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*-^ — — ( *
MEMORIAL SKETCH
OF
WILLIAM SOULE STICKNEY
By his father.
FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION.
A youtli t(} whom was given
So much of earth, so much of Heaven. — Wordsworth.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
"SCHOOL OF MUSIC" PRESS.
1881.
* *
^ 5(
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1881,
By Wii.i.iAM Stickney,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
PKINTED AT THK "SCHOOL Or Ml SIC,"
707 Kighth street, x. w.,
Washington, District of Columbia.
« *
■*
IN MEMORY OF
WILLIAM SOULE STICKNEY
Who Died in Los Pinos, Colorado,
July 20, 18S0,
WHILE SERVING AS SECRETARY AND DISBURSING OFFICER
OK THE UTE COMMISSION.
Not to be ministered to, but to minister. — Matthew, 20: 28.
'Hyelro yap aurtbv ixaffTnq ou^'i rcD rzarin xat r^ IJ-fj'^pi fidvov
yeyevT'ifft'^atj dkXd xdi r^ -arpvh.
For each of them considered that not for his father and mother only
was he born, but for his fatherland.
— DE.MOSTHENES, " De CoRONA."
>^ >J<
^ >B
INTRODUCTION.
Or dost thou warn poor mortals left behind,
A task well suited to thy gentle mind?
Oh, if sometimes thy spotless form descend,
To me thine aid, thou guardian genius, lend.
When rage misguides me, or when fear alarms,
When pain distresses, or when pleasure charms.
In silent whisperings purer thoughts impart.
And turn from ill a frail and feeble heart ;
Lead through the paths thy virtue trod before,
Till bliss shall join, nor death can part us more.
TlCKELl..
4i '■ ^
*
*
INTEODUCTION.
To the Members of the Calvary Baptist,
Calvary Mission, and Kendall Chapel
Sunday Schools.
Dear Friends —
The warm affection cherished by
you towards my beloved son, and the absorb-
ing interest he felt in the prosperity of these
three schools, with which he had been so
long identified, have prompted me to place
before you, principally by means of his own
writings, the gradual development of a char-
acter, the possession of which in such sym-
metry and beauty made him so great a fa-
vorite with his friends, and won for him "a
good testimony from those without." Two
motives control me: first, a desire to perpet-
uate his memory; secondly, the hope that
a study of his many virtues, noble spirit,
and self-sacrificing devotion to the cause of
Christianity, may lead you — and all who may
peruse this volume — to the Source and Inspi-
ration of his life, that you too may cultivate
those manly qualities of head and heart,
which were so conspicuous in him.
My object has not been to write a pane-
gyric. You who knew him best will agree
Reasc^iis
for put)-
lishingthe
Memoir.
*■
No need of
Eulogy.
■*
*■
■>^
H
MEMOIR OF W, S. STICKNEY.
Reasons
for insert-
ing letters
and youth-
ful compo-
sitions.
Desire of
friends for
some me-
mento.
i^-
with our worthy Pastor: "'He needs no eulo-
gy; his record is his best eulogy."
I scarcely need disclaim, in the prepara-
tion of this imperfect sketch, any attempts at
literary excellence in style or composition;
nor perhaps is it necessary to apologize for
the insertion of letters, youthful composi-
tions, or other matters, which, to a general
reader, might appear too trivial for publica-
tion.
As the doll, the top, or other playthings
of childhood are invested with an interest
almost sacred in the eyes of the parent, after
their dear ones have been removed by death,
so to me, and I doubt not, to some extent, at
least, to you also, the letters, words, and acts
of our dear one, of little significance it may
be, when written, spoken, or performed, are
now recalled with tender interest, and are
enshrined in the memory as precious treas-
ures.
Many of you have asked for some me-
mento of our dear boy. Accept this Memorial
Sketch of his life with the earnest desire that
its perusal may not only recall to your mem-
ory his manly form, cheerful countenance,
courteous bearing. Christian spirit, unselfish
^
^-
^3
INTRODUCTION?.
devotion to the happiness of others, purity of
heart and life, but also inspire and nurture
in you a resolute purpose, by God's help, to
leave behind a memory equally fragrant in
kind words and good deeds.
*■
*
>J Ijl
CHAPTER I.
BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD.
Heaven lies aboiit us in our infancy. — WoRDSWOR IH.
Yet hath thy spirit left on me
An impress Time has worn not out,
And something of myself in thee,
.•\ shadow from the irnst, I see,
Lingering, even yet, thy way about :
Not wholly can the heart unlearn
That lesson of its better hours,
Not yet lias Tmie's dull footsteps worn
To common dust that path of flowers. — Whittier.
* *
" OUR PET "
li- -the nne nf onf MPjlT
*
BIRTH.
"*
13
ILLIAM SOULE STICKNEY, son of
William and Jeannie K. Stickney,
was born at the residence of his grandfather,
Amos Kendall, in the "old house" at Kendall
Green, District of Columbia, October 24, 1852.
This property, with the farm, was subse-
quently purchased by the Government for
the use of the Deaf and Dumb Institution.
On his father's side he was a descendant
of William Stickney, who emigrated to Mas-
sachusetts in 1G36 from the town of Stickney
on the eastern coast of England.
His progenitor on his mother's side came
from the town of Kendall, — derived from
Kent's dale, — a city of considerable impor-
tance in England.
His middle name was the maiden name
of his grandmother Stickney.
The second and only other child of his
parents was born in 1854 and died at the age
of six months.
The day of Will's birth was the day on
which America's greatest statesman died.
This coincidence was sometimes pleasantly
referred to as a favorable omen that the
mantle of the great Daniel Webster would
fall on his shoulders.
^
Birtli.
Ancestors.
■*
Ij
■*
14
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Oljedicncc
to parents.
Conscien-
tiousness.
Though he was an only child, and the
pride of his parents, they were never so in-
dulgent as to permit him to grow up without
seeking to instil into his young mind and
heart those principles of obedience, and re-
spect for their wishes, which they considered
essential to a true and manly character.
From early childhood it was his mother's
habit to pray daily with and for him, he
following with a prayer of his own. This
practice was continued until he left home for
school, and we believe was blessed to his
good.
Two or three times only did his mother
have occasion to use the rod, and in each
instance the punishment was occasioned by
disobedience. The last time resort was had
to this method of discipline was when Will
was four or five years of age. The incident
illustrates the conscientiousness of the boy —
always a conspicuous trait in his character.
Bringing to his mother a little switch, he
said, in answer to her question of surprise:
"What shall mamma do with the switch?"
"Mamma must whip Willie. Mamma said
I must not eat cherries, and I have been
them." His mother said. Yes," she
eating
■^
^
CHILDHOOD.
■*
15
was very sorry, but she would have to whip
him. After the light punishment, which the
little fellow received without a tear, he de-
sired her to kneel down and ask God to for-
give him, which she did. Then he followed
in a sweet, childish prayer of his own, ask-
ing his Heavenly Father's forgiveness, after
which he threw his little arms about his
mother's neck and sought her forgiveness,
promising ever after obedience to all her
wishes.
The promise was faithfully kept, and the
sweet spirit of the child was never lost in the
after life of the youth and the man.
Another of his noble characteristics which
endeared him to all who were acquainted with
his young life and which was a part of his
nature was the moral courage to stand up
for the right. This trait exhibited itself
when he was a child of about nine years.
The family were accustomed to ride to
Washington, a distance of about two miles,
to attend church. Often, when returning
home, Will would leave the carriage and
walk, sometimes by fleetness of foot reaching
his father's house first. One Sabbath, as the
carriage approached the gate leading to Ken-
*
Prayer for
forgive-
ness.
Moral
courage.
■*
*
t&
16
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Iiicidpiif.
Memory of
the Ser-
mon on
the Mount.
^
dall Green, his parents saw him talking ear-
nestly to three German boys, all considerably
larger than himself; as the carriage drew
near these lads walked away. When Will
was questioned about the matter he said he
found the boys fighting, and, said he, "Mam-
ma, I asked them if they did not know it
was wicked; that God had commanded them
to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
Then one of the boys called another a fool,
and I said to him, Do you know that the
Bible says, — • Whosoever says. Thou fool,
shall be in danger of hell fire.'" This Scrip-
ture quotation caused iliem. to separate, won-
dering, probably, at the spirit which pos-
sessed the little peacemaker.
More than a year before this incident
Will had committed to memory the Sermon
on the Mount which he often repeated with-
out missing a word.
The boy was father of the man, for never
in his after life did he hesitate by word and
example, manfully and sometimes heroically,
to express his convictions of what was noble
and true.
During this period of his early childhood
Will, having no young associates, found his
*
*■
■^=<
CHILDHOOD.
17
out -door society with his dogs and chickens,
and occasionally" a pet rabbit or squirrel.
If the colored servants on the place had
children of about his own age, he loved to
teach them some Sunday School lesson or
lead them in singing, with all the gravity of a
master. Sunday afternoon was the favorite
time for these exercises. Often have I seen
him with a class of colored children, some
older and some younger than himself, trying
to teach them out of God's Word, earnestly
exhorting them to be true and honest if they
would enter heaven.
His talent for music developed at an
early age, and at eight years he commenced
taking lessons on the piano, while pursuing
the elementary branches of knowledge under
his parents' instruction. At the age of thir-
teen he entered the Rittenhouse Academy
in Washington, for the first time going reg-
ularly to school.
About this time the members of the Cal-
vary Baptist Church were canvassing for sub-
scriptions for the erection of a house of wor-
ship. His grandfather asked Will what he
was going to subscribe. He replied, he had no
money. On being asked if he would like to
2
Playmates
Early ef-
forts to
teach the
WliTCl of
God.
Talent for
Music.
Enters
Ritten-
house
Acadoiny.
*■
V-i
*
■^
IS
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
First mon-
ey earned.
Gift lor
liuilding a
(•liurdi.
First sick-
ness.
Tempera-
ment.
earn some for that purpose, he expressed the
pleasure it would give him to do so. His
grandfather then promised him five cents for
every load of gravel he would spread, as the
hired men were then employed in repairing
the roads. Will eagerly accepted the propo-
sition, and soon received a dollar and fifty
cents, as the pay for his labor, which he
gladly subscribed and paid into the building
fund of the church. He said afterwards,
when thinking of his grandfather's remark,
"that he owned a brick in the church,*' he
"sometimes watched the workmen as they
prosecuted their labors on the church, and
wondered which of the bricks was owned by
him!"
In the autumn of 1859, Will had his first
sickness which produced anxiety in the minds
of his parents. It was a mild form of typhoid
fever, which confined him to his bed for about
two weeks. He gradually recovered, but was
never of a robust constitution. He was pos-
sessed of a delicate organization, a nervous
temperament, and keen sensibilities, a gentle
spirit, sensitive to any intentional wrong,
and quick to forgive an injury. Though ap-
plication to study was never disagreeable, he
4(
showed no more fondness for books than is
common among most boys.
He commenced Latin at nine years, and,
though his progress was not rapid, he under-
stood what he went over. Though never
quick to learn, he yet held fast the ground he
went over, seldom giving but one perusal of
his lessons in preparation for review.
After writing compositions upon "The
Horse," "The Cow," ''The Dog," and "The
Cat," his next subject was ''Life," written at
the age of nine. I give it precisely as it lies
before me from his pen:
LIFE.
I will tell you something about life. Life
is long or short whichever God permits.
Some persons die when babes, others live a
few years longer, and some to an old age.
This is a beautiful subject to write about.
Sometimes people live to a great age.
Methuselah lived to be nine hundred and
sixty- nine years. He was the oldest man in
the world. Many others are mentioned in
the Bible who lived to a great age. Enoch,
Noah, and many others.
What would this world be without life?
^
Early com-
positions.
On "Life/
*
*
*
20
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Desola-
tion of
eartliwitli-
(Uit life.
Lite more
beautiful
ill heaven.
On kinrl-
ness to the
poor.
The way til
l)e kind.
*"
The trees, flowers, and grass that look so
beautiful in the spring and summer, all are
given to us by our Heavenly Father, but do
not live forever, even they all die.
Life is very beautiful on earth, but far
more beautiful in heaven. If you wish to
reach this happy place, you must not swear,
nor steal, and God says that he will not have
liars in heaven. How thankful should we
be to Him for His goodness to us!
Willie Soule Stickney.
His next composition written January
15. 1862,
BE KIND TO THE POOR.
There are but few people who care for
the poor. God teaches us to be kind to
everybody. You must hunt up the poor and
ask if they wont come with you to church,
or Sunday- school, and learn to be good.
You must be kind to the poor and get
all the old clothes you can and ask your
neighbors if they have n't some, for many
are suffering with the cold, and a great
many poor people die or starve for want of
care.
You must look after your own children
■*
*
■5<
CHILDHOOD.
first, and the poor next, for you must love
the poor.
I cannot say much more on this subject,
but there is one thing I forgot to say about
the poor, you should visit them when they
are sick and, if you can, take to them what
they need to do them good.
I have now ended my composition.
W. S. Stickney.
How he practised in after life these pre-
cepts of charity and benevolence, they who
knew him best can testify.
The following is one of his early letters.
Washington, April 25, 180;i
My Dear Father —
I have looked in the geography, as you
told me, and have found that the distance
'from the earth to the sun is 95,000,000 of
miles, and the distance from the earth to the
moon is 240 thousand miles.
Geography is a description of the earth's
surface. The circumference of the earth is
about 25,000 miles and the diameter of the
earth is about 8,000 miles. The diameter of
anything is the distance through it.
Earl.v let-
ters.
!St Lilly -
^ — — ^
CHAPTER II.
A TOUR ABROAD.
Travel, in the younger soul, is a part of education; in the ekler
a part of experience. He that traveleth into a country before he hath
some entrance into the language, goeth to school and not to travel.
When a traveler returneth home, let him not leave the countries
where he hath traveled altogether behind him.
Let it appear that he doth not change his country manners for those
of foreign parts, but only put some flowers of that he hath learnerl
abroad into the customs of his own country. — Bacon.
* *
1^'
■^^
TOUR ABROAD.
27
"T-T'^T'ILL continued his studies, remaining
\^T at home most of the time until June,
1866, when, with his parents and grandfather,
he set out on a sixteen months' tour abroad.
Taking passage on the favorite Cunard
steamship Scotia, Captain Judkins, we had a
most deHghtful voyage to Queenstown, reach-
ing that port in eight days and three hours —
the best time, I think, then made.
We visited the principal places and ob-
jects of interest in Ireland, including Blarney
Castle, Lakes of Killarney, Heart's Content,
Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Dublin, and nu-
merous others. Our young traveler entered,
with all the enthusiasm of youth, into the
new world which was now opening up to
him, determined to derive all the intellectual
and physical benefit possible. Guide-books
of the places visited were eagerly studied by
him, and it was to him the rest of the party
generally appealed for information upon the
various subjects presented.
Scotland, with its lakes and cities, castles
and ruins, its Holyrood and Abbottsford, its
Stirling and Bannockburn, were all visited
and carefully studied. Historical informa-
tion, learned previously and perhaps forgot-
^
Tour
abroad.
Study of
places vis-
ited.
*
*
2S
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■*
Euroiie,
Asia, and
Africa.
V^'
ten, or, if never known before, was now
gained at every step, and in a way to make
the most lasting impression upon the mind.
