under Mr. Spalding. From 1864 to 1883 he was an exemplary Christian, a "burning and shining light," earnest in his endeavor to elevate, civilize. Christianize his people. He was fearless and faithful. Then because he rebuked a drunken half-breed he was shot by the latter and died from the wound. At the present time there are one hundred and twenty-nine of these Spokanes who are members of the Presbyterian Church. They are organized into two churches, one of which is at Chief Lot's settle- ment, about seven miles from "Walker's Prairie, and the other is near the mouth of the Spokane. Each organization has a house of worship. Native Nez Perce ministers have preached to them mainly during the past five years. It is at least certainly true, as Dr. Eells wrote in his centennial sketch of the Oregon missions of the American Board — even truer now than in 1876 : *' The earlier and the latter sowing of the seed of gos- pel truth among the Spokane Indians has produced abundant harvest." Rev. L. H. Hallock, in his sermon at the funeral of Dr. Eells, said : "Old Indians gathered round him on his visit last September, and almost worshiped his TBE mSSION BROKEN UP. 167 venerable form. With them beside a fallen tree he knelt in prayer, with them he ate a frugal meal upon which they had asked God's blessing, as he taught them long years ago, and with them he will sing in the eternal life unto which he has gone and they will come." U :Mn ^^th ■i '.f h hv mu % k f ']^ I ii ^ CHAPTER VI. IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY. 1848-60. MR. EELLS was now safe in the Willamette valley, l)ut that valley in 1848 was very different from the same valley in 1893. A large popn- lation had indeed eo>ne sinee 1838; the tirst regular inniiigration arriving in 1812, the first with wagons in 1843*. After that the immijjrants came bv the thou- sands ; still the United States had not taken possession of the country in full. A provisional government, temporary until the United States should assume con- trol, had been organized in 1843, and the territory was still under It. True, the treaty which settled the Oregon question had been made in June, 1846, but the question of slavery in the territories had delayed the organization of the territory of Oregon. On account of the Whitman massacre Colonel J. L. Meek had been sent to Washington early in 1848, but it was not until August 14 of that year that his efforts, with those of Judge J. Q. Thornton, were successful. Then the territory was organized, and General Joseph Lane was appointed governor. He arrived in Oregon in 1849. 158 IB e 1 IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY, 159 The entire population, except a very few who had strayed to Puget Sound after 1845, was in the Willa- mette valley. There were five counties in all Oregon, Washington , and Idaho — Clackamas , Champoeg, Tuali- tin, Yamhill, and Polk — with a voting population of 1,306. Even in June, 1849, the census gave Oregon a population of only 9,083. Portland, which now has a population of ninety thousand, had then one store, one wharf, and a few log houses. East Portland was abandoned as worth- less about that time by Hon. D. Shelton, who had taken it as a donation claim. Even as late as 1850 Portland was known as " a place twelve miles below Oregon City." This latter place, known as the Willamette Falls, with five or six hundred people, was in 1848 the social, political, and commercial center of the whole region west of the Rocky Moun- tains, and its supremacy extended to San Francisco, then only a straggling adobe village. Astoria, with half a dozen log houses, as many sheds, and a pigsty or two ; Plymouth, at the mouth of the Willamette ; Muttnomah and Robin's Nest, opposite Oregon City; and Salem, were the other towns of Oregon.* The news of the discovery of gold in California, I These are the ones mentioned by Thornton In hi9 "Oregon and California." 1118 m li I?: ii' I 4 %: :!H l( •:!■ i! 1 |t| f5 '. i M ). 160 FATHER EELLS. which had been made in January, 1848, did not reach Oregon until the August after the missionaries had readied Oregon City. Monev was very scarce, and wheat was the common currency. There were three Congregational ministers in the valley besides Messrs. Wali^er and Eells : liev. J. S. Grillin, who had conic in 1839 as an independent missionary to the Indians, but had found the work impracticable and had settled near Hillsborough ; Rev. Harvey Clark, who had arrived in 1840, with the same purpose as Mr. Griffin and with the same result, and had settled at Forest Grove ; and Rev. G. H. Atkin- son, whose arrival in 1848 has already been mentioned. There were also two Presbyterian missionaries, Rev. Lewis Thompson and Rev. H. H. Spalding ; there were two Congregational churches west of the Rocky Mountains, one at Hillsborough, organized in 1842, Rev. J. S. Grillin, pastor ; and one at Forest Grove, organized in 1845. The membership of both was prob- ably not over twenty. The one at Oregon City had been organized a 1844, by Mr. Clark, but by vote of its members was Presbyterian. In 1849 it became Congregational. It then had a membership of seven. Tlie only ciiurch building w' ich all of these churches thoi had was a log house a Forest Grove, which was also used for a schoolhouse — for Pacific University in embryo. i;: ; ity O »\H i| v\\^ ,^ ^^ J ^ ^ 'V'.W \\ I f 'I IN II M '1 .Si m THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY. 161 This was the net total of Congrcgatiormlism west of tlie Rocky Mountains in June, 1H48 ; in fact, all there was of it west of the Mississippi, with the exception of twenty-four ciuirciies in Iowa and one in Nebraska, unless a few had been organized which have since disbanded. Wlien Mr. Eells left the Missouri for Oregon in April, 1838, there was not a Congregational church among the whites west of that river, the first one having been organized at Denmark, Iowa, the following May. The church among the Indians at the Santee Agency in Nebraska is the only existing one which dates its organization previous to that time, it having been organized in 1836. When Dr. Eells died there were 46 Congregational churches in Oregon with a membership of 2,1)62 ; 99 in Washington with a membership of 4,085 ; or 153, including 8 in Idaho, in the then Oregon, with 7,299 members ; and 3,592 west of the Mississippi River, with a member- ship of 98,610. In fact, |)revious to 1825, the year of Mr. P>lls* conversion, there was not a Congrega- tional church west of Ohio, and of the 3,592 such churches which now exist west of New England only 63 date their organization before 1810, the year of Mr. Eells* birth, of which 53 are in New York, 7 in Ohio, 2 in Pennsylvania, and 1 in New Jersey. On their arrival in the Willamette valley Mr. Eells went to the Aberqua to live until some employment !'t TT f i , - , 'l i . i , ii :^H WW i'l f W ' i im ^r ^ i' ^ { M? V ' \. 1 ^ j~ia ' 1 II iui 162 FATIIElt EELL8, could be found. This was ahout fifteen miles north of Salem. The house was of logs with a puncheon floor, — that is, logs siditin two and hewed on the split side, — without one article of furniture, and so filthy that Mrs. Eells wept when she saw its cheerless con- dition ; but, on account of the newness of the country, it was the best that could be had. Mrs. Eells, however, soon chased her tears away, went energetic- ally to work, and cleansed it. One bale placed upon another and the bass viol box thereon formed a table. While there they had only a limited supply of utensils with which to keep house. Their largest dish was a tin wash basin, and in this Mrs. Eells made bread, washed dishes, hands, and the like. The largest kettle held about four quarts. Id this she baked bread, covering it up in the as'ies. They had neither bed, bedstead, nor chair, only simply their personal clothing and bedding, a few small tin dishes, half a dozen tin plates, knives, forks, and the like. The Methodists, a few years previous, had begun the Oregon Institute at Salem, which had developed out of the Indian school of their early missions, and has since grown into Willamette University. After Mr. Eells had been at the Aberqua about four weeks Revs. J. H. Wilbur, William Roberts, and A. F. Waller, trustees of that institution, invited him to t(^ke charge of it for six months. As he was waiting IN THE WILIAMKTTK VALLEY. 103 for fiirthor dcvelopmontH in the Indian country and liad betMi a succossfnl teaolirr in tho East ho tliou*j;Iit it best to accept tlie offer. lie went there in tiie fall of 1848, being engaged for six months. Mrs. Kells assisted iii teaclung. "Here," says Rev. G. Ilines in liis " II story of Oregon and its Institutions," " they exerted an excel- lent influence, and contributed nnich while they re- mained to give character and stability to the school." ' These were the hard times for the family. While thev had been connected with the Hoard thov had received no salary. Their expenses alone were paid. They had tried to be economical for its sake, and hence they found themselves with almost nothing. About August, 1848, tlie news of the discovery of gold in California reached Oregon. Prices became very high and living very expensive. While at Salem it was often bread and molasses for breakfast, black New Orleans molasses at that, molasses and bread for dinner, and bread and molasses for suppc r. The Board finally gave them the personal property which they held for it, such as horses and mules, but it was fully a year after their arrival in the Willamette valley before they could live comfortably. While they were teaching, the Congregationalists, mainly through the efforts of Rev. II. Clark and 1 Page 228. ): i ill 1 I ft I 104 FATIIKIl KELLS. Rov. (i. II. Atkinson, wore hiving the foundations of Tujilitin Ac'idi'iny and l^mifu; University. Tlie Con- «^r('«;:i.tionid ])retlii'en tliou^lit that Mr. Kells oiijjfht to hthor in his own denoniin:ition. Tiiey ni'fi^ed him to tjike churjije of tiiis scliool .'it Forest (irovc, Hnyinv(Ml into a part of Mr. CJrilliu's house and lived there for fifteen months. Then finding a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres for sale near by, and wishing a home of his own, he bought it for fifteen hundred dollars. This was his home for nearlv \\\i' vears. ' H »^' u fi or m THE \/ILLAMETTE VALLEY. 167 In 1855 Mr. Eells received dismissal from the American Board. It had authorized him and Mr. Walker to return to Tshiraakain if the way should seem open, without further correspondence, though they said they did not wish to break it open. It had uri;ed Mr. Eells to go as a missionary to the Sand- wich Islands. He would have done so willin«rly liad he been a few years younger, but he felt that at his age it was not wise to try to learn a new language. In the judgment of his ministerial breth- ren he could do more good by remaining in Oregon •and laboring for the whites than by entering any foreign field. Of spiritual privileges Mrs. Eells wrote, November, 185G : "I think we can truly say we hunger and tiiirst after righteousness, but we do not sit under the droppings of the sanctuary. There are many tran- sient preachers, but very few places where a stated ministry is enjoyed. A large proportion of the people are from the Western States, and d<> not know the worth of a settled ministry. They somehow seem to f jel that once a month is as often as they wish to hear tiny one man, be he ever so good a |)reaclier." Having taught in Mr. (Jrillin's schoolhouse for four vcars, he afterwards taught at Hillsborough, and in tiie North Tualitin plain for two years* more. At the same time he preached, as he found opportunity, ,i^Ji «:r :;*: ■:■'■■■ . ! I :; I. ■m ■ •' 1 : B| ^ 1 i'-ft 1 ill I ii I ! If 168 FATUEU EKLLS. I i i \vi thill oiiiht iiiiU'H' riidiiis, two, ilireo, ami soiiHMinics four times a month. Ho rarely, liowever, received pay f«>r so doinii;. For several years live dollars j2;iven him by Klder Weston, a Iia[)tist minister, was all that he received. for these servic es. While thus en with wliom they were associated ; Mr. ^Valker .md fannly, their old asso- ciates in till? Indian work, President S. H. Marsh, and Prof i\ss()r II. I yinan i»einL!; Miiiouij:; iliein. As a teacher Mr. Fv'Us was considered (piite strict, and very watchful even when lii>^ back was turned, so that his pupils sometinu's said that he had eyc« in the i 1 ■". 1 If! 1 R ■ ►; Jl •>;, ! I J t'l If. ni I HI IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY. 169 buck of his head. On this point Miss S. I. Lymau gives the following in The Pacific : — " Many incidents siu'vive of Dr. Eclls* teaching days. One I will relate which was told to me by the chief actor herself, a pnpil in his school at Forest Grove. Said she : ' I remember how Mr. Eells got ahead of mc once. \Vc were recpiired to write com- positions every two weeks. As I was a llnent writer 1 was often called upon to get up compositions for the duller ones, all this being unknown to any one })ut myself and the one helj^ed. I adapted my writing as far as possible to the supposed ability of the one I assisted, and so escaped detection. Tliere was a very dull girl in the school, who really could not write an essay to save herself. She ciime to me for help, and 1 good-naturedly complied, writing as nearly as I could the way she woulil write, wiiich was not very well. The time came and K arose to read her essay. Siie was about hs.lfway through when Mr. Eells stopped her, and wi h that stern, measured voice said, "K , did you write that composition?" " No, sir," said poor K in a trem])ling voice. " Who did write it?" "C M ," replied K , point- ing to me. "C M ! Well, you read your composition," said Mr. Eells, fixing his eyes on uie. With burning face ind faltering tongue I arose, and amid the laughter of mv sclioolmates read fi ii M 'V» f ) 170 FATlIEli EELLS. C'oiiipo.sition of very inferior (juality. It is needless to say tliat I never ventured to help any one iigrun to the extent of writing; her eompositions.' " Din'in"^ this time tlie Congregational ehureh was rrected at that plaee, at a eost of abont seven thou- sand dolhirs, tlie membership being forty. Before it was finished Mr. Hells had given nine hundred dol- lars, ineluding the lots on which it stands. A debt remained. It was desired to dedicate it free of debt. TIh! proposition was made to as many as felt inclined t(^ pay this debt, according to tlie taxable property of each' member. A few were readv, Mr. Kells beini; one of them ; with what Mrs. Kells gave their total donation for the erection of this church was eleven hundred and fiftv dollars. Mrs. Kells also worked hard for the same object. The builder said that the pulpit ought to be furnished with sofa, car[)et, i)liish velvet for a cushion, antl trinmiing around the stand, lie told Mrs. Kells that it would fall to her share to obtain this. Mr. Kells said that the purses had alreadv been so severelv taxed that he thought it would be luird to obtain the fiflv dollars nevtUnl ; for four men had alreadv out three thousand dollars. CHAFIEU VII. WHITMAN SKMINAKY. 1860-82. Ho who plants, or iiKls in planHiif^, a Christian School of Leamin{/, may bo sure 'that his a.i,'oncy Hlial! yii;Ilote in the hearts of nu'ii. — IlAiMMOND.i "TTTIIILK thus at work Mr. Kelln felt as if tlio ' ' Willamette were not his home. His eyes con- timurlly turned east of the Cascade Mountains, a region to wiiich he had given his life. The Yakima war had occurred in 1855-56 : otiier troubles were (quelled in 1858, and in 1859 a military proclamation opened the country to settlers. During all this time the American Board owned stations at Waiilatpu, Lapwai, and Tsiii- makain, and Messrs. Walker and Eells held a power of attorney to attend to its business with reference to these places. When the country was declared open Mr. Eells turned his eyes thither and in 1859 he made a vacation journey there, partly to attend to the interests of the Board and partly because his own wish drew him. At Walla Walla he visited th.e olil mission sta- tion and the great grave which contained the remains ' Found on a Drury (Jolle>?e map of Missouri, whlcli was among iJr. fells' papers after tils tlcaUi. m WHITMAN SEMINARY. 173 of Dr. Wliitman, his wife, and nine others. Mr. Eells thought of nil the work ainon^ tiie Indians and how it iiad terniinated ; he renienibered what Dr. Whitman had done to save the eonntry to the United States ; tlie past, the tiien present, and the Tuture came to mind. lie afterwards stiid : " I believe that the power of the IIi«i;hest came upon me." lie felt tiiat something ought to be done in honor of tlie martyrs. However nmeh he ])elieved that a monu- ment of stone ought to be ereeted, yet he felt that if Dr. Whitman were alive, he would prefer the monu- ment to be a high scIkxjI for tlie benefit of the youth of both sexes of the region. He had pn-viously thought of this. Now by that grave he solemnly promised that he would do what he could for that object. lie determined to move to tiie place. While there he preached tiie first Protestant sernjon utterred in Walla Walla C'ity, and on his way home assisted Kev. W. A. Tenney in organizing the Congre- gational church at The Dalles, the first one east of the Cascade Mountains. On reaching home he sought the advice of the Con- gregational Association. Its approval was given in tiiese words : " In the judgment of tiiis Association the contemplated [)urpose of Ilrother C. Kells to remove tit Wiii-i-lat-pu to establish a Christian school at that place, to be called the Whitman Seminary, in memory I iT l"ii IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) / A O % % U ^ 1.0 I.I I -- IIIIIM 11.25 i 1.4 1.6 V] ^ 7 ^^ w ^ s % Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 Wlf*iT MAIN STRBET WEMTEk.N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 A iL.? i' I ! i i' iii it fflff'l ■ '1 , ' t ;|| 1 i J! I ! J 14 iik.; 174 FATHER EELLS. of the noble deeds and great worth, and in fulfillment of the benevolent plans, of the lamented Dr. AV^hitmau and wife ; and his further purpose to act as a home missionary in the Walla AValla valley, meet our cordial approbation, and shall receive our earnest support." Dr. Eells gave the necessary notice for the termina- tion, al)out the first of March, 1H60, of the agreement between himself and the Trustees of Tualitin Acad- emy, about eight months previous to the end of his three 3'ears. He taught through the winter. His hope was that while waiting and working for the seminary he might do ministerial work in the Walla Walla valley. Application was accordingly made to the American Home Missionary Society for a connnission and support. But that society declined, stating that there were not funds to support so expen- sive a mission ; that its business was to foster preach- ing and to build up churches, and not to build semina- ries and colleges, and they must not do indirectly what they could not do directly. Mrs. Eells said : ''Are you not released from your obligation in view of that disappointment?" He replied: " I have not done what I can." He did not abandon the work, but he changed the plan. He saw no other means for the accomplishment of his object than to labor with his hands as Paul did, not at tent- making, but at corn-raising and farinin g- During the WIIITMAX SEMINAItY. 175 winter of 1859-60, mainly through the efforts of lion. J. C. Smith, at Mr. Eells' request, a charter was obtained for Whitman Seminary from the Washington Territorial Legislature. Mr. Eel's had offered to the American Board a thousand dollars for its station at Waiilatpu, containing six hundred and forty acres, and the offer had been accepted. Not having much money at hand, as he had given so much to assist in building the church at Poorest Grove, he borrowed a yoke of oxen from Dr. William Geiger, and with his own span of horses and wagon he left home for Walla Walla, March 10, 1860, with his older son, then eighteen years of age. They went bv steamer to The Dalles, and then hitching the horses ahead of the cattle to the vfagon they went to Walla Walla overland, one hundred and seventy-five miles, iiauling their farming implements and provisions for the summer. They reached their destination March 26. In 1860 the Walla Walla region was very thinly populated. The country had been organized in 1854 and included all AVashington between the Cascade and Ilockv Mountains, from the fortv-sixth to the fortv- ninth parallel, except Klikitat and a part of Ska- mania counties ; but that organization availed notiiing n' as the region was too dangerous for whites came the Yakima war of 1855-56 with the Then battle of 'ii^^ i 'i^li H f W;; ■■Mill 111 1 1^ 176 FATHER EELLS. Wallii Walla and Colonel Wright's campaign of 18;")8, by wliicli the Indians had been so thoroughly con- quered that the country was safe. In January, 1859, county ollicers had been appointed and the organization took effect. In 1859 and I860 a few people, chiefly men with stock, had settled along the streams, though but very few had come to make permanent homes, as the land, except on the streams, was supposed to be worthless for agricultural purposes. There was too no market except at the garrison, as wheat would not pay the expense of raising and shipment. Neither were there any flour mills in running order ; flour had to be brought from Portland or else ground by hand in large coffee mills. Walla AValla, which in 1892 had a pop- ulation of about ten thousand, was then a small village with five families and about a hundred men. It had received its name only during the previous November. Late in 1860 the gold mines of Orofino in Idaho were discovered, the next year those of Florence ; then a great rush into this region occurred, and affairs assumed a different aspect. The summer of 1860 was spent by Mr. Eells and son alone in a log house fourteen feet square with the ground for a floor, and dirt upon logs for a roof. They worked during the week, and on the WHITMAN SEMIXAnr. 177 Sab})(ilh Mr. Eolls would gcner.iUy go from five to ten miles and preach at dilTerent places in the valley. On one Sabbath while preaching in Walla Walla the noise of teams and freight wagons was so great that he iind to suspend the services until they had passed. That summer the Fourth of July was celebrated for the first time in that valley. Dr. Eells' account is as follows : — "The Fourth of July, I860, was approaching. Major Massey said : ' Ought we not to be a little patriotic ? Should we not observe the Fourth of July ? ' That had never been done in the valley. I made no reply. After hearing him I thought it over and con- cluded to encourage the observance of that day. The following week I made a circuit of the neighborhood and spoke favorably in regard to its proper obseivance. Not long after as I returned from the field, with lioe in hand. Major Massey arrived at ray house. ' Yoii set the ball rolling,' said he, ' and now you must abide the consequences.' ' I beg your pardon,' said I ; ' I did not set the ball rolling. I gave it impetus after it was started.