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THE

RISE OF METHODISM
IN THE WEST

BEING

THE JOURNAL OF THE WEST-
ERN CONFERENCE
1800-1811

EDITED, WITH NOTES AND
INTRODUCTION, BY

WILLIAM WARREN SWEET

Professor of History, DePauw
University

THE METHODIST BOOK CONCERN
NEW YORK CINCINNATI

 

SMITH & LAMAR
NASHVILLE DALLAS RICHMOND

 

 
1 I
A 446764
CoPYRIGHT, 1920
BY
SmitH & LAMAR
AND
THE METHODIST Book CONCERN
TO THE MEMORY
OF MY FATHER AND MOTHER
PREFACE.

Tur manuscript Journal of the old Western Conference
is the property of the Ohio Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and has, for the past number of years,
been deposited in the Library of Ohio Wesleyan Univer-
sity. The Journal of the Western Conference covers nine-
ty-seven pages of the manuscript volume, while the latter
part of the volume is given over to the Journals of the
Ohio Conference from 1812 to 1826, inclusive. None of
these Journals have before been published. Unfortunately
Methodism has not been careful of her historical docu-
ments, and it is hoped that the appearance of this docu-
ment may encourage the publication of others.

In many respects the Journal of the Western Confer-
ence is the most important historical document relating
to the establishment of Methodism in the Mississippi
Valley. The heart of Methodism lies in the Mississippi
Valley; there live the bulk of her membership, there she
has performed her greatest achievements, and there per-
haps lies her most brilliant future. For these reasons, if
for no others, the materials in this volume deserve pub-
lication.

Outside of the Editor, two others have shown particular
interest in this book, and to them especial thanks are due.
The first is Rev. Dr. W. E. Arnold, of Fort Thomas, Ky. ;
the second is Mr. George H. Maxwell, of Boston, whose
interest in Methodist history is quite largely responsible
for this publication.

GREENCASTLE, IND., October 2, 1919.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PART I. INTRODUCTION.

PaGeE.

PREPAGE ig ga wigs ¥4c yaa seeded Wa eae oe kauedies waie bd aauaousdasivea ewes 5
Cuaprter I.

The Coming of the Circuit Rider Over the Mountains........ 11
Cuapter II.

The Western Conference, 1800-1811................ 22... eee 23
Cuaprter III.

The Frontier Circuit and the Circuit Rider.............-.... 38
Cuapter IV.

The Circuit Rider as a Factor in Frontier Society........... 58

PART Il. THE JOURNAL.

I. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1800...... 73

II. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1801...... 75

III. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1802...... 80

IV. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1803...... 84

V. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1804...... 2

VI. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1805...... 100

VII. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1806...... 110

VIII. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1807...... 123

IX. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1808...... 138

X. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1809...... 153

XI. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1810...... 173

XII. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1811.... .. 191
PART I.
INTRODUCTION.
CHAPTER I.

THE COMING OF THE CIRCUIT RIDER OVER THE
MOUNTAINS.

1782-1800.

Tun Methodist Episcopal Church dates from the Christ-
mas Conference which met in Baltimore on December 27,
1784.1 The American Revolution had closed and the
Treaty of Paris had just been signed. John Wesley, al-
though a consistent supporter of the British during the
American war and an opponent of the rebelling colonists,”
yet when the war was over was wise enough to see that
it would be best for all concerned to separate the Ameri-
can societies from the English Conference, and according-
ly sent over to America, toward the end of 1784, Dr. Thom-
as Coke and two other English preachers to supervise the
organization of the new American Church. The events of
the Christmas Conference are familiar to all Methodists.
Francis Asbury, the only English Methodist preacher who
had remained in America throughout the Revolution, was
named by Mr. Wesley as General Superintendent for the
American Church. Asbury, however, refused to accept
the place solely on Mr. Wesley’s appointment, but only
after election by the preachers.

At the time of the organization of the Methodist Epis-

 

1Jesse Lee, “A Short History of the Methodists in the United
States of America; Beginning in 1766, and Continued Till 1809”
(Baltimore, 1810), pages 69, 70, 91-93. Wesley’s letter setting
forth his plan for the organization of the Church in America will
be found in “Minutes of the Annual Conferences of the Methodist
Episcopal Church for the Years 1773-1828” (New York, 1840),
page 21.

*For John Wesley’s attitude toward the American Revoluticn,
see John Wesley’s “Journal,” Vol. VI.; reviewed in American
Historical Review, Vol. XXI., pages 346-348.
12 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

copal Church there were not more than 14,000 Methodists
in America. The largest proportion of the membership
was in the Southern States. Between 1777 and 1783 there
was but one appointment north of some parts of New Jer-
sey, while during the Revolution practically every preach-
er received into the ministry by the Methodists was from
the South.? Methodism as yet had made no progress in
New England, though in New York, Pennsylvania, and
New Jersey it had gained a foothold and there were flour-
ishing societies especially in Philadelphia and New York.

After the close of the French and Indian War, in 1763,
a few backwoodsmen, especially from Virginia and the
Carolinas, began to find their way over the mountains into
what is now Kentucky and Tennessee. First came the
hunters, Daniel Boone and his kind, to be followed by
Sevier and Robertson and their kind. By the outbreak of
the Revolution a number of English settlements had
sprung up on the Tennessee and the Cumberland, as well
as in Western Virginia and the Carolinas. These fron-
tiersmen took part in the War for Independence under
George Rogers Clark, while their settlements, under the
stress of Indian wars and dangers from frontier condi-
tions, were largely self-governing and self-sustaining. Al-
together it was a rude and shifting population, made up
largely of game hunters and Indian fighters who had set-
tled this Western region. Many of them never took per-
manent root in the region, but moved on westward, farther
into the wilderness, and the descendants of those who
fought under Clark at Vincennes or at King’s Mountain
“are as likely to be found in the Rockies as in the Alle
ghenies.”

With the close of the Revolution the tide of westward

 

*DeVinne, “The Methodist Episcopal Church and Slavery,”
pages 11-13; also “Minutes of Conferences,” Vol. I., for the years
indicated,
The Coming of the Circuit Rider. 18

immigration greatly increased. At first they came mostly
into Kentucky, and those who now came were of a differ-
ent character from the pre-Revolutionary pioneers. ‘These
caime to find homes, and were often representative of the
gentry of the seaboard. The long war had left them in
straitened circumstances, and now they were looking to-
ward this new and fertile country as a means of more eas-
ily staying their impending ruin. Such was the composi-
tion of the immigrants who within a dozen years following
the close of the Revolution completely swamped the orig-
inal settlers. The pre-Revolutionary pioneers had been
slow to establish cultural institutions, such as schools and
churches; but the new settlers brought with them their
institutions, their educational and religious ideals, and it
was not long after their coming until churches and schools
began to spring up in the wilderness.

Both the organization and doctrine of the Methodists
were well suited to the frontier. The circuit system which
John Wesley devised and put into operation in England
was brought to America by Asbury. When Asbury came
to America he was urged to settle down in the centers of
population ; but he was so thoroughly saturated with Wes-
ley’s plan of organization that he would listen to no
other.’ So Asbury himself became an itinerant preacher,
as all the Methodist preachers in America in that early
day. The circuit system meant that a preacher served not
one community, but a whole group of communities. These
circuits varied in size. In the newer countries, where
settlements were much scattered and far between, they
covered many square miles of territory, and the preacher
occupied from four to six weeks in making the rounds of
the circuit. Nor was he particular where he conducted

 

‘Theodore Rocsevelt, “The Winning of the West,” Vol. IIL,
pages 63-71.

°Ezra Squire Tipple, “Francis Asbury, the Prophet of the Long
Road” (New York, 1916), page 158.
14 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

his services; a log cabin, or the barroom of a tavern, or
out under the trees—all were alike to him. He preached
whenever and wherever he found any one to listen, with
little regard to either time or place. Moreover, the system
of lay or local preachers was one which lent itself easily
to the spread of Methodism in a new country. A young
man who showed any ability in public speaking was urged
by the class leader and the circuit preacher to exercise his
gift on every possible occasion, and when the presiding
elder came around to hold the “quarterly meeting confer-
ence” the young man was recommended for an “exhort-
er’s” or “local preacher’s” license. He did not often trav-
el a circuit, but he preached in his own and neighboring
communities, and in many instances was instrumental in
organizing new classes in frontier settlements before the
regular circuit rider or presiding elder arrived upon the
scene. Indeed, the first Methodist classes organized west
of the mountains represented the work of these lay preach-
ers. They were generally men of little learning, but full
of earnestness and enthusiasm, and their preaching was
marvelously effective.

The Methodist itinerant also preached a doctrine which
made a great appeal to the frontiersman. He preached a
gospel of free grace, free will, and individual responsibil-
ity. He brought home to the pioneers that they were the
masters of their own destiny, as opposed to the Presbyte-
rian and Baptist doctrine of predestination and foreordi-
nation. Methodist theology thus fitted in exactly with
the new democracy rising in the West, for both empha-
sized actual equality among all men. On one occasion
when Peter Cartwright was attending a Conference in
Nashville he was chosen to preach a sermon in one of the
local churches. While he was preaching General Jackson

 

‘David Sherman, “History of the Discipline’ (New York,
1890), pages 202-207, for regulations relative to local preachers.
The Coming of the Circuit Rider. 15

came in, whereupon one of the preachers seated behind
him pulled Cartwright’s coat and whispered, “General
Jackson has come in.” Cartwright states that he felt a
wave of indignation sweep over him, then he replied in an
audible voice: “Who is General Jackson? If he don’t
get his soul converted, God will damn him as quick as he
would a Guinea negro!”? This was certainly Jacksonian
democracy, and typifies the attitude of the average Meth-
odist itinerant on the frontier.

Included among the immigrants coming out from Vir-
ginia, North Carolina, and the other seaboard States were
numerous local preachers of the Methodist Church. No
sooner were they settled and their log cabins built than
they began to gather the Methodist families together and
organize them into classes.2. Two such local preachers
were Francis Clark and John Durham, both from Virginia,
who settled in Mercer County, Kentucky, in 1783. By the
next year numbers of other local preachers had come into
the State and were at work organizing Methodist classes.

The General Minutes for 1782 record the sending of a
regular circuit preacher to the Yadkin country, and the
next year both Yadkin and Holston are listed among the
circuits, while in 1784 the Redstone Circuit, in the south-
west corner of Pennsylvania, is added to the number.
Two years later (1786) the Yadkin Circuit reported 426
white members and 11 colored, the Holston 250 white
members, and the Redstone 523.° In this same year the
Kentucky Circuit appears, with James Haw as elder and
Benjamin Ogden as circuit preacher. Methodist families
had evidently come into Kentucky in considerable num-
bers, especially from Maryland and Virginia, for at the

 

™Autobiography of Peter Cartwright, the Backwoods Preach-
er” (New York, 1856), page 192.

SAlbion H. Redford, “History of Methodism in Kentucky”
(Nashville, 1868), Vol. I., page 26.

*“Minutes of Conferences,” Vol. I., page 26.

a
16 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

end of the first year 90 members are reported from this
new circuit.?°

As population in Kentucky, Tennessee, and along
the Ohio increased, the number of circuits and circuit
preachers likewise grew. The year 1786 was one of revival
in these far western circuits, and among the converts was
Peter Massie, the first convert in Kentucky to become a
circuit rider. The Minutes for 1789 record the following
circuits for this new country:'t In Tennessee were the
Holston, West New River, Greenbrier, and Botetourt; in
Kentucky were Lexington, Danville, and Cumberland ;
while along the Upper Ohio were the Redstone, Pittsburgh,
and Ohio Circuits. The Yadkin Circuit lay in Western
North Carolina and the Holston in Western Virginia. In
1797 the membership in the Kentucky circuits was 1,740
whites and 57 colored, and in Tennessee 534 whites and
42 colored.”

With the close of the Indian wars and the signing of
the treaty of Greenville in 1794, the southern half of Ohio
and a narrow strip in what is now Southeastern Indiana
were opened up to settlement. Settlers from Kentucky
and Tennessee, as well as from the older States, began to
move into these new grants. Many of them were members
of Methodist classes in the States from which they had
come, and so numerously did they come into the new coun-
_ try that there was an actual decrease of membership in
the Kentucky and Tennessee circuits from 1797 to 1801.
Of these years one of the pioneer preachers writes: “The
Indian war having terminated, the people began to scatter
in every direction. New settlements were formed, Ohio
and Indiana began to settle rapidly; and the societies,
many of them, were broken up, and we had not preachers

 

Redford, “Methodism in Kentucky,” Vol. I., pages 27-32,
44Tbid,, page 102.
“Minutes of Conferences,” Vol, I., page 74.
The Coming of the Circuit Rider. 17

sufficient to follow the tide of emigration to their new
settlements.”?®

The first circuit to be formed in Ohio was organized in
1798 by John Kobler, who had been appointed presiding
elder of the Kentucky District. He crossed the Ohio and
preached in the home of one of these Kentucky Methodists
who had migrated to the north side of the river. The
Miami Circuit, as the new circuit was called, ran from the
Ohio up the Little Miami and Mad Rivers to where Day-
ton now stands, thence down the Big Miami to Cincinnati.
The second Ohio Circuit was the Scioto, organized in 1800
and included settlements on both sides of that river.'
The first Governor of Ohio, Edward Tiffin, was a Method-
ist local preacher, ordained by Bishop Asbury in 1792.
He had come from Virginia to Chillicothe in 1796, and in
1799 was elected territorial representative ; and when Ohio
became a State, in 1803, he was chosen the first Governor.
His home was always open to Methodist preaching, and
likewise served as the stopping place of many a weary itin-
erant.’®

While the Methodist circuit riders were finding their
way into the Ohio Valley and founding circuits along the
banks of its tributaries, other preachers, equally zealous,
were penetrating into the great Southwest. Tobias Gib-

 

13“Autobiography of Rev. William Burke,” in James B. Fin
ley’s “Sketches of Western Methodism” (Cincinnati, 1854), page
73. In 1797 there were 1,740 white and 57 colored members re
ported for Kentucky, while in 1799 the membership had de
creased to 1,672 white, though there was a gain of eight colored
members. The Tennessee membership for these years showed
little change, though it was less in 1799 than in 1797 by nearly
a hundred. (“Minutes of Conferences,” Vol. I., pages 74, 86.)

14John M. Barker, “History of Ohio Methodism” (New York,
1898), pages 88, 92. Also Redford, “Methodism in Kentucky,”
Vol. I., page 227.

185A sketch of Governor Tiffin may be found in Finley’s
“Sketches of Western Methodism,” pages 260-287.

2
1S The Rise of Methodism in the West.

son was appointed Missionary to the Southwest in 1798.
Starting from the Cumberland settlements, he traveled
on horseback some four or five hundred miles; then, trad-
ing his horse for a canoe, he paddled to all the Southwest
settlements, preaching wherever he found hearers, finally
making his way back to the Conferences in Northern Ten-
nessee in 1802.1° This vast circuit received the name of
Natchez and in 1799 reported 60 members.

The administration of the Church in this vast new ter-
ritory was under the management of Bishop Francis As-
bury and the presiding elders whom he appointed. Nor
was he an absentee supervisor, directing the work from a
comfortable seat east of the mountains. Between 1788
and 1800 at least eighteen Conferences were held west of
the mountains.17 The first of these was in May, 1788, at
a place in East Tennessee called Half-Acres. Master-
son’s Station, in North-Central Kentucky, was a favorite
place to hold Conference during these early years, for here
the preachers met in 1790, 1791, 1792, 1798, 1795, and 1796;
in 1794 a Conference met at Lewis’s Chapel, near Master-
son’s Station, while at Bethel Academy, in Kentucky,
Conferences were held in 1797, 1799, and 1800.

Bishop Asbury was in attendance upon a number of
these far Western Conferences, and as the earlier ones
were held during the progress of the Indian wars, several
times the bishop was escorted over the mountains by a
guard of the Western preachers armed for the purpose.
The first Conference to be held west of the mountains was
conducted by Bishop Asbury in East Tennessee, at a place
called Half-Acres.1® Asbury states in his Journal that the
Conference sat three days and he preached each day. The

 

**John F. Hurst, “History of Methodism” (New York, 1904),
Vol. IV., pages 572, 573.

17Minutes of Conferences,” Vol. I., pages 29-89.

**Francis Asbury, “Journal” (New York, 1821), Vol. II., page
32.
The Coming of the Circuit Rider. 19

Bishop came into Tennessee by way of Virginia, and fol-
lowed the valley of the Holston to the seat of the Confer-
ence. He found the people in disorder over “the new and
old State.” At this time the people of Eastern Tennessee
were in rebellion against North Carolina. North Carolina
had ceded her western lands to the United States in 1784,
but to the manner of this cession the Watauga settle-
ments objected. Previous to this North Carolina had neg-
lected the western settlements within her territory, and
had left them without government; and now, when she
proceeded to cede them to the United States, the people of
the western settlements objected, and proceeded to organ-
ize a State of their own, calling it the State of Franklin.
On this action by the people of the new settlements, North
Carolina rescinded her cession and proceeded to subdue
the rebellious westerners. The State of Franklin ceased
to exist in February, 1788, though conflicts between the
old and new State parties continued until the autumn of
that year, when Sevier, the Governor of the new State, was
arrested and imprisoned on the charge of treason.

In 1790 Bishop Asbury was once more in Tennessee,
having crossed over from North Carolina. He speaks in
his Journal of swimming the horses across the Watauga
and of dangers from the Indians. He found the “poor
preachers indifferently clad, with emaciated bodies.” In
May of this same year, after returning to the East, he
crossed again from Virginia to Kentucky, accompanied to
the foot of the mountains by two Kentucky preachers,
Peter Massie and Jobn Clark. Later their company was
joined by eight others, and their number finally reached
sixteen men and thirteen guns. Passing into Kentucky,
they crossed the Kentucky River, going “over mountains,
steep hills, deep rivers, and muddy creeks, and thick
growth of reeds for miles together.” He saw the graves
of the slain, twenty-four in one camp. He held conference
at Masterson’s, “a very comfortable house and kind peo-
ple.” Here plans were laid for the establishment of Bethel
20 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Academy, which was the first Methodist institution of
learning West of the mountains, and $300 was obtained in
subscriptions. On his trip to Kentucky in 1792 the Bishop
heard “so much about Indians, Convention, Treaty, kill-
ing, and scalping,”?® that his attention was drawn away
from the affairs of the infant Church in the wilderness;
and after much alarm concerning depredations committed
by the Indians, he finally returned to Virginia with a com-
pany of “thirty-six good travelers, and a few warriors.”
Eighteen such trips over the mountains were made by
Bishop Asbury between 1788 and the time of his death,
1816.

In 1792 the first serious schism in the Methodist Epis-
copal Church took place, headed by James O’Kelly, a
prominent preacher East of the mountains, who objected
to Asbury’s supreme appointing power.?° Those who with-
drew with O’Kelly called themselves Republican Method-
ists, and a number of adherents were won in Kentucky and
Tennessee. Most of them, however, finally united with the
sect known as the New Lights; and the Republican Meth-
odists, as a separate organization, went out of existence,
in spite of the fact that the name Republican was popular
in the West. Most of the Methodists in the Western coun-
try were Jeffersonian Democrats in their politics, as were
also many of the Methodists in other States.*?

Beginning in 1797, a great revival swept over the West-
ern country, which profoundly stirred whole communities
and affected every Protestant sect. It began in Kentucky,
on the Cumberland, under the influence of a Presbyterian

 

?*Tbid., Vol. II., pages 74, 126, 137.

*°Lee, “History of the Methodists,” pages 178-180; Nathan
Bangs, “History of the Methodist Episcopal Church” (New York,
1839), Vol. I., pages 351-856; Cartwright, “Autobiography,” pages
32, 33.

21Alfred Brunson, “Western Pioneer” (Cincinnati, 1872), Vol.
L., pages 38-43. This gives an interesting account of the relation
of the Methodists and Jeffersonian Democrats in Connecticut.
The Coming of the Circuit Rider. 21

minister, James McGready. It was under the influence of
these meetings that the camp meeting originated, which
became thereafter a Methodist institution that was em-
ployed with great effectiveness on the frontier, though the
Methodists did not themselves originate it. The revival
continued for eight years, and through its influence the
membership in the Western circuits was more than dou-
bled and the number of local and traveling preachers was
greatly increased. Indeed, it was largely through the
influence of this revival that preaching was begun north
of the Ohio in what is now Ohio and Indiana.

During these early years the Western circuits and dis-
tricts were more or less indefinite in their boundaries and
their organization loose. From year to year they under-
went considerable change, both as to boundaries and
names, and the Conferences were irregularly held. The
Conference held in the West in 1788 was called the Hol-
ston, while the two Conferences held in 1790 were known
as the Holston and the Kentucky. In 1791, besides the
two Conferences already noted, a third, called the Green-
brier, was held. The Western Conferences of 1793 are the
Nashville, Kentucky, Greenbrier, and New Territory;
while in 1794, besides the New Territory and Kentucky
Conferences, one is held at Mitchell’s. After 1795 the
Western Conference is generally called either the Holston
or the Kentucky Conference.?*

By 1800, the year of the organization of the Western
Conference, there were 2,307 white members in Kentucky
and Tennessee and 177 colored. Of this number, 1,626
white members were in Kentucky and 681 were in Ten-
nessee, while of the colored members 115 were in Ken-
tucky and 62 in Tennessee. In the Northwest Territory
there were three circuits, the Miami, the Scioto, and the

 

*2Catherine C. Cleveland, ‘“‘Great Revival in the West,” 1797-
1805” (Chicago, 1916), Chapters 2, 3. Also Redford, “Methodism
in Kentucky.”

»3¢Minutes of Conferences,” Vol. I.
22 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Muskingum and Hockhocking, with a white membership of
364 and 2 colored; while along the Mississippi to the south
of Tennessee was the Natchez Circuit, which reported in
that year 81 white members.

In the years following the Revolutionary War, 1783 to
1800, the Methodist Church had successfully followed the
immigrants across the mountains to their new homes in
the West. Indeed, no other Church was so well suited to
minister to the wants of these immigrants. “It alone was
so organized as to be able to follow step by step this mov-
able population, and to carry the gospel even to the most
distant cabin. It alone could be present whenever a grave
was opened, or an infant was found in its cradle.’** The
other sects moved westward toward the Mississippi as
fast as any number of their adherents formed part of the
emigration thither, but Methodism alone exercised a
weighty influence upon the mixed crowd. And it is from
this class, the great unchurched crowd, that the Methodist
Church in the West was to draw the largest proportion of
its membership.

 

“From an article first printed in the Revue des deux mondes,
by M. Cucheval-Clavigny; translated and reprinted under the
title, “Peter Cartwright and Preaching in the West,” Methodist
Keview, Vol. LIV., pages 556, 577, Vol. LV., pages 69-88.
CHAPTER II.
THE WESTERN CONFERENCE.
1800-1811.

Tus chapter is to deal with the progress of the Method-
ist Church in the West during the first twelve years of the
nineteenth century, which is the period covered by the life
of the Western Conference. The name “Western Confer-
ence” did not come into use until toward the close of the
eighteenth century, and the General Minutes continue to
designate the Western circuits as the Kentucky District
as late as 1800. By the beginning of the new century
Methodist circuits had been established in Kentucky, Ten-
nessee, Ohio, and along the Mississippi in what is now the
State of Mississippi. These circuits were included in one
district, presided over by William McKendree. McKen-
dree was a Virginian and had begun to preach in his na-
tive State in 1788. For twelve years he traveled circuits
east of the mountains; but in 1800 Bishops Asbury and
Whatcoat, passing through Virginia on their way to the
West, took McKendree along with them, and at the Con-
ference of 1800 he was made presiding elder of all the
Western circuits.t| No better choice could have been made
for a frontier presiding elder, and for eight successive
years he is the major general of the frontier Church.

By the next year, 1801, the number of Western circuits
had increased from 9 to 13 and a new district, the Holston,
was formed, with John Watson as presiding elder. In
1802 there are seventeen circuits and three districts, the
third district being the Cumberland. In 1804 a fourth
district was added, which was formed of the Ohio circuits,

 

1W. C. Larrabee, “Asbury and His Colaborers,” Vol. II., pages
214-217.
24 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

now grown to five.2. It was in this year also that Benja-
min Young was sent as a missionary to Illinois. It may
have been that Benjamin Young was sent upon this mis-
sion as a matter of discipline, for he is charged in the
Conference of that year, “of having said that he composed
a certain song, when in truth he did not; that he had the
misfortain to fet his horse’s thye broke, when it was not
so; and that he baptized contrary to the order of the M. E.
Church.” He was admitted into the Conference and or-
dained elder only “after a plain talke, and hopeful prom-
ises.”? Whatever may have been the reason for sending
Benjamin Young as a missionary to Illinois, the fact re-
mains that, in spite of many difficulties, he succeeded in
forming five classes among the Illinois settlements and at
the end of the year reported sixty-seven members. He was
received very coldly, however, among the Kaskaskia settle-
ments, and at Kaskaskia was compelled to pay high rent
for the hall in which he preached; and to increase his
difficulties, the Kickapoo Indians made away with his
horse.*

Previous, however, to the coming of Benjamin Young
to Illinois, Methodism had been introduced into the coun-
try by Methodist laymen. Capt. Joseph Ogle seems to
have been the first Methodist in the State, having come
to the Illinois country in 1785. In 1793 Joseph Lillard,
a local preacher, visited Illinois and gathered a few scat-
tered Methodists into a class and appointed Ogle class

 

*General Minutes, Vol. I.

*MS. Journal of the Western Annual Conference, 1803. At the
Conference of 1804 Benjamin Young was expelled from the
Church. William McKendree, who presided at that Conference
in the absence of Bishop Asbury, was responsible for the ex-
pulsion. It is probable that Young’s misconduct was more in
the nature of imprudences rather than immoral conduct. (Lea-
ton, “Methodism in Illinois,” page 35.)

‘James Leaton, ‘History of Methodism in Illinois from 1793-
1832” (Cincinnati, 1883), pages 34-37.
The Western Conference. 25

leader. Five years later John Clarke, who had been a
traveling preacher in South Carolina, visited Illinois and
crossed over into Missouri and was very probably the first
Protestant minister to preach West of the Mississippi.
The same year that Clarke visited [linois, a local preach-
er, named Hosea Rigg, from Western Pennsylvania, set-
tled in St. Clair County, Illinois, reorganized the class
formerly led by Ogle, and also established a second class
in what is now Madison County.®

While Benjamin Young was at work in the Illinois
country among the scattered settlements along the Mis-
sissippi, circuit riders from Kentucky and Ohio were find-
ing their way into Indiana. By the year 1800 the white
population in what is now Indiana was nearly 3,000. Vin-
cennes, the old French settlement, and vicinity had 1,538,
while Clark’s Grant, a tract of land granted to George
Rogers Clark by Congress, and situated on the north bank
of the Ohio, contained 919.6 Most of the English settlers
had come from Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North
Carolina. Some of them had been Methodists in the older
States, though there were Baptists, Presbyterians, and
Quakers among them,” The first reliable record of Meth-
odist preaching in Indiana was in 1801, at a settlement
located in Clark’s Grant. Two local preachers, Samuel
Parker and Edward Talbott, crossed the Ohio and con-
ducted a two days’ meeting in the new territory.2 It was
William McKendree, the presiding elder, however, who
established the first official Methodist class in Indiana. In
the summer of 1802 he was taken across the Ohio in a
canoe and two classes were formed, one at Charlestown,

 

5Ibid., pages 27-33.

*Logan Esarey, “History of Indiana,” Vol. I., pages 123, 124,
127.

™.C. Smith, “Indiana Miscellany,” page 43.

®8W, ©. Holliday, “Indiana Methodism,” page 37.
26 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

the present county seat of Clark County, and the other
near by at a place then called New Chapple.’

Following these earliest classes came Benjamin Lakin
in 1803, then traveling the Salt River Circuit in Kentucky,
and he added the two new Indiana classes to his Kentucky
circuit. At the session of the Western Conference in 1805
Peter Cartwright, who had been admitted into the Confer-
ence in 1804, was appointed junior preacher on the Salt
River and Shelby Circuit. In his autobiography he states:
“Brother Benjamin Lakin and myself crossed the Ohio
River and preached at Brother Robertson’s and Prather’s.
In this grant we had two classes and splendid revivals of
religion.”?°

Into the narrow strip of territory, in the southeast cor-
ner of the present State of Indiana, which had been opened
up to settlement by the treaty of Greenville (1794) fol-
lowing General Wayne’s campaign against the Indians, -
had come by 1805 a considerable population. The valley
of the Whitewater River was particularly well settled.
Here in 1805 were two settlements, one a little south of
the present city of Richmond, called the Kentucky settle-
ment, because most of the families had come from Ken-
tucky; the other, above the present town of Brookville,
was called the Carolina settlement, because most of the
families had come from South Carolina. In the latter
settlement were several Methodist families, and these
drew up a petition to John Sale, then the presiding elder
of the Ohio District, asking that a regular traveling
preacher be sent them. In response to this petition, in
March, 1806, John Sale sent Joseph Oglesby to form a new
circuit west of the Great Miami.

Fortunately we have from Oglesby himself a description

 

ow. W. Sweet, “Circuit Rider Days in Indiana” (Indianapolis,
1916), page 4. <
Peter Cartwright, “Autobiography,” page 167.
The Western Conference. 27

of the formation of this new circuit,!! which became known
as the Whitewater. The circuit began at the present town
of Hamilton, Ohio, and at the cabin of Moses Crume the
first sermon was preached. The next stop was the cabin
_ of a family by the name of Gray. After opening several
preaching places in Western Ohio, the young circuit rider
struck General Wayne’s old road from Hamilton to Fort
Wayne, which, he says, “seemed still fresh and plain.”
From this road he came upon an Indian trail which led
him into Indiana, and finally to the Kentucky settlement
on the Whitewater. Here he preached at the cabin of a
Mr. Cox and formed a class. The society was small, be-
cause most of the people of this settlement were Baptists.
Turning southward and following the Whitewater, he es-
tablished other preaching places along that stream, finally
arriving at Lawrenceburg, the county town of Dearborn
County, which had been founded in 1802. From Lawrence-
burg he started up the Miami, preaching at cabins oni both
sides of the river until he arrived at the place of beginning.
- This route was traveled by Oglesby every four weeks until
the next meeting of the Western Conference, in Septem-
ber, 1806.

Following Oglesby on the Whitewater Circuit came
Thomas Hellums and Sela Paine as circuit preachers.
Hellums has been described as “a grave, zealous, affection-
ate, and weeping preacher,” his countenance always most
solemn and his subjects of discourse usually of a grave and
pathetic cast, while the intonations of his voice were as
solemn as death, and usually large tears dropped from his
face most of the time while he was preaching.’ By the
close of the year 1808 the number of preaching places on

 

Allen Wiley, “Introduction and Progress of Methodism in
Southeast Indiana” (a series of thirty-seven articles in the West-
enn Christian Advocate, 1845-46), August 15, 1845.

Allen Wiley, article in the Western Christian Advocate, Oc-
tober 17, 1845.
28 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

the new circuit had grown to twenty and the membership
had reached 166.

In 1808 a second Indiana circuit, the Silver Creek, was
organized, which included the territory of Clark’s Grant,
formerly in the Salt River Circuit, of the Kentucky Dis-
trict. The circuit preacher was Moses Ashworth, a young
man of twenty-four. This was the first complete circuit
in Indiana. The next year a new district was formed
which included the two Indiana circuits, the Illinois
and Missouri circuits, besides two Kentucky circuits,
and received the name Indiana District. By the next
year the Indiana circuits had grown to three, with the
addition of the Vincennes Circuit.1* One of the first
services conducted by the circuit preacher, William Win-
ans, in the old French town was held in the fort, on the
Wabash. The congregation was made up of a few govern-
ment officials, a few English-speaking settlers, two or
three Indians, and the Governor of the Territory, William
Henry Harrison. There were only a few tallow candles to
furnish light for the service, and one of these was held by
the Governor to enable the young preacher to read his
text and line out the hymn.'* General Harrison was al-
ways a firm friend of the Methodist circuit rider, although
he was a communicant of the Presbyterian Church. By
1811 there were five circuits in Indiana, a fourth having
been added in 1810, made up of the southern half of the
Whitewater Circuit. At first this circuit was known as
the Enon, a scriptural name meaning abundance of wa-
ters, for the circuit preacher in making the rounds of the
circuit was compelled to cross many creeks.1* Later the
circuit became the Lawrenceburg. In 1811 the fifth In-

 

187bid., November 28, 1845.
M4Volliday, “Indiana Methodism,” pages 28, 29.
iwwWestern Christian Advocate, December 19, 1845. —
The Western Conference. 29

diana circuit appeared, called the Patoka, which included
the settlements along the Patoka River.’

The year 1811 was an important date in the history of
early Indiana. It was in the fall of this year that General
Harrison won the battle of Tippecanoe, which opened up
much new territory to settlement, and it was also the year
of the great earthquake. Quakes of the most alarming
character continued through the winter of 1811 and 1812.
The effects of these shocks upon Indiana Methodism and
religion in general is thus described by an eyewitness :17

As a result of the continued quakes the whole country became
alarmed and the most vile and hardened sinners began to tremble
and quake, and to go to meeting, and weep and pray. Now every
preacher, traveling and local, with the exhorters, began to hold
meetings with more earnestness than ever in almost all directions,

and Baptist ministers did the same, and it seemed as if almost
everybody would become religious that winter and spring.

The result of the earthquake is clearly indicated by the
minutes. The Whitewater Circuit increased from 567 to
843; the Lawrenceburg from 306 to 480; the Silver Creek
from 375 to 555; while the Vincennes Circuit was divided,
probably as a result of the great ingathering. This large
growth, however, was not lasting, and the next year there
was a reaction, resulting in the loss of zeal and members.

We have already noted in the previous chapter the or-
ganization of the first Ohio circuit, along the banks of the
Miami and the Scioto. So rapidly did population increase
in the new territory in the early years of the nineteenth
century that by 1803 Ohio was admitted as a State into
the American union, and the same year the Ohio District
was organized, made up of five circuits, two of which were
in Western Virginia. The presiding elder of the new
district was the Secretary of the Western Conference,
William Burke. It took the presiding elder about eleven

 

?°General Minutes, Vol. I., page 211.
17Western Ohristian Advocate, January 9, 1846.
30 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

weeks of travel to make the rounds of his vast district ;
and because the population was so scattered he was often
compelled to stay at the rude frontier taverns, which he
describes as filled with “the disorder and abuse of the
unprincipled and half-civilized inmates.” Often he slept
on the floor of open cabins, sometimes without bed or cov-
ering.1®

It was in 1804 that Methodist preaching was introduced
into Cincinnati, then a thriving town of some fifteen hun-
dred houses. Jobn Collins,?® a local preacher from New
York State, settled on the banks of the Little Miami in
1803. During the year 1804 he went to Cincinnati to pur-
chase salt, and while making his purchase he asked the
storekeeper if there were any Methodists in the town. To
this question the storekeeper replied that he himself was
a Methodist, whereupon Collins threw his arms about him
and wept for joy. On further inquiry Collins learned that
there were several other Methodist families in the place
and arrangements were soon made for preaching at the
house of the storekeeper. Here a class was organized,
which became the nucleus of the Cincinnati Church. In
1807 Collins became a traveling preacher in the Western
Conference, and was instrumental in forming the first so-
cieties in Dayton, Hillsboro, and other places.”°

In 1805-06 Peter Cartwright was the preacher on the
Scioto and Hocking Circuits, being moved from the for-
mer to the latter circuit in the middle of the year. The
last Quarterly Conference of the year was a camp meeting
conducted near the town of Marietta. To this meeting
came a great crowd of “rabble and rowdies” on Sunday
morning, “armed with dirks, clubs, knives, and horse-

 

18Hinley, “Sketches of Western Methodism,” pages 85-87.

1°See the Methodist Review for 1850, pages 324-328, for the
“Life of John Collins.”

Barker, ‘‘Methodism in Ohio,” page 138.
The Western Conference. jl

whips, and swore they would break up the meeting.”
While Cartwright was preaching one of the rowdies stood
up on one of the seats on the women’s side of the camp
and began to talk and laugh. The preacher ordered him
down, but with oaths he refused. The magistrates present
were afraid to arrest the young rowdy, so Cartwright took
a hand in the matter. After a general scuffle, in which the
friends of law and order took the side of the preachers,
order was finally restored, but only after thirty of the
ruffians had been captured, and on Monday nearly three
hundred dollars was collected in fines and costs.”

On one occasion during this year Cartwright and his
friend Axley, a preacher on the Hockhocking Circuit, were
invited to dine at the house of the Governor, Edward Tif-
fin.?? Axley was very crude and knew little of polite so-
ciety. At the table, when he had finished eating the meat
from the unjointed leg of a chicken, he whistled to the
family dog and threw the bone on the floor. This caused
the Governor no little merriment, and it was only with
difficulty that he controlled his laughter. All the preach-
ers, however, were not so crude as Axley, and he had many
sterling qualities which made him one of the most useful
and effective of the frontier preachers,

By 1808 the increase of members and circuits in Ohio
made necessary the formation of two districts in the State,
the Miami and the Muskingum. The Miami contained the
circuits in Southwest Ohio, while the Muskingum included
the territory in Southeastern Ohio as well as several cir-
cuits in Western Virginia.

We have already noted the sending of Tobias Gibson, in
1798, into the Southwest. He rode through all the settle-
ments to the Florida line and was the father of Meth-
odism in all that vast territory. In 1802 he returned to

 

"1Cartwright, “Autobiography,” pages 90-92.
22Tbid., pages 93, 94.
32 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

the session of the Western Conference, in Northern Ten-
nessee, to plead for helpers; and even though deadly con-
sumption had fastened itself upon him, he returned to the
Southwest, where he gave nearly two more years to his
vast circuit, its farthest limits being 1,500 miles from his
home.”* He preached his last sermon on New Year’s day,
1804, and died at Natchez in April.2* In 1802 Moses
Floyd was appointed with Tobias Gibson to the Natchez
Circuit, while the next year two other helpers came to the
Southwest. In 1805 the Mississippi District was formed,
with four circuits, and Learner Blackman was appointed
as presiding elder.

To the Appalousas Circuit—one of the circuits belong-
ing to the new Mississippi District—Elisha W. Bowman
was appointed in 1805. Soon after the purchase of Loui-
siana, in 1803, Bishop Asbury called for volunteers to
carry the gospel into the new territory. Elisha W. Bow-
man offered to go. His trip to his new circuit was long
and arduous. He rode on horseback to New Orleans,
which, he states, he found as dirty as a pigsty and in al-
most as bad condition morally. He went to the Governor,
who promised him the city hall as a preaching place; but
when Sunday came the hall was locked against him.
There were few Americans in the city and most of them
represented the dregs of society. He learned, however, of
an American settlement some two hundred miles west and
northwest, which he reached traveling mostly by boat,
taking his horse on a platform supported by two canoes.
This was in the Appalousas country, where he found set-
tlements of Americans who knew “very little more about
the nature of salvation than the untaught Indians,” and
he states “that some of them, after I had preached, asked

 

*Hurst, “History of Methodism,” Vol. V., pages 572, 573.
**See Minutes, Vol. I., 1805, pages 125, 126, for short biography
ot Tobias Gibson.
The Western Conference. 33

me what I meant by the fall of man, and when it was that
he fell.”?5

By 1811 the Mississippi District included nine circuits.
In the early years of the work in the Southwest the
preachers often were so far away that they were unable to
attend the annual meeting of the Western Conference,
which held its sessions either in Kentucky, Tennessee, or
Ohio. In the Conference of 1807 Bishop Asbury had sev-
eral letters read to the Conference which had been received
from the preachers on the Mississippi District who were
unable to attend, and the same year Caleb W. Cloud and
Thomas Lasley, who had been elected and ordained to the
office of deacon the previous year, were admitted into full
connection without being present, “in consequence of their
mission to Natchez.’’®

Meanwhile the work in Illinois, begun in 1803, had been
continued with moderate success. The Illinois Circuit in
1806 reported 110 members; in 1807 there were 218 white
and 2 colored. In the fall of 1806 a missionary was sent
to Missouri. This task was placed upon the shoulders of
a young preacher, John Travis, who had just been admit-
ted on trial into the Conference, having come recommend-
ed from the “Ellenoies” Quarterly Conference. His suc-
ess may be seen from the 109 members which he reported
for the circuit at the end of the first Conference year. In
1808 the new Indiana District included both the Illinois
and the Missouri Circuits, but in 1811 an Illinois District
was formed, with five circuits, all of which, however, were
not in Illinois. The Illinois and Missouri Circuits in 1811
had near 700 members. At this time the Missouri terri-
tory contained not less than 16,000 inhabitants, about
one-fifth of whom were slaves.

 

25William H. Milburn, “Lance, Cross, and Canoe; Flatboat,
Rifle, and Plow in the Valley of the Mississippi” (New York,
1892), pages 357-360.
26MS. Journal of the Western Conference, 1807.
3
’

MUSKINGUM

 

 

—
%

=, ’
aI

0

x
Reet

2

Nashville

 

 

WESTERN CONFERENCE Districts, 1811.

State lines - —-—-—

District boundaries ------+-+-+-=
The Western Conference. 35

As settlers moved in increasing numbers into Kentucky
and Tennessee the number of circuits and districts in
these older States had also materially increased. In 1804
there were three districts and nineteen circuits in these
two States; by 1811 there were four districts and thirty-
four circuits. The membership had increased accordingly.
The Holston District in 1804 reported 3,122 white mem-
bers and 182 colored ; the Cumberland had 2,597 white and
296 colored; while the Kentucky gave the largest returns,
3,718 white and 243 colored. The total membership in
these three districts, which included the circuits in Ken-
tucky and Tennessee, was 9,437 whites and 721 colored.
The membership in 1811 by districts was as follows: Hol-
ston, 4,068 white, 291 colored; Cumberland, 6,033 white,
562 colored; Kentucky, 3,335 white, 283 colored; Green
River, 4,075 white and 279 colored—a total membership
for the States of Kentucky and Tennessee of 17,511 white
and 1,415 colored.