Will had formed the plan early in our
travels to procure books that treated particu-
larly of the subjects or persons for which the
places visited were celebrated. At Rouen he
had the life of Joan of Arc; at Pompeii, Bul-
wer's "Last Days;" at Wittenburg he studied
Luther; at Constance, Jerome of Prague and
Huss, and thus he acquired a vast store of
information to be obtained so effectually in
no other way.
All the principal cities in Great Britain.
France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Holland.
Italy, Greece, and Turkey, in Europe; Alexan-
dria, Cairo, the islands of Cyprus and Rhodes,
the Red Sea, and Isthmus of Suez, in Africa;
Joppa, Jerusalem, Damascus, the Dead Sea
and Jordan, and the principal Bible lands in
Asia were leisurely visited, and many of them
carefully studied. Every new place was a
fruitful theme for conversation and reading.
New sources of knowledge were constantly
opening up to us, which were explored with
avidity and delight.
A winter in Florence gave Will an op-
4f
*■
TOUR ABROAD.
■*
29
portunity for taking music lessons under an
eminent master, and afforded us time for
studying the Italian tongue. Will and my-
self regularly recited our lessons, and carried
on much of our conversation in that language.
The daily paper we soon learned to read
without difficulty, and made fair progress in
conversation.
In France Will gave himself to the study
of the French language, which his know-
ledge of Latin made easy for him to ac-
quire.
But it was in Palestine that we entered
into the highest possible enjoyment of the
great treasures in store for us. Spending a
few days at Joppa, we started thence with
our tents and horses, making the journey in
the oriental style of the country.
Leaving Joppa about noon we took an
easy ride to Ramleh (Arimathea), eighteen
miles distant, where we arrived in about four
hours. A ride of eight hours the next day
brought us to Kirgeth Jarem, where we
pitched our tents for the night. This place
we left the next morning about nine, and at
noon entered the Holy City.
"Beautiful for ftifuatinn, the joy of flic
^
Music- les-
sons in
Florence.
Study of
the Italian
lanfruaire.
Visits .le
rusalcni.
■^
Palestine a
fifth Gos-
pel.
lutlaeuce
upon the
mind.
4ff
tvhole earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of
the North, the City of the Great King."
We engaged rooms at a small German
hotel and gave ourselves up to the enjoyment
of the wondrous treasures scattered on every
side.
Calvary, the Holy Sepulchre, the Pools,
Olivet, Bethany, Bethlehem, Jordan, Jericho,
the Dead Sea, Shechem, Shiloh, Bethel, Dam-
ascus, Beirout, and many other places of
sacred interest were visited. At every step
we found the confirmation of the truth of
the Bible. Palestine seemed a fifth Gospel,
so abundant were the evidences of the truth
of the sacred record.
As the key fits the wards of the lock,
so everywhere were the most striking and
convincing proofs of the wonderful events
narrated in the New Testament.
Of course upon Will, as upon the rest
of us, these facts made a deep impression.
No shadow of doubt existed in our minds,
after our forty days sojourn in the Holy
Land, of the reality of all those marvelous
events so minutely recorded by the Evange-
lists. It seems as if the very stones at our
feet cried out in confirmation of them. With
■*
*■
HOME AGAIN.
-^
81
our Bibles in our hands we traversed the
places where the feet of the Son of Man
had trod, looked upon the scenes upon which
His eyes had once rested, and came away,
as fully persuaded as it was possible for us
to be, of the truths of revelation.
After visiting Greece, its ruins and its
Marathon, and Constantinople, we crossed a
portion of the Black Sea, entered the Danube
at its mouth, and, through the Iron Gates,
steamed to Prague, and thence to Vienna.
In October, 1867, we returned home in
good health, having given sixteen months
to travel and visited many of the most in-
teresting places on the globe. Our pleasure
had been marred by no accident, and no
serious sickness disturbed or interrupted our
enjoyment.
Returning to our home at Kendall Green,
we were agreeably surprised to find the
grounds beautifully illuminated, and a trans-
parency at the gate in burning letters giving
us a "Welcome Home."
To each of us the trip had been full of
pleasure and profit, but it was evident that
the advantages to Will would be incalcula-
ble. He had traveled with eyes and ears
*■
Visits
Greece
and
Austria.
Returns
home.
Receiition
at Kendall
Green.
Benefits of
the triji.
*
1^^
-^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Summary
of places
visited.
*■
open, had made friends everywhere by his
inteUigence and pohte bearing. The drago-
man in Syria, the Arab guides in Egypt,
showed in many ways their friendship. He
had seen the principal galleries of art and
studied their master -pieces and the lives of
their autliors; had heard the greatest living
musical performers and studied many of
their own compositions; had heard England's
greatest statesmen in the Houses of Parlia-
ment and her most eminent preachers from
their own pulpits; had seen the leading men
of France as they stirred their countrymen
from the Tribune at the Corps Legislatif;
had visited the venerable and classic seat
of learning at Oxford; read the Odes of Hor-
ace among the olives and oleanders of Tivoli
and the Alban Hills; explored the ruins of
Caesar's palace; looked upon the glories of
Mont Blanc and Jungfrau; climbed the Py-
rennees; crossed the Alps; gazed down the
crater of Vesuvius; surveyed the Campagna
from the summit of Brunelleschi's dome;
threaded the gloomy catacombs of Rome; vis-
ited the fields of Waterloo and Marathon;
feasted upon the beauties of the Rhine, of Co-
mo, and Maggiore; studied the ancient civili-
*
^-
AT HOME.
•^.ii
33
zation from Egyptian monuments; witnessed
the splendors of all the principal courts in Eu -
rope, with their kings and emperors; explored
the museums, libraries, and galleries of art;
visited the cathedrals; ventured across the
Mer de Glace; sat by Jacob's well; traversed
the valley of Ebal and Gerizim; clambered
among the ruins of Baalbeck; studied the
lives of Savonarola, Michael Angelo, and
Galileo at Florence, ''where he stood at night
to take the vision of the stars"; of Knox at
Edinburgh; of Calvin and D'Aubigne at Gen-
eva; of Luther at Wittenberg, Erfurt and
Wartburg castle; of Zwingle at Ziirich; of
Napoleon and Josephine at Fontainbleau; of
Frederick and Voltaire at Sans Souci; wit-
nessed the King's fete at Venice, "the bride
of the sea"; stood upon the Acropolis; tra-
versed the Roman forum; and with an intel-
ligent apprehension of what he had seen, re-
turned to make his new acquisitions useful in
the development and growth of his future life.
Though not at this time a professed
christian, no one could be more exemplary in
all the varied and sometimes trying experi-
ences of this long journey than he. On the
Sabbath it was our invariable practice to at-
4
Observ-
ance of the
Sabbath.
*
*■
■*
:54
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY
Charge of
the organ
at
Florence.
Growth.
^
tend some protestant place of worship, if any
could, be found, and frequently the services
of the youthful organist would be brought
into requisition. At Florence, for about two
months, he had charge of the organ, rehears-
ing with the choir Saturday nights, and en-
tering with all his heart into the service.
In all his conduct he was the faithful,
conscientious christian, loyal to his Savior,
unfailing in his daily private devotions, never
to be tempted to depart from his convictions
of right and duty, though the example of
some of his countrymen, who professed more
than he did. might have been urged as an
excuse for him. His reverence for the Sab-
bath was as great in Paris as in Washington.
He said once he would like very much to see
the great fountains play at Versailles, but as
this exhibition was only given on Sunday,
and to witness it, would involve a Sunday
journey of twelve miles by rail, he would
forego the pleasure.
Such had been his advantages of foreign
travel. He had grown morally and intel-
lectually, and returned with good health,
ready to prosecute his studies with increased
zest and vigor.
■*
^ • ^
CHAPTER III.
THE WISE AND SUCCESSFUL STUDENT.
For I was my father's . son, tender and only beloved in the sight
of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart
retain my words: keep my commandments and live. Get wisdom, get
understanding; forget it not; neither dedine from the words of my
mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee; love her, and
she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; and with all thy
getting, get understanding. — Proverbs of Solomon.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and
all these things shall be added unto you. — Matthew, 6: 33.
Teach thy tongue to say: 1 do not know. — TALMUD.
Shall I teach you what knowledge is? When you know a thing,
to hold that you know it; and, when you do not know a thing, to
confess your ignorance — is knowledge. — Confucius.
>B ^
*■
AT SCHOOL.
■*
OON after his return from abroad he
again entered the Rittenhouse Academy
in Washington, where he continued to attend
until the middle of 1868. The quarterly re-
ports of his principal, Mr. O. C. Wight, show
him to have been perfect in his studies and
deportment during this period, with scarcely
an exception.
In August. 18(i8, he entered a private
school in Philadelphia. Under date of Au-
gust 15, he writes:
' ' I commenced going to school yesterday ;
recited six lines in Virgil. I have taken up
Greek and ancient history, besides spelling,
Latin, geography, algebra, arithmetic, read-
ing, and writing, so you see my time is pretty
well occupied. I have practised on the piano
this afternoon one good hour, and have yet
to get three pages and a half in Greek gram-
mar and a good lesson in Virgil.
''I am very comfortably situated, have
a beautiful room, very nicely furnished.
Went to Sunday School last Sunday after-
noon. The large room in the basement had
about 350 in it. They use the Sabbath Carols,
and a miserable, poor book it is. In the first
place the children did not sing with a iriJI.
*■
Re - enters
Ritten-
house
Academy.
Enters a
private
school in
Pliiladel-
pliia.
(lies t.'
Sunday
School.
*
*■
38
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Suddenly
taken ill in
the street.
5^
and in the next place the good 7iew tunes are
few and far between.
' ' I am in pretty good health. The other
day I went to market with Mr. K. I felt
very restless, and while crossing the street in
front of the house I became as blind as a bat
for a few seconds, but I got hold of Hampton,
and after stumbling over the curb, I reached
the steps, and then my eyesight began to
return slowly. After resting for a while on
the sofa, I was soon well enough to be about,
but I have had slight touches of the attack
ever since.
"Remember me to Wesley [the coach-
man] , and tell him to take the very best care
of Nellie " [buggy horse. ]
BECOMES A CHRISTIAN.
Philadelphia, Feb. 23, 1869.
Dear Mother —
Your letters of 10th and 22d inst., as also
one from father received.
Especially am I glad to hear so many
young persons are coming to their blessed
Savior. You may be surprised to read this
from my pen, but, dear mother, the film has
been removed from my eyes, the temple cur-
■*
tain has been rent and the face of my Lord
and Master is no longer hidden from my eyes.
I rejoice in the strength of the Lord. He is
mine and I am his. The change came over
me last Saturday afternoon. I now take
comfort in prayer, and pleasure in reading
my Bible. I have gone right to work in the
vineyard of Jesus. I am now using all the
influence I possess to bring sinners to Christ.
Mother, is n't it singular that I have put off
my salvation so long? I used to think it was
hard to become a christian, but oh, if I had
only read my Bible more I would have dis-
covered the delusion under which I was la-
boring. Tell all my unconverted friends to
"Come to Jesus;" tell them what peace I
have found. What shall I do in respect to
relating my experience, and being baptized?
Do vou want me to wait a little while? I be-
lieve that my sins are all forgiven, and I am
ready to tell the people what God has done
for me, next Friday night, and be buried in
the baptismal water next Sunday morning.
Mr. Kennard says that he dont see as there
is any cause for delay on my part. Please
advise me immediately. I should like to be
baptized here, for there are a good many
*■
Becomes a
christian.
wishes to
ho hR\<-
tizod.
■*
(Grand-
father
Kendall.
*■
young friends of mine that begin to feel
anxious about their sinful condition, and I
think my example would encourage them;
but it is as you say.
Give my love to grandpa, father, and all
who love me.
Write soon to
Your christian son Willie.
He was baptized by Rev. J. S. Kennard,
in the Tenth Baptist Church in Philadelphia,
on the IJrth March, 1869. His parents and
grandfather had the satisfaction of being
present, greatly to the joy of the obedient
young christian.
Notwithstanding this radical change of
heart wrought by the Divine Spirit, no
marked change was perceptible or possible
in his outward conduct.
Hitherto Will had been greatly blessed
by the constant and intimate association with
his grandfather Kendall, who watched with
tender interest the development of his grand-
son's character.
Mr. Kendall united with the Calvary
Baptist Church, in Washington, April 2,
1865, and now had the happiness of seeing
■*
^^-
AT SCHOOL.
>^
41
his grandson following his steps in the sa-
cred ordinance, administered by him at whose
hands he had received it four years before.
He was an earnest, consistent member, la-
boring with cheerful zeal in the Sunday
Schools, attending the public and devotional
meetings, sometimes at great sacrifice of per-
sonal comfort, always ready with his word
of testimony, full of the missionary spirit,
devoted to the prosperity of the church, mak-
ing its interests paramount to all other con-
siderations.
Such a life, of necessity, exercises an
almost controlling influence over those in
contact with it.
Mr. Kendall had attained his eightieth
year; his increasing infirmities admonished
him and his friends that his time was short.
After a confinement to the house of about
four months, during which his strength was
perceptibly failing, though his mind continued
perfectly clear, apparently gaining in vigor,
as his physical weakness increased, on the
12th of November, 180!), his spirit took its
flight. A few hours before his death he called
Will to his bedside and gave him the follow-
ing words of admonition :
D
Christian
influence.
*
*
42
-*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
Words
fi'Din the
(lying-
i'liristiaii.
Do good
evei-y-
wlioi'e.
Moral du-
ties.
Chvistiau
faith.
*■
Mr. Kendall's dying words to his Grand-
son W. S. Stickney, Nov. 11, 1869.
"You have been a good child; be faith-
ful. Do all God enables you to in his cause,
not only in the Calvary Baptist Church, but
everywhere; for this religion is not confined
to persons or individuals; but ivhatever your
duty is, I hope you may ever be able to per-
form it.
"In the first place, comply with all your
moral duties in the Old and New Testaments;
fulfil your duties to your fellow- men; do not
deceive them for any purpose, but go through
life an honest man as your grandfather has
endeavored to do. What I would add to
that is christian faith, which is the only
assurance we can have for any immortality
at all. Be true. Be useful and honest with
your fellow men. Be true and faithful to
your christian profession. Do all you can
in every proper way to promote Christ's king-
dom here on earth while you live. Be hon-
est; go straight forward. There is one point
upon which you cannot deviate: whatever
you have belongs to your creditors, if you
get in debt, rather than to yourself. First
■*
>J-
-*
AT SCHOOL.
43
satisfy them; conceal nothing; be direct and
honest.
"Be honest — honest first and last. No
man can be a true christian who is not in all
his transactions truthful and honest. If we
cannot get along according to the principles
of the Bible, we cannot get along at all."
The solemn and impressive circumstan-
ces under which these words were spoken by
the dying saint of eighty years, were well
calculated to impress the heart of the christ-
ian boy of seventeen. That scene and tliose
words he never forgot.
His profound respect and reverence for
the character of his grandfather gave them
additional force. He had witnessed his daily
walk as it illustrated and confirmed his pro-
fession, and his young heart was impressed
with the conviction that there was an intense
reality in a truly christian life.
Whatever resolutions he made, or prayers
he offered then and there, were never known;
but his life, with all its energies and possibil-
ities, was unreservedly and joyfully conse-
crated to the triumphs of the gospel. Every
thought, purpose, and plan were subordinate
to this great, absorbing consideration. In
»^
Honest
tirst and
last.