* "There had been a consultation and thev a":reed that I must be the orator. I was without books or paper, and to prepare a Fourth of Julj' oration seemed to me not easily to be done. Further, my conveniences for writing were not favorable. I borrowed a book I ■ R ^ ■I [.' rr 4 I'll ' 11: I 1' ! J ; i \'n li!l 178 FATJtEJi EELLS. iind obtained paper. For a table I used a box three feet in length, eighteen or twenty' inches high, and about that width, and for a chair sat upon a block. 1 wrote an address. Rev. H. H. Spalding was on the Touchet. He was invited to serve as chaplain. The location chosen was a little south of the line dividing Oregon and Washington, near the foot of the Blue Mountains. On the Fourth of July, 1860, a congre- gation assembled." The summer's work, chiefly a crop of corn, brought over -seven hundred dollars ; enough to pay for nearly three fourths of the place. In the fall they returned to Forest Grove, where they wintered. On December 17, 1860, occurred the first trustees* meeting of Whitman Seminary. The simple record in the journal of Mr. Eells is: *' Messrs. Hatch and Atkinson arrived at night. A harmonious meeting of the trustees of Whitman Seminary." Mr. Hatch, however, was not a trustee. There and then the board was organized, and the seminary located at the Whitman Mission. Mr. Eells was chosen President of the board, a position he held until the close of his life, more than thirty-two years. On account of the scattered condition of the trustees it was very difficult in early days to secure a quorum at any place. Of the original nine trustees two, James Craigie and John C. Smith, were residents IVHITMAy SEMIXAIiY. 179 of the Walla Walla valley ; Rev. W. A. Teuney was at The Dalles ; Deacon E. S. Joslyn was at White Salmon on the Columbia River, about halfway between The Dalles and Cascades; Rev. G. II. Atkinson wi s at Oregon City, soon afterwards at Portland ; Rev. H. H. Spalding at Brownsville, Oregon; Rev. Vj. Walker and Deacon E. S. Tanner at Forest Grove ; and Mr. Eella all along the line from Forest Grove to Walla AValla. It is not strange that Rev. P. B. Chamberlain, in his address on "The Early History of Whitman Semi- nary," June 3, 1888, when the fiftieth anniversary of Dr. P^ells was celebrated at Whitman College, in speaking of the residence of these trustees whose homes extended along three or four hundred miles of difficult and extensive travel, and of those early trustees' meetings said : " Surely no infant ever so sprawled in his most awkward attempts at creei)ing. The efforts to secure a meeting or even a quorum of a board thus scattered were often trving if not ludi- crous. If one or two from here could be induced to go to T .e Dalles and the one at Portland meet them there with those residing there, a quorum could be secured. If some from The Dalles and some from Forest Grove could be convened at Portland, again a quorum was obtained. Or as a last resort one start- ing from here and picking up another at The Dalles i! I 1-: ; 'i'J Mi' ' ' it t:i»! V 1;^ im:' ..ii i' [il? ■ '■ 1 ■ » i^ k, :■ II K :;| . :'j j)']l i ■■■' ■■- iH f ' ■1 ■■■1 ■ ni y. 1 1 4 < ■nil I I 1 I I I |li if 180 FATlIKlt EELLS. and still unotlier at Portliind and proceeding to Forest drove with the two there, ii quorum was the result." In INIarch, 18G1, the family ajjjaiu scparate(i as in 18G0 for the season, Mrs. Eells and the younger son ])eing left at Forest Grove. That fall Mr. Eells returned to that place, but left his older son to take care of the farm at Walla Walla. A good family, C. H. Adams, wife and five children, and another young man wintered there with him — eight in all — in a house fourteen feet S(iuare with the ground for the fioor.and a dirt roof. Jt was a severe winter. Snow lay on the ground from December to March ; the mercury fell to 29° below zero ; almost all cattle died ; the ground lloor in the house froze and thawed around the fire and made nnid ; water froze in the drinking cup on the table at meals between drinks ; Mr. Eells' son and another young man slept in a large freight wagon all winter, never taking off their clothes for seventy-two nights. In the spring of 1862 Mr. Eells again went to Walla Walla and on to Lewiston to look after the mission station at Lai)wai in the interest of the American Board. IJelieving, however, that it was best for the whole family to be together, INIr. Eells went down the Columbia and out to Forest CJrove for the familv. Mrs. Eells vielded with regret. To others the arrangement likewise seemed regrettable. '1 lit WniTJLLV SEMINAliY. 181 ProfcBSor W. D. Lyman, in spciikiug of this event lifter Dr. Eells' death, says: "Well do 1 reiuember, though not more than eight years okl, the depart- ure of the Kells family for Walla Walla, then a mysterious, far-away region, haunted by savages and mixed up with glowing accounts of fabulous mines and gold bricks and rich diggings. The little town of Forest Grove was all astir with the great event of the departure of Father Fells for the ' upper country.' When everything was packed and ready — and I remem- ber with what activity he hurried about here and there with his boxes and bundles — he looked about on the little company of tearful neighbors — men, women, and wondering cliildren — all of whom had known what the privations of that pioneer life were, and in his slow, solemn manner called on several to lead in prayer and then to sing. It must have seemed to one old enough to understand it almost like the part- ing of Paul from his disciples when they sorrowed most of all because that they should see his face no more. And indeed it might almost have seemed the same to those from whom Father P2ells was then part- ing. For the sanguinary records of Walla Walla, the deeds of blood that had before driven the mission- aries out, made it seem to some of them almost like tempting Providence to go back so soon."^ 1 Whltmau Collegian, March, 1893. W ■ « I n I V si ;:|; I 'ii I'' ' I It 182 FAriiEU /'Ji:lls\ When they jirrived at Walhi Walhi after a dusty wagon journey of one hundred and seventy-live mih's, althougli a better log house liad ])een built, still tiie conditions and outlook were anything but satisfactory to Mrs. Kells. She aft(!rward said that if she could then iiJive been permitted to return to Forest (irove, three hundred miles, she would have been tem})ted to make the journey on foot, yes, on her hands and knees. As long as she stayed there — ten years, from her fifty-seventh to her sixty -seventh year — the life, the lonely farm work, and the want of society were ever uncongenial to her. liut her great object in remaining was to aid her husband in his work, for she had the same martyr heroism that he had. Tliey staved on and did the work which God had for them to do. It was such trials as these which our fathers and mothers have borne to plant Christian institutions in this land. The way did open immediately for proceeding with Whitman Seminary. The valley was filling up w^th settlers. The first plan had been to build the Semi- nary at the Whitman Mission and have a small, re- tired, but moral, educated, and religious town grow up around it, leaving the bulk of business and population to go to Walla Walla, six miles distant. Mr. Eells could not at first easily give up this idea of having the school near the grave and the scene of the '1 1 with with Semi- l, rc- )W up atiou Eclls aving f the V, r\ ■ V m ■; !i f;i \TT i.r i! 'i I ! '1 WJII TM. 1 .V SEMINA li Y. 183 laboiH of Dr. Wliitiiuin. IJut as the couiitrv settled it Meeiiiod us if tiic original idea would not be the wisest plan. As Mr. Eclls had opportunity he continued preaohini^ without recompense and aided in pjoneral I'dueational woriv. He, however, sometimeH felt tliat his al)ilitii'H as a minister were small, for he realized that his want of ministerial study while busied in missions had pre- vented him from developing as he could liave done had he been engaued in more direct ministerial work. Hence he thouuht that he could accomi)lish more by giving moral and pecuniary support to soiae abler minister than himself. Accordiniilv \\v gave largely to induce Rev. P. B. Chamberlain to go to Walla Walla in 1863. For several years he C(>ntributed a hundred dollars a year to support him and to build a clmrch there. Himself, his wife, and his older son were three of the seven members of the church when it was organized, January 1, 18G5. This was the first Conffregational church in Washington Territory, although the territoiy had then been organized for nearly twelve years, and had a population of about seventeen thousand.' When Mr. Chamberlain visited Walla Walla to see whether it would be wise to locate there he was in doubt, but when he was met by Mr. Eells, whose field he half thought he was invading, » In I860, 11,594 ami iu 1870 23.955. |i ii. ' Im 1 1 m m m 1 >: II 'Jii ^Bfti; I ' , I ! 1 ; ■ •jlttl^^^ ■ ! i 184 FATHER EELLS. with such cordiality and the offer of a hundred dollars a year he decided to come. Mr. Chamberlaiij built the first church with his own means, but on July 11, 18G8, it was burned, and he was not able to rebuild it without help, nor was it right for him to do so. Consequently subscription papers were circulated, and before everything was finished Mr. Eells had given eight hundred and sixty dollars to it. It was dedicated October 25, 18G8. Those were the days of horse-stealing and vigilance committees, and Mr. Eells lived in their midst. In 1862, when moving to Walla Walla, his sons being with the horses about two miles from The Dalles, about midnight they were awakened by the barking of their dog, and a man rode up. When asked what he wanted, he said plainly that he was hunting horses. Undoubtedly he was, but he concluded that those were not the ones he wanted — just then. During the summer of 1862 Mr. Eells put the horses in a yard every night and his sons slept by them until fall, when a stable was finished, where the horses could be locked up securely. In the daytime Mr. Eells intended to keep his horses in sight when thev were turned out for grass. One day they went out of sight into the bushes on Mill Creek. He started after them immediatelv, went where he had last seen them, then on the road, across i tr' WIIITMAX SEMINAllY. 185 the creek, and through all the bushes to the open country beyond, listening for them us he went along. Thev were neither to be seen nor heard. Returninij; through the bushes he again listened and at last heard a little rustle, when he turned to the place and found them all and a man on one of them. He had managed to keep them very still when Mr. Eells first passed, and their noise was very slight as he returned. '' Is — is this your horse?" said the man. Mr. Eells said it was. *'That — that man sent me after them and said they were his," said the man. "What man?" said Mr. Eells ; but the thief could not tell. In the meantime he slipped off and went away. Some said Mr. PLells would have done better if he liad caught the man and lost the horse, rather than to have lost the man and saved tiie horse. But Mr. Eells was not armed and the thief motioned as if he were, and Mr. Eells was so glad to get the horses that when alone he did not think it best to make too much elTort to capture the rascal. The Vigilance Committee was at work during IHOo and 186G. Horse-stealing and similar crimes had become so rife that tlie people could bear no more. Mr. Eells was not a member of it, but onlv because he was too old. His oldest son was (his youngest son was away at school), and all knew that the father's syujpathies v\ere with the committee, for it seemed ' -Mi' -- ■ I'i 1 *l III ii !!f m :*■■ \ ' I:' 1! i m v«M'. \\\v l)»>ll mikI m mIu>m1Ii Knift' in tlu> l»»'lt. 'rh«» m»\l mnniinfi; .Ml'lcr iMr.MklMHl I w«miI olT In \',\\\0 r:n«> «»f som«' liorsoH. " Thi' ihmm wrnl inlo llw room nml Hl:jy«Ml some timo, :».s my molhrr told m»\Mn«l tluMi icll l»»'foit' I rctiiriKMi. WhiK' I >v:>s iiono I l»Oi»MH lo tliiiiU, nnd Av«)nd«M(»d if thrro wtMv Mnytlunu IIumo Ihnl lie «'oiild nIcmI, miuI could think of n»>(hini; ho wonhl |»rol»Mhly t:ik(» cxcrpl Mini kniXi As soon MS I \\c\\\ lu>nu' 1 wtMd Mn«l looked to si^' if it wiMo tluM'i\ bnt it wms iioni\ tdthouLih the 1»(>1( w:is loft. 1 missod nothin»; mor«^ iintil Snnd.'iy, whon I found that ho h:id tnkon m silk hMndk»M*'hiof from n\v SundMV vo:\\. 1 wms luckv to loso so littlo. I nfforxYMid h^unod thnt provious to this ho hnd luul :i ro>v in :i OMmp, stolon sonii thiniis !int (io so. Thon thov mMrchod him out, hut. in m short timo ho wms hMok MsiMiu, Mud tho m^xt thiui!; tliMt w:vs known Mhout him wms thMt ho wms found hMuni'd. Ho WMS l.oliovoil \o ho m spy, siMit by tho blMoklo«J!;s to soo whotiior it woro sMfo for thom to roturn or not. Thoy found it wms not." In NtvomluM'. IStVI, tho propor timo Mrrivod to ii'o forwMni with tho somiuMrv. Tho oriiiinMl idoM of WHITMAN SKMINMtY. 1S9 liMvin^ it ai llio Whiliruu) iiilHHion wmh nhnndoiuMl from forco of , iicnmHlimcrM, rind i(, wmh nOociitcd "Mi or n«>!ir \\w cily nf WmIIji VVmIIm." Ki'V. Mr. ('liMiiilM'i-l.'iiii, ill llir iiddiTMH idrriMlv re- ft- fiMTcd lo, ^ivTH lliiH di'Hniplinii of tJic work: — i( KivC VCMIH tllllM |)!IMH('d Jlflrf lll(« Hcliool WHH cllJir- t(MM>d boforo it wmh piM'tiiMiinitly locMlcd, mimI even llicn il. WMH *only oil pMpcr,' if not ' u cmhIIc in llir air,' for MH y<'(' il tiM.d no Mhidiii^ pJMCo, no Hctllcd InhilMlion. IlMvinfjj hroadiv loculcd il. 'al or ncMr llir cily of Wsdia Walla,' IIumi comnHMiccd m wcs'iriHoiiir, pcrpicx- inji; slrn}^<2;U' to lind a dcHirMJilc and oblMiiiaMcr nitc ; for, Immiiij; only lK'<2;|j;MrH forced to hcmmih; jrroiindH mh a doiiMtion, wo <>oiil(l not HiiinniMrily tMkc onr pick Mccordinjj; to onr tcmI ])rcf('rcn<'c. ScvcmmI dilTcrcnt IcKMitioiiH cMinc lip for coiiHidcration Mnd w(M'(^ care- fully canvMHHcd by the tniHtci'H. ''One WMH wiiere .Indj2;e liMHater'n rcHidence now HtMiidn and another on Second Street where in now I lie wood yard. All of these Hiten were then VMCMiit !ind denirMble, bnt in each cane there were found to be peculiar diHiculties involveid. Some (ronditionn wei«i;hed a^jainst the first. The second was upon A. W. Roberts' hoinesteMd claim, liavinjj; still some vcars to run, and hence at the time (MHild not be deeded to the trustees. The third was upon the claim of Mr. Shuuble, whose wife was for some years !' i> 1 1 1 i« ^i\\ :|E • > f ; \ ( : ■ , H , 1 J iiki' 1 ul ii ! ', ■ i r*" > ■"l^l'F- ■ ;'; ill; ,-ji . ||B / 'iln ' ^ak iM' t H *' \\w--. ',» ■ ■ W> '^8 ■■ *^r B; '' ^ m ' ,'ji/: -ffi-' ' if'i' Sb- ' n' Ml 11' ^3^ ^1 ^ I - i^'jil \ ! > I (t ill IRl ' 190 PATIIEJi EELL8. mentally disqualified to aflix her signature to any legal document. On all sides, therefore, circumstances were adverse ; and after almost unlimited planning, wait- ing, working, possibly worrying, all of these sites were abandoned and the present location finally decided upon and formally adopted in May, 1866. Seven years were thus consumed in sticking the first stake of Whitman Seminary." This location of four acres was donated by Dr. D. S. Baker, on certain conditions. Tiie gift was afterwards increased to six acres, and the title made secure. Steps were immediately taken to erect a building tvventv bv fortv-six feet, two stories high. It was built during the summer, and so far finished in the fall that the following posters were billed through the town : — DEDICATION OK WHITMAN SEMINARY On Saturday, October 13, at 1 P.M. The public are invited to attend. Rev. P. B. Chamberlain delivered the address. He spoke of monuments in general ; that the most ancient were quite rude, but were followed by those of higii architectural skill. Of late years, he said, the useful bad been combined with the ornamental, as was seen will TMA ,V ShJM [NAR Y. 191 in the in:iny IuiUh wliicli wi'ii» hciiig bnilt in tiie easU'rn states in honor of our l)rrivc soldiers wlio had fallen in battle. Two thinjjjs, he said, were necessary for the erection of nionninents : past history and permanent poi)ulation. This vallt!y liad the former in tin; life and labors of Dr. Whitman, and the success of the present enterprise gave proof that many of the settlers intended this valley to be their permanent home. lie then sketched the life and labors of Dr. Whit- man and his trip East in the dead of winter. Next he gave his ideas of the free school system, which he favored very strongly even to compulsory education ; but the seminary, he added, was a place where those who wished might obtain more knowledge, a step between the common schools and college. He divided education into three parts : that which makes us to be all we can be ; to do all we can do ; and to enjoy all we can enjoy, physically, intellectually, and morally, dwelling particularly on the cultivation of those facul- ties which are capable of enjoying the beautiful. He closed by congratulating Mr. P^ells for his tireless labors and in seeing his hopes so far completed. The Walla Walla Statesman of October 19, 1866, also said: "The trustees express their gratitude to the Rev. Mr. Eells for the spirit of benevolence which he has manifested and for his zealous efforts for the ultimate establishment of a respectable educational M i Ml : 1 f r ! Hi; 192 FATHER EELLS. institution in the viiUcy, to be reared and perpetuated in memory of Doctor Whitman, who sacrificed his life in the early settlement of this country." The school began October 15 with Rev. P. B. Chamberlain as principal and Misses M. A. Hodg- don and E. "W. Sylvester as assistants. The next ft- March Mr. Chamberlain resigned. Mr. Eells had hoped that his days of teaching were over, but no other suitable teacher could be found. It seemed as if the school must be suspended unless he took charge. April 1, 1867, he assumed control, with the same assistants. He remained in this position until June, 1869. In the meantime, June, 1867, he had been elected school superintendent for Walla Walla County, then embracing all that is now contained in Walla Walla, Columbia, Asotin, and Garfield counties, with nearly as much more on the east side of the Columbia River. The region was nearly as large as Massachusetts. Some of the school districts were twenty miles long. His ideas were that the common school and the higher Christian institution were not antagonistic, but in harmony, the former furnishing students and the latter furnishing teachers. Hence he labored for both at the same time. It was severe and strength- taxing toil for him to board at home, six miles distant, or to board hidiself WHITMAN SEMINARY, 193 at the Seminary, teaeli school five consecutive days, spend his Saturdays hugely in attending to the county school business and his vacations in visitinjij schools. Yet he did the latter so faithfully tiiat the county com- missioners willingly raised his salary from twenty-five dollars a year, his predecessor's pay, to five hundred dolhu's, the highest legal limit. For two years he served the county in this manner, and for more than two years he served the Seminary as its principal ; but the work was too hard for a man of nearly sixty. His family too bad changed. When he began teaching in the Seminary his younger son was taking care of the farm and his older one was teaching a district school. But in the summer of 1868 the younger one had gone to Connecticut to study for the ministry, and the older one had taken his i)lacc. But the latter was not satisfied to make that his life work and wished to go to Puget Sound and read law. It seemed as if some one must look after the prop- erty. Certainly some one must stay with Mrs. Eells ; hence he resigned as principal of the Seminary in June, 1869, and finally withdrew from teaching. Soon after, in August, his older son left for Seattle, and never made Walla Walla his home afterwards, and Mr. and Mrs. Eells were alone, except as they had hired help. When the Seminary was dedicated in 1866 it had l.i! m : -^ W^P ': i^ll P! ^-. VM rMiifn: n/hj.s. ipiito !» «lolt1. Tlio rosf liixi t'xrtM'drd ovprctiilioiiH ; not mII (Iw> HiihsriipfionM li:i:»im1I' llu' Wlntmnn niiHMion cliiim of nix liiin- drod .'iml forlv mtioh. 'I\» i»mv llir dcM llu* 1iiih1«m'h IiMtl olTiMvd IhiH for two tlionsnnd d«)llMrM, Iml jlu'r(» \v;«M no pnrchnMi'r. As urcsidrnl, of 1Im» IlonnI, Mr. Im^IIh l)Md siancd nil (he nol(\'4. Willi snch inlcrrHl 1in;\n«'i:\l rnin >vmm slMrin*> the insHtnlion in the f.-n'o. It soom* d :»s if tiu' hnildniir nnist soon be sold to \y,\\ tho debt. A('('oj(lini>ly ho >vtMd to work to \y.\\ thoso dobts. HosidoH his work in toMchijjii Mud mh HnptMin- tondtMit of sohools, ho farnuMJ, rnisod stock, sold cord wood, peddled chii'kcns. caos Mnd tin* like, and Mrs. Kclls, though past tifty-scvi>n, nnnlc fo\n' hnndrcd ponnds of bnttor, nntil she said, " I can do ho no lonaev- She was then told to make onlv so tnnch as was necessary for family nse. The ]>roceeds went to « * ft l>ay the debt. It is hence not strange that William Harrows, !>.]>., in an article entitled "'•A Day with a Veteran Korty- fiyo Years in (^reo-on," said : '' As the doctor j2;aye tlie details. 1 could not but renioniber the pecks of corn, and ]>ewter plates and Hebrew IMbles and salt cups and sheep on wliich Harvard (\illege started. Quiney, in his history of H.arvard, wrote at the same tirnc with I WIUTMAS ,SI':MI,\AIC). 105 Htir|ii'iHiii^ iHM'iinirv nix) pinplircy of tlip hiiiiililc lu'ioir iM'uiiiiiinszH mI' Wliihn.'iii ('ullci^i', mimI of (!iii'lr >l>l< Ion Ion, HUM hoiuc ollirrn, jj;i'<»Nvm^ lo lir h(» ' Thr |MK»r niii^ijiiil, Hlni^^liiiijr for HiilisiMlrncj', mIimomI, liouHclrHH, ill n iiiMiincr tlffriiHrlcHH, Ih j^iviiij^ jH'conliii^ lo liJH mciiiiM iowjird i-KlMliIiHliin;^ for Inirii- iii iiicidciitM, nt. Mi<> tuiniiiil iiicrlini^ of tlic, Aincriciin lloiiir MiHHioniiiy Stx'icly mI. Siinilo^ii, in .liims I'SH'I, OIK* old ^(Millcni.'in in oik^ of Mm; front, h«'!iIh foH(! with f^rt^MJ, cajrcriicHH iiiid oiIIimI for Uiohc, ('oiiirilml.ion Iioxch ji^iiin, HJiyin^, '' I vvjint, fo ^iv(;alion)iliKt, H!i,id tli.'it ^* Mother IOcIIh' ('iinrii, with wiiicli kIic iiiiidc, ihat four IniudrtMl pouiidH of hiiltiM', oii<^|it to Ix; k(',)>t, for un honored plnce in the cjihincl, of Whilmjiii Collcj^e." When Mr. Etdin had obtained iill tli(!H(! not(!H, which with at'('nniuhitei 1 ! '■ ,, f i: ill : 1 ■•■ ' ; " 1 I 'if il 1 ■ WHITMAN COLLEGE. 203 eastern visit he highly enjoyed, as he had been deprived of them nearly all his life. His journal often speaks of them as of a high order, rieh in intellectual and spiritual privileges. He was elected assistant moderator of the council. His own idea of this honor is thus expressed : — " At the organization of the council I was almost stupefied with amazement. To no purpose I made request that my name be withdrawn ; it increased unanimity in the performance of an inexplicable pur- pose." The Pacific of San Francisco spoke thus of the event: "The brother who seems to have been most appreciated at the late meeting of the National Council was the Rev. Gushing P^ells, of Washington Territory. We are accustomed to pay, here in Cali- fornia, some special deference and reverence to the few ministers among us who are able to be called pioneers of thirty-four years' standing. But in what we are thinking of as the New North are pioneers who have seen forty-five years of active service. A man who has worked for that length of time without even a visit to his old eastern home might naturally be excused for taking advantage of the Northern Pacific Railway to look in upon the National Council. It was fitting that he should be one of the moderators and be called with cheers the ' John the Baptist of the Home Missionary Society ! * " ! ' r. !: : ii! i:M ! \ ip f !M ", r ■M ■ I ( ii m^n :i. : ;i ■ ! - •li ill i " I iilj !