In the twelve years of the life of the Western Confer-
ence, from 1800 to 1811, Methodism had made a remark-
able growth on the frontier. At the beginning of the new
century there were not more than 2,622 white members
and 179 colored in the whole Western country; twelve

- years later the membership had increased to 29,093 whites
and 1,648 colored. The number of circuits had grown
from 9 to 69, with a corresponding increase in the number
of traveling preachers. At the session of the Western Con-
ference in 1800 Bishop Asbury had sent out fourteen
preachers to preach the gospel in the cabins of the fron-
tiersmen; in 1811 Bishop McKendree stationed one hun-
dred preachers within the bounds of the Western Confer-
ence.

To the first delegated General Conference, which con-
vened in Baltimore in May, 1808, the Western Conference
elected the following men to represent them: William
36 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

McKendree, William Burke, James Ward, Benjamin
Lakin, Learner Blackman, Thomas Milligan, and John
Sale.27_ McKendree had now spent eight years in the
West, and was very probably little known among the
Eastern brethren. There were few newspapers, and no
religious paper in any denomination in the country, so
there was little chance of a man in one section of the
denomination becoming known to another. On the first
Sunday of the General Conference McKendree was as-
signed to preach at the Light Street Church. There were
present that morning a large congregation, made up of
General Conference delegates as well as members of the
Church. McKendree’s appearance was not prepossessing.
He was tall and of commanding appearance, but his
clothes were coarse and homely and his movements were
awkward and his manners rustic. Nor did the first part
of his sermon strike fire. A change came when the sermon
was half finished. The lion of the West made the walls
of Light Street Church, as he had often made the forests
of Kentucky, ring with his powerful voice, and the congre-
gation seemed overwhelmed. ‘“Multitudes fell helpless
from their seats as if shot with a rifle.’”’?* Then the tone
of the preacher changed again and soon shouts of triumph
were heard among the congregation. When he came down
from the pulpit, the people gazed at him “as they might
at some messenger from another world,” while the preach-
ers with one accord said, “That is the man for a bishop.”
Accordingly the same week he was elected. And the
choice was a most fortunate one, for there was not another
man in the Church better fitted to carry on the work of
Asbury than this rugged pioneer who had learned the
ways of the wilderness on the frontier.

Beginning with the year 1800, the Western Conference

 

2™MS. Journal of the Western Conference, 1807.
*8Larrabee, “Asbury and His Colaborers,” Vol. II., pages 207-
232. :

'
\
The Western Conference. 37

generally held its annual sessions either during the last
of September or the early part of October. Bishop Asbury
attended eleven of the twelve sessions, though McKendree
presided at the last four sessions. At the session of 1804
Asbury was sick and unable to attend, and McKendree
presided, though at that time he was only a presiding
elder. At the session of 1805 both Bishops Asbury and
Whatcoat were present. Five of the twelve sessions of the
Western. Conference were held in Kentucky, four in Ten-
nessee, and three in Ohio. The first session in Ohio was
held at Chillicothe, the first State capital, in 1807, while
the sessions of 1809 and 1811 met at Cincinnati, then
grown to be the metropolis of the State.

The Secretary of the Western Conference for all its
sessions except the last was William Burke.?® Burke was
one of the sturdy characters of the Conference, and,
though not an educated man, was evidently clear-headed
and a capable officer. His penmanship is excellent, and to
this day the Journal of the Conference is easily read. His
spelling followed no rule, sometimes the same word being
spelled different ways on the same page. Nor did he fol-
low any rule for capitalization or punctuation. Some
years he is lavish with his commas and semicolons, while
other years the minutes lack punctuation almost entirely.
In the early years he speaks of the “Mitionaries,” and it is
“destrict” to the last. Learner Blackman he invariably
spells “Lawner,” and there are many other peculiarities
which can only be appreciated by reading the Journal.
Altogether, however, the document is very creditable to
the backwoods preachers, and as time went on the Journal
gives evidence that both the Secretary and the members
of the Western Conference are becoming more versed in
the orderly management of their business and of the con-
duct of the affairs of the Church in general.

2°Autobiography of William Burke, found in Finley’s “Sketches
of Western Methodism,” pages 18-92.

 
CHAPTER III.
THE FRONTIER CIRCUIT AND THE CIRCUIT RIDER.

Tun earliest circuits west of the Allegheny Mountains
had no fixed boundaries, but were as broad and long as
the settlements. In most instances settlement did not
long precede the coming of the circuit rider. Occasionally
a new settlement would send out a petition to the nearest
presiding elder requesting that a minister be sent them,’
but in most cases it was the preacher who hunted up the
congregation rather than the congregation which hunted
up the preacher. The proportion of Church members in
the Western settlements was very small. At the close of
the American Revolution the proportion of Church mem-
bers in the whole population of the United States has been
estimated as one to every twenty-three, but in the frontier
communities it was very probably considerably less than
that. “The West was not settled by religious colonies,
coming intact, with all their appliances of Church and
school, with the same teacher and ferrule, the same chor-
ister and tuning fork, the same deacon and the dominie
they had in staid New England.”? Among the earliest
settlers were adventurers and not a few desperate charac-
ters fleeing from the penalties of the law in some older
community east of the mountains. More numerous than
these were those who came in search of cheaper homes and
larger farms, though few of these were from the first fam-
ilies, but rather from the second and third.

 

‘An example of a community petitioning a presiding elder for
a preacher is the Whitewater Circuit, Indiana. (See Western
Christian Advocate, October 15, 1845.)

*Methodist Review, 1857, pages 280-296; article by T. M. Eddy
on “Influence of Methodism on Civilization and Education in the
West.”
The Frontier Curcwt and the Circuit Rider. 39

Once settled in the West, the people lived in the rudest
fashion. The early cabins were built of round logs,
“notched down at the corners and rendered tight by
‘chinking’ them over with mortar or clay. The first cabins
had no floors but the earth; but later ‘puncheons,’ or thick
slabs split out of logs, hewed smooth on one side, and se-
cured to the joists by great wooden pins, served as a
floor.’’? Many a settler’s family spent their first winter
in a three-sided camp, and most of the early cabins had
no windows, but oiled paper tacked across the opening
made in the logs served instead of glass. One needs but
read the meager accounts of the cabins in which Bishop
Asbury stopped on his various trips across the moun-
tains to get a vivid description of their crowded condi-
tion, the filth, the discomfort, of even the best among these
early homes of the settlers in the West. On his way to
the Western Conference in 1803 Bishop Asbury caught the
itch, and he observes: “Considering the filthy houses and
filthy beds I have met with, in coming from the Kentucky
Conference, it is perhaps strange that I have not caught it
twenty times.’* The rude and heavy doors, made of split
logs, were hung on clumsy wooden hinges, and secured by
a wooden latch drawn by a string or leather thong. One
room was all the earliest cabins possessed, though often
there was a loft, reached by a rude ladder, in which the
children slept. The huge fireplace was of the roughest
construction, often made of sticks, plastered over with
mud so as not to catch fire.

The dress of the people was as rude as their homes. It
was made of homespun cotton or “linsey-woolsey.” The
ministers were likewise clad in this same material, though
even on the frontier there was a recognized ministerial
garb. The preachers generally wore straight-breasted

 

3Ibid., 1871; article by Williams on “Early Methodism in the
West.”
4Asbury’s Journal, Vol. III., page 119.
40 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

coats, high standing collars, long waistcoats, and the
plainest of neckties. Suspenders were a luxury which
were little known on the frontier. The preachers likewise
affected a peculiar mode of hairdressing; from about mid-
way between the forehead and the crown of the head the
hair was turned back and permitted to grow down to the
shoulders.®

The frontier cabins were furnished mostly with home-
made chairs, tables, and beds. The chairs were hickory
split-bottomed, while the bedsteads were stationary, fas-
tened to the sides of the cabin. The mattress of straw
rested upon slats, for there were no springs on the fron-
tier. A well made, clean bed, with tastefully made quilts
and high bolsters, snowy white sheets and blankets was
the greatest pride of the frontier housewife. Such were
the cabins in which the first Methodist preaching in the
West was conducted.

The first settlements in a new country were always lo-
cated along the banks of creeks or rivers, generally near
some good spring. The reason for so locating the settle-
ments was in order that a supply of water might never run
low and also because the valleys contained the most fertile
soil. The circuit rider, making his way for the first time
into a new country, followed the path or trace from set-
tlement to settlement, stopping at each cabin as he came
to it, to make inquiries as to the neighborhood, whether
there were any of Methodist leanings about, and as to the
best place to hold service. But the circuit rider did not
wait for Methodist families before he began his activities ;
he announced preaching whether there were any Method-
ists or not.

As we glance over the names of the early circuits in the
West, we notice that many of them were named after
streams.® Of the nine circuits in the Western Conference

 

“Autobiography of Joseph Tarkington,” pages 75, 85.
°Minutes of Conferences, Vol. I. (1773-1828).
The Frontier Circuit and the Circuit Rider. 41

in 1800, eight of them were thus named. Every circuit in
the Holston District in 1802 bore the name of a creek or
river. The two earliest circuits in Ohio, the Miami and
the Scioto, were located along the banks of those two
rivers; and finally, when districts were laid out in Ohio,
they were called the Miami and Muskingum. The same is
true of Indiana. The two earliest Indiana circuits were
the Whitewater and the Silver Creek, both named after
streams; and later there were the Patoka and the Blue
River Circuits, both located along the banks of the streams
from which they received their names. The Holston Dis-
trict in 1811 had four circuits named after rivers and
three with names of valleys. The Cumberland the same
year contained four circuits named after streams; the
Nashville District had four similarly named, the Wabash
District had two, the Kentucky District four, Salt River
District two, the Mississippi District four, the Illinois
District two, the Miami six, and the Muskingum District
three. Of the nine districts of the Western Conference in
1811, every one had the name of a river except the Nash-
ville.

The earliest circuits in the West were either four., five.,
or six-weeks circuits—that is, it took the circuit rider that
length of time to make the rounds of the circuit. In the
year 1800 Henry Smith’s circuit covered all Southern Ohio
between the Ohio and the Scioto Rivers. Benjamin Lakin
the same year traveled a circuit in Northern Kentucky
extending from Maysville to the Licking River, while the
Secretary of the Conference, William Burke, traveled a
circuit in Central Kentucky extending a hundred miles
each way. James B. Finley’s first circuit, the Wills Creek,
was four hundred and seventy-five miles around.” In 1804
a preacher was simply assigned to Illinois, while three
years later another indefatigable circuit rider was sent to

 

7James B. Finley, “Autobiography,” page 193.
42 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Missouri as his circuit. Tobias Gibson traveled up and
down the Lower Mississippi for several hundred miles, and
Elisha Bowman covered a territory, after the Louisiana
purchase, equally as large. Neither hardship nor distance
deterred the preachers from carrying on the work to which
they were assigned.

Preaching appointments were generally for 12 o’clock,
noon, on all days except the Sabbath.* The reason for this
perhaps was that on a clear day everybody could tell by
the sun when it was noon, for there were few clocks and
fewer watches in a frontier community. The circuit rider,
as a rule, preached at least once every day, and his advent
into a community was the signal for a general turn-out of
all Methodist families.° Many others also attended the
meeting, even on week days, for all were always welcome.
It was not an uncommon thing for men and women to
walk five or six miles to attend class meeting, and at night
the same distance to attend prayer meeting, lighting their
way through the woods with blazing hickory bark. In
summer men and boys attended the meetings in their bare
feet, while the women and girls, if they possessed shoes
and stockings, carried them in their hands until they came
in sight of the place of meeting, then, washing off the dust
in the nearest brook or spring, finished their toilets, that
they might appear more decent in the company.”®

The number attending the daily ministry of the circuit
rider varied with the community and the time of year.
Generally the service was held in a cabin, with a chair
for a pulpit, while the congregation gathered about the
preacher; and if it were summer time, half of the congre-
gation would be on the outside. Sometimes the minister
would stand in the doorway, while the people would be

 

®8Sweet, “Circuit Rider Days in Indiana,” page 48.

*Williams, “Pictures of Early Methodism in Ohio,” pages
51-53.

Tbid., pages 56 ff.
The Frontier Circwit and the Circuit Rider. 43

gathered in the yard of the cabin. The great occasions
were the quarterly meetings, when the sacraments were
administered and love feasts held. These meetings be-
gan on Friday evening or Saturday morning and lasted
through until Monday morning. People came from twen-
ty to thirty miles around. The neighborhood where the
meeting was to be held made simple but ample provision
for the entertainment. The larder was well filled with all
the frontier staples, while pies and cakes were also pre-
pared in abundance. On the Little Miami, in the early
frontier days, it was customary to hold a certain quarterly
meeting; and here three wealthy families did all the enter-
taining, often each providing for as many as from fifty to
a hundred people. At night the women were accommo-
dated on the floor of the cabins, while men and boys re-
paired to the barns, which had been swept and otherwise
prepared for their entertainment.

The preaching at a quarterly meeting occasion began on
a Saturday morning, two sermons in succession being the
order of the service. At night another preaching service
was held, at which the junior preacher on the circuit
usually held forth. But Sunday was the great day. First
came the love feast conducted by one of the preachers, and
following it at eleven o’clock came the sermon by the pre-
siding elder, followed by a sermon from one of the circuit
preachers. Following this the sacraments were adminis-
tered, the Lord’s Supper and Baptism, while the meeting
closed with a preaching and prayer service at night, some-
times lasting, if the results warranted it, until near Mon-
day morning. At this meeting the converts were gathered
in, sometimes numbered by the score. The attendance at
these meetings reached into the hundreds, and not infre-
quently into the thousands.

One of the typical presiding elders on the frontier in the
early years of the nineteenth century was Samuel Par-
44 The kise of Methodism in the West.

ker. A native of New Jersey, he began to preach in 1800.
He came West and joined the Western Conference in 1805,
his first circuit being the Hinkstone, in Kentucky. As
presiding elder he served the Indiana, Kentucky, Miami,
and Mississippi Districts. His career was cut short by
death in 1819, while engaged on his district along the
Mississippi. Parker was a tall, slim, awkward man, with
large blue eyes and an enormous Roman nose. He had a
long chin which he used in the winter to hold up the
blanket which served him in lieu of a greatcoat. A hole
was cut in the center of the blanket large enough to let
his small head through, and when it was bitter cold he
would hang the fore part of the hole on his chin and bid
defiance to wind and cold. And when his bed covering
proved insufficient, his blanket was made to serve that
purpose; and it was frequently brought into use, for bed
covering was scant, especially at quarterly meetings.

Let us picture this homely, awkward frontier preacher,
clad in ill-fitting, homespun preacher garb, as he conducts
the preaching on a quarterly meeting occasion. He places
his chair before him as his pulpit, and begins to read a
hymn in a soft, charming voice. After the singing comes
the prayer, which is uttered with such eloquence and pa-
thos “that heaven and earth seem in juxtaposition.” And
then follows the sermon on the text, “The upright shall
love thee.” One who was present and heard this very ser-
mon says: “I have since heard the most able divines in the
country, but his description of the good man’s love to God
and God’s love to man, I have not been privileged to hear
equaled since, and indeed I never expect to hear anything
this side of the throne of God which will surpass it.”

Most of the early preachers in the West were unmarried
men; and according to William Burke, the Secretary of

 

44Memorial sketch of the life of Samuel Parker, Minutes, Vol.
I., pages 358, 359.
12Western Christian Advocate, Allen Wiley articles, 1845-46.
The Frontier Circuit and the Circuit Rider. 45

the Western Conference, he was the first preacher to travel
as a married man west of the mountains. Not only were
the circuit preachers unmarried, but Bishop Asbury as
well as all of the bishops until Robert R. Roberts was
elected in 1816 were likewise bachelors. When a preacher
married he was usually advised to locate, for it was con-
sidered impossible for a Western circuit to support a
married preacher. Concerning the hardships which at-
tended the first married circuit rider west of the moun-
tains, we will let Burke speak :* “From the 9th of Janu-
ary, 1796, I traveled as a married man, no allowance being
made for the wife. Part of this time sixty-four dollars
was allowed a traveling preacher, and he must find his
own horse and fixins, his own wardrobe and that of his
wife, together with her board; and the other part of the
time it was eighty dollars, still nothing for wife. I was
the first married preacher in the West who traveled
after marrying. I met with every discouragement that
could be thrown in my way. Preachers and people said,
“You had better locate.’ I shared equally with the single
men when they were on the circuit with me, in order to
keep the peace. . . . One winter I had to use a borrowed
blanket instead of a cloak or overcoat.”

In the Journal of the Western Conference for 1803 is
this entry:

Benjamin Lakin’s account [of deficiency in his salary], $28.95.
But it appears that the circuit maintained Brother Lakin’s wife
and her beast gratis. It is therefore our opinion that it is un-
generous in him to bring a demand on Conference; and seeing
there are others more needy, it is our judgment that he ought
not have anything.

Jesse Walker’s account, $165.37. And it appears to us that

$76 are for children. It is our judgment that the demand for
children be deducted, and then he is deficient $89.37.74

 

13Finley, “Sketches of Western Methodism,” page 91.
144MS. Journal of the Western Conference for 1803.
46 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

These two entries illustrate something of the discourage-
ments which attended the path of the married circuit rider
on the frontier. In 1809, the year James B. Finley began
to preach, he was unable to find any place for his family
to live on the circuit, and he was compelled to build a log
cabin, 12x14, for their accommodation; but he states that
it was “sufficiently capacious, as we had nothing but a bed
and some wearing appearel. My funds being all exhaust-
ed, I sold the boots off my feet to purchase provisions
with.”?®

The amount of salary allowed each preacher from 1784
to 1800 was $64, according to the provision of the Disci-
pline. In 1792 traveling expenses were added to this sum.
From 1800 to 1816 the salary allowed the traveling
preachers was raised to $80 and traveling expenses; the
same allowance was also made the wives of traveling
preachers, while children up to seven years were allowed
$16 each, and $24 from the age of seven to fourteen. In
1816 the salary was raised to $100.1° This salary was
uniform for bishops, presiding elders, and circuit riders.
In 1808 Bishop McKendree’s receipts and expenditures
were as follows: From seven Conferences, $175; salary,
$80; traveling and other expenses, $61.63; leaving $33.37,
which the Bishop was particular in noting to be yet due
the Conferences.”

While this salary seems pitiably small, yet the preach-
ers on the frontier had difficulty in collecting even this
small amount. The Journals of the Western Conference
for every year of its twelve years of history show long lists
of deficiencies, and a considerable part of the business of
each session consisted in dividing up the small amounts

 

16Finley, “Autobiography,” page 194.
1Hmory, “History of the Discipline,” pages 42, 237, 244,
7Methodist Review, 1871, pages 586, 587.
The Frontier Circuit and the Circuit Rider. 47

received from the Chartered Fund! and the Book Concern
among the preachers who reported deficiencies. Thus in
1805 the deficiencies amounted to $985; to meet this $591
was obtained from the following sources:

Collected from the Circuits................ $ 24 87
Draft on the Charter Fund................ 150 00
Draft on the Book Fund................... 300 00
Publick collection at Conference............. 51 50
Collection from the preachers at Conference. 55 25
Extra collection for Brother Bowman....... 10 00

Making’ a total. Of ss. ge.co dae cs kee yee cals $591 621°

Certainly it was not a financial consideration which
drew men into the traveling ministry of the Methodist
Church in the frontier stage of its history. The poverty
of the average frontier preacher is almost beyond our
comprehension. Bishop Asbury states that at the session
of the Western Conference in 1806 “the brethren were in
want, and could not suit themselves; so I parted with my
watch, my coat, and my shirt.’*° Although the Discipline
called for traveling expenses and provision for the wife
and children of a traveling preacher, yet, as Cartwright
observes, “the Discipline was a dead letter on the subject
of house rent, table expenses, and a dividend for children,”
and it was not until 1813 that any provision was made for
the care of the children of the preachers in the West; and

 

18The Chartered Fund originated at the General Conference of
1798. Previous to this there had been a Preacher’s Fund, created
by the payment of every traveling preacher, on admission into
full connection in the Conference, a sum of $5, and year after
year an additional sum of $2. The Chartered Fund was con-
tributed by friends, was funded under the direction of trustees,
and the interest applied to meet the deficiencies and needs of
preachers, their wives and children. (Emory, ‘History of the
Discipline,” page 251. See also Finley, “Sketches of Western
Methodism,” pages 50, 51.)

MS. Journal, 1805.

20>Asbury’s Journal, Vol. III., page 206.
48 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

then it was through the effort of Bishop Asbury, who, as
Cartwright expressed it, “begged from door to door in
the older Conferences and came on and distributed ten
dollars to each child of a traveling preacher under four-
teen years of age.’’*1 Peter Cartwright joined the West-
ern Conference in 1804, and in 1807 he was compelled to
return to the home of his father because he had no money
nor clothes and he also lacked a horse, saddle, and bridle.
On receiving a new outfit as a gift from his father he
again set out for his circuit, “for another three years’ ab-
sence.””??

Although the salary of a traveling preacher was meager
in the extreme, yet even the amount which he received
was not always paid in cash. A typical steward’s record
for a circuit in Indiana in the early twenties shows that
a good part of the “salary” was paid in cloth, corn, leath-
er, socks, ete.:

To cash received from Lewis’s class......... $ 0 50
To cash received from Curtis’s class.......... 50
To cash received from Connerville class..... 2 50
To cash received from Abbott’s class.......... 1 00
To cash received from Hardy’s class......... 87%
Bridle leather from Hardy’s class........... 621%
Cash from Tullis’s clasS...........cseeeeees 1 25
Shoe leather and corn from Tullis’s......... 1 75
Cash from Lower’s claSS...........eceeeeeee 2 561%
1 pair of shoe soles from Lower’s class...... 50
Cash from Robert’s class.................00. 4 65
Cash from Hardy’s claSS............c eee eueee 75
2% yards of linsey from Hardy’s class....... 112%
Cash from Abbott’s clasS.............ceeeees 1 32
Cash from Curtis’s claSsS...........cecceeeee 50
7 yards of linen from Curtis’s............... 1 75
One small pair of shoes from Curtis’s....... 1 00
3% yards of linen from Alley’s class......... 1 25
2% yards of linsey from Alley’s class....... 1 25
8% yards of linsey from Lewis’s class....... 3 27
1 pair of socks from Lewis’s class........... 43%
Cash from Grigg’s ClaSS..........ee ee eee eee 212%
TORR . aa ik hh BER OU EEE SFE PS EE REE KO Se $36 12%

 

“Cartwright, “Autobiography,” page 111,
2Tbid., pages 103-107.
The Frontier Circuit and the Circuit Rider. 49

The quarterage was applied as follows:
By cash to A. Cummins, traveling expenses..$ 0 50

By cash J. Havens, traveling expemses....... 1 50

To A. Cummins, allowances...............6- 3 75

To J. Havens, allowances ...........eeeeeees 30 387%
Total s.ceuis oaewuss kee dj ewatous wears Hae Res $36 121278

Among the common occurrences on a frontier circuit
were the religious controversies. The salient points of
Methodist theology were always emphasized in the preach-
ing and prayers of the circuit rider. Nor were the Bap-
tists, the Presbyterians, the Shakers, the New Lights any
the less emphatic in emphasizing their peculiarities. In
fact, the differences in doctrine had far greater emphasis
laid upon them than in these days.

The greatest opponents of Methodist theology were the
Calvinists, as represented particularly by the Presbyte-
rians. Some of the controversies with the Presbyterians
were extremely bitter, rendered more so by the fact that
the Presbyterian ministry were far better educated than
were the Methodist preachers, and in consequence they
assumed an arrogance in their discussions which the
Methodists greatly resented. There are numerous in-
stances, however, where Presbyterians and Methodists got
on well together. Bishop Asbury was particularly friend-
ly toward them, had numerous friends among the Presby-
terian clergy, and frequently requested them to preach at
Methodist meetings where he presided. Particularly was
this true after the great revival in the West at the begin-
ning of the nineteenth century, in which the Presbyterians
and Methodists had drawn closer together.**

 

23Western Christian Advocate, November 21, 1860; article by
F. C. Holliday.

247 dined with Mr. Ramsey, a Presbyterian minister, at his
own house on Friday; and he with me to-day at my lodgings;
we had quite a Christian interview.” (Asbury’s Journal, Vol.
III., page 80.) At the Conference in Tennessee in 1802 Bishop

4
50 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Perhaps the most notorious controversy between Metb-
odists and Presbyterians during the life of the Western
Conference was one which occurred in Cincinnati follow-
ing the session of the Conference in that city in 1811.
While the Conference was in session three of the younger
members, Peter Cartwright, Thomas Stilwell, and Samuel
Griffin, took advantage of their stay in the city to have
some pamphlets printed against Calvinism.?®> One of the
pamphlets was in poetical form, or rather doggerel, and
was entitled “The Dagon of Calvinism; or, The Molock of
Decrees: A Poem in Three Cantos.” It had been written
in New England by a man who had never been a Meth-
odist, and was reprinted in Cincinnati without the knowl-
edge or approval of the Conference. Cartwright states
that his reason for printing the pamphlets was to answer
pamphlets which had been circulated in Kentucky ridicul-
ing and caricaturing Methodist doctrine. One such Pres-
byterian pamphlet was entitled “A Dialogue between Cal-
vinists and Arminians.” Another Presbyterian had writ-
ten against Lorenzo Dow’s “Chain,” in which strong pre-
destination sentiments were presented. In answer to
these there had already appeared anonymously a pam-
phlet entitled “A Useful Discovery; or, I Never Saw the
Like Before,” which was a complete satire on Calvinist
doctrine. This last pamphlet Cartwright and his associ-
ates had reprinted at Cincinnati at the same time as “The
Dagon of Calvinism.”

 

Asbury was too sick to preach, and he asked two Presbyterian
ministers to “supply my lack of public service, which they did
with great fervency and fidelity.” (Journal, Vol. III., page 81.)
Frequently Presbyterians offered their churches for Methodist
meetings and not infrequently for Bishop Asbury to preach.

25An account of this controversy will be found in Williams’s
“Pictures of Early Methodism in Ohio,’ Chap. VIII., pages 156-
186. Also in Cartwright’s “Fifty Years a Presiding Elder,” Chap,
IV., pages 92-193,
The Frontier Circwit and the Circuit Rider. BL

This sorry controversial matter was soon thrown broad-
cast over Southern Kentucky and created considerable
stir in Presbyterian circles. The pastor of the First Pres-
byterian Church in Cincinnati took the matter up and
held the Western Conference as responsible. Letters were
exchanged between him and the Methodist pastors of
Cincinnati, which tended to increase the bitterness, while
Cartwright received a long letter anonymously written—
supposedly by two Presbyterian ministers—which pur-
ports to be written by the devil. In this pamphlet Cart-
wright is considered the devil’s faithful servant, because
of his activity against Calvinist doctrine. To this pam-
phlet Cartwright replied, addressing his letter “To the
Right Honorable, The Devil,” and beginning, “If I am to
answer a fool according to his folly, permit me to answer
a devil according to his malice; therefore expect plain
language.”

The chief differences between Methodists and Baptists
arose over the question of immersion as necessary to sal-
vation and the Baptist practice of close communion. Cart-
wright complains that the Baptists were great proselyters,
and that after Methodists had begun a meeting in a wicked
community the Baptists would then come and preach
“Water!” “Water!” “Water!” and during the absence of
the preachers at other points on the circuit they would
attempt to rush the recent converts into the water. “They
made so much ado about baptism by immersion,” he says,
“that the uninformed would suppose that heaven was an
island, and there was no way to get there but by diving or
swimming.” But even Cartwright has a good word for
some of the Baptist preachers and people on the frontier.*®

Other sects with which the frontier Methodists came
into contact and often conflict were the “Campbellites,”’

 

*6Cartwright, “Autobiography,” pages 133-138. For a good ex-
ample of the type of controversy carried on between Methodists
and Baptists see Cartwright’s ‘“‘Autobiography,” pages 150, 151,
52 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Universalists, and Shakers. All the Protestant denomi:
nations joined in opposing the Universalists; in fact, op-
position to Universalist doctrine was about the only com-
mon theological ground on which the several sects could
stand. Debates on religious and theological subjects were
commonly held, continuing night after night while the
people gathered in great crowds to support their particular
theological champion. A certain debate in Indiana be-
tween a Methodist and Universalist in the early day last-
ed three days. In the course of the debate the Universalist
painted a hell for the Methodist champion and his breth-
ren to look at, and then flung into it all the human race
that orthodoxy excluded from heaven. The Methodist
replied by sending Judas to heaven before his Lord and
carried all liars, lechers, seducers, and murderers to
Abraham’s bosom, “all bedeviled and unrepentent as they
were.”

The Shakers were a communistic sect very active in
Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana in the early years of the
nineteenth century. They did not recognize marriage as
a Christian institution and held to other strange notions.
The Methodist circuit rider was a deadly enemy of this
delusion and took every opportunity of openly opposing
them. From the Methodist standpoint they seemed the
very outcast among the sects. There was a settlement of
Shakers on the Lower Wabash, in Indiana, at a place
called Busroe.27 To this settlement had come Kentucky
immigrants, among whom were Methodists, Baptists, and
Cumberland Presbyterians. Some of them had joined the
Shakers, while others remained steadfast to their former
faith. Cartwright came over from Kentucky to this set-
tlement for the purpose of saving the remaining Method-
ists from falling into “the muddy pools of Shakerism.”
On arriving in the settlement he challenged the Shaker

 

2"The Shakers were officially known as “The United Society
of Believers in Christ’s Second Coming.”
The Frontier Circuit and the Circuit Rider. 53

“priests” to a debate, but no one answered the challenge.
The meeting, however, was held, nevertheless, and for
three hours Cartwright held forth, “until the very foun-
dations of every Shaker present were shaken from under
him.” As a result of this meeting forty-seven former
Shakers gave their names to the Methodist Church and a
class was immediately organized.”®

Such contests developed a remarkable quickness of wit
among the frontier preachers. At New Harmony, on the
Lower Wabash in Indiana, there had been established a
communistic community by the Rappites, a German sect.
Later the Rappites sold out their interest to Robert Owen,
a Scotch mill owner, who was interested in founding a
socialistic community. On one occasion a Methodist cir-
cuit rider was preaching in the hall at New Harmony,
which was open to all denominations or to any one who
had any message to give. It was the custom of a certain
member of the community to rise in the meeting and ques-
tion the speakers. He accordingly arose while James
Armstrong, a Methodist preacher, was preaching and pro-
pounded the question, “How do you know you have a
soul?” To this Armstrong replied, “I feel it.” “Did you
ever smell, taste, see, or hear your soul?” said the ques-
tioner. “No,” said Armstrong. “Then you have four
senses against you,” replied the skeptic. Armstrong then
propounded this question to his questioner: “Mr. Jen-
nings, did you ever have the toothache?” “Yes,” said
Jennings. “Did you ever smell, taste, see, or hear the
toothache?” asked the preacher. “No,” replied Jennings.
“Then,” said Armstrong, “you have four senses against
you.”29

It is generally supposed that the early Methodist
preachers, particularly in the West, were very ignorant
men, and it is true that many of them lacked school edu-

 

28Cartwright, pages 53-55,
2°Autobiography of Rev. Joseph Tarkington, 104,
54 The Rise of Methodism im the West.

cation ; but to say that they were ignorant men is far from
the truth. They were uneducated in the sense in which
Abraham Lincoln was an uneducated man; but, like Lin-
coln, they became trained men in the truest sense of the
word. Bishop Asbury was not a college-bred man, but he
was far from being an uneducated or unlearned preacher.
He was constantly occupied with some book.*®° He always
carried books in his saddlebags, as did all the circuit rid-
ers. The list of books which he found time to read as he
rode from place to place is a long one, and contains not
only books on religious subjects, but also history, biogra-
phy, literature, and even books on medicine. While the
education of the average circuit rider was extremely lim-
ited, yet somehow they became efficient interpreters of a
larger life, and as a class developed a keenness of mind
and a readiness of wit that finds few equals. They were
men of few books, but they absorbed the few they pos-
sessed. The books with which they became most familiar
were the Bible, the Discipline, Wesley’s Sermons, and
Fletcher’s “Appeal.”

The eloquence of these pioneers was not the kind
learned in schools or from the study of books. There is
no better way to account for it than to let John Strange,
a prince among Western preachers, tell of the school in
which he learned it. His Alma Mater, said he, was “Brush
College, more ancient, though less pretentious, than Yale,
Harvard, or Princeton. Here I graduated, and I love her
memory still. Her academic groves are the boundless
forests and prairies of these Western wilds; her Pierian
springs are the gushing fountains from the rocks and
mountain fastnesses; her Arcadian groves and Orphic
songs are the wildwoods, and the birds of every color and
every song, relieved now and then with the bass hootings

 

“Tipple, “Francis Asbury, the Prophet of the Long Road,”
pages 90-106. The author here gives a list of the books read and
studied by Asbury, with his comments upon them.
The Frontier Circuit and the Circuit Rider. 55

of the night owl and the weird treble of the whippoorwill;
her curriculum is the philosophy of nature and the mys-
teries of redemption; her library is the word of God, the
Discipline, the hymn book, supplemented with trees and
brooks and stones, all of which are full of wisdom and
sermons and speeches; and her parchments of literary
honors are the horse and the saddlebags.’*+

The type of preaching practiced by the early circuit
riders in the West is hard to define. The general concep-
tion of Methodist preaching of the time seems to be that
it was wild and incoherent, with little that appealed to
thinking people. This may have been true of the preach-
ing of a few, but it could hardly be considered character-
istic. The preachers were often vigorous and noisy, but
most of them had regard for the decencies of public wor-
ship and did not countenance the extravagant. As a rule
preaching was of a doctrinal character. They believed
and preached the doctrine of the fall of man; all men were
conceived and born in sin, and Jesus Christ died for all,
with the emphasis upon the “all.” This was by way of
contrast with the Calvinists, who preached a limited
salvation. They also emphasized the doctrine of per-
sonal responsibility. ‘They proclaimed the “free will”
of the individual, that every person had the power of
choice. “So then every one of us must give an account
of himself to God,” was a favorite text of the circuit
preacher, and many a reckless frontiersman has quailed
under the burning sermons preached from that text.
Then they bore down upon the doctrine of regenera-
tion also, that the soul can be newly created and
transformed; and this was not simply a change of
purpose, but a change of character. This was conver-

 

*1For a description of John Strange and his method of preach-
ing see an article by W. C. Smith on “John Strange at Camp-
Meetings,” Western Christian Advocate, June 23, 1858; also J. C.
Smith, “Early Methodism in Indiana,” pages 38, 39.
56 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

sion, the “new birth” of which Methodists had much to
say, and taught it on all occasions, as necessary for
entrance into the kingdom. They preached also that
conversion must be manifested and become a matter
of one’s own personal consciousness. “Being faithful”
was the term which summed up for the Methodists
correct living; and the opposite, “backsliding,”’ was a
term which described the state of a Methodist who,
having once been “converted,” had failed “to be faith-
ful.’ The preaching of these rude preachers was
abundantly practical and touched the life of the com-
munity at every point.

Frontier Methodists were extremely fond of hymn-
singing; they sang hymns in their homes, about their
work, at their family altars, as well as in their meet-
ings. The Methodists had an official Hymn Book
dating from the organization of the Church, in 1784;
but there were few of these books on the frontier,
except with the preachers. Frequently no one in a
congregation possessed a hymn ‘book except the preach-
er, who gave out the verses to be sung, two lines at a
time. Many of the hymns, however, were well known,
and except in the public congregation were sung with-
out the process of being lined out. Aside from the
hymns found in the Church hymnal there grew up on
the frontier a great number of improvised hymns.
At the beginning of a camp meeting the regular hymns
would be sung; but as the meeting warmed up hymns,
or “spiritual songs,” as they were termed, many times
improvised by the preachers on ‘the spot, were used.
These songs were very imperfect in rhyme, rude in ex-
pression, and to us to-day seem totally impossible;
but they were learned by the people and often used
in place of the older and more worthy hymns. Many
of these frontier hymns have been lost, for some of
them never appeared in print, but a few have come
The Frontier Circuit and the Circuit Rider. 57

down to us, preserved in an old song book, first printed
in 1810. Two of the frontier preachers who obtained
a reputation as song writers were John A. Grenade
and Caleb J. Taylor, both of whom wrote a number
of hymns found in this little volume.

The theme of these crude frontier hymns varied.
Sometimes they described a camp meeting scene, as
does this song written by Taylor:

Sinners through the camp are falling,
Deep distress their souls pervade,
Wondering why they are not rolling
In the dark infernal shade.
Grace and mercy, long neglected,
Now they ardently implore;
In an hour when least expected
Jesus bids them weep no more.

Hear them then their God extolling,
Tell the wonders he has done;
While they rise, see others falling!
Light into their hearts hath shone.
Prayer and praise, and exhortation,
Blend in one perpetual sound;
Music sweet beyond expression,
To rejoicing saints around.*?

More often, however, the theme of these camp meeting
songs was “divine mercy” or “saving grace,” of which
the following by John A. Grenade is a sample:

Think of what your Saviour bore
In the gloomy garden,
Sweating blood at every pore,
To procure thy pardon;
See Him stretched upon the wood,
Bleeding, grieving, crying;
Suffering all the wrath of God,
Groaning, gasping, dying.

 

32¢The Early Camp-Meeting Song Writers,” by Fry, Methodist
Review, 1859, pages 401-413.
CHAPTER IV.
THE CIRCUIT RIDER AS A FACTOR IN FRONTIER SOCIETY.

ALL historians recognize the importance of the ac-
tivities of the Jesuits in the early history of Canada,
and the Great Lakes region of the United States par-
ticularly. Their story has been admirably told by
one of America’s greatest historians, Francis Park-
man; while the documents relating to their activities
have been gathered together by another American his-
torian, Reuben Gold Thwaites, in that remarkable
series of volumes known as the “Jesuit Relations.”
The equally important activities of the early circuit
riders in the West, however, have as yet received little
recognition from historians; while the documents re-
lating to their labors have been scattered to the four
winds and the complete story of their lives and work
remains yet to be written A distinguished jurist, a
Judge of the Supreme Court in one of the Central West-
ern States, was accustomed to say years ago, “But for
the Methodist Church and the Methodist ministry, this
country would have sunk into barbarism.” While this
assertion may be somewhat too sweeping in all its im-
plications, yet an examination of the activities and in-
fluences which emanated from the Methodist Church on
the frontier in the latter years of the eighteenth and
the early years of the nineteenth centuries will go far
toward substantiating the declaration. It has only

+Perhaps the best appreciation of frontier Methodism written
by a non-Methodist appeared in the French Revue des Deux
Mondes, by M. Cucheval-Clevigny, which was translated and pub-
lished in the Methodist Review (1854, pages 556, 577; 1855, pages
69-88). The original articles in the French Revue appeared soon
after the publication of Cartwright’s “Autobiography.”

 
The Circuit Rider in Frontier Society. 59

been in recent years, however, that the historian has
cven begun to give credit to the rude preachers of right-
eousness on the frontier. Recently American history text-
books have been published in which Cartwright’s “Auto-
biography” and Brunson’s “Western Pioneer” have been
cited as reading references.

As has already been pointed out, the Methodist plan
of organization was exactly suited to a new country
and a scattered population. Frontier society was in
a state of flux, but the ministers of the Methodist
Church were equally mobile and were just as much at
home whether society were on the move or stationary.
It seems probable that no other system could have met
the conditions; at least no other did. The circuit rider
was equally at home in the saddle, in the rude cabin
of the settler, in the Indian lodge, or out under the
wide-spreading branches of the beeches and maples.
He worked at his never-ending task not for personal
glory or for “salary,” but for the glory of God and the
spread of the gospel. Often he reached the emigrant
before the roof was on his cabin or the clay in the
stick chimney dry. The whole Western country was
laid out into circuits and districts, and into each ob-
scure settlement came at stated times the circuit rider,
at longer intervals came the presiding elder, and once
each year, into the Western country, came the bishop,
preaching, ordaining, and holding the sacraments. And
to the camp meetings, the quarterly meetings, and the
Conferences flocked the people of the frontier. They
often came long distances, on foot, in their rude wag-
ons, on horseback, men, women, and children.

What was the influence upon Western society exerted by
these devoted men, organized as they were into an effective
machine for spreading the gospel? It goes almost without
saying that they exerted a powerful influence for religion
and righteousness. They preached a theology greatly
60 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

needed in a new country, infested, as all new countries
are, with rough and many times criminal characters.
The great doctrine, urged on all occasions, was that of
“conversion,” a change of life and heart. They pro-
claimed all men to be sinners and that salvation lay
only through Jesus Christ. It was an extremely prac-
tical gospel they proclaimed; a gospel which manifested
itself in the daily life of the convert. It was “by their
fruits” they were known, and thus in a rough and rude
community they brought the softening influences of
Christianity.

The circuit rider was also a powerful influence in
maintaining law and order. He always had the great-
est respect for law, both of the Church, of the State,
and of the nation. The Methodist system of Church
government, devised by John Wesley and brought to
America by Francis Asbury, was a most thorough and
efficient system. Asbury was not so great a preacher
as he was an organizer; and he stood always for obe-
dience to the laws of the Church.? Order was his pas-
sion, and the introduction of such an orderly system
into more or less disorderly communities must have
had far-reaching influence. The circuit rider stood for
decency and order in public worship, and many times
took the leading part in preserving it. Of one of the
presiding elders on the frontier it has been said by one
who knew him that “he would not suffer anything
which was manifestly enthusiastic or extravagant in
religious assemblies to pass without rebuke. . . . His
nice sense of propriety induced him to keep the very
best order at the meetings superintended by him.