Solemn
imid-es-
sions i)ro-
duced.
i
Returns
liome.
Admitted
to college.
*■
study and pleasure, at home and abroad,
with friends or strangers, wherever he was,
and whatever his circumstances, the great
purpose of his life was ever kept prominently
in view — to honor the name of his Master
and promote the triumphs of his cause.
The school in Philadelphia was closed on
account of ill health of the principal. Will
returned home, and in the autumn of 1869
entered the private school of Mr. Young on
Fourteenth street. Here he applied himself
to study, entering with zest upon his duties,
keeping along in music, taking an active
part in church and Sunday School work, un-
til June, 1871, when he was admitted to the
Freshman class of the University of Roches-
ter, as he tells us in the following letter:
Osborn House, Rochester, June 26, 1871.
Dear Father —
I have just returned from the University,
having passed the examination ivithout a con-
dition. Will probably leave here next Thurs-
day for Hartford and Rockville.
If not too much trouble, please tell Mr.
Young of my success.
Your affectionate son Willie.
■*
*-
VACATION.
^
46
From Rochester he went to visit friends
at Southport, Conn., whose acquaintance he
made abroad. From there he writes :
Southport, July 10, 1871.
Dear Father —
My sojourn here has been very pleasant.
Mr. M. and Miss J. do all they can to make it
pleasant for me. I expect to leave next
Wednesday, the 12th instant, for Rockville.
Uncle John and Aunt Mary want me to make
a visit there, so I will go Wednesday.
Yesterday I attended service at the Con-
gregational church. The preacher gave us a
moral discourse, prefacing it by the affirma-
tion, "I am a Republican," and taking for
his subject — "Take care of No. 1." His text
was the 4th verse of the 2d chapter of Phil-
lippians.
After church I stayed to Sunday School.
After singing from the "Happy Voices.*'
prayer was offered, but it was impossible to
understand more than half that was said.
The Asst. Supt. gave me a class of two
boys, but they only distinguished themselves
by their remarkable dullness. -I asked "What
happened 1871 years ago?" Quite a pause
Visits
Southport
Cor. 11.
Comments
on Sunday
services.
Tcaclirs a
class in
Silt. 1 lilt h
School.
i
*
*
46
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Letter
to his
mother.
^
ensued, when one of them said, "'I know";
and upon further inquiry said, "The flood"!
The classes were continually interrupted by
the Librarian, Superintendent, and Treasurer.
With much love, I remain
Your affectionate son Willie.
Southport, July 18, 1871.
Dear Mother —
Your letter of the 14th came duly to hand.
You may be surprised to see that I am still
here; but it is Mr. M.'s doings. He expects
to leave Thursday for Newport, and he want-
ed me to stay until he went; so we all expect
to start then. Mr. M. and Miss J. for New-
port, and 3Ir. S. for Rockville. I should be
most happy to welcome father, if he finds
that the Council can just as well adjourn.
If you are so hungry for music, why
do n't you feed yourself? The piano is all
ready to respond if you desire it and use the
proper means.
Yesterday morning I took my first swim.
Please ask father to bring "Religion and
Chemistry," by Cook, when he comes on.
How are the Missions getting along? Sun-
day I was requested to take charge of the
■^
*
VACATION.
47
organ, but declined. The music is very poor,
the preaching not much better. I do long to
hear a good sermon.
But the carriage is ready for us all to go
riding, so I must say Good-bye.
Give love to father, and write soon to
Your aifectionate son Willie.
From Southport he visited friends at
Weston, near Boston.
Speaking of the great organ, he writes:
"Last Wednesday I went to hear the
great organ, and I do n't know when I have
enjoyed an hour so much. I can't under-
stand why some people, highly educated and
cultivated, do not enjoy music. Just think
of an instrument with 108 stops and 4 key-
boards! but you have heard it, and can ap-
preciate my feelings. I could not refrain
from lifting up my heart in thankfulness to
God that he had permitted man to enjoy and
to have such delightful music.
"Now I guess you would like to know
how I occupy my time, and what I am read-
ing. Well. T read four chapters in the Bible
every day — three in the O. T. and one in the
N. T. You don't know how much easier it
Visits
Boston
At Music
Hall.
RcadiiiK
■*
Value of
his letters.
fh-
is for me to live a christian life, since I have
made myself more familiar with God's Word.
I am also reading Freeman's ' Early English
History,' and that is very interesting as v^ell
as instructive. I practice nearly every day
on the piano."
Inasmuch as the life of our son, while at
college, is to be revealed by his own letters,
it seems fitting that a word or two should be
said with reference to them. In the first
place, then, we give them just as they came
to us— the familiar, open-hearted utterances
of a child, in whom there was never the least
appearance of deceit, to parents the joy of
whose life was their perfect confidence in
their boy, that, whether under their immedi-
ate watch -care, or far absent from home, he
would be true to their honor, and the profes-
sion of his faith. In the second place, these
letters, which could not have been written
with the least thought that they would ap-
pear in print, are invaluable for the unsought
testimony they give to his true character.
Returning to Rochester at the beginning
of the term, in September, 1871, he gives the
following account of himself:
■*
■^=<
AT COLLEGE.
49
Rochester, Saturday, Sept. 2o, 1871.
Dear Father —
Yours of the 16th inst. was duly received.
Do n't be afraid of my studying too hard. I
understand some of my friends have ranked
me among the "smart men'' of the class of
'75, but I have not obtained such credit from
hard study. Latin and Greek trcuislations
are easy, but grammar is a bugbear; some-
times I feel almost ashamed to think I am
not posted. I retire at ten o'clock and get up
at six or half past. After dressing, play on
the piano (which arrived in good condition
last Tuesday), and at seven go next door to
breakfast, after which I read over Livy and
Xenophon with Messrs. Milne and Adams
(who live next door) — the former is the best
man in the class. At 9 we report at the
chapel for prayers; directly after which we
recite to Prof. Sage (Latin), then to Prof.
Robinson (algebra), and jfinally, to Prof. Mix-
er (Greek.)
At 12^ we dine, and then Milne and Ad-
ams either come in here, or I go in there, and
we study until 4i, and then I go to St. Peter's
church and practise on the organ till 5^. At
') the tea -bell rings. After tea Adams and I
Rei>uta-
tion as a
scholar.
Outline of
the labor
of the (lay.
-^
*■
■*
50
MEMOIR OF W, S. STICKNEY.
Society
question.
Under
censure.
ij-
generally go to the Post Office, and take a
walk, getting home about 8, and we spend
the remainder of the time either singing or
playing — Adams accompanying me on the
piano with his flute. So you see I have
something to do, and do something all the
time. My health is good, and I am feeling
well. My headaches, I hope, have departed,
never to return. My organ teacher is said
by all to be the first organist in the city.
There is one thing I wish to leave entire-
ly to you, and that is the society question.
There are only two good societies in the Uni-
versity. [Here follows his opinion of the
two societies, not necessary to copy.]
With love to mother and all inquiring-
friends. Your aff. son Willie.
The following requires a word of explan-
tion.
Will had informed me that his landlady
had complained that he and his companions
had offended her by their boisterous singing
and late hours. Not knowing the character
of his associates, and fearing he might be
tempted to neglect more important duties,
and give too much time to serenading. I
■*
*■
AT COLLEGE.
■^21
51
wrote the letter to which the following is a
reply.
His letter convinced me that my criticism
was unnecessarily harsh.
Rochester, Oct. 13, 1871.
My dear Father —
Your letter of the 10 inst. is before me.
I was surprised, and sorry, to find that I had
in any way displeased you.
Father, I think you are rather severe,
when you say, "You are so unmindful of
what you are in Rochester for, as to join sere-
nading parties." You must remember that it
was on a Friday night. We have no lessons
Saturday, hence, by going out serenading, I
neglected no studies. Friday afternoon I
studied my Latin and Greek for Monday,
and it was easy to get algebra on Saturday;
so you are convinced no studies were neg-
lected. You speak as if I intended to make
a habit of serenading. In that you are mis-
taken. There are five of us, who sing to-
gether about every week, on Friday even-
ings, and as our music is as well adapted to
serenades as any thing else, we sung a few
of them the other night.
T)efence.
►i^
■*
*
^'2
MEMOIR OF AV. S. STICKNEY.
*
No 1 lie res-
olution.
*■
I think if you were here you would think
I made "music a recreation." My practice
on the organ is certainly a rest, after study-
ing from half -past one to four without stop-
ping. In the evening, I take your advice,
and, when weary of study, I wake up the
echoes of the piano.
Your wishes in regard to taking an or-
gan will be heeded.
In the foregoing, please do n't think me
impudent or presumptuous; I have no such
idea; I only want to explain things to you,
that you may not think your son is spending
his time in follies, rather than in study. I
will try to do better in the future. I 'm sorry
that you have been obliged to say that you
are "disappointed '' in me. Rest assured that
it will be my earnest endeavor, during the
remainder of my life, so to conduct myself
that you will never again be able to make
such a statement.
This week has been very pleasant at the
University. Every thing has passed off well.
We have tough lessons in mathematics, but
Latin and Greek are easy.
The Sophomores have tried several times
to get the Freshmen into a fight, but we
■*
■*
AT COLLEGE.
53
have kept very cool. Yesterday a party of
them stood at the gate and refused to let us
pass, but we all went through after a good
deal of pullmg.
Prex was at the recitation in mathemat-
ics yesterday and to - day. He gave us quite
a talk about the Chicago calamity, which
was very instructive. He speaks to me oc-
casionally.
At the next covenant meeting of the
church, please ask for my letter to the First
Baptist Church here; Dr. Robbins, pastor.
I am in Dr. Kendrick's class in S. S., and
it is as good as a sermon to hear him. The
first day I heard him was communion Sab-
bath, and then I made his acquaintance. The
people appear very cordial, and I think it
will make me a good church home.
My reading is confined to McKensie's
''Life of Dickens," in which I am very much
interested. With much love to you and mo-
ther. T remain, affectionately.
Your would he dutiful son Willie,
Rochester, Nov. 5, 1871.
My dear Father —
I suppose by this time you have returned
from your north -western trip.
Seeks liis
letter tf>
join
Rhurch in
Rocli ester.
Reading.
*
*
*
54
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
At work iu
Mission
Sunday
School.
Feels him-
self to 1)0 a
stranger.
U«-
Prof. Gilmore asked me to come to the
Bethlehem Mission last night, and I went.
They have just organized a church with
eighty members, and wanted me to play the
organ (cabinet), so I consented. Service is
held in the morning, and prayer - meeting in
the evening.
This A. M. Dr. Anderson (Prex) preached
the first sermon. His ideas were deep, and
evidently the result of much study. The
church was nearly full. This afternoon I
went to the mission, and my boys were very
good. Mr. Phillips, the Supt., put the sing-
ing in my charge; so you see I have all at
once taken quite a responsibility upon me,
and you may rest assured I will try to acquit
myself in a inanner that will be creditable to
myself as well as to those who gave me
the position. But I must go to supper, and
thence to teachers' meeting and church.
I have just returned from church, and I
do n't know when I have been made to feel
my situation here as a stranger as to - night.
But two members spoke to me, and what
they said seemed to be a concentration of an
abridgement, so few and precise were their
utterances.
-^
*
AT COLLEGE.
■*
55
If any young strangers come into your
meetings, father, please speak to them. You
have no idea how lonesome 'one feels, when
neglected by those from whom he should
most expect attention.
Please give much love to mother. Hop-
ing you are both feeling the better for your
trip, I am
Your affectionate son Willie.
Rochester, Nov. 21, 1871.
My dear Father —
Yours of the 11th inst. was duly received,
and would have been answered sooner, but I
have been hard at work most of the time: the
spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.
I am having grand times at the East
Ave. Church, and I have good news for you.
viz. : Fassett told me yesterday he had found
his Savior. You may imagine my feelings,
when you know we are together most all the
time. What a pleasant surprise it will be to
his parents I At present there is a good deal
of religious feeling among the students — *'our
class," especially.
Dr. Buckland preaches at the church, and
a great many students attend. My class are
>i^
Uraiul
times at
East Ave.
Churcli.
Con ver-
sions.
■>±<
*
5(5
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Hard
study.
Thanks
for early
Christian
training.
improving. I am not prepared to say how
many, if any, will go home with me Xmas.
It seems a good way off. Sometimes I think
the wheels of time are running down, it moves
so slowly; but at other, 't is almost impossible
to keep up with it.
Years ago I thought there was a great
deal of romance connected with college life,
but I have found all such ideas to be ground-
less; it's no jest, but stern reality. This is
the first time I have been under the necessity
of being my own man. Home is too far off
to retreat to, and the little squalls, seemingly
large' to an inexperienced voyager, must be
brunted.
Many times I have had occasion to thank
God for my early christian training, and my
present faith in Him. A student that is a
christian is doubly marked: first, by the com-
munity, as a student, and second, by his fel-
lows, as a christian. Yet I have never en-
joyed my religion so much as I do at the
present time.
Last week the hebdomadal epistle did not
go at its wonted period; the reason was, that
I put it in the back part of my Bible, expect-
ing I would think to mail it when I passed
*■
^
*■
•>'J
AT COLLEGE.
07
the box, but it flattened clown so that I did
not see it until it accidentally fell out while I
was reading. Love to you and mother.
Affectionately, your son William.
W. Stickney,
Washington. D. C,
U. S. A., N. A., West. Hem., Tern. Zone.
Rochester, Nov. 27, 1871.
Dear Father —
Your letter of 24th inst. came to hand
this morning, just before I started for college.
I can't find words in which to express my
thanks for it.
The past week has been one of particular
interest in the college, and out of it, as re-
gards religious matters.
Our class is getting waked up. and we
are having grand good times at our prayer-
meetings. Last Saturday some christians
spoke who have not opened their lips before,
concerning Christ, since their connection with
the University. The meeting was protracted
for the purpose of praying for our classmates.
At the church (East Ave.), last night, two
said that, during the past week, they felt as
if the burden of sin had rolled from their
Uood
tiinps.
■>!b
*-
5^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■*
Anxiety
for the
conver-
sion of liis
Sunday
School
scholars.
Oi>inion of
Tauimany.
backs, and quite a number asked the prayers
of God's people. I really think that God is
with us. It seems the older I become, the
more do I appreciate the blessings with which
I am surrounded, and the more do I have of
God's love. Yet, as I said to one of the boys
the other day, the more fully do I realize my
responsibilities as a christian.
Yesterday morning Professor Gilmore
preached about St. Paul as a man of one idea,
and held him up as a model. In the p. m. I
went to the S. S. , and my boys were unusual-
ly good. One remained after the exercises
were over, and I had quite a long talk with
him about the importance of being a christ-
ian. Father, pray for that boy, as well as
for his teacher.
Success to you in the preparation of the
cantata. Don't work too hard; let each do
his share.
You speak of "Tammany." That's a
thing of the past; its stronghold is weakened,
its leaders are palsied, and it is fast going to
ruin. I think it would not be inappropriate
to hold a special day of thanksgiving over its
destruction. The habitation of the wicked
shall not stand, but will fall as a house built
*
■*
►^
AT COLLEGE.
oil
upon the sand. Xew York should "Praise
God" till the heavens ring with the echoes,
so great a scourge have they been released
from.