^i [I'lliili t il 11. l! if! ' 204 FATIIEU EELLS. Ouc untoward occurrence, however, ^/really sur- prised and disappointed him. Tliis was a letter from Dr. Atkinson, stating that he could not come in October and perhaps not in November. In fact cir- cumstances were such that he did not go at all. Dr. Atkinson had left New England ten years after Dr. Piclls, had made several trii)s back, and so was far more familiar with the people and everything neces- sary for success, and was nine years younger. Dr. Eells had expected that Dr. Atkinson would be the leader. This disappointment was almost greater than he could bear. He wrote : " To me it is inexplicable. My inquiring thought is : ' Will a benevolent Mind be williiig that crushing burdens be placed upon myself?' I have thought that uncomplainingly I could give my life if thereby the essential prosperity of Whitman College could be assured. Maybe this is my infirmity. ' In God we trust.' " A little later he wrote to Dr. Atkinson: '* My disappointment in the failure to see you at Concord was seemingly as great as I felt able to bear ! This repetition [that Dr. Atkinson could not go at all] is more stunning. It is, however, so manifestly by divine ordering that murmuring must be excluded. Reverently I use the words of another: 'It is just like God.'" His older son wrote : '' Father, give up the under- taking. Do not try to perform it alone." Still he did WJIITMAX COLLE(}E. 205 not give up. He believed that he iuul been eommis- yioiied by his INInkor to perform the work, and he was obedient to tiie lieavenly vision. He often spoke of this year of soliciting funds as by far the hardest year of his life. To be a publie beggar was very unpleasant; to meet rebuffs from C'liristians was more so ; but unkind treatment from pastors was most severe of all. Perhaps nothing will so well give an idea of his feelings and trials as a few extracts from his journal and from letters to his sons : — " October 9. On awaking my eyes rested upon a card, upon which was printed Isaiah 41 : 10 : ' Fear thou not ; for I am with thee : be not dismayed ; for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.' The words afford me support and comfort." ''November 13. I may be invigorated — I may be nearing the end of my earthly work. I am resigned to either. My thought is, O Lord, * The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.' " " November 18. Though very unwell, I hope in God — trust the divine promises. I have nn humbling sense of my unworthiuess and frailty. My under- standing is that by the Word and Spirit I am encour- aged to hope — to believe that I am approved in my work and shall succeed." 1 ''■ I .-'.^ M 206 FATHER EELL8. *' December 10. Whether a delusion or a rational faith, I believe that according to the divine purpose Whitman College will be a glorious success. This is inspired in part by a review of the past. Its incep- tion, its embarrassments, its slow progress, its narrow escapes from failure are just like God. Not long ago my eyes rested upon 2 Chronicles 14: 11 : 'And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is noth- ing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power : help us, O Lord our God ; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God ; let not man prevail against thee.* It opened up to mc with new and precious interest. Slowly I repeat the words. I try to grasp their import ; to measure their meaning. To me in my present condition their meaning is a perfect fit." "January 12, 1884. Regarding my work, hope and fear alternate. With all the power of my being I address myself unto prayer." "January 19. Another week is passed. Seem- ingly I have accomplished but little. To human view the prospect that I shall obtain pecuniary aid for Whitman College is not encouraging. To the eye of faith there is hope." "March 1. Work and solicitude in behalf of Whitman College are painfully trying. The thought WHITMAN COLLEGE. 207 is suggested that this may be suflfcring for Christ's sake. If so, then it may he endured in the spirit of those who rejoiced that they were counted wortiiy to suffer shame for liis name. I had hoped to have received a pecuniary donation, but did not. Appear- ances are discouraging. My faith in God continues." " March 2. I plead trustfully in behalf of Whit- man College. To human view prospects are not ])right. A living faith in the divine Word may sur- mount all difficulties." " March 30. I have painful solicitude in regard to Whitman College. I pray for its trustees, instructors, pupils, their parents and guardians, its pecuniary supporters and friends, also the community surround- ing it, that in every essential feature it may be a success — that in intellectual and moral power it may be colossal. O God of wisdom, knowledge, and might, be pleased to impart to the trustees jointly and severally sound judgment, a cooperative spirit, unfailing energy, and enduring efficiency. May the teachers have comprehensive apprehension of the momentous responsibility of their several positions. With high and holy purpose, hearty consecration, pre- vailing prayer, and indomitable energy, may they joy- ously perform their daily work. Give them discretion in the arrangement of plan and executive ability in its execution. Incline the pupils to be courteous, > iS l; '*!> 1208 f\ J JU'h' hhl IS. II ii iloiilr. pi onn>MMi\ (' in mcII' tnn1ii>l. jMMMinji In l»i«ni'\\\\\ |(»\ t'lint'M'^ ol rhfMtM'd'r. «J»ni1 H»«' in'«pir?»1lon o( IuhImMc 'nnltilinn In cmpI \M »ht ;H<;nninrn» o< i nlclli'i (niil rnlhiir. Kium^ lolnr, mrnl'il -mil nioi!»l pi»ui'i. riml. to rii»\\M mII. \\\\ nii tli'inoina pnipo'Ji' (o lnl ;m the nonnMiU I -n-. i'|nril \\w\\ |m ("AcnlMl ion mm lht> m'oiK ot the Holv Spnil. Mv rt4)>iM\'4t' uiiu- ■ I'nllill ll\y ^^ ovM ■ riirvr wx'i \>v\\'.\^\\\^ ('\)>(M'(;Mitn\. il" no| ftnlh. to 1>« lir> r tlinl n\\ toil ',\\\\\ MnlVovinii ("or \\hiltn!n\ Sounnrti\ \w\\\ < 'oll(>i)o \>onltl be \ inilittHod."' " Anunst ")'>. v>n ;\ \r\im ol nw I'vptMimco Mntl woiK sniro So)>1«Mn1^rr is. ISS.'^. I :n\i pri'iijmlrM tl\;i( 1 h'U«^ boon obo<^i»Mi1 1 Inuo orvod in in(liin\«M\t . snlVorotl Koonh on ;>ooo\inl of \niKin«l hoMtnuMil, Irtrijvlv by )%ns1ors. boon biitVoto.i by S:\t:nK :n\(l in :\ mons\nv 1Vns1rnlO(b In prownr]>oso. ] h-n o «ri.b\'U ovt^ii to «U> tliv will. .i*v«>r«linii to niv nn*^o)'sl»n«un^-. ot" \]\:\\ will. Mv yor\\ to snbsorvo tho bost intoiv^-^s k^^ \\\\\\\\\'M\ Tol lOj'O 1>Ms boon sinooro. .-^iviont. 1 h,'i\o not oonforrtvl with flosh .<)n»^ bhwi Snoh li.is boon Iho mtonsitv of tnv :-S5 6'S \im I ^t I V ri)i.i.i.:iiK. i!()!i tliMtili)))) (illlt (lltMcliy IMV |lllt(MM<tiM('iM«> M riiliii (mimI. I lonh Im )| i inliltniiM (ImiI iiihI ii<^l( Toi M riill vin«li< II- liiiii nl' iii\ r!iilliriilin>HM I iiiiiKr H'I|||(iim>iiIimI liy Iiim inOiiili) rMiii|iMMMlnii, \{n rfllririMy iiiiiy )>(• HnliMfni(itr\ •" " S»'|»l«>mlMM ir». On OrlnliPi 15, IMM.'l, | |i)imh<<<| I'.mhI. I inn lo (Illy roliii iiiii^ \V«>h1 mi llir miiiim' imimI. riii> i^l«M^lrioil Iimh liorn <>iii> ol' imiiim^mI \vmiI<, MoviMP (iIhI, Mini rrptMitiMl (liMM|>|M»itiltiii«»n now «>\|H>ii(MU'i»H o( iliviiic iliHripliiM'. Sniplnio linH Immmi n|M>n«Hl in n iiimiiiiim' lii'loir iin- Kinnvn. NiMv viiMVH of (vnlli liiivo Immmi tinnidnl. I jiidf'o i(l iH monlly iummIoiI. I \\\'\\\V K^\ othn j'.iflM of rioh "!• \iilno. A <'onliii]ly unilod boiinl of IiuhIoom, iii(olli}»oiil, oinnoMt woiUoih in ilH holi;\lf nio indiHponHMMo ; mImo. m ('o!|ih of loin'h- «MH tMulowod \\'\\\\ lofly oonooplioiiH of (lio ^tnmlonr of tlioir |u>sition juul of (ho poMMiliililioH rosiillMnl. Ihoro- Uo\\\. \h\\\'w\\\ itiiproviMnoul of iiMMJorlnl powoiH I : iM 212 FATHER FELLS. liad hoped. In consequence thereof, July 2 he vvrote : *' In view of the failure to obtain what in my judjr- ment is greatly needed, I propose to make a new will^, whereby all my property, except what is given to relatives, shall be applied to Whitman College. I regard the pecuniary needs of the five Congregational societies,' to each of which I have willed a thousand dollars, to be less urgent than those of Whitman College ; therefore I shall, if permitted, make a new wnll corresponding thereto." This will had been made previous to his going East, and after his return he changed it as intended. Among the incidental pleasures were the meeting with a number of his acquaintances of 1825-38 and th'^ making of many new ones, so that after his return to Washington he read the eastern newspapers with new interest ; the privilege of conducting the funeral serv- ices of his old pastor. Dr. Dorus Clarke ; attendance at the annual meeting of the American Missionary Association at Brooklyn ; the May anniversaries of the Congregational societies at Boston ; and of the Massachusetts Indian Association in the same citv ; the meeting with Senator H. L. Dawes to confer on Indian affairs ; attending commencement at Williams iThe American Board of Commissioners for Foreign MisHions, the American Home Missionary So(;lety, tiie American Missionary Assn. ciation, tlie College and Education Society, and the Congregational Church Building Society. 1 th'^ u to new erv- ance nary s of the city i r on iauiri IS, tlic Asso- itional WHITMAN COLLEGE. 213 College and the anniversary of Hartford Theological Seminary, his Alma Maters ; of the Inter-Seminary Missionary Alliance at Hartford, and of the American Home Missionary Society at Saratoga. His meetings too with his kinsfolk were most enjoyable. Some of them he had previously seen, ])ut most of them never. He found Ihem at Easthamp- ton, Springfield, South Franklin, Holden, and Worces- ter, Mass. ; Windham, Conn. ; Oxford, Ohio, and Champaign, 111. There was quite a reunion at the residence of Mr. J. F. Finch at Easthampton, Mrs. Fincli being his niece. Just before leaving Massa- chusetts he baptized thoir youngest daughter. His only living brother came from Illinois to meet him. Together they wandered over tl\eir native hills and playground at Bland ford, and visited their mother's grave ; and at Blandford he preached the sermon which he had preached there in October, 1837. He wrote from that place: "Hallowed associations and kind treatment caused rich enjoyment. T)\e atmos- phere was invigorating. Such privileges are like unto ' a. '^:- on life's journey. Inexpressible emotion was ex i^Hi in view of evidence that special prayer in behalf of an individual offered fifty-one yf ars ago had been answered during three generations.'' He might have remained East longer, for the secre- taries of the College Society gave him the privilege of ' ! !il t; 214 FATITEB EKLLl^. the field for another j^ear, but lie could no longer endure the strain. He wrote after his return to Washington : " In weariness and painfulness I toiled till strength failed. More than once I sank beneath the load. From exhaustion I narrowl}^ escaped serious consequences." He turned homeward in September, 1884, visiting relatives and resting on the way. November 17 he stepped off the cars at his home at Cheney, from which he had been absent nearlv fourteen mouths. Duriuo- all this time Dr. Eells paid his own expenses, not wishing to take i> ;'^'ii'ig for this purpose from what was given in the Ea. These amounted to over eight hundred dollars. About the same time a new college building was erected at a cost of about fifteen thousand dollars, the old one being changed into a ladies' hall at an expense of about seven thousand. For money for the latter work Mrs. N. ¥. Cobleigh went East, obtaining about sixty-five hundred dollars. The college building was largely paid for by the people of Walla Walla. Dr. Eells gave the institution another thousand dollars at this time. After this Dr. Eells attended the commencements regularly, and it was often remarked how much he enjoyed the exercises as he sat on the platform. At the commencement in 1888 the fiftieth anniver- sary of his coming to the coast was celebrated. His Iments Ich Uti m. Inivcr- His WHITMAN COLLEGE. 215 old friend, Mrs. Mary R. Walker, of Forest Grove, made the journey there, the first time she had been cast of the Cascade Mountains for forty years, since they had fled from the Indian country. Dr. G. H. Atkinson was present. Rev. Myron Eells delivered the commencement address, an historical paper on "The Hand of God in the History of the Pacific Coast," and the oldest grandchild. Miss Ida M. Eells, in behalf of the ten grandchildren, came forward with a gift of ten dollars, some of which had been earned by cutting cord wood, to which Dr. Eells promised to add two hundred and fifty as soon as other children not over seventeen years old should i^'^^ease the original sum to two hundred and fifty dollars. Dr. Atkinson gave five hundred dollars. President Anderson five hundred, and Dr. Eells a thousand more. This was to begin u Missionary Memorial Scholarship Fund, the income of which is to pay the tuition, in whole or in part, of needy, worthy students. In 1890 a very spirited discussion arose in regard to llie denominational relations of the college. Yt^'hen the institution was adopted by the College Society it entered into the agreement with that society which it makes with all colleges aided by it. One article of this contract is that while the college must not be under the control of the State, neither must it be under the con- trol of any presbytery, synod, association, conference, I i^ )' i i It 1 ■it. i-r ■ti' II '•\ ! It) i : I 216 FATHER EELLS. \\\ ( ! n. I i? V li f I < i , i, . 'Am\a convention, or other ecclesiastical body, though an additional item was inserted that a majority of the trustees must always be evangelical Congregationalists. But when an appeal was made to the CongregationMl- ists of the State for support some of them were afraid that the college might drift from its moorings. Ac- cordingly the next year a further agreement was made with the society, according to which the president of the college and a majority of its trustees must ever be Qongregationalists ; else all the money that the college had previously obtained and should obtain through the society should revert to it. The trustees adopted, as one clause of their constitution, an article requesting the Congregational Association of Washington to nominate one third of the trustees, that is, to nominate three persons at each time for one third of the vacancies, one of whom the trustees pledged themselves to elect. This satisfied the churches so that they felt willing to support the college. It satisfied Dr. Eells too. A few more college entries from his journal may be interesting : — '* May 11, 1885. Day and night I cry for self and favor for Whitman College. AVith strong desire I im- portune ' Will the Lonl cast off forever?' This is mv infirmity. ' I will remember thv works ... of old.'" " April 15, 1880. I plead for mercy in behalf of Whitman College." M'4 i ■ ' I 1 :' t t i M idil ■ h i--f: ^ ; m^ f^ • \ 1:1 ■ l^'> '• ' ^Hn ' ^ ^ um^Bm ''" 'Wmmvii MJ ih II \ -i n WniTMAy (JOLLEUE. 217 '*Miiy 24, 1890. The needs of Whitiniiii College ciiiiHe serious thought. My conviction has been that in my curly tuul continuous efforts in its beluilf I was obedient to what I believed to be the Divine Will." "June 11. At intervals during the night was exer- cised in prayer for Whitman College. I am persuaded that my prayers arc prevailing." "April 15, 1891. To myself it seems that the words ' I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee * must apply with reference to my efforts in behalf of Whit- man College. I am afraid that I claim too much. O Lord, do not I desire to be submissive?" " April 22. In agony I pray for Whitman College." " May 24. During much of the night I was exercised in prayer in behalf of Whitman College. The promises of the divine Word seem appropriate for myself. If I understand correctly, I may plead them in opposition to all who oppose, in opposition to all discouraging circumstances, in opposition to all opinions of men." "October 2. Dreamed about Whitman College; awoke ; was exercised in wrestling prayer for the col- lege. It seemed the agony was so great that body and spirit would part." Four times he thus speaks about it in his dreams. "November 20, 1892. Earnestly I pray for AYhit- man College. My feelings are changeable," I ,\ ?i I l: imn r\ ! I,. . f I-' ; [ i I ill w 1 II «4: ^m ji 218 FAT lit: R KKLLS. Tliat is tlio Inst ontrv nlioiit tiio institution, tlionu,!) lu' (»ftiis was ablo to ho pivsont at one coninuMU'cnKMit, .June, 1H02, under tho now prosidcnt, and that was his hist visit to AV^aUa Walla. Hoforo anothor oonunonco- niont ho had <:;ono to join Dr. Whitman, Mrs. Kolls, Kathors Spaldini]; and Walkor, and tho Saviour for whom ho had labored so lonjj;. It was on acoount of his earlier labors for this col- leijo that in 188,S, at the sug«jjostion of Dr. A-tkinson, tho deji^roo of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Pacilic University. Iltf \V CIIAITKK IX. IIOMIO MISSIONAUY WORK. 1872-81. I AM not a home miHsioimry," said Dr. KuHh sit tlio amiusil meetinj^ of the AnuMicjiii IIoiiu^ Mis- sionary Society in June, 1884. " I never have heen one exaetlv. You siiall decide whether it lias been my fault." He then went on to speak of his home missionary work. If being a home missionary means being undiM* the American Home Missionary Society, or any similar one, then Dr. EcUs never was one. The nearest lie ever came to being a home missionary was when he; made application to become one at the time he wished to go to Walla Walla in 1860 to lay the foundation of Whitman Seminary, and was refused. But if being a home missionary means working for weak churches in our own land, so weak that they are not able to support their pastor and must have help from outside sources, then Dr. Eells was one. He was a self-supporting home missionary, a Home Missi rvy Society supporting himself, a Church Building Society, H9 lHIM r\ I Nf'h' 111 I s HI 'mm •\ (ollrj'r S«M'i«'l\. tUhl filfut, loi ti limi', ii iiiiftHiiMiiii v \\\',\\ AHMoriMlioM il M'lr wliilo III SlxdKoiMi'ili Pi. VvW'* .iimr l.t I'lifMl S.Miiitl m !.'<;. ». mihI IIimI looK«'(l oil lilt' Mull u:i|«M lulnnujll;'. In llic rmilir 0« oi»n mH«m li»' li.ul Immii «mi llu* fniiMl Coi lliiilv loiii Mill rii«'«>l Souuil Ml IIimI liiiir wiiM linjM'lv tin imimi'I iKmI roiiMlix rii «»'4(' \\ III) li\ 1(1 ill il-( i«\i>itiii llini nil nou lis piono»M' riu'U' \\:iN iiol ;i i.'iilroiul, |li«' ikmii »sl briMfi :i mIioiI bninrh of llic liiii< iM'lwtTii roilltmd .Mn*l rMooimi. »lurli »'\lrii«l('(l Iroiii l\!i):iniM iiorlli .'iboul h>*M\l\ \\\c mill's lo riiin|>l\n'v'M, liiil uiii no pMssonj:*'! Ir.'UM owr IIimI »1imI;iiu'<'. TIio rcuiMiiKJcr o\' Jlu' ro:ul \>:is ;| s|;»}'.t» VO\\\v lo (Mviiiniii. MiM. l\'lls iMUU' tllMt >V:»\ ; lu'V llUsll.'Uul i'MIIU' iUM'OMM lilt- i\'«s.';uU' Mv>mit;nus willi liis liorst<. v^OMlllo. wluvh l>o:»sts now ol" si\ly lhous;iiu| proplr, takn vImuus in IS,»'J •uul I.-iid out mm :i tv>>An tho n»\t yo;ir. h;ul, in nini'h'rn vvviim, by :i very slo>v !::i\»>th. sroiMVvl nboul hvclvi' lnMulr«»i inlinbil :uUs.' 'rnooni;i with hcv liflv ll»ons:nul wms iu»I llu'n ovon so Uvtoil ;\s tho tiMininns of \\w Noitlu'rn rMcifu K^iihwui. tins iu>t having boon iloiu' until llh> nt'\t Vonr. In ISSO it h;iil o\\\\ sovon lunub'tHl ;iiul twi'ntv iuhabit^mts. Kahuna, havinii invvionslv '''ul a boom Uu 1570 ii havl I.IOT. ar.a In 1S:.^ \M2 poinilaUon. C*tf //(>/)//-; i)ii,s.',iih\.\in II (Hi It 22 \ lM ; ' iiikI llir (wcjvr roiinliiM iHHilriiiii' on rii)M>r SniiiMJ wliirji in \H[)/: ||M iihimI. |M)|iiiliition oT iiny lionli rin|j; on lli(« Soiinil, liiivin^ V!,V^hl proplr, \VJ\ more tlnin Kin^ Coiinly inrlinlin^i; Snillt«>, mimI h;(/) nioi«<, Minii i'Hir.r, ( 'oiiniy inclnilini^ 'riiromii. Mjihoii ('oiinly, wlino l)r. I'lcJIn wrni, willi IIm hcIiooI rliiliirrn now iiiiiiiIm'I in}.i; HlMl in Ivvmly H<'vcn (ilHliirlH, IIh*ii IiikI only I'orly Mcvrii mimIi cliildn n. Mixl,<;cn oT wlioiii wcir on Mood ('iinnl, iind foiii fwliool diHtiiftl.H. lioin^ in Mir liiickwoodH, IMiimoii ('oiiiily liiiM lind ;i, hIow ^rowlli roiiijinrrd vvilli Muit, of riiMiiy of Mic. n('i}i;lilioi'iii}.^ coiinMcH, Nor wiiH lli(? n'l^ion ^rowint!; nipidly; for wliilp- iihilion, llioHc c'ihI, of {\\o ('nHciidc MountiiiiiH inf^n^uHcd llu'ii'H more (liun livcfold, from r,,I)2H to .'{0,0 IT). Tlic vvliold counlry wjih hIIII in ', 222 FATHKli IJKLLS. n\v'Mm\^ ** soon," on llio torritorinl si'al by llu' nidc of (ho railroads, rcnlly would bo riillillfd in tlioir day. 'riioto was only <)no Congrojjjalional eluiivli on (ho Sound, (liat of Soattlo, or«j;anizod in 1870, havintjf as l:i(c as .I'liir, liS7.'^, only hvon(y-thi*oo nionduMS. Tho ono at Olynipia was not orpmizod until 1873 and that of Taoonui until 1874, and thon tho hittor was orj»:inizod in a top.t wi(h llvo UMMnbors. In Soattlo and 'I'aconia^ at both of which citiod funoral sorvicos wcro hold for Dr. Fa'Us, and whoro at tho tinjo of his death thoro woro ten Conujn-gational churohos with 1,1 13 inenibors, thoro was in 1872 one church with not over twenty 'uenibors. Thoro wore two Congregational ministers iu the uanio region. Rev. J. F. Damon at Seattle and Rev. C. A. Huntington at Olympia. That was all of Cou- grogatioualism in Washington west of the Cascade Mountains, where fifty-six churches having 2,736 ' lembors and forty-eight ministers existed whou Dr. Eells outored the church above. When Dr. Eells removed to Mason County his sons hoped that he would rest, thinking that he needed to do so now that he was a dozen years on the shady side of fifty and had led so laborious a life. Uut ho was (ao habituated to active life to allow himself to stop ; nor did it agree with his health to shut himself up in his room and study day after day. When he ;/o/>//<; MISSION Ain' wouk. 223 sons d to [uuly It lie if to hself n hi) wart fifty-Hcvon ji friond Haw him iiionnt a wild rolt aiul Haid : " Mr. Mclls will litul it very hard to <^r()W old." It was truo at thin tiiiio. TIk! next year and \\\\u\ niontliH \w. spent on the SivokoniiHh Kescirvation, af2;ain at work among the; Indians, yet not confined to them, as he often preached to the whites from ten to thirty miles distant, at Oakland, Kamilchie, Meed liay, and Olympia, aidinji; tiie small, strnf whi<»h who l)!i«] IxHMi ri hhmuIxm' wiir nMimrkod, U\m . n n. SpjiMInu, wlio li!ul ^lioil IIm' y«'.'U' proviouH, liMvinji Immmi h«m »m»1 v-on»'. \\\u\ (Iu» nix othriM then iMMUjr l>ot>vr«M» si\1y (Ur (vml movi'mIv, Mih. Im'IIh brinfr (ho o1«1oh(. I'Iu' tloxolojry WMH HllMfX, n»'!WOIl W . NVlij^rllt lod ii\ pi'MVor, ihc lMMUMli»'ti«>n nuH inoiiixincrtl, find thus «'loso»l :n\ " lnl(M»\Mlinf!, (>( oiu' which mII j>r«'s«'nl rnjoyt'tl. MUtl >vhi«h tho ohliM' of htM- (l:Mi»;h1orM-in-lM\v Mnitl Hho WOiiM not h:\vo h:ul ouiilfoil for Mnythin^. Mr. V.cWh sjhmU th(' wintor wilh his fMinily, luil, roooivoii n I'nll to ])ro;»rh lh«^ noxl HnmnuT nuiinly lo Iho whitt^s in Ww ('olvill«' vm1U\v. lltMn'o in April, 1S7(>, he rosiontnl his p:\storMlo jit SkoKoinish Mnd l:\borod durino (ho s»nunnM' ms rcijuostiMJ, spiMulini:; somo of (ho intorvoninir wooks i\\u\ sm o(rMsi«»n:»l Sah- ItMth willi tho Spoknno Indians. TliMt yoMV ho wMs invitod to dolivor t\ Vourih of .luly nddross n( Tolvillo. As it was tho oontonnijil your, 1S7(>. tho orntion was oxpootod to ho hirgidy an historioal skotoh t>f tho valloy. Partly from pnbhc rooords, ]>artlv (rom tho roniinisconoos of oarlv sotthMs, and ]>artly from his own rot'olh^ tion it was proparod. Tliat was tho tirst Fourth of duly oolohration in tho Colvillo valloy. C)no man, dohn A. Sinuns, huliMn aiTout, was {nvsont, wlu> had boon prosont wlion he \vM f !iU »V«mK \ h1\o , U\\ \\\y to |/\l»vil, \\ inul \ S\\h- >f .Inly yt^svr, |o\y !