At many a camp meeting the preachers were compelled
to resort to force to preserve order. The following ac-

 

*Tipple, “Francis Asbury, the Prophet of the Long Road,”
pages 241, 242.
The Circuit Rider in Frontier Society. 61

count of such a scene is typical. At a camp meeting
near Marietta, Ohio, in the fall of 1806 a crowd of
“rabble and rowdies,” as Cartwright describes them,
came on a Sunday morning, “armed with dirks, clubs,
knives, and horsewhips, and swore they would break up
the meeting.” While Cartwright was preaching, one
of the rowdies stood up on a seat and began to talk
and laugh. The preacher ordered him down, but with
oaths he refused. The magistrates were afraid to ar-
rest the roughs, so the preachers were compelled to in-
terfere. After a general scuffle, in which the friends
of law and order stood by the preachers, the roughs
were put to flight, though not until some thirty had
been captured, and on Monday nearly three hundred
dollars was collected in fines and costs.’

Nor is this an unusual circumstance. Finley de
scribes a similar scene where “about twenty lewd fel-
lows of the baser sort’ came to a camp meeting intoxi-
cated, with the avowed purpose of breaking up the
meeting, but only to find that the preachers and the
Methodist brethren were more than their match.*

Not only did the circuit rider stand for law and or-
der, but he also stood for moderation in religious prac-
tices. It has been the general conception that the early
frontier preachers desired to work the people up to a
state of religious frenzy at every meeting, and that they
took special delight in such strange exercises as the
‘Serks,” the “holy laugh,” the “barking exercise,” and
that they encouraged trances and visions; but this is
an entire misconception. None of the preachers ob-
jected to hearty shouts during their preaching, but there
were few fanatics among them, and what few of that
sort did creep into the ministry were soon weeded out

 

*Cartwright, ‘‘Autobiography,” pages 90-92.
‘Finley, “Autobiography,” page 252,
62 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

by the watchful presiding elders. At a certain camp
meeting conducted in the West “there were many .. .
strange and wild exercises into which the subjects of this
revival fell; such, for instance, as . . . the running,
jumping, and barking exercise. The Methodist preachers
generally preached against this extravagant wildness.”
Cartwright states: “I did it uniformly in my ministra-
tions, and sometimes gave great offense.’”®

Western morality was extremely loose, and in many
communities little attempt was made to preserve order
or uphold decent morality by the civil authorities. “Trav-
elers from the East were shocked at the balls, the
drinking, the fighting, and the utter disregard paid to
the Sabbath day. Good people were terrified at the
drunkenness, the vice, the gambling, the brutal fights,
the gouging, the needless duels they beheld on every
hand.”*® In the face of this looseness the Methodist
Church maintained and proclaimed an unbending moral-
ity. The circuit rider waged war with vice of every sort.
Not content with renouncing sin in general, he often
came to particulars, called out names in meeting, de-
nounced sinners to their very face, and called upon
them to repent. The Methodist Church was the original
Temperance Society in the West, if not in the nation.
The General Rules formulated by John Wesley were
adopted by the American Church at its organization in
1784. Among them was one forbidding “drunkenness, buy-
ing or selling of spirituous liquors, or drinking them, un-
less in cases of necessity.”’ In addition to this rule the
American Church adopted another, forbidding members
from distilling grain into liquor and advised the preachers
strongly to persuade their members from drinking drams.

 

*Cartwright, “Autobiography,” pages 51, 52.
°McMaster, Vol. II., pages 152, 578.
"Emory, “History of the Discipline,” pages 181, 192,
The Circuit Rider in Frontier Society. 63

Temperance was a theme unheard and unthought of
outside the pale of the Methodist Church. No other
Church had legislation covering the subject, but it
was left to the individual to use bis discretion regard-
ing the matter. As a result of the attitude toward
liquor taken by the Methodist Church, and the fact that
the other Churches had nothing to say upon the subject,
it followed “as a necessary consequence that all persons
who refused to drink were called, by way of reproach,
Methodist fanatics.”* The strange doctrine of antino-
mianism® had early gained foothold in the West and
had been fostered by Church organizations and de-
fended from the pulpit. This doctrine was preached
particularly by certain branches of the Baptists. Moral
reform they proclaimed as a presumptuous intermed-
dling with the Divine plans. Alcohol was termed a
“ood creature of God to be received with thanksgiv-
ing.”’° A certain prominent preacher of the anti-means
doctrine destroyed the confidence of this flock in his
sincerity by erecting lightning rods on his buildings.
He saw no need of “means” to save his soul, but did
to save his oats and buckwheat. At one time on the
frontier at a certain Church meeting of an antinomian
congregation one member was expelled for habitual
drunkenness and another for being a member of a tem-
perance society, which led a too curious member to ask,
“How much liquor must he drink to retain his standing
in the Church, since drinking too much and drinking
none at all were both capital crimes?”

At the time the Methodist Church was established in
the West practically every one drank liquor. “Ardent

 

®Finley, “Autobiography,” page 249.

°An “antinomian” is one who maintains that under the gospel
dispensation the moral law is of no use or obligation, on the
ground that faith alone is necessary to salvation.

°Methodist Review, April, 1857, pages 287, 288,
64 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

spirits were used as a preventive of disease. It was
also regarded as a necessary beverage. A house could
not be raised, a field of wheat could not be cut down,
nor could there be a log-rolling, a husking, a quilting,
a wedding, or a funeral without the aid of alcohol.”™
Cartwright adds his testimony to the prevalence of
liquor-drinking on the frontier: “From my earliest rec-
ollection drinking drams, in family and social circles,
was considered harmless and allowable socialities. It
was almost universally the custom for preachers, in
common with all others, to take drams; and if a man
would not have it in his family, his harvest, his house-
raisings, log-rollings, weddings, and so on, he was con-
sidered parsimonious and unsociable; and many, even
professors of Christianity, would not help a man if
he did not have spirits and treat the company.”?

The difficulty of transporting grain to market over
the rough frontier roads led the farmers to distill it
into whisky. Whisky-making was very common in the
West in the early days. In 1810 there were twenty-eight
distilleries in Indiana territory, turning out 35,950 gal-
lons® of whisky a year, to say nothing of the domestic
distilleries where whisky was made for home consump-
tion. It was the prevailing opinion on the frontier that
whisky was a preventive of the diseases common to the
frontier,’* such as ague and fever, and great quantities
were consumed, avowedly for that purpose. Distilled
liquors were continually in use as tonics, even among
those who were otherwise strictly temperate and ab-
stemious.

A certain local preacher in Tennessee was accused

 

“Finley, “Autobiography,” page 248.

Cartwright, “Autobiography,” page 212.

13Logan Esarey, “History of Indiana” (Indianapolis, 1915),
Vol. I., page 179.

14Williams, ‘‘Methodism in Ohio,” page 25.
The Circuit Rider in Frontier Society. 65

of drinking too much at weddings. After much difficul-
ty the circuit preacher succeeded in getting a committee
of local preachers, who themselves were not dram drink-
ers, to try the accused brother. Testimony was given
proving that he drank often and had been drunk on
several occasions, and accordingly he was suspended
until the next Quarterly Conference, when he was ex-
pelled from the Church. Finley states that “I suffered
no opportunity to pass that I did not improve in por-
traying the physical, social, and moral evils resulting
from intemperance. . . . Frequently I would pledge
whole congregations, standing upon their feet, to the
temperance cause.”?®

Among the frontier preachers none were more famous
for opposition to intemperance than James Axley. Ax-
ley and Peter Cartwright were close friends, they hav-
ing been admitted into the Western Conference the same
year, and were alike in their fearless denunciation of
whatever they believed to be wrong. At one time he
was located in Eastern Tennessee, a country known for
its production of peach brandy and for the free use of
it. In opposition to this practice he preached what
became known as Axley’s temperance sermon, which
was famous in all that region for a third of a century.
A passage from this sermon will serve to illustrate a
type of frontier preaching, as well as the strong oppo-
sition of the Methodist Church toward intemperance:

Text: “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; the Lord
reward him according to his works.” (2 Tim. iv. 14.)

Paul was a traveling preacher, and a bishop, or a presiding
elder at least; for he traveled extensively, and had much to do,
not only in regulating the societies, but also in sending the preach-

ers here, there, and yonder. He was zealous, laborious, would
not build on another man’s foundation, but formed new circuits,

 

18Cartwright, “Autobiography,” pages 184-186,
16Rinley, “Autobiography,” page 250.
5
66 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

“where Christ was not named,” so that from Jerusalem, and round
unto Illyricum, he had fully preached the gospel of Christ. One
new place that he visited was very wicked. . . . Sabbath-
breaking, dancing, drinking, quarreling, fighting, swearing, etc.,
abounded; but the word of the Lord took effect; there was a
powerful stir among the people, and many precious souls were
converted. Among the subjects of that work there was a certain
noted character, Alexander by name and a still-maker by trade;
also Hymenzus, who was his partner in the business. Paul
formed a new society, and appointed Brother Alexander class
leader. There was a great change in the place; the people left
off their drinking, swearing, fighting, horse-racing, dancing, and
all their wicked practices. The stills were worked up into bells
and stew-kettles, and thus applied to useful purposes. The settle-
ment was orderly, the meetings were prosperous, and things
went well among them for some time. But one year they had a
pleasant spring; there was no late frost, and the peach crop hit
exactly. I do suppose, my brethren, that such a crop of peaches
was never known before. The old folks ate all they could eat;
the children ate all they could eat; the pigs ate all they could
eat; the sisters preserved all they could preserve; and still the
limbs of the trees were bending and breaking. One Sunday
when the brethren met for worship they gathered around outside
the meetinghouse, and got to talking about their worldly business
—as you know people sometimes do, and it is a mighty bad
practice—and one said to another, ‘Brother, how is the peach

crop with you this year?” “Oh,” said he, “you never saw the
like; they are rotting on the ground under the trees; I don’t
know what to do with them.” “How would it do,” said one, “to

still them? The peaches will go to waste, but the brandy will
keep; and it is very good in certain cases, if not used to excess.”
“I should like to know,” said a cute brother, “how you could make
brandy without stills?” “That’s nothing,” replied another, “for
our class leader, Brother Alexander, is as good a still-maker as
need be, and Brother Hymeneus is another, and, rather than see
the fruit wasted, no doubt they will make us a few.” The next
thing heard on the subject was a hammering in the class leader’s
shop; and soon the stills in every brother’s orchard were smok-
ing and the liquid poison streaming. When one called on another,
the bottle was brought out, with the remark, “I want you to taste
my new brandy; I think it is pretty good.” The guest after tast-
ing once was urged to repeat, when, smacking his lips, he would
reply: “Well, it’s tolerable; but I wish you would come over and
The Circuit Rider in Frontier Society. 67

taste mine; I think mine is a little better.” So they tasted and
tasted till many of them got about half drunk, and I don’t know
but three-quarters. Then the very devil was raised among them;
the society was all in an uproar, and Paul was sent for to come
and settle the difficulty. At first it was difficult to find sober,
disinterested ones enough to try the guilty; but finally he got
his committee formed; and the first one he brought to account
was Alexander, who pleaded not guilty. He declared he had not
tasted, bought, sold, or distilled a drop of brandy. “But,” said
Paul, “you made the stills, otherwise there would have been no
liquor made; and if no liquor, no one would have been intoxi-
cated.” So they expelled him first, then Hymenzus next, and
went on for compliment, till the society was relieved of all still-
makers, distillers, dramsellers, and dram-drinkers, and peace was
once more restored. Paul says: “Holding faith, and a good con-
science; which some having put away concerning faith have made
shipwreck: of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom I have
delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”?”

Frontier Methodism had a very large social influence.
Once a week the class leaders called their classes to-
gether, and there the New Englander and the South-
erner, “the Yorker” and the Eastern Shore man, the
Teuton and the Celt mingled on a platform of exact
equality. The class leader was a neighbor and friend,
and freely and frankly they discussed their religious
convictions, their fears and hopes together. They spoke
and sang and prayed, and thus sectional prejudices
passed and there was born a distinct Western spirit and
feeling. These class meetings were the smallest of the
Methodist gatherings. Then there were the preaching
services when the circuit preacher reached the neighbor-
hood and greater numbers gathered together; and the
quarterly meetings, when sometimes as many as two
thousand people gathered to spend two days in religious
and social intercourse. Still more extensive was the
mingling, when in the autumn the camp meetings began.
Nearly every circuit planned such a gathering, when

 

‘Finley, “Sketches of Western, Methodism,” pages 237, 238.
68 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

people from far and near came, lived in booths and
tents, and spent their time in delightful mingling to-
gether. Methodism on the frontier proved a wonderful
“social chemistry.” Indeed, no other influence on the
frontier had larger social possibilities.**

Another aspect of the social influence of frontier
Methodism deserves mention. The preacher lived in the
homes of the people. He passed the night in the home
where he preached, or in the neighborhood. Entirely
aside from the religious influences which emanated from
such visits were his example as a studious man and a
gentleman. The casual conversations carried on at the
table with the elder members of the household; the read-
ing and praying about the open fireplace just before
retiring and just after rising; the books he brought into
the log cabins—all these were fruitful sources of in-
fluencing especially the younger members of the house-
hold.

The early Methodist circuit riders were not only
preachers, but they were likewise book agents. The Gen-
eral Conference of 1800 passed this rule: “It shall be
the duty of every presiding elder, where no book stew-
ard is appointed, to see that his district be fully sup-
plied with books. He is to order such books as are
wanted, and to give directions to whose care the same
are to be sent; and he is to take the oversight of all
our books sent into his district, and to account to the
superintendent for the same.” It stated further: “It
shall be the duty of every preacher who has the charge
of a circuit to see that his circuit be duly supplied with
books, and to take charge of all the books which are
sent to him, from time to time, or which may be in his

 

1*Rev. T. M. Eddy, “Influence of Methodism upon the Civili-
zation and Education of the West,” Methodist Review, April,
1857, pages 280-296.
The Circuit Rider in Frontier Society. 69

circuit; and he is to account with the presiding elder
for the same.”!® These books, of course, were mainly
publications of the Methodist Book Concern, but they
were books on a variety of subjects, such as biography,
history, travel, philosophy, and ethics, as well as the
Methodist “stand-bys,” the works of Wesley, Fletcher,
Clarke, Bangs, and Lee. At this early date there were
no Methodist journals. The Western Christian Advo-
cate began publication in 1834, while the Methodist Mag-
azine did not begin operation until 1818.

There were few cabins on the frontier where reading
matter was abundant. The cares of pioneer life and its
hardships had largely destroyed the opportunity for
cultural pursuits and there was very little demand for
books. But the Methodist preachers resolutely carried
books to the people and in most cases actually crowded
them upon the settler. Many a frontier cabin would
have been without a single book if some circuit rider
had not insisted that books be purchased. This was a part
of the preacher’s duty, and most of the preachers were
faithful in its performance. Among old collections of
books, volumes may still be found bearing upon the
flyleaf “Bought of Rev. ——————, May ——, 18——,
Price $ .’? The books were read in the household,
then were loaned to the neighbors until they made the
circuit of the settiement.

The Western preachers were deeply interested in edu-
cation, even though they themselves were generally un-
schooled men. As a testimony to this interest was
Bethel Academy, erected in Jessamine County, Ken-
tucky, in the latter years of the eighteenth century.
It was the second institution of learning founded by
Methodists in the United States. The Academy, built
entirely by subscriptions obtained from the Western

 

 

Emory, “History of the Discipline,” pages 258, 259.
70 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

circuits, originated with Bishop Asbury and Francis
Poythress and certain leading laymen of the region.
The building erected was eighty by forty, and three
stories high. It was designed to serve as a dormitory
as well as for recitations and chapel. The Kentucky
legislature thought well enough of the project to grant
the institution six thousand acres of land. The people
were generous to the limit of their ability, and for a
time the school attracted numbers of students; but it
proved poorly located, and there were few to patronize
the school. The frontier was extremely poor, and finally
it was deemed best to abandon it. It was not long,
however, until Bethel Academy was followed by numer-
ous successors, and in the first half of the nineteenth
century many colleges and academies sprang up, founded
by Methodist Conferences, in the States which once com-
posed the Western Conference.”°

Another achievement of Methodism on the frontier
was that it trained laymen in the art of public speaking
and public leadership as perhaps nothing else was able
to do. The local preachers and class leaders were cho-
sen from among the more talented and better prepared
of the members of the Church, and thus they received
training for general political and social leadership. It
was no mere accident that a local preacher, Edward Tiffin,
became the first governor of the State of Ohio, and it
is not strange that Peter Cartwright developed political
ambitions.

 

“Finley, “Sketches of Western Methodism,” pages 42, 43.
PART II.
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I.

JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE, HELD
AT BETHEL ACADEMY, KENTUCKY,
OCTOBER 6, 1800.*

Members present, Francis Asbury, Richard Whatcoat,
William McKendree, William Burk, John Sale, Heze-
kiah Harriman, Benjamin Lakin; readmitted, Lewis
Hunt, Thomas Allin, Jeremiah Lawson.

Who are admitted on trial? William Marsh, Benja-
min Young.

What local preachers are elected to the office of dea-
cons? Ansr. Richard Tilton, Edward Talbot, William
Thompson, Isaac Pavey, Rubin Hunt, Elisha Bowman,
Jacob James, A. Blackman, Jonathan Kidwell, Benja-
min Northcot, Joshu West, James Garner, Jesse Griffith,
Philip Taylor.

Who have located this year? Ansr. Thomas Allin.

Benjamin Lakin, Jeremiah Lawson, Lewis Hunt, and
Thomas Allin, Ordained to the Office of Deacons.

The Preachers’ deficiencies for Six Months are as fol-
lows:

£ $s D £ S$ D

William Burk ....... 2 17 6 Hezekiah Harriman.. 7 19 0
John Sale ........... 6 16 6 Lewis Hunt......... 0 18 2
Jeremiah Lawson.... 5 15 7 ‘Benjamin Young ....3 5 6
Thomas Allin ....... 11 20 —_ — -
—- — - 12 2 8

£26 11 7 26 11 7

£38 14 3

Conference Adjourned, to meet again at Ibenezer,
State of Tennessee, October 1, 1801. Test.

Wituiam Burg, Secretary. F. Aspury.

Nore 1.—Bishop Asbury crossed over the mountains from Vir-

ginia to attend this session of the Western Conference. He left
his horse and carriage east of the mountains and borrowed a
74 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

horse to ride to Kentucky. On September 27 he speaks of climb-
ing the steeps of Clinch and sleeping that night on the Cumber-
land. On October 2 they crossed the Kentucky River, and on
October 3 reached Bethel, where the Conference was to be held.
The minutes are dated the 6th, but Asbury speaks of Bishop
Whatcoat and William McKendree preaching at Bethel on the 3d.
Of Bethel Academy he has the following to say: “Here is Bethel
—Cokesbury in miniature, eighty by thirty feet, three stories,
with a high roof, and finished below. Now we want a fund and
an income of 300 per year to carry it on—without which it will
be useless. But it is too distant from public places, its being
surrounded by the river Kentucky in part, we now find to be no
benefit; thus all our excellencies are turned to defects. Perhaps
Brother Poythress and myself were as much overseen with this
place as Dr. Coke was with the seat of Cokesbury. But all is
right that works right, and all is wrong that works wrong, and
we must be blamed by men of slender sense for consequences
impossible to foresee—for other people’s misconduct. Sabbath
day, Monday, and Tuesday we were shut up in Bethel with the
traveling and local ministry and the trustees that could be called
together. We ordained fourteen or fifteen local and traveling
deacons. It was thought expedient to carry the first design of
education into execution, and that we should employ a man of
sterling qualifications, to be chosen by and under the direction
of a select number of trustees, and others who should obligate
themselves to see him paid, and take the profits, if any, arising
from the establishment. Dr. Jennings was thought of, talked of,
and written to.” (Asbury’s Journal, Vol. II., page 394.)

The appointments to the Western circuits for this year, as
given in the General Minutes, are as follows:

Kentucky District. William McKendree, P. Elder.

Sciota and Miami, Henry Smith.

Limestone, Benjamin Lakin.

Hinkstone and Lexington, William Burke, Thomas Wilkerson,
Lewis Hunt.

Danville, Hezekiah Harriman.

Salt River and Shelby, John Sale, William Marsh.

Cumberland, John Page, Benj. Young.

Green, Samuel Douthet, Ezekiel Burdine.

Holston and Russell, James Hunter.

New-River, John Watson.
(Minutes of Conferences, Vol. I., 1773-1828, page 99.)
II.

JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE, HELD
AT EBENEZER, STATE OF TENNESSEE,
OCTOBER 1, 1801.?

MeMBERS OF THE CONFERENCE.

Francis Asbury, Bishop, Nicholas Snethen,

William McKendree, Lewis Garrett,
James Douthit, William Burk,*
Thomas Wilkerson, John Sale,*

John Watson, Hezekiah Harriman,*
James Hunter, Benjamin Lakin,*
Samuel Douthit, Henry Smith,*

John Page, Benjamin Young,*
Ezekiel Burdine, ' Lewis Hunt,*

Tobias Gibson.*

Those marked thus * were not present.

John A. Granade came recommended for admition on
Trial. It is the Judgement of the Conference, that he
has a certain hardness and stubbornness in his temper,
which has produced, some improper Conclusions; but
as he has given some hopeful assureance, that in future,
he will be more teachable, and as his piety, and zeale,
is not doubted, the Conference, is of opinion that he
may be admitted, after receiving a Special Council from
the Bishop.

Whereas Francis Poythress, appears to be incapable
of taking a Station, it is agreed too by the Conference,
that his name shall stand on the Minutes among the
Elders; and that he shall have a porpotionable clame
on the Conference, for his support.

William McKendree, Thomas Wilkerson, John Page,
76 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

and John Watson are appointed a committee, to adjust
the preachers’ finances.

Quest: What Local preachers are ordained to the
office of Deacons? Ansr. James Landrum, Jesse
Thomas, and William Duzan.

It is the desire of this Conference, that the Presiding
Elders, take it upon themselves to insist on the preach-
ers in the Western Districts, to attend the next Yearly
Yonference.

Paid to the Preachers’ Fund the following Sums:

 

 

 

William McKendree, ....$ 2 00 William Burk,* .........$ 2 00
Thos. Wilkerson, for 6 John Sale,* ..........6. 2 00
MODUS; voce esa wasn 100 Benjamin Lakin,* ...... 2 00
James Hunter, ......... 200 Henry Smith,* ......... 2 00
Samuel Douthit, ........ 200 Lewis Hunt,*........... 2 00
John Page, ............. 2 00
Ezekiel Burdine, ....... 2 67 $10 00
John Watson, .......... 2 00 $14 67
Lewis Garrett, for 6
months, .............. 1 00 $24 67
$14 67

Those marked * failed to send thire money to the fund, but
being Claiments on the Charter fund, the Committee Judge it
proper to deduct their part.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CLAIMES.

 

Draft on the Charter Fund for 1799.... | $80..

Claiments for this year: es
William Burk, ............. $ 53 00] ........... 34] 2
John Page, ..........02.000e A900) as Saat xin 11 3
Lewis Hunt, ............... 89 67] ........08. 26; 2
John Watson, .............4. 10°00 | oedseax cade 06/ «a

—| 3
$121 67 77] 8
Remds., 3 S
The Journal for 1801. V7

Draft on the Charter Fund for 1800...$80 00
Claiments for this year:

William Burk, ............. S111 88 cadeeesqesen $ 34 00
Lewis Hunt, .............. BB O10 casieaivecmdssvadeve ce 18 00
Henry Smith, ............. 49 90 wc... lee eee 16 00
John Sale, .............00, S06 seetice semis § 11 00
feat S <a

$246 90 8 $ 79 00

Remainder @& 1 00

$ 80 00

Draft on the Charter Fund for 1801....$100
Claiments for this year, drawn
for 18 months:

 

 

 

William McKendree, ....... GBS BO! veteee emacs $ 22 88
Thomas Wilkerson, ........ 20 00) sa wecesie ves: 5 20
John Watson, ............. 8°00 te asst seed 98
Samuel Douthit, ........... 3 00) wikega dsmneees 2 08
OWN: PASS, adiers dco axa caw. 2 Bob asada aa he S49 5 72
Ezekiel Burdine, .......... 8 OU epectpeawicy § 208
William Burk, ............ BD OO agecnlesarsrieiee-ey —& 19 10
John Sale, ...........0.00e AT BO cece ee eaeee 8 12 22
Benjamin Lakin, .......... 65 00) swore scares a 16 90
Henry Smith, ............. DE O06 co fasts a saceveuase Soe 4 42
William Marsh, ........... 2400) .watastadass 5 46
Lewis Hunt, sisies<asiscesia cigs 69: OO) \ estrone Gieneagncess 17 94
$404 33 $114 98
114 98

 

$289 35 Remaining deficiency.

Drafts on the Charter Fund. Disbursements.

POT 1799, wise ca erectine aes $ 80 00 1799 To sundry Claim-
W800 s wacs weggare anaes 80 00 CHLSy soiiaie aan’ $ 77 00
WROD. oid a0-sieidt store cons, 110 00 1800 To Do Do 79 00
Preachers fund, ....... 24 67 +1801 To Do Do 114 98
—— To Francis Asbury, 10 00

$294 67 To Francis Poy-
thress, ......... 13 69

$294 67
78 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Where shall the next Conference be held? Ansr.
Cumberland. The arguments in favor of Cumberland,
and which carried the Conference, these were advanced
by John Page, and are as follows, 1st. The union, and
friendly State of affairs, between the Methodist and
Prisbeterians, 2ly. There never was A Conference held
there. Conference was voted to Cumberland, by a
majority of two thirds. It is the opinion of this Con-
ference, that there should be three perminent places
for holding Conference, in the western destrict, (viz)
Bethel in Kentucky, Bethel in Cumberland, and Ebene-
zer on Nolechucky.

Witut1Am Burs, Secretary. F. Aspury.

Note 2.—The Ebenezer referred to in the Minutes as the seat
of the Conference of 1801 was in East Tennessee, on the Nolli-
chucky River, in Greene County. (Hoss, “Life of McKendree.”).

Bishop Asbury came to the Conference complaining ‘My
bowels, and my poor horse’s back are in bad order.” John Wat-
son, one of the Western preachers, was with him when he crossed
the Holston and Watauga on September 28.

Of the Conference the bishop says: “Our brethren in Kentucky

did not attend: they pleaded the greatness of the work of God.
Twelve of us sat in conference three days; and we had not an
unpleasant countenance, nor did we hear an angry word.
N. Snethen gave us two sermons. We ordained on Friday, Satur-
day, and Sabbath day, and upon each day I improved a little on
the duties of ministers. On the Lord’s day we assembled in the
woods, and made a large congregation. . . . On Friday and
Saturday evenings, and on Sabbath morning there was the noise
of praise and shouting in the meetinghouse: it is thought there
are twenty-five souls who have found the Lord; they are chiefly
the children of Methodists—the children of faith and of many
prayers.” (Asbury’s Journal, Vol. III., page 38.)

The appointments for the Western Conference for this year
(1801) are given in the General Minutes as follows:

Kentucky District, William McKendree, P. Elder,

Natchez, Tobias Gibson.
Scioto and Miami, Benjamin Young, Elisha W. Bowman.
The Journal of 1801. 79

Limestone, Henry Smith, Lewis Hunt.
Hinkstone, Benjamin Lakin.

Lexington, Wm. Burke, Lewis Garrett.
Danville, John Sale, William Marsh.
Salt River, Hezekiah Harriman.

Shelby, Gabriel Woodfill.

Cumberland, John Page, Thos. Wilkerson.

HOLSTON CONFERENCE. John Watson, P. Elder

Green, Moses Floyd, John A. Grenade.

Holston, Samuel Douthet.

Russell, James Hunter, six months, L. Blackman.

New-River, Ezekiel Burdine, Louther Taylor.
(Minutes, Vol. I., page 104.)
III.

JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE,
HELD AT BETHEL CHAPEL, CUMBERLAND,
OCTOBER 1, 1802.8

MEMBERS OF THE CONFERENCE.

 

 

Francis Asbury, Bishop. Hezekiah Harriman, ....$ 2
Nicholas Snethen,* Tobias Gibson, ..dispenced with
Preachers’ Fund. Samuel Douthit, ....... 2
William McKendree, .......$ 2 Ezekiel Burdine,* ...... z
John Watson, ............. 2 Benjamin Lakin, ....... 2
William Burk, ............ 2 Benjamin Young,” ...... ....
Thomas Wilkerson, ......... 2 Moses Floyed, .......... 2
Henry Smith, ............. 2  lLouther Taylor,* for six
JOHN Sale, vic. vveaecnawses 2 MONS: -vakice cued cores or 50
John Page, ...........005. 2  lLawner Blackman,* Do.. 50
Lewis Garrett, ............ 2
John A. Granade,* ......... 2. $11 00
— Ralph Lotspiech,* ...... .....
$16 16 00
$27 00

Those marked thus * were not present.

Who are received on trial? Ansr. Jacob Young, Wil-
liam Crutchfield, Ralph Lotspiech, Jesse Walker,*
James Gwin,* Leven Edney.*

Those marked thus * were men with families, who, after a
few weeks, engage their service for this year, professing, at the
same time, an intention to continue their service, provided circum-
stances will permit.

The Conference proceeded to elect William McKen-
dree, William Burk, John Page, and John Watson, A
Committe of Claimes.

Who are ordained Deacons at this Conference? Ansr.
Jesse Walker, Samuel Mason, Manoah Lasley, Moses
The Journal for 1802. 81

Floyed, Elliot Jones, Benjamin Whitson, John Jarratt,
Henry Jones.

The Conference proceeded to take into Consideration
the critical, deranged state of unaccountability which
Francis Poythress at present is in, and judge it best,
for the safety of the Connection, that his name shall be
left off of the General Minutes. But at the same time
are tenderly concerned for his support and welfare,—
and therefore Resolve, that his name shall stand on
our Journal; and that he shall have a proportionable
Claim on the Western Conference for his support; and
further it is our opinion, that his name should be per-
petuated on the Journals of this Conference, for the
same purpose.

It is voted that a Committe shall be appointed to
waite on the next Assembly, at Frankfort, in Kentucky,
to attend to the business of Bethel Academy, in s?
State, and that they are directed to act upon their own
judgement; and do the best they can. William McKen-
dree, William Burk, Lewis Garrett, and Samuel Douthit
appointed, to be the Committe.

On motion Resolved, that John Page, Thomas Wilker-
son, and Green Hill, shall form a Committe, to petition
the next General Assembly, of Tennessee; to grant
liberty to the Trustees of the Methodist Meeting House,
in Nashville, to sell the said house, and appropriate
the money to the use of the Methodist Church.

The Conference proceeded to examine the deficiencies
of the preachers:

 

 

 

Hezekiah Harriman, ...$ 404 Benjamin Lakin, ...... $ 51 96

William Burk, ........ 81 75 Tobias Gibson, ........ 32 00
Francis Poythress,..... 80 00

$ 83 96

$165 79 165 79

$249 75
82 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTE OF CLAIMS.

 

Money on hand, from the Charter Fund, .............-.-. $ 90 00
Paid by the preachers to their fund, ............-..e000e 27 00
$117 00

Distrebuted as Follows:
To Francis Asbury, ....$20 00 Benjamin Lakin, ...... $ 19 00
Nicholas Snethen, ...... 13 00 Tobias Gibson, ........ 12 00
William Burk, ......... 31 00 Hezekiah Harriman,... 1 00
Francis Poythress, ..... 20 00 To the Mitionary, ..... 1 00
$84 00 $ 33 00
84 00
$117 00

It appears to this Committe, that William McKen-
dree has, in the course of this year, paid Francis
Poythress’s acct., $18.69, and beged, and applied, $11
more, to the same purpose.

By Collection among the Travilling preachers, sitting in
COnfrerenee: 8 iciiis cist ecieiaers vane seleave Sasser oelaenaecoaioets $35 00

To Tobias Gibson, ...... $15 00

Moses Floyd, Mitionary, 20 00

 

$35 00

Quest. When and where shall our next Conference be
held? Ansr. At Mount Gerizim, in Kentucky, October
2nd, 1803.

Witi1AmM Bork, Secretary. Francis ASBURY.

Notr 3.—Bishop Asbury attended the session of the Western
Conference in 1802, coming directly from Virginia. He came into
Tennessee on September 13, and on the 16th attended a camp
meeting which continued four days. He states that there were
about 1,500 souls present. Here, he continues, “the heat, the
restless nights, the water, or, it may be, all these combined
made me sick indeed.” On Sunday, the 19th, he is at Ebenezer,
where the house was unable to hold the people and so he
preaches from a stand in the woods. The next day he is sick
The Journal for 1802. 83

and. unwell. On the 22d we find him on the banks of the French
Broad and preaching as he goes. On October 2 he finally reached
the seat of the Conference, which he found in session. The
Bishop, however, was too sick to preach, so two Presbyterian
ministers supply the lack, “which they did with great fervency
and fidelity.” William McKendree was also called upon to assist
in examining and stationing the preachers, though the Bishop
was able to ordain. (Asbury’s Journal, Vol. III., pages 78-81.)

The appointments for the Western Conference, 1802, were as
follows:

Hotston District. John Watson, P, Elder,

Holston, Thomas Milligan, John A. Grenade.
Nollichuckie, Henry Smith.

French Broad, Louther Taylor.

Powell’s Valley, Benjamin Young.

Clinch, Moses Black.

New River, Learner Blackman.

KENTUCKy DISTRICT. William McKendree, P. Elder,

Limestone, William Burke.

Miami, Elisha W. Bowman.

Scioto, John Sale, Stephen Timmons.

Hinkstone, Hezekiah Harriman.

Lexington, Samuel Douthet.

Danville, Lewis Garrett, William Crutchfield.

Salt River and Shelby, Benjamin Lakin, Ralph Lotspeich.

CUMBERLAND DistTRIcT. John Page, P. Elder,

Nashville, Thomas Wilkerson, Levin Edney.
Red River, Jesse Walker.

Barren, James Gwinn, Jacob Young.
Natchez, Moses Floyd, Tobias Gibson.
IV.

JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE,
HELD AT MOUNT GERRIZIM, STATE OF KEN-
TUCKY, OCTOBER 2, 1803.*

MEMBERS OF THE CONFERENCE.

Francis Asbury, Bishop. John Sale,

William McKendree, Hezekiah Harriman,
John Watson, Samuel Douthit,
William Burk, Louther Taylor,
Lewis Garrett, Lawner Blackman,
Thomas Wilkerson, Thomas Milligan,*
Moses Floyed,* Moses Black,*
Benjamin Young, Elisha Bowman,

John A. Granade,
Those marked thus * were not present.

On motion resolved that William McKendree, John
Watson, Thomas Wilkerson, Lewis Garrett, and John
Sale be appointed a Committee of Claims.

Quest. 1. Who are admitted on Trial? Ansr. 1. Adjet
McGuire, who travelled the Limestone Circuit nearly
12 months past, was well received, and useful; and
came recommended according to rule.

2. William Pattison, who has travilled 3 months on
the Miami Circuit. A man of but little education and
small abilities, but is said to be pious, zealous, and
useful, and came well recommended.

3. Anthony Houston, a man of tolerable gifts, has
been about 13 months in the profession of religion,
and travilled 3 months in Salt-river and Shelby Cir-
cuits, was well received and properly recommended.

4. Joseph Oglesby, who has been in profession of re-
ligion about two years, and has preached as a local
preacher, about one year. A man of tolerable gifts,
and came well recommended.
The Journal for 1803. 85

5. Abraham Amos, who has been in profession of
religion two and a half years, of small gifts, and elit-
erate; but was useful and much esteemed in his neigh-
bourhood. He was admitted, as a local Speaker, at
the last Quarterly Meeting in Lexington Circuit, but
at that time was not proposed to them as having any
intention to travil, after which he attended several
Quarterly Meetings, with the Elder, and was thought
to be useful, the Conference admitted him into the
Travilling Connection upon the Judgment of some of
the Travilling preachers, who think he would have been
recommended, if an application had been made.

6. John McClure, has been in the profession of re-
ligion about two years, and is judged to be a pious
man, he has travilled about nine months in the Cum-
berland District. But brought no recommendation,
from the Quarterly Meeting. It was thought to be the
fault of the Presiding Elder, and therefore he was
received upon the persuation, that he could have ob-
tained a recommendation, if application had been made.

7. Fletcher Sulivan, who came under the same cir-
cumstances, of John McClure, and is received upon
the same principles.

8. John Johnson, from the Holston Destrict, not
present, but was recommended and received.

Quest. 2nd. Who remain on Trial? Ansr. Ist. Jacob
Young, who is spoken well of as a man of piety, and
improvible gifts. 2nd. William Crutchfield, is recom-
mended as a pious and gifted man. 38rd. Ralph Lot-
spiech, a man some what peculiar, but is thought to
improve, and amend. 4th. Jesse Walker, not present,
but is spoken well of as a preacher, and Christian.
5. Leaven Edney, not present, but is said to possess
grace and gifts, and has been useful.

Quest. 3rd. Who are received into full Connection?
Ansr. 1. Elisha Bowman, who is well reported of, as
86 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

haveing been indefatagable in his labours and useful.
He has been three years in deacon’s orders, and now
admitted to the Eldership. 2nd. John A. Granade,
it was suspected that his temporal business in Cum-
berland was not satisfactorally adjusted. Bro. Granade
proposes to arbratate the business, and thereupon he
was received and admitted to the office of a Deacon.
3rd. Benjamin Young, according to the report of John
Sale, and others, Stands Charged of haveing said,
that he composed a certain song, when in truth he
did not;—that he had the misfortain to get his horses
thye broke, when it was not so; and that he has bap-
tized, contrary to the order of the M. E. Church;
after B. Young’s reply, it was the opinion of the Con-
ference, that the reports might mistake what said
Young did say respecting the two first charges, and
that his acknowledgement, was sufficient for the last.
After a plain talke, and Hopeful promises, he was ad-
mitted into Connection, and ordained to the office of
Deacon;—and in consideration of his being appointed
a Mitionary to the Illinoies, he was ordained to the
office of an Elder.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTE OF CLAIMS.

We the Committee, judge it proper under the present circum-
stances; to take the whole of our brethren’s, deficiencies into
consideration, and considering them as suffering Brethren, we
judge it proper to make them equal in their loosing; in order
to which, we have examined their accounts, and now present
you with the following statement; expecting, at the same time
that the Conference, will inspect, correct, or ratify, as they may
judge proper. William Burk’s account stands thus:

 

Family expenses, ....... cece eee c cece cece ueee $44 12
Travilling expenses, .......cceeeveucccccccece 24 63
Deficient in salary, .......... cece e eee eee eeeee 24 50

$93 25

We Judge that it is right for Bro. Burk to pay board for his
wife, and that the people, if they please, may pay the board for
The Journal for 1803. 87

him, but that he has no Just demand on the Conference for it.
His deficiencies is therefore only, $49.13.

Benjamin Lakin’s account, $28.95.

But it appears that the Circuit maintained Bro. Lakin’s wife
and her Beast; gratis. It is therefore our opinion, that it is un-
generous in him to bring a demand on Conference; and seeing
there are others more needy, it is our judgement that he ought
not to have anything.

Jesse Walker’s account, $165.37.

And it appears to us, that $76 are for children, It is our
judgement that the demand for children be deducted, and then he
is deficient $89.37.

Benjamin Young’s is $28.89, but $4.75 is for Doctor’s bills,
which we judge to be an improper charge therefore allow him
but $24.14.

Francis Poythress stands on our Journal as a claiment for
$80.00. But it appears that he is able to support himself, and |
does not expect or wish his support from us. We therefore judge,
he should not be considered as dependant on us.

Moneys on hand to make up deficiencies,—

 

From the Preachers Collected for those who had
OUD) eiosein nigighe swine $ 29 00 lost their horses.
From the Charter Fund, 100 00 By William McKendree,.$78 65
From Holston Circuit,. 4 31 By Lewis Garrett, ...... 3 00
From Nashville Circuit, 2 00
From Scioto Circuit,... 17 78 $81 65
— Collected for Mitionaries,

$153 09 By William Burk, ....$19 00

Deficien- Propor-
cies. tion.

Francis Asbury,.$ 20 36$ 10 00), To those who had lost or needed
William Burk,.. 4913 21 12 horses,

Jesse Walker,... 89 37 61 56/William Burk,....$25 00
Benjamin Lakin, 28 95 00 95||/Benjamin Young,.. 25 00
Benjamin Young, 24 14 10 14//Ralph Lotspiech,.. 18 00
Louther Taylor,. 22 50 8 50\|Adjet McGuire,.... 13 65
Elisha Bowman, 22 50 8 50|,To Mitionaries,

Ralph Lotspiech, 13 50 00 00|/Benjamin Young,... .... $ 9 00
Jacob Young,... 387.00 23 00|/Hezekiah Harriman, .... 00 00
John A. Granade, 12 00 00 00jjand Abraham Amos, .... 10 00
John McClure, as a gift 9 00,

 

 

 

$319 45 $153 09|| $81 65 $19 00
88 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

This Conference voluntarily relinquish their demand on the
next Conference for their deficiencies, and resolve that what
money’s they may have shall be applied to the most needy preach-
ers, at the discretion of the next Conference.

Ezekiel Burdine made application by letter to this
Conference for a location, but the circumstances of his
Marriage, and removal from this, to the South Caro-
lina Conference, make it necessary, in our judgement,
to refer his case to that Conference, where all the parts
may be fully considered; and Bishop Asbury is there-
fore requested to take the papers, which respect the
case of Ezekiel Burdine.

At our last Conference, Stephen Timmons was ap-
pointed Supernumerary to Scioto Circuit. This year
he asks for a partial Station, but by his letter, and
Elisha Bowman’s testimony it appears he will take
no Station but in Scioto Circuit, and it’s judged im-
proper to give him that Station. The Conference is
of opinion that it would be most advisable to give him
a location, Resolved accordingly. Lawner Blackman
and Louther Taylor, in consequence of being removed
from the Philadelphia Conference to the Western Con-
ference, lack some fiew months of a legal probation
for the Elder’s office. The Conference is of opinion,
that as their names have Stood among the Deacons on
the Minutes for two years; and as their Stations
required the office of Elders; that they should stand
their election; they are accordingly elected.