How is Dr. Parker's health? I suppose
he is hard at work in the church. Are the
salaries of the pastor and sexton paid up reg-
ularly? I think one reason why our church
dont have souls converted in it, is because it
(lout pay its debts. If the members are not
sufficiently interested to pay their pew- rents,
are they, can they be very much interested
in the enlargement of Christ's church. 1
think it is just as much a duty for us to pay
our debts as it is to pray.
Each member of the church and congre-
gation here is expected to pay something per
quarter.
Mr. Phillips handed me the inclosed card
for you. They are very nice people. They
asked me in yesterday p. m., and it seemed
almost like home. We sat around the piano
and I played, and we all sung those good old
tunes you like so much — Hamburg, Rocking-
ham, Duke Street, &c.
I wish I could be with you and help eat
the Thanksgiving turkey; but for the first
>^
Couceru
for the
church at
homo.
■*
Imi>res-
sions of
the fartli-
ly groat.
Thanks-
givingday.
*■
time my seat must be vacant. I expect my
dinner will be very much as that upon other
days.
Not long since I met Mr. , [a member
of his church]; he spoke, and that was all.
I should like to know him, but hoys must n't
have too high aspirations.
My health is first rate, and with much
love to you and mother, I am
Your affectionate son Will,
Looneyville, Dec. 1, 1871.
Dear Father —
You must n't think I have fetched up at
the insane asylum; but I concluded to accept
the invitation of my friend Ed. Adams, and
spend Thanksgiving - day with him.
Yesterday I went to church, and heard a
Methodist minister. He advanced some good
ideas. His sermon was orthodox, and seemed
to please the people.
Ed. and I sung in the choir, and of coui^se
the singing was good — Federal Street, El-
tham, Doxology, and a Thanksgiving An-
them. The last was first rate.
In the afternoon we had a very good
dinner, and afterwards spent the evening at
■*
*
AT COLLEGE.
*
(il
one of the neighbors, and had a splendid
time.
I am writing in Ed.'s school, which is
four miles from his home. He teaches to
make money to pay his way through college.
I have enjoyed this day, and think I will
return better able to appreciate the blessings
with which I am surrounded.
Mr. and Mrs. A. are very pleasant peo-
ple, and do all they can to make me enjoy
myself. While I write it is snowing quite
hard. It seems odd to see so much snow at
this season of the year. The mercury has
been down to 10°, and I find myself able to
stand the cold as well as the residents here.
But Ed. is having a spelling -match, and
I must see the fun.
Will write more soon.
Give much love to mother.
Write soon, to
Your affectionate son Will.
The following letter shows that the young
student was entering upon that stage of col-
lege life so full of the spirit of destructive
criticism — one of the most dangerous periods
of youth — when, with the enlargement of
*
A I'l'iiicjil
jicriinl.
■*
the mental vision, more than one side of
some great principle, or truth, or fact is
seen, without ability to discern their essen-
tial unity. It is just here that two ways
meet — the one leading to scepticism, the
other to humble, and devout, and resolute
faith. Over which of these two ways his
feet traveled, his own letters shall bear tes-
timony. They show the victory that over-
cometh the world — even his faith.
*■
Rochester, Dec. 5, 1871.
My dear Father —
I arrived safely from my Thanksgiving
trip Saturday night. Sunday morning it
was very cold, and thinking it would con-
tinue so, I went out without my rubbers, but
by noon the snow and ice had thawed, and I
returned with wet feet. I tried to dry them
before S. S., but when night came, I had a
severe cold accompanied with a headache.
Monday morning I could hardly speak, so
I kept house. This morning my throat was
sore, but it is now better, and I hope to go to
college to - morrow, D. Y.
It is very stormy; the wind has been blow-
ing hard all day, and at the same time snowing.
*
*
AT COLLEGE.
*
03
Lately I have been thinking a good deal
about the immortality of the soul. 1st Tim-
othy, Gth chapter, and IGth verse, says, that
Christ only hath immortality; and in 17th
verse of 1st ch., it speaks of Christ as immor-
tal, and implies to my mind that immortality
was the property of God, excluding mankind.
Yet. in the 10th vs. of 1st ch. of 2d Tim., it
speaks of immortality being brought to light
through the Gospel. What does that mean ?
In the 13th vs. of the 3d ch. of John, we read,
that no man ascended up to heaven but the
Son of man. Now how can we reconcile
that with the 11th vs. of 2d ch. of 2d Kings,
which says, Elijah went up by a whirlwind
into heaven? And where did Moses and Eli-
as come from when they appeared at the
Mount of Transfiguration?
Again, in the IGth vs. of the Gth ch. of 1st
Tim., what does it mean by saying, that no
one can approach unto the light in which
God dwells, unless it be that no one dwells in
his presence?
Do n't you think the theory that there is
a place of rest for departed spirits, before the
final resurrection, is a plausible one? because
it says, in 31st vs. of 2d ch. of Acts, that
IlUlUdI
tality.
Hpecula-
tioii.
*
*
('4
v^
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Social IV-
(•(lyiiitidii.
^
Christ, at his resurrection, was not in hell,
nor was his flesh permitted to see corruption;
and in the 17th vs. of the 20th ch. of John, it
states, that Christ had not yet ascended to
heaven. So where was he?
Father, I ask these questions, not be-
cause I doubt the religion I profess, for I
love it more and more every day, but be-
cause I want to know where I stand, and
what I believe.
With my limited knowledge of the Bible,
I am unable to answer these questions as
they from time to time present themselves to
my mind. So please enlighten me.
One more question : Do you recall what
caused the "Dark day," in 1780? (I think
that was the year.) I was asked whether
it could be accounted for by science, and
was unable to answer.
When I returned from my Thanksgiving
trip, I found invitations to dine with the
Prex, Prof. Gilmore, Mr. Morse, Mr. Bene-
dict, and Mrs. Gorton. Was not that pretty
well for a Freshman? Cash account in-
closed. When you see "'contributions, one
dollar," you may exclaim, "Charity covereth
a multitude of sins"; but I am old enough to
*
>J-
AT COLLEGE.
-*
(55
►^
know that honesty is the best pohcy. But I
must say, Good night. Give much love to
mother, and write soon to
Your affectionate son Willie.
Rochester, Tuesday night,
Dec. 19, 1871.
Dear Fathee —
You will have to excuse the brevity of
this epistle, as we have an examination in
Greek to-morrow, and I am reading over
the work of the term. I have just finished
the Anabasis, and will go to work at once at
my Greek grammar. On Thursday, I will
find out what I do iit know of algebra, and
Friday will make us stand around in Latin.
Next time I will write more at length. I
hope to be with you before long.
Give love to mother, and accept much
for yourself,
From your affectionate son William.
At the close of the term. Will came to
Washington, and passed a happy Christmas.
January sixth, he advised us of his safe
arrival in Rochester, and warm greetings by
many friends.
8
Cliristmas
at Wnsli-
iiiprfon and
tlioii liack
to Rdclics-
tor.
*
I±«-
^
(ir.
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Baptisms.
Rochester, Jan"y 10, 1872.
My dear Father —
1 propose to take part of my time this
morning, and inform you how I have pros-
pered since my return.
Sunday morning brought to us a capital
sermon from Dr. Buckland, on the "manner
and results of the workings of the Holy
Spirit." It was instructive and interesting.
At S. S., in the afternoon, my boys were
attentive, and seemed to be interested, on
account of which I felt very much encour-
aged : but you know the best is saved to the
last of the feast, so in this case, for in the
evening Prof. Gilmore baptized six persons —
three ladies and three gentlemen. The house
was crowded, and the meeting was inter-
esting. Monday afternoon fourteen rose for
prayer, and we have indications that the
spirit of God is resting on our city. Last
night I attended a prayer - meeting at East
Ave. Ch.. and it was pleasant to be there.
To-day is set apart for the day of prayer
for colleges.
Give much love to mother, remember me
kindly to all inquiring friends, and write soon
to vour aff. son Will.
*■
-►B
*■
■^^
AT COLLEGE.
67
Rochester, Jan'y 16, 187'2.
Dear Father —
As I have studied my lessons, and fin-
ished my reading, I will proceed to answer
your letter of the lltli inst., which came duly
to hand.
The beneficial influences of a teachers'
meeting are not mine to boast of. The les-
sons are not what I desire for my class. The
boys know nothing of the life and teachings
of Christ, and I think it is preposterous to
teach any thing before the pupils have even
a crude idea of the Hero of the Bible.
Sunday evening I remained at home,
and prepared a few questions on the '" Life of
Christ," from the first and second chapters of
Matt. They are simple, and I think will be
interesting. I propose to copy them — one
for each boy in the class — and see if I can
persuade them to study them.
It always seemed strange to me that a
christian could be so glib in business meet-
ings, and so very quiet in prayer -meetings.
What we want is men of clear, sensible ideas,
who are not afraid to speak them.
Much obliged for your good opinion of
my account.
Proparcs
(litestions
Mil Life of
riirist for
his class
in Sunday
School.
yl*-
■*
m-
68
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
'*
Congratu-
lations.
*"
I am about to send you a keg of winter-
green cider. The cider is a present from
Mr. Gorton, the keg from me. You know
we must n't despise small things, and if it
was not for the keg, you couldn't have the
cider!
Let me congratulate you on seeing an-
other Jan'y 15. [The anniversary of his pa-
rents' marriage.] May He who rules the
universe, and directs the affairs of men as
well, permit you to see many more years of
conjugal happiness. In the past the Lord
has dealt with us with a bountiful hand,
and may it not close, nor his blessings cease,
as you approach the meridian of life. And
may the love of the Lord increase in your
hearts till they will hold no more.
Give much love to mother, not forgetting
to appropriate your share.
It is nearly half -past ten — time for a
student to rest. So good night.
Affectionately, your son Willie.
Rochester, Feb'y 35, 1872,
Sunday night.
My dear Mother —
As I have nearly an hour before church,
I will devote it to you.
*
^-
AT COLLEGE.
■*
<)9
Father's letter, enclosing check, was duly
received, and I would return many thanks
for it.
Things are just about as usual, though
the monotony was disturbed two or three
weeks ago by the expressman bringing me
two boxes. Their contents were soon dis-
placed, and you would have laughed to see
me going through them. I am ever so much
obliged. The books were all right, and the
picture and paper -rack both sound. The
picture is right over my piano, and I enjoy
looking at it very much. How kind of you
and father to think of my wants, and things
that were not wants.
*****
I never knew how much I loved you and
father until I came here. Everything is so
different from home.
What "s father so busy about, that he
can't write a good old - fashioned letter ?
How prospers the Women's Christian Asso-
ciation ? It is first and foremost, as ever,
in your thoughts, I suppose.
I was asked if I would take an organ at
four hundred a year. I declined. The bells
are ringing, and I must to meeting.
^
Presents
I'l'ou) home
*
*
^M
70
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Ill health.
*■
Love to all inquiring friends, especially
to father.
Write soon, to your affectionate son
Willie.
Rochester, March 16, 1872.
My dear Father —
Your letter, written just one week ago,
lies before me.
I have not felt very well lately; my head
has troubled me more or less, and my prac-
tice has been to go to bed as soon as my
lessons were learned — and often before.
Have not been to college the last two or
three days. There is nothing in particular
the matter, but a good deal in general; and
that 's the worst of it, because I do n't know
what to do for myself. I have just such a
turn as I had in Jan'y, 1871, when I stayed
away from school a week or so. To-day I
feel better for my rest. Next week will be
sjjent in preparing myself for examinations,
and so soon as they are over, I propose to
take the first train for home. At the class
election, held recently, I was unanimously
elected secretary.
During the past month I have heard
■*
*
AT COLLEGE.
71
Punchon and Collyer lecture, and Madame
Diehl Randall read. The first two were in-
teresting, but the last was considerably be-
low par.
I celebrated the '22d ult. by listening to
Wendell Phillips on "Labor and Capital."
His arguments were forcible.
In my cash account you will find several
items for purchase of books (my weakness.)
viz.: works on "Phonography," "Words and
their Uses," by R. G. White; "Legends of
the Old Testament," by Gould; "Classic At-
las," by Long; "Correct Pronunciation,"
Soule and Wheeler; "Smallest Ed. of Shaks-
peare," and "Bartlett's Quotations."
Mr. and Mrs. Gorton have treated me
with marked kindness. In all my experi-
ence away from home. I have never received
so much attention.
The church is progressing, and we are
all hard at work.
Love to mother, and accept much for
yourself, from your affectionate son
Willie.
After a brief visit home, he is again at
his post.
Lectures
and
reading.
Visits N.Y.
Rochester, April 11, 1873.
My dear Father —
You see that I have arrived, and it only
remains for me to add, safe and sound. On
our way we — Geo. Ordway and I — stopped
at the Fifth Ave. Hotel, N. Y. Tuesday we
went down street on Banner [for S. S.] busi-
ness. Finding myself in the vicinity of Mr.
L.'s office, I called in. Receiving a polite in-
vitation to visit Staten Island, at one o'clock
I took the boat, and met a cordial reception,
stopping to dinner. All wished to be remem-
bered to you and mother.
This is your birthday. Let me congratu-
late you with the hope that your years of use-
fulness and happiness may be many, and
you may ripen into a good old age. I feel,
in the coming years, as I grow older, I may
be of more assistance to you, and may serve
you as becomes a son.
"Adieu." Much love to mother, and
write soon to
Your affectionate son Willie,
Rochester, April 26, 1872.
My dear Father —
Yours of 24:th inst. is received, I would
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•*
)J-
"^
AT COLLEGE.
7:3
have written before, bat we have had just
as much as we could do.
I am glad to hear of Nellie's [buggy-
horse] improvement. Hope you will not
loan her to any one to use during your ab-
sence from the city.
By reelecting their former President, the
Council showed their wisdom.
I have adopted your suggetion, and eve-
ry day exercise an hour at the gymnasium.
I feel better for it.
I have been elected leader of the singing
in S. S., and chorister in the church. The
choir will sing their first anthem next Sun-
day. My college duties must not suffer from
these new duties. So soon as I feel they do,
I will resign.
This morning the Prex gave us a good
political talk.
Friday night the Sophomore class buried
"Calculus." The members of the class were
dressed in white sheets, and wore masks,
except the Priest, who was in black. They
had a coffin, in which the conquered study
was placed. After a funeral sermon, and
some singing, the coffin was placed on a
pyre and reduced to ashes, which were then
9
Elected
(rhorister
at th(>
chui-cli.
Burial of
Calculns.
*
*
*
74
MEMOIR OF ^y. S. STICKNEY.
Work.
gathered up, placed in an urn, and buried.
The grave is marked by a cross board, bear-
ing the inscription. — '"74 Calculus. Died
March 27, 1873.'"
Tell mother that wearing a stove-pipe
hat has a good effect upon her son.
Much love to mother and yourself, from
Your affectionate son Willie.
Rochester, Tuesday, May 21, 1872.
My dear Father —
Every thing is moving in the even tenor
of its ways here, and the monotony of college
life remains unbroken.
Thursday I thoroughly enjoyed a ride to
the lake. Saturday we had a shower. Sun-
day it rained, and yesterday it poured.
We are all very busy, as this is our hard-
est term, and it requires har'd work to keep
up a good standing in the class.