^'» L»(t\lM'S, \n tlu Indinn •\iou ho /^f>,U/<; ,MfS'SK>\Aliy W'iUiK. 227 «l(«liv«'iMMl Hm' IIihI. Mimilur nddiTHH in tin* Wjillu WmIIm viillrv Hixl \vi«h hIho ii54kr«l in |>rf<|Mir(« !vn InMloriciil Hkclcli . w I ■ I 'I'i :A M i ; r.. i i ii, t 230 FATIIEU EELLS. V il^MHii in 18i)2 hud :i populution of 77,1>71, had in 187G only 2,1J54. ThcMo w:iH no rsiihoad. Not until 188,'J was tho hist si)iko on tho Northern PjumOc (h'iven. IJut tlicre was a cortainty that it would b« built through that rogion ; hence a few had lit, sinil ofliMi on I^'riday *'Vt'nin|^M \\\\\W Dr. Im»I1h wii.s sil SUokoniiHli lu» wmh McriiHJoinrd lo \\\'\W :i U»tl(>r to Hom(» nuMiihcr of tlu< clinich lo ln« ivjid !it (lu)Mo nuMMin«j;s. 'I'lu* followinj^ cxlrjiclM from U'ltors (lutvd DiH'onihor \\ :uul 21, l than four weeks have passed since from tlie eminence on the soutii I turnetl and looked upon the village and ejaculated heavenward in l)ehalf of its inhabitants. Then is hut (MIO record, and that not accessible by mortals, of the incpiiring thouj^hts I have had rej^sird- ing those in Whitman County whose kind attentions have excited within me emotions of gratituile und joy. I cherish an abiding interest iu the welfare of those for whom I ha\e labored in the I^ord. Congregations addressed, personal conversations had are distinctly recalled, accompanied with fervent prayer to Him who giveth increase. The ever-present One understands all. I conceive Plvmouth Church as forming a sacred enclosure — the members being the enclosing fence, hedge, or wall. If abounding in love, walking cir- cumspectly, cherishing a spirit without guile, abiding //<> )/ a; ,1/ /,v.s' in \ Any won i<. 2:J3 ill CliriHt iiiid lie in llirin, tli«> wall in riilirr, iiiiprc^- iiiiMr. \\\\\, if Olio fiiil, (lien tli( Ih iiii optMiiii^ for llic cntiiiiiro of tlic ciK-iiiy. (Jod Ih my nMtoni, liow ^rcMllv I ioii^r ii,f((>i' you ill! in Mir Im)W(Oh of .Jthuh CliiiMi. And iiiis I pniv, that yoiir lovo may ahoiiiid yrt moi'«^ and mon^ in Iviiowlnd^o and in ail jiid^iiMMit, (lint yo may approve iliiii^K that ani •^xcMiIlcnt, that yv. may bo Hinccro and without otTcumo till tlio day of ChriHt, iMUiif; filled with tho fniitH of rif^hteouHncHH, which arc by .Iohuh C'hriHt, unto the j^lory und praiH(5 uf (Jod." *'Thcr«tum "f Kri«lay cvoninj^ remindrt mv. of the prcciouH circle nt <'olfax with whom it wuh my privi- Icp' to meet on iJiin eveiiiiifr of the weiik. If by ridinj^ Hcvcml miles I t-vuld In; with tluMii to-ni«];ht, I Hhould bo inclined to kV^ so. PoH.sibly the fact that tho gniti- lieation of such desire i.s impoHHibh? should check tho iudulgenco thereof. TIk; MastiM* does not r«;«iuiro us to attempt to perform impossihiliticis. ' lij^hold, io obey is better than sacridce, and to li<'ark(!ii than ho fat of rams.' According to my understaudini^ it is clearly duty for inc to be at this place at this tiiin;, therefore I ought cheerfully to accept the conviction and submissively yield to its power. It is a(;cept((l according to that a man hath. Our separation im- posoH no restraint to prayer. The distance interven- ing lH)tv\Teu us does not diminish auglit of pen, ink, M i • ■mi t 1, . I 1!^ . , Ml ■ : , "■ ♦ : f '' I ' !* 1 r ■1 1, if % i if 1} : 1 1. ^^ 234 FATlU:ii KELLS. or paper. If tlio instniinLMitaliticH iiuiiumI sIkiII be faitlifiilly employed, we may mutually betrome bearers of eacli other's burdens and helpers of each other's joy." The following two letters of sympathy written the same winter are also given, for although they have no referenee to the ehureii at Colfax, yet they show that he was aeting the pastor wherever he could, when he could not be with his church. ^ The first wiis dated January 21, 18 78, antl was written to l)r I). S. Ikiker and wife, of Walla Walla, on the death of two children within four days of each other : — " I take the liberty to do myself the mournful pleasure of expressing sincere sympathy in your double bereavement. Possibly the words which I have used are not strictly correct, rather that 1 fail to realize their fullness of meaning. You arc aware that I have not had experience like to that with which you have of late been cvcrcised. I am unable to appreci- ate the reality of the void thus made in your family circle. "Possibly in your lone thoughts has been this: uamely, that yourselves were not aware of the strength of attachment to the loved objects which have recently been removed from your sight. I transcribe from fl. Cook's Lectures, pa^e 182 : ' Gentlemen, there is more i-; noMh: }nss/o\Ain' M'o///r. 2:^5 Ui:in Olio Honl hero bcHidcH inino h:i(1 with nnHpculviiMi' bcivsivenioiil. Thcro jiro ('ycH here beHidcis mino which woju'v tho hojivcim with b(»H(UH'hin<; j^hiiiooH for oiw vision of f:i(U's Hiuitchcd from uh in fiery chsiriotH of p:iin.' In n HcnHo, that wliich huH a tonclcncty to revive sorrow may be nnweleorno, yet it is sairated at tlic residence of their older son. All of their children and grandchildren were present, ten in nnmber, except one son, who was called away on ollicial bnsiness. The figures *' 1838-1878 " were placed in an appropriate position in the room and a copy of the original marriage cer- tificate taken from the Ilolden (Mass.) book of records was read. The evening was occupied chiefly with remarks and singing. During the evening it was said .(hat it is a conmion remark that ministers' and dea- cons' children were the worst children, but that it did not seem to be true in the present case, as ministers and deacons entered very largely into the ancestry of Dr. and Mrs. Eells. Much was also said, about their ancestry, and extracts from old sermons and letters of different members of the familv duriui? the last century were read. Favorite hymns of the aged couple were sung, as : — ^!;!l '' Thus far the Lord hath led me on." " While thee I seek, protecting power." " From Greenland's icy mountains." " Silently the shades of evening." It had been a common remark of Dr. Eells that with his statT he came to this country, but that now he had become two bands (Clen. *V2:10). Din'iiin the evening those two baned feel soft as downy pillows are,' and said, ' Pray for this.' She was then asked : ' Do you think this a dying bed? ' ' I d'^,' she said ; but afterwards added : ' It is not dying uoi(\ but I think I cannot get well.' ' Does he make it soft?' was then asked. 'Is it not soft be to resigned?' she replied. At one time she thought she was going, and said : * Pray for me.' When asked, 'What shall I pray for?' she replied, 'Faith, patience, and grace.' "True, she has not said very nmch while sick, for she has not been able to converse nmch ; but she has said these things, and I think that any one who has been with her has noticed that she had faith, patience, and grace. Her prayer was answered, and while not saying much she has lived these graces while passing rtho cU, for the h:iH rho has hticnc'o, lilc not I passing HOME MISSIOSMtY WORK. 241 tliroii^Ii tlio vjillcy of tlu' hIijuIovv of dcHtli. PjitiiMurc for oIIkth' coiivciiitMK'c ninl for ( Jod ; Hul»iniHHioii to tlici will of otluM'H jiiid to CliriHl's will — hIu! iuis ])y vol Hpfuk- iiijj;, smd by md jii'tiiijj;, luit by lyiii^ hUII, Hpokrn jiiid jicUmI tlioHo more plainly tlisin wohIh could exprcH.s I hem. "Thirty ycjir.s si<^o, in writiiijij; to her motlu-r, kIk; H:iid, ill Hpojikiiig of deiitli, 'IIow inn(;li wc hIiuII lisivo to prsii.sc tho Redeemer for, if we hIisiU be pisrmitted to meet at his ri<]jht lumd ! ' " She died August l>, tH7H, at the ajj;e of Heveiity- three. Funeral Hervi(!es were held at Skokominh, the .sermon being prejiehed by her son, as there was no other minister within thirty miles. His text was Acts 7: GO, "He fell asleep;" for 1 r deatli had been simi)ly going to sleej) — the breath growing shorter and shorter without any api)arent pain until she woke in glory. At the close of the service Dr. Keils stood by the coflln and wished to say one word to the audience. It was " Gratitude." Then turning to her he said : " We liope to meet again." The word Clratitudc meant gratitude because he had enjoyed her society so long and because he hoped to meet her again. The remains were then taken to Seattle, where services were held in the Congrega- tional church, the sermon being preached by Rev. G. H. Atkinson, i).i>., from 2 Corinthians 5: 1. She was buried in the cemetery near that place, 'm I ' |:f ; ill: ii 242 FATHER FELLS. I'Ui ! tf: ', r, U > !u 'ti I * fi^ tv' Soon after the death of Mrs. Eells, Dr. Eells returned to Colfax, there to live, with the exception of an annual visit to Skokomish. Before her death plans had been made for erecting a church building at Colfax. At first the proposition was made to the church that if it would allow other churches to use the building half the time, they would cooperate in building it. In accordance with that plan subscriptions were made. But to Dr. Eells this .was injudicious. He believed that the Congregational Church would have to do the greater part of the work, and would have the church but half the time. After consultation the plan was abandoned. Then Dr. Eells said that he would give as much as all the members for the erection of a building, not to exceed a thou- sand dollars. J. A. Perkins gave five hundred dollars, the rest five hundred. It was a great effort, and some had to borrow money. When finished the cost was over two thousand. The money was all furnished by the church, then inc iased to thirteen members, and its pastor, except about fifty dollars. It was a small band, but " those charter members were a host. They were influential and highly esteemed. They were small in number, but earnest, active, efficient." Dr. Eells also paid a hundred dollars for the lots, a hundred more for the organ, three hundred and eleven for its bell, hangings, and »i' V' Si : I < Imbeis liiglily lirncst, indred )i-gan, J, and HOME MISSION Alt Y WORK. 243 trausportatioii, and for hymn books, Bible, extra work, and the like, enough to uuike, in all, sixteen hundred dollars. The building was thirty by sixty feet, begun in 1878, but not finished so as to be dedicated until September 7, 1879. Dr. Eells offered the dedicatory pniyer, and it was dedicated free of debt. Dr. P^ells prayed as well as worked for this clun-ch. In his journal are the following items in respect to this : — "August 10, 1877. Have spent hours in prayer." " November 9. The last church prayer-meeting which I shall attend at present. O God, be a wall of fire about, and a glory in the midst thereof." " December 31. My especial work of the year has been at Colfax and vicinitv. I have comfort in the conviction that I have been divinely guided. I humbly ask that in the future I may be enabled to discern the indications of the divine will, and be faithfully obedient." " June 23, 1878. I am much exercised in prayer in behalf of Plymouth Church, at Colfax." "August 20, 1879. A portion of the night was spent in earnest prayer — prayer for the people of Colfax, prayer for myself as a gospel minister and school su- perintendent, prayer for the members of the Plymouth Ciiurch, prayer for the church building enterprise." " October 8. Much of the time did not sleep. It was a night of special prayer. I prayed earnestly for I ■ » I, '*■■ . ; . i ■I- 1 . . M '1 ' i 1 ['■ M Ht^t j 1 vl ■, i: t w. 1 !■ '■ 244 FATlIEIt EELLS. w 1, 1; i :i 1 . i 1 ' 1: 1 « myself, riymoutli Church organization and building. I have prcHumption of faith that the seal of divine ai)i)roval be set to ray work ; tiiat the raenibership of Plymouth Church be spiritual, effective, and increased, and the church house be honored by the presence of Him who abode in the cloudy i)illar. 1 liopc, I believe, I trust in God. I l)less the Lord for the evi- dence that the interceding Spirit indited my requests." *' December 26. O Lord, be pleased to pardon the; •weakness of ray physical strength, also the lack of trust in thee. Be thou a wall of fire round about, and a glory in the midst of Plymouth Church." In the autumn of 1878 Dr. Eells was elected School Superintendent of Whitman County, having been nominated at the suggestion of Mr. L. P. Berry, who had been a teacher in Walla Walla County when he was superintendent there. Whitman County was then considerably larger than Connecticut. When Mr. Berry told him of the nomination he said: 'VI (lues- tion the wisdom of your course. I am too old." Mr. Berry replied: "I did it for the childr-^n's sake." When the Democratic convention met, William Han)- ilton, the leading person in it, said : " I propose that we do not nominate a candidate for school superin- tendent. We all know Father Eells." Nor did they nominate really ; but when the convention had trans- acted its business and the leaders had all gone, a JIOME MISSIONARY WGHK. 245 rcmuant said : " Wc must have a full ticket." Tlioy iiouiinatcd a young man who was trying to iiold land in Idaho, and was not a legal voter in Washington. lie was not elected. With the forty or fifty school districts in the county and his other duties as pastor Dr. Eells soon found that he had not the requisite strength. Accordingly he resigned the superintendeney, June 1, 1879, and his successor was appointed. This gentleman failed to qualify, and Dr. Eells served his term of two years. The following quotation is one of his own accounts of his work for this purpose : — '* Monday morning left Colfax ; rode perhaps seven miles ; was at a school in Spring Valley soon after nine o'clock. Hobbled my horse and let him graze outside, and spent the forenoon in school. At twelve o'clock I rode on and ate a cold lunch in the saddle. After a little more than an hour's ride, arrived at a school in Thousand Spring Valley. Remained till the close of school. I then rode on ; ate my supper as I had done my lunch. When it was becoming a little dark I arrived at the residence of aged persons who, I thought, would entertain me. It was raining. I kiiocOied at the door ; there was no lesponse. There was a rude stable constructed of rails and straw. I went to that ; there was no feed there. I had taken recaution to carry a small V pori I-! :"i 1 ^ , ill ■■'' ' 1 ■ 1'"' ■ I ! li n r. iJ.J- )■ I . ¥^' 246 FArilElt Kh'LLS. horse. I now gave tluit to liim. I had not pUinned to ciirnp ; conaeciuently niy bedding whh short. The flooring of the stable wjih the ground. I hiy down ; slept some of the time, and some of the time I did not. In the morning the rain had ceased falling. My horse needed grass. I went out and lay down, making a pillow of my arm, and added somewhat to my sleep. Had a cold breakfast of such food as I had with me. Had traveled thirty-five miles the day before. In due time I passed on. At half-past eight I was near the schoolhouse that I wished to visit. It was a large school and there was an unusual number of large scholars. I spent the entire forenoon in that school, my horse outside hobbled and grazing. *' At the close of school I rode on lo the school at Col ton, and was there seasonably for the afternoon session, and remained there until near the close of the afternoon. As I had failed the night before to find entertainment, I now planned to be in season. I had several miles to ride. I rode down the vallev called Union Flat. While passing I took out dry bread, dismounted, dipped it in the water, and then got in the saddle. It speedily softened. Seasonably I arrived at the residence of Mrs. H. B. Heald. I said to her : ' Will you allow me to leave to-morrow morning before breakfast ? ' — for I had some ten miles to ride to go to the next school. ' I think we can give you got )lv I said Irning •ide :ou nOMK MISS ION All Y WO UK. 247 an early l)ri'!akfaHt,' was llio reply. She arose at five o'(!l()C'k the next inorning and n- h buihl- )U{irs. h)t'u )U <) f •r col iia It is lv\llll U r.H lo' (III K( MKS. 1. C'Hinreyatiniial C'liiin h .it Mc-ili. *l l..tke. ■i. ( 'oii.;rcn;(tion.tl CMhik u .11 -pi.tv; -f- . },. ("imcrt'U.Uii'n^ii I liiin li .It Mr .. .tl l.ak<-. 4. t iinmfi;.ttii!i,il Ctmri h .11 ( .ill.t\ :;:• t i^t ' ,( I, :? If • HOME MISSIOXAJiY WOJiK. 261 h the name of a small striped snake, and was applied to that plaee either because the snake abounded there or because of the serpentine appearance of the stream. Colville was named after a gentleman of the Hudson's Bay Company, who, however, spelled his name Col- vile. At Chewelah was Dr. Eells' first and last work for Washington. September 10, 1838, twelve days after arriving at Dr. Wl tan's, he and Mr. Walker started on an exploring tour to locate a station for themselves. On the 15th they reached Chewelah, and spent the next day, the Sabbath, there. Services were held among the Indians. After the services the chief addressed his people very earnestly and elo(piently. Between March, 1839, and June, 1848, Mr. Eells performed some work in the valley ai)propriate to the Christian ministrv. In the summer of 1874 he visited the region and on August 10 preached twice to the Indians and twice to the whites there. Scmie of the whites came ten miles to these services, and some of the Indians thirty-five or forty. Some who listened then had not heard a Protestant sermon for twenty years. The next year Mr. Eells visited them again, :ind in 187() he spent the most agreeable part of the summer in the Colville valley at tin; refpiest of the whites, alternating between ColvilK', the garrison, and Chewelah, the latter beiu^ twenty-five miles south ^''1; r ■; ii '■■' Wit UIV 252 FA TIIEli EELLS. t h ?) of the former. In these phices he conducted forty services in English (hiring that season. After tliiit, witii consideriU)le regularity, until 1M85 he made semi- annual visits to the region except during the fourteen months that he was in the East. September 14, 1871), four persons, some of whom ha J l>eeii residents of Chewelah for twenty-five years, but had had no eluu-ch home, united together in a Congregational chiurh. Dr. Eells performed all the services. He was their pastor nine years, as long as he renuiined east of the Cascade Mountains, although he could be with them only occasionally, at least until 1885. During the summer of 1885 he made monthly trips there, holding nineteen services during the season. In a paper dated October 21, 1885, which he left, is an offer to tlie people of Colville and vicinity that if they would raise a thousand dollars for a Congrega- tional church edifice, he would give the same amount. "NViiether this paper was ever sent to them or whether they failed to secure the amount the writer docs not kn()>v. In 181)2 a church was erected at Chewelah, and Dr. Eells was recpiested to assist in the dedi- catory exercises, the people feeling that none but he could grace such a litippy consummation. Though hardly strong enough to make the journey, yet he went. He wus there fifty-four years from the day ou rrcga- iiount- hoUioi' c8 not welivli, « (ledi- but lie rUougU vet lie HOME Mli^SlONAliY WO UK. 253 which he first ctimpt'd at tlio phicc. On the next Sabbath, Septenilicr 18, tlio cliurch was dedicated. Dr. Eells ofPerin*^ tiie prayer. Of this journey he aaid : "It may be a weakneHS for me, an ohl man, to \F,'t ho fur, four huiub'ed and fifty miles and l)ack to accept the invitation, but if anybody else had camped on that spot and held serv- ices there fifty-four years previous, perhaps he would have the same weakness." November 24 he wrote : " Durinj; the nijjjht (hvamed I was laborin*^ in behalf of the people of Chewelah." His last important act for any church was the pro- curing of a bell from New York for this church. It was paid for a few days l)efore his death, and he then told his pastor that his work was done. Said Rev. L. II. Ilallock at his funeral : " Its first tones in eustern Washington will ring out a tender reiiuiem — nay, rather a glorious tone of rejoicing f(-r the work he has accomplished, and the crown of life he has gone to wear on high." Mr. George F. C'. McCrea, of that church, says : '^ lie made no gift towards the l)uilding, as he had never been rcujuested to do so. I feel satisfied that if he had been he would uladly have aided us, for he was ahvjiys ready to donate in such ways. I am glad I si)oke to him idiout the belU and thai he so cheerfully acquiesced in my desire. I thank God foi' ; I f, I !'!! ,i 254 FATJII'JJt h'l'JLs.S\ till' work which he did here, of wliicli our church \h ji Hi -ri- iiioiiuineiit. (!h CIK'I/. I'ri'viouH to IH.SI Dcju'on CJ. U. Andrus, whose lioine was iicjir (Mumu'V, li:id Iicld :i Sabhjitii- school near that phice which was afterwards moved to the town. Tiie (jucstion tiieii was, " Can a church be or<;auize(l?" It was* ts recpiired live huiuh'ed more, and of tliis Dr. Kells gave more than two hundred. The buihling, however, was paid for at tiic time of its dedication, Deceml)er 18, 1881. At that time Dr. Eeils preached the ser- mon and the same evening gave the following charge and right hand of fellowship to its pastor, F. T. Clarke, at his ordination : — It ' ;) . 4 I ■ •iety the lV on o f fU.\ > O / /A PhotDgrapliic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 '9. I 6^ ^ixsmrnKm 260 FATHER EELLS. li' ."