Conference, Adjourned; to meet again on the 2nd day
of October, 1803.* At Mount Garrizim State of Ken-
tucky.

Signed in and by order of the Conference.

Witi1AmM Burk, Secretary. Francis ASBury.

 

*The date here intended is evidently 1804.
The Journal for 1803. 89

Nott 4.—The seat of the Western Conference in 1803 was
Mount Gerizim, Harrison County, Ky. Bishop Asbury came
from Ohio, having reached that State on September 8, at Steuben-
ville. Here he was to have preached in the courthouse; but as
it would not hold the people, they went to “a Presbyterian tent.”
At Charlestown he preached in the courthouse, and on the 12th
reached Zanesville. Passing through New Lancaster and Pick-
away Plains, he finally reached Chillicothe, where he was enter-
tained at the home of Governor Tiffin. Marietta at that time
contained 1,000 houses and Cincinnati as many, while Hamilton
contained 500. Coming into Kentucky, he crossed Bourbon Coun-
ty, and on Thursday, the 30th of September, he reached the seat
of the Conference. (Journal, Vol. III., pages 114-117; McFerrin,
“‘Methodism in Tennessee,” Vol. I., page 419.)

Speaking of the Conference, Asbury in his Journal says: “We
entered fully upon our conference work; but I had to preach
nevertheless. We had preaching every day; and the people con-
tinued singing and praying, night and day, with little intermis-
sion. On Wednesday the meeting closed. We hope there were
twenty souls converted to God, besides five who are reported to
have been converted at a family meeting. Our conference ended
on Thursday the sixth. I had taken cold, but rode twelve miles to
Smith’s, and was driven by illness to bed.” (Journal, Vol. III.,
page 117.)

Accompanied by four of the preachers, Asbury proceeds south-
ward into Tennessee. Of his journey into the West this year,
Bishop Asbury says, in the entry for October 14: “What a road we
have passed! Certainly the worst on the whole continent, even
in the best weather; yet, bad as it was, there were four or five
hundred crossing the rude hills whilst we were: I was power-
fully struck with the consideration, that there were at least as
many thousand emigrants annually from east to west: we must
take care to send preachers after these people. We have made
one thousand and eighty miles from Philadelphia; and now, what
a detail of sufferings might I give, fatiguing to me to write, and
perhaps to my friends to read! A man who is well mounted, will
scorn to complain of the roads, when he sees men, women, and
children, almost naked, paddling bare-foot and bare-legged along,
or laboring up the rocky hills, whilst those who are best off have
only a horse for two or three children to ride at once. If these
adventurers have little or nothing to eat, it is no extraordinary
circumstance; and not uncommon, to encamp in the wet woods
after night—in the mountains it does not rain, but pours, I too
90 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

have my sufferings, perhaps peculiar to myself; pain, and temp-
tation; the one of the body, and the other of the spirit; no room
to retire to—that in which you sit common to all, crowded with
women and children, the fire occupied by cooking, much and
long loved solitude not to be found, unless you choose to run
out into the rain, in the woods: six months in the year I have
had, for thirty-two years, occasionally, to submit to what will
never be agreeable to me; but the people, it must be confessed,
are amongst the kindest souls in the world. But kindness will
not make a crowded log cabin, twelve feet by ten, agreeable;
without are cold and rain; and within, six adults, and as many
children, one of which is all motion; the dogs, too, must some-
times be admitted. On Saturday, at Felix Ernest’s, I found that
amongst my other trials, I had taken the itch; and, considering
the filthy houses and filthy beds I have met with, in coming from
the Kentucky Conference, it is perhaps strange that I have not
caught it twenty times: I do not see that there is any security
against it, but by sleeping in a brimstone shirt: poor bishop!
But we must bear it for the elect’s sake. I have written some
letters to our local brethren, and read the book of Daniel since
I have been in this house.” (Journal, Vol. III., pages 118, 119.)

The appointments for 1803 were as follows:
Houston District. John Watson, P. Elder.

Holston, Thomas Milligan’s station was changed last year to
Clinch.

Nollichuckie, Samuel Douthet.

French Broad, John Johnson.

New River, Elisha W. Bowman.

Clinch, Joab Watson.

Powell’s Valley, Moses Black.

Wilderness, Jacob Young.

CUMBERLAND DIstTRIcT, Lewis Garrett, P. Elder.

Nashville, Levin Edney.

Red River, Ralph Lotspiech.

Barren, Anthony Houston.

Wayne, William Crutchfield.

Livingston, Jesse Walker.

Natchez, Moses Floyd, H. Harriman, A. Amos, Tobias Gibson,
supernumeraries.

Illinois, Benjamin Young, missionary.
The Journal for 1803. 91

KeNTucKy District. William M’Kendree, P. Elder,

Limestone, Louther Taylor, John McClure.
Hinkstone, John A. Grenade.

Lexington, Learner Blackman.
Lexingtontown, Thomas Wilkerson.
Danville, Benjamin Lakin.

Salt River, Adjet McGuire.

Shelby, Fletcher Sullivan.

OuIo Districr. William Burke, P. Elder,

Muskingum and Little Kanawha, George Askin.
Hockhockin, James Quinn, John Meek.
Scioto, William Pattison, Nathan Barnes.
Miami, John Sale, Joseph Oglesby.

,Guyandott, Asa Shinn.
V.

JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE,

HELD AT MOUNT GERRIZIM, KENTUCKY,
OCTOBER 2ND, 1804.5

Neither of the bishops were present, being prevented
by affliction; and as no direction came to hand, the
Conference proceeded to choose by ballot a presedant;
William McKendree was accordingly chosen, and took
the chare.

Members or CONFERENCE.

William McKendree, Louther Taylor,
John Watson, Lawner Blackman,
William Burk, Elisha Bowman,*
Lewis Garrett, Benjamin Young,*
Thomas Wilkerson, John A. Granade,*
John Sale, Jacob Young,
Benjamin Lakin, William Crutchfield,
Hezekiah Harriman, Ralph Lotspiech,

Jesse Walker.*

Those marked thus * were not present.

The Conference proceeded to elect Lewis Garrett,
John Watson, John Sale, Lawner Blackman, and Wil-
liam Burk, as a Committe of Appropriations.

The Conference proceeded to admit on trial the fol-
lewing persons:

1st. From the Holston Destrict: William Ellington,
born in the State of Georgia, has been in the profes-
sion of religion about two years, and has travelled
eleven months, and came recommended from the Quar-
terly Meeting Conference of Clinch Circuit.

2nd. From the Kentucky Destrict: Samuel Parker,
a native of New Jersey, born September 10th, 1773,
has been in the profession of religion 14 years, exer-
cised as a local preacher for about two years, and has
The Journal for 1804. 93

travilled a Circuit 9 months, he came recommended
trom the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Shelby Cir-
cuit.

3rd. Joshua Oglesby has travilled 9 months, and
came recommended from the Quarterly Meeting Confer-
ence of Danville Circuit, but not being present we
could obtain no further information.

4th. William Thompson, a native of Maryland, born
the 2nd of November, 1767, has been in the profession
of religion 15 years, has laboured as a local preacher
for several years, and ordained to the office of Deacon
1800, and has travilled Danville Circuit 9 months, and
obtained a recommendation from the Quarterly Meet-
ing Conference of said Circuit.

5th. Adbel Coleman, a native of New York, born
October 9th, 1782, has been in the profession of reli-
gion 18 months, travilled Salt-river and Shelby Cir-
cuits 6 months, was well received, and came recom-
mended from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Shel-
by Circuit.

6th. William Houston, a native of Virginia, born
August 5th, 1781, has been in the profession of reli-
gion about three years, and came recommended from
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Lexington Circuit.

3rd. Cumberland Destrict: 1st, Richard Browning,
who has been in the profession of religion about 4
years, has travilled 6 months, was approved of in the
Circuit, and came recommended from the Quarterly
Meeting Conference of Barren Circuit. 2nd, Peter
Cartwright, a native of Virginia, born September the
1st, 1785, has provesed religion about 4 years, has
travilled a Circuit 9 months, was well received, and
came recommended from the Quarterly Meeting Confer-
ence of Wayne Circuit. 38rd, Joseph Williams, a native
of Pensylvania, born December 5th, 1778, has been in
the profession of faith in Christ three years, has trav-
Ot The Rise of Methodism in the West.

illed about six months, and came recommended by the
Quarterly Meeting Conference of Red-river Circuit.
4th, Miles Harper, a native of Virginia, born November
4th, 1784, profeses to have been converted to God about
4 years, has travilled 9 months, was prety well re-
ceived, and came recommend(ed) by the Quarterly Con-
ference of Levingston Circuit. 5th, Edmond Wilcox,
a native of Virginia, is now about twenty-seven years
of age; has been in the profession of religion about
2 years, is alltogether untried as a speaker, but came
recommended by the Quarterly Meeting Conference
of Red-river Circuit. 6th, Joshua Barnes, a married
man, four or five years in the profession of religion,
has travilled about 6 months, of Slender gifts, but un-
doubted piety, came recommended by the Quarterly
Conference of Levingston Circuit. 7th, James Axley,
has been converted about two years, has travilled some
months, was received as a man of undoubted piety,
but small gifts, and came recommended by the Quar-
terly Conference in Levingston Circuit. 8th, Joshua
Riggin, who has been a professor of religion about 4
or 5 years, has exhorted in his neighbourhood for some
time, and came recommended by the Quarterly Meeting
Conference of Barrin Circuit, but his gifts are alto-
gether unknown to us at present. 9th, Thomas Lasley,
a native of Virginia, born March 31st, 1782, for about
2 years he has professed the knowledge of sin forgiven,
has travilled three months, he came recommended by
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Wayne Circuit,
where his grace and gifts are thought favourable of.
Ohio Destrict: 1st, Caleb Wesley Cloud, born Feb-
ruary 11th day, 1782, in the state of Delaware, New-
castle County, converted January 8th day, 1801, his
piety and gifts were spoken well of where he was
known; he therefore obtained a recommendation from
the Quarterly Conference of Hockhocking Circuit,
The Journal for 1804. 95

2nd, Benjamin Edge, born February 27th, 1774, made
application to the last Conference but was not received,
but was afterwards received by the presiding elder,
and Quarterly Meeting Conference, of the Miami Cir-
cuit, and travilled nine months, he has been in the pro-
fession of religion about 3 years, is esteemed for his
undoubted piety, but of contracted abilities, accompi-
nied with some peculiarities, and came recommended
by the Quarterly Conference of Muskingum Circuit.
3rd, Obed Noland, a native of Virginia, was born
March 6th, 1777, who has professed religion 38 years,
was recommended by the Quarterly Conference of Dan-
ville Circuit, to the presiding elder of the Kentucky
Destrict, and was put on a Circuit, continued about
three months, and went home of his own accord, but
came forward to the annual Conference, and desired to
be tried again, it was the opinion of his acquaintences,
that he professed gifts and graces to be useful, and
as he is much addicted to the nerve complaint, the
Conference are of opinion that his failure should be
looked over, and that he should be admitted upon his
former recommendation.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF APPROPRIATIONS.

 

 

 

Publick Collection at Conference, by William Burk,...... $ 32 67
Given by the preachers in Conference,................... 30 40
Draft of the Charter fund,...........ccecccsenccescccees 100 00
Draft on the Book fund,...........- eee cee eee e cence neces 100 00
$263 07
Deficien- The appropriation of money, according

cies, to the calls of necessity.
William McKendree, ..|$ 16 96||.........eeeeeceeceee $ 00 00..
William Burk, AQ 6 Osis gike atexttetoe saphe sock ounce 47 00..
vJohn Sale, 1G) ASI sesiees aca sien ten igeiie Ue enacgisiand 00 00..
Lewis Garrett, 22 SO issue sitet nc ase vos aiae 00 00..
John Watson, Bo Dasa ee wiseary aos tate es GF atteees 00 00..
Benjamin Lakin, 6H DS erevs-c2 sche. seas ¥ eee 13 00..

Thomas Wilkerson, 3 A ewseos reese ccmeee? 00 00..

 

Carried Over ....... | 226 88|| Carried Over, ..... |j 60 00..
96 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deficien- The appropriation of money, according
cies. calls of necessity.
Brought Over, ...... $226 88 Brought Over, ..... $ 60 00
‘George Askin, 21 4 00..
William Thompson, 37 12 3%
James Quinn, 61 12 3%
Jacob Watson, 4 00 00..
Asa Shinn, 23 15, 00.
Jacob Young, | 16 5 00.
William Crutchfield, 16 00 00.
Anthony Houston, 44 4 00.
Joseph Oglesby, 6 00 00
William Patterson, 2 00 00
Nathan Barnes, 9 28 00
- John Meek, 1 00 00
Adjit McGuire 10 00 00
Joshua Oglesby, 15 00 00
John McClure, 10 00 00
John Johnston, 5 00 00
Abraham Amos, 65 10 00
Jesse Walker, 107 28 00
Peter Cartwright, 23 00 00
Miles Harper, 26 4 00
Samuel Parker, 13 00 00
Adbel Coleman, 7 00 00
Moses Black, 43 18 00
Benjamin Edge, 24 4 00
Hezekiah Harriman, 80 20 00
Lawner Blackman, 00 OO||........... Mitionary 20 00
Joseph Oglesby, | .....||........... Mitionary 13 00
» Fletcher Sulivan, on Benjamin Youngs Account....... 7 00
[sao8 eal Gained in Count $1.||$264 7%

Quest. Who are admitted into full Connection?
Ansr. 1st. Jacob Young, a man of considerable abili-
ies, who has travilled in Kentucky and Holston Des-
tricts, and has been in some measure useful, his char-
recter stands fair. 2nd. William Crutchfield, a man of
good abilities, and has travilled in Kentucky. and Cum-
_berland Destricts; has been in some degree useful, his
charecter stands fair. 3rd. Ralph Lotspiech, who has
travilled in Kentucky and Cumberland Destricts, a
man in the beginning of his publick labours but of
small abilities, but has improved considerably, and the
last year tolerable useful, his charecter stands fair.
4th. Jesse Walker, who entered the travilling Connec-
The Journal for 1804. 97

tion in the capassity of a married man, he has trav-
ied in the Cumberland Destrict, a man of consider-
able gifts and usefulness, who still feels willing to give
himself to the worke, his charecter examined and
stands fair.

Quest. Who are located? Ans. Ist. Samuel Dou-
thit, who applied by letter for a location and a ma-
jority of the Conference were of opinion that he should
obtain said location. 2nd. Moses Black, applied to the
Conference by letter for a location, or a dispensation
to go to South Carolina, to see after some of his sis-
ter’s children, the Conference has accordingly granted
him a dispensation for three months. 3rd. John A.
Granade, applied to the Conference by letter for a lo-
cation, and obtained the same. 4th. Moses Floyd, who
applied to Conference by letter for a location. Some
deficulties existed which may be known by reference
to some letters addressed to the preachers and Con-
ference, which are filed; the Conference are of opinion
that their is no just ground, for crimmination, and
therefore have granted him a location. 5th. Benjamin
Young, who applied to Conference by letter for a loca-
tion, but in the same letter states that he has conduct-
ed himself in such a way that he laid himself open to
the judgement of the Conference, who after metureing
the subject, judged proper to exclude him; the grounds
on which the Conference excluded him may be seen by
refference to the letters, which are filed.

The Conference proceeded to elect William Crutch-
field, Jacob Young, and Ralph Lotspiech to the office
of Deacons, but Bishops not being present, they were
not ordained but returned on the minutes as elected.

The Conference proceeded to elect Jesse Walker,
Joab Watson, Asa Shinn, and George Askin to the
office of Elders; but the Bishops not being present,
they were not ordained, but returned on the minutes

7
98 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

as elected; Joab Watson, Asa Shinn and George Askin
had not travilled out their probation, but being in the
same situation of Lawner Blackman and Louther Tay-
lor, the Conference are of opinion that they may be
elected on the same principals, whose case may be seen
be refering to the Journal of the last Annual Conference.

It is the joint opinion of Thomas Wilkerson and the
Conference, that at present he does not possess strength
of body sufficient for the toils of a station; the Con-
ference therefore grant him a dispensation, until he
and the presiding Elder of the Kentucky Destrict shall
judge it proper for him to take a station.

Conference adjourned to meet again at Anthony
Houston’s, October 2nd, 1805.

Wiui1am Burg, Secretary. Witt1am McKeEnpres.

Note 5.—Neither Bishop Asbury nor Bishop Whatcoat was
present at the Conference of 1804. Bishop Asbury lay sick in
Western Pennsylvania, and there are no entries in his Jour-
nal trom September 5 to October 9. (Asbury’s Journal, Vol. III.,
pages 146, 147.)

Peter Cartwright, who entered the Western Conference this
year, however, states in his Autobiography that Bishop Asbury
presided at the Conference. (Autobiography, 72.) This is evi-
dently a mistake, as Asbury states in his Journal under date of
October 9, “After thirty-four days of afflictive illness, I re-com-
mence my journal. I have been, during my illness, at Harry
Stevene’s; kinder souls than this family I could not wish; but
there were many of them and others continually coming and
going,” etc. (Journal III., 146.)

Another proof of the mistake of Cartwright is contained in
the Journal of the Western Conference, which states that “Neither
of the Bishops were present, being prevented by affliction,” nor
does the signature of Bishop Asbury appear at the end of the
Conference Journal for this year.

The appointments for the Western Conference for 1804 are
given in the General Minutes as follows:

HOLsTon District. Jonathan Jackson, P. Elder.
Holston, Joab Watson, William Houston.
The Journal for 1804. 99

Nollichuckie, William Ellington, Thomas Lasley.
French Broad, Elisha W. Bowman, Joshua Oglesby.
New River, Anthony Houston.

Clinch, Moses Black, Obed Noland.

Powell’s Valley, Thomas Milligan.

Kentucky District. William McKendree, P. Elder,

Limestone, George Askin, Joshua Riggin.

Lexington, John Sale, Edmund Wilcox.

Hinkstone, Samuel Parker, Abdel Coleman.

Salt River and Shelby, Benjamin Lakin, Peter Cartwright.
Danville, Wm. Thompson, Adjet McGuire.

Licking, Benjamin Edge.

CUMBERLAND District. Lewis Garrett, P. Elder.

Nashville, William Crutchfield, Fletcher Sullivan.

Red River, Miles Harper, James Axley.

Barren, Ralph Lotspeich.

Wayne, Asa Shinn, John McClure.

Roaring River, Richard Browning.

Livingston and Hartford, Jesse Walker, Joshua Barnes.
Natchez, Learner Blackman, Nathan Barnes.

Illinois, Joseph Oglesby.

Ouro District. William Burke, P. Elder.

Miami and Mad River, John Meek, Abraham Amos,
Scioto, Louther Taylor, Caleb W. Cloud.
Hockhocking, James Quinn, Joseph Williams.
Muskingum and Kanawha, Jacob Young.
Guyandott, William Pattison.
VI.

JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN CONFERENCE, HELD AT
ANTHONY HOUSTON’S, SCOTT COUNTY, KEN-
TUCKY, OCTOBER 2ND, A.D. 1805.*

Those marked with * were not present.

MEMBERS OF CONFERENCE.

Francis Asbury, Jesse Walker,* elected last
Richard Whatcoat, year,

William McKendree, George Askin, ordained
William Burk, Elder,

Lewis Garrett, William Crutchfield,
Jonathan Jackson, Jacob Young,

Thomas Wilkerson, Ralph Lotspiech,

John Sale, Adjet McGuire,

Benjamin Lakin, William Pattison,

Lawner Blackman,* Anthoney Houston,
Louther Taylor, Joseph Oglesby,

Thomas Milligan,* John McClure,

Moses Black,* Abraham Amos,

Elisha Bowman, John Meek,

James Quinn, Nathan Barnes, elected to
Asa Shinn, the office of Deacon.

Joab Watson,

The Conference proceeded to nominate Joab Watson,
Secretary. Adjet McGuire, being accused with saying
masters ought not correct their slaves, and he denied
it, after which the case was investigated pro and con
(as far as circumstances would admit) and the Con-
ference concluded he was not guilty.

Asa Shinn and Joab Watson, being elected last Con-
ference to the office of Elders; but the Bishops not be-
ing present were not ordained, were presented for ex-
amination, and were afterward ordained.

William Crutchfield, Jacob Young, and Ralph Lot-
spiech, being elected last Conference to the Deacons
The Journal for 1805. 101

office, were presented for examination and were after-
ward ordained.

Resolved, that two Committees be appointed, the 1st
a Committee of Address, consisting of three members.
2nd, A Committee of Appropriations, consisting of four
members.

Proceeded to elect by ballot, William Burk, William
McKendree, and Thomas Wilkerson, the Committee of
Address. Proceeded to elect, by ballot, John Sale,
Louther Taylor, Lewis Garrett, and Elisha Bowman,
the Committee of Appropriations.

The president proceeded to read the address from
the Virginia, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New Yorke, and
New England Conferences; which gave a summery
statement of there temporal and spiritual concerns :—
He likewise proceeded to read an Address from the
Board of Trustees of the Charterd Fund. The Confer-
ence proceeded to vote a draught of $300 on the Book
Concern, and $150 on the Charterd Fund; to be appro-
priated to the use of the itinerant preachers, or some
charitable purpose.

Srconp Day or CONFERENCE.

Motion, Shall those who were elected last Conference
to the office of Deacons, and ordained this, be marked
in the Minutes with an asterism? No; but shall be
eligible to the elders office next Conference.

Who are ordained Deacons? Adjet McGuier, Wil-
liam Pattison, Anthony Houston, Joseph Oglesby,
John McClure, Abraham Amos, John Meek, Jesse Head,
and Abner Leonard. The two last were Local Preach-
ers, being recommend as required in the Dicipline.

Motion, Shall the Committee of address write letters
to the several Quarterly Conferences in the boundery
of the Western -Conference? Resolved they shall.

Motion, Shall said committee write an Epistle to the
102 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

several Annual Conferences in America; Concerning
the Temporal and Spiritual State of the Western Con-
ference? Resolved they shall.

Motion, Shall said committee write a letter to the
Trustees of the Charterd Fund? Resolved they shall.

Motion, Shall said committee write to the General
Book Steward? Resolved they shall.

It is the opinion of this Conference, that we live in
an age in which there is great need to cry aloud, and
spare not, and show lukewarm professors the danger
of resting in a form only, and urge experimental and
practical holiness, and teach sinners their utmost peril,
and lead them to the Saviour of Men.

‘Afternoon, proceeded to take the numbers of mem-
bers on the different circuits, belonging to the Western
Conference. The preachers proceeded to give a state-
ment of what they received as Quarteradge since last
Conference, which may be seen in the Report of the
Committee of Appropriation.

Zadok B. Thackston came forward recommended,
was presented, and ordained to the office of a Deacon.

Tuirp Day or CONFERENCE.

The President proceeded to examine a fiew who were
admited last Conference, being absent were not exam-
ined, viz., James Axley, Joshua Riggin, Caleb W.
Cloud, and Richard Browning. Three probationers
were also examined (ie.) Thomas Hellums, William
Hitt, Zadock B. Thackston.

Who are admitted on trial? Those marked thus X
were received without an examination, before the Con-
erence; not being present.

X George Christopher Light, who is a native of West-
morland County, Pensylvania, and was born January,
A.D. 1785.

William Hitt was born October 28th, 1779, Fauquier
County, Virginia. Zadok B. Thackston, has a family,
The Journal for 1805. 103

but is willing to travil as a preacher; he is in Deacon’s
orders and was born February 21st day, 1766, Prince
Edward County, Virginia, and has been in the profes-
sion of religion upwards of 12 years. Thomas Hellums
was born June 5th day, 1781, Green County, Tennessee.
In the profession of religion about six years. He was
examined before the Quarterly Meeting and employed
by the presiding elder, and has travilled 9 months.
X John Thompson was born ——. In the profession
of religion about 3 years, was examined before the
Quarterly Conference, and employed by the presiding
Elder. Has travilled 6 months. X Charles R. Matheny
was born ; has been in the profession of religion
3 years, and has been travilling six months. X Samuel
Sellers, has been a professor of religion three years,
and was examined, and employed by the preciding
Elder, and has travilled six months. X' David Young
X Henry Fisher, has been a professor of reli-
gion three years, speaking in publick 2 years as a Lo-
cal Preacher, and has been travilling six months.
X Moses Ashworth, has been travilling nine months.

The Bishop proceeded to ordain Joseph Moore, a
Local Preacher, to the office of a Deacon.

Afternoon—The Bishops and Secretary signed the
order to the President of the Charterd Fund, for $150,
to be paid to the General Book Stewards.

The report of the appropriate Committee was pre-
sented, read, and approved.

 

 

Report OF THE COMMITTEE CLAIMS.

Collected from the Circuits, ................ $ 24 87
Draft on the Charter Fund, ...............-. 150 00
Draft on the Book Fund, .................... 300 00
Publick Collection at Conference, ........... 51 50
Collection from the preachers at Conference,.. 55 25
Extra Collection for Brother Bowman, ....... 10 00

$591 62
104 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Jonathan Jackson, 9 Months, ..........
William Houston, ...........-..e0 eens
Thomas Lasley; oes eos sae ees siss es sceees
Elisha Bowman, .............eeeeeeee
Joshua Oglesby, ..........e ee ee eee eee
Anthony Houston, ...........0e eee e eee
MOSES Blak, omciieiec.s egies ecauieaieearnee te
Thomas Milligan, ................0000-
JOSHUa CRISCANS: sees csretiete ee Goan srene hide cee
JOHN: Sale; os vse ves wna eocsee rewes vee
Edmond Wilcox, 3 Months, ............
Samuel Parks: scvcsssascoescove oo5 gases s
Adbel Coleman, .............e eee ee eee
Benjamin Lakin, ................0000-
Peter Cartwright, .......-...ceeeeeeees
William Thompson, 9 Months, .........
Adjet. McGuire; ss: sas sasssaeuee anes
Benjamin Edge, ..........cceeeceeeees
Lewis: Garrett, iia sdies sack dae vind Bee O88
~Ralpb Lotspiech, ................00e-
AN Sas SHIP DE 5,55 0: xt caver comvacerocuie. dear nares
JOHN MCClUPE), o 6 iecsais yweaed ea wee wives
Richard Browning, ...........eeeee0ee
JOSSO: Walker oa 6-seue da binges Sorina ceca
Joseph Oglesby, ........ sce cece eeeeee
William. Burk, i008. sndasos caw ees ous
Louther Taylor, .......... cece e eee eens
JAMES QUINN, co wcsiee cesvwae aeewes omens
Joseph Williams, ............ ee eee eee
JACOG VOUUR. co pkey eee eeaned CHa SneRES
“William Pattison, ......c.cccccceeeeees
Thomas Wilkerson, ...........0..0500-

Francis Asbury, Expencis, ............

Do Do SaleTy jen asc aei a vaie-e
Richard Whatcoat, Salery, .............
Joseph Crawford, .........cceeeeeeeeee
William McKendree’s Expences, .......
William Burk’s Expences, .............
John Sale’s Expences, .........-+0200-
Jacob Young’s Expences, ..........+..-
Jesse Walker’s Expences, ..........+0.

Missionary’s,

ENishS. BOWMAN, «h24 sn snad wad Oe bee ee
William Pattison, ..........ccee eee eee
Caleb: Wa (ClOUG §: wis oie sige si oig irate ti eles 0 wi
Thomas Lasley, .......eccesereevceers

 

 

 

Deficen-
cies,
$ 15 45
20 00
19 00
20 00
39 50
46 50
45 20

eee ene

985 11

Appro-
priated
$100 00
30 00
30 00
30 00

$190 00

a6

 

 

 

 

Propor-
tion.

00
00
00
00
00
26
09
29

Expences.

15 00
25 00
1 00
29 91
15 00

85 91

 

 

 

 
The Journal for 1805. 105

 

 

Proportion of Deficencies, ............cccceee sence eceees $312 66
Appropriated for Expenses, ............ce cee ce cece eeeues 85 91
Appropriated for Missionarys, ..........cecceeeeeeee cues 190 00
$588 57
Lost in Counts,-< ssa woe aaa enw aden ora ses 25 He ee ewe 3 05
$591 62

The Committee of Address presented and read their
letter to the Brethren in the Quarterly Meetings of
the several circuits, which passed the approbation of
the Conference.

Samuel Douthit deposited $20 two years past in the
bands of William McKendree, to be appropriated to
the paying of a teacher in the Bethel Academy; but
failing to employ one, he has refunded the money, by
Elisha Bowman.

Who remain on trial? William Ellington, who went
to Georgia last July, but sent word to Conference that
be would fill any station the Bishop should think prop-
er to give him. Samuel Parker, Joshua Oglesby, Wil-
liam Thompson, William Houston, Richard Browning;
Peter Cartwright stood reproved before the Conference,
for some of his conduct, but promising amendment, he
was continued on Trial; Joseph Williams, and Milds
Harper.

FourtH Day or CONFERENCE.

Joshua Barnes, being a married man, and somewhat
encumbered, he desisted from travilling. Edmond
Wilcox, in the first year of his probation, behaved so
very imprudent, that the Conference resolved to ex-
punge his name from the minutes: James Axley, Josh-
ua Riggin, Thomas Lasley, Caleb (W. Cloud, Benjamin
Edge. Obed Nolen, married in the first year of his
probation, left his Circuit and went home.

Motion, Shall the following alteration take place in
the 5th question in the Minutes of the Annual Con-
106 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

ference, (ie) Who have been elected and ordained Eld-
crs this vear? Instead of, Who are the Elders? Re-
solved, by a unanimous voice, that it shall; Resolved,
also, that the former Elders’ names shall be printed in
Itallies ;

Motion, Shall the following alteration take place in
the 7th question of the Minutes of the Annual Confer-
ence? (ie) Who have Located this year? Instead of
the present form? Resolved, it shal.

Motion, Shall the Sth question of the Minutes of the
Annual Conference be devided into the two following
questions? 1st, Who are the Supernumerary preach-
ers? 2nd, Who are the superannuated and worn-out
preachers? Resolved it shall be by a majority.

The Committee of Address proceeded to read to the
Conference their letter to the Trustees of the Chartered
Fund, and was approved by the Conference. The
preachers’ characters were examined before the Confer-
ence.

Who have located this year? Lewis Garrett, Wil-
liam Crutchfield, Joab Watson.

Who are Supernumeraries? Jonathan Jackson.

The President of the Conference suggested the fol-
lowing idea, (ie) that it would be most proper for the
riding preachers to disintangle themselves from all
merchandesing, &c. ,

On motion Resolved, that the next Western Confer-
ence shall be on Nollichuckie, Tennessee State, Eben-
ezer, September 15th, 1806.

Resolved, that the Committee of Address write a few
lines to the Brethren at Ebenezer, concerning the meet-
ing of next Conference; and to the absent members of
the Conference, especially to Thomas Milligan and Mo-
ses Black.
The Journal for 1805. 107

Firta Day or CoNFERENCE,

William Virmillion entered the list of probationers a
little different from our common custom, not being
formally recommended, but the united testimony of
Thomas Hellums and William Houston concerning him,
his gifts, &e.

The Committee of Address read their letter to the
General Book Stewards, and was approved by the Con-
ference.

We have this day covenanted to pray for our breth-
ern in the succeeding Conferences; especially in the
time of their sitting.

It is the judgment of the Conference, and consent of
the Missionaries, that it would be most proper for
them to stay two years on their mission; provided it
be compatible with their health, and the judgment of
their Presiding Elder, unless recalled by the Annual
Conference;

William Pattison, one of the Missionaries, was elect-
ed and ordained to the office of an Elder, in the first
year of his probation for that office, in consequence of
his Mission.

Thomas Lasley and Caleb W. Cloud were elected and
ordained to the office of a Deacon, after one year of
their probation for that office; in consequence of their
Mission to the Natchez.

The Committee of Address read their letters ad-
dressed to the Quarterly Meeting Conferences, to Thom-
as Milligan, & Felin Earnest; and was approved by the
Conference.

Said Committee read their address to the several
Annual Conferences, and was approved by the Confer-
ence. The Conference spent a few hours, this evening,
in speaking of the work of God in their souls and Cir-
cuits.
108 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

SixtH Day or CONFERENCE.

The Committee of Address read a letter addressed to
the brethren who entertained the present Annual Con-
ference, and it was approved by the Conference.

Resolved that the Committee of Address write a let-
ter to the Stewards and Brethren in the Natchez. Re-
solved that Thomas Wilkerson take the Books and pa-
pers of the Annual Conference.

Resolved that Thomas Wilkerson be appointed (with
two or three more, as he may judge proper to call to
his assistance) a committee to prepare a room for the
reception of the next Annual Conference; to station
the preachers in the time of the sitting of the Confer-
ence, and to see that they keep their stations.

The President read out the appointments of the
preachers to their several Destrict and Circuits, and
the Conference adjourned till the 15th of Sept., 1806.

Signed in and by order of Conference.

Wituiam Burk, Secretary. Francis Asbury,

Ricwarp WuHatcoat.

Note 6.—To make amends for the absence of the bishops
from the Conference of 1804 both bishops attended the session
of 1805. The bishops came to the Conference from Ohio, cross-
ing into Kentucky on September 19.

Of the session of the Conference, Bishop Asbury states in his
Journal: “We opened our Conference in great peace; there were
about twenty-five members present; six hours a day were stead-
ily occupied with business. The committees of claims and of
addresses did much work, and it was well done. I completed my
plan for the coming year, and submitted it to the presiding
elders, who suggested but two alterations; may they be for the
best! On the Sabbath day I preached to about three thousand
souls. On Tuesday, after the rise of conference, I rode to Lex-
ington; and on Wednesday to J. S. Hoard’s, Jessamine County.
I was under affliction of body; but perfect love, peace within,
and harmony without, healed every malady.” (Asbury’s Jour-
nal, Vol. III., page 179.)
The Journal for 1805. 109

The appointments for 1805 (1806 in the General Minutes)
were as follows:

Hotston DIstricT. Thomas Wilkerson, P. Elder.

Holston, Anthony Houston, William Vermillion.
Nollichuckie, Moses Black.

French Broad, Ralph Lotspeich.

New River, Joseph Williams.

Clinch, John McClure, George C. Light.
Powell’s Valley, William Hitt.

Carter’s Valley, Thomas Milligan.

CUMBERLAND District. William McKendree, P. Elder.

Nashville, Zadok B. Thackston.

Red River, Thomas Hellums.

Barren, Joshua Oglesby.

Roaring River, Benjamin Hdge.

Wayne, William Ellington, Henry Fisher.
Livingston, William Houston,

Hartford, Jesse Walker.

Illinois, Charles B. Matheny.

Kentucky District. William Burke, P, Elder.

Limestone, Jacob Young, Samuel Sellers.

Licking, Adjet McGuire.

Lexington, Samuel Parker, Miles Harper.

Hinkstone, Geo. Askin, Richard Browning.

Danville, William Thompson.

Salt River and Shelby, Asa Shinn, David Young, Moses Ashworth.

OHIo District. John Sale, P. Hider.

Miami, Banjamin Lakin, Joshua Riggin.
Mad River, John Thompson.

Scioto, James Quinn, Peter Cartwright.
Hockhocking, John Meek, James Axley.
Muskingum, Louther Taylor.

Little Kanawha, Joseph Oglesby.
Guyandott, Abraham Amos.

Mississippi District. Learner Blackman, P. Elder,

Natchez, Nathan Barnes, Thomas Lasley.
Wilkinson, Caleb W. Cloud.

Claiborne, William Pattison.
Appalousas, Elisha W. Bowman.
VII.

JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE,
HELD AT EBENEZER, ACCORDING TO AD-
JOURNMENT, STATE OF TENNESSEE,
SEPTEMBER THE 15TH, 1806."

Members or CONFERENCE.

Those marked thus * were absent.

Francis Asbury, Elisha Bowman,*
William McKendree, James Quinn,*
William Burk, ‘Asa Shinn,*
Thomas Wilkerson, George Askin,
John Sale,* Jesse Walker,
Benjamin Lakin, Jacob Young,
Lawner Blackman,* William Pattison,*
Louther Taylor,* Ralph Lotspiech,
Thomas Milligan, John McClure,
Moses Black, Abraham Amos,
Adjet McGuier, John Meek,*
Anthony Houston, Nathan Barnes.*

Joseph Ogelsby,
The following were Admitted into full Connection:

Samuel Parker, Joshua Ogelsby,
William Ellington, ‘William Thompason,
William Houston, Richard Browning,
Peter Cartwright, Joseph Williams,
Miles Harper, James Axley,
Thomas Lasley,* Caleb W. Cloud.*

Benjamin Edge,

The Conference proceeded to nominate and elect
William Burk, Secretary. The Conference proceeded
to the examination and election of those eligible to the
office of Deacons. Those elected are as follows: Wil-
liam Ellington, but it is the opinion of some of the
Conference, that he is too mnch relaxed in the execu-
The Journal for 1806. 111

tion of dicipline. Samuel Parker, Joshua Ogelsby,
William Houston, Richard Browning. Peter Cart-
wright, elected with the proviso, that the president
give him a caution to be more serious, the President
proceeded to give him the caution. Joseph Williams,
Miles Harper, James Axley, and Benjamin Edge.

By reference to 23rd page, it will be seen that Caleb
W. Cloud and Thomas Lasley were both elected and
ordained to the office of Deacon, the first year of their
probation, in consequence of their Mission to Natchez,
the Conference haveing received information respecting
their moral charrecter, think proper to receive them
both into full Connection.

William Thompson, who had been a Local Deacon
for several years before he travilled, after travilling out
his probation, the Conference judged it proper, to elect
him to the office of an Elder, and from the particular
situation of his familey concerns, he thought proper
to apply for a Location; Resolved, that a Location be
granted.

William Carrico and James Hobbs, local preachers,
came properly recommended, and were ordained to
the office of Deacons. On motion, made by William
McKendree, that a funeral sermon be preach’d to the
Western Annual Conference, on the Death of the Late
Revd. Richard Whatcoat; Resolved, that Francis As-
bury be appointed to preach the same.

Joshua Riggin, haveing road out his probation, stands
accused by John Whitaker of haveing acted contrary
to the charecter of a Minester and a Christian, in a
case between said Riggin and said Whitaker’s daughter
Nancy. Said J. Whitaker, states by letter that J. Rig-
gin promised his daughter Nancy marriage, but failed
to comply with his promise, and said J. Whitaker,
failing to produce the necessary documents, the Con-
ference did not determine against said J. Riggin. Mo-
112 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

tion, Shall J. Riggin be admitted into full Connection?
Not agreed. Motion, Shall J. Riggin remain on trial?
Not agreed. Motion, Shall J. Riggin be readmitted on
Trial? Not agreed. The reason why Joshua Riggin
is rejected from the travilling connection, is that the
Conference judge he wants preaching abilities.

On motion, Resolved, that William McKendree,
Thomas Wilkerson, and William Burk, be appointed
a Committee of business and address.

TurEspay, 2ND Day or CONFERENCE.

William Hitt’s charecter examined before the Confer-
ence, and he continued on trial. Moses Black applied
to the Conference for a Location. Resolved, that the
Location be granted him.

The President proceeded to read the letter from the
South Carolina Conference, to the other Six Annual
Conferences. Thomas Wilkerson, by the president’s di-
rection, proceeded to read to the Conference, Doctor
Coke’s circular letter to the American Conferences.

On motion, Resolved, that this Conference take up
the Doctor’s circular letter, and answer the same.

William McKendree proceeded to read the several
letters from the Quarterly Meeting Conferences of Cum-
berland Destrict; addressed to the Annual Conference.

Thomas Wilkerson proceeded, by the direction of the
President, to read the letters from Natchez Mission.

The Conference proceeded to receive on trial those
that came recommended.

1st. James King came recommend from the circuit
in which he road when imployed by Bro. Th. Wilkerson,
in the interval of the Annual Conference, but the Con-
ference require that a recommendation be produced to
the next Annual Conference, from the circuit in which
he lived. A compliance to the above being agreed to,
he was admitted on trial.

2nd. Milton Ladd, who came properly commended
The Journal for 1806. 113

from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Clinch Cir-
cuit. A native of North Carolina, born August the
11th, 1789, the Conference agree that he be admitted on
trial.

3rd. Hector Sandford came properly recommended
from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Scioto Cir-
cuit, likewise a strong recommendation by letter from
Edward Tiffin Esq.; the Conference agree that he be
admitted on trial.

4th. Fredrick Hood came properly recommended from
the Hockhocking Quarterly Meeting Conference, for-
merly a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
Baltimore Circuit, and came recommended, as a mem-
ber, to the State of Ohio, the Conference agree that he
be admitted on trial.

5th. John Tarver, whose recommendation came in
proper form from the Wilkinson Circuit, signed in
behalf of the Quarterly Conference of said Cireuit, in
the Mississippi Destrict. It is the opinion of the Con-
ference, that he may be admitted on trial.

6th. Abbott Goddard came properly recommended
from the Limestone Quarterly Meeting Conference, the
Conference agree that he be admitted on trial.

7th. Hezekiah Shaw, formerly a_ licensed Local
preacher in Jersey, and came recommended to Ken-
tucky, where he was imployed by the presiding elder
for 9 months, 3 in Danville and six in Salt-river and
Shelby, Circuits; from the latter he obtained a proper
recommendation. The Conference concur that he be
admitted on trial.

8th. John Collins came recommended, but not in an
orderly way, the Conference require that a proper rec-
ommendation be procured against the next Annual Con-
ference. Bro. J. Collins is a Local Preacher, in Dea-
con’s orders, on the Miami Circuit. A compliance with
the above being agreed to, he was admitted on trial.