If any of my friends complain of my
silence, please tell them our days are bound-
ed on all sides by hard work.
Tell mother she must not work too hard
in the W. C. A.
Please send my fishing -pole and tackle.
You will find reel, corks, sinkers, and rod in
■*
>J.
'>J
AT COLLEGE.
75
the south closet of my room. Yesterday
Ed., ''Deacon'' Rowley, and I went to the
lake, and caught two dozen black bass.
This morning- at breakfast we did ample
justice to them. Ed. sings out, "Remember
me to your mother"; so please deliver the
message, with much love to mother and you.
Bon nuit.
Your affectionate son Willie.
Rochester, June 15, 1872.
My dear Father —
Yours of 3d inst., enclosing check, has
been received; for both of which, many
thanks.
I suppose you have received the paper
containing an account of the doings of '75.
We had a grand time, and though not good
f(3r much the next day, the class was bene-
fited.
The Sth inst. was "Class day." I sent
you an account of that, also, in the "Union."
I was disappointed in the manner in wliich
the exercises were conducted. Tlie senior
forgot his speech, and many of tlie gradu-
ates acted more like boys than young men
preparing to battle with the hardships of the
world.
Recrea-
tion.
Class (lay,
*■
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*
70
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY
College
jokes.
Examina-
tions.
Just before "Class day," a notice ap-
peared on the Bulletin board of rather a mys-
tical character, and the next day the flag-
pole was lying- on the ground. A few days
ago another similar notice was seen, and on
the following day the Juniors did not recite
in mathematics, as the blackboards were
greased from end to end. To-day another
notice was posted, so I expect we will have
more of these silly performances. On Wed-
nesday, the 26th, examinations commence,
and Friday will close our apprenticeship as
Freshmen, and we ascend one step — no
Much love to mother.
Affectionately, your son Willie.
"moye" fools.
n:<
AT COLLEGE.
81
singing- and sermon in German, so that, to
me, every thing was unintelHgible, The
Rabbi chose for his text, the death of Horace
Greeley. I spent the sermon time in reading
the preface to the Prayer -Book (Jewish.)
From that I learned that the Reform Jews
do not expect to return to Jerusalem; also,
that they look for a Messianic Era — not a
Messiah in person. They also believe the
souls of the dead are affected by the prayers
of those on earth. I never knew these
things before.
We took dinner with H., and had a reg-
ular Jewish meal. The meat had been in-
spected, and all the veins removed, and the
blood allowed to drip out. We had no but-
ter, as it is not permitted to have butter and
meat at the same time. At dinner they
generally have what they call "the meat
dishes," and for tea, "the milk dishes;" and
it is contrary to their law to use the same
dishes (plates, &c.,) for one meal that they
have for another.
After dinner we visited the Young Men's
Library, also the (jrosvenor Library. The
former contains about -^5,000, and the latter
about twelve thousand vols. The former
10
Jewish
synagogue
Jcwisli
meal.
►it
Sunday
services.
i
is self-supporting, while the latter is en-
dowed.
Sunday morning I attended church. The
minister did pretty well, considering he grad-
uated from Andover only last Sept. Singing-
poor — no choir. We boys sung almost as
much as all the rest put together.
In the evening we went to the M. E.
church — dedicatory service of a new edifice.
They raised yesterday morning twenty thou-
sand dollars. Last night they made another
effort to pay the debt. We left at ten, and
they were then fifteen hundred short.
George goes home with me Christmas;
so you must be on the lookout for us. But
I can't put much more on this sheet, so will
say Good-bye. «
Give lots of love to father, and write
soon to
Your affectionate son Willie.
Rochester, Dec. 14, 1872.
My dear Father —
I thought you and mother would be glad
to know I passed my examination in "An-
cient History,'' this morning, all right. No
mistake of omission or commission; conse-
■*
quently I feel quite happy. But this is on-
ly a foretaste. Next week we have Latin,
French, and mathematics. During the pres-
ent week I have worked hard, and expect
to be very busy next week. We are having
sleighing, and the bells make merry with
their tintinnabulations. There are some fine
horses on the streets, but I would not give
• ' Nellie " for any of them.
I expect Geo. Stearns will spend Christ-
mas with me. He stands ''A No. 1" in his
class, and sings bass. We anticipate great
pleasure.
David and Theo keep me pretty well
posted about general affairs.
Dr. A. expressed pleasure at the receipt
of the Autobiography. He continues a pa-
ternal care over me, and occasionally per-
mits me to come into his awful presence, for
the purpose of asking after my health.
Love to mother, and kind remembrances
to all inquiring friends.
Affectionately, your son Willie.
After a happy Christmas at home, with
his friend Stearns, Will returned to the Uni-
versity.
Examina-
tions.
v"
■*
*
84
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
C'alculus.
New pas-
tor.
*■
Rochester, Jan'y 11, 1873.
My dear Father —
Yours of the 8th is received. Every
thing here is progressing as usual. Last
Monday we paid our respects to Dr. Ken-
drick — "Demosthenes' orations against Phil-
lip," and "on the Crown;'' Prof, Mixer —
"Sprechen sie Deutsch;" and Prof. Quimby —
"Calculus." As to this last, it is almost like
casting pearls before swine, to set before us
the beauties ( ?) of calculus. We can't see 'em.
So far, our class has been signally blessed
by Death passing us by. But one of our boys
is now very sick with erysipelas. I have
doubts of his recovery. I called on him yes-
terday, and found him delirious. We boys
do n't half appreciate the blessings God gives
us in life and health.
Before leaving home I accidentally broke
one of the windows in the door of the coupe,
and forgot to mention it.
Mr. Morehouse, our pastor, has come,
and preached first-rate last Sunday, from
Eph. 6: 19, 20. There is considerable reli-
gious interest in the S. S., and we hope for
an abundant blessing.
I must not forget to tell you that the
•*
*■
OSSIAN S POEMS.
■>B
S5
Prof, of Higher Mathematics told the Fac-
ulty I passed a very creditable examination,
considering the disadvantages under which
I labored. I feel it was just, but almost too
good to be true. Love to mother.
Affectionately, your son Willie.
Among the papers found since my son's
death, is a composition upon the "Authen-
ticity of Ossian's Poems," written in college
about this time. It bears evidence of tho-
rough study of his subject, and was highly
commended by his teacher. An eminent
scholar, who recently read the paper, re-
turned it with a note, saying: "It shows
great merit, and independence of judgment,
in such a young writer. Besides, his decis-
ion in the matter is decidedly right."
AUTHENTICITY OF OSSIAN' S POEMS.
For First Term. Soph. Year.
In the latter part of the eighteenth cen-
tury the literary circles of England were
stirred by the publication of what purported
to be a translation and compilation of some
"Gaelic Poems" written in the fourth cen-
tury.
*■
*
*■
*
86
MEMOIR OF ^y. S. STICKNEY.
Jas. Mac-
pherson.
The High-
lander.
Frag-
ments of
Ancient
Poetry.
Fingal.
*-
The "translator," James Macplierson, was
born at Kingussie, in 1738, was intended for
the church, and received the necessary edu-
cation at Aberdeen. At the age of twenty
he published the "Highlander," which proved
at once his ambition and his incapacity. It
was a miserable production.
In 1760 he published another volume —
"Fragments of Ancient Poetry," translated
from the Gaelic or Erse language. These
"fragments" he professed to have obtained
from his countrymen, whom he had heard
rehearse portions of ancient poems.
This publication created such an interest,
that a subscription was made to enable the
author to visit the highlands and collect such
other poems as he might be able to find.
The tour proved quite successful, for in 1762
an Epic Poem, in six books, called "Fingal,"
was published, and the next year another
Epic, of eight books, was given to the public.
These poems attracted general attention,
and were universally read, but not without
some misgivings as to their authenticity.
Mr. Taine's statement will apply as well
to the prevailing opinion of that time as to
the present. Alluding to Mr. Macpherson,
■*
he says: "A Scotchman, of not overmuch
wit, having- written, to his cost, an unsuc-
cessful rhapsody, wished to recover himself,
went to the mountains of his country, gath-
ered picturesque images, collected fragments
of legends, plastered over the whole with
an abundance of eloquence and rhetoric, and
created a Celtic Homer, Ossian/'
Critics tell us that the plot of "Fingal"
is the same as that of the "Highlander."
but that the names of individuals and places
are changed, and that the poem has been
embellished with some fragments of Gaelic
legends.
The nearest approach to the "Temora."
that can be found, is in the '''Death of Os-
car," a ballad of sixty stanzas, but the re-
semblance is so faint as to be hardly recog-
nizable.
On account of the controversy that arose
in regard to the genuineness of these poems,
the "Highland Society" of Edinboro' ap-
pointed a committee of inquiry to investigate
the subject; and in their report the commit-
tee stated that they had "not been able to
obtain any one poem the same in title and
tenor."
Taiue's
opinion.
Uomniit-
toc of in-
quiry.
■d^
*■
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88
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
WlU) is
Ossian?
Historical
discrepan-
cies.
^
It will be remembered, that Mr. Mac-
plierson makes Ossian a Scotchman, but tra-
dition represents him as an Irishman — the
son of Fionn or Fingal Mac Cumhal.
In the Chronicon Scotorum, no mention
is made of King Fingal, and although the
genealogy of the clans has been pushed to
the utmost, not a single family has been
found to be derived from the Fions. They
were unknown to Monro in his genealogies
of the clans, and are mentioned in Buchan-
an's Surnames as an Irish militia, command-
ed by Fion Macoel, concerning which, "di-
vers rude rhymes are retained by the Irish
and some of the highlanders."
But even granting that Ossian was a
Scotchman, there is left a wide field for ar-
gument.
First, it would be well to notice some
historical discrepancies, wiiich are sufficient-
ly glaring to be considered.
Beginning about the year two hundred,
we find that Comhall, the grandfather of
Ossian, burnt Balclutha, the Alcluith of
Bede, and the Dumbarton of more modern
times. But Laing, in his history of Scot-
land, tells us that this place was built by
*
^
the Romans, in 308, and called by them The-
odosia. in honor of Theodosius, General of
Valentia: and as more conclusive evidence
of the non - existence of this town during the
time of Comhall. Ptolemy, in his enumera-
tion of the towns of each nation, makes no
mention of this.
Again, in Comala, we read of Fingal,
the father of Ossian, encountering Caracalla
on the banks of the Carron, which would
seem to conflict with Mr. Laing's statement,
that it was not until 258 that the Scots, under
the leadership of Fergus MacErth, came to
Scotland.
In describing the Orkney islands, Mr.
Macpherson would have us believe that they
were peopled by the Scandinavians, and that
the scenery was varied with "aged trees,"
and that a "Tock, with all its echoing wood"
and "flaming oaks," were also there; where-
as, history informs us that they were pos-
sessed by the Picts: and Solinus, a cotem-
porary of Fingal, describes the islands as
•'orcades numero tres, vacant homines, non
liabent sylvas, tantum junceis herbis inhor-
rescunt cetera earum nudse arense et rupes
tenent. "
Quotation
from
Solinus.
11
■*
Errors not
Coiittnod
to Ancient
History.
Comiiari-
son with
historians.
*
Errors are not by any means confined
to Ancient History. Messrs. Shaw and Hill,
also Dr. Young, searched the highlands, but
could discover nothing concerning "Swa-
ran," but of Magnus Barefoot, who, seizing
Cantire and the adjacent isles, was killed in
the beginning of the twelfth century, and
who, with an anachronism not uncommon
in traditions, is represented in some rude
ballads, as encountering Fingal.
In the first "fragments" of Fingal, Swa-
ran was called "Garva," a literal translation
of "Magnus" into Erse; but the fictitious
Swaran was afterwards substituted.
Thus do we find the historical portion
of Mr. Macpherson's so-called translations
untrustworthy. Still another test would we
suggest, and that is to compare the manners
and customs of Ossian's time, as set forth by
Mr. Macpherson. with the opinions of his-
torians.
In "Ossian" we read of generous he-
roes clad in complete steel, and of chivalric
knights quaffing the wine from sparkling-
shells in the halls of mossy towers, and tra-
versing the restless waters of the Northern
Ocean in large ships.
■*
•>B
OSSIAN S POEMS.
91
But Dio, Herodian, and Hume seem to
differ from him. They tell us that the na-
tives discarded any helmet or mail, but.
armed only with a narrow shield, a lance,
and a short sword, they kept up the guerilla
warfare in which they took so much delight;
that they dwelt in booths, and subsisted on
pasturage and hunting.
Solinus informs us that they had no
means of navigation, except by currachs,
which cross the Irish channel during a few
days only of the summer solstice.
The next question is, if Mr. Macpherson
did not have any poems to translate, where
did he obtain his poetical ideas and expres-
sions? for the '' Highlander" certainly proved
that he did not have the genius to originate
such poetry.
Mr, Shaw answers the question, when he
alludes to "the numerous passages in these
works evidently plagiarized from the whole
range of literature, from the Bible and Ho-
mer down to Shakspeare, Milton, and even
Thomson."
One example will serve to illustrate this
statement. A portion of Ossian's A'ldress to
the Sun is as follows: "'The moon is lost in
*
Discrep-
ancies.
Plagia-
rism.
■>i<
*
*
'.••laii-. that he had heard ''them totally re-
jected as a palpable and most impudent
^
t (Hiclll-
sidii.
■^
frill 1(1.
Sociables
and recep-
tions.
*■
forgery. This opinion has, indeed, become
very prevalent among the men of letters in
London." So that we are not alone in turn-
ing our backs upon this gigantic fraud prac-
tised upon the whole literary world.
Feb'y 8, 1873.
W, S. Stickney,
Class '75, U. of R.
Rochester, Feb'y 17, 1873.
My dear Mother —
Let me congratulate you upon the return
of this, your birth day. It may bring with it
some regrets, but the blessings of God are so
numerous, that I know you have not for-
gotten them. Then the day is sunshiny, and
the air is balmy, harbingers of good. May
you have, during the year just entered upon,
all the pleasures, and none of the sorrows, of
the past year.
I had a grand time last Friday night.
The sociable of Mr. Brown's church was to'
be held at Dr. Anderson's residence, and
having received several invitations I went.
Mrs. A. gave me a kind reception, and I had
a good time.
At half -past ten I took my departure
■*
*
AT COLLEGE.
■*
95
for the reception of Mr. Hiram Sibley, Jr.,
and Mrs. S., nee Harper. The house was
packed, and the bride was beautifully dressed
in white satin. The presents were handsome
and costly. Many of the guests wore pow-
dered hair, <\ la Marie Antoinette. Dr. An-
derson was there, and very agreeable. One
other student, besides myself, graced the
company. George sends love.
Affectionately, your son Willie.
Rochester, March 1, 18r;j.
My dear Father —
It has been a long while since I have
heard from home. It may be all true, that
"no news is good news," but it makes a
body feel more comfortable to have some
news, even if it be but little.
We have been jogging along as usual, at
the rate of seven days a week.
Day before yesterday the ' ' Social Union '"
liad a meeting, but I did not feel able to
attend.
Last week Prof. Gilmore had the Faculty
of the University, Drs. Strong and Buckland.
of the seminary, the Revs. Brown and More-
liouse, and Gen. Ratliburn at his house to
5!()cictv.
*
■*
>h-
•*
!)(i
MEMOIR OF W. S. STIC'KNEY.