..: that church. Among the memorial windows of the church is one with the following inscription : — CUSIIING EELLS. Always abounding in j;oo(l works. Sprague. In 1839, when Messrs, Walker and Eells were moving from Walla Walla to Tshimakain, March 14, they camped near this place. Here Mr. Walker was kicked by a horse, wliich so injured him that they could not move camp that day. It was a suitable time for making spiritual preparation for their work. Mr. Eells walked to a point overlooking the present town site and spent a season in meditation and prayer. After that during the next nine years this was a convenient camping place. At different times Mr. P^ells spent two Sabbaths there, one in 1842, when the mission families were on their way to the annual meet- ing of the mission at Dr. Whitman's. Many prayers were offered there at these times. When Dr. Eells learned that a town was to be located at this place on the railroad, thrilling emotions filled his mind. The past came to him. Hence he thought that he had a duty to do for that place. There on the fourteenth of April, 1881, he conducted the first Protestant services ever held in the place. The chapel was the dining-room of the hotel. For more than a year he preached there at different times in I the Eells Vlarch ^Talker t they le time . Mr. t town r. was a es Mr. lien the A meet- prayers to be [motions cncc he [t place, inducted le place. lei. For ni times HOME MISSIONARY WOIiK. 261 until June 18, 1882, when he organized a Congrega- tional churcli there of five members and became its pastor, a position which he occupied for two years. The same year he built at his own expense a Union Sabbath School Hall there on a lot owned by himself. In March, 1882, Dr. Eells called at the home of Mr. S. D. Stephens and wife, members of the church at Colfax. Mrs. Stephens had been more efficient in effecting the church organization than any other per- son, although living nine miles distant. She gave him a dollar and said: " I wish this to be applied in the erection of a church edifice in Sprague." The reason of her giving it was because she had a sister living there. The sum was small, but there were circum- stances connected with it which made it very sacred. A young man, a lawyer, was living not far from them, trying to secure land by living on it. He called on Mrs. Stephens for food. Ham and bacon were weighed and passed to him. She wrote with chalk on the wall of the building, a log building that she frequented daily, the figures indicating the transaction. She said : *' I never look upon those figures without my heart going up in prayer to God in behalf of that young man. During the past winter there is reason to believe that he has become a new man in Christ Jesus. The evidence thereof is to myself so gratifying that I wish to make this thank-offering." it! '. . : I i I n '•i r y.t \ 2G2 FAT II Ell EELLS. i tt i This was the first dollar given for the erection of the Congregational church bnikling at Uprague. Dr. Kells said: "That dollar, when the circumstances shall be known regarding it, will bring other dollars ; " and her pound did gain more than ten pounds. Iler two girls had previously given Dr. Eells fifty and twenty-five cents each. With their consent, he placed this with the dollar from their mother. She afterwards added another dollar. That dollar soon increased to thirty-three dollars — thirty-three fold. Besides aiding in erecting the church building here, he gave this church a bell and parsonage site. The house was built, but there was a debt on it. The time was near when tliis must be paid, or the church would be sold under the hammer. In the emergency Rev. N. F. Cobleigh went to St. Paul, obtained what was necessary, and returned just before the expiration of the time when the property would have been sold. Dr. Eells gave in all to this church more than seven hundred and fiftv dollars. Pleasant Prairie. This church had been organized November 1, 1885, with nine members, by Deacon G. II. Andrus, but had never had a regular pastor until the spring of 1887, when Dr. P^lls went there regu- larly from Medical Lake. He went there during the severe winter of 1887-88, when the snow was very deep. Says Mr. G. T. Beldeu, of that church: " He on of Dr. tauces lars ; , Her Ly and placed ;r wards ascd to ig here, it on it. or the In the t. Paul, ,t before V would Is cliurcli )rganized Deacon Istor until Icre rcgu- luring the I was very eh: *'Hc HOME MISSION All Y WORK. 263 seemed to enjoy his work here and was always a wel- come and i)leasant visitor at our house, where he made himself especially agreeable to the children by telling incidents of his missionary work among the Indians." Medical Luke. Before Dr. Eells moved to this phice in 1881, lie i)reached there as one of his stations. It was not, however, until after his removal from the place in 1882 that he orgaiii/ied a church there. This was done September 1), 1883, with live members. Of this he continued pastor until 1888, though living there only about a year and a half, from 1886 to 1888. Though often absent, his heart was, however, with the church. Thus May 28, 188G, he wrote : " During the night I was exercised in agonizing prayer with refer- ence to my work at Medical Lake. The intensity of desire was beyond ordinary experience." During his last year here, the infirmities of age were coming o'u him, so that he was hardly able to bear the trials which came in his work. Denominational zeal was especially trying to him. In regard to this he said of himself that he was a Congregatioualist from the crown of his head to the sole of his feet, and yet he added : "I have been scrupulously careful not to proselyte. I believe that I have not at any time urged an individual to join a Congregational church who had a preference for some other church, when there was an opportunity for the one to be gratified. If there B \ ^ 1 i Lii 264 FATHER EELLS, H- f.^i^ wtre no other church near, I have in a few cases sug- gested the propriety of an individual becoming con- nected with a Congregational church temporarily, and that when there should be an opportunity, if so desired, to make a change." Kev. J. Edwards said of him : " He was not a Con- gregational propagandist. I know of several locali- ties where he preached gratuitously, but when others would come in, before it was necessary, he would give up the field very much grieved. He abominated sec- tarianism, but loved everything that pertained to the Church of Christ." He was sorely tried when now he met those who believed in denominational comity for all denomina- tions except the Catholics and their own, and that if a strong church of another denomination existed in a town, and the prospect was that a church of their order could be organized and become equally strong, though this might involve the overthrow of the other church, that the organization should be effected, and that its prospects alone should be considered, and the effect on any other church in operation sliould not be taken into account. On this point he wrote the follow - inor at different times : — "March 17, 1887. Human judgment is erring, especially where there is personal interest. With or without reason, I have believed that jealousy and •--■SSESaBBBBD sug- cou- , and sired, I Con- locali- others id give ed see- to the )se who nomiiia- that if ,ed in ^ of their stron*^;, |be other ■ted, and and the il not be Lc follow - erring, With or lousy and HOME MISSIOXAJiY WOliK. 265 dononiinational zeal have stirred up aiitagouisiii to myself. I have felt it keenly, but have beeu sustained and comforted. " August 22, 1887. One of the most deeply alllict- ing experiences of my work in Whitman, Spokane, and Stevens counties has been antagonism, the resultant of unreasonable denominational zeal. "January 12, 1888. I am humbled by the remem- brance of my mistakes, errors, sins. The ill-treat- ment I have received, the resultant of denominational zeal, may be the rebuke of a gracious heavenly Father and loving Saviour. " March 20, 1888. My understanding is that Satan is suffered to buffet me. I turn to Hebrews 2 : 18 ; I repeat the words, ' For in that he himself hath suf- fered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.' '* March 21. If I judge correctly, during the night I was exercised with strong temptation and agonizing prayer. The tempter would have me renounce my xaith and hope in God. During two weeks he has been suffered to exercise almost miraculous power to move ray anchorage. I suffer from the conflict, but have conquered. The words. ' For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God' (Psalm 18 : 21), were brought to my mind ; also Psalm 6:9,' The Lord hath heard my supplica- 1' '1 •I ill w i ^ 1 ■li! i -I i !: 1 '. t. , i \ 1 :•■ I- f'H 2G6 i'\\riU':n i<:i:i.ls. ti i ii'iii ti<»n ; (lu> Ijord will rcccivi* my prayer.' I clMiiii tluit I iiiny :qti>roi>riMtt' Ihciu." Tlu'so (rinls, willi fniliujj; Im'mUIi mikI old M|!J«', cMiiHcd him 1«) Itolicvo that his aclivc work in cjiHtciii Wnsh- iii«;ioM should ho hn)U};h(, (o !i dose. He had ofU-n (hoiiiiht of it hcforo, for his slrciiLflh was uiiiM|iial to tluMVork (M'owdin«; upon him. As early as lh|>c1 work ms hrrctofort;. Tlic rcHiilt of dclilMM'ati! (uinHidcrntion \h tluit my n'sidcncc in (iJiHtcrn WuHliin«^ton Territory wlionld terminate at the esuTuiHt l>r.'icticHl)l(; {\ixU\ ; conH(!(inentiy it is ncM'dfnl that my conne(!tion with von aw a clinrch Ix; dlHHoIved. There- fort! I hcM'iiby tench'r my ri^Hignation aw yonr pastor, which you ari; reqn(!Ht(!d to acc(!pt. *' Your generouH be.stowalH, promotive of my phyHi(;.'d enjoyment, are gratefully acknowledged. Your Hvni- j)athi/-ing kindne.SH in HicknesH jind sorrow has Ihmmi sustaining and comforting. Your prayers in my luihalf are recorded on high; on earth they have excited glad emotions. May they he returned many fold into the hosom of each of the su[)pliants. " In the faith and fellowship of the gospel, your unworthy servant, CUSIIiNG EELLS." A few days later he received the following, which he termed a " gratifying reply " : — Whereaa^ our beloved pastor, Rev. Cushing Kells, who has labored with us and for us so faithfully for four years, has been led to offer his resignation, desiring the dissolution of his relationship with us as pastor, and t''f J i o:ist, lit; icsigiu'd Ills last pastorato and left Medical Lake Mav 11), with the followiiijj entry ill his journal : — "This r.M. I leave Medical Ijake. Marked kind- ness has ])een shown nie hy precious friends. \\u\\- pressihlc sorrow and an<^uish have been experienciMl hy the words and acts of others. I think it not unlikely their conduct is larj;ely attributable to i o-ood kt iiud lud not is care )n will kh hiis led the *' Bishop of CongrejjjationalJHnfi on tiio Pacific Coast" to his friend who has been caUed " tbe Apostk^ to Washinj^ton." As a result of these hibors, h^ss than a year after Dr. Kells* deatli, Kev. J. Ev. M. KelLs, wife, and four sons, of tlio SkokomiHli RcHervalion. After l)reakf!ist :iu nrtisi look a |)ii'ture of sill of Ihi'in. After diimor Rev. K. S. StubbH, liov. S. H. Choadle, Mrs. A. M. l*alrner, and Mr. (i. \V. McII, havinjjj come out to pay their respectn to Dr. Kolls on the completion of thivS Hemi-eentiMinial on the Pacilic coast, a very i)lea8ant afternoon was spciit together. Rev. Myron Kells read a paper in regard to the ancestrv of the Kells family from the time the first one came to America from England in IG.'JO, and showed a photograph, taken from an old painting, of Major Sanuiel Kells, the progenitor of the family. The following mementos were also shown : a copy book of Mrs. M. F. Kells, very neat and in good con- dition, dated lH;]r) ; a letter written by her to her sister in Massachusetts from Walla Walla, in October, IH.SS ; three of her certificates for teaching school, all of them over fifty years old, one of them being sixty years old ; a hmcet and penknife which Dr. Kells brougiit across the plains fifty years previous ; a money purse and leather trunk of Mrs. Kells, which also rode horseback across the continent at that time ; a New England primer, spelling book, and Testament, which Agent Eells read and studied over forty years previous. I : ii r »r 4 fi I! 11 , ': li ;i M '.I 1 M 274 FATHER EKLL8, Doctor Eclls spoke of the time wlfen mails came by way of Cape Horn and the Sandwich Islands once in six months, the newest papers beinjj; six montiis and the oldest twelve months old ; also, of the early days, when, livinj^ near the Spokane River, lie had traveled one hnndred and forty miles to put a letter in the post olliee ; and that often he was two weeks in going after his mails and in returning. Refreshments were next served, after which tiie company joined in singing several favorite hymns, such as : — r'' ',' I love thy kitij^dom, Lord. God is tlio refuge of Ids sidnts. When he eometh. Silently the shades of evening. Prayer was offered by Chaplain Stubbs, the doxology was sung, and the benediction pronounced by Dr. Eells. In 18U0 he arrived at the age of fourscore and made on his birthday the following entry in his journal : — " This is the eightieth anniversary of my mortal life. I have anticipated it with thoughtful interest. At intervals of varying length I have been impressed with the conviction that probably I shall live to the return of aaother like day. I have read the short LAST DAYS. 275 B by ?e in aiul lliU'S, velcd a the going ■h tlic lymns, :)Xology )y Dr. )rc and in his mortal interest. ipreBScd e to the he short sermon pronounced at the funeral of Dr. Atkinson. 1 note the word retit. My sensation is hirgoly that of weariness. The idea of rest is welcome. 1 judge that in fact I have ])een constant in excessive labors. Possibly a long rest would be advantageous. I would attempt to do more or less as it shall accord with the divine will. 1 desire to renew the consecra- tion of my powers and possessions to the service and glory of God. I am penetrated with a sense of per- sonal unworthiuess. Remembrance of sins of earlier and later years is humiliating. I hope in the pardon- ing mercy of a forgiving God. Blessed Jesus, be pleased to cleanse me by thy blood." That evening his sons and friends gathered to con- gratulate him in a sacred service. In May, 1890, he made his last trip to Skokomish. While there he baptized his youngest grandchild, Roy Whitman, who had been named in memory of Dr. J. p]. Roy, of Chicago, and of Dr. Marcus Whitman. He had previously baptized all of his ten other grand- children, and now, more than eighty years older than the youngest, he administered the same rite to him. Only one died before the grandsire. He enjoyed greatly the meetings of the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance, which were held on Monday fore- noon. It was a kind of society which was very con- ft, ft> genial to h.<'n. nnd yet of which, in so full a measure, 11 i I' I I • f ;; i ;;- I 276 FATJIElt EELLS. r ;i i f lie had been deprived during the whole of his previous life. In 1891, in commemoration of his eighty-first birth- day, they addressed him the following communica- tion : — Tacoma, Wash., February 23, 1891. To THE Rev. Cusiiing Eells, d.d. Dear Father and Brother^ — The Ministerial Alli- ance of Tacoma feels its utter inability to express in a befitting manner the sentiments of love and vener- ation awakened bv vour chaste and characteristic note of the 16th, in which you kindly allow us to know that the same marks the eight^'-first anniversary of your birth. Eighty-one years of mortal life ! Sixty-six years of life "hid with Christ in God"! Fifty-five years spent in proclriming " the unsearchable riches of Christ " ! Fiftv-three vears of active ministerial service on the northwest Pacific coast ! This is, indeed, a wonderful record, and we are deeply impressed by it and grateful to God, whose grace has permitted and whose spirit has inspired it. In it you stand among us the peerless man, who will leave no successor upon the field of his lifelong service. And now, venerable father, whom none could either coax or compel to say one word in his own praise, you must be silent while we, your favorite sons, speak your merited praise. There is in human hearts a natural 'lOUS lirth- inica- 1891. AlU- xpvesrt vcner- ic note jw that )f your ixty-six iftv-fivc iches of service deed, a d by it ted and among or upon Id either (vise, you uik your natural LAST DAYS. 277 reverence for that which is old, and that reverence is spontaneously granted to virtuous old age. Dead must bo the heart, the bosom cold, That warms not with aft'ection for the old. Inanimate things, representing nothing but physical duration, — the sight of a mountain peak, silent from the hush of centuries ; the vision of the ocean, whose horizon has marked that of the world since creation's dawn, — these fill us with awe ; and when, as to-day, we look upon one who has lived over a long reach of years, his face and form take on something of the dignity of the eternal hills and of the silent sea. We share with Tischendorf in his feeling of reverence when he gazed on the manuscript of the New Testa- ment in the Monastery of St. Catherine, realizing that the characters which met his eyes were traced in the fourth or fifth century of our era, and that he stood in the presence of a volume, stained and torn, but which in its age and character was venerable and beyond price. Old age in you, sir, is a volume which we reverence, as do all who know you. In your life, what varied and piecious tales, tales of love and duty, are recorded ! The innumerable incidents of far-away youth, of mature manhood and of later age, that make up the record of a long life, filled with highest useful- ness, are there recorded in imperishable characters. A ir i i^ s ;•• ' i;r(, !• !r 1 ; 1 278 FATHER EELL8. Ill Hi., ship, voyaging long, pounded about by the merciless waves of the sea, is a noble sight as she approaches her anchorage. Glorious is tlie close of day, when in the mellow light of the setting sun all things grow still and solemn. But sublimer than either is the approaching close of a long, just, kind, and useful life. We come not to anomt you " aforehand for the burying " ; we are here to break over your devoted head the alabaster box of loving appreciation while yet we have you with us. We cannot approach you with " weak praise." You have shown us that to grow older is not, necessarily, to " grow old." Some are old and withered and desiccated from their birth. Others are ever young. Winter snows their heads but sends no breath of frost to their warm blood. They go back to their Creator beautiful in renewed youth, strong in immortal vigor. Of such you are. You have taught us lessons of hope. Never have we learuvid from you that the world grows worse, or that the kingdom of the Christ is about to topple over. In the name of Almighty God and his coming king- dom you have kept heart and have been able to discern that the golden age is not in the past, but in the future. Nearly a century ago it was written : — Aj^e is the heaviest burden man can bear, Compounded of disappointment, pain, and care. LAST DAYS. 279 ilcss uhcs ;n in nrrow , the iseful »r the ivoted while ;h you 3 grow are old Others t seuds o baek |rong in jr have )rse, or le over. |g king- discern future. re. And Byron, prematurely old, wrote at the age of thirty-six : — My days ure in the yellow leaf. The flower and fruits of love are gone; The worm, the canker, and the grief Are mine alone. But no man who has "walked with God" has any such realization of life. Men of God can say : " My inward man is renewed day hy day. My senses grow dull, but thoughts are clear, convictions are firm, and hopes are bright. Sad memories have lost their bitter- ness, holy ones have put on a heavenly beauty. Tue day's work is nearly done and home is near." John Bunyan was in middle life wlien he wrote the Pilgrim's Progress. Yet he put tlie Beulah land last, at the close of the journey and in sight of the celestial city. Perhaps he had seen this in the life of some aged saint, or his spiritual instincts told him of it. Certainly the conception is a beautiful one. The air was sweet and fragrant with flowers, and vocal with the voice of the turtle dove and the singing of birds. The land was out of the reach of Giant De- spair and far from the sight of Doubting Castle. Here Pilgrims met the Shining Ones, plainly saw the pearly gates, and were called " the redeemed of the Lord." You have reached the Beulah laud. We call you blesBed. ii i i: ■I !| I v If il i ; « m 280 FATHER J'JI'JLLS. *' I think," siiid Gcorgo Willisiin Curtis, " to know one good old nuin — one who throiigii the ciiiinccB iind misc'liMuiTH of II loiiji; lifo has cjin'itHl his heart in liand like a pahn branch, waving all discords into peace — lielps our faith in God and in each other more than many sermons." In you, sir, we know such a one. Vou are inlluential in all our gatlicrings, a force, not a fossil. A godly ancestry, the culture of college and seminary, and better still, tiic culture that comes from a life-walk with God, these are behind you and iu you. We have no power to honor reverently any of our number which we do not command to pay its first tribute to you. May your renuiining days on earth be the serenest, happiest, most attractive and most blessed of vour life. "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee : the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee : the Lord lift up his couutenance upon thee, and give thee i)eace." Assuring you, dear sir, that the pleasant labor of preparing this address was imposed upon us by the Ministerial Alliance of Tacoma (of which you are an honored member) , and that tiic same has been adopted by unanimous vote of the Alliance, we are happy to inscribe ourselves, your brethren in the Lord. B. S. MacLaffeuty, President. Chaplain R. S. Stubus, Secretary. LAST DAYS, 281 now and lituul cc — llitin You 'ossil. insirv, 3-Wllllv D have wbicU May ppiest, lis face m'{\ lift )eace." tibov of bv tbc are an idopted lippv to I'esident' ins, ^xretary. Dr. Eells replied, under j^reat stress of feeling, with some most interesting remarks on the advantages and enjoyments of a Ciu'istian oUl age. In Septenjber, l^ell for the elinreh at (.'hewelah. There were some unae- coiintabh» dehiys whicli trouhh'd him, but Iiis reciiiest was granted, and by February tlie oell was ordered and paid for. He had ])een requested many times to write out some of the most interesting reminiseenees of iiis life. He had found but little time to do it until 181)2, when he bad dictated about all he cared to tell. He now, too, stood almost the last of his pioneer associates. Dr. and Mrs. Whitman had ])een killed in 1847, the former at the age of forty-five, and the latter thirty-nine. Mrs. Spalding had died in 1851 at the age of forty-four; Mrs. A. li. Smith in 185r), aged forty -on e ; Father Spalding in 1874 at the age of seventy ; Father Walker in 1877, aged seventy-two ; Mrs. Eells in 1878, seventy-three ; the second Mrs. Spalding in 1880, seventy-one ; Mrs. W. II. Gray in 1881, seventy-one; Rev. A. B. Smith in 1880, aged seventy-six; and Hon. W. H. Gray in 1880, seventy- nine. Only Mrs. Walker was left, who was more than a year younger than Dr. Eells. Nearly all with whom he had been associated in his early work for the whites had also gone : Rev. Harvey Clarke in 1858, and his wife in 1866, each aged fifty- one; Mrs. Horace Lyman in 1874, aged fifty-three; S. H. Marsh, d.d., in 1879, fifty-three ; Mrs. J. S. I !' , ! 'I I 286 FATHER EELLS. 