8
Lit The Rise of Methodism in the West.

9th. John Travis came properly recommended from
Tllenoies Quarterly Meeting Conference. The Confer-
ence judge proper to admit him on trial.

10th. Benjamin Wofford came from South Carolina,
as a licensed local preacher, into the bounds of the
Western Annual Conference, and was imployed by the
presiding elder of Cumberland Destrict, to ride Hart-
ford Circuit, and from the Quarterly Meeting Confer-
ence of said circuit obtained a proper recommendation.
The Annual Conference think proper to admit him on
trial, upon condition that he provide, as soon as may
be, for the emancipation of his two slaves, now in
South Carolina.

11th. John Crane came properly recommended from
the Nashville Quarterly Meeting Conference. The Con-
ference agree that he be admitted on trial.

12th. Joseph Bennett came properly recommended
from the Scioto Quarterly Meeting Conference. The
Conference are of opinion that he may be admitted on
trial.

James Quinn applied to the Conference, by letter,
for a Location. Resolved, that a Location be given him.

Louther Taylor applied to the Conference, by letter,
for a dispensation for six months; but the Conference
are of opinion, that it would be more proper to give
him a location, And if he should come forward, to any
Annual Conference, in the course of the present year,
he may be imployed. Resolved, that instead of a dis-
pensation, he receive a Location.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to ordain, to the office of
Deacons, William Ellington, Samuel Parker, Joshua
Oglesby, William Houston, Richard Browning, Peter
Cartwright, Joseph Williams, Miles Harper, James
Axley, and Benjamin Edge.

Motion by William McKendree, that a Committee be
appointed, in a case of delicacy, and that the Confer-
The Journal for 1806. 115

ence impower them to settle the same without further
inquiry.

On motion, Resolved, that ‘William McKendree,
Thomas Walker, and William Burk, be and are ap-
pointed the said Committee.

WEDNESDAY, 38RD Day or CONFERENCE.

Three places were proposed for the sitting of the
next Annual Conference (i.e.) Liberty, Flemingsbourgh,
and Chillecothe.

The following probationers’ charrecters were exam-
ined before the Conference, and their probation con-
tinued :

George ©. Light, some little imprudence stated
against him respecting his manner of executing dicip-
line. Zadok B. Thackston, Thomas Hellums, John
Thompson, Samuel Sellers, David Young, Moses Ash-
worth, William Vermillion.

Henry Fisher’s Letter was read before the Confer-
ence, and from his inabillity, the Conference judge he
cannot fill a station this year. It is therefore the
opinion of the Conference, that the Committee write
him a fiew lines.

Motion by William McKendree, that the case of Ben-
jamin Young be considered, and that the Conference
give their judgment in regard to his situation. On
motion, Resolved, that the assistant preacher shall have
authority to put Benjamin Young in possession of his
credentials; but if the preacher think he should not
have them, he may detain them until the presiding Eld-
er visit the Quarterly Meeting.

Jacob Young’s and Ralph Lotspeich’s charrecters
examined before the Conference, and after examination,
the Conference proceeded to elect them to the office of
Elders.

Jonathan Jackson applied to the Conference, by let-
116 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

ter, for a location. Resolved, that a location be given
him. ;
“The Conference proceeded to vote by ballot for the
seat of the next Annual Conference. On examining
ihe votes, it was found that a majority was in favor of
Flemingsbourgh. On motion, Resolved, that the next
Annual Conference commence at Flemingsbourgh on
the 5th day of October, 1807.

Motion by Bishop Asbury, that a letter be written
to Jonathan Jackson, informing him, that in conse-
quence of his not spending his time in the bounds of
the Western Conference, they judge it unnecessary to
send him any supply.

Thomas Wilkerson proceeded to read Doctor Coke’s
circular letter a second time.

William Burk, by the direction of the President, pro-
ceeded to read the several letters from the Baltimore, -
Philadelphia, New York, and New England Confer-
ences, being their answer to Dr. Coke’s circular letter.

William McKendree proceeded to read the answer of
the Western Annual Conference to Dr. Coke’s circular
letter. The Conference proceeded to receive the answer
to Doctor Coke’s circular letter, paragraph by para-
graph. Resolved, that the letter, as received by the
Conference, be sent to Doctor Coke. Resolved, that a
coppy be likewise sent to the South Carolina and suc-
ceeding Conferences.

On motion, Resolved, that this Conference recommend
the publication of Howese’s Church History.

Tuirspay, 4TH Day or CONFERENCE.

Thomas Wilkerson proceeded to read the letter ad-
dressed to Jonathan Jackson. Resolved, that the let-
ter be sent as received by the Conference.

William McKendree proceeded to read one letter ad-
dressed to Jonathan Jackson. Resolved, that the let-
The Journal for 1806. 117

ter be sent as received by the Conference. William
McKendree proceeded to read one letter addressed to
Benjamin Wofford, on the business of his two Negroes
in South Carolina, and advise’es him to measuer’s; thay
may secure there emancipation; and another to the
Quarterly Meeting Conference of Nashville Circuit, di-
recting them to appropriate the moneys ariseing from
the sale of the Meeting House in Nashville, as they
may judge proper. Resolved, that the letters be sent,
&e.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to read the letter addressed
from the New York to the New England and succeed-
ing Conferences, respecting the propriety of deligateing
a Conference, to meet in Baltimore, on the 4th of July,
1807, consisting of seven members from each Annual
Conference, for the express purpose of electing a Su-
perintendent or Superintendents of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in America.

The Conference proceeded to adopt the method of
the New York Conference. Resolved, by a unanimous
vote, that a deligation shall take place. The Confer-
ence proceeded to elect by ballot the following mem-
bers, William McKendree, Thomas Wilkerson, John
Sale, Benjamin Lakin, Thomas Milligan, Jacob Young,
and William Burk.

On motion, Resolved, that a draft be made on the
Chartered Fund for $180.

The Bishop proceeded to examine the charecters of
the preachers, one by one. Nothing immorral stated
against any of the members.

On motion, Resolved, that a draft be made on the
Book Fund, in favour of the Conference, for $300. ‘The
drafts on the Book and Chartered Funds, in favour of
the Conference, are answered as follows: William Mc-
Kkendree, $86; Thomas Wilkerson, $197; William Burk,
$197.
118 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Motion by William McKendree, and seconded by
William Burk, that the Conference reconsider their
vote respecting the time and place of the sitting of the
next Annual Conference. Resolved, that the subject be
reconsidered.

On motion, Resolved, that the next Annual Confer-
ence be at Chillecothe, State of Ohio, on the 15th day
of September, 1807.

It is motioned, that the Conference vote by ballot,
for two more Electors; for the deligated Conference,
to be in Baltimore, on the 4th day of July, 1807. That
if in consequence any of the other seven should fail,
they may be in readiness to fill their place, or places.

Resolved, that George Askin and Jesse Walker be,
and are hereby, accordingly elected.

The Committee of Business reported, and the Confer-
ence agree to the settlement of said Committee.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF BUSINESS.

 

 

Holston Déstrict,. i s.¢ die see vaseline aed ose orscece $ 00 00

Cumberland Destrict, ..........0.ce cee ceee 12 20

Kentucky DeéStrict, 24 us0 ice nse se Sawa e eae 27 00

Ohio: Destriet,. .c.cscs sn nd cae gigas esa 64 27

Draft on the Chartered Fund, ............. 180 00

Draft on the Book Fund, ................+. 300 00

583 47
Deficen- =‘ Propor-
cies. tion.
Thomas. WilKersOn), <i sgcntuan sees lees $ 19 00]|$ 8 00
Thomas Milligan, 11 34 00 00
Ralph Lotsplechy: ss esos sa cenke s2 sta «mates eu nari 14 00 2 50
Anthony Houston, 9 00 00 00
JORR, MeChine).. )o04¥vaos aces ts adeae ain eens 29 47 17 97
Joseph Williams, 18 91 7 41
GeOrse. Cs Tig, vs siase 9.3. sone nvetestnnte rele savalele aecevane 21 50 10 00
William Vermillion, 4.2% niewtis sae see nweene vec ot 3h 19 81
William McKendree, ........ccccceveescsecees 51 52 40 00
JESSE: Wallet: ag sew dea. s satetgare Oa gune Se elrmnk ocala eas 65 80 43 80
William BINNgtOn, os2..enas< cece ss cces ce awe 54 00 42 50
Joshua Oglesby), sos.cuwca cis 'ss Baie se cieea Bee 31 62 20 12
Wrilliam: Howston,,  aigsed so eccencc dee teade tees 17 64 6 14

 

 

375 11]| 218 25
The Journal for 1806. 119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deficen- Propor-

cies. tion.

BYOUgH ET OVERS. actoht ova Gee xc eee teed baw edad hha $375 11||$218 25
Benjamin Hdge, .......... ccc cee cece eee eee eee 24 00 12 50
David, YOUNES saidgaccacadona ws acieeeeaeciens 54 00 42 50
GeOrZe UASKIN,. jie sine ng 9 ae ALOR ealARE eaRERN Lees 62 71 40 71
William Thompson, ...........ccccccecccevece 83 45 61 45
AGjit: MCGUIGD, 65%. 64 esis ca Anats cas aw eeu ime cens 15 42 3 92
Richard Browning ...........c. ccc ce ceeeeeeeee 23 15 11 65
Benjamin Lakin, ............ ccc cceeccececeees 53 30 31 30
Louther 'Taylor, ssc c0c jen ves eee os ceceue ws 54 00 42 50
Joseph Oglesby, .........e cece cececceeceeaae 58 25 46 75
Abraham AMOS, ........... cee eee eee eee e wees 38 81 27 31
Henry: Wisher). casa sc. gee cba Anis so arde sa eee as 12 00 12 00
Hrancis ASDUrYy. ssi mew a oweas anew oo aie ents 24 00 24 00
878 20|| 574 74

583 47

BS BTIONCG 5. cise eaitace in G5 Spots sox ats ene whence pe shew ers 8 73

For charitable purposes. Distributed.

Preachers Collection,....||$32 91||Conference, ........... $ 4 95
Publick Collection, ..... 12 21||Milton Ladd, ......... 5 00
Ballence brought Down,. 8 73||Jesse Walker, .........|[ 14 50
. Moses Lawrence, ...... 3 00

$53 85||William Thompson, ...|} 14 50

William Burk, ........ 10 00

51 95

53 85

Lost in Count, ...... 1 90

 

Fripay, Tou 5TH Day or CONFERENCE.

On motion, Resolved, that the Conference will do the
best they can to keep the Circuits well supplied during
the time of the sitting of the Conferences, and that the
Preachers and Presiding Elders do exert themselves to
accomplish the same.

A collection made in Conference, among the preach-
ers for charitable purposes, $32.91.

The Conference proceeded to raise a fund by Sub-
scription, for the use and benefit of Bethel Academy, in
Kentucky.

The Conference proceeded to elect Jacob Young,
Samuel Parker, and William Houston, as trustees of
120 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

the said fund; whose duty it shall be, to keep regular
books, for the purpose of entering Subscriptions, and
keeping all the accounts of said fund.

The Conference raised by voluntary subscription for
the above use, $67.50.

SaturpDay, 6TH Day or CONFERENCE.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to examine David Young,
before the Conference.

William McKendree proceeded to read the letter ad-
dressed to Doctor Coke, a second time. The Conference
are of opinion that no alteration is necessary.

The Conference judge it proper to recommend the
printing of Fletcher’s Vindication of the Catholic Faith,
and recommend the same to the South Carolina and
succeeding Conferences.

Motion, How shall the deligates to the Jubilee Con-
ference be provided for, so as to be reimburs’d in
their expenses? Resolved, that the deligates shall keep
a particular account of their expenses, and of all mon-
eys received by collection to defray the expenses of
said Conference; and the next Western Annual Confer-
ence shall adjust the business, as they shall think proper.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to ordain to the office of
Elders, Jacob Young, William Thompson, and Ralph
Lotspiech.

Motion, Shall the Sixth Question in the Minutes of
the Annual Conference be, Who are the Superintend-
ents and Bishops?

Resolved, that the alteration, of the Sixth Question,
in the Minutes of the Annual Conference, take place as
stated in the above motion.

Adjourned to meet at Chillecothe, State of Ohio, on
September the 15th, 1807.

Signed in and by order of the Conference.

Witu1Am Borg, Secretary. Francis ASBURY.
The Journal for 1806. 121

Notre 7.—Of this Conference, Bishop Asbury states: ‘Saturday
19, the Western Conference commenced its sitting, and ended on
Monday.” This date does not agree with that of the Journal of
the Conference, which is September 15. Further Bishop Asbury
says: “The Mississippi missionary preachers could not be spared,
they thought, from their work, and therefore did not come. We
had great peace. There are fourteen hundred added within the
bounds of this conference. Of the fifty-five preachers stationed,
all were pleased. In unison with the preceding conferences, an
answer was given to Dr. Coke’s letter. We had preaching at
noon and night, and good was done. The brethren were in want,
and could not suit themselves; so I parted with my watch, my
coat, and my shirt. By order of the conference, I preached a
funeral discourse on the death of our dear friend Whatcoat, from
John i. 47-50; there were not far from two thousand people
present. If good were done, which I trust and hope, it is some
compensation for my sufferings—thirteen hundred miles in heat
and sickness on the road; and in the house, restless hours, the
noise of barking dogs, impatient children, and people trotting
about, and opening and shutting doors at all hours.” (Asbury’s
Journal, Vol. III., page 206.)

The appointments for 1806 are given in the General Minutes as
follows:

Hotston District. Thomas Wilkerson, P. Elder.

Holston, Ralph Lotspeich, John Crane.
Nollichuckie, William Houston.

French Broad, James Axley.

New-River, Thomas Milligan.

Clinch, Richard Browning, George C. Light.
Powell’s Valley, John McClure.

Carter’s Valley, Joshua Oglesby.

West Point, to be supplied.

CUMBERLAND District. William McKendree, P. Elder.

Nashville, Jacob Young, Hezekiah Shaw.
Red River, Zadok B. Thackston.

Roaring River, Miles Harper.

Wayne, Moses Ashworth.

Livingston, David Young.

Hartford, Benjamin Edge, Samuel Sellers.
Illinois, Jesse Walker.

Missourie, John Travis.
122 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Mississippi District. Learner Blackman, P. Elder,
Natchez, Caleb W. Cloud.
Wilkinson, William Pattison.
Claiborne, Nathan Barnes, John Traver.
Ochitta, Thomas Lasley.
Appalousas, Elisha W. Bowman,

Kentucky Districr. William Burke, P. Elder.

Licking, Abraham Amos.

Limestone, Samuel Parker, Hector Sanford.
Lexington, James Ward, George Askin.
Hinkstone, Joseph Williams, Jn. Thompson.
Danville, William Hitt, Joseph Bennett.
Salt River, Frederick Hood.

Shelby, Joseph Oglesby.

OHIo District. John Sale, P. Elder.

Miami, Benjamin Lakin, John Collins.
Mad River, Adjet McGuire, Isaac Quinn.
Scioto, Anthony Houston, Milton Ladd.
Hockhockin, Joseph Hays, James King.
Muskingum, Peter Cartwright.

Little Kanawha, William Virmillion.
Guyandott, John Clingan.

White River,! Thomas Hellums, Sela Paine.
Licking, William Ellington.

 

2The White River Circuit should read “Whitewater,” a circuit
in Southeastern Indiana.
VIII.

JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE,
BEGUN AND HELD AT CHILLECOTHE, OHIO STATE,
SEPTEMBER 14TH, 1807.8

First Day or CONFERENCE.

MEMBERS OF CONFERENCE.
Those marked thus * are absent.

Francis Asbury,
William McKendree,
William Burk,
Thomas Wilkerson,
John Sale,

Lawner Blackman,*
Thomas Milligan,
James Ward,
Benjamin Lakin,
Elisha W. Bowman,*
George Askin,

Jesse Walker,*
William Pattison,
Ralph Lotspiech,
Jacob Young,
Joseph Hays,
William Ellington,
Samuel Parker,
Joshua Oglesby,
William Houston,
Richard Browning,*
Peter Cartwright,
Joseph Williams,

Miles Harper,*
James Axley,
Thomas Lasley,*
Caleb W. Cloud,
Benjamin Edge,*
John Meek,*
John McClure,
Nathan Barnes,*
Anthony Houston,
Joseph Oglesby,
Adjet McGuier,
Abraham Amos.
Admitted into full Connec-
tion,
George C. Light,
Zadock B. Thackston,
Thomas Hellums,
Samuel Sellers,
David Young,*
Moses Ashworth,
William Virmillion,
Solomon Langdon.

The Conference proceeded to examine, admit into
Connection, and elect to the office of Deacons those

who were eligible.

1st. George C. Light’s character examined before the
Conference, and they are of opinion that he be admit-
124 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

ted into full Connection, and elected to the office of a
Deacon.

2nd. Zadock B. Thackston’s character examined, and
he (was) admitted into connection, haveing travilled
two years before admitted on trial and when admitted
ordained to the office of a Deacon, the Conference are
of opinion that he be elected to the office of an Elder,
and they accordingly elect him.

3rd. Thomas Hellums, examined and admitted into
full Connection after haveing travilled upwards of two
years, the Conference proceeded to elect him to the
office of a Deacon.

4th. The case of John Thompson came before the Con-
ference. It is the opinion of the Conference, as he de-
clines travilling and nothing immoral appearing against
him, the Conference Resolve that he be dismissed.

5th. Samuel Seller’s character examined into and
the Conference are of opinion that he be admitted into
full Connection, and elected to the office of a Deacon.

6th. David Young’s character examined and the Con-
ference are of opinion that he be admitted into full
Connection and elected to the office of a Deacon.

7th. Moses Ashworth'’s character examined and the
Conference are of opinion that he be admitted into full
Connection and elected to the office of a Deacon.

8th. William Virmillion’s character examined into
and the Conference are of opinion that he be admitted
into full Connection, and also elected to the office of a
Deacon.

9th. William Hitt’s character examined into, Nothing
immorral appearing against him, and as he seases
travilling at the expiration of his probation, the Con-
ference are of opinion that he (be) elected to the office
ot a Deacon. ;

On inotion, Resolved, that a Committe of Business
and Address be appointed.
The Journal for 1807. 125

The Conference proceeded to elect by ballot the Com-
mittee of Business and Address (i.e.) William McKen-
dree, John Sale, James Ward, and William Burk.

The Conference proceeded to receive and examine the
recommendations of those proposed to be admitted on
Trial.

Holston Destrict.

1st. John Heniger came properly recommend by the
Quarterly Meeting Conference of Holston Circuit, and
was admitted on Trial.

Cumberland Destrict.

1st. John Cragg came properly recommended from
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Nashville Circuit,
and was admitted on Trial.

2nd. William Lewis came properly recommended from
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Red River Cir-
cuit, and was admitted on Trial.

3rd. Thomas Kirkman came properly recommended
from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Levingston
Circuit, who has been travilling six months, and is
spoken of as a zelious young man the Conference
thought proper to receive him on Trial.

4th. Edmond Wilcox came properly recommended
from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Wayn Cir-
cuit, after haveing travilled part one year in Leving-
ston and one year in Wayn; the Conference think proper
to admit him on Trial.

5th. Jedidiah McMin came properly Recommended
from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Roaring Riv-
er Circuit, the Conference think proper to admit him
on Trial.

Ohio Destrict.

1st. Jacob Turman came properly recommended from
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Mad River Cir-
126 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

cuit; he is said to be about 21 years and 9 months old,
he has travilled 6 months. The Conference admit him
on Trial.

2nd. William Mitchel came properly recommended
from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Licking Cir-
cuit. He was a fieu years past recommended to the
Philadelphia Annual Conference and rejected, but the
Western Annual Conference think proper, after meture
consideration, to admit him on Trial.

3rd. James Blair came properly recommended from
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Scioto Circuit,
but the Conference are of opinion that owing to his
instability and frequent backslidings, and haveing but
lately been restored to morality and the Church, they
judge it improper to admit him on Trial.:

4th. Francis McCormack came properly recommend-
ed from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Miami
Circuit, but owing to the peculiar situation of his fam-
ily and his not being situated to travil any other cir-
cuit than the one he lives in, the Conference judge it
improper to admit him on Trial.

Kentucky Destrict.

1st. Josiah Crawford came properly recommend from
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Limestone Cir-
cuit; he is said to be about 40 years old; the Confer-
ence think proper to admit him on Trial.

2nd. Thomas Stitwell came properly recommended
from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Shelby Cir-
cuit; he is said to be about 23 years of age, he has
travilled nearly a year; the Conference think proper to
admit him on Trial.

3rd. Mynus Layton came properly recommended from
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Licking Circuit;
he is said to be about 22 years of age; the Conference
are of (opinion) that he be admitted on Trial.
The Journal for 1807. 127

4th. Henry Mallery came properly recommended from
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Hinkston Circuit;
he is judged to be about 50 years of age; the Confer-
ence think proper to receive him on Trial.

Turspay, Seconp Day or CoNFERENCE.

The Conference proceeded to receive the account of
the Preachers’ Deficiencies for the last year and re-
vered the same to the Committe of Business.

William Burk proceeded to read to the Conference
the resolutions from the several Circuits in the Ken-
tucky Destrict respecting the sallery of those preachers
who marry in the intervail of the Annual Conference.

The Conference Resolve that the Committe of Busi-
ness shall not allow those preachers who marry in the
intervail of the Annual Conference double quarteradge.

Daniel Hitt proceeded to read Dctr. Coke’s Letter
addressed to the Annual Conference, in answer to the
letter sent to him from the last Annual Conference.

Daniel Hitt proceeded to read the several cirtificates
given by Doctr. Coke to the American Connection.

The Conference Resolve that the cirtificates be en-
tered on the Journals. They are as follows:

I do solemly engage by this instrement that I never will by
virtue of my office as Superintendent of the Methodist Church
in the United States of America Exercise any government what-
ever, in the Said Methodist Church during my absence from the
United States, and I do also engage that I will exercise no prive-
ledge in the Said Church when present in the United States, Ex-
cept that of ordaining according to the Regulations and Laws
already Existing or hereafter to be made in the Said Church,
and that of presiding when present in Conference and lastly that
of travilling at large. Given under my hand the Second Day of
May in the Year 1787. THOMAS COKE.

Witnesses: JoHN TUNNEL,

JoHN HaAGerty,
NELSoN REED.

Q. If Mr, Asbury dies or declines exercising the office of a

m
128 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Superintendent, what Shall be done in respect to the peculiar
parts of Government Exercised by Mr. Asbury alone?

A. Those peculiar powers of Government Shall Revert to all
intents and purposes into the hands of the Conference, and they
Shall have full authority to invest those powers in the hands of
any person or persons, they may think proper; and the Superin-
tendant or Superintendants then in being Shall have no Naga-
tive voice in Respect to the above Nomination, but if Absolutely
Necessary the Elders Shall Consecrate the person thus Elected
and Nominated by the Conference, any Minute Hitherto passed
Notwithstanding. THOMAS COKE.

I offer my Self to my American brethren entirely to there
Service all I am and have, with my tallents and Labours in ev-
ery respect, without any Mental Reservation whatever, To labour
among them, and to assist Bishop Asbury, Not to Station the
preachers at any time where he is present, but To Exercise all
the Episcopal duties when I hold a Conference in his absence
and with his Consent, and to visit the West Indies and France
when their is an opening, and I can be Spared. T. Coke.

Conference Room, Baltimore, October 27th, 1796.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to ordain to the office of
Deacons the following persons to wit: George C. Light, —
Thomas Hellums, Samuel Sellers, Moses Ashworth,
William Virmillion, and William Hitt. Local Preach-
ers ordained, Henry Mallery and James Ward.

The Conference Resolve that the Committee of Ad-
dress express the Sentiments of this Conference Re-
specting the Doctor’s letter sent in answer to the New
York Conference, in a letter to be entered on the Jour-
nals.

Solomon Langdon, who formerly was a regular mem-
ber of the New England Annual Conference, and ob-
tained a regular location Haveing moved into the
bounds of the Western Conference, came forward to
this Conference and by the vote of the Conference he is
priviledged to take his seat as a regular member.

The Conference proceeded to vote a Draft on the
Chartered Fund For $190.
The Journal for 1807. 129

The Conference proceeded to vote a Draft on the
Book Concern For $300.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to read the several letters
from the Mississippi Destrict (i.) 2 From Lawner
Blackman, Elisha Bowman, Thomas Lasley, and Nathan
Barnes.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to read to the Conference
a letter from Thomas Wilkerson, Holston Destrict.

The several places purposed for the sitting of the
next Western Annual Conference, are as follows: Lib-
erty, Cumberland Destrict; Flemingsbourgh and Salem,
Kentucky Destrict; Cincinnatti and Chillecothe, Ohio
Destrict.

The Conference proceeded to the examination of the
characters of those eligible, and to elect them to the
office of Elders.

Mississippi Destrict.

ist. The character of Nathan Barnes examined and
it is the opinion of the Conference that he be elected
to the office of an Elder, but being absent his ordina-
tion is not performed.

2nd. Thomas Lasley’s character examined and ap-
proved, and he elected to the office of an Elder, but be-
ing absent his ordination is not performed.

3rd. Caleb W. Cloud’s character examined and ap-
proved, the Conference judge proper to elect him to the
office of an Elder.

Kentucky Destrict.

ist. The character of Joseph Oglesby examined and
approved, it is the opinion of the Conference that he be
elected to the office of an Elder.
2nd. The charrecter of Abraham Amos examined and
approved, the Conference are of opinion that he be
elected to the office of an Elder.
9
130 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Holston Destrict.

ist. John McClure’s character examined and ap-
proved, the Conference are of opinion that he be elected
to the office of an Elder.

Ohio Destrict.

1st. The character of Adjet McGuier examined, and
it appearing to the Conference that some deficulties
exist between him and Jobn Sale, the Conference are
of oppinion that the case be refered to a Committe for
decision, and that the parties be allowed to have the
men of their choise. John Sale chose William McKen-
dree; Adjet McGuier, James Ward; and they chose
Thomas Milligan. The Committe report to the Con-
ference, that the deficulties are so adjusted as to admit
of his election, and they accordingly elect him to the
office of an Elder.

2nd. Anthony Houston’s character examined before
the Conference, the Conference are of oppinion that A.
Houston had acted somewhat imprudently by convers-
ing with a young woman. Nothing criminal is stated
against him, the Conference are of opinion that he may
be elected to the office of an Elder. :

The characters of those graduateing to the Elder’s
office examined before the Conference, ‘William Elling-
ton, Samuel Parker, Joshua Oglesby, William Houston,
Richard Browning, Peter Cartwright, Joseph Williams,
Miles Harper, James Axley, Benjamin Edge. They are
all approved and continued.

The case of John Meek came before the Conference,
and after meture deliberation the Conference think
proper to grant him a Location.

Resolved that he obtain said Location.

Tuirp Day or CoNFERENCD.

The character of those Graduateing to the office of
Decans examined before the Conference, James King,
The Journal for 1807. 181

Milton Ladd, Hector Sandford, Fredrick Hood, Abbott
Goddard, Hezekiah Shaw, John Collins, John Travice,
John Crane, Joseph Bennett, Sela Paine, Isaac Quinn,
and John Clingin, they are all approved and remain
on Trial.

1st. Thomas Wilkerson applied to the Conference by
letter for a location. The Conference after hearing
the contents of his letter and taking his case into con-
sideration, Resolve that he obtain said Location.

2nd. Joshua Oglesby being present, applied to the
Conference for a Location, the Conference voted him
said Location.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to read to the Conference
the Memorial of the New York Annual Conference Ad-
dressed to the New England and Succeeding Confer-
ences.

The Conference unanimously voted to concur with the
New York Conference in the subject of their Memorial
Addressed to the New England and Succeeding Con-
ferences.

Motioned that the Conference proceed to elect 7 mem-
bers out of this Conference as deligates to represent
them in the next General Conference.

Resolved that the number of 7 be elected as Electors
to represent us in the next General Conference.

The Bishop proceeded to examine before the Confer-
ence the character of all the Elders.

The Bishop proceeded to ordain to the office of Eld-
ers the following persons: Caleb W. Cloud, John Mce-
Clure, Joseph Oglesby, Zadock B. Thackston, Abraham
Amos, Adjet McGuier, and Anthony Houston.

Tan Fourta Day or CONFERENCE.

The Conference proceeded to elect by ballet members
to represent them in the next General Conference, the
following persons were elected, William McKendree,
132 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

William Burk, James Ward, Benjamin Lakin, Lawner
Blackman, Thomas Milligan, and John Sale.

The Conference proceeded to vote by ballett for the
seat of the next Western Annual Conference.

The majority in favor of Liberty, Cumberland Des-
trict.

The case of Joshua Oglesby, who applied for and ob-
tained a Location, reconsidered, and consents to take
a station, the Conference therefore revoke their for-
mer vote.

The Conference think proper to establish the, same
method of defraying the travilling expenses of the deli-
gates to the General Conference as was voted for the
anticipated Conference the last year, which method
minay be seen by reference to page 35th.

The Conference proceeded to make a_ collection
among themselves for the purpose of printing some
small and useful pamphlets, to be given away. The
collection amounted to $11.16.

The Conference proceeded to elect James Axley to
the office of an Elder, provided he be sent on a Mission.

William McKendree proceeded to read a letter im-
bracing our sentiments respecting Bishop Asbury’s con-
duct toward Doctr. Coke, and likewise expressing our
approbation of Bishop Asbury’s conduct among us.

The Conference proceeded to examine the Contents
of the said letter and are of opinion that the letter be
entered on the Journal as follows:

The Conference think proper to take into consideration Doctor
Coke’s Letter to the New York Conference, which was an answer
to his circular letter, in which he complains of the General
Conference not fulfilling the ingagements that they made with
him, and Mr. Asbury’s treating him with a mesterious neglect.
As to the former we do not think it necessary for us to ex-
amine the case, as the General Conference is not to be tried by
us. But as Bishop Asbury is accountable to us and much depend
on our Confidence in his faithfulness, we judge it proper to ex-
amine the case, and from the Doctor’s engagements with the
The Journal for 1807. 133

Connection and Conference, and from the relation in which we
are informed he then stood to the British Connection, we are of
opinion Bishop Asbury gave no cause of offence.

William McKendree proceeded to read the Report of
the Committe of Business. The Conference are of opin-
ion that the Report be received, errors excepted.

Draft on the Chartered Fund ............ ccc eeceeeeeeeeeee $190
Draft on the Book Concern .........2-.cceeee eee eee eneeees $300

490
Thomas Wilkerson .......... Lh VGN wes soxaeiie s elacee soit wy 00 18
Benjamin Lakin ............ LE Bi (ede eset seaace fase Ghatentd, a. arrm ach os Svat =
William Pattison ............ 2B ODI andi obe: acess diseceoatisins &, Garewal] ie setae, 3
James Ward, 6 months ...... SO OO acs cco ate esse pend arene ere 52 00
Ralph Lotspiech ............ DD! DA se Sicnyianeraie vase eidiess -aue7 tek | Phwanes
Joshua Oglesby ............. SO. 50) ice aware t oq aratared 8 as 5 50
William Houston ............ At B85 eqs sede cdapnd ea welded as
Richard Browning .......... BD O2|e220 suey ea daw dea ee 7 92
Joseph Hays, 6 months ...... 22 IDO! sss se8 Riot arace. Wess ae Avene 9 00
Peter Cartwright ............ AD. OO lhe. xa ccerate: Scans aanslcelacuea, atte 12 00
Joseph Williams ............ LA SOD ies 3s: a aycecate cata deg ea eSyavanel| Pa ee
John McClure ............... AD BTM aon aca asad eschaires biel ob 21 57
Caleb W. Cloud ............. G2: BO hisses wate eae veered aie was 34 50
Benjamin Hdge ............. 89 COllesaweaccieamewas s hae 11 65
Joseph Oglesby ............+% 22) 21 |eecsea boc aen vase] Betws 6
Abraham Amos ............. 28° D4) eines tink trees ve 00 54
George Askin ............... DBDs s: avecatsajs: tsa caanareseeseiae | eraene ae
George C. Light ............. BE HO lave vs sends bos aatiore es easan 6 05
Zadock B. Thackston ........ BOSON saad ace ace ete embed tied asa
Thomas Hellums ............ 54: 50 ssw Wawa Qeace 26 50
Samuel Sellars .............. Bo? OA se setne vaudedaseaiees 5 62
David Young ................ 26 14 vissaswt ss dewessce leaee es
Moses Ashworth ............ OD: US I asda tusreteres ey seecs otra Sate 7 13
William Vermillian ......... BAY OSM eo. asia do eummiendnaaieccs 16 63
William Hitt, 9 months ...... GOD) eienaa od sai aed al tokens
Jesse Walker .............065 120) 00) [be sre ccasseeccie sisters a evace 67 00
John Travice ...........+.+-. GO 100) 5 as scees ae ston ates nares 82 00
James King .......--.0e000e 4 00] savas vsseee evs can sow eee
Sela Paine, 6 months ........ Be Wl acta ee ae eo ee 9 00
Milton Ladd ..............-+. 25 OI) esecscos' a encrouassl oe tiga ptgneke
Frederick Hood ............. DOT aed adejee d, Sigcel eal aa Gases colllaueeeyee8 a
Isaac Quinn, 6 months ...... TA 00 | cide ow ewiers awe as%
Abbott Goddard ............. GO OO| se teresa senses Satent's 32 00
Hezekiah Shaw .........+.-- D3) Wal) Sarntn a daeko Otic we cge eo lead a isas
John Collings ..............6. 5D 53 a week sews sips «| tee cre gce
John Crane .... .cseseeceeeee 12) 100) cet y cacrawe sa wenn [ese wes
Joseph Bennett ......0.....- 18) 004 adiend cae cates seme? | Rees
John Clingin, 6 Gane eases BS} ABs cokugae dco siaaladgeaeoeas 18 43
John Thompson ............. TY 10.0) Watordie wiatnuels cece aeacots td uo ates

 

 

 

 

 

1,315 40 375 22
134 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

 

 

 

 

Francie Beputy ava eed eed Hea $38 exe 4s 1 ROS BE Ray AHERN Oe OH 25 00
Elisha Bowman, Missionary .......... cece eee eee ee eee eeee 80 00
k 480 22
BAMCN CE: AN THANG! 6 scone as ianece t acetepe PG soca hE gine Bs SHOES 9 78
490 00
Given

TG NAF MCG UIED: 6 ega here eeed ae ens Aaa LOT MS AR RE ESA 7 95

Paid William Burk for the Book in which the Journals are
MOD GS Reve e vlacitene wey. eth wndiecae Aveteuaee easels o 5-4 pueay eae waana sigs 1 83
9 78

The recommendations, required at last Conference
for Jobn Collins and James King, were brought for-
ward and acknowledged. The papers respecting Ben-
jamin Wofford read and the Conference agree to admit
the settlement.

Tar Firtra Day or CONFERENCE.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to the examination of those
remaining on trial, who were not examined at last Con-
ference, and likewise those who were admitted on trial
at this Conference (ie.) John Collins, Henry Mallerly,
Frederick Hood, Sela Paine, Hector Sandford, Jacob
Turman, William Mitchel, Isaac Quinn, and Clingin.

The Conference proceeded to make a collection in
Sonference for the Missionarys to the Mississippi Des-
trict. The collection amounted to $60.00.

Samuel Parker proceeded to read a letter Addressed
to the Brethern in Chillecothe, Cincinnatti, Flemings-
bourgh, and Liberty, expressing our thanks for their
kind invitations for the seat of the next Western An-
nual Conference. The Conference are of opinion that
a letter be sent to each of the above places.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to ordain James Axley to
the office of an Elder, in consequence of his Mission to
the Mississippi Destrict. John Sale proceeded to re-
port to the Conference that the Committe have had
under their consideration a New and Compleat Collec-
The Journal for 1807. 185

tion of Hymns, which the Committe are of opinion (as
far as they have examined,) should be published in our
Connection.

It is the opinion of the Conference that the business
respecting John Hutt’s settlement with the Editors,
and General Book Stewards, be referred to John Sale
for final settlement.

The Conference voted that the money given by the
Conference for the purpose of printing and circulating
pamphlets, gratis, be committed to William Burk, for
that purpose.

The Conference adjourned to meet at Liberty, Cum-
berland Destrict, October the First day, 1808.

Signed in and by order of the Conference.

Wittiam Burg, Secretary. Francis ASBURY.

The following is entered on the Journals of the An-
nual Conference, by order of the General Conference,
in session at Baltimore, May, in the year of our Lord,
One Thousand, Hight Hundred, and Eight:

The preachers shall be alowed, for their trouble of
selling the Books, not less than 15 nor more than 25
prCent, upon the wholesale price, for all the Books
sold by them, but the prices shall be regulated as in
the judgment of the Edetors the different Impressions
will best afford.

One third of which the Presiding Elder shall have
for his trouble. The other two thirds shall be allowed
the preachers, who sell them, in their respective Cir-
cuits; And the Book Edetors are to pay all the expence
of the conveyance of Books to Presiding Elders untill
they are within their respective Destricts.

Test: Witt1am Burg, Secty.

Note 8.—‘On Monday we opened our conference in great
peace and love, and continued sitting, day by day, until Friday
noon. A delegation of seven members was chosen to the General
Conference. There were thirteen preachers added, and we found
136 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

an addition of two thousand two hundred members to the society
in these bounds; seven deacons were elected and ordained, and
ten elders; two preachers only located; sixty-six preachers were
stationed. Finding my work done, and my carriage sold, I ven-
tured once more to take horse, with a determination to visit the
frontier settlements on the Great Miami River. We came away,
leaving fifty or sixty preachers at the camp meeting near the
seat of conference, and got to brother Waugh’s for the night.”
(Asbury’s Journal, Vol. III., page 233.)

The appointments for 1807 are given in the General Minutes
as follows:

Hotston District. Learner Blackman, P. Elder.

Holston, Caleb W. Cloud, Hezekiah Shaw.
Nollichuckie, Nathan Barnes, Obadiah Edge.
French-Broad, Benjamin Edge.

Clinch, Miles Harper, Thomas Trower.
Powell’s Valley, Abbott Goddard.

Carter’s Valley, John Henniger.

CUMBERLAND District. James Ward, P. Elder.

Cumberland, John McClure.

Nashville, Joseph Oglesby, David Young.
Red River, Thomas Lasley.

Barren, Peter Cartwright.

Roaring River, William Vermillion.
Wayne, James King, Sela Paine.
Livingston, Abraham Amos, Thos. Stilwell.
Hartford, John Cragg, William Lewis.
Illinois, John Clingan.

Missouri, Jesse Walker.

-Maramack, Edmund Wilcox.

Duck River, Zadok B. Thackston.

Kentucky District. Wm. Burke, P. Elder.

Limestone, W. Houston, J. Turman, M. Layton.
Licking, Milton Ladd.

Lexington, Joseph Hays, Henry Mallory.
Hinkstone, Elisha W. Bowman, Joshua Oglesby.
Danville, George Askin, Samuel Sellers.

Salt River, Adjet McGuire.

Shelby, Thos. Hellums, Josiah Crawford.

Silver Creek, Moses Ashworth.
The Journal for 1807. 137

Onto District. John Sale, P. Elder.

Miami, Samuel Parker, Hector Sanford.

Mad River, T. Milligan, J. Davisson, W. Mitchell.

White Water, Joseph Williams.

Scioto, John Collins, Joseph Bennett.

Deer Creek, Benj. Lakin, John Crane.

Hockhocking, Ralph Lotspeich, Isaac Quinn.

Fairfield, William Pattison.

Muskingum and Little Kanawha, Solomon Langdon, William
Ellington.

Wills Creek, James Watts.

Guyandott, Fredrick Hood.

MississtpPr District. Jacob Young, P. Elder.

Natchez, Richard Browning.
Wilkinson, John Travis.
Claiborne, Jedediah McMinn.
Appalousas, James Axley.
Washataw, Anthony Houston.
JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE,
BEGUN AND HELD AT LIBERTY HILL, TENNES-
SEE, OCTOBER 18T, 1808.°

Those marked thus * absent.

MEMBERS OF CONFERENCE.

Francis Asbury
William McKendree
William Burk
John Sale

Lawner Blackman
Jacob Young
Thomas Milligan
Elisha W. Bowman*
William Pattison
Benjamin Lakin
Ralph Lotspiech
Joseph Hays*
Fredrick Stiers
John McClure
Anthony Houston*
Jesse Walker
Edmond Wilcox
Thomas Hellums*
Samuel Sellers*
David Young
Moses Ashworth
William Virmillion
William Ellington*
Samuel Parker
William Houston
Richard Browning
Peter Cartwright
Miles Harper
Benjamin Edge
Joseph Williams

Zadock B. Thackston
Abraham Amos
Solomon Langdon*
Caleb W. Cloud
Nathan Barnes*
Joseph Oglesby
Thomas Lasley
George ‘Askin
James Ward
Adjet McGuier*
James Davison*
James Watt*
Joshua Oglesby
James Axley
James King
Hector Sandford
Milton Ladd
Fredrick Hood*
Hezekiah Shaw
Abbott Goddard
John Collins
John Travis*
John Crane
Joseph Bennett
Sela Pain

Isaac Quinn
John Clingan
William Militchel*
Thomas Trower*
The Journal for 1808. 139

The Conference proceeded to admit into full Connec-
tion, to elect and ordain to the office of Deacons,
David Young, James King, Abbott Goddard, Hezekiah
Shaw, Sela Pain, and John Crane.

The charrecters of the following local preachers
passed in review before the A. Conference, they were
approved and ordained to the office of Deacons, Stephen
Ellis, William Potts, Lewis Crane, Rivers Cormack,
Henry Tooley, Thomas Williamson. Bales Williams
and Joseph Smith’s charrecters passed in review, but
not being present were not ordained.

The charecters of the following local preachers
passed in review before the A. Conference, and they
stood approved, Andrew Baley, William Stepherson,
John Watson, John C. Sloiom, Ludwick Davis, Hosea
Rigg, Charles Metheny, David Hogges, Newit Vick,
Fletcher Sulivan, John Nixon, and John Akin.