Lecture.
*■
spend the evening'. All who had wives
brought them. Of course, in such a select
company, it was absolutely necessary for
your son to be present, and I have reason to
believe he was there; and, judging from his
remarks upon the subject, I think he had a
pretty good time. Why not? The supper
was excellent, and the ladies were very agree-
able.
Last night I heard a splendid lecture by
Wendell Phillips, upon "Froude and the Irish
Question." spiced with jokes which greatly
tickled the audience, who were evidently
sorry when he finished.
How prosper the church and S. S. ? We
have first - rate sermons from our pastor, and
the school is increasing. Two expect to be
baptized to-morrow.
Love to mother.
Your loving son Willie.
Rochester, March U, 1873.
Dear Father —
Yours, inclosing check, received.
Saturday we had examination in history,
and, although I hesitated about going in, as
I felt rather miserable, I had the satisfaction
*
^-
AT COLLEGE.
■ti
97
of seeing- the Prof, mark my work 10. To-
day we have Greek, under Dr. Kendrick.
What time I have left after college stud-
ies and the paper, is given mostly to church
meetings, S. S. lessons, and rehearsals.
I have here cast my first ballot. I tried
to vote honestly; so, after inquiring about
the candidates, found there was not much
choice. Of all the evils, I chose the least.
My ticket was democratic, liberal republican,
and republican, and, as it happened, the
very men I voted for were elected.
Many thanks for the check. Will be
home, D. V. , the last of this week.
Love to mother.
Affectionately, your son Willie.
Rochester, June 19, 1873.
My dear Father —
Yours of 2d inst, enclosing check, pro-
gramme, and report of organ concert, and
law- school invitations, all duly to hand.
I have not written, because we are now
leviewing, and, owing to my absence at the
beginning of the term, for me it is all ad-
vance. Since half -past twelve (it is now
six) 1 have read five pages Wm. Tell, seven
12
Casts his
first ballot
Review-
ing.
*
■*
Class
Supper.
*
of French selections, and nine in Tacitus.
Every day I have reason to be thankful that
I regained my strength before returning, for
at no other time in my college course have
I been able to do so much work.
Friday, the 5th, we had class - supper,
and it was a success, of course. All the
boys, except one, went, and we had a tho-
roughly delightful time. We serenaded Dr.
Kendrick and Prof. Gilmore' received speech-
es from each, and a collation, in addition,
from the latter.
Our excursion club have decided to do
the White Mts., instead of the Adirondacks.
In a few days you will receive prospectus
of a college paper we ('75) propose to start,
and would be glad for an ad. of Columbia
Law- School. Love to mother.
Affectionately, your son Willie.
Rochester, June 37, 1878.
My dear Father —
Yours of 23d received. The White Moun-
tain trip includes the Franconia Notch, Craw-
ford Notch, and Mt. Washington, towards
Lake Umbagog. Most of the traveling will
be done on foot.
■*
ff<-
AT COLLEGE.
•^3
99
I cannot leave before the middle of next
month, as I attend the convention of the
Y. M. C. A., at Po'keepsie, as a delegate,
commencing the 0th.
Wednesday, had examination in Latin.
Prof. Morey said I "passed splendidly." —
Yesterday in French, to-day German. I
passed pretty well in the last two; and now
my work is about finished for this year.
This is the half-way house. We are
no longer reckoned among the ''lower-class
men." but take our stand as Juniors.
It does n't seem possible that two years
have passed, but they are gone, to come up
again at the last day. In thinking over the
past, there is no question in my mind, that
I've grown; but whether my advancement
has been as rapid and as steady as it should
have been, is another thing. My health has
heretofore been poor, but now is thoroughly
good, and. with all the blessings a mortal
can have, I hope to make greater strides
onward in the future.
Last Friday night we had a rich joke
on the Fresh. They went to have their
(dass-supi)er. It is usual to serenade the
Faculty after the repast. We (Sophs.) col-
^
Half-way
house.
Soiihii-
iiiorcs'
joki- on
tli<> Prt'sli-
iiii'ii.
■*
*■
100
MEMOIR OP W. S. STICKNEY.
•*
At Luz-
erne, N. Y.
*■
lected, and, having found the Fresh, songs,
sang them to the Profs. Dr. Kendrick came
out and talked to us about '76, and praised
us sky high, never suspecting any thing-
wrong. We then went to Prof. Gilmore's,
and he thanked us for our kindness, and
lauded the class of '76. We then went to
Dr. K.'s, and hid. Pretty soon the Fresh,
came and sang, and sang, and sang; finally
the Dr. came to the windoiv, and said, '"76
again! '76 is all glorious!" Whereupon we
relieved the Fresh, of their astonishment by
showing ourselves. They did not serenade
any more that night.
Love to mother and yourself.
Your affectionate son Willie.
Luzerne, N. Y., Aug. 1, 1873.
My dear Mother —
I expect you begin to wonder what has
become of your boy. Well, you see we are
in the "stupidest place in the world," to use
the language of the proprietor of our "Way-
side Inn." It may be stupid, but it is a
relief after being at Saratoga.
We are surrounded by a spur of the Ad-
irondacks. and at a stone's throw from the
*
^
VACATION.
■*
101
hotel is Lake Luzerne, a small but very
beautiful sheet of water, where ladies and
children amuse themselves by rowing and
fishing.
Though the "Lake of the Four Cantons"
is suggested by the name, there is no re-
semblance between them. The high hills
and small mountains, far and near, are very
thickly wooded, softening the landscape, and
varying it by different shades of green.
Close by is a pine grove so dense the rays
of the sun seldom penetrate it. This is a
favorite resort for the ladies, to keep cool
and sniff the aromatic air. This a. m. father
and I fished for a little while in the Hudson,
ten minutes' walk distant. We were told
it was a splendid place for "fishing," and
we found it so — but did not have a nibble.
The hotel is comfortable, has ??o har, and is
a nice place for drinking copious draughts
of pure, fresh air, and for reading the book
of Nature from the works of God, so exten-
sively spread out before us.
I expect to visit my friend George Ord-
way, at Waterloo.
We didn't go to the White Mts.. after
all. As the trip was abandoned, father sent
Fisliiiif.
>±^
■*
*
\{)2
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Iiitorost ill
tlu'chuiTli
ami cliaiicl
|J(-
me word to meet him in Saratoga, and we
have been together ever since — both in ex-
cellent health, and both wish you were with
us.
How come on the church, S. S., and Ken-
dall Chapel? Father sends "lots of love,"
and take "lots more" from
Your affectionate son Willie.
Camp on Kearsarge Mountain, N. H.,
Aug. 13, 1873.
Dear Father —
Will leave for New Market Junction
Monday, and will be with you at Bangor
Tuesday, if nothing happens. We are hav-
ing a splendid time — cooking our own meals,
sleeping on spruce boughs, &c.
With love, your son Willie.
Waterloo, N. H.. Aug. 15, 1873.
My dear Mother —
You see I am still here, but to-morrow
expect to go to Fisherville, leaving there
Monday, and reaching Bangor Tuesday at
seven a. m. . if all is well.
We "broke camp" on Mount Kearsarge
day before yesterday. I have had a splen-
■*
1^
*
VACATION.
103
did time; but I must tell you about it. Last
Thursday, before I was at this house two
hours, one of the boys drove up to the door,
saluting me with, "You are the very fellow
I want." I retired to my room, but soon
appeared in a bluish -gray shirt, old pair of
pants stuck in my boot legs, and to crown
my "classic brow," my old felt hat (your
delight ?): no vest or coat — the flannel shirt
being sufficiently warm to keep me com-
fortable. In our wagon could be found ice,
baked beans, coffee, sugar, etc. , etc.
About ten o'clock, after a six mile ride,
we reached our destination. The boys heard
I was coming, and came down the hill and
gave me a hearty, and I think, sincere wel-
come. A cup of coffee was soon made, and
in the bright moonlight, with the mountains
in silent grandeur looking down upon us, we
took our evening meal. The tent was close
l)y, and we soon retired to it. Spruce boughs
formed our mattress, and over us we had a
number of "comfortables." I slept soundly.
The next day we took turns washing
dishes and doing the necessary chores about
the camp. One day we took a tramj) of
thirteen miles, fishing and gunning. The
In camp.
*
I
^
'^
104
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Recrea-
tion.
Returns to
college.
*
views were magnificent. The scenery here
is not grand, but the views are beautiful,
and, by the dim light of the moon, are al-
most sublime.
Wednesday we concluded to descend to
civilization. Accordingly, our camp was
struck, and we have resumed our white
shirts, collars, cuffs, and blacked boots.
I had some headache yesterday, but feel
rather better to-day. My visit here, at Mr.
and Mrs. Ordways', has been very pleasant.
You have doubtless read of the sad affair
of the Wawasset. What a blessing it is to
know that He who made us, said, " I am with
you alway." Those words have volumes of
meaning, and worlds of comfort to me.
Take good care of your health, and do
not forget, God wants the work of our bodies
when they are in their best condition — our
best work. With love.
Your affectionate son Willie.
After a pleasant visit to Maine, Will re-
turned, in good condition, to his studies,
somewhat hastened by his duties as Secre-
tary of the Board of Editors of the college
paper.
H-
■*
AT COLLEGE.
105
Rochester, Sept. 23, 1873.
Dear Father —
Having studied all my lessons since six
o'clock, I have yet a few moments before
breakfast. My health is good, and we are
very busy. Seventy have been examined —
about fifty in Freshman class.
Please send on the ad. for the Col. Uni-
versity soon as possible. Our paper goes to
press Saturday, but will not be issued till
Tuesday. Make the Law department prom-
inent.
I am reading in college, Sophocles' Ajax,
and studying Philosophy and Logic — enough
to keep us very busy. All seemed glad to
see me, when I made my appearance at
church last Sunday.
The bell has rung. Give love to mother.
Write soon, to
Your affectionate son Willie.
Rochester, Oct. 1, 1873.
My dear Mother —
I believe this is my first letter to you this
term. You must take the will for the deed.
We are very busy unraveling hard problems
in mechanics, cracking hard nuts of logic,
13
Study
"H
►fr
100
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
*
College
paper.
*
and digging up Greek roots. Besides this,
we are to publish "The University Kec-
ord." But the paper has gone to press, and
I 've finished copying my notes in logic and
philosophy, and Dr. Kendrick will not be
here to-morrow, so I have plenty of time
to write to - day.
The first number of our paper will be
out Friday. Receiving no ad. from father
for the University, I wrote one myself, giv-
ing, as a compliment, two squares to the
Law- school, in the first issue, whereas they
only engaged one.
Tell father I have about given up the
boat idea, as a useless expense. It costs
less to hire than to build.
Met Uncle John, from Rockville, yester-
day, on his way home from A. B. C. F. M.
Went about with him some, and dined with
him at the Osborn. He left at three p. m.
With love to yourself and father, and
kind regards to friends,
Your affectionate son Willie.
Rochester, Oct. 35, 1873.
My dear Father—
This morning the expressman came up
*
and announced ''a box" for nie. I was ex-
pecting it, for mother's letter, received last
night, announced its coming. Of course it
was soon opened, and from the hay and pa-
per emerged the beautiful present. I had
no idea it would be so elegant, so I was the
more surprised. The figures came in good
shape, except the arm of Plato was cracked.
And now let me thank you and mother
for your gifts. I am very much obliged,
and will try to prove myself worthy of them.
I think I really want to do only that which
is right, but sometimes I forget myself, and
utterly fail.
I do n't know as I felt very different
yesterday [his 21st birthday] in entering the
2d Act of my life, from what I usually do.
I have no desire to be different in any re-
spect, except to grow in my christian life.
All that I am, I know I owe to God and my
parents, and ni}^ earnest desire and purpose
is, that neither may be dishonored nor dis-
graced. What I have done in times past
that was wrong or annoying to you, I 'm
sorry for, and hope you will forget it, know-
ing you have forgiven.
My health, now, is very good, so I do
Gifts fi'Din
home.
'Pwcnty-
Hrst
liirthday.
*
*
*
108
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Thanks-
giving.
Oral dis-
sertation.
*
my share of the work, which is quite a good
deal. The second issue of the paper will
soon appear.
With love to you and mother, I am
Your affectionate son Willie.
Rochester, Nov. 28, 1873.
My dear Mother —
Friday afternoon has again come around,
and I take pleasure in writing you all the
news. The box, with its contents, came all
right. Many thanks.
Thanksgiving day has come and gone.
I took dinner here with four or five of the
boys. After dinner, which was a good one,
we sang the inclosed programme. At the
second "music" I presided at the piano.
The church was full. Prof, read, among
other things, Jean Ingelow's "Divided." If
you have it, please read it; I think you will
like it. After the Sociable, about forty of
us adjourned to the house of one of the
Trustees, as a surprise (?) party. There we
had a good time, and enjoyed a fine collation.
This A. M. I had to deliver an "oral dis-
sertation" before the class, on the "Musi-
cians of England." Prof. Gilmore, and a
*
*■
*
AT COLLEGE.
109
good many of the boys, complimented me
on my performance.
My health is first rate. I have been
thinking how much we have to be thankful
for; and, in looking over the year, I could n"t
wish any thing God had given me different
from what it was. I try to do right, and
live very near to my Savior, but sometimes,
I know, I wander. How important to watch
and pray.
Lots of love to you and father.
Your affectionate son Willie.
A pleasant Christmas home, in company
with his friend Stearns, and Will again re-
turned to college.
Rochester, Jan"y 15, 1^74.
[The anniversary of his parents' marriage.]
My dear Mother —
Twenty- two years ago to-day well, I
wont say any more, except to offer to you
and father my sincere congratulations, with
the hope you may see many anniversaries
of this day.
We are crowding a great deal of work
in a very little time, and. as it is all occu-
pied, the days seem short.
Review of
the year.
At work ill
eollcpt'
and in
eluircli.
^
■^
*-
■*
110
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Revival.
*-
Our class is gradually losing its men.
Ordway expects to leave for a position in
Washington. Church matters are prosper-
ing; prayer meetings last week, this, and
next. Last Sunday I received many com-
pliments from my church friends for my
playing.
College matters moving along as usual.
"The [college] days of life are sisters — all
alike, none just the same."
I must tell a joke on a sub -Fresh., who
went to see the Dr. Having heard him spo-
ken of as Prex, he addressed him as "Pro-
fessor Prex.'' He said afterward, he thought
•• the Professor" had a very peculiar expres-
sion on his face !
With love to father.
Your affectionate son Willie.
Rochester, Feb'y 13, 1874.
My dear Mother —
Yours of the 9th inst. came to me while
at prayer meeting, night before last, and it
made my "cup full to running over." At
the meeting, a young lady for whom I had
prayed earnestly, said she had found her
Savior. I will tell vou why I was so much
■^
I±^'
AT COLLEGE.
Ill
interested in her. There has been a good
deal of interest in the S. S., and my scholars
being all christians, I endeavored to set them
to work. Prof. Q., seeing I was pretty well
waked up, put two classes in my charge.
This was last Sunday. I was introduced to
the girls — from 12 to 10 years of age. I
talked seriously with them, and one prom-
ised to give up every thing for Jesus.