3i in Griffin in 1884, seventy-nine ; Rev. H. Lyman in 1887, seventy-one; Rev. G. H. Atkinson, d.d., in 1881), sixty-nine ; Rev. P. B. Chamberlain in 1889, sixty - four ; Rev. O. Dickinson in 1892, aged seventy-four. He had on December 15, 1892, conducted the funeral services of Mr. John Flett, a pioneer of 1841, with whom he had been very intimate. He had ex- pected some of these, especially Dr. Atkinson, Mr. Dickinson and Mr. Flett, to outlive him. Onlv Rev. J. S. Griffin, Mrs. Dickinson, and Mrs. Atkinson, of those who came previous to 1853, remained. Dr. Eells stood almost alone of all these who had come within fifteen years of the time he did — entirely alone of all in his adopted State of Washington, the others being in Oregon. He thought of those who had gone beyond, of his brothers and sisters, of his wife' brothers and sisters, all of whom had preceded him and of manv others with whom he had been bound ii Christian work, and many times read the following poem : — i '. SHALL WE FIND THEM AT THE PORTALS? Bit J. E. KANKIN, D.D., WASHINGTON, D. C. Will they meet us, cheer and greet us, Those we've loved, who've gone before? Shall we iind them at the portals, Finv«' our f«'rl»lo nif^ht., Happy ill liniuiUiuoI'M lovu. ril^^riiiis ill tliis vule of IciirH, Oui'o tlicy IviM'W, lilii! UH b(!low, (Jloomy (louhts, e per- mitted to round out his eighty-third year. This was granted, and his eighty-third birthday on earth was his first in heaven. The funeral services were held on the following Sabbath ; first, at the house, where intimate friends were present. These were conducted by his younger (' r 290 FAT HE 11 EELLS. ,ii» I: If i *. son, Rev. M. Eclls, assisted by Rev. Mr. Smith, of Tacoma, and Rev. IMr. Pamment, of the Puyalhip Indian ReseiTation. After this, the body was taken to the Congregational church, where excellent ad- dresses were made by the pastor, Rev. L. II. Hallock, Rev. B. S. MacLafferty, president of the Ministerial Alliance, Rev. I. Sims, and Rev. Dr. Cherrington of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with prayer by Chap- lain R. S. Stubbs. The next day the body was taken to Seattle, where it was met by several of the old pioneers and taken to the Congregational church, and addresses were made by Rev. Messrs. W. Nutting, S. Green, and Dr. A. J. Anderson, late president of Whitman College. It was then taken to the cemetery and laid by the side of his wife. Memorial services were afterward held at Walla Walla, where the principal address was made by the Rev. J. Edwards, assisted also by President J. F. Eaton and Mrs. N. F. Cobleigh, of Whitman College, and Dr. A. J. Anderson, its late president ; also, at Colfax, where the principal address was made by Rev. H. P. James, the pastor, who took the place which it was expected would be occupied by Hon. J. A. Per- kins, who was unexpectedly called away, Dr. F. M. Bunnell also paying a tender and appropriate tribute to the memory of his old friend ; also, at Medical Lake, Bgjgw-y.'at^f =••'." ■•'' LAST DAYS. 291 ti, of allup ttikeu t ad- llock, 3terial ton of Chap- where taken 3 were md Dr. College. ,he side Walla bv the J. F. /Ollegc, dso, at )y Rev. ^hich it Per- LF. M. Iibute to il Lake, where remarks were made by Mr. and Mrs. B. S. Dudley, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Gilkey, and Rev. F. V. Hoyt ; at Skokomish. the first church of which he was pastor, conducted by his son ; and at Ravenswood, near Chicago, 111., where the address was by Rev. Marcus Whitman Montgomery, assisted by Dr. J. E. Roy, with stercopticon views. These widespread services show the estimation in which Dr. Eells was held. The following extracts are taken from some of these addresses and from notices of him in the press. Many of the addresses referred to historical events, which have already been em- bodied in this narrative. Rev. B. S. MacLafferty, president of the Ministerial Alliance of Tacoma, spoke of the punctuality of Dr. Eells, as especially illustrated in his attendance on the meetings of the Alliance. Dr. F. B. Cherrington said that a hero was one who had had an opportunity and had been equal to it. Dr. Eells had had an opportunity and improved it. Rev. L. H. Hallock said : "At the dawn of his eighty-third birthday was translated from earth to heaven Dr. Cushing Eells, one of God's noblemen ; pioneer missionary, friend of humanity, founder of Whitman College, and, judged by the test of long, unwearied service, entitled as much as any man to the Master's greeting, ' Well done, good and faithful ,ii . \' 'A if i.' t 292 FATHER EELL8. ' / ! m r-5 IP', , 1 1 servant : enter thou into the joy of tliy Lord ! ' Good Father Eells died with the respect of all who knew him. He died in peace to meet the reward of an honored and faithful servant. If he had sought money, he had ample means for making it and abun- dant financial ability to amass it ; but he sought a higher end than wealth and won it. His work has never been heralded ; hardly has it been known save by a few ; but it will be revealed and crowned. Fel- low citizens of many faiths, who do him homage to-day, the burden of his life was to save men, to save Washington for God. Promote his work by the gift of your soul to God, your state to righteousness." Rev. T. Sims thus spoke: "Dr. Eells was truly an apostolic man. Taking him all in all he was, I think, the most Christlike man I have known. As I speak these impromptu words, my mind reverts to three features in our departed friend's character in which he reflected Christ in an eminent degree. " The first of these features was his modesty. He did not strive nor cry, neither was his voice heard in the streets. Ostentation or pretension of any kind was wholly foreign to him. After a long career of phenomenal usefulness and achievement, he always spoke with rare modesty of what he had done. In ministerial gatherings he steadily deferred to his younger brethren, contenting himself with very few LAST DAYS. 293 jood knew •f au jught [ibuu- k has I save Fel- omage words and often prefacing them with some self- depreciating remark. The seat he chose was sure to be a lowly one, unless watciiful friends insisted on his ' coming up higher.' Indeed his whole demeanor was impressive by reason of its simple modesty. His only counterpart in this, so far as my personal knowledge extends, is the noted principal of Knox College, Toronto. Dr. Eells and Dr. Caven I rank together as tiie two most beautifully modest great men it has been my privilege to know. ••'A second feature in which he largely retlected Christ was his love for service. He was preeminently a servant of his generation. How this was mani- fested in his long career as a missionary, as a finan- cial manager, and as a piiilanthropist has been dwelt upon already, and I need not repeat the story. Very impressive to me has it been to observe this spirit dominating the man in the smallest details. He offered himself as a missionary to the Indians in the enthusiasm of his youth because he had definitely chosen to be a servant to others, and that first choice grew into an ingrained habit of life. It was the sanie in small things as in great ; the same in the weakness of a<;e as in the ardor of youth and the vigor of his brilliant i)rime ; the same in the family circle as in the eye of the gazing world. " There was a most Christlike submission to the will '' 1.'.' ^!:::. I 'I 'I tlJ m:l 294 FATIIEli EELL8. of God. ' Well, God's will be doiie,' was a very con- stant formula on bis lips because it expressed the constant attitude of his soul. lie was a servant of his * generation acconlimj to the will of God.' He went and came, he spoke or was silent, he desired to live longer or depart at once, as it might please the Lord. He was very sure that God had a will concerniug him and he was profoundly desirous that the divine pur- pose should be accomplished in him and by him. " And surely that purpose was accomplished. It hardly seems as if his eighty-three years of life could have been spent to better purpose. He probably filled up the measure of his opportunity as fully as could be done. In an important sphere he did what was possible and occupied until his Master said : ' It is enough ! Come up higher ! ' fh V: i ' i . . 1 1 ?• . Si>ii Life's labor done, as sinks the clay, Free from its load the spirit flies; Wliile heaven and earth combine to say: ' How blest the righteous when he dies I ' " Rev. "VV. Nutting testified : " Truly he was a patron saint. The winds might blow and toss him about, but his purposes were so clearly defined in his mind that nothing could turn him. I never saw a man with such tenacity. An object before him, he would reach it, if it took ten years. When others would have given Last days. 295 whut patron lut, but id that Itli such li it, if L ., of Boston, editor of The Mis- sionary Herald: " Ilis earnestness and spirit of self- denial were remarkable. Though his worktJ do follow him, the generations yet to come will never know how much he accomplished for the welfare of his fellow- men" Mrs. H. 8. Caswell, of New York, editor of The Home Missionary : '' What a beautiful going home it was! — really a translation. What a glorious legacy he has left to you, his children ! " J. E. Roy, i).i>., of Chicago, district secretary of the American Missionary Association : " What a glori- ous era he has had to live in, and what « glorious iiistory he has helped to make in that country! In no eastern pastorate could he have made his influence so signally felt as in his home missionary sphere." Professor W. 1). Lyman, of Whitman College : *'Amid the selfishness and narrow-mindedness and cold-hcartedness which surround us, it gives one more faith in God and man and progress to see such a con- sistent life of steadfast Christian efifort." Miss Sarah I. Lyman, in The Pacific : *' Memory LAf^T DAYS. 301 I nust )llow Mis- sclf- oUow kr how ullow- if The Dine it legacy ary of glori- lonous III uo [nee so )llcge : ts unci more la con- tcmory takes me back to the years of luy childhood. One of tile first persons !q)pearing tliere, vvitli a sort of lialo around Iier liead, as of one of tlie old Madonnas, is that lovely woman, Mrs. Kclls. She was niv first Sunday-school teacher, and many happy hours have I passed in the (piiet little library of their iiome in Forest Grove, sitting on the lloor over a pile of Youtii's Companions, reading f;)r hours at a time, and nibbling such delightful doughnuts (I nev(!r tasted any except my mother's (piite so good). Dear old lady, how I loved her ! and well 1 might, for if ever there was a saint on earth she was one. *'I)r. lOells was a fine example of physical strength and of the correctness of th«' [uinciple of total absti- nence not alone from liquor and tobacco, but also tea, coffee, cake, and other dainties, lie performed an amount of labor that most men could not endure. As has been well said, his business was to preach the gos})el, and live it as well. Infidels not only respected him, but many were converted through not alone his words, but his life. I once heard a lady in speaking of him (piote this text : ' Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile ! ' "Well and nol.iv did he and his wife, and other men and women who came to this coast in an early day, not to make money, but to do g«)od, do then* work. The soil of Oregon and Washington and Culi- i] V- m I' 302 FATllEU KKLLS. foriiin liJiM Ikhmi coiihihtmUmI l)y tlicir IitjkI. 'IMioy arc iioarly sill jjijone now to (lie shiiiinji; io:ilms sihovc, >vlicro lenrs :uv sill wasliod suvjiy, jhhI ' iicitlicr sliuil the sun li^ht on Ihoni, nor niiy heat.*" A. II. IJruilford, d.d., of Montchiir, M. ♦!., who MHsistod in oroMni/inji; (ho chnrt'h nt Skokotnish in IS71, in an McKlrcs.s before the AnuM'ican Ilonu; IMirtsionary Society in 1881, said : " ' What kind of men do they iiave ont there?' Men like Father Kells, who has traversed those forests nntil all the Indians know hin), and all tiie settlers know h'ni, and all the l)ears and {'ontiars know him, for thoni;h h»i always travels unarmed, he always travels unharmed — a man w'-n will travel on luM'sebaek all day to read the IJible aiu: pray with a siuLile family." E. li. Parsons, secretary of the faculty of Williams Collesie, to Kdmund Seymour, of 'J'acoma : " In behalf of Willianis College let me express to you and the many friends of Kev. Dr. Cushing Eells our profound sense of loss in the death of this heroic son of the college and our great admiration for those (jualities of far-sig'ited entiiusiasm and painstaking zeal, by which his life and services have brought helpfulness to the nation and to hunuiuity, and honor to the college." Hartford Seminarv Record: '* To-day the onlv living graduate of the class of 1837 is G. W. Bassett, Dr. % ,t LAIST DAYS. 303 uy arc ibt)vc, • shall ., who voinish Home of men Is, who s know 10, luMiis triivclH tui w'«^ ible suiv: ^^illiiims II ln'hiiir luul the •of on ml of the lintilities teal, by Dfnlness to tuo Iv livini^ )tt. Dr. Ki'll.s' clu.s.sniatc in t'oll('}j;o timl Hcminary, l)nt two years his jnnior. No member of an earber chiss now lives, and only one jiiradnate of tin; seminary is of greater aj;e than was Dr. Im'IIs at the time of h.is dcadi. ''He exemplilied in spirit and in i\{.\vi\ the purposes and pei'formanees of the early settlers of New Kn}j;land. It is true of him to a degree impossible! in the chanjijed civilization of the close! of the nincituenth centuiy. Tlu! stedfast conra«^e which ftiared no unknown dan<^(!r and shunned none, the loving desire; to bring tlu! heathen red man to Christ, the attempt made, with the resultant building of the foundations of a wliite civilization, the strong national fee^ling and sound politic. d sagacity, the love of learning and the belief ill education, the; toil for thi! college! side! by siele witii the labor in the! church, the pre)founel trust in (le>d anel in his pur[)oses for this land, the cntir,' relian(!e at all turns of perse)nal fe)rtune e^n the! Divine! IMovidence, the readiness for labe)r of any sort, the utter simplicity of character, and the almost limitless capa(!ity for joyful self-denial for the achie've;ment e>f vve)rk believeel to be (Jod-ai)pointeel — these are traits which we have come to ace"e[)t as typical of the! settleMs of Ne!w Kng- 'and, anel which were embodie'el in iiim. They we're traits which fe)unel the lie-ld fe)r their manifiistation amid what seemed te) be svve'r.tee'ntii-century coneli- tions. The darknes" of the untre)dden wejods, the i w 304 FATIIEli EELL8. m ■ m starlit bivouac, the weary watchfulness for hostile savages, the rough log house, the Indian massacre, the flight, and the piivations from cold and hunger, the courageous return — these incidents of the pioneer life of Dr. Kells belong to another generation than ours. They seem to link him who experienced them more closely with the Mayflower than with the life of our day. If we feel inclined to ask what sort of a man the Puritan would be in the nineteenth century, the answer stands ready in Gushing Eells. " Small men, it is said, petrify ; great men ripen with age. ^ ' lis ripened. His was a hard life, a sacrificial life. ...e lost his life for Christ's sake ; but in so doing he found it." Again : " Many a church in the great northwest has to-day in its spire a bell that Gushing Eells presented to it, and many a weary, burdened home missionary has in some special time of need received financial aid from this man, who counted it ' more bless jd to give than to receive,' and who often accompanied his gifts with only a sentence, frequently the words, 'Bear yo one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.' " Resolutions adopted by the faculty of Tualitin Academy and Pacific University at Forest Grove, March 11, 1893, to wit : — " Wliereas^ In the providence of God, Rev. Gushing Eells, D.D., has closed a long and useful life ; and Hi LAST DAYS. 305 gifts jar yc rist. lalitin ■>iove, ishing " Whereas^ He has had by his former connection with this school as a teacher and by his vahiable gifts to the institution an important relation to Tualitiu Academy and Pacific University ; ^'•liesolved, by the faculty thereof, That we feel it a duty and privilege to express our high esteem for his consistent and earnest Christian character, and our grateful appreciation of his generous and self- denying efforts in behalf of Christian education, both here and elsewhere, by gifts and personal labors. '' That we believe that, so long as such fathers of enlightened patriotism and of practical piety shall be found to represent ou" churches and to join in their mission to elevate humauity, Christianity will neither be nor be called a failure. ** That we confidently believe that his life of trust and obedience is transformed to one of higher power and joy and peace, and that the circle who have through his instrumentality been made savingly ac- quainted with the gospel are to him a crown of rejoicing in the presence of his God." Resolutions by the Congregational church of Walla Walla and Whitman College, to wit : — ** Wliereas, It was the will of Almighty God, our heavenly Father, to take unto himself our godly father on his eighty-third birthday. Key. Cushins; Eells, D.D. ; 1^ p'- 3U6 FATIIEli EELLS, »' ? '''•Resolved^ That we express our high regard and respect for the humble aud consistent Christian, the pioneer aud venerable missionary, whose life was a blessing to the world. Though recognizing that he came to ' his grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn Cometh in in his season,' and that he ' fought a good fight, and finished his course, and kept the faith,' and that he is gone to receive ' the crown of righteousness prepared for him,' yet we mourn our loss in his decease. " He was truly a man of God, ever enjoying com- munion with him, and his conversation was in heaven, and his purpose was to serve God and benefit his fellow men. He walked the earth doing good. All classes of men, Jews, Roman Catholics, and infidels, as well as Protestants, regarded him as ' the noblest work of God, an honest man.' " Though modest and unassuming, by the thorough consecration of himself to the service of his Master he accomplished a more enduring work than many who have occupied more conspicuous places. By his exemplary Christian life he has been a constant testi- mony and unanswerable argument in favor of the elflcacy and power of the religion of Jesus Christ. For such a life, so self-denying and devoted to the highest purposes, we all have reason to thank God, and you can justly feel proud and deem it a goodly LAST DAYS. 307 heritage to be the sons and daughters of sucli a noble man. '* You have our deepest sympathy in your bereave- ment. We know you do not weep as those who have no hope, but find real consolation in the divine prom- ises, knowing that, to him who lived for Christ, to die was gain." Resolutions by the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance, namely : — " Whereas., In the wise providence of God, we have been called to part with our revered and beloved father in Christ, the Rev. Dr. Cushing Eells, who died February 16, 1893, aged eighty-three years; ^^ Resolved, That in the early years of perilous work among the Indians he proved himself their heroic friend and fully equal to the great opportunity which God opened unto him as to few men ; that in his great work for education in the northwest, notably in founding and maintaining almost at his own expense and exertion that noble monument unto him whose name it bears. Whitman College, Father Eells ren- dered a permanent service to tlic state of Washington, which will enhance as years roll on ; and that by his later work in founding, organizing, and aiding in the support of churches in our state he has supplemented a full life work of threescore and ten years by a last chapter of exceeding value to tlie cause of Christ, y i|i f , 5 308 FATIlETi EKLLS. and over many of such churches his Sabbath bells will continue to ring out his honored memory alonj^ witii their calls to the worship of God. ''^liesolved, That we express to the races he served, the colleges he builded, the churches he aided, the family he honored, and the city he ndopted, our cordial sympathy in their loss, and together with them we express our unfading tribute of personal affection and esteem for our translated friend — Father Eells." Resolutions by the Tacoma Congregational Associa- tion, also adopted by the General Association of Washington : — " Wicreas, In the providence of God, our most venerated and beloved father. Rev. Gushing Eells, D.D., honored of God as few men have been and spared to the good old age of eighty-three years, has been promoted to the higher field of service in the Master's kingdom ; *' Therefore the Tacoma Association of Congrega- tional Churches and Ministers, in session at the Atkinson Memorial Church, hereby record their deep and sincere appreciation of the rare unselfishness, the modest. Christlike spirit, and the long and varied usefulness of this man of God. As pioneer mission- ary, as educator of youth, as friend and preacher to the Indians, as pastor and benefactor of many churches, and last but not least as founder of Whit- LAST DAYS. th bells y alon^ served, led, the • cordial liem we tion and \ssocia- tion of 301) *' We have lost a father hnf n^ i i P'omise, „o^ delights ,o l.onor ^ '^ '' •^ ^'^* ^"' thnstiaii sympathy." a of ed IS ir most r Eells, icn and ars, has in the i ! mj^rega- at the Mr deep ishness, I varied nission- )reacher f many f Whit- I Pi , P.- ! : Ji CHAPTETl XTT. CIIAUACTKKISTICS. ni GUSHING EELLS was a true pioneer. Some- limes a slur is cast on eastern men when they come west that they cannot do as well as western men. Dr. Eells came from the far east to the far west and succeeded fairly well. At his death he was the oldest pioneer in Washington. The only time he ever attended the annual reunion of the pioneers of Oregon, June 15, 1880, he was in the front rank. His company included the first Congregational min- isters to come to Oregon.