The Conference proceeded to elect a Committe of
Finance, and the following persons were declared elect-
ed, John Sale, Samuel Parker, and Lawner Blackman.
Bishop Asbury directed John Sale to collect the amount
of deficiencies.

Monpay Mornine, 3 Day or CONFERENCE.

John Johnston, William B. Elgin, Isaac McCown,
John Lewis, and Isaac Lindsey passed an examination
before the Conference. Likewise John Collins, Milton
Ladd, Isaac Quinn, John Clingan, Hector Sanford, &
Joseph Bennett were examined before the Conference.

John Collins, who had been a Local Deacon before
he travilled, was recommended and elected to the Eld-
er’s office.

Fredrick Hood, who had travilled out his probation,
and in consequence of neglence in filling his appoint-
ments and haveing failed to send any account to the
140 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Annual Conference, they thought proper to discontinue
him.

John Travis being absent in consequence of sickness,
his case was brought into view and laid over until
Jacob Young could be present.

The charrecter of Thomas Hellums, Samuel Sellars,
David Young, and Moses Ashworth examined and their
probation continued.

Monpay Evenine, 3rp Day or C.

William Ellington applied for and obtained a Loca-
tion. The charrecter of Samuel Parker, William Hous-
ton, Richard Browning, Peter Cartwright, Miles Har-
per, Benjamin Edge, and Joshua Oglesby were exam-
ined and they elected to the office of Elders.

Joseph Williams being eligable to the Elder’s office,
the Conference proceeded to try his election. 16 For
21 Against.

Jacob Young being present, the Conference proceed-
ed to receive John Travice and elect him to the office
of a Deacon.

The Conference proceeded to determine by vote that
an address be sent to our Brethern throughout the
bounds of the Western Annual Conference to raise sup-
plys for the Annual deficencies. The Conference pro-
ceeded to elect Banjamin Lakin, Caleb W. Cloud, and
Milton Ladd as a Committe to draw up an address to
our Brethern, to raise supplies for the Deficencies, and
to Adjust the Book accounts of the Presiding Elders.

Tumspay Mornine, 4rH Day or OC.

The Committee of Finance reported.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to read several letters ad-
dressed to the Conference for the Seat of the next An-
nual Conference. 1st, from Nashville Circuit, Doug-
lasses Meeting House. 2nd, from Nolechuckie Circuit,
The Journal for 1808. 141

Ebenezer M. House. 8rd, from Cincinnatti, State of
Ohio—

The preachers Remaining on Trial are as follows:
John Henager, John Crag, William Lewis, Thomas
Dirkman, Edmond Wilcox, Jedediah McMin, Jacob Tur-
man, William Mitchel, Josiah Crawford, Thomas Stil-
well, and Henry Mallory. Their Charrecters being ex-
amined and approved, were continued.

The case of Edmond Wilcox being somewhat pecul-
iar, and his name haveing stood on the Minutes for
two years, and he haveing travilled nearly 4 years, the
Conference thought proper to admit him into full Con-
nection and elected him to the office of a Deacon.

Thomas Trower’s case came before the Conference,
and after examining the Early Minutes it was found
that he was Received on Trial at the Virginia Confer-
ence 2nd of February, 1806, and after enquireing into
his charecter it was found that he promised usefulness,
and the Conference proceeded to receive him into full
Connection and elected him to the office of a Deacon.

The Bishop proceeded to read a letter Addressed to
the Conference from Anthony Houston.

James Quinn who formerly had been a member of
Conference and Located two years past. The Confer-
ence agree that he be Readmitted into the Travilling
Connection.

Philip Gatch sent a request by letter to the Annual
Conference requesting that he might have a station,
the Conference thought proper to leave it with Bro.
John Sale to imploy him if he should give such satis-
faction as the Conference has required.

‘William Young came properly recommended from the
Holston Quarterly Meeting Conference; he is about 22
years of age. Not examined, the Conference agree to
receive him.

John Bowman came properly recommended from the
142 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Quarterly Meeting Conference Nolichuckie Circuit. He
was born in the year 1773 in Virginia, Shannadore
County, partly raised in Tennessee; not examined but
admitted on Trial.

Horitio Barnes came recommended from Nolichuckie
Circuit; the Quarterly Meeting Conference gave him a
recommendation, but from information it appears that
he has lately come from the Monongahela Destrict and
the Conference think that his recommendation is rath-
er doubtful; not examined.

Wrpnespay Morninea 5 Day or Conr.

The following persons came properly recommended
from their several Quarterly Meeting Conferences: Wil-
liam Winans from the Quarterly Meeting Conference
of the Miami Circuit, Lewis Anderson from the Quar-
terly Meeting Conference of Barren Circuit, John Lew-
is from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of the Roar-
ing River Circuit, Isaac McCown from the Quarterly
Meeting Conference of Wayn Circuit, David Hardisty
from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Danville Cir-
cuit, Richard Richards from the Quarterly Meeting
Conference of French Broad Ct., William B. Elgin
from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Roaring
Liver Circuit, John Johnston from the Quarterly Meet-
ing Conference of Nashville Circuit, Isaac Lindsey from
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Nashville Ct.,
John Sinclair from the Quarterly Meeting Conference
of Nashville Ct., ‘Wood Loyed from the Quarterly Meet-
ing Conference of Dixon Circuit, Moses Crume from the
Quarterly Meeting Conference of Whitewater Circuit,
Eli Truett from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of
Limeston Circuit. The Conference are of opinion that
they may be admitted on Trial as Travilling Preachers.

James Guinn proposed himselves as a Mitionary Re-
maining on Trial and his name to stand among the
The Journal for 1808. 143

Deacons on the minutes. James Blair came properly
recommended from the Quarterly Meeting Conference
of Limestone Circuit and after the Conference had
taken his case under meture deliberation they think
best to leave the Presiding Elder at liberty to imploy
him if it be found that his circumstances will admit
of it. Moses Black readmitted.

Robert Cloud sent by Ralph Lotspiech for a Mission-
ary Station, the Conference judge it proper to grant
him such a Station.

The charrecters of the preachers examined one by
one before the Conference. The Committee appointed
to draw up an Address reported, stateing our insol-
vency and requesting our Brethren to rais an annual
subscription to send to Conference to meet the deficen-
cies. The conference proceeded to rais a subscription
among themselves to meet the deficencies at the next
Annual Conference.

The Conference granted William Burk a Supernu-
merary Station. At the request of the Conference Law-
ner Blackman proceeded to read a letter from Elisha
W. Bowman addressed to him in answer to some
charges brought against him when his charecter passed
before the Conference.

The Conference proceeded to appoint a Committee
consisting of three (ei) the Presiding Elder of the
Kentucky Destrict, Joshua Oglesby, and William Burk,
to converce with Elisha W. Bowman on the subject of
the above refered to charges. Joseph Hays applied
to the Conference by letter for a Location, the Confer-
ence thought proper to grant him a Location.

Adjet McGuier applied by letter for a Location and
the Conference are of opinion that he should be Lo-
cated. James Davison applied for a Location, the
(Conference) granted the said Location.
144 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Turrspay Mornine 6rH Day or Conr.

John Sale from the Committee of Finance reported a
second time and the Conference are of opinion that the
report as read be received.

THe REpoRT OF THE COMMITTE.

The whole amount of Deficiency is found to be ...... $2,552 95
And the Moneys to meet the difficencies are as follows,
Viz:

Draft on the Book Concern ...........e cece eee eee $ 300 00
Draft on the Chartered Fund .................6. 170 00
Sent by the Ohio Destrict ........... 0. eee e ween 21 60
Making in the whole ..........eceeeecesececves $ 491 60
So that we find after all the moneys are disposed of
we are IMSOIVeNt ....... cece eee ec eee eee e eee enes $2,016 3414
What was given to make up the
What each preacher received from deficencies; at Conference ap-
the Circuits, &c. propriated as follows:
Francis Asbury ............ > 25 00. Wass icenes eaves $ 5 00
William McKendree ....... 25:00) [dives sas cea tees 15 00
William Burk ............. 160 00 javictead ca diass)eieaceae<
TORN: Sale: cccapeca cis dierent «sits ote D920 is cuecasevnreey sox ciate a:a.]ce a> 28. Sagi es
Lawner Blackman ......... BGs OO. ii cseras aes ore vercesaverene 16 81
Jacob Young .......-..-06. BD 100 "| sisecstavehatine sve 8) Sei 17 44
Thomas Milligan .......... G2: BS: 5 levees gare a re we oral cakbtageuesete
Elisha W. Bowman ........ 41.62) |aewes onsdiew ova |orade seme
William Pattison .......... 55 00° lsc. snawvediewes er ssaue es
Benjamin Lakin ........... LOO: DOB] isis: soewioaveeweedd-c 8 00
Ralph Lotspiech ........... ROC le 84 da aieanesoe ear eaeetas
Joseph Hays ......cereeeeee TL 00) be. esgpsicriarii ard veh es | areisueenio ies
Fredrick Etiers, 6 months..| 40 00 [.............ee]eecweeees
John McClure ............. 4500 lic csachove neces 30 00
Zadock B. Thackston ....... 90:00. Wriwss cane ve aden 60 00
Abraham Amos ............ 80 00° [accceewessiewee| wv scadieas
Solomon Langdon .......... 90: 00 asin araivine s.cieveeres 60 00
Caleb W. Cloud ............ TO 300. | nce carsieset eacesiawye |i oS navese’
Nathan Barnes ..........-. 80:00 NV eescaseae saaas bees ede s
Joseph Oglesby ..........-. 1S MAE ieee o tins Sa neds |G Get Mags
Thomas Lasley ............ 50:00 lessee vasa ew ness 16 38
George Askin ............. 90:00 Ismescrases samen 27 50
James Ward ......-e.ee0e- VAG OD. caus on dans ea eeers 10 00
Adjet McGuier ............ G0! OO: | | avers sexnanense cepa s 20 53
James Davison, 6 months...| 24 00 |........ ssc ceca lee eee eens
James Watt, 6 months ..... 2A OQ Waverics ee sere scbraauw atl syace aia aero’
James Axley .......-.0000- 45.00) haset ox sewewaew 30 00
Anthony Houston .......... 63:00 |nox.s tsekeevcex [esuwaceuis
Jesse Walker .........+0+- 60 00 J...ecceceeevee-| 40 98

 

 

 
The Journal for 1808.

What each preacher received from
the Circuits, &e.

Thomas Hellums
Samuel Sellers
David Young ..............
Moses Ashworth ...........
William Virmillion
Samuel Parker ............
William Houston

Richard Browning
Peter Cartwright

Miles Harper

Benjamin Edge
James King ...............
Joseph Williams
Hector Sanford
Milton Ladd ..............
Fredrick Hood
Hezekiah Shaw
Abbott Goddard
John Collins
John Travis
John Crane
Joseph Bennett
Sela Pain
Isaac Quinn
John Clingan
John Henagar
John Crag
William Lewis
Thomas Kirkman
Edmond Wilcox

Jedediah McMin

Jacob Turman
Josiah Crawford
Thomas Stilwell
Henry Mallory
Thomas Trower, 6 months..
Joshua Oglesby
Valentine Cook
William Mitchel

 

145

What was given to make up the
deficencies; at Conference ap-
propriated as follows:

 

 

$498 46

We find the money Collected among the Preachers that was
not disposed of to be $69.50, which is expended as follows, Viz:

William: Lewis sccscsaad cociecec smears cs tae ee on $22 50
Valentine. Cock, sisiv sac criswiete seme ee eeee es 5 00
Banjamin Wdge: sos siawees seeks stews oa wee yeas 15 00
Isaac McCown, ........-. eittvaianah of retaohe vesasesen 15:00

10
146 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

 

John. McClure: oie sce vieneneec gee ee nage te ees 7 50
Thomas Hellumas «04 oc cis sve be odes He eiee oes ee 7 50
72 50

A collection was made among the Committee and others to the
amount of $3 which will account for the difference.
Signed by the Committee. JOHN SALE,
LAWNER BLACKMAN,
SAMUEL PARKER.

The Conference proceeded to take a vote that the
old rule be revived of fasting and abstinance on all
Fridays in the year. Carried.

The Conference voted that the next Western Annual
Conference be held at Cincinnati on the 380th day of
September, 1809.

The Conference resolved that the Preachers be re-
quested to make a return to the next Annual Confer-
ence of all the Licensed Preachers, Local Deacons, and
Elders.

John Sale proceeded to read an anonimous letter ad-
dressed to him respecting a pamphlet intitled The Fe-
male Instructor or Matron’s Address to her Daughters.
The Conference are determined not to give circulation
to any pamphlets or publications that do not come un-
der the patronage of the General or Annual Confer-
ences.

Zadock B. Thackston received a Supernumerary Sta-
tion. William Burk proceeded to read several resolu-
tions sent from the Quarterly Meeting Conference of
Hinkston and Limestones Circuits, stateing the neces-
sity of a rule on the subject of slavery as it respects
buying and selling. William Burk proceeded to read
the remonstrance of the Local Preachers from Lexing-
ton and Salt River Circuits respecting the ordination
of Local Deacons to the office of Elders. Bishop Mc-
Kendree proceeded to read an answer to the above
remonstrance.
The Journal for 1808. 147

William Burk proceeded to read an Address to the
Annual Conference, setting forth the necessity of a
rule on the subject of buying and selling slaves. Signed
by James Guinn.

Fripay Mornine 7TH Day or Conr.

We move that the subject of slavery be considered
and some dicisive rule be made on that subject. John
Collins, Samuel Parker.

The Conference proceeded to appoint a Committee
to draft a Rule on the Subject of Slavery. Resolved
that John Sale, Banjamin Lakin, and William Burk
be appointed said Committe.

The case of Durham Turner, a Local Preacher from
Barren Circuit, came before the Conference in the form
of an appeal. The Conference confirmed the judgment
of the Quarterly Meeting Conference.

By information received from James Ward respect-
ing John Watson, a Local Preacher from Wayn Cir-
cuit, the Conference are of opinion that he may be re-
ceived on trial as a Travilling Preacher. After exami-
nation he was ordained a Deacon. William Burk re-
ported from the Committe appointed to draft a Rule
on the Subject of Slavery.

The Conference proceeded to the examination of the
report. On the vote being taken, the majority nega-
tived the report and ordered that the same lay on the
lable for amendment. It was moved and seconded that
the above report continue to lay on the table, and that
the address signed by James Guinn be taken up and
considered. The Conference determine to take up the
said address, and the same was negatived. Lawner
Blackman proceeded to read a letter addressed to Val-
entine Cook on the subject of his Mission, in which he
is informed that the Conference will pay him when
able,
148 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

The Committe appointed to examine the Book ac-
counts of the Presiding Elders reported. “The report
was received by the Conference. The report of the
Committe appointed to Draft a Rule on the Subject of
Slavery, haveing been amended, the Conference pro-
ceeded to take a vote on the report as amended and
adopted the following regulations:

WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

Quest. What method shall be taken with a member of our
Society that shall enter into the Slave Trade and shall buy or
sell a Slave or Slaves?

Ansser. Every preacher who has the charge of a Circuit shall
upon information received cite every such member or members
so buying or selling a Slave or Slaves to appear at the insueing
Quarterly Meeting Conference and there to submit his or their
case to the judgment of the said Quarterly Meeting Conference
who shall proceed to determine wheather the Person or Persons
have purchased or sold such Slave or Slaves in a case of mercy
or humanity or from speculative motives, and if a majority of
the Quarterly Meeting Conference judge that they have bought
or sold with such speculative motives they shall accordingly
expel every such Person or Persons.

And in case the Presedent of the Quarterly Meeting Confer-
ence should differ in judgment from the majority and think
they have retained the Person or Persons improperly, he may
refer his or their case to the insueing Annual] Conference and if
any Person or Persons think they are injured by the dicision of
the Quarterly Meeting Conference such Person or Persons shall
be allowed an appeal to the insueing Annual Conference, pro-
vided they signify the same to the Quarterly Meeting Confer-
ence at the time of trial, and the Presedent of the Quarterly
Meeting Conference shall cause the minutes of such trial to be
laid before the Annual Conference who shall judge and finally
determine in every such case. Francis ASBURy,

WILLIAM McKENDREE,

Liberty Hill, Tennessee, October 7th, 1808.

WittiaAmM Bork, Secty.

The Conference proceeded to examine the Accounts
of the Trustees of the Charity Fund. It was motioned
The Journal for 1808. 149

and seconded that the Trustees of the Charity Fund
be desolved. Resolved that the Trustees of the Chari-
ty Fund be disolved.

The Conference proceeded to receive the Address of
the Committee Appointed to draw up an Address to
our Brethern requesting them to make an Annual Col-
lection by Subscription or otherwise to meet the dis-
tresses of the most indegent, and as far as possible
to meet the deficencies of the Preachers.

Resolved that the Address be received and signed
by the Bishops, and that a coppy of the same be put
into the hands of the assistant of every Circuit.

Liserty Hitt, TENNESSEE, October 7th, 1808.
The Western Conference Assembled to all under Her Patronage
Sendeth Greeting.

Dear Brethren: We feel ourselves as much as ever interested
in the happiness of our fellow creatures and are conscious that a
large field is opening in almost every direction for the spread
of the Gospel. Hundreds and thousands are inviteing us to come
to their help, many valuable men are willing to take up their
Cross and brook all the difficulties of an itenerant life in order
to spread the gospel of the Redeemer’s Kingdom, but we lack
means for their supply, for after all the exertions that have been
made in the several Circuits and the conscientious application
of $470, which is all we receive from the Book Concern and
Chartered Fund, we still find ourselves insolvent $2,016.34%.
We have therefore thought proper to address you on the occasion
and solicit your assistance to inable us to spread useful knowl-
edge and do all the good we possibly can.

We hope, dear Brethren, you will not be backward in setting
your hands to paper and giving us your word that you will pay us
whatever sums you may think proper to affix to your names. We
wish you to understand us, we do not mean that these collections
are to be applied to the preachers as their Quarterage. We hope
you will dc all you can to make up their preachers their allowance
in their several Circuits, and that this extra collection be trans-
mitted to the Annual Conference to meet the destresses of the
more indegent. We assure you dear Brethern that we shall be
particular in the distrebution of whatever sum or sums you may
please to forward to us.
150 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

We conclude by praying that God may prosper you in your
souls and bodies, in your baskett and store, and when our toiis
and sufferings are at an end we hope to meet you in the land

of Rest.
We are, dear Brethern, yours in the bonds of a peacable

Gospel.
WILLIAM Burk, Secty. Francis ASBURY,
WILLIAM McKENDREE.

The Conference proceeded to make a settlement with
the deligates to the last General Conference, the Con-
ference and the deligates agree to ballance accounts.

The Conference directed that $33.50 now in the hands
of the former Trustees of the Charity Fund be depos-
ited with William Burk for the use and benifit of the
Trustees of Bethel Academy.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to give the Conference
some advice respecting the important subject of the
mesterious doctrine of the Trinity, Divinity, and Hu-
manity of Christ in which he advises all to attend to
the language of Scripture.

The Conference proceed to make a collection to pay
for the Printing of Pamphlets which are to be given
away and which William Burk by the direction of the
last Conference had printed. The collection amounted
to $10.

The Stations being read, the Conference adjourned
to meet again at Cincinnati, State of Ohio, September
the 30th, 1809.

Signed in and by order of the Conference.

WituiAM Burg, Secty. Francis Aspury,

Wituiam MckKenprer.

Note 9.—To the Conference of 1808 Bishop Asbury came, in
an “afflicted state,” by way of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Ken-
tucky, preaching, ordaining, and counciling as he came. Travel-
ing with him is Martin Boehm, who occasionally preaches in
German. Among the places where the Bishop preached are
Bush Creek, Chillicothe, Deer Creek Camp Meeting, Xenia, Little
The Journal for 1808. 151

Miami, Lawrenceburg, in Indiana, and at many of the cabins
along the way. He spent from September 8 to October 1 passing
through Kentucky. In his Journal for October 1 is this entry:
“T began conference. I preached twice on the Sabbath day; and
again on Tuesday. Our conference was a camp-meeting, where
the preachers ate and slept in tents. We sat six hours a day,
stationed eighty-three preachers, and all was peace. On Friday
the sacrament was administered, and we hope there were souls
converted, and strengthened, and sanctified. We made a regu-
lation respecting slavery; it was, that no member of society,
or preacher, should sell or buy a slave unjustly, inhumanly, or
covetously; the case, on complaint, to be examined for a member
by the quarterly meeting; and for a preacher an appeal to an
annual conference. Where the guilt was proved the offender to
be expelled. The families of the Hills, Sewalls, and Cannon,
were greatly and affectionately attentive to us.”

Returning east, the Bishop and his party crossed the moun-
tains into North Carolina. Of the month of October this year
(1808), the Bishop says: “It has been a serious October to me;
I have laboured and suffered; but I have lived near to God.”
(Asbury’s Journal, Vol. III, pages 247-252.)

The appointments for 1808, as given in the General Minutes,
were as follows:

Hotston District. Learner Blackman, P. Elder.

Holston, William Pattison, Moses Ashworth.
Watauga, Thomas Milligan.

Nollichuckie, Thomas Trower, Horatio Barnes.
French-Broad, Nathan Barnes, Isaac Lindsey.
Clinch, Isaac Quinn, Lewis Anderson.
Powell’s Valley, James Axley. -

Carter’s Valley, Moses Black.

Tennessee Valley, Milton Ladd.

CUMBERLAND District. Miles Harper, P. Hider.

Nashville, Elisha W. Bowman, William Virmillion.
Red River, Fredrick Stier.

Barren, Joseph Bennett, John Lewis.

Roaring River, Zadok B. Thackston, John Travis.
Livingston, Thomas Kirkman.

Hartford, Samuel Sellers, Jacob Turman.

Duck River, John Cragg.

Elk, Thomas Stilwell.
152 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Dixon, William Lewis.
James Guinn, missionary.

Kentucky District. James Ward, P. Elder.
Limestone, James King, Wm. Winans.
Licking, John Clingan.

Lexington, Caleb W. Cloud, William B. Elgin.
Danville, David Hardesty, John Henninger.
Salt River, Peter Cartwright.

Shelby, George Askin, Henry Mallory.

Green River, John Watson, Richard Richards.
Wayne, Sela Paine.

Cumberland, Richard Browning.

Hinkstone, William Burke, Eli Truitt, J. Blair.
Fleming, Joshua Oglesby, Edmund Wilcox.

Mississippi District. John McClure, P. Elder.
Natchez, Thomas Hellums.
Wilkinson, Jedediah McMinn.
Claiborne, Anthony Houston,
Appalousas, Benjamin Edge
Washataw, Isaac McKowen.

INDIANA Districr. Samuel Parker, P. Elder.

Illinois, Jesse Walker.
Missouri, Abraham Amos.
Maramack, Joseph Oglesby.
Cold Water, John Crane.
White Water, Hector Sanford, Moses Crume.
Silver Creek, Josiah Crawford.

Miami District. John Sale, P. Elder.
Cincinnati, Wm. Houston, John Sinclair.
Mad River, Hezekiah Shaw, Wm. Young, S. Henkle.
Scioto, Abbott Goddard, Joseph Williams,
Deer Creek, John Collins, Wood Lloyd.
Hockhocking, Benj. Lakin, John Johnson.
White Oak, David Young.

Musxineum District. James Quinn, P. Elder.
Fairfield, Ralph Lotspeich, John Bowman.
Wills Creek, James Watts, Wm. Young last six months.
West Wheeling, Jacob Young, Thomas Church.
Marietta, Solomon Langdon.
Little Kanawha, William Mitchell.
Guyandott, John Holmes.
Leading Creek, Thomas Lasley.
X.
JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN CONFERENCE BEGUN AND

HELD AT CINCINNATI, STATE OF OHIO,
SEPTEMBER THE 380TH, 1809.*°

MrmbBers of CONFERENCE.

Those marked * not present.

Francis Asbury, Bishop

William McKendree, Bishop

Lawner Blackman
William Pattison
Moses Ashworth*
Nathan Barnes*
Isaac Quinn
James Axley
Thomas Milligan*
Milton Ladd
Miles Harper
Elisha ‘W. Bowman*
‘William Vermillion*
Frederick Stire
Joseph Bennett
Zadock B. Thackston*
John Travis
Samuel Sellars
Samuel Parker
Jesse Walker
John Oglesby
Abraham Amos
John Crane*
Hector Sanford*
John McClure*
Thomas Hellums*
Anthony Houston
Benjamin Edge
James Ward
William Burk
Joshua Oglesby
Edmond Wilcox
James King

John Clingon
Caleb W. Cloud
George Askin
Peter Cartwright
Sela Pain
Richard Browning*
John Sale
Hezekiah Shaw
Abbott Goddard
Joseph Williams
John Collim
Benjamin Lakin
William Houston
David Young
James Quinn
Ralph Lotspiech
Jacob Young
Thomas Lasley
Solomon Langdon
Robert Cloud
Thomas Trower
‘Admitted as Members
John Henniger
John Cragg*
William Lewis
Jedidiah McMin*
Jacob Turman
William Mitchel
Josiah Crawford
Thomas Stilwell
Henry Maloney
Thomas Church*
154 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Both the Bishops and a Majority of the Conference
being present, they proceeded to business, Bishop As-
bury in the Chare. The hours agreed upon for the
sitting of the Conference are as follows, At 9 oc in the
Morning and 3 oc in the Afternoon to Adjourn at 12 oc
and at & Afternoon. It is Likewise agreed that Henry
Boehm be admitted to have a seat among us in Con-
ference and should Daniel Hitt come duering the time
of Conference he may be priviladged the same as Broth-
er H. Boehm.

It is further agreed that no one leave the Conference
toom without first giveing notise.

Brother John Sale moved that the Conference pro-
ceed to nominate 5 as a Committe of Appropriation.

Lawner Blackman moved that the number consist of
3. The Question being taken the Conference are of
Opinion that the number consist of 5.

The votes being taken by ballott it appears that
Samuel Parker, Lawner Blackman, John Sale, John
Collins, and William Burk are hereby appointed said
Committe.

The Conference proceeded to make a Draft on the
Chartered Fund for $140 and likewise a Draft on the
Book Concern for $300.

SaTuerRDAY AFTERNOON BisHop ASBURY IN THE CHARE.
The Conference proceeded to collect the money sub-
scribed by the preachers at Last, which amounted to
£85.00. The Conference proceeded to receive the money
collected from the different Districts according to the
plan proposed by the last Annual Conference, (viz)

From Holston Destrict.$ 1 00 5 Muskingum Do Bases
2 Cumberland Do 80 00 6 Indianna Do Dates
3 Kentucky Do 164 87% 7 Mississippi Do Sesame
4 Miami Do 73 25

The whole amount collected by me eybecnption eae
12 1-2. i
The Journal for 1809. 155

By the direction of the Bishop John Sale proceeded
to read a letter from John McClure, Presiding Elder
in the Mississippi Destrict, addressed to the Bishops
and Conference.

Monpay Morning BisHop McKENDREB IN THE CHARE.

The Conference meet according to appointment.

And William Burk from the Committe of Appropria-
tions proceeded to read their report so far as they
had progressed and the Conference agree to receive the
following report:

On Satuerday Evening 7 oc the Committe of Appropriations
meet according to appointment consisting of John Sale, Lawner
Blackman, Samuel Parker, John Collins, and William Burk.
They proceeded to organize themselves in the following manner,
John Sale, Presedent and William Burk Secratary, and they ac-
cordingly proceeded to business.

1. It is the opinion of the Committe that the following be
submitted to the Conference as a Proper Method to Establish
Uniformity in Respect to Travilling Expenses: 1 Horse Shewing
2 Tavern Bills 3 Feredge’s 4 Turn pikes 5 Tole Bridge’s 6th
and Lastly that the Bishops are to be considered as Exempt
cases, and therefore they are to be Allowed as Expenses what-
ever they may pay for official Letters and for Persons to Conduct
them from Place to Place.

2. Resolved by the Committe that we will only destribute the
sums from the Chartered fund and Book Concern to those who
are defficient, and that the surplus collections be disposed of at
the discretion of the Committe to the most necesitous by the
approbation of the Conference.

3. Resolved that if a preacher neglect his circuit in the inter-
vaels of the Annual Conference that he shall be subject to a de-
duction of his allowance if he be deficient.

John Henigar’s case before the Conference for ad-
mission, the Conference are of opinion that he be ad-
mitted and they elect him to the office of a Deacon.

John Cragg’s case before the Conference for admis-
sion, the Conference are of opinion that he be admitted
and they elect him to the office of a Deacon.

William Lewis’s case before the Conference for ad-
156 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

mission, the Conference are of opinion that he be ad-
mitted and they elect him to the office of a Deacon.

Thomas Kirkman’s case before the Conference for
admission, the Conference are of opinion that consid-
ering his Local Situation, bodily debility and want of
Attention to his Circuit, that he be discontinued.

Jedidiah McMin’s case before the Conference for ad-
inission, the Conference are of opinion that he be ad-
mitted, and elect him to the office of a Deacon.

Jacob Turman’s case before the Conference for ad-
mission, the Conference are of opinion that he be ad-
mitted and they elect him to the office of a Deacon.

William Mitchel’s case before the Conference for
admission, the Conference are of opinion that he be ad-
mitted and they elect him to the office of a Deacon.

Josiah Crawford’s case before the Conference for .ad-
mission, the Conference are of opinion that he be ad-
mitted and they elect him to the office of a Deacon.

Thomas Stilwell’s case before the Conference for ad-
mission, the Conference are of opinion that he be ad-
initted and they elect him to the office of a Deacon.

Henry Mallory’s case before the Conference for ad-
mission, the Conference are of opinion that he be ad-
mitted and they accordingly admit as a Travilling
preacher.

James Gwinn’s case before the Conference for admis-
sion, the Conference are of opinion that he be discon-
tinned.

Monpay ArtTernoon BisHor McKEnpree IN THE CHARE.

The cases and charrecters of those purposed as Local
Preachers, for Deacons Orders came before the Con-
ference, and it is the opinion of the Conference that
following Persons be elected (viz) Elijah Sparkes, La-
ban Brazer, Peter Hastings, Joseph Joslin, Joseph
White, Joseph Proctor, William Duglass, Thomas
Mitchel, and Charles Holliday.
The Journal for 1809. 157

Turspay Mornine BisHor McKenpren IN THE CHARE.

The Conference proceeded to finish the cases and
charrecters of Local Preachers applying for Deacons
Orders as follows, Elijah Sutton, Archabold McElory,
Henry Thompson, William Roggers, Warrick Bristoo,
Benjamin Bonham, Elias Turner, Cornelious McGuier,
Zachues Queshnbury, John Powers, Edward Hall, and
Robert Daugherty,

The charrecter of Thomas Trower and John Travice,
who were elected to Deacons orders last Conference,
but were not Ordained in consequence of their not be-
ing Present there charecters stood approved before the
Conference when examined.

Turespay AFTERNOON BisHop McKENpDREE IN THE CHARE.

The Conference proceeded to Answer the 7 Question
(I E) Who have Located this year? Answered as fol-
lows, Thomlas Milligan, Nathan Barnes, Moses Ash-
worth, William Virmillion, Thomas Church, Joseph
Oglesby, Edmond Wilcox, and John Oglesby.

Elisha W. Bowman applied by letter to the Confer-
ence for a Location, it is the opinion of the Conference
that he be placed among the Superanuated.

It was moved by William Burk that the Award of
the Committe Respecting Elisha W. Bowman be en-
tered on the Journal, the vote being taken, it was or-
dered that the same be inserted.

Pursuant to a Resolution of the Western Annual Conference
Held at Liberty Hill, Cumberland, Tennessee, October, 1808,
we the Committe according to the instructions given have
Waited on the Rev. Elisha W. Bowman, and have Convesed with
him on the Substance of the Complaints or Charges Exhibited
against him at Said Conference.

And So far as we are Capable of Judging, think the Com-
plaints or Charges groundless, and that their is no Reason of
Complaint against him.

As Witness Our hands JAMES Warp.

Monday October 31st 1808, WItLiAM BurE.
158 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

[At this point in the Journal the handwriting changes, though
Burk continues to be the Secretary. The writing resembles that
of Learner Blackman, who was the Secretary for the session of
1811.—Editor.]

Robert Miller a Local Preacher in Flemming Circuit
was Recommended at the Quarterly Meeting Conference
for Deacons orders—but thro’ forgetfulness no written
Recommendation came forward to the Annual Confer-
ence. But the Annual Conference are of opinion that
in this case the regular Method be dispinsed with & the
Conference elect him to the Office of a Deacon.

The Cases and Characters of those who remain on
trial for Elders office examined before the conference &
nothing alledged against any of them.

WepNeEspAy Mornine Bishop McKENpREE IN THE CHAIR.

John Sale moved that the Conference allow him a
certain Discount on some damaged Books sent to his
District from the Book Steward, the Conference: are of
oppinion that the Sd. Discount be allowed him.

John Shields forwarded a note to the Bishops & Con-
ference stating ‘his dissatisfaction concerning the nega-
tive put on his recommendation for Deacon’s orders on
which the Conference are of oppinion that there be a
Special Committee appointed to converse with him on
the subject, and the Committee which was appointed
on this Occasion was to consist of the four following
persons, John Sale, James Quinn, John Collins & Wil-
liam Burk.

The Conference proceed to examine the characters of
those eligible to the office of Elders on which the Con-
ference are of oppinion that the following persons be
and are hereby elected to that Office—Thomas Hel-
lums,* Samuel Sellars, & David Young.

Joseph Williams’s case came next before the Confer-
ence. On mature deliberation they are of oppinion Ist
That he shall not be Elected to the Office of an Elder
The Journal for 1809, 159

2nd That it is the Oppinion of the Conference He shall
not be employed any longer as a Travelling Preacher
3rd And Lastly that he shall receive a Location & they
Accordingly Give him Sd. Location.

John Holms from the Baltimore Conference his case
came before the Conference & after examining into his
character the Conference are of oppinion that he be
elected to the Office of an Elder.

The Conference proceeded to the examination of the
characters of those who continue on Trial. They are
as follows, William Young, John Bowman, who are
continued, But on Examining duly into the case of
Horatio Barnes, the Conference are of oppinion that
not for any immorality but from a consideration of the
irregularity of his mind and Actions he be discontinued.

WEDNESDAY IN THE AFTERNOON BisHOoP McCKENDREE IN
THE CHAIR.

William Winan’s case & character before the Con-
ference. It is the oppinion of the Conference that he
remain on Trial & that BP. McKendree give him a se-
vere reprimand for his conduct & that this be done be-
fore the Conference, his conduct which is deemed im-
proper is his making proposals of marriage to the Sis-
ters & his general familiarity with the fair.

John Martin Local Preacher present before the Con-
ference praying that he may have an Appeal to this
Annual Conference from the judgement of the Deer
Sreek Quarterly Meeting Conference who had suspend-
ed him from Official Services, it is the opinion of
the Conference that his case does not come before them
in consequence of its being only a Suspension from
Official Services.

The Conference then proceeded to resume the busi-
ness of examining the cases & characters of those who
remain on Trial. (viz) Lewis Anderson, John Lewis,
160 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Isaac McCown, Richard Richards, William B. Elgin,
John Johnston, Isaac Lindsay, Moses Crume, Eli Tru-
itt, John Watson, & James Blair,—Nothing stated
against any of them.

TourspAyY Morning Bishop McK@NDREE IN THE CHAIR.

Tho. Scott Local Preacher from Deer Creek Quarter-
ly Meeting Conference now before the Conference.
Praying that he may have an Appeal to this Annual
Conference from the judgement of Sd. Quarterly Meet-
ing Conference; The Chair gave it as his oppinion that
the Appeal might properly lay before this Conference,
a vote being taken the Conference concured in oppinion.
The Legality of the Appeal was objected to in conse-
quence of his not having signified his intention of Ap-
pealing at the Quarter Meeting Conference. But as
said T. Scott was unavoidably absent at the time of
Quarterly Meeting it is the oppinion of this Conference
that the case does properly come before them. Upon
the Chair giving it as his oppinion that the Appeal
could not be acted upon at this Conference for want of
the necessary documents or papers the vote being tak-
en the Majority of the Conference differed in Oppinion.

It is further determined in the Conference by vote
that they will continue in cession until the business
be finished. On which the following paper was laid
upon the Table:

CINCINNATI ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

A charge exhibited against Tho. Scott before the Quarterly
Meeting Conference held at White Browns for Deer Creek Cir-
cuit, August 26, 1809, was as follows (Viz) that he attended a
Berbecue in the Town of Chilicothe on the 4th of July.

October 5th 1809. .

After taking into view the complete State of the
Case the Conference are of oppinion that the whole of
the Business be sent back as unfinished to the said
Quarterly Meeting Conference of Deer Creek Circuit &
The Journal for 1809. 161

there to have the same adjusted & that Caleb W. Cloud
& Tho. Stillwell be & are hereby appointed to write a
letter of Conciliation to the said Quarterly Meeting
Conference.

Tuurspay AFTERNOON BisHor McKrnprer In THp CHAIR.

Bishop McKendree proceeded to give William Winans
a reprimand before the Conference for his improper
conduct toward the Female Sex especially his making
proposals of Marriage in an improper way.

It is moved by Samuel Parker & seconded by John
Collins that James Gwin’s case be taken up & recon-
sidered—on taking a vote it is resolved that his case be
taken up & reconsidered & it becomes the oppinion of
the Conference on the reexamination that he remain on
trial.

The Conference now proceeded to the first- Question
of the Minutes for the Itinerary & received the recom-
mendations & examine the cases and characters of
those who are to be admitted on Trial. It is the op-
pinion of the Conference that the following persons
be admitted on trial (Viz), 1. James B. Findley, a
married man & one child from Scioto Circuit. 2. Alex-
ander Cummins from Hockhockin Circuit a married
man with one child. 3. John Brown a single man from
Hockhockin Circuit. 4. Walter Griffith came recom-
mended from White Oak Circuit Miami District, the
Conference are of opinion that his recommendation be
not received but admit that the Presiding Elder shall
be at liberty to employ him.

Stephen Timmons from the Scioto Circuit who hath
been a travelling Preacher some years ago in the Bal-
timore & Philadelphia Conferences & after several years
Location in the bounds of the Western Conference &
now sending forward a request to Travel the Confer-
ence complied with said request.

11
162 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Fripay Morning Bishop McKENpREE IN THE CHAIR.

The Committe of Appropriations proceeded to read
their report to the Conference which was ordered to lay
on the Table for further consideration.

After which the Conference proceed to receive the
recommendations of those who are recommended as
travelling Preachers.

Holston District.

1. Samuel Hellums from the Nolichuckie Circuit a
single man.
Indiana District.
2. Thomas Wright from the Illinois Circuit a mar-
ried man about 25 years of age.

Kentucky District.

3. Charles Holliday from the Licking Circuit a mar-
ried man.
4. Henry McDaniel from the Hinkstone Circuit a
married man.
Muskingum District.
5. Samuel West from the Kanawha Circuit a single
man of about 23 years of age.

Kentucky District.
6. Thos. Nelson from the Danville Circuit a single
man.

Fripay ArrerNoon BisHop McKpnprer IN THE CHAIR.
Cumberland District.

The Conference continued the Progress of receiving
such as came recommended to the Conference as Trav-
elling Preachers (Viz)

7. Samuel H. Thompson, a young man from Hart-
ford Circuit.

8. John Manley from Livingston Circuit a single man.
The Journal for 1809. 163

9. Francis Travis from Livingston Circuit a single
man.

10. Daniel McElyea from Dixon Circuit a single man.

The case of Stephen Timmons reconsidered from a
motion made & seconded & the Conference of Oppinion
they reverse their former vote respecting him.

The Conference next enter into an examination of
the cases & characters of the Elders in which proceed-
ure there was some difficulties suggested respecting
improper doctrines having been held forth in some par-
ticular points on which it is the opinion of the Chair
that a Committee be appointed to examine into doc-
trines the Committee appointed is the following persons
(Viz) Bishop McKendree, Lawner Blackman, Samuel
Parker, & William Burk who are to examine the Meth-
odist Doctrines.

SatturpAy Mornine BisHop McKEnpREn IN THE CHAIR.

He proceeded to the Examination of the following
Persons (Viz) John Bowman, William Young, John
Travis, John Watson, James Blair, Eli Truitt, John
Henagar, & Josiah Crawford respecting their Faith &
practice as Ministers.

Bishop McKendree then proceeded to deliver a Mes-
sage to Bro. Miles Harper & to give him some advice
relating to some of his peculiarities, to be attended
to by him in his future conduct.

The Conference proceeded to continue in the progress
of the Examinations of the Characters of the Elders &c.

The Conference next proceeded to receive the report
of the Committee of Appropriations so far as they have
progressed the report states that there is yet in re
serve $99.00 yet to be appropriated to necessitous cases.

Tue REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF APPROPRIATIONS AS FOLLows.