Monday night I went to the inquiry
meeting. I hunted up this one of my pro-
teges, and the first words she said to me
were, "I love Jesus." / was very happy;
and did I not have reason to be? Nine of
my "Parish," as Prof, calls it, are now serv-
ing Jesus. Ten more yet to come. Pray
for them and for me. About sixty have
been converted in the past few weeks. Last
Sunday night eleven were baptized. Many
families are being completed. God is bless-
ing us abundantly.
Tell father to read the leading editorial
in the next issue of our paper, and tell me
what he thinks of it.
It is the first of my productions that
has been complimented by the President.
He read it before it was put in type.
*
Conver-
sion of liis
Salibatli
Scliool
scholars.
^
*
112
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■*
Anxiety
foi' reli-
gious in-
terest at
home.
^
Love to father and yourself.
Your affectionate son
Willie.
Kochester, March 14, 1874.
My dear Mother —
Saturday night yours of 12th inst. was
received. Was surprised to hear of uncle
George Kendall's death.
" 'T is sweet, as year by year we lose
Friends out of sight, in faith to muse
How grows in Paradise our store."
I hope you will reap abundant harvest
for all the work done, and prayers offered
at Calvary Church.
Is there any religious interest in the Mis-
sions? I am glad Eva is at work. I feel
more and more that we can do effectual
work every day, letting our love for the
Savior manifest itself in the various situa-
tions in which we are placed.
College will probably close next week.
I expect to be home Saturday night, to stay
just a week.
Love to father.
Your affectionate son Willie.
*
^.
■•^
AT COLLEGE.
ii;3
Rochester, June 2(), 1874.
My dear Father —
To - day closes another year's work. This
A. M. we passed our last Junior examination,
so now we are Seniors ! I,
Yesterday was examination in astrono-
my, in which I scored 10. Wednesday I
worked from in the morning till 9i at night
on my astronomy, and even then I trembled
a little, when the time came — so much of it
was advance to me. But I went through
splendidly. To-day we have had a ''writ-
ten" in Cicero "de Officiis." I answered all
the questions.
Our class makes its first appearance in
public next Monday — Class day. We sing a
song to the " Bone -man" (a skeleton), which
the graduating class presents to us. I am
leader of the singing.
What is the projective point for the sum-
mer — Bolton or Delaware Water -Gap?
My health is again first rate. I have but
little headache. I have been elected Pres't
of the College Y. M. C. A., and reelected
Editor of the Record for first six months of
next year. Love to mother.
Affectionately, your son Willie.
1-1
Kilters Se-
nior class.
Song to
flio "Bono
Pres't of
College Y.
M. C. A.
*■
*
*
114
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Director
of Collego
Glee Cluli.
^
Rochester. Nov. 17, 1874.
My dear Father —
Am glad Mr. Hall thought so well of my
efforts as a delegate at Syracuse Y. M. C. A.
Convention. Dr. A. made the speech of the
meeting.
Last week a College Glee Club was or-
ganized, and I was made Director. The Y.
M. C. A. flourishes. I wish churches and
christians generally would pray more for the
young men in college.
Our church has lately been considerably
exercised by the pastor's having received
two calls. He has decided to acquiesce in
the wishes of the church, and remain. There
is much interest here, and we hope to see
good work done for the Master this fall and
winter.
Affectionately, your son Willie,
Rochester, Dec. 11, 1874.
My dear Mother —
I suppose you think it is most time for
"the boy" to write. Well, I've been pretty
busy lately in preparation for examinations.
This a. m. I passed examination in Dr. An-
derson's department — Intellectual Philoso-
*
*
AT COLLEGE,
■^
115
phy, and received 9, though I did not make
a single mistake. Did the Rogers group
come all right? I must tell you about it.
Thanksgiving day I took dinner with Stearns
in Buffalo, returning in the p. m,, to be ready
for college the next day.
That night there was a sociable in the
church. The room was full. I went late.
We had some singing, and then the pastor
brought out, with the assistance of another,
the group, "The Favored Scholar," I ad-
mired it, of course; listened, not very atten-
tively, to the preliminary remarks of the
pastor, and was never more surprised than
to hear my name announced as the favored
one. My reply was brief. It is the first gift
I ever received from comparative strangers,
and I prize it very highly. [This handsome
present was made in recognition of his effi-
cient services -as conductor of the church
choir.]
My health is good, when I am careful of
my diet; but I'll be glad to get home from
here. Be it ever so lonely, (?) there's no
place like home.
Love to mother.
Affectionately, your son Willie.
*■
Uift for
services as
chorister
at the
church.
*
study of
Roman
law.
Reading.
Rochester, Jan'y 15, 1875.
My dear Father —
Away nearly two weeks, and not a word
from home. I hope to hear very soon.
I have been very busy the past week
studying Roman Law, Physical Geography,
and Mental Philosophy, in college, and the
Vatican Decrees, for Society debate.
The more I study the Roman Law, the
better I like it. These crystallizations of
men's thoughts in regard to the relations of
meum and tuum are grand. With the lec-
tures that the Professor dictates, we read in
Justinian's Institutes.
Mental Philosophy is about as uncertain
as Rochester weather — sometimes clear, and
then foggy.
My reading on the Vatican Decrees is
quite extensive and benefiting. I have had
to study English, French, and German His-
tory, to understand the subject at all. Last
night I had about me seven books of refer-
ence while studying Gladstone's Expostula-
tions. I am learning how to use books —
"reading across," as Dr. Anderson calls it:
studying by subjects, not by books.
Please send me ''Hadlev's Lectures on
*■
^
*
AT COLLEGE.
ii:
Roman Law." You will find it in my book-
case. I carried it home last May. and left it
there.
Remember me kindly to inquiring friends,
and give love to mother. Write soon to
Your affectionate son Willie.
This habit of "reading across" was never
lost; for he was not only choice in the selection
of his reading, but also careful to get at the
meaning of the author, and to make the
knowledge thus acquired of service to him.
Hence the note - book was his constant com-
panion. In the wild regions of the Indian
Territory, when a member of the Ute Com-
mission, he found time not only to read, but
also to fill his book with notes of what he
had read.
Himself so intelligent and pure in his
reading, it was not strange that he should
have been desirous that all who were under
his care and instruction should be equally so.
For this reason, he exercised a judicious care
over the library of the Sunday School of
which he was superintendent, and sought to
create in the scholars a taste for the best
classes of literature, as well as to lead them
^
Note liddk
Suiida.v
rpadiiiK-
*
^
118
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
"^
Coiiiniu-
nion with
the Vieau-
tiful in the
works of
n.'itui'p.
Recrea-
tion.
^
in the choice of their reading to remember
the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
In reading his letters, one is impressed
with his deep and constant communion with
the beautiful in the works of Nature, as well
as in the realm of mind and of morals. No
one had a heartier appreciation of the unity
thus indicated in the 19th Psalm, when Da-
vid turns from the contemplation of the per-
fectness of the law of the material world to
find its counterpart in the law of spirit -ex-
istence. Hence to him the book of Nature,
as w^ell as the book of revelation, declared
the glory of God. To the one, as to the
other, he turned for the refreshment of his
mind, in the exhaustion caused by hard
study.
Indeed, it may be said of him, in a gen-
eral sense, that, in seeking recreation, he
always gave the preference to those methods
to which evil did not attach, even in appear-
ance, and which informed and strengthened
the mind, rather than dissipated it. For this
reason, in many of the amusements to which
youth resorts, he had no interest. Among
his papers was found, after his death, a
game of Proverbs, the object of which was
■*
not only to furnish diversion, but also, at the
same time, to lead to memorizing of this
portion of the Word of God,
Rochester, Feb y 15, 1875.
My dear Father —
Many thanks for yours of the 11th inst.,
with its inclosure.
Since my last, I have been on a little
excursion. Not feeling particular!}'- bright
last Thursday, I persuaded Ordway to go
with me to the Falls. We left on the 10:05
train. At Lockport I ran across our fellow-
traveler, met on the St. Lawrence on H. M.
S. S. "Secret," Mr. McCollum. We had a
pleasant chat.
At two we reached the Falls — the weath-
er we hoped to leave in R. coming with us.
First, dinner at the Spencer House, and then
hunt for a sleigh. Finally engaged one for
the P. M.. for S'^.oO. Our first visit was to
Prospect Point. Imagine our appearance —
an old hack on runners, two poor horses,
three robes over our knees, and the snow
blowing and eddying around us. and in our
faces, sometimes almost blinding us; and yet
we enjoyed it.
Visits Nia-
gara Palls.
*■
*
-^
\-io
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Winter
landscape.
*■
On the Point the trees and foliage were
covered with iced snow. The pavilion was
wreathed in the same pure alabaster -like
covering, looking as beautiful and forsaken
as the Palace at Versailles when we saw it,
or the royal residences at Schonbrunnen.
We next crossed the rapids to Goat
Island, and went to Luna Island. Here we
gained our best view of the American Fall.
The centre was obstructed by ice, which ex-
tended in huge icicles to the bottom of the
Fall. Many of these were split up into sev-
eral, when near the bottom, making "fring-
es " and "open work " of singular beauty. At
the bottom of the Fall were large "mounds,"
from beneath which the water pours, as we
saw it at Griindelwald and the Mer de Glace.
Our next stopping place was on the Tow-
er-side of the island. There was less ice on
the Canada Fall, and the mounds were not
so large. The view up the river was strik-
ingly desolate.
AVe crossed the new bridge, the wind
blowing the sleigh against the railing, and
producing an undulating motion to the
bridge, that made a foot-passenger, crossing
at the same time we did, quite sea -sick.
■*
^-
AT COLLEGE.
-►:2l
121
From the Canada shore the view was very
grand. The river below was frozen, and
huge masses were piled up to an enormous
size and height. While looking at this Fall
some large pieces of ice came over, produc-
ing a noise like the booming of distant can-
non.
Purchasing a few photos, we returned
to the Spencer, well pleased with our sight-
seeing. At 8 took the return train; stormed
several snow drifts, causing a shock to the
whole train, and reached R. safely at mid-
night.
Love to mother, kind regards to Mr. and
Mrs. J. , and Jeannie R.
Your affectionate son Willie.
The foregoing closes Will's correspond-
ence while in the University at Rochester.
His parents had the pleasure of being
present at the commencement exercises in
Corinthian Hall, Rochester, Wednesday, June
;{0, 1875, and were never more proud of their
boy than when listening to his manly ora-
tion on that occasion.
His subject was, "Why should the State
Educate?" His oration displayed excellence
15
tioii.
■*
*■
■*
12-2
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
Oration.
Rough
draft of lii.-
oration.
*■
both of style and composition; originality of
thought; and a grasp of the subject seldom
attained in one of his years. His delivery
was elegant and graceful, eliciting general
applause from his immense audience.
His parents were equally gratified to find
their son enjoyed the friendship of a large
circle of acquaintances, who were lavish in
their praises of his usefulness, his purity of
life, and nobility of character.
He had passed through this critical pe-
riod, not only without reproach, but had
won the confidence and esteem of all with
whom he had associated — an honor, in the
estimation of his parents, far outweighing
in value that of a diploma from his Alma
Mater, highly as they prized that.
Though diligent search has been made
among his papers, we have been unable to
find a copy of his oration.
The following "rough draft," copied from
his notes, gives an imperfect idea of the fin-
ished oration, but covers its essential points:
■*
^-
AT COLLEGE.
•28
■*
WHY SHO ULD THE ST A TE ED ITCA TE ?
It is the function of the State to enforce
respect for the rights of property and protect
human hfe.
It is clearly the privilege of the State to
maintain its own existence.
If these propositions are admitted, it fol-
lows that it is the duty of the State to ele-
vate the substrata of society, that never-
failing source of peril to life, property, and
the very existence of the State, by providing
them the means for a certain degree of intel-
lectual training; not with the State an end
in itself, but simply a means to an end.
There can be no question that every
individual needs a certain amount of edu-
cation, that he may intelligently perform the
functions of citizenship.
The prosperity of the individual is the
prosperity of the State.
Even under despotic governments this
principle is recognized and acted upon.
There can be no doubt that one's man-
hood is promoted, and his independence of
character asserted, by affording him this
means of intellectual training.
>b-
Function
of the
State.
Duty of
the State.
Education
necessary
to intelli-
gent citi-
zenshii).
KtUiciitioii
prnniotes
niiiiiliood.
*
*-
1^4
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
*
Another
reason for
State edu-
cation.
How far
should the
State edu-
cate?
*■
The truth of this proposition appears
self-evident. Where the masses are suf-
fered to grow up in ignorance, they are
at all times liable to become the dupes
of wily politicians and unscrupulous dema-
gogues.
Another reason why the State should
educate, exists in the fact that we are annu-
ally receiving, by immigration, an army of
foreigners, essentially un -American in tastes
and habits.
This vast aggregation of humanity can
in no way be absorbed and assimilated in
our national life, and become thoroughly
Americanized so effectively, as by placing
within their reach the means of instruc-
tion.
If it be asked, ''How far is the State
warranted in carrying the education of its
citizens?" the reply is not difficult.
The object should be kept steadily in
view, viz. : to make good, intelligent citi-
zens, able to understand our form of gov-
ernment and comprehend its laws.
To accomplish this, a man is not obliged
to be familiar with Lecky on Morals, or puz-
zle his brain over law books. The rudiments
■►^
AT COLLEGE.
1:;>5
■*
of an education, or what is usually known
as the common, elementary branches of
knowledge, are all that is required.
Certain visionary schemers contend that
it is the duty of the State to maintain col-
leges and technical schools. This is clearly
beyond the province of the State. With
higher education it has no more to do than
it has with religion.
It may, and should, educate sufficiently
for self -protection — for this an ornamental
education is not essential.
If this view is correct, the State clearly
has no right to appropriate money for college
buildings, or Professors" salaries. Such leg-
islation is usurpation. It is using the money
of the people for the higher education of a
privileged class, inasmuch as a large majoi-
ity of the youth of school age can never reap
the benefit of a college education, even if
provided at the public expense.
If a common school education is suffi-
cient to meet the demands of the State, the
State education should there stop.
If it is necessary for the State to train
teachers for common schools, let this be
done: but. at the same time, let care be
^
The Stall-
slioukl not
iiiaiiitaiu
colleges.
< )i-ii;uii('ii-
tal I'diicH-
tioii not
«»ssontial.
Common
scliools.
■*
^
1 -21;
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
KmMU'ons
views.
Must not
odiicate a
lew at the
I'XpCIlSO of
the many.
Aristocra-
cy.
*■
taken that all the people should share di-
rectly in the benefits.
Misled by the notion that a republic con-
templates not merely the political, but the
social and intellectual equality of its citizens,
the champions of public colleges claim that
every boy in the land must be furnished, at
public cost, with facilities for studying chem-
istry, farming, engineering, and even the
dead languages. Such views are anti- re-
publican, and wholly at variance with the
spirit of our institutions.
No logic, however subtle, can make it
consistent with the true ideas of a republic
to confer upon the State the duty or right to
educate the few at the expense of the many.
Such a policy consists better with aristocracy
than democracy.
After spending a few months in recrea-
tion, Will returned once more to his home,
to prosecute his studies for the legal profes-
sion. He entered, with his accustomed zeal,
into all activities of the church and Sunday
School, never growing weary of them, never
faltering, but devoting to them all the ener-
gies of his being.
*
*
■^
AT HOxME.