^ None came before the trio composed of himself and Messrs. Walker and Smith. He was also a member of the first Presbyterian cliurcii west of the Rocky Mountains, having joined IK i! ' In issr) Uic CongregaUonalists of Oregon and Washington celebrated their jubilee at Forest Grove, that being fifty years from the time llev. S. I'arker came to the coast. Mr. Parker was ordained a Congi*e- galionalist, ami a letter from his son to the author Btated that he believed that he continued so. A much later letter stated that further investigation showed that on account of certain Christian work in which Mr. I'arker was engaged in New York it became necessary for him to join the presbytery before he came to Oregon ; so the celebra- tion was three years too soon. 310 ?1 CHAR A C T Eli IS TICS. 311 Sonie- 111 they YGsteru the far be was time be icers of rank. al niin- tbe trio Smith. yteriau joined iclebratcd the time Congre- thJit he ^t further work in ^ssary for celebra- it September 2, 1H38, twenty days after it was orj^an- ized. Tbnt was the mission church, Presbyterian iu name, Init Congregational in practice as long as it wus the mission church of the American Hoard, Afterward, when Mr. Spalding, its pastor, returned to his work among the Nez l*erces, it was transferred to that place, became thoroughly Presbyterian, and cele- brated its jubilee August 13, 1888. Dr. Eells was requested to represent the American IJoard at that time, but could not well do so, and his sou took his place. It has also been noted in this biography that he assisted in organizing the first Congregational church east of the Cascade Mountains, at The Dalles. With his wife and older son he was among the seven original members of the first Congregational church in the state of Washington, at Walla Walla. He organ- ized the first Congregational church north of Snake River and east of the Columbia at Colfax, delivered the first Fourth of July address at the Walla Walla valley, and also in the Colville valley, and preached the first Protestant sermon in Walla Walla. In 1848-49 he taught in the Oregon Institute, now Willamette University, the oldest college on the Pacific coast, which dates its origin back tc March 15, 1842, though not legally chartered as a college until January, 1853. Again he taught in Tualitin Academy ! 1 (1 312 FATJlh'Ji J'JI'JLLS. ill 1841), five months before tlie charter was granted even for tlie academy, which was September 26, 1849. and tliis was five years before tlic college charter was granted. He also taught in Whitman Seminary, the first collegiate institution east of the Cascade Mountains, six months after its first building was dedicated. When these events, together with his almost daily work of pioneer travel and Christian labor, on horse- back, in the forest and on the prairie, by day and night, are taken into consideration, it is not strange that at the National Congregational Council in 1883 he received the name of "John the Baptist of the Home Missionary Society." He had a remarkable memory. In the Whitman controversy lion. Elwood P^vans took a position decid cdly opposed to that of Dr. Eells. The point und discussion was a meeting of the Oregon mission held in September, 1842. Mr. Evans said to Dr. Eells afterward : " I did not impeacli your truthfulness. I only impeached your memory." Mr. Evans, how- ever, found himself mistaken, for the journal of Rev. E. Walker was found and showed that Dr. Eells' recollection was correct, although the event had occurred more than forty years previous. After Dr. PLells had resigned his last pastorate in 1888, having more leisure than usual he was "l\ en AHA a teuis tics. 313 abkod to write out hoiiu; of his reiuiuiHcciices. As he had passed througli two fires Jind many removals, iiwiiiy of his early papers and journals had been h>st. He had to depend considerably on his memory. Yet it was quite easy to remember very many of the par- ticulars in regard to transactions long years previous. Professor W. D. Lyman says: "lie had some remarkable gifts. One was an extraordinary memory. I never knew one whose memory was both so acciu'ate and so retentive. I met him in Colfax live or six years ago, and remarking to him that I had not heard him speak for a dozen years or so, and naming the occasion, he said : ' And do you remember the text?' I acknowledged my inability to do so, when he at once repeated it, together witli various minute circum- stances." ^ Precision. Rev. W. A. Tenney, of Oakland, Cal., pastor of Dr. Eells at Forest Grove in 18G1, says, after speaking of published notices about him since his death : " What I have always regarded as his most marked trait of individuality no one seems to have mentioned, namely, precision. I used to notice it in all he did. In singing, his time, tune, pauses, and enunciation were as exact as possible. His conversa- tion, addresses, sermons, and prayers were always noticeably accurate, even to the pronunciation of 1 Whitman CoHegian, March, 1893, ^««^^ 314 FATIIEB EELL8, every word, syllable, and letter with a full and correct sound. His use of words and structure of sentences were according to rule, with perhaps more of the Latin element in language than is common to-day. His arrangement of ideas and material of discourse was always extremely methodical. His correspond- ence bore the trait — clear and exact form of letters, punctuation, and neatness. If I recollect, his home, bis yard, his stable, fences, and even his attire, whether on Sunday or for work or for a long journey from The Dalles to Walhi Walla — all were in perfect order. This element of precision existed in a more marked degree and to a more general extent in Father Eells than in any man I ever knew." Economy. When Dr. Eells was asked by Rev. ^ . Edwards how it was that he had been able to con- tribute so much he replied : " Industry ; economy crowned by the divine blessing." Brought up as he was on the rugged hills of New Ii^ngland, in his early life he learned habits of economy, which he practiceu through life, and which gave to him the property he was able to give away. He always lived economically. During the last few years that he lived in the Indian country previous to 1848, the expenses of himself and family, four persons, to the Missionary Board were less than a hundred dollars a year. When he taught in Whitman Seminary, he boarded CHAIiACTEIilHTICS. 315 himself in the building, six miles from home, riding home usujilly about twice a week for food and meals, except when invited to meals by friends. When he was engaged in his home missionary work in eastern Washington he usually lived in much the same way, having his own house and cooking his own food, except when friends invited him to share their hospi- tality. Sometimes these invitations were by arrangc;- ments once a day. When he traveled he practiced tiie same economy, much preferring whjii lie could to go with his own horse, and carry his food and camp out, than to travel by stage, steamer, or cars and put up at hotels. In 1882 he wrote : " The cost of my food is trilling. In the estimation of some mv manner of living mav be regarded as ol)jectiouable. But if locusts and wild honey were s* 'Ticient for a distinguishably great prophet, perhaps I may be excused if I can comfort- ably save money to relieve suffering sister Julia." ' Yet his economv was solelv for himself. To others he was always liberal. December 10, 1892, he wrote: "I am permitted to gather refuse material for firewood. It is po8si])le that in the estimation of most such work is degrading. The word of God and the calls of benevolence encour- age me in so doing." » See page 237. i i 1/i 316 FATHER EELL8. He was a man of prayer. Those who heard his public prayers knew that he had learned to pray in his closet. At one time, when he was living in the family of his son, Indian Agent Eells, there were very severe trials, and all worked hard to avoid threatened danger. It was avoided. In speaking of it after- ward, his daughter-in-law said that she had had more faith in grandpa's prayers than in all the work of the other persons. His lack of ability in some other respects was made up by more than ordinary power in prayer. It was the secret of his success. Mrs. G. R. Andrus says that at one time Dr. Eells came to their house at Cheney very much troubled. He had been the only minister in northeastern Wash- ington ; he had seen the work growing and had asked for help. Rev. F. T. Clark had been sent, and Dr. Eells had anticipated great assistance from him ; but he did not do as was expected. The churches suf- fered, and he finally left the ministry. It was a bitter disappointment to Dr. Eells. When he went to Dea- con Andrus' house, much depressed and afraid as to what the results would be, he said his only hope was that God would overrule all for the best ; that he had spent the whole night in prayer, earnest, wrestling prayer, that the churches might be delivered from their dilliculties. While he talked, tears were stream- ing from his eyes. Mrs. Andrus adds that it was a CHAR A C TEIilS TICS, 317 common thing for him to spend hours of the night in wrestling prayer for the work. His journal of June 19, 1888, says : " Without effort I am considerably occu[)icd in prayer." " Taking hold of God in prayer " was also a common expression with him in later years, originating from his own experience. lie was a man of benevolence. When he was con- verted, his purse was converted. He preached be- nevolence and set the example. When he left the Indian mission in 1848, he determined to give one tenth of his income to the Lord, and he did so, how- ever hard the times were, and however difficult he found it to live. As far back as 1851 and 1852, when he had an income of little more than six hundred dol- lars a year, he gave one hundred dollars a year to support the gospel in his neighborhood. When he began to work for Whitman Seminary, he gave so much more than one tenth that no such limit was heard of after that. In 1872, whti- his house at Walla Walla was burned, he asked himself what God meant by it — whether it was not a rebuke to him for trying to lay up too many riches. He thought he might have erred in this respect, and so then he determined to lay up no more, but to give away all of his income except what he should need for the support of himself anU wife; and they lived economically. 318 FATHER EELLS. I if m''\i^.. Mrs. I^ells shared the spirit of her husband in regard to liberality. Her gift to Pacific University has already been mentioned. When she died, she gave all her private money — about two hundred and seventy dollars — to the American Board, the Ameri- can Home Missionary Society, and the American Mis- sionary Association. When Rev. E. W. Allen, of Dayton, Wash., was burned out. Dr. Eells sent him a letter of cheering sympathy and enclosed fifty dollars. When young he had heard of two kinds of sympathy. One was that manifested on a somewhat similar occasion, when one man said to another who had lost considerable, "I feel for you," and that was all. Another man said, " 1 feel for you ; I feel for you so much," and gave the sufferer live dollars. Dr. Eells preferred the latter — to show his faith by his works. He felt in the same way for Christian education, the missionary cause, poor churches, and similar work. The following is a list of the benevolences of Dr. and Mrs. Eells so far as ascertainable : — To Whitman College „ The Aiiierieau Education Society . . „ The American Board „ Congregational Church at Forest Grove „ „ „ „ Walla Walla »> >» » »> Colfax . „ ., „ „ Dayton . $10,000.00 1,000.00 2,500.00 1,150.00 860.00 1,600.00 1,058.10 CHAR A C T Eli IS TICS. 319 in sity slio and Qcri- Mis- was ering ug lie 8 that jn one I feel 4 1 feel uffercr sbow le way poor )f Dr. io,ooo.oo 11,000.00 12,500.00 1 1,150.00 860.00 1 1,600.00 1,058.10 To Congregational Church at Cheney $1,109.75 ), „ „ „ Sprague 756.8r) ff „ „ ,, Spokane 500:00 ff „ „ „ Medical Lake .... 285.20 }) ,, „ „ Tacoma (Atkinson Me- morial) 214.95 „ „ „ „ East Tacoma .... 211.00 )) „ M „ Olympia 52.00 I) „ „ „ Seattle 60.00 if ff „ „ Lone Pine 50.00 )t „ „ „ Chewelah 174.14 „ „ „ „ TTnion City 50.00 ,, „ „ „ Tullman, an organ . . 47.50 Mrs. Eells' Legacies 270.00 „ „ Donation to Pacific University .... * 500.00 Miscellaneous 1,235.10 Total f24,C54.05 To this should also be added his legacy to Whitman College, which amounts to about five thousand dollars. Included among these gifts was a bell to each of tlie following churches, he paying the whole cost in most eases, though perhaps not in every one : Colfax, Day- ton, Chewelah, Spokane First, Cheney, Medical Lake, Sprague, North Tacoma, and East Tacoma, nine in all. *'Thus," says Rev. T. W. Walters, "being dead he yet speaketh all over the country." Rev. J. Edwards said, in his memorial discourse : *Tlii8, at the time of Dr. Eells' death, had increafled so that It amouutcd to twelve thousand five hundred dolturs. III- ; I 320 FATHER EELLS. **Was he not the most generous man on the Pacific coast? Is there any other one who has contributed as liberally, according to his means, to extend Christ's kingdom as he?" The Home Missionary, in commenting on his life work, closes with these words : " Verily, here is an in- stance where ' Love does not measure its gifts, but rejoices to give all.' " ^ His was a consistent Christian life. He was not per- fect. No one knew this better than himself. He made his mistakes and had his besetting sins and prejudices, but still he was respected for his honest, sincere life. At one time, as he went to the polls on election day in Walla Walla, where there was much wirepulling to secure votes, the inspector of the elec- tion, a neighbor of his, but who belonged to the oppo- site party from Dr. Eells, said when he saw him coming that he would rather attsmpt to influence the vote of any other man whom he knew than that of Dr. Eells ; and he said it with sincerity. Sometimes he felt as if his life had almost been a failure. In 1873 he could say that neither in the min- istry, missionary work, nor in his efforts for Whitman Seminary, could he see much result from his labors. The last twenty years of his life gave him good results in all these, but previous to that time he often felt 'The Home Missionary, Marcti, 1893, page 559. CHAR A C TEIilS TICS. 321 icific 2d as rist's i life an in- 3, but Dt per- >, He QS and honest, polls on .s much he elec- e oppo- coming vote of . Eells ; been a the min- 'hitman labors. results [ten felt discouraged. An intimate friend, an associate teaclier, said of him that he ought not to feel so, for if he had accomplished nothing more in life than to earn his consistent Christian reputation, his life was a success. Rev. J. Edwards met an old pioneer in the Colville valle}', who was very skeptical in regard to Christianity, but acknowledged that Father Eells was a real Chris- tian, and he seemed to think him to be about the only good man in the world. The wife of this man said : *' Father Eells has been the savior of my family." This man was especially bitter against Indian agents and seemed to think that there was not an honest one anywhere. He was told that Dr. Eells had a son who was one, and this astonished him. Although he was not at all acquainted with Indian Agent Eells, yet so great was his confidence in the father that he said : "I believe Father Eells' son can be an honest Indian agent." He loved the cause of Christian education. Many of his vacations, while in college and the theological seminary, were spent in teaching. In the mission he taught the Indian school his share of the time. After he left the mission he taught twelve and a half years, actual time, also serving as president of the board of trustees of Whitman College from the first, in 1859, until his death — nearly thirty-four years. He also served as superintendent of schooL a year or two in 1 ! 322 FATJIKli EIJLLS. ?;< Ij HI 1 ft 1 Kin ifiji H :.■ t 1 ' * f 1 i 1 Mt^ , ill ^ 1] f r ' iii k6 )> aHI iulU p 1 i: 5'fe 1 ■in 'j^n ;!j| ? '•'JH ^1 j m 11 '-' fij U 1 "ij j'l / 4 ii^t III 1 \w , ^ jS 1 ' i 1 K ^ R. ^H* 1 * ■n ; i.i AVtiUa Walla County, and in Whitman County two years. He loved the ministry. Although he spent many years in teaching, it was not because he felt coldly toward preaching, but because for a time Providence seemed to point in that direction ; for when he left the Indian work he could see no other better way by which he could support his family. When, during the last eighteen years of his life, he found more time than he previously had done to study the Bible, as a minister he spoke of it as exhilarating and seeming to lift him into a new life. When over seventy-five j'cars of age, a friend advised him to leave eastern Washington and go to Pnget Sound and rest with his sons. He replied : "Would you deprive me of tire glorious privilege of preaching the gospel of Christ?" When strong in- ducements were held out at one time to induce his son to enter other work than that of the ministry, he ex- pressed a strong desire that this should not be done. The following items from his journal bear on this point : — "Jj'.nnary 19, 1877. It is a luxury to study the Scriptures." " December 23. I am thankful for the privilege of preaching." "January 20, 1878. To acquire and impart Bible knowledge is by myself esteemed a high privilege." CUAllACTERISTICa. 323 '* December 18. I am buppy in the work of ser- monizing." " March 7, 1880. I believe that to preach the glori- ous gospel in demonstration of the Spirit and of power is the height of my ambition." '' January 15, 1882. I have been much exercised in prayer. I have a strong desire for length of days and bestowal of strength and grace so that 1 may perform large service for Christ and his church. I earnestly ask to be favored with the privilege of preaching the glorious gospel with power and success." '* December 17, 1884. I am grateful even for a small congregation." *' March 31, 1889. At Prairieside there were seven beside myself. Whether the smallness of the number is my fault I cannot say. 1 desire to be grateful for the privilege of preaching to a few." He loved missionary work, especially that among the Indians. He once said at Skokomish, when there was talk of establishing a monthly concert of prayer for missions, that he did not believe a church would long be a living one which did not take a living interest in missions. After a missionary meeting at the same place, an attendant said that she always enjoyed those meetings fully as much as any others because of the earnestness with which Dr. Eells threw himself into them. Mrs. Eells said many times, between 1853 and *.' 324 FATIIEll EELLS, P If. mil. 1860, that uotwithstauding the luauy removals they had made, and whieh to her were great undertakings, yet she was willing to make one more removal if it could be back among the Indians. As long as they both lived, their prayers were for the aborigines, especially those with whom they had labored in early life. He often visited the Spokane Indians while in eastern Washington, and both he and the Indians enjoyed tiie visits. He was also greatly interested in the work of his sous among the Indians ou Puget Bound. He carefully revised the book of his son on "Indian Missions on the Pacilic Coast," promising to give one hundred dollars if necessary (though it did not prove to be) to aid in its publication, and said to him when it was published : "If you had given me ten thousand dollars I could not have been better pleased than I was when I read that book, especially the fourth chapter." Among his gifts were twent3'-five hundred dollars to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. One of his first gifts to this Board was fifty dollars when he was dismissed from their service, and it was given as an offering for having been per- mitted to labor in that service. For about the last twenty-five years of his life he followed the plan as nearly as he could of annually constituting, by the payment of a hundred dollars, some one an honorary CIIARACTEniSTICS. 325 member of the Board. Twenty-three persons, incUul- ing nil his ehikheu and grandchildren, four of the family of lion. J. A. Perkins, of Colfax, and Mrs. Mary R. Walker, were thus made honorary members. As the total contributions to the Board (including his own) from Washington since 1857, the first year when any donation was made from that state, to Januaiy 1, 1893, have been $5,571.53, and those from Oregon since 1850, when the first donation from that state was made, have been $7,494.11, it will ])e seen that his donations have been nearlv as much as those of all ocijcr persons in Washington. But as his dona- tions previous to 1862 are included in the Oregon douatioiib, his have been nearly one fourth of the total swia. Ue uras a consecrated man. He was not perfect. Ilis journal during the last few years of his life often speaks of his mourning for sin. Yet the giving of his money, of his time, — especially when in the home missionary work when he almost entirely supported himself, and when he vrorked for Whitm; n College, es|)*H4ally the year which he spent for it m the east when he gave his time and paid his own expenses, — show that he was perhaps as nearly thoroughly consecrated to Christ as any one. Rev. J. Edwards says : *' His walk with God made him a thoroughly consecrated Christian. He con- 320 FATHER EELLS. sidcrcd it liia reasontiblo duty to present his whole being u lioly and accept{il)le yacrifice to God. lie was reared in the atmosphere created by the Nettleton revivals in New P^ugland in the early part of this century. The preaching heard in his youth empha- sized nia I's condition by nature on account of sin, his al)solute dependence upon Christ for salvation, the necessity of regeneration and entire surrender to God and his service. The Christian life was made a spir- itual life — every Christian a missionary'. Those great doctrines took hold upon him and molded his charac- ter. They made him a true missionary, so that noth- ing could swerve him from the purpose of serving God and humanity. He considered all he had the Lord's. It was his close walk with God that made his life such a grand one. He walked the earth doing good, and his meat and drink was to do the will of his Father in heaven. In him we have a wonderful illus- tration of the possibilities of life under adverse cir- cumstances if governed by noble purposes. It shows that the most worthy, honorable, and magnificent life possible on earth is the godly one. ' Enoch walked with God.' That brief biography, so rich, so signifi- cant, and comprehensive, thoroughly fits Father Eells. It seems to express the very genius of Father Eells' life." Dr. Eells once said : *' I have believed the Scripture ClIAltACTKRISTICS. 327 to such an extent that everything — soul, spirit, body, purse, house, hiud, horse, buggy — was laid on the altar of God." In 1874, on the hist day before reaching Colfax on his way from Spokane, he rode about twenty-six miles and walked thirteen. When he was descendinij the canon into Colfax, st'll walking, these thoughts were in his mind : "Is it not a little strange that I am walking so comfortably, and what is this for?" The reply was: '*To please my Maker and to subserve the best interests of my fellows." Those thoughts suggested a Scripture text: "The joy of the Lord is your strength." " I believe that is the solution of the great labor I have been able to perform without weari- ness. The joy of the Lord has been my strength." His was a life of trial and faith, Altiiough much success finally crowned his efforts, yet ho had to wait long. It looked very dark when he was driven from his Spokane Indians and had seen so little fruit. It looked at times, especially between 1870 and 1880, as if all his efforts and prayers for Whitman College, together with the money given, might be lost. When he was in the East, in 1883-84, in behalf of the college there were great discouragements, and the same was true in his home missionary work. Still his faith in God held on. In 1872, after he had been burned out at Walla i 328 FATHER EELLS. Wiilla and visited Bois6 City, one thing impressed itself on the mind of tlie writer as he heard anew the story of his father's life at prayer-meeting and else- where. " What a strong faith he has had to hold on in spite of so many discouragements ! " On these points Dr. Eells' journal has the following items : — * " ^)ctober 5, 1879. The result of ray effort to erect houses of worship may well cause serious reflection. I have appropriated n\ore than three thousand dollars to aid in buildin«. three houses of worship, not one of which is used laigc^y by Congregational clergymen. I judge there is reason to conclude that ou account of error of purpose or act my offering has not been entirely acceptable. O Lord, be pleased to guide me, so that my purposes shall be right, motives pure, and conduct without reproach." "June 14, 1881. I have been afflicted in view of the results of my .fe work. To-night am somewhat comforted." '* February 14, ! ^S6. During the past week I have prayed more than i.aual for the presence and pow*?r to attend the service to-day at Marshall. On the way thither 1 was expectant that my request would be granted. Together with the communicated appoint- ment I signified tiiat I would be promptly there and would be pleased to have a fire seasonably kindled. CHAJtACTEBISTICS, 329 " At two o'clock tlie bouse was cold. Old ladv Blaine came, returned, brought pitch pine and matches. While I was making whittlings a boy came to start a fire. Then it was time to commence service. Tardily a small number assembled. Re- turning I suffered from cold. I walked to increase comfort and reached home wearied." " February 6, 1887. This morning (the Sabbath) I feared that I should not be able to perform my assigned work. The words, Micah 7:1), came to my mind : ' I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me : he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteous- ness.' Thereby I was comforted and strengthened. I judge that 2 Cor. 12:9 was verified : ' My grace is suflTicient for thee : for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' " *' March 8. This morning I was led to look up the words, ' For a small moment have 1 forsaken thee ; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer' (Is. 54:7, 8). I like to believe that God the Spirit moved upon my mind. I am opi)ressed. I am uflllicted. I cry day and night." *' March 25. I judge that the buffetiugs of Satan I 330 FAT HE 11 EKLLS. I m 1«! \ have been applied. I turned to the Thirty-seventh Psahn. 1 took hold of the words : ' Trust in the Lord. Deligiit thyself also in the Lord; and he siiall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in him ; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.' By those words applied by the Holy Spirit I am eomforted." " May 1. If I judge eorrectly there is evidence of marked dislike to myself and my ministration of the Word. 1 believe there is decided opposition to the truth. To myself the conviction is satisfactory. I preach the truth, therefore I displease some. With the divine favor 1 can bear the ill-treatment of unrea- sonable and wicked men. I rather enjoy their dislike. O Lord, vindicate thy servant in his endeavors to proclaim the truth. I hope and trust in thee." 7//.S' life wiia an ausicer to skeptics. What made the boy who ran out of his father's house at the back door, for fear that his pastor would talk to him on the subject of religion, work in after years so earnestlv forCVrist? There can be but one answer; it was the grace of God. AVhat was it made the aged man of sixty-seven, without even a wife to sympathize with and cheer him, leave the children, who wished him to remain, and go VJfA UA CTKniSTICS. 331 hundreds of niilos and stay eleven years? What induced birn at tlie age of threescore and thirteen to go east to engage in the most hd)orious and trying woriv of his life? It was not money, for he had plenty on which to live ; and ])e8ides during all these years he in the main supported himself and paid his own expenses. It was renewed consecration to his Maker. It was a living God, Saviour, Holy Spirit, and Hible living in him. Said a skeptic lately when the writer brought up Paul's changed life as an instance of the realitv of religion : " That is old ; so long ago that we can hardly realize whether it is true or not." Tlie lives of Dr. Eells and others like him prove that the gospel has the same living power to-day as in Paul's time. Yet Dr. Eells waH an ordinary man. Very ordi- nary, some thought; some rather looked down on him. He was not commanding in presence ; he was never invited to become the pastor of the larger pulpits even in Oregon and Washington, and seldom invited to speak in them. He did not feel competent to become president even of his own college. He was never so far above other men but what they were brethren, never so far ])ut what thousands of others could look at liim as an example of what they might be and do. lie proved the truth of the words, " In due season we 332 FA Tin: a kklls. ^■(."r M ! hIimII rosip, if wo fniiit not." Throe poiiilH illiistiMto tliis — his work lus u jniuistor, sih m iiiisMioiiMry. and for Whit man CoUo^o. In 1H7.'{ Iho prospects in rejrJU'd to all these looked very dark to him. lie had jiiven him- self to the work of the ministry- but hy 1.S71, thirty- six years after his onlination, he had never been pastor of a ehnreh ; hnt dnrin«; tlu> last nineteen years of his life he was pastor of seven c^hnrches, having been pastor of three of them at the same time, nearly all of whieh he had been largely instrnmcntal in oryranizing. He gave ten years of his life to nn'ssionary work among the Spokane Indians. He was driven fron the mission and left it with the feeling that not one of those Indians was snital)le for ehnreh membership. It was not nntil li'^TS, twenty-live years after he left the mission, 'hat he saw nmeh frnit of the work ; and a few years later ho said: " If one (piartcr or even one eighth of all the Spokane Indians who have been received into the Chnreh are trne Christians, 1 am more than repaid for all my labor." From 1851) to 18(51) he worked to establish Whitman Seminary and gave three thonsand dolhirs to it. During the next thirteen years nearly everything looked dark, and he often felt as if his money and labor might all be lost ; but he lived to see it grow into a college, with regular college commeueemcuts iHtrs»to lul for Slid to M hiiu- iliirty- r boon I yonrs noiirly liiil in y work ion llu> one of I'slnp. 10 loft V ; :iih1 )r even c boon , 1 am hitman to it. •ything ley and It grow lemeuts CIL t liA (J TK H IS TICS. 383 for ten yoarH, with a faculty of clovou iiiHtnu'torH and witli property to tlio amount of tliirty-nvo thouHand dollarn. Dr. KoIIh loft, but fow ])ubliHhod writings. Thoy arc mainly comprisod in IiIh mlHsionnry reports to the Amerioan Board, and published in '!'he Mi.sHionary Herald, one or two letters to Tho New York Observer, an article in The Missionary Herald of Decenibor, IHOC), on the results of Dr. Whitman's work in saving the northwest coast to the United States, a centennial sketch of the missionary work of the American Hoard in Oregon in 1H7G, Inst published in The Pacific Christian Advocate and afterward in " The History of the Congregational Association of Oregon and Washington," an article or two in 'I'he Home Mission- ary on his life work, an : Idress about Whitman College both in S[)okane and Walla Walla papers, a series of eight articles — originally eight addresses — in The Walla Walla Watchman, and a sermon on the Sabbath as a (biy of rest, the only thing that he published in pamphlet form. His work was more to make history than to write it, to do something for others to write about than to write about what others or himself had done. The changes during his life were many and great. Reference has already been made to many of theui. Professor W. D. Lyman speaks of others as follows : — 334 FATIIEIt EELLS. '*He was born only tln'oc years after the first steam- boat plowed the Hudson. He was fifteen years old when the first railroad was laid down on American soil. He was nearly old enough to vote when the thunders of Webster's eloquence against Hayne marked an epoch in American history. He was about entering middle life when the first click of the electric telegraph announced the Democratic nomination of Polk for the presidency. He was beginning to be an old man when the desolating tempest of civil war burst upon the land. Of the twenty-three different presidents, he has lived during the administrations of all but three, and, had he been in the places for it, he could have voted for all but seven. When he was an infant the population of the United States was a little over seven million. There were no cities and but a few frontier settlements west of the Alleghanics. Even when he had become a voter the ' West ' was western New York and Ohio. Chicago had then no existence, and as for the two thirds of the present union west of the Mississippi, it was the ' end of the earth,' the home of wild beasts and wilder Indians, known to but a few trappers and explorers of the white race." ' During his life the population of the United States increased almost tenfold, from 7,239,881 to about » Whitman Collegian, March, 1893. CHAUAGTElilSriGS. 335 65,000,000 ; the states from sovcnteen to forty-four ; and oi' the 5,140 Congregational eliurehes now exist- ing in the United States only HID date their existence previous to IHIO (the year of his birth), 740 of which arc in New England. The two following quotations may not be inappro- priate in closing. The first is an editorial from The Oregonhm of the autumn of 1877. In speakmg of a call from Dr. Eells it says : — '' To the efforts of a few persons, among whom were Messrs. Eells and Walker, with Dr. Whitman as the prominent figure of that early time, are we indebted incalculably for the preservation of Oregon to the United States. Here and by these men, with others we stop not now to name, before most of the present generation was born was laid the foundation of great communities. A state well founded sliould be immortal. It is a duty to remember the men who sow seed for the centuries. History, witli singular perversity, instead of preserving the names of those who build often prefers to give up its pages to the exploits of those who merely destroy." The other is from an address bv Hon. R. P. Hoise, of Salem, Oregon, before the Oregon Pioneer Associa- tion in 187(). After speaking of his visit to Mr. Eells, ^ his fellow townsman, at Forest Grove in 1850, •Page 30. 336 FArilEli EELLS. ho adds': "And history will record that these holy men were the nncleus around which had been formed and })nilt the state of Oregon. They builded well, for they laid their foundation upon that rock which bears up and sustains the superstructure of the civilization of the last eighteen hundred vears. And fortunate indeed is it that such men were here in thjit early time, men who knew the wants of a Christian com- nninitv, men who were learned in the sciences and literature as well as in theology and knew and appre- ciated the value of labor and industry, and who were willing to and did build with their own hands, men who knew how to plant in the virgin soil the seeds of virtue and knowledge and cultivate them, as the}^ ger- minated and grew into churches, schools, and colleges. They founded the Willamette University at Salem, the Pacilic University at Forest Grove, and other institu- tions of learning throughout the hind, which are of more vabu; to the future pros[)erity and glory of the state than all the gold of California or the wealth of the Indies." >Trausactioii8, Oregon riouecr AsaociaUou, 187G, pp. 2(J, 27. r. INDEX. Abbott, Dr. Lyman, remnrks on Dr. KellH, 2t).». Abun|ua, 1(>1 ; Mr. Kells' honu; in, lt;2. Africa, api)oiiitin('nt of Cnshiiij; Kt'll.s as missionary to, 'i!». Anunican Itoanl of Forci;jrn Mis- sions, i'loa of Dr. WliiMnan's succe.-s in Or»';,'on, Idit; nilssion t'sl.il>lislu'(|, 8t ; mission Itrotcon np, 1.'5; ensiling Kells tlldmisstMl from, 1(!7. Amoriran Fnr ('ompjiny, 4."»; tronlilc of, with Hudson s Jlay Company, r.8. Aincric-anKilucation Society, , 21, 22; of Cushing Kells, 3I(»; of Major Samuel Kells, 17. Charge to Rev. F. T. Clarke, •-'.'m. Cliet'se-making, 122. Clienev, removal of Dr. Eells to, 24!»; "Dr. Eells' work in, 2.'>4. Cln-ringlon, Dr. F. I!., remarks on Dr. Kells, 2'.tl. Chewdah, Dr. Kells' wcn-k for.2.J0. Christian consistency of Cusliing Eells, ;5Jo. Chute, Dr., 43. Civil War, feeling of Walla Walla vallev in, Jo, 21 ; Eells family in, 21. ' Clarke, Rev. Dorns, on Cushing Eells, 23; opcnini;' select school, 2."). Clarke, Rev. F. T., «-,liar>je to, 2.">.'»; right li.'tnd of Jellowship to, -■>!. Coe, David, 20. Colfax, church formed in, 230; Dr. Kells' letters to, 232; erection of cluin'h in,, 242; departure of Dr. E(dls from, 247. Coluinl)la Maternal Association, 118. Colvillc, Dr. Eells' work for, 251. 338 FAT HE It EELLS. Walla <.f the Wash- Muun- z\. C'on;rn'j;Mtl<)i)al <',lmrch, flist or- >(aiil/oil runl of 1 ascadu Moiiii- lalns, 17;J; llrsl In Washington Ti'iiilory, 1>>; in Washington woh! of (Jartca,ait; of, '.'(il ; n-solii- tli.ns on I>r. Kills hy Walla, :J()r>. Con;,'rr;,aitloiialisni west Kocky Moniitaiiis, KM ; in iiiKloii wi'st of Cascado tains, 2."i; Dr. Kclls on (Jonsrcralion of Dr. Krils, .i-.Ti. < oiitrovrrsy, W hit man, 1I2. Convursion' ot ('iishliij,' Kull.s, Council, Indian, l.'U. Counlk's of Wuishiiiuton in 1874, 2-'.t. Crossinjr the continent by Cusli- liiK Kclls, .!:>. Currency in Jh;W, 7(i. Davton, Dr. Kcll.s' work for, 250. Death of Dr. Whitman and fani- llv, IJ.; of .Mis. Ciishin;,- Kclls, •i.J!*, 211; of Dr. (Jnslilnj,' KcHs, •JS"; iincni on, 2S7. Donation to Di'. Kclls from American I'Mijcafion Sdciety, 27; l»y J)r. Kell> lo Whitman Seminary and to American Kdu- calion Society, \W>. Katon, H«'v. J. V., cle<'t(Ml presi- dent of Whitman (oil. ■;;:«, 21S; remarks on Dr. Whiiman, 2;ii); on CnshiiiL; Ki'lls, 2'.i'.t. Kconomy of (iisliiii;;- Kclls, ;iH. Kducalion of ( iishin^- Kell.-, -J."). Kducalion Socictv, aid k'\<'" to Ctishin;; Kclls dy, 2ti; Cnshinj; Kells' donation to, 27. Kdwards, \U \ . .J., on Dr. Kells' work, 271 ; remarks on Dr. htll.-, 2!»."). jMdls, Charles, visit to dishing K(dls,2.sl; death, 2sl. Ki'lls, ('nshin^', aciident to, 282; account of school \voik,24.'>; aid from Kducatlnii Society . 2t(; aid given in erection of church at Forest (Jiove, I7- pointmenl to Airica, 2!»; arrival at Aiiiei'ic:in !{inilc/,vous, ."jt; arrival at Dr. Whiinuui's, 84; arrival at Or* goii ( ity, 144; as iissl>tant moderator of" National Coun<;il, 202; as disciplinarian, lU'J; us iiomc misHiuuary, 21'.); ns Hchool snpcrlnternlont, 102; nt Dr. Whitman'.s, (^1; at Kasi Wliulsor, 28; at Fort IJolse, t;.',- at Fort llall.til; at .Skokomisli, 22;{; at Williains College, 27; i)reaking up of the station, 112, iiuyiiig a home, 100; called •lulm the I'.apllst of the Home .Mis. Bionary Society, 2tt{; camp ng. ulutiiiiis, 4(1; change In mission field, ;i:{; ch;iracteri.>tics ol, ;iii); charge to Kev. F.T.Clarke, 2r)(;; chosen |U'esident of Whitman Seminary, 178; church huildlng in ('olfa.\,242; church formed at Colla\,2;io; college clasHinatcs, 27; c.tmversion, 2;5; crossing I.a I'latte, r)l; crossing the conti- nent, ;{;<; crossing the Sweet- water, .')2; (Hiriency nseii, 7ii; death of, 2^9; death of wife, 2;i',t, 241; decision to become a mis- sionary, 2J; deci-ion to found memoi'i.'il of Dr. Whitman, 172; ilecision to solicit Kastern funds for Whitman College, 2(il , de- greo of Doctor of Divinity conferred, 218; departure from Walla Walla, 1!>7; desire to form church north of Snake Hivcr, 22!); dlsuppointmeiit nt Dr. Atkinson's failure to go KasI, 204; dismissal from the Ameri- can Hoard, lf>7; donation to Kdi'-alion .Soiicty, 27; Dorus Cli. .e, l).l>., on, 2.1; early years, 22; education. 2'>; elected school supeiintendeni of Whlt- iiuin Count V, 2D; e.xperience with luuse thieves, 1S4; extracts from addresses oi!,2!)l ; extracts from Juuriial, 2'd, 2il!t, 2s2; extnicts from letters to church in (dll.ix, 2;t2; favoilnir Union, 21; favoiite hor.-,e of, 224; liftl- eth ail! iversarv of ariival in Washington, 272; llltieth anni- versary of coming to coast, 2I."»; lirst sight of racidc Ocean. 220; food at Ttshimakain, 72 ; fortieth anniversary of marriage, 2;i7; Fourth of July aildress at Col- villc valley, .'Jii; Fourth of .Inly rclebratioh, 177; funeral serv- ices of, 280; garden al Tshima- kain.JKi; genealogv, \f>; hisiori- cal sketch of Walla Walla valley. 227; home at Tshima kain, 70; home in Abcrt|Ua, l(!2; hor.-e- back riding, 4(i; illness, 4!), .''d, 281; liidiau dances, 5,); ludiuu IXDEX. 339 flcluKtl, !»:i, 94; Iiidliin trotibU's, IJ!», l.iJ, li:; 111 Wullu Walla valley, 14s; in WllliuiHMtc val- ley, I'll ; Items eiiiieeniiiii; work, 810; journal eoiieeniinjf L'()ltax cliureli, 24!; juiinial concci iiiiii,' Wliiliiiaii College, '-.'Ki; la^-i dayn, 272; last Illness, 2s,s; lat uonlsof, 2S'.); learning' in. S. Maker from. 2.'V»; letter to slstcr-iii-law 1'n>m,2:!ri; lite In Salem, U'hi; loiatin^ htatlon anions Spokane lmlians,87 ; los- by lire, H'i; of horsesanil mules, l-.'.*<, I'.Hi; mails, 7."{; miikiiiLr will, 212; inarria;;e, 31, 111; meeting' Hev. K. Walker, H7; nieeiinjr with llu'lson'a l!ay Cmup.any, 68; method of travelliij;, 4'), 47; missionary tri]) in 1H74,1.')1; mis. bionary trip in 1^7.'), l.'ri; misslon- !iry work at Meillcal Lake, 24S, 2'tO; mission's action rej^anlin^ Dr. Wliitnian's proposed Kast- t!rn triji, 113; on ileiiomination- allsm, 'J'^!; on Dr. Wliil man's work to .-ecure Ore;ron to riiited Mates, Id'j; on Indians :iiid his work amouK thorn, ii"), 104 ; aeross the backhoiie of Anieriea,(;i ; on their trip, 41; ordination, 30; outsld(* work wliile i\f Colfax, 24H; overtakiiij; Ameiican Kur Company, 44; paekin;:, ;•:', ; pass- port >,(i7 ;i)ersonality ,:iil ; prices nt American Ucnd'ezvous, M\; provideiiti.'il esc.ipe from mas- sacre, 12'); rain, i>2; rai.-.in>^ money to free Whitman Sem- inary from debt, I'.M ; rations, 4'.', (iO; "receivinir instructions a.s missionaries, 37; rciii.irks by It. P. IJoise on, 3:^.'); remarks by The ()re).'oiiian on, 3.'!"i; nnioval of family to Walla Walla, 18i ; removalto ( lieney,2t'.t; removal to Walla Walla, I'V'); resif,'nati()n from ftledical I.;ike, 2'5 ; work for I'lea-ant I'mlru, 2(1' ; work lor Spokane, 2.">,s; work f.)r >pragiie, 2tii»; writinir, .'i.!3; year spent in soliciting funds, 20."), 212. Kells, Mra. Cusliing, on slaverv, 3!t, 40; letter to sister, 74; iniiire-sions of tlu! cr)untrv, 77; clotliln::, 121 ; death of father, 122; tea<'hing in Oregon Fiisti- tute, l(i;5; at Forcist CJrove, Hd; aid ill building church at Forest CJrove, 17n; founding scholar >hlp In racillc rnivcrsitv, 171; departure for Walla Walfa, Iso, Con-regatioiiallst on, l!tr>; sev- entieth birthday anniversary, 224; last visit to Forest (irove, 227; last >ickiuss and death, 2;5!i, 241. Src (lino Kells, Cushing; I'rentiss, Nireis-a. K(!lis, Kdward, .Jr., 1'^. Fells, l{ev. James, professor In Lane 'riieological .Seminary, 21. Kells, .John, 1.^., IC, 17, 20, 21. Kells, Itev. Nathanltd, 1(1; desceiul. ants, P.); as chaplain in Uuvolii- tionary War, 20; 'riianksgiving sei nu)n, 20. Eells. Capt in Itobert L., In Rev- olutionary War, 10. Eells, Major S.iniiud, 1'); charac- teristics, 17 ; marriage, I- ; ile.ith, E.\\>i, l.".<), •J.'i.l, '2!)I,'2!W. llarllonl Sciuluary Kfcord on Dr. KcllH.JiOJ. Hhnc.-*, DciK'on ti. II., remarks on Dr. Kolla, '.'Its. Hod^ton, MIhh M. A., as asnlstant in \> liitnian .Seminary, Iti'i. IIoi (Otack ridiiiK in cros.slnK con- tinent, 40. Iliii|f; ticsires to obtain Oregon, ill'.). Hymn, Indian, KHi. Iixllan dances, 6.'>. Indians, Hrownell on, 17; stenlln^ liorscs, 44 ; during severe winter of lS4(i, 47; in Kocky Mountains, til; Mrs. Kelis on, 7!», 117; estl- unites of, In Oregon, 82; aa help, !»3; FlatheadH, Wl, !);{; Mr. Kells on,!)5, 1(14; teacliin)j[ music, lOti; massacre of Dr. Whitman, Yin; disturbances from, IJ'.I, 12, 14'2; attempta to have missionaries return, 144; results of mission- ary labor among, Hf); asking a blessing, 147. Institute . iSTce Oregon Institute. James, Kev. II. P., remarks on Dr. Kells, 205. .lolin the Baptist of the Home Mis- sionary Society, Dr. Gushing Kells as, 203. Journal of Cushing Kells, 41, 44, 4.-., 75, 7U; 1 ; Hour Is 73, T."); |rt estab- lliitmun'ri ]00; niin- ui> ol' ory or- f'.t; Insli- UmI, KU; In, 171; m Uev. iolutious ISDh'A'. 3-11 PnrkCT, Hfv. Sannicl,!!. I'arfons, K. D., rt'inurk.H mi Dr. KellH,3(hJ. Partspoitrt, nccesrtlty of securing;, In, as. rionecr aarfoclates of Dr. KcIIh, IMatte, the, crossing, ">1. Pleasant I'rairle, l)r. Kells* work for, 272, 220; Con^'re- ^ationul (Church on, 222. Punctmillty of Dr. EellH,2!)l. ilallroads in 1838, t>!), in PiiKet Sountl, 220; In Washington in 1874, 230. Rankin, .J. K., poem by, 28(1. Ue.'iolutlons on Dr. Eells,. 304, .So;'), 307, 3(t.s. Kevolutlonary War, Eells familv In, 11), 20. Kight hand of fellowship to Uev. F.T. Clarke, 2.57. HogerH, II., 8.'). Roy, Dr. J. E., remarkf- on Dr. Eells, 3(X). Schools, In»•.. 224. work anionK Spokane Dnllaiis, i:.(». SpokaiH! In 1S74, 220; Dr. Eell.-.' work In, 2.")8. Sptikane Imilans, laiiKuaKe of, 01; Irlentlllne. s of, 131, 132; Kev. II. II. .SpaMliifi's work among, l.'iO;CuHliiiig Eells' work among, I.M; treaty with, l^tft; as church members, I.Ml. Spragne, Dr. Eells' work for, J"'.') Strleby, Dr. M. E., remarks on Dr Eeli-^ 2iM). Strong, Dr. E E., remarks on Dr. Eells, 300. Snmlay tra\ cl, 30, .'»7. Sweetwater, cro.''hlng, .52. Sylvester, Miss E. W., as assistant "ill Whitman Semlnury, I'.fl. Tacoma In IS72, 220, 222. Tacoma Congregational Assoda tion, resolutions on Dr. Eells, .MM. Ta<;onia Ledger, remarks on Dr. Eells, 207. Tacoma Ministerial .Mllance, let- ter to Dr. Eells from,27(i; reso- Intlons on Dr. Eells, 307. Tacoma News, remarks on Dr. Eells, 'Jixt. Tanner, Dr. E.S. ,20,21. Tclegra|ih in ISiS), 60. Theological Institute at East Wimlsor, Cushlng Eells ut, J.'^. The 4; Cushlng Eells teaching in, l(i8; resolutions on Dr. Eells, 304. Unite; syniimtliy with the Soutli, 'JO Will!-, Indian, 1*7 Wa^lllnKt<)n, oiKanlzatlon ..t Urst CoiiKi't'trutioiial chnrcli, IKi; days of hors*' stealing unil Vlg. Uanfi! Coiiunitlet , \x\ , in l87'J and iKSfj, •.'•Jl. nw. Eastern, extracis troni l>r. Kclls* journal on, 'i.'Vh Whitman CoIIcki , IHit, amount Bolicltcd liy Dr. Ilelln lor, 211 , new huildiliK^, i!4; Commence nient in l^ss, 'iUt. cllsc,ussio;i eonciridn;: rcli^'ious den; dcdicatloi, liKi; raising' dcl.t, r.4, donath u Ity Dr. Eells, 1!M;, sketch of Heminary after Dr. Eells' do partun-, 11(7; chauKOfo Whitman CoUeKe, !!•!♦. Sir also Whitman Collejre. Willamette valley, work in, ;i4, \^^; ConKreKational mlnl.stcrs i'l, ItIO, prices in ]siU, lli.'i. '.Villiams Colleire, David ( •-•«; Cushln;.' Eells at, 27. Winter of isci, ]H{). Writings oi Dr. Eells. ^33. ,oo at. w lif to .save 01) work I'i; iii!i8 >f Pren- IT;i; ihst li- Eeli.s i>i-'nii;i- li<'atl(ri, lonatl' u olch of ;11b' ilo- i^littman Htlfmari In, M. InistcvH i. Loci at,