Draft on the Chartered Fund ......... cece cece eee ee eens $140 00
Draft on the Book Concern ....... cece eee eee eee eee 300 00
Preachers Collection: ../62s668-e8 wae oo ee cscs Sed Se eee = 85 00

Collection from Holston District ..........6. ese e ee eeee 1 00
164 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

 

Collection from Cumberland District ..........-..+0000- 80 00
Collection from Kentucky District .........-. ee esse eeee 164 87
Collection from Miami District ............ eee eee e neces 75 25
Publick Collection at Conference ...... cece cece eee enees 41 68
| 887 80
1. Holston Destrict, Defi- — Appro-
cient, priated.
Francis: ASDUDY. 264 eeeevs tea eoseaies de ss eed Gece seme $ 25 00
William McKendree .............. die aed e Ree oll Sawa we 25 00
Lawner Blackman ss sce sss scaaiye3 Gees s bein des @ arden’ 10 00] .ecses
WATT: PATHS OM: 3 .005.5 seicese ae Gustin Sadie. Sucaac es lax ries yeaoe aes 8 00) isis ss
Moses Ashworth, 3 months ...............0000- 44 00} 15 66
Thomas: Trower «i swien cowtianpawie sae ory unas 41 00 1 00
Horatia Barnes: ach gaviee yc ates neealvecie se eareue aera 50 00} 10 00
Nathan. Barnes: o.60i.¢ sence aiveanee eeisa eaten s08 ae 45 00 5 00
Teaad LANASeY’ sws-sss metyas sine 6 o6 Hee baa ew ds Fetes 53 00] 138 00
SAAC: QUININE. Ssieead-ce 4 Righers a4 Gaslg Hak Sea Eee MEG aoe 40 00] ......
TIS WAS: ATIGEPSON: io oecs sedarerein.d vasy: bse so Soriains Sab acetal Bese even 40 00] ......
JaMes AKC gess s ca.shaawew daha ed cies feck eae Faas 40 00] ......
Moses Black, Dees’d, 6 TIONS « «ay sves sieve sete eo sgh soars 66 00} 26 00
"THOMAS: Mill eam se! aise Cac g-arsvaiets 6-8 oh eaear eo aise yoo Guess 15 00] ......
Milton Ladd. sins caviar soegaw 45 doesn anes aie « 56 00; 16 00
508 00] 136 66
2. Cumberland Destrict.
Miles APUGE sake cones id ened eeeg ce wes eee eee Ge ekes || SRE
Hlisha: W.- BOWMAN iss wa snsie ew tahoe saeco o's.alf ea dwied cee eibusle
William Vermillion, si -2. soa os resale esas vaven oe 40 00] ......
Frederi¢: Stern: «,és:0:i08 bs des < ab Sage eee ee a aeaes 12 70) wssnws
Joseph Bennett 2.cs0cccsescers vse beeen sy ianwwes 39 63] ......
JON LOWS ge io caddovsdewenivus downy wee tsewewes] co cece] sea ees
Zadock B.. TLHACKStOM, oo. sce 04 Sake. 6 Gas oa Se de 122 48) 42 48
FORT. Travis: sos. cates 6 acess codes d e acape wae seve ues 55 50| 15 50
Thomas Kirkman, sass sccees save ceeds s sewne « 92 50} 12 50
Samuel Sellers, sc ccsinwis saseers ies aeee dea sare 90 Weed ore 34 50] ......
JACOD: TULMAR: sconces ns ceaa ds aang eo Mew $4 SkeNaers 41 69 1 69
William Lewis civic cccnce yes cawees pee veanaeies 76 SI csssen0
John, Cras -so.8 sca tw vaseeaas ais 8s a dee oe 99 78} 19 78
Thomas: Stilwell, evs aics cae ausie «a tciand Besser se ecetena Hoe AT 25 7 25
James Gwinn, 3 months .........- cece eee eens 25 00] ......
687 54} 99 20
3. Indianna Destrict.
Samuel Parker’ ..c35 10 e6ccs sae ve sea teawewe. 62 50) 22 50
Jesse Walker sisces sas vay sss wees s wokacasamene’s 89 00 9 00
Joseph Oglesby, 9 months ..............00.e eee 60 00; 30 00
ADFAHAM ATIOS. oscscs v0 ecccene oie meiere di ernrecaie eo wate are 64 58] 24 58
JOHN, Crane: ws-ogierniieacwies ssansegtin ei cinn ia Vaya ate 71 00) 31 00
Hector Samford. isos sa eecd-e cine: ta sei ere eee vote 33.75) sevaes
MOsés: Crunie: ssise-ds csaeees dae vacuum e246 sees se or 89 00 9 00
Josiah Crawford) sc.s sees scssn ds saee ses tee vo aes 380 98] ......
500 81] 126 08

 

 
The Journal for 1809,

4, Mississippi Destrict.

JOHD: MCClUPG: soit oa tateca stan sie ees eles RS
Thomas Hellums ............. 0.00 cee vee e uae

Jedediah MeMin .......... 0... cc cc eee e eee e

Anthony Houston .......... 0. ccc cece cece eens
Benjamin, WaBC: 065. eo veces ed aceseiy cs duwad eareieise asian
Tsadac: MGCOWD. secis cada cama vs ova ye dee cee aa

5. Kentucky Destrict.

James: Ward «xicude-s64 Hades tieey ed Senco od Siar a tnace
UTA TEU Gh acd oe evsetnye ch savancusnd od. aU Sided seedy Sranet deoaraneuecncea seats
James Blair si.scsiccs eels Soe atearnee vie eae See
With, Burke so 26 cts enreess car dats, San siete: vious Gils babes Seat soaded tan
- Joshua Oglesby, 6 months ..............ce eee ee
Hdmond Wilcox .......... ccc cece cece cece ee eeee
JAMES! KANG 2.0s:g0- 503 shewec ed ook, bates Seale eeu
Wi, “WAM D > 253, oissawcceese S65 ander eeardiaue, diese “sieves uceuare
John Clingon ..... a Bish suankers Ga wiaie alate Ghat aucun ceeds Boss apats
Caled WiCloud) sie siascgg os Sisudiss ecole iia Sine Sense wae see
Win, Be Bled isa sia wisra stearate tre pitante acersisyaleanarstciee
George ASKIN. o.n660s scesie cae siy oi exes 4 2s Ba Hee REE
Henry Mallory ec saisac ss naw vas wows oi ae ys exes
Peter Cartwright, 6 months ....................
DOHT WatSOm oisiesc's-4.5 cen: 0:8 6 segues avs.) svar soe: euatlene/ee euavers
Richard Richards .......... sce eee cece ee ee eens
SOla PAU ici sneraaeeecntnn dieters nathan ae! Satie eislneranecers
Richard Browning ............ ee see eee ee eee eee
JOHN: HONS SAN: sass sigvewg oe were. ts pyeiew 6 @lspdre: quece Scans

6. Miami Destrict.

POUT Sal G5 eya sedge: sana ss aeadatinn ed See Gidnees ois SASS Gwe
PROZERAAN (SHAW? wee ocsceln se oe suengce sa areuerane een eaves
Win, YOUNG! 0 dais os escaie's a gia wear es anes aves
Abbott Goddard ......... cc cece eee eee eee eens
Joseph Williams: « .sseass case cesied ce eqens eee wats
John: Collins: <ssa veces caw esas deg os oats ea nee
Benjamin Lakin: -cs..scccc.twaccacincg estes seamen
TOWN. JORNSECN -iass:3-c kak bese te eeett awe ese FES
WI, OUStOM » ois nase pcoseis tyieicianns setateisiees eiciisies aie doleiiars
JON Simelaiy® acidic isis. detiasese ie ertie Wee -aithe Gh we lgeaavalee
David Young sses seis oscida terse otc vaste

7. Muskingum Destrict.

JAMES: QUINN, 6 Aoisacdee dane ces cote teers Beh RES
Ralph: TOtSplech: sess weace eaves as. Whew ea ereeeg ee aond
John BOwWah «sss cca cas seeeea tev easacvnse naa ee
JOM OMNES: ss sais 5:5 wees sae dots Se Sian hae Scie
Jacob YOune <.icacic ces cewiw cacti s ee eeeees sree
Thomas Lasley dci.cscsteccessine sos 08 8 ee Buea reaige

 

Defi-
cient.

 

165

Appro-
priated.
166

Solomon Langdon
Wm. Mitchel
Robert Cloud
Thomas Church, 6 months

Paid Volentine Cook $50

It being a Part of $75 due
him from the Conference
Paid William Burk in full
for money Paid for Print-
ing Some Pamphlets to be
given away at the Request
of Conference ...........
Necessitious Cases
Lewis Anderson ....... $ 10
Milton Ladd .......... 9
Samuel Parker ........ 15
Josiah Crawford ...... 10
James Ward .......... 36
James Blair .......... 5
85

Whole Amount of Deficiencies
Whole Amount of Money Appropriated

Remaining Deficiencies

re cy

$50

$20

The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Gained by Some Mistake in not Setting Some Money

Brought in

Defi- Appro-

cient priated.

58.89! series

"56 00| 16 00

pA Pd SuadNeudain sub nea 54 62| 14 62

444 21) 82 22

Brought up ......... $ 85 40
John Johnston ........ 10
John Watson .......... 15
Robert Cloud ......... 10
Peter Cartwright ...... 15
Jesse Walker ......... 15
James Quinn .......... 10

160 40

Yet in Reserve for Ex-

traordinary Cases ..... $ 99 00
M. Harper sacccsness os b
Js FONAGEY woken vev cease 10
H SHAW sccsscene pees 15
S. Sellers ...........6. 5
J. QUINN. a iea csgease as 15
Wm. Houston ......... 4
Thomas Lasley ....... 15
Wm. Lewis ........... 10
A. AMOS. saw sccaaee sed 5
Wm. Winins .......... 10
Ds YOUNES acu caceaadane 5
99

gic ae aie ch keaton Sete $3,404 02

Apa ails ueatee Hakeem 932 00

lareaal are dati Bssso Sith Goby Shares See ae $2,472 02

Hiudeb bog degrand GAG Able Savaieohs BR angie PFE C ee Rees $ 44 20

The Conference Proceeded to receive the report of the
Special Committee who were appointed to write a let-
ter to the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Deer Creek
Circuit the letter reported as follows:

Cincinnati, October 6th, A.D., 1809.

The Western Annual Conference Assembled to the Quarterly Con-
ference of Deer Creek Circuit Sendeth Greeting.

Dearly Beloved Brethren: We feel ourselves as ever united to
The Journal for 1809. 167

you interested in your happiness & while we are engaged in pro-
moting the Salvation of mankind in general permit us hereby to
Signify our unfeigned Love to you & our religious desire to Assist
you in every case (where our aid is thought necessary) in adjust-
ing any differences or otherwise. Dear Brethren You are (no
doubt) aware that Brothers Scott and Martin came from you to
us for the adjustment of certain differences. We in due respect to
you & them have considered their cases & have done the best we
could with them; but finding insurmountable difficulties in the
way of Setting them in the Annual Conference & from conversing
with them do find them disposed to adjust the existing difficulties
on amicable terms; & hoping that You will meet them in the
Spirit of the Gospel, each imprest with the propriety of doing to
others as you would they should do unto you of forgiving even as
you by your heavenly Father have been forgiven; & we humbly
advise them to return to you, hoping that you in your wisdom will
devise & execute such conciliatory & effectual Measures as shall
Ultimately terminate in the great, the Glorious & desirable bless-
ing of peace among yourselves.

Beloved Brethren we hope you are sufficiently imprest with an
idea of the Necessity of an union in the Church of God; We do
earnestly hope that while we your faithful suffering Itinerant
Servants are engaged in spreading the good news of Salvation to
the end of the earth that you as pillars in the house of our God
and Coworkers together with us will do all you can to feed the
flock of Christ & keep them together in the bonds of Christian
love.

And while we desire that you may amicably & Satisfactorily
adjust the existing difficulties to the Salvation of the Church &
the glory of God. Still praying for your present & future happi-
ness we subscribe ourselves dear brethren your most affectionate
friends & willing servants for Christ’s sake.

SarturDAy AFTERNOON BisHop McKenwprep IN THE CHAIR.

Bro. Robt. Cloud’s case before the Conference which
was brought in by a Committee consisting of Ralph
Lotspiech, Thos. Lasley, & William Mitchell, James
Quinn Presiding Elder. The whole of the Proceedings
of the Committee may be seen by refering to the pa-
pers, now in the hands of the Secretary. The Confer-
ence are of Opinion that the charge is not supported
by the evidence produced.
168 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

William Burke proceeded to read the report of the
Special Committee Appointed to examine into doc-
trines—no amendment was offered neither was there
any opposition the question was called for & it passed
with only few exceptions & is as followeth:

It is the oppinion of your Committee.

1. That Original Sin is corruption of the nature whereby man is
far gone from Original righteousness & of his own nature in-
clined to evil & that continually.

II. That the Savior of the World tasted death for every man
that all (infants not excepted) are benefitted by Attonement,
that as they were not lost in Adam by a voluntary act of theirs,
so neither is a voluntary act of theirs necessary to their Salva-
tion.

III. As to the manner of Qualifying infants for Heaven, we
pretend not to know, nor are we able to say, how nearly, or, re-
motely the justification of an infant & that of an adult are con-
nected or how to get out of one into the other, with, or without
Sin, to us these knotty Questions do not appear to be revealed,
& your Committee humbly confesseth we have no intuitive knowl-
edge of these things, for we have forgotten if we ever knew
where or how our moral Agency or accountability took place
nor do we know how it was with ourselves (much less every
child that cometh into the world) a minute or an hour before
or after this accountability took place, therefore to attemp an
explanation is in our opinion to undertake what cannot be per-
formed. It is an attempt to be wise above what is written.

Hence we conclude that the proper way to preach the Gospel
is

I. To preach the fall of man as it is held forth in the Scrip-
tures & illustrated in Mr. Fletcher’s Unequalled Appeal.

II. To Set forth the Attonement in its full Scriptural extent
as we believe Messrs. Wesley & Fletcher have done.

And when circumstances make it necessary to Apply these
Grand doctrines to the case of infants, proceed to Shew that men
are to be judged by revelation of a righteous judgement & will
Stand acquitted or condemned according to their words works
é deeds done in the body & that the Law does not take cognis-
ance of the words works or deeds of infants & so lay the foun-
dation of their acquittal & leave them & their qualifications for
heaven in the hands of a merciful Redeemer & where Scripture
The Journal for 1809. 169

leave them & so keep out of the field of conjecture which fre-
quently leads to dissention disputation & Schism.

But when we apply these grand truths to men as we are
taught by the Gospel to do, we Should Authoritatively demand
repentance Faith & Holiness in all their relative branches, in
connection with their inseparable & proper fruits. The Gospel
being our Standard.

A rising vote being taken on Several particular
Neighborhoods requesting the next Annual Conference
the vote being taken Shelby obtained it with the num-
ber of 33 votes to begin Nov. 5th, 1809 to be held at
New Chapel.

Monpay Morning Bishop McKeENnpRED IN THE CHAIR.

William Houston applied to the Conference for Reyv-
ocation of his Location the Conference are of Opinion
that Said Location be Revoked.

Caleb W. Cloud proceeded to Read a Letter ad-
dressed To the Inhabetants of Cincinnatti in Answer
to a Letter Addresssed by them to the Conference.

The Conference are of Opinion that said Letter be
Sent to them. Lawner Blackman proceeded to Read
Some Statements giveing an account of Moses Black
Decs’d. The Conference are of Opinion that the Said
Account be Received by Striking Out the Part Re
specting Temporals. It is the Opinion of the Confer-
ence that Moses Black’s Widow be Considered a Neces-
sitous Case.

James King brought forward an appeal from Ann
Norwood of Fleming Circuit Respecting a Negro she
had bought. It is the Opinion of the Chair that the
appeal does not come before the Conference the Vote
being taken the Conference Concur’d in Opinion.

Joseph Benett Requested that a Recommendation be
given him, as he expects to go to N’ Jersey next Spring
the Conference agree that such a Recommendation be
given him. .
170 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Resolved that Bishop McKendree be Alowed to take
with him a Preacher to the 8. Carolina Conference.

Signed in and by order of the Conference.

Witi1am Burg, Secretary. W. McKeEnpren.

Note 10.—In the late summer of 1809 Bishop Asbury, travel-
ing with Martin Boehm, passed through Pennsylvania, Western
Virginia, into Ohio to meet with the Western Conference, which
was to convene at Cincinnati on September 30. This year he is
riding in a carriage, but the roads were “disagreeable,” and
“While tugging forward” in the Wills Creek bottom, “crack
went the breastband and crack went the shaft.” At Springfield
he preaches to four hundred people. At Zanesville, “named
after Colonel Zane, who so kindly entertained us at Wheeling,”
Boehm preached. The Bishop on September 3 preaches at the
“elegant new court-house in New-Lancaster” and on Saturday
they are entertained at the home of Doctor Tiffin. Asbury is
charmed at the view from Mr. Tiffin’s house, “but these long
talks about land and politics suit me not; I take little interest
in either subject: O Lord, give me souls, and keep me holy!”
He travels down the Valley of the Little and Great Miami ‘‘oc-
cupied by New Lights, Shakers, Methodists—and sinners to be
sure.” On Sunday, the 23rd of September, he speaks at the
“new chapel in Millford.” Monday is filled with reading and
writing. Thursday “Fair Cincinnati brought us up.” Here he
finds the Church enlarged and the society increased. Many of
the preachers, he states, will be absent, evidently because of
sickness. The Bishop is particularly impressed with the number
of camp meetings being held in the West. “Muskingum district
will have four camp-meetings,” the attendance ranging from
one to three thousand. “In Miami district seventeen camp-
meetings in the year; in Scioto circuit four; Hockhocking two;
Deer Creek two; Mad River three; Whitewater two; Cincin-
nati two; and White two; . . . seventeen camp-meetings for
the Indiana district. . . . More of camp-meetings—I hear and
see the great effects produced by them, and this year there will
be more than ever.” On the Sabbath, at the Conference, Learner
Blackman preaches at nine o’clock, Bishop McKendree at twelve,
and William Burke at three. There are three thousand people
on the ground. On Sabbath, October 8, the Conference closed
its labors and the “members separated on Monday.” Bishop
Asbury and his party depart, going by way of Kentucky, Ten-
The Journal for 1809. 171

nessee, and over the mountains into South Carolina. (Asbury’s
Journal, Vol. III., pages 273-278.)

The appointments for 1809, as given in the General Minutes,
were as follows:

Hotston District. Fredrick Stier, P. Elder.

Holston, James Axley, John Brown.
Saltville, James King.

Nollichuckie, William Pattison.
French Broad, Thomas Trower.
Clinch, William B. Elgin.

Powell’s Valley, Lewis Anderson.
Carter’s Valley, John Bowman.
Tennessee Valley, William Young.

CUMBERLAND District. Learner Blackman, P. Elder.

Nashville, Thomas Hellums, Jas. Gwinn.
Red River, Isaac McKowen.

Roaring River, Jacob Turman.
Livingston, Peter Cartwright.

Hartford, John Cragg.

Duck River, John Lewis.

Elk, Josiah Crawford.

Dixon, Thomas Stilwell.

Henderson, William Lewis.

Flint, Jedediah McMinn.

Kentucky District. James Ward, P. Elder.

Limestone and Fleming, Anthony Houston, Eli Truitt.
Licking, Abbott Goddard. Z

Lexington, Milton Ladd, Henry Mallory.

Hinkstone, Richard Richards, Samuel Hellums.
Lexingtontown, Caleb W. Cloud.

Sandy River, Benjamin Edge.

Green River District. William Burke, P. Elder.

Green River, John Travis.

Barren, Zadok B. Thackston.
Wayne, John Watson.

Cumberland, Richard Browning.
Danville, Charles Holliday.

Salt River, Henry McDaniel.
Shelby, James Blair, Samuel West.
Silver Creek, Sela Paine.
172 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Mississtppr District, John McClure, P. Elder,

Natchez, William Houston, Miles Harper.
Wilkinson, Isaac Quinn.

Claiborne, Samuel Sellers.

Appalousas, John Henninger. ©
Washataw, Hezekiah Shaw.

Inprana District. Samuel Parker, P. Elder.

Illinois, Abraham Amos.

Missouri, John Crane.

Maramack, David Young, Thos. Wright.
Cold Water, Isaac Lindsey.

Cape Girardeau, Jesse Walker.
Vincennes, William Winans.

Miami District. John Sale, P. Elder.

Cincinnati, Solomon Langdon, Moses Crume.

Mad River, Saul Henkle, Hector Sanford.

Scioto, George Askin, Alex’r Cummins.

Deer Creek, John Collins, Francis Travis.
Hockhocking, Benj. Lakin, John Manley.

White Oak, John Johnson.

White Water, Thomas Nelson, Samuel H. Thompson.

Muskineum District. James Quinn, P. Elder.

Fairfield, Ralph Lotspiech.
Will’s Creek, James B. Finley.
West Wheeling, Jacob Young, William Lambden.
Marietta, John Holmes.
Little Kanawha, William Mitchell.
Guyandott, Joseph Bennett.
Letart Falla, John Clingan.
Knox, Robert Cloud.
Thomas Lasley travels with Bishop McKendree this year.
XI.

JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
BEGUN AND HELD AT THE NEW CHAPEL IN
SHELBY CTY, NOVR. 1, 1810.11

MempBers OF CONFERENCE.
Those marked * are absent.

Francis Asbury, Bishop Richard Browning*
William McKendree, Bishop James Blair

Frederick Stier
James Axley
William Pattison
Thomas Trower*
William B. Elgin
Lewis Anderson
John Bowman*
William Young
Lawner Blackman
Thomas Hellums
James Gwinn
Isaac McCown
Jacob Turman
Peter Cartwright
John Cragg

John Lewis
Josiah Crawford
Thos. Stilwell
William Lewis*
Jedediah McMinn
Thos. Kirkman
James Ward
Anthony Houston
Eli Truit

Abbott Goddard*
Milton Ladd
Henry Mallory
Richard Richards

Sela Payne

John McClure*
William Houston*
Miles Harper*
Isaac Quinn*
Samuel Sellars
John Hennegar*
Hezekiah Shaw*
Samuel Parker
Abraham Amos*
John Crane
David Young
Isaac Lindsey
Jesse Walker*
William Winans
John Sale
Solomon Langdon
Moses Crume
Saul Hinkle
Hector Sanford*
John Collins
Benjamin Lakin*
John Johnston
James Quinn
Ralph Lotspeich
William Lamden
John Holmes*
William Mitchell
174 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

MEMBERS OF THE CONFERENCE (Continued).

Caleb W. Cloud John Clingon
Benjamin Edge Robert Cloud
William Burk Thos. Lasley
John Travis Elisha W. Bowman*

Zadock B. Thackston*

TrturspAY Mornine BisHor McKENDREE IN THE CHAIR.

William Burk Secretary & Thos. Stilwell Assistant.

On Motion resolved that the Conference meet at 9
Oclock. Resolved that we adjourn at Twelve & meet
again at half after one & half after 4 Oclock. The
Conference proceeded to elect by Ballott a Committee
of Appropriations. The folowing persons were elected
(Viz) Lawner Blackman, John Sale & Samuel Parker.

The Conference proceeded to elect by Ballott a Com-
mittee to adjust the book accounts. The following
persons were duly elected (Viz) T. Stilwell, William
B. Elgin & James King.

The Conference proceeded to receive by Recommenda-
tions those who came to be received on trial as travel-
ing Preachers. The following persons were received:

(1) Cumberland District.

1. John McFarland from Levingston Circuit.

2. Samuel King from Goose Creek Circuit.

3. John Page from Goose Creek Circuit.

Tuurspay Eventnc BisHop McKENDREE IN THE CHAIR.

The Conference proceeded to receive the following
persons by recommendations from Cumberland District:

4. John Phipps from Hartford Circuit.

5. Thomas Kirkman Henderson Circuit. In page 66
it may be seen that Thomas Kirkman was dropt when
he had served out his probation, the Conference are of ©
opinion that as he has travelled Six Months in the
present Year he be admitted into full Connection &
The Journal for 1810. 175

elect him to the office of a Deacon provided he be ap-
proved of when examined before the Conference.

(2) Holston District.

1. Baker Prather from Carters Valley Circuit.

(8) Muskingum Destrict.

. John Strange from Knox Circuit.

. James Dixon from little Kanawha Circuit.

. James McMahan from little Kanawha Circuit.
Jacob Mills from West Wheeling Circuit.

. Michael Ellis from West Wheeling Circuit.

(4) Indianna District.

1. Thomas Wright from the Iinois Circuit.

2. Joseph Piggott from the Cold Water Circuit.

(5) Kentucky District.

1. James G. Leach from the Lexington Circuit.

2. Vivion Daniel from the Licking Circuit.

3. Joseph Haines from the Limestone Circuit.

4. Caleb J. Taylor from, the Limestone Circuit.

(6) Miami District.

1. Stephen Timmons from the Deer Creek Circuit for-
merly a Travelling Preacher Local Several Years—in
Elders Orders but is admitted so as to graduate to
Membership.

2. Isaac Tavey from the Deer Creek Circuit.

3. Walter Griffith from the White Oak Circuit.

OUR 02 to

Fripay Mornine Bishop McKeEnpree IN THE CHAIR.

John Sale from the Committee of Appropriations
haveing progressed in forming Rules for the Govern-
ment of the Sittings of the Annual Conference Report-
ed. The Conference Proceeded to receive the report
Rule by Rule, on the final Reading the Conference Re-
ceived the whole of the rules as follows:

RULES BY WHICH THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE SHALL Br
GOVERNED IN THEIR SITTINGS.

1. The President shall see that all the business appertaining
176 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

to the Conference be brought forward aranged & conducted in a
proper manner as specified in the Discipline.

2. He shall preserve order in all the proceedings, he shall
keep the Speaker to the question or call him to order when in
his Judgment there is a departure from it.

8. He shall decide in all questions of order, nevertheless any
member may appeal from his Judgment to the Conference & in
such case the appeal shall be decided without debate.

4. He shall plainly state every question & put the same to
vote whenever called for unless the previous question be called
for which shall always be taken without debate.

5. Every question or resolution moved & seconded shal] be
duly considered debated & put to vote unless otherwise disposed
of according to order.

6. Every speaker on any subject shall rise & address the Presi-
dent & shall not be interrupted while speaking unless he depart
from the question or from the rules & decorum of the Confer-
ence.

7. No member shall be allowed to speak more than twice on
the same question nor more than 15 minutes at once unless he
first obtained liberty from the Conference which shall be de-
cided without debate.

8. If in debate one member acme the arguments of
another the member who is misrepresented shall have liberty to
rise & explain & the other shall be silent till such explanation
be given.

9. When any member conceives that another is out of order
he may call the attention of the President to the case.

10. In any question when the President may think proper
from motives of delicasy he may resign the Chair & call any
member of Conference to the Chair during the consideration of
such question or questions.

11. When speaking each member shall have due regard to
the feelings of his Brethren by avoiding irritating language &
personal reflections.

12. No Question shall be introduced while another is under
consideration Nevertheless a motion for postponement shall be
considered in order & the Vote taken without debate.

13. The Secretary shall be chosen Annually at the commence-
ment of the Conference.

14. He shall every morning at the opening of the Conference
read the proceedings of the preceeding day.

15. He shall take charge of the journals; all the Conference
The Journal for 1810. 177

papers Keep them safe & see that they are conveyed to the place
of its next sitting.

16. He shall allow no person or persons to take any copy of
papers or extracts from the Journals of Conference without first
obtaining liberty from the Conference.

17. No member shall be absent in time of the sitting of Con-
ference without first obtaining leave of absence.

18. At the close of every sitting the Secretary shall report the
Absentees.

19. That no preacher shall bring any charge against any mem-
ber of Conference untill he has first given information of the
same either by letter or otherwise so as the accused may have
an opportunity of preparing for defence.

The Conference proceeded to finish the Answer to
the first Question, Who are admitted on trial?

(6) Miami Destrict.

4. Marcus Lindsey from the Cincinnatti Circuit.

5. Daniel Fraley from the Scioto Circuit.

(7) Green River District.

1. Thomas A. King from the Barren Circuit.

2. George A. Calbert from the Barren Circuit.

3. Samuel 8. Griffin from the Danville Circuit.

4. Matthew Nelson from the Danville Circuit.

5. Nathan Pullum from the Danville Circuit.

Fripay AFTERNOON BisHorp McCKENDREE IN THE CHAIR.

The Conference proceeded to the answer of the Sec-
ond Question.

The several cases of those to be continued were in-
spected before the Conference & the following persons
were continued, James B. Finley, 2 Henry McDaniel- 3
Thomas Nelson 4 John Manley 5 Samuel West 6 Fran-
cis Travis 7 Alexander Cummins 8 John Brown 9 Sam-
uel Hellums 10 Charles Holliday & 11 Samuel H.
Thompson.

The Conference proceeded to the examination of
those who were to be admitted into full connection:

12
178 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Present William Young examined & admitted into full
connection, Likewise elected to the office of a Deacon.

Saturpay Mornine BisHor McK&EnpreE IN THE CHAIR.

The case of John Bowman from the Holston District
who had rode out the time of his probation upon strict
examination respecting his gifts and Qualifications the
Conference are of oppinion that he be discontinued.

The Conference Continued to Answer the 3 question,
Who are admitted into full Connection? Present Wil-
liam Winans examined & admitted into full connection
likewise Elected to the office of a Deacon.

John Lewis present examined & admitted into full
connection Likewise elected to the office of a Deacon.

Richard Richards present examined and admitted
into full connection Likewise elected to the office of a
Deacon.

William B. Elgin present examined & admitted into
full connection Likewise elected to the office of a Dea-
con.

Lewis Anderson present examined & admitted into
full connection Likewise elected to the office of a Dea-
con.

John Johnson present examined & admitted into full
connection Likewise elected to the office of a Deacon.

Isaac Lindsey present examined & admitted into full
connection Likewise elected to the office of a Deacon.

Moses Crume present examined & admitted into full
connection having been a Local Preacher for a number
of years & Likewise having travelled two years in Dea-
cons orders the Conference are of oppinion that he be
elected to the Office of an Elder & they accordingly
elect him.

SaTuRDAY AFTERNOON BisHop McKENDREE IN THE CHAIR.

Eli Truitt present examined & admitted into full con-
nection Likewise elected to the office of a Deacon,
The Journal for 1810. 179

James Blair present examined & admitted into full
connection Likewise elected to the office of a Deacon.

James Guinn present examined & admitted into full
connection having stood two years on the Minutes &
in Deacons orders 6 years the Conference are of oppin-
ion that he be elected to the office of an Elder & they
accordingly elect him.

‘William Lambden examined & admitted into full con-
nection & elect ‘him to the office of a Deacon.

James Quinn Reported from the Special Committee
appointed in the case of McElyea—by reference to
page 71 it may ‘be seen that Daniel McElyea was ad-
mitted on trial as a Travelling Preacher the report of
the Committee as follows:

We the Committee appointed to report in the Case of Daniel
McElyea are of oppinion that considering his immoralities that
he be discontinued from among the traveling preachers.

The Conference proceeded ‘to the examination of the
Recommendations of the Local Preachers applying for
Deacons orders.

Kentucky District.

The case of James Cox before the Conference accept
the recommendation. Christopher Monack, Michael
Ghohegan, John Faulknor, Benjamin Vaupett, & Henry
Brenton whose recommendations were admitted.

The Conference Proceeded to take the accounts of
what the Preachers had received in their several Cir-
cuits.

Monpay Mornine Bishop McKEnpREE IN THE CHAIR.

The Conference proceeded to appoint a Committee of
Review Bishop Asbury nominated the following (Viz)
James Guin, James Quinn, J. Collins, Solomon Lang-
don & Milton Ladd they were elected by the Conference.

James Ward offered an Amendment to the Rules—
the Conference Adopted the said Amendment,
180 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

The Conference Proceed to review the accounts of
the Presiding Elders, the Conference accepted the Ac-
count.

The Conference proceeded to review what the Preach-
ers had collected from their several Districts & circuits.

 

Miami District Presiding Elder ............. $10

Solomon Langdon Deer Creek Circuit ....... $ 2
Sgite Wise Walatieus aie sisters valpand Se aeidn Velaro $12

Indianna District Samuel Paraker.............. 3 50

The Conference Proceeded to collect what the Preach-
ers Subscribed last year Amounting to $62.40.

The Conference proceeded to make a draft on the
Book Concern for $300 Likewise on the Charter Fund
for $150.

The Conference then resumed the business of accept-
ing the recommendations of the Local Preachers for the
office of Deacons James Star, James Smith, John
Green, Joseph Thrap, David Smutthers, Thos. Cunning-
ham, Robert Carter, James Stallord (?) Joshua Walls,
Lewellwyn Leggatt, Alexander McDonolds, Enoch
James, Robert Baker, Thomas Jones, Thomas Moore,
David Hodges, John Taylor, Wesley White, Robert
Dougherty, Thomas Exell, Larry Killibrew & Benjamin
Proctor.

Monvpay Eveninc Bishop McKenprep IN THE CHAIR.

The Conference Recommend to the Committee an ex-
amination of the reformed Pastor.

The Conference proceeded to the examination of the
Deacons Characters. The following persons were ex-
amined John Hennegar, John Oragg, William Lewis—
located, Jedediah McMinn—located, Jacob Turman,
William Mitchell & in Consequence of a Mission he was
elected to the Office of an Elder—Josiah Crawford &
T. Stilwell.

The Conference proceeded to examine those who were
The Journal for 1810. 181

eligible to the office of Elders. The following persons
were elected to the office of Elders, Henry Mallory,
James King—located, Abbott Goddard, Sela Paine,
Hector Sanford—located, John Travis, Isaac Quinn,
John Clingon, John Crane, Thomas Tower & Saul
Henkle.

The Conference proceeded to Fix the place of the Sit-
ting of the next Western Annual Conference, the places
proposed Cincinnati, Chillicothe, Lexington, Ebenezar,
it was determined by Ballott Cincinnati obtained it by
the number of 36 votes to begin October 1st, 1811.

Turspay Mornine Bishop McKenprer IN THE CHAIR.

The character of Milton Ladd before the Conference.
The Conference are of oppinion the (that) he be elect-
ed to the office of an Elder. It was moved by James
King and James Axley that the case of John Page be
Reconsidered the Conference determine in the Negative.

Lawner Blackman proceeded to Report from the Com-
toitte of Appropriation.

The Conference are of opinion that the Report be Re-
ceived as Follows:

THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF APPROPRIATIONS.

 

(Viz) Deficencies $2,541.77 2.0... ccc cece cece ence eeee | 2,541 77
To Meet the above Deficencies |

Draft on the Book Concern $300.00 ........... 300 00

Draft on the Chartered Fund $150.00 ......... 150 00

Extra Collections $108.75 ............ cece eee 108 75

558 75

INSOLVENT a cee vs Saad oe Peis 8 waos Baa ee be 4 Ghee 1,983 02

Appropriations Made as follows (Viz)
Deficen- Appropria-

cies. tions.
D. Cnt. D. Cnt.
Bishop Asbury: « evevsewesw oes eee eews eeees | aguas | 25 00
Bishop McKendree .........:. eee eee eee ce e| ce eee 25 00
Henry? BOCHIN, istics sesccud et BOOS ease Be | seas 10 00
Jobn, MATICy sincvesen ener served ewes tes Dee BL Ge ill: aagsce ds
Samuel Parker ............ccceceecreceenes | 64 87%] 25 87%

Samuel “West: & scuvnivad soes nies sowie tell aecken Phases
Frederick Stier ..... ec ce cere e ee eee eens A500 Wa eeas
182 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

! Deficen- Appropria-
cies. tions.

D. Cnt. D. Cnt.
Hraneis ‘Travis! ¢ ace)s ve puna Paneer nang bean as 29 00 | .....
Lawnher Blackman) <i .cec ce gcc aaa aed Haw ove TB eo sacseses
Charles: Holliday: sc. cnes casuaiosmen oan eone's 66 23 | .....
Josiah: :‘Crawford) +c s:seacex sea oss eeGuew se 13 00 | .....
William: \MIChel icc cities e'siag tecdweasieae |) avegece | ore eies
James, Ward 22a de svews exes os aeG ea tee ss 6.43 || seas
SOE QUINM os kag 4d Me rks eH ew a eee ea eee be 28°32). | dees
TOM SATE — Ses csedese ieee kausig Sn isan aase scares See edn 68 24 874%4| ....-
William, PattrSeni iis os receca sng Guace t\eneseoaede eaesue a ST | assaw
PObEF Cart whist «6.6 cscv sce oyees-erarwiaww ee recieve 120 00 40 00
Anthony Houston ....-..... ee cee eee eee eee 19 00 | .....
Benjamin Bdge 5 saa. wcctedus oie eelaces vated t 43 00 3 00
JAMES ARC cose casecaiwier seg ecraeeaaeee| waeae | asia
Alexander CUMMINS) «soc s6 5 gee e es weedee tee 100 00 20 00
‘THOMAS. HeEHUMS). sii 224, sine caciwushsaesadcsnael| Saale || sarees
Caleb: W) ClOUG: 6 cian deen eee Giese sacewnte esses a vivaferee "ll tages
Zadock B. Thackston ............ eee e eee eee 1954 | wees
Richard Browning) « <0 seeds jad eae ged Saeee 104 49 26 50
William. Houston. « vse science decease eeeniccsae|| exes | aeaes
David YOuUNg sccsveiees sea nce tesecanons ens 70 00 30 00
JESSEC Walker ccc aiicis ses ed a schiee os Sie dws Gee 150 00 70 00
Miles, Harper st acs mantisasdeus daeshos aad ane ant) > smasner. Hl) velecaave
JORD BROWN: cui's64 aire sre Gables ele winine dare eS 20 00 | .....
Samuel: ‘Sellars: sc catcisewiscrwigasiesaane| aevee |) asane
"Wakltarm: “YiOuU 8) x0: Aopeiecs carcyacbsa ee sevecrel eS dagace sous 20 00 | .....
Abraham AMOS) se: ice ssa caw saees es Gan ees ibe ss ee
Willian “Winans sic seweereshesieces. Mere censor eis ers 20) OD: No wigeacs
Solomon Langdon «sisi see sss teases eens 68 8214| .....
Benjaniin: Lakin. sais os ees cee acsawed 4s eee 4 62.32 | wees
SONN. COMMS se cdiese’s ccecauncavdwoa ara wietancnesree Riedel setades | |) aye guare
Ralph: Liotspleh, 2... ssc. sa nsie 0.0 eters we beuans ate 23 53 | ....-
Samuel Hellumss ic csicia sc avsiaiesiaecatiase e baieietae 0 50 00 10 00
JOM Mo Craps s.a'ine Mocca saves alts otas ee aheael eS 85 81 5 81
Robert. Cloud. «3465 +s Gese.s vameses gals 36 See ss 101 70 22 70
William Lewis, 6 months ............-..0.. 48 00 8 00
Sanvel H. THOWpPSOn. ..45..00s5s o¥e bes cee 50 00 10 00
Thomas Lasley ...... een ee rer re er ee an ee
FOU TIONS 2. cease secede seanebeteraeeewe| Jeeves FT anaae
JONI HenaSer:< scausc nde eee ceaeieasresieade| - sais, “| aires
Jedediah McMinn ...........ce cece eee e eens 40 50 50
SACO; CULMAM: erie on rote aeelaes Mauoic Maral eee |. fae
James Kins: 20. 0:4 seycesen tiewngeseuseciades| eedes J ween
THOTMAIS: SEUWOL occciwicde cuaih dian dees tases 8S esue T5 4k | ceca
HEGT EY? MAaVOny. «x o:a: teene. she aatneosd wn ayseaed Deas Mes Sits ate E2000 || -astee
Abbott: Godard: -+-viscs sce scnosen« ooreaceawael) —wecaw I) —sreniee
Sela. Pain ovine sie wie soa bade ede ee eee yea 2506 | ceaus
Piecebigh SHAW wseegeaspeeeeresseszesaeree! eoaan |  saaee
Hector ‘Sanford «issasicctceieieeveseaweesel cvses | weeds
Milton. Ladd, asses adie oss aus ss bees Oem eee 600 | .....
John Travice «1.0... cece ccc cece eee eee ee 33 O7%| .....
Teen CUEA acces when ox awe oo Cpe 6 menses we aah cee oe

 

 
The Journal for 1810.

JOHN CHNGON. .iceiecsanccs see eysaaes sawed ss
JON Crame: esc oie co seeee oe argh ake wicudd oe Senedd
Thomas TrOWe? « sssisieciadaics ca ccai scence oe
Saul: THINKS: 25 awe ds anes 6 Nodderern eRe ciemaere
James: B. Winley aaccisasiseaies aaa sie tsatas
Henry McDaniel. os .cccsas es naeeas mae ed aus
‘Thomas Nelson, 9+ sais ox saeees coe ia sees
Lewis Anderson ............0ce cece cee eees
John Lewis, 6 months ................0000-
ISAAC: MCCOWD,. oie occ lecie macterig.d ie suaie sein wala
Richard Richards ............eeeeeceeeeee
William -B. Elgin: cs cscs nes gave nec aia crates
Isaac: Lindsey’: vise ss sane s wees gate a ees
Moses: Crume ssaccrscwans sues ase nese es twee
Hi Truitt «sens: sedseisacaase sea een eer eee’
AMOS: BUA wees: < xisicitiss canon gaye seeds © wecctavn eae ledeve
JAMIESS, Guinn: soo scsiesd wa dads a eS tarde aan eae Heese
Thomas Kirkman, 6 months ................

We find on examination that Bishop Asbury
has Received at each Conference $25 Mak-
ing in, the:whole « csics6csitew cee geavsiaws

Expended from the Western A. Conference
1810 To the Present Conference 1811 ......

Also Bishop McKendree Received $25 from
Each Conference amounting t0............

Expended from the W. A. Conference 1810 to
the Present W. A. Conference 1811........

Remaining in the Hands of the Committee...

How applied To E. W. Bowman ............
Wit BG cscs ca keer ac bakne yew Bae ee aw
To Harris for McEkelyea ...............45.
William Lewis 5 Benjamin Edge 5 ..........
Sela Pain 10 Jessee Walker 10 ..............
Valentine Cook 10 Thos Lasley 5 ...........
William Winans 10 Wm Michel 12.23 .......

Deficen-
cies.

D.

Cnt.

183

Appropria-
tions.
D. Cnt.

 

00
70
00
52%

 

 

132

23

00
00
00
00
00
00
23

23

 

On motion made by William Burk that a Special
Committe be appointed in a case of delicasy Respecting
James Blair, William Burk proceeded to Nominate
Robert Cloud, Moses Crume, and Eli Truitt the Confer-

ence concured in the Nomination.