He presided at the piano in the Home
school, with such skill and good taste, as
made him an universal favorite; he was
teacher of a class in the Home school, in
the morning, and in Kendall Chapel, in the
afternoon. Constant in his attendance upon
meetings; ready to contribute to his utmost
in promoting their usefulness; always prompt
in offering his services where they might be
the most useful; liberal in his pecuniary con-
tributions to every benevolent and worthy
object; cheerful in rendering assistance to
his father by every means in his power, he
sought, unselfishly and unostentatiously, to
devote himself to the Church of Christ and
the good of his fellow- men.
In October, 187G, he entered the junior
class in the Law School of Columbian Uni-
versity, and, at the same time, enrolled
himself among the students of the Wash-
ington Business College for a year's study
in practical business methods.
In June. 1876. he graduated from the
college, with the honor of the Valedictory.
He acquired a leading influence over his
fellow- students, and won the respect and
confidence of his teachers, wlio expressed a
>±^
AbDUiui-
ing ill
cliurpli
Work.
Kilters
I.ilW
Scliool and
Business
(>i':i±<
*
128
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Valedic-
tory.
Voyage of
life.
*■
strong desire to have him remain in the
college as an instructor.
His Valedictory, on the occasion of his
graduation from the Business College, de-
livered at Lincoln Hall, Thursday night,
June 1, 1870, was as follows:
VALEDICTORY BY W. S. STICKNEY.-
The ship, about to enter upon a perilous
voyage, with sails spread to the favoring
wind, dismisses the pilot whose skill has
directed her course through the intricacies of
the harbor, and so breaks the only remain-
ing link that binds her to her native land.
We, the graduating class of this college,
started on our course by skillful navigators,
to-night cast off our moorings, and, with
buoyant hopes, enter upon the voyage of
life, fraught with perils, but full of grand
possibilities.
To-night past scenes crowd our mem-
ories, and, while our minds are filled with
pleasing reminiscences, we are forced to the
reality that henceforth new experiences, new
associations, and new duties await us. The
pleasures of memor}^, however, are still ours
to enjoy and cherish; photographed on the
*
mind by a process more beautiful and more
mysterious than man's philosopliy ever de-
vised, and with a distinctness that time itself
cannot efface, we bear them with us, precious
treasures, mementoes of the days that are past.
Our attachment to this Business College
is no sentiment, no figment of the imagina-
tion, but true and genuine, founded, as it is,
upon the knowledge experience gives us of
its great influence and importance. Let it be
understood we are not of those who decry
the importance of classical learning, of cul-
ture, and all the adornments of a finished
education. But life is, now- a -days, emphat-
ically, a struggle; a thorough knowledge of
affairs is absolutely necessary to him who
would cope successfully with the exigencies
and difficulties to be encountered.
The foundation must be deep and solid if
the superstructure would survive. A busi-
ness training is to a business man what dis-
cipline is to an army.
Our banks and mercantile houses are
full of cripples, who go limping through life,
when a few years of study in the Business
College would have rendered them efficient
and successful.
16
*
Impor-
tance of
classical
training.
Practical
knowl-
edge.
-*
*
"*
i:50
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Motluxls.
*
With our school - room divided into streets
and squares, the real estate agent finds am-
ple opportunity to ply his vocation and real-
ize handsome profits.
The College Bank, instituted on the true
Jackson theory of hard money, discounts
notes with good endorsers, fears no suspen-
sion, draws its bills of exchange, and issues
its notes redeemable at maturity. Its capital
is uniinpaired, its management honest, its
assets always exceeding its liabilities.
Our transportation and commission busi-
ness, successfully conducted on a sound basis,
leads one into all the intricacies of trade and
commerce.
Neither is the art preservative of all arts
here neglected. The newspaper taxes the
brain and calls into exercise the talent of
him who would enlighten his fellow- students
upon the current questions of the times.
These are but an outline of the methods
and processes by which a student can, in a
brief space, furnish himself with the means
of usefulness and success.
As the great mass of mankind hurries
restlessly on, ever seeking and never satis-
fied, the inefficient and the sluggard are
■*
rudely thrust aside or are trodden down.
Selfishness loves few and pities none. Al-
though each may persuade himself he is
seeking the "greatest good of the greatest
number," the ''greatest number" is gener-
ally number one. and the "greatest good"
his own aggrandizement.
The merchant of to-day has the whole
world for his market, and all its inhabitants
for customers. The iron horse has supplant-
ed the slow coaches in which our ancestors
rode. The lightning has been civilized, and
is now our swift -winged messenger, anni-
hilating time and space. The ends of the
earth are within speaking distance, and its
most remote inhabitant is our neighbor.
With all these advantages, the sine qua non
of the business man of to-day is energy and
brains. Taught how to use his braius. and
all direct<^'d by a true morality, a young
man's possibilities are as illimitable as truth,
as sublime as immortality.
The graduating class of '76 is the Cen-
tennial offering of the Washington Business
College. T is ours to enter upon the active
duties of life with greater responsibilities
and greater advantages than were ever
>^
Progri'ss.
Biisiiioss
iiualitics.
■*
*
132
-^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Conteniii-
al offering.
*■
given to man before. There is laid at our
feet the experience of the grandest centu-
ry in the history of the world. A period
marked by no such peaceful grandeur as
characterized the Augustan age, or the
Elizabethan era — but one eminent for its
mighty men, for its advance in physical and
metaphysical research, and for the develop-
ment of an idea at once sublime and God-
like; the idea, cherished by every American
heart, that all men are created free and
equal. Inaugurated when John Hancock
and his compatriots signed the immortal
Declaration of Independence, consummated
when Abraham Lincoln gave to the world
the Proclamation of Emancipation.
As Newton stood on Kepler's shoulders,
it will be expected of us that, resting on the
experience and knowledge of the past, we
will reach up still higher, grasp grander
truths, solve mightier problems, and so help
enlarge the horizon of human knowledge.
We leave our halls of study and pleasure
with regret. We linger to say good - bye to
you whose genius has directed our studies
and inspired us with a noble ambition. We
shall endeavor to profit by your counsel, and
4.
^
AT HOME.
*
133
bring no discredit upon our college. May
you be spared these many years as faithful
guides to the young of Washington; and
when these days draw to a close may they
be radiant with a beauty that shall be a
promise of the joy and happiness beyond.
To you, ladies and gentlemen, who have
so kindly listened to our exercises, we extend
our thanks. We commend to your care and
good -will the Business College of Washing-
ton. Honored by the lives of its former
graduates, may its reputation be still further
enhanced by those now taking their leave.
From the Business College we graduate
into the great common school of life. We
enter with you in the race for success, and,
seeking it on the basis of truth, we know we
shall succeed, for though
"Truth is ever on the scaffold,
And Wrong is ever on the throne,
Vet that scaffold sways the future ;
And behind the great unknown
Standeth God within the shadow,
Keeping watch above His own."
>i^
(iood
wishes.
■*
*■
134
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■*
Useful-
ness.
Zoal as a
stiulciit.
Hoalth.
Literary
('lull.
Music.
*■
Will continued his studies at the Law-
school, giving, also, much time in assisting
his father.
He seemed to derive real pleasure in be-
ing useful to others, though far from enjoy-
ing good health.
His anxiety to sustain himself among his
fellow law- students, often kept him at his
studies when he should have been in the
open air, seeking recreation.
Many a night, when poring over his
books till a late hour, has he been told to
lay them aside and go to bed. But though
of weak constitution, he was seldom totally
disabled by sickness. He was generally able
to attend recitation at Law- school, and sel-
dom, or never, absent from church or Sunday
School.
He mingled but little in society, and had
but a limited circle of acquaintance outside
the church.
He had joined a literary club, in whose
meetings he took great pleasure.
Music, vocal and instrumental, always
afforded him recreation and satisfaction. He
was always happy, when, with four or five
of his musical friends about him, he would
■*
*■
-*
AT HOME.
las
lead them on the piano in rendering some
favorite glee, anthem, or song.
On June, 13, 1877, he was graduated with
his class from the Law- school, and received
his degree of Bachelor of Laws.
He immediately joined with others in
forming a post-graduate class, for one year
more of advanced study, and would have
been graduated with his class, receiving a
degree of Master of Laws, but for his ab-
sence in the west. He was admitted to prac-
tice at the bar of the District of Columbia
July 2, 1877.
Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Aug. 1, KS77.
My dear Mother —
I will answer yours of the 25th, and
father's of the 30th, together.
The indefiniteness of your plans is re-
freshing. You know, here, it is. get up in
the morning, drink spring -water, eat break-
fast, read awhile, spring -water, eat, more
reading, spring- water, eat. spring- water,
and to bed — so, to have to do witli some-
tliing not fixed by any rule, is very re-
freshing.
Mrs. H. has just asked, ''When do you
^
(iraduatt's
from Law
SclKx.I.
Piirtlier
stiulii'.s.
■*
*■
*
136
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Visits in-
sane asy-
lum at
Ovid. N. Y.
*■
expect your father and mother?" Mrs. B.
asked the same question. Mr. and Mrs. H.
repeated the same interrogatory. The last
time I saw Mr. and Mrs. R. I enhghtened
their minds on the subject. Dr. A. and Dr.
K., from Rochester, Dr. and Mrs. F., from
Bangor, and numerous other friends, are in
pursuit of similar information.
I have busied myself in investigating
causes of pauperism and modes of relief.
Sunday I met Drs. Anderson and Ken-
drick at church. Dr. A. is on his way to
Ovid, N. Y. , to examine an insane asylum;
so I accompanied him, with three other
members of the State Board of Charities.
At Geneva we took a boat and went
down Seneca Lake twenty miles to the asy-
lum. It is beautifully located on a large
farm on the shore of the lake — high ground,
which commands a fine view of the lake and
surrounding country.
I wish you would come here, that way,
via Bait, and Harrisburg to Watkins, thence
by boat, forty miles, to Geneva; from there
by rail to Schenectady here.
We reached the asylum yesterday a. m.,
about 10 : 30. This is a receptacle for the
■^
Ij-
■^
AT HOME.
137
worst forms of disease in all the county hos-
pitals. 1,250 inmates.
The buildings are in groups of about five
two - story brick wards. An eighth of a mile
separates the two sexes. It seemed almost
too bad to put nature's deformities where her
beauties were so striking; but it is right they
should be made as happy as possible. I
do n't think I should make a good Insane
Hosp. Supt.
Dr. Anderson has returned to Rochester;
left regards for you and father.
Please send some more religious papers.
Love to father.
Affectionately, your son
Will S. Stickney.
In October, 1875, he was elected Presi-
dent of the Calvary Christian League, an
organization composed principally of the
young people of the church and Sunday
School, for nuitual improvement and social
intercourse.
At the expiration of the first year, he
was reelected for another term. In accept-
ing the position, he delivered a brief address,
defining the object of the organization.
17
*■
President
of Calvary
Christian
Lea^n*^-
Keelocted.
■*
*
138
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY
-^
Address to
League.
*■
Among his papers was found the follow-
ing "points" of his speech:
"Analyze the name — Calvary Christian
League. Name is the body, the idea is the
soul. The body demands respect as it furn-
ishes a habitation for the soul. Give brief
sketch of the life of Christ, whose birth was
heralded by notes of joy, chanted by angelic
choirs, ravishing the ears of the wondering
shepherds on Bethlehem's plain. Christ a
paragon of excellence, the personification of
Truth an.d Virtue. We are His representa-
tives, and if true disciples, must illustrate
His life in our lives. The League was not
formed for pleasure merely; to tie it to such
limits, would make it unworthy the name."
On retiring from office, at the expira-
tion of his second term, 1877, he expressed
a strong desire for the future prosperity and
usefulness of the League. He called partic-
ular attention to the name of the organiza-
tion, defining the word "Christian" as em-
bracing all the intellectual, social, and moral
qualities of man's nature. He considered
growth, a principle of the christian life —
when development ceases, decay begins ; this
■*
5(-
■^s
AT HOME.
13!)
is as true of an organization like this as of
an individual.
During the last year of his administra-
tion, thirty- five new members were added,
and $327.76 was received. This money was
appropriated for the l)enefit of the poor in
the S. S. , for foreign missions, sewing - circle,
repairing church furniture. &c.
In the early part of 1877, the President
approved a bill appropriating $20,000 for the
relief of the destitute poor of the city of
Washington. A commission was appointed
to carry it into effect. During the following
months of the winter and spring. Will gave
the whole of his time to aid the commission,
of which his father had been made President.
As indicative not only of his zeal in every
good work, but also of his administrative
ability, a portion of the report he made to
the board is here given.
Extract from Report of W. S. Stickney
TO the Relief Commission.
"Since our city is the seat of Govern-
ment, it presents the singular appearance of
>±^
Results
Relief
('
■*
AT HOME.
141
men, and children in every grade of want
and destitution.
" These are the principal classes that
demanded our attention and assistance dur-
ing the past year.
******
"On the 5th of Feb'y. 1877, the President
of the U. S. approved a bill appropriating
twenty thousand dollars for the 'destitute
poor of this city." to be disbursed by the
Relief Commission.
"Such a large sum of money doubtless
attracted some who had previously managed
to do without aid. But the absence of any
law of settlement, or authority to send immi-
grant paupers home, made it difficult to dis-
criminate between those who had moved
into the city to avail themselves of this aid.
and our own needy citizens.
"The commission endeavored to prevent
this immigration by adopting a rule, which
the visitors were instructed to see enforced,
that no application should be received from
any who had not resided at least a month in
the city.
"The number of those who received aid
from the twenty thousand dollars a])])r(ipria-
Aiiin'uiiri-
at ion tor
tlio i>oor
"^
*
\u
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Aid fjivoii.
mode of
Hiving nid.
Principal
causi> of
liovcrty.
ted by Congress, was U,358, ISTumber of
families helped, 8,191.
******
•'The primary object of all charitable
organizations, should be to relieve distress,
and, at the same time, to administer relief in
such a way as to diminish pauperism.
' ' There is nothing incompatible with this
idea in the granting of out - door relief, if it
is bestowed judiciously and systematically.
But it should be so given, that the applicants
will be compelled to resort to other means of
obtaining a living than the monthly rations
provided by the city.
'•The principal cause of pauperism in
our city, directly or indirectly, is intemper-
ance, greatly aggravated by the want of em-
ployment.
• • It would be more economical to support
the paupers in the work -house, and provide
for the children industrial schools and homes,
thus relieving the pauper class of those who
would otherwise follow the example of their
parents in idleness and vice, and thus train-
ing them to habits of industry and useful-
ness.
••We do not endorse the opinion lately
f/4r
■*
*
■^
AT HOME.
UA
adopted by many social economists, that
pauperism is hereditary. Men and women
are not constitutionally paupers, but become
such from their surroundings or environ-
ment. Improve these, and the evil is greatly
diminished, if not effectually cured.
"Most of the families applying for aid
have in them able-bodied men. who either
cannot find employment, or are determined
not to work.
"We would not recommend, as a meas-
ure of charity, the employment by tlie gov-
ernment of those temporarih^ without work,
at their full value. The disastrous opera-
tions of such a system have been too fully
demonstrated in France, during the last hun-
dred years, to call for adoption here.
"The evil of the Ateliers natioiian.v
was, that they attracted laborers, by paying
the full value of their service; so that what
was intended as a charity, many came to
demand as a rujlit.
"If fifty