The Conference proceeded in the Examination of
the Charrecters of the Elders, James Ward, Anthony
184 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Houston, Caleb W. Cloud, Zadock B. Thackston and
Richard Browning obtained Locations, Milton Ladd
moved for a Cirtificate of Recommendation to the Vir-
ginia Conference, the Conference are of Opinion that
Said Recommendation be given him. John McClure
Requested by Letter that the Conference would grant
him a Location, the Conference are of opinion the
(that) he be placed among the Superanuated, and that
a letter be drawn up by the Financing Committe and
Sent to him.

Frederick Stire examined but some charges being
Exibetted against him by James Guinn a Committe is
appointed to hear the Charges, the Committe as fol-
lows, John Sale, Saul Hinkle, Solomon Langdon, James
Quinn and John Collins.

Robert Cloud examined and as some Charges ly
against him by James Quinn it is thought proper to
appoint a Committe, and the following are appointed,
James Guinn, John Sale, Saul Hinkle, Solomon Lang-
don, and John Collins.

The Conference Proceeded—an Appeal before the
Conference by Jacob Addams who has been expelled
at the Quarterly Meeting Conference held in Lexington
Circuit October 17th 1810 for Purchasing a Negro wom-
an and child with Speculative motives, the Conference
decide against him in favor of what the Quarterly
Meeting Conference had done.

WEDNESDAY MorninG BisHop McKENDRED IN TIE HAIR.

James Blair moved that for convenience William
Lamdin should be appointed to take the place of Rob-
ert Cloud on the Special Committee who have been ap-
pointed to try. his case, the Cen neenee voted in favor of
the motion.

James Ward laid before the Conference a petition
forwerded by the Local Preachers praying that they
The Journal for 1810. 185

may (?) Elders orders, the Conference are of opinion
that it be laid over for further consideration.

Milton Ladd from the Committe of Review proceeded
to Report as far as they had progressed on duely Ex-
amining, Bareblows &c, are of an opinion that it should
be discountenanced, approved by the Conference.

2nd Examined a Shock to Shakerism. are of opinion
that it contains Some Sound arguments &c but that it
Should not be Patronised by the Conference, the Con-
ference of opinion that the Shock to Shakerism, So
far as the Sample is before them contains Some Sound
arguments, William Burk Motioned that the Committe
of Revieu address the Author with a Respectable Note.

8rd Examined a Manuscript on the subject of Slav-
ery, are of Opinion that Contains Nothing New, the
Conference are of opinion that a Respectful Note be
addressed to the Author advising him not to Print it.

Eli Truitt one of the Committe in the case of James
Blair moved that two more be appointed to assist with
them, Henry Mallory and Ralph Lotspiech Nominated
and Elected.

Caleb W. Cloud Moved for Readmition as Supernum-
ary the Conference Readmit him.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON BisHorp McKENDREE IN THE
CHAIR.

The Presedent advise that two fast days be appointed
for the next year, the Conference Vote that they be
fixed on the third Friday in June and first Friday in
October.

Bishop McKendree moved that he obtain the previ-
ledge of a Coppy of the rules of the Annual Conference
and a Coppy of tthe Slave Rule. Carried in the affirma-
tive.

Tuirspay Mornine Bishop McKENpDRED IN THE CHaIR.
Richard Browning applied by letter for a Location
186 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

the Conference the Conference [sic] granted him said
Location. :

James Ward moved for Readmition the Conference
Readmit him.

Bishop McKendree brought forward the address of
the Local Preachers laid before the Conference yester-
day to be taken up and considered, Lawner Blackman
accordingly Proceeded to read the Address, Solomon
Langdon one of the Committe who was appointed in
the case of F. Stier Moved for Postponing the consid-
eration of the Address, until they Should Report, the
Address postponed.

John Sale Proceeded to read the Report &C, as fol-
lows the Case of Frederick Stier:

As their ware some Complaints from the Cumberland Des-
trict, the Complaints were before a Committe consisting of John
Sale, Solomon Langdon, James Quinn, John Collins and Saul
Hinkle and was agetated before the Conference Nearly Half a
day. F. Stiers made Concessions which gave the Conference

Satisfaction and the Parties agree Amicably to Settle which was
done in a Conference capacity.

TuirspAy AFTERNOON BisHop McKENDREE IN THE CHAIR.

John Collins moved that the Case of Robert Cloud
be ‘brought from the committe, and that it come before
the Conference, Carried in the affirmative.

The Address of the Local Preachers before the Con-
ference—Lawner Blackman moved that the Local Breth-
ern who sent the Address be answered as follow (Viz)
We have thought proper to Lay over your address for
more Mature Consideration at our next Annual Con-
ference when we Shall Choose our delegates for ihe
Next General Conference Seconded by Samuel Parker.
The Conference Voted in favor of the Motion.

William Burk Motioned that a Letter be addressed
to the Presedent whose name is Signed to the Local
The Journal for 1810. 187

Preachers address, and the Conference are of opinion
that Samuel Parker and Caleb W. Cloud be a Com-
mitte to draw up Said Letter.

Eli Truitt Reported from the Committe appointed
in the Case of James Blair, and are of Opinion that he
be Severly Reproved from the Chair William Burk
Moved that the word Severely be Struck out the Con-
ference approve the Motion the Report amended as fol-
lows (Viz.)

We the Committe appointed to Examine into the Case of J.
Blair are of opinion from the face of the Evidence that he has
been guilty of imprudent Conduct but their are so many Pal-
liating Circumstances that we are of Opinion that he did not So
act designedly and give it as our opinion that he shall be Repre-
manded before the Conference by the Presedent and be advised

to act with more Caution for the future. Signed in behalf of
the Committe. ELI TRUETT.

The Special Committe appointed to write an address
to the Local Preachers thro their Presedent proceeded
to read the address with an amendment the Conference
approve of Said Address.

The Character of F. Stier Examined before the Con-
ference.

The Case of Robert Cloud before the Conference. It
was moved and Seconded that it be laid over to the
Next Annual Conference. Carried in the affirmative.

On motion Resolved that a Committe be appointed
to take evedence and Prepare the business for next
Annual Conference.

Motioned that Robert Cloud appoint one and the
Conference one. Carried in the affirmative.

Solomon Langdon Nominated by R. Cloud. The Con-
ference Voted for the Assistant Preacher of Fairfield
Circuit as the other Except R. Cloud Should be ap-
pointed to that Circuit, and in that Case the Presedent
Elder Shall appoint one. The Character of Robert
Cloud examined.
188 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

The Committe appointed for the inspection of Books
&c, Milton Ladd proceeded to read a note directed to
B. Whitson 2nd a Note to Dr. Clarke on his Shock to
Shakerism.

Lawner Blackman from the Committe of Appropria-
tions Proceeded to Read an address which was directed
to be sent to John McClure. Received without amend-
ment.

The Notes to B. Whitson and Dr. Clarke Approved

&e,
Signed in and by order of the Conference.
Witiiam Bors, Secretary. W. McKENnprREE.

Nore 11.—Again in 1810 Bishop Asbury travels to the West-
ern Conference through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and down into Ken-
tucky. At Frankfort he finds “elegant accommodations pro-
vided for those who make the laws, and those who break them;
but there is no house of God.” He preaches at Shelbyville in
the courthouse. He finds the Methodists all for camp-meetings,
while “the Baptists are for public baptizing.” On November 1,
which is Thursday, he notes that Conference began in great
peace and good order, and that “there were twenty-six admit-
ted.” On Sunday, the 4th, Bishop McKendree preached, while
Bishop Asbury exhorted. After the election of McKendree to
the episcopacy he seemed more and more to assume the heavier
duties, especially in the Western Conference.

Bishop Asbury came to this session of the Conference in what
he calls a “sulky.” At the close of the Conference he sold the
“sulky” and purchased a horse, “that I might more easily wind
my way through the wilderness to Georgia.” (Asbury’s Journal,
Vol. III., pages 293, 294.)

The appointments for 1810, as given in the General Minutes,
were as follows:

Hotston District. Fredrick Stier, P. Elder,

Holston, Thomas Trower.

Saltville, Josiah Crawford.
Nollichuckie, Samuel H. Thompson.
French-Broad, William Pattison.
Clinch, Samuel Hellums.

Powell’s Valley, John Brown.
The Journal for 1810. 189

Tennessee Valley, Thomas Hellums.
Carter’s Valley, Richard Richards.

CuMBERLAND District. Learner Blackman, P. Elder.

Nashville, William B. Elgin.
Red River, James Gwinn.
Roaring River, Samuel King.
Livingston, Peter Cartwright.
Hartford, Marcus Lindsey.
Duck River, Lewis Anderson.
Elk, James Axley.

Dixon, John Manley.
Richland, John Cragg.

Goose Creek, John Page.
Henderson, John Lewis.

St. Vincennes, Thomas Stilwell.
Flint, John Phipps.

Cash Creek, Thomas Kirkman.

Kentucky District. John Sale, P. Elder.

Limestone, Samuel C. Griffin, Matthew Nelson.
Fleming, Caleb J. Taylor.

Licking, James Leach.

Lexington, C. Holliday, E. Truitt, Caleb W. Cloud.
Hinkstone, Henry McDaniel, Henry Mallory.
Sandy River, John Johnson.

GREEN River District. William Burke, P. Elder.

Green River, John Travis, John Crane.
Barren, Samuel Sellers.

Wayne, Nathan Pullum.

Cumberland, Samuel West.

Danville, Thos. Lasley, Baker Wrather.
Salt River, Banjamin Edge.

Shelby, James Ward, James Blair.
Silver Creek, Isaac Lindsey.

Mississippi District. Miles Harper, P. Elder.

Natchez and Washington, Isaac Quinn.

Wilkinson, William Houston.

Natchez Circuit, Sela Paine, Fredrick D. Wimberly.
Claiborne, John Henninger.

Amit, Hezekiah Shaw.
190 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Rapids, Thomas Nelson.
Washataw, John Jennings.
Attakapas, William Winans.

Inpi1aNA District. Samuel Parker, P. Elder.

Illinois, Daniel Fraley.
Missouri, Thomas Wright.
Maramack, John McFarland.
Cold Water, George A. Colbert.
Cape Girardeau, Jesse Walker.

Miami District. Solomon Langdon, P. Elder.

Cincinnati, Benjamin Lakin, Wm. Young.

Mad River, John Clingan.

Union, John Collins.

Scioto, Saul Henkle, Stephen Timmons.

Deer Creek, Ralph Lotspeich, Joseph Haines.
Enon, Walter Griffith.

Pickaway, Alexander Cummins, James McMehan.
White Oak, Isaac Pavey.

White Water, Moses Crume.

Delaware, Robert Cloud.

Muskincum District. James Quinn, P. Elder.

Fairfield, Francis Travis.

Wills Creek, John Strange, Jacob Mills.

West Wheeling, William Lambden, Michael Ellis.
Marietta, David Young, Vivian Daniels.

Little Kanawha, John Holmes,

Guyandott, Jacob Turman.

Letart Falls, Joseph Pigott.

Knox, James B. Finley.

Tuscarawa, James Dixon.

Detroit, William Mitchell.
XII.

THE JOURNAL OF THE WESTERN ANNUAL CONFERENCE

BEGUN & HELD AT CINCINNATI, STATE OF OHIO,
OCTR. 1ST, 1811.7

MEMBERS.

Those marked * were absent.

Francis Asbury

William McKendree
Presidents

Lawner Blackman

John Sale

William Burk

James Quinn

Samuel Parker

Frederick Stier

Miles Harper*

Solomon Langdon
P. Elders

Thos. Trower*

William Patterson

Thos. Hellums

James Gwin*

Peter Cartwright

James Axley

John Page*

Henry Mallory*

Caleb W. Cloud

John Travis

Sam.] Sellars

Thos. Lasley

Benjn. Edge

James ‘Ward

Isaac Quinn*

William Houston*

Sela Payne*

Jesse Walker

Benjn. Lakin

John Clingon
John Collins
Saul Hinkle*
Ralph Lotspeich
Moses Crume
Robt. Cloud
David Young
John Holmes*
William Mitchell
Elisha W. Bowman
John McClure*
John Crane

Saml King*
John Cragg
Josiah Crawford*
Hezekiah Shaw
John Henninger
Jacob Turman
Thos. Stilwell
Lewis Anderson
William Young*
William Lambdin
Richard Richards
John Johnston
Eli Truitt

Thos. Kirkman
William Winans*
John Lewis
William B. Elgin
Tsaac Lindsey
James Blair
192 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Turspay Morninc Brsaor McKenprer PRESIDENT.

The Conference proceed to Elect a Secretary by bal-
lot. Lawner Blackman was accordingly Elected.

On motion Resolved that the Conference meet at 9
o’clock & adjourn at 12 o’clock. Meet again at 2 o’clock
—adjourn at 5 o’clock.

The Conference proceeded to Elect by ballot a com-
mittee of appropriation & James Quinn, David Young,
Samuel Parker, Frederick Stier & T. Stilwell were
found to be duly Elected.

The Conference proceeded to elect by an open vote
a book committee. Robt. Cloud, Thos. Hellums & Wm.
B. Elgin were nominated & duly elected. The Chair
called for the reading of the rules adopted for the Gov-
ernment of Conference while sitting—The Secretary
proceeded to read them. The Conference adopted sd.
Rules without amendment.

Tursp. AFTERNOON BisHop McKENDREE PRESIDENT.

The Conference proceeded to take up & answer the
3rd Question. Who are io be admitted into full con-
nection? Bishop Asbury proceeded to examine the fol-
lowing persons who stood eligible for admission—And
John Manley, Saml. Hellums, Charles Holliday, Thos.
Nelson, Saml. Thompson, John Brown, Francis Travis,
Saml. West, James B. Finley, Alexander Cummins, &
Henry McDaniel were admitted into full connection &
elected to the Office of Deacons. Charles Holliday was
elected (was elected) to the office of an Elder. He was
in Deacons orders when admitted on trial.

Michael Ellis & John Page admitted into full con-
nection.

Stephen Timmons’s case was considered & he discon-
tinued.

Saml. King was admitted into full connection.
The Journal for 1811. 193

_ Henry McDaniel admitted into full connection Elect-
ed to the office of a Deacon.

WeEpDNESDAY 9 O’cLocK BisHop McCKENDREE PRBSIDENT.

‘The Conference received the accounts from the
Preachers individually of the Monies they received the
last year on their different Circuit & likewise to ex-
amine the accounts of the Bishops & Presiding Elders.
The Conference proceeded to make a draft on the Book
Concern for 300 Dollars & on the Chartered fund for
100 Dollars Proceeded to receive the monies sent on
from Nashville 5 Dollars, Hochocking 5 Dollars, Union
10 Dollars, West Wheeling 7 $ 19 Cents.

The case of William Young was considered & in Con-
sequence of his great debility of body voted that he
should stand on the Minutes among the Superanuated
& worn out Preachers.

Lewis Anderson, William Lambdin, Richard Rich-
ards, Eli Truit, John Johnston, Thos. Kirkman & John
Lewis, examined before the Conference & found good.

Eli Truit requested a Location (a location) the Con-
ference granted him a location.

WEDNESDAY 2 O’cLocK BisHop ASBURY PRESIDENT.

The Conference Proceeded to the Election of Local
Preachers. Michael Rouse a Local Preacher from the
Licking Circuit was Elected to the Office of a Deacon.

Jonathan Wilson a Local Preacher from Lexington
Circuit, was elected to the office of a Deacon.

John Vice, Absalom Hunt, David Anderson, & John
Evans, Local Preachers from Hinkstone Circuit was
elected to the Office of Deacons.

James Griffin a Local Preacher from Claborn circuit
was elected to the office of a Deacon.

Robert Dongan a Local Preacher from the Flint Cir-
euit elected to the office of a Deacon.

13
194 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Samuel Harvey a Local Preacher from Henderson
Circuit was elected to the Office of a Deacon.

Thos. Taylor a Local Preacher from the Hartford
circuit was duly recommended; but not elected by the
Yonference.

Benjn. McReynolds a Local Preacher from Christian
Ct. duly recommended but not elected by the Confer-
ence in Consequence of his not having complied with
the rule with regard to a Negroe man he holds as a
Slave.

Movd. by William Burk & seconded by L. Blackman
that it be Stated to Benjn. McReynolds by word or
Letter the reason of his rejection. Put to vote & Car-
ried. Movd. by L. Blackman & seconded by James
Quinn that the Presiding Elder who shall have charge
where Benjn. McReynolds lives, be the person who shall
give him the information voted by conference & like-
wise make some statements to Thos. Taylor of the
reason of his rejection put to vote & carried.

John Gray a Local Preacher from White Water cir-
cuit was elected to the office of a Deacon.

John Clark a local Preacher from Cincinnatti Ct.
was elected to the office of a Deacon.

Jacob Delay a Local Preacher from Pickaway Ct.
was elected to the office of a Deacon.

Adbel Coleman a Local preacher from Cincinnatti
Ct. was elected to the office of a Deacon.

Joshua Holland a Local Preacher from White Water
Ct. elected to the Office of a Deacon.

3

TuHurspay 9 OcLtockK BisHop McKENDREE PRESIDENT.

The Conference proceeded with the election of Local
Preachers.

Samuel Brown a Local Preacher from Barren Circuit
was elected to the Office of a Deacon.
The Journal for 1811. 195.

John Clark a Local Preacher from Cincinnatti Cir-
cuit was elected to the Office of a Deacon.

Joseph Stockton a local Preacher from White Oak
not elected.

Reuben Row a Local Preacher from Deer Creek Cir-
cuit elected to the Office of a Deacon.

William Kermes a Local Preacher from West Union
Circuit elected to the Office of a Deacon.

Benjamin Spry a Local Preacher from Wills Creek
Circuit elected to the Office of a Deacon.

George Akin a local Preacher from French Broad
Circuit not elected.

The case of Edward Scott a Local Preacher from
Chillicothe before the Conference who appealed from
the decision of the Quarterly Meeting Conference of
Deer Creek circuit who had suspended him from Official
Services in the Church. The Charges being read for
which sd Scott was suspended. He proceeded to State
the reason why he appealed & to make his defence he-
fore the Conference. The minutes of the Quarterly
Meeting Conference were read & laid before this Con-
ference. ad

Tuurspay 2 Octock BisHop McKENDREE PRESIDENT.

The Conference resumed the case of Edward Scotts
Appeal Thos. Scott & Thos. Hinds members of the Quar-
ter Meeting held for Deer Creek Ct. proceeded to make
some Statements relative to the Appeal the Question
was called for, but the previous question being call’d
for, was carried without debate & lost.

The main Question was then called for which was
stated as follows, Shall we or Shall we not confirm the
Judgement of the Quarterly Meeting Conference? The
vote being taken in the positive; The Judgement of the
Quarterly Meeting Conference was confirmed.
196 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

The Conference Proceeded in the examination of the
Deacons; & William B. Elgin & Isaac Lindsey was ex-
amined—no charges against them.

The Conference proceeded to examine the Character
of those who were eligible for Elders orders, John Cragg
Elected to the Office of an Elder.

Josiah Crawford not elected in consequence of some
charges stated against him by James Axley.

Hezekiah Shaw not elected—he requested a Location.
The Conference granted him a Location.

John Henninger, Jacob Turman, & Thos. Stilwell
elected to the Office of Elders.

Movd. and seconded that the Conference meet on Fri-
day morning at 8 Oclock put to vote & carried.

Fripay 8 Octock BisHop McKENpDREE PRESIDENT.

Movd. by Solomon Langdon seconded by William
Burk that the case of Edward Scott be reconsidered
the Question was taken in the affirmative. Carried.

The Conference proceeded to the examination of the
characters of the Preachers who remain on trial.

John McFarland and Matthew Nelson continued on
trial. The Conference took up & reconsidered the case
of Edward Scott. Some statements were made. The
Questions was called for. But the previous question
being call’d for was taken without debate Lost. The
main Question was then stated whether this Conference
set aside the Judgement of the Quarterly Meeting Con-
ference or not put to vote Carried against the Judge-
ment of the Quarterly Meeting Conference.

Fripay 3 Octock BisHop McKENpREE PRESIDENT.

Samuel Parker from the Committee of Appropriation
proceeded to report. Which report was received by
the Conference, as follows:
The Journal for 1811. 197

THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE oF APPROPRIATIONS.

D. Cnt.
(Viz) Deficiencies ..... 0... ccc cece cece c env eeees | 3,042 61%
To meet the above Difficiencies

Draft on the book concern $300.............4. 300 00
Draw on the Charter fund ..................- 100 00
Extra Collections, Hockhochking Ct. ......... 5 00
Nashville Circuit ......... 0... cece cece ee eens 5 00
WOT CIP CUTE vse snics oangin re Ae Geet is Gees hie aceite 10 00
West Wheeling Ct. ......... cece cece ee eee eens 719
$ 427 19
Money Money

Received. Appropriated.

D. Cnt. D. Cnt.
Hrancis ASDULY sic. iuie cadens Seas Saueesil) Guedes 31 00
Wm, McKendree: ese sicsics suave vas cvcesta] 2 aaws 10 00
Wy Burk: gecicctsdesdiga setae ougas exe ce 140 02 | .....
JOhD ‘Sale toe eas si geedins wrcnldea wake so waa ae 17033 | wears
Lawner Blackman ............ee eee eee sees 80 00 | .....
JaMes: QUINN, os sages Seaws cde seid gees 114 00 | .....
Sawmuel Parke ssccccsiaewwsevewnesweg naires || cesta Ib auaaere
POPEGETICK Stled> cei acess ctelsrace Me-h siamieeeed ore 80 00 | .....-
Miles: Harper’ «ce vuncsuv taiewe wcmecccie ce emesis) saa | yates
Solomon Langdon ........... cece ee ee eee eee 124 02 | .....
THOS. TLROWE? 2s: casien cadesncingen ow omnes 70 00 | .....
William Patterson .........ccee ese e eee e eee 80 00 | .....
Thos. Hellims: |: s%.cy satin. caeess wee rake 5495 | .....
JAMES: ‘GWAN screeds aadueuie we alaeae od Bauscerne mage 95 00 | .....
Peter Cartwright, 9 months ............... 18 31 26 69
JAMES AX CY ies ssésera ce deccriates ado hems Caer 44 AD | ees
TORN Page: g033 5:4 asia s oudguanw waned ew nin 94 sine & 80 00 | .....
Thos; ‘Stilwell. isas.ccs sew v aves ecamias vane es 13 124%| 16 88
Henry Mallory’ .-.c:asi 3 sawed swes ives es ee 83°12) | asees
Caleb Hye Cloud cececcisiaaeetutiwseenoee esis! sever |) - deaths
OWT Tra VIS sales ccstrerss trata cuussomedvayaie aoa augied ated anecors BOSS. |i) culate
Samuel Sellers ........ cece cece e eee eee e eee 37-00: | was
"THOS JGaSlOY: s ssciecAnn sinha exiied seers oan 80 00 | .....
Benjn; WdS6 wsc2 swe eneisae ca diwoeusers sau é 67 00 | .....
James Ward. seis osev sciences sada os aad ead nays 118 75 [| .....
Tsaae Quinn, <2:sserssiemrceeeghiceaptasiows | vssaa. | aaaes
William FOUst0Tni acc isccciiis ernie ceceineiedereed, enee: || epenne
S618 PA yan siassicia ssa dua nedianmdi ocd aresen go eeenetecacaradecel|l) | sereveveiny |) iacdieuars
Jesse Walkker ciesexisis sis aura sree oo sete wiaieras 32 00 28 00
Benjns Lain sia oasis veo se be gsc oe sigies wea wears 151 05 | «.....
John Clingeon) sess vee se wis cee wees eens e ae ciee 80 00 | .....
John, Gollins: sas +3 ss4 82800225 ee ees Sern ae dae 1384 52 | .....
Saul Hinklé: oc iscieds ccd eceasess Gowns sows 160 00 | .....
JOHN. Manly a sicesccs ea eds ands ve owa ss Wes ees as 5207 | .caee
Francis TraviS ...cccsccoscscccvcccensseuce 57 00 | .....
FONT. BLOWN vie eres. oveco sue duee paid waneg oe B8cein TS ieee 80 00 | .....
Charles Holliday ..........c. cece cee eseeeee 160 00 | .....
Frederick D. Wimberly ........0.ecceceeeee] eevee | cece
John Jennings ....-.-cccsecececccererecece eeeee eoeee

 

 
198 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

John McFarland ............c cee e ec ee veces
Matthew Nelson .........e.c ee ceeeee teen ees
Bake? Rather 2 sii eke tace doe sles weer den ayes
JAMES SD IKON “Sea, saersed.c: 4 suaus acuadveisuaoa. aadeduh vere aienene Se
Jacob Mills, 6 months .............0.. 0000s
SEHOS: “Wright: -scais-ss nis be dageie es Sota era mie oe
James Gi Leach, 02 ia siedecc estas ceareaece cw ons
JOSCph Haines, siece eae d deseo G8 o3-3 wees
Walter Grumth. 6 sicicbs bi eaiee seins octet 26 Bas
T;. LOtspereh i 64 sees cde srs Heed ake eee Ss
MOS6S ‘Crum: << séice-cidgie ve vies bod Se rane tieceee 6
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Dayid: VOUNE cs sass iw gate whuigertairo tawateae
JOH TIGNES: osiaecuacdavie aga dateac le Seine
William Mitchell ............... ec cece eee
Bi. Ws, BOWMAN, sijaiiccs aa canvorine pees eaees
JOBN Crane sisiieessccsaice ved is vera eedioss
SJ ODT SM CCIUPE 55.5596 saved o.ovaviers erate done Sie a 300%
SAMUEL KING «is eo snd eens 6 saad omwarenearss
POND) “CRBS scccrsscicrerateasauaigns sie sige Ha whsseny COUR 8
Josiah Crawford. ..o.8i% doses sn ee dames caw s
Hezekiah Shaw’ . s.isssas ese see ssewe acon s
John Henninger ........ cece cece cece eee
SACOD: WUBI: eiese. sieice Goes usues gon. Sum oo Geaesce weeetevars
"WilHAM YOUNE 5 6x06 sacs tresses tae.d gre gece ares
Lewis Anderson ............ cece eee eee eee
William Lambdin ............ cc cece ee eens
Richard Richards s<:ss00s«sicasstcae os vee
JOHN, JOHNStOD sé i.cicieinse sass. dea. e ge ee oo SHS
Eli Truitt, 44% months .................6..
THOS), Kirkinany «0 sssiaa stows Soa wiens owsiee-ae ghee
William. Winans: sso. 6 ovens 5 ersiees veaiew-e-a avs
John, Lewis) sss eas sawed ness esdcawe tan ve xan
William B. Blgin -iscvssscsecs ce sss eewaeens
Isaac Lindsey jo... goak sx hishew os aves 0A are Fea
James Blair, & MONE <2 206 c0ceaarcdear sans
JAMES B. FIBIGY 6.4 aed sd weee vedads aha eek
ThOS;. NGISON. ss ecageckisc vide cee sigh 044 Geee eee
Sam. SWies be s. suiscid greenies Acete price, ore csvetec exsce fale: havaus
Alex: CUMMINS ssa s egovave sce es wros oe 6 ae
Sams: Meum) a4: 50 seis eeuinwe vwales saree vo ae
Saml. H. Thompson ...........ccceeeeeeeee
Henry McDaniel ......... cece ceccee ce eecees
PNOSs: Ass. TRANS esdiecs kee eeractindes repent c Wee cere
Saml.. S:-Grifhm: soc sieiiies ecieis o's eevee eo as
Daniel. Fraley 063i 6cisieescaacisa acdsee ev ae
JODN, Stranse. seas scien asawy caawsee aawes ex
James MéeMahan .ssvea cs teavciuas sagaene gs
Michael WOUES: cs ie sccsergsce ead s ee aseeaes Pe ace ea eve
Joseph Piggott ..... cece ew eeccccncvccsses
Wiv1OD Daniel coc ciseesies wenievaesiaie oa sieges a

 

Money

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80 00

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The Journal for 1811. 199

 

 

 

 

 

Money Money
Caleb: Js Lavlor’ iar isscieie sc emmys cnet se nee’ 66 00 | ....-
Isaac; Davey” és sca ss news exes etwex ss ieee s 160 00 | .....
Marcus: Lindséy® nie is nde cadgadesswesasaaieee| acid L ceseecs
George A. Calvert --| 23 00 7 00
Nathan Pullum ............ cece eee e eee aeee 49 00 | .....
DORN! PHD DS 6.5 sce ie dea since cavwisinte sep siei-s shee Ghere 48 00 | .....
387 62
Yet in reserve $ 31.00 John Hennigar 3 00
Public Collection 52 37 Thos. Wright 15 00
Collection Preachers 36 66 Jesse Walker 10 40
John Sale 10 00 Wm. Young 12 75
Alex. Cummins 6 00
$130 03 Danl. Fraley 5 00
Necessitous cases Doll S. Parker 6 70
Saml. Lewis 15 00 F. Stilwell 5 00
John Johnston 17 00 John Strange 5 00
Marcus Lindsey 600 John McFarland 5 00
John Cragg 5 00 EH. W. Bowman 5 00
George Calvert 6 00 .
Jacob Turman 2 00 78 86
Wm. Mitchell 2 00 53 00
53 00 $133 86

The Conference resumed the examination of those
who remain on trial. Baker Rather, James Dixon,
Thomas Wright, Walter Griffith, Thos. A. King, John
Phipps, Daniel Fraley, John Strang, James McMahan,
Caleb J. Taylor, Isaac Pavey, Marcus Lindsey, & George
A. Calvert. All continued on trial.

Sat. 9 Octock BisHor McKENpDREE PRESIDENT.

The case of James Blair before the Conference & con-
tinued by adjournment during Mond. & Tuesday till
12 Oclock at which time the final decision took place.

The Committee who examined his Case Last April
before William Burk Presented 14 charges Three of
which the 9th. 10th. & 11th for want of proper testimo-
ny was not acted on by the Committee.
200 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

DECISIONS OF THE CONFERENCE AGAINST BLAIR.

Charge the 8rd. the Conference confirm the report of the com-
mittee.

Charge 4, Guilty of imprudent conduct.

Charge 5th. It is the opinion of the Conference that the con-
duct of J. Blair as it relates to the above charge was highly
imprudent & his observations about Miss .... was highly im-
proper.

Charge 6th. Conference voted his conduct improper.

Charges 13th. Conference voted him guilty.

PALLIATING CONSIDERATIONS.

1. The irregularity of the Process at the beginning—having
been in public.

2. Want of Specification. Consequently the charges could not
be assertained till Testimony was examined & thus it appeared
that some of the charges were supported by a single witness &
that witness was the accuser.

38rd. Some Charges originated in Private jiueceaien some
from his exercise in congregations in open day—when the work
of God was going powerfully among the People.

4. The time when the testimony was taken was at a Crisis
when there was considerable agitation & much irritation among
the People witnesses & Parties this was plainly manifested.

The Conference after duly & deliberately weighing
all those charges & circumstances taken together voted
his Suspension from all official services in our Church.-

Tunsp. 2 Octock BisHorp McKENDREE PRESIDENT.

The Conference proceeded to answer the question,
Who are admitted on Trial?

Kentucky District.

John Cord from Limestone, John Colleman from
Flemming Circuit, Francis Landrin from Fleming Ct.
Jonathan Stamper from Lexington Ct. all admitted.
Stephen Grimes from Hinkston Ct. rejected. But on
motion of James Ward the Conference granted ‘the
Presiding Elder liberty to employ him if he should
think Proper.
The Journal for 1811. 201

Miami District.

Elias Turner from Scioto Ct. a married man ad-
mitted, Jesse Spurgion from Pickaway Ct. a married
man admitted, Henry Jefferson from Scioto Ct. rejected,
James Holmes from White Water circuit Do. Soda
Bacon from Delaware Ct. rejected, P. E. obtained leave
to employ him. Robt. W. Finley from West Union cir-
cuit a married man admitted.

Green River District.

Joseph Oglesby from Jefferson Ct. a married man ad-
mitted, on Motion of Wm. Burk admitted into full con-
nection. Charles Bonwell from Salt River Ct. admitted.

Holston District.

George Akins from French Broad Circuit married &
admitted.

Benj. Rotin from French Broad Ct. admitted.

Jesse Cunningham from French Broad, Richard Conn
from French Broad Ct. admitted.

Thos. D. Porter from Nolichuckie admitted.

The Conference Proceeded to the examination of the
Character of D. Wimberly & John Jennings admitted
into full connection & elected to the order of Deacons.

Muskingum District.

William Dixon from Little Kanawha admitted, Charles
Waddle from Wills Creek Ct. admitted, William Mc-
Mahan from Marietta admitted.

Wen. 9 Octock BisHop McKENDREn PRESIDENT.
John McMahan from Marietta Ct. admitted.
IWinois District.
Larry Killibrew from Missouri Ct. rejected, on Mo-

tion of the P. E. the Conference granted the P. Elder
liberty to employ him if he should think proper.
202 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Cumberland District.

Samuel Bellamy from Red River Ct. admitted.

David Goodner from Hartford Ct. admitted.

Shadrach B. Carter from Duck River circuit admit-
ted.

William Hart from Red River circuit admitted, Saml.
S. Lewis from Christian Ct.

Joseph Foulks from Livingston Ct. admitted.

The case of Marcus Lindsey who remains on trial
was considered who was wanted to fill the Missionary
Station on Sandy in consequence of which he was
elected to the office of a Deacon.

The case of Thos. Trower was considered who re-
quested a Location the Conference granted it.

Henry Mallory’s case was considered who requested
a location the Conference granted it.

Saul Hinkle’s case was considered who requested a
Location. The Conference granted it.

Saul Hinkle’s case was considered who requested a
Location. The Conference granted it.

John McClure’s case was considered, William Burk
motioned that John McClure be continued in his re
lation to this conference as a Superanuated & worn out
Preacher put to vote carried.

The Conference proceeded to decide whether they
should send their delegates to General Conference by
Seignority or by election, put to vote carried in favor
of sending them by election.

Wep. 2 Octock BisHop McKeEnprere PrasipEnt.

Mov’d by William Burk seconded by John Sale that
the Case of Edward Tiffins appeal be admitted. Put
to vote conference admitted it.

Mov’d by William Burk & Seconded by James Quinn
that it be laid over as unfinished business. The Ques-
The Journal for 1811. 203

tion was call’d for & taken without debate. Lost. The
main question was taken—carried in the affirmative.

The Conference voted that they elect the Delegates
for General Conference by Ballot. The Conference Pro-
ceeded to make their election the following persons
were duly elected: Samuel Parker, David Young, John
Sale, James Quinn, L. Blackman, F. Stier, John Collins,
Jas. Ward, B. Lakin, James Axley, Wm. Patterson,
Tsaac Quinn & Wm. Houston.

THursp. 9 OcLockK BisHop McKENDRED PRESIDENT.

The Conference examined the Character of the Eld-
ers one by one.

The case of Samuel Sellars who owned a negro Slave
of 14 years old. he agreed to submit to the advice of a
committee one chosen by himself and the other by the
Conference—the Committee reported as follows:

We the committee appointed in the case of S. Sellars are of
oppinion that the Black boy shall serve him until he be 22

years of age. WM. Bork,
F. STIer.

TuHurspay 2 Octock BisHop McK@&NDREE PRESIDENT.

Bishop Asbury proceeded to examine the Preachers
who had been admitted on trial.

The case of Robt. Cloud—as there were some difficul-
ties the last year in Consequence of which Solomon
Langdon & the Preacher of Fairfield Circuit were ap-
pointed to make enquiry in Robert Cloud’s case & re-
port to this Conference See Page 88.

The case of E. W. Bowman—There were objections
stated against him for wearing weapons calculated to
inspire terror & for threatening what he would do. The
question called for & stated whether the conduct as it
respected the above circumstances of E. W. Bowman
be disproved of or not put to vote carried in the affirma-
tive that such conduct be disapproved of.
204 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Fripay 9 Octock BisHorp McKENpREE PRESIDENT.

The Conference proceeded to answer the Question,
Where shall the next Conference be held? nominated
Fountain Head Sumner County Tennessee & Chillicothe,
Provided the Western Conference be divided by the
General Conference. Voted that the Lower Conference
be held at the Fountain Head on the 10th. of Nov. 1812,
And that the Upper Conference be held at Chilicothe
on the, October 1st. 1812.

Fripay 2 OcLtock BisHop McKENpDREE PRESIDENT.

The case of Edward Tiffin a local Preacher came be-
fore the Conference—who appealed from the Judgement
of the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Deer Creek Cir-
cuit. Joseph S. Collins from Chilicothe made some
statements proving the illegality of the Proceedings in
the Process of the trial of Edward Tiffin. The Confer-
ence left it with the Episcopacy to decide whether the
proceedings were consistant with the Methodist Dis-
cipline or not. It was decided by the Episcopacy that
the Q Committee was not conformable to the laws of
religion that the case of Edward Tiffin ought not to
have been submited to the Q Committe therefore its
improper for it to come before this Conference.

The case of W. Winans considered. Charges pre-
fered against him, but as he was not present his case
was laid over till he can return from the Mississippi
District.

James Ward stated he could not with Propriety go
to the General Conference. In consequence of which
the Conference elect Thos. Stilwell to take his place.

The Conference Decided that if no division be made
in the Western Annual Conference that the Preachers
all meet at Chilicothe October 1st. 1812.

L. Birackman, Secretary. W. McKunoree.
The Journal for 1811. . 205

Nott 12.—The annual tour of the circuits and Conferences
brought Bishop Asbury early in September, 1811, into Ohio,
bound for the Western Conference to convene in Cincinnati. He
finds camp meetings going on in many of the circuits and he
preaches frequently in the camps. At Springfield he preaches,
but his service is interrupted by a general muster of militia.
At Dayton he preaches in the courthouse, where about a thou-
sand hearers assembled. He mentions finding many old ac-
quaintances in Ohio whom he had known in the older States,
At Lebanon he helps the people plan for a new church of brick,
to be forty by sixty feet. He arrives in Cincinnati on September
27, and on the Sunday following ordains twenty preachers,
among them James B. Finley. Great crowds attended the Con-
ference, for he tells us, “We occupied the market-house as well
as the chapel.” He states, “I had little trouble about the sta-
tions—I heard of no complaints. There were one hundred and
two preachers: one hundred of whom are stationed: we lack
twenty-two.” (Asbury’s Journal, Vol. III., pages 316-318.)

The appointments for 1811, as given in the General Minutes,
were as follows:

Houston District. Frederick Stier, P. Elder.

Holston, Lewis Anderson, Jesse Cunningham.
Nollichuckie, Samuel Sellers.

French-Broad, George Elkins, Josiah Crawford. -
Clinch, Sam’] Thompson, Rich. Conn.

Powell’s Valley, Thomas A. King.

Carter’s Valley, John Henninger.

Tennessee Valley, William B. Elgin.

CUMBERLAND District. James Guinn, P. Elder.

Red River and Goose Creek, Isaac Lindsey, John Manley, John
A. Lewis.

Roaring River, Thomas Kirkman,

Wayne, John Phipps.

Somerset, Shadrach B. A. Carter.

Green River, James Dixon.

Barren, Richard Richards.

NASHVILLE District, Learner Blackman, P. Elder.

Dixon, John Cragg.
Duck River, John Crane.
Richland and Flint, Thomas Stilwell, David Goodner.
206 The Rise of Methodism in the West.

Elk, Joseph Foulks, Samuel Belamy.
Cany Fork, John Page.
Nashville, Samuel King.

WasasuH District. James Azley, P. Elder.

St. Vincennes, Jacob Turman.
Patoka, Benjamin Edge.

Cash River, Baker Wrather.
Livingston, John Travis.
Christian, Peter Cartwright.
Henderson, William Hart.
Hartford, Francis Travis.

Kentucky District. John Sale, P. Elder.

Sandy River, Marcus Lindsey.

Limestone, Henry McDaniel, Caleb J. Taylor.
Fleming, Samuel Hellums.

Licking, Thomas D. Porter.

Lexington, Chas. Holliday, John Stamper.
Hinkstone, Matthew Nelson, Benjamin Rhoten.

Sat River DISTRIcT. James Ward, P. Elder.

Danville, Thomas Lasley, John Caliman.
Cumberland, Thomas Hellums.

Madison, Thomas Nelson.

Salt River, Joseph Oglesby.

Shelby, William Pattison.

Jefferson, Charles Bonwell.

Silver Creek, William McMehan.

MississiePi District. Samuel Dunwody, P. Elder.

Wilkinson, Sela Paine, Lewis Hobbs.
Natchez, John Johnson, Samuel Lewis.
Claiborne, John W. Kennon.

Amit, William Winans.

Rapids, Fredrick D. Wimberly.
Washataw, Thomas Griffin.

Attakapas, John S. Ford.

Tombeckbee, Wm. Houston, Isaac Quinn.
New Orleans, Miles Harper.

Inuinois District. Samuel Parker, P. Elder.

Illinois, Jesse Walker, George A. Colbert.
Missouri, John Cord.
The Journal for 1811. 207

Maramack, Thomas Wright.
Cold Water, Daniel Fraley.
Cape Girardeau, John McFarland.

Miami District. Solomon Langdon, P. Elder.

Cincinnati, William Burke, John Strange.
Mad River and Xenia, John Collins, Moses Crume.
Scioto, Ralph Lotspeich.

Deer Creek, Robert Cloud, Chas. Waddle.
Lawrenceburg, Walter Griffin.

Pickaway, James McMehan.

White Oak, Benjamin Lakin, Eli Turner.
Salt Creek, Jesse Spurgeon.

White Water, Robert W. Finley.
Delaware, Alexander Cummins.

Bush Creek, Isaac Pavey.

Muski1neum District. James Quinn, P. Elder.

Fairfield, Isaac Quinn, James B. Finley.
Marietta, David Young, Thomas Branch.
Little Kanawha, John Brown.
Guyandott, Samuel West.

Letart Falls, William Nixon,

Knox, Elisha W. Bowman.

Tuscarawas, William Mitchell.
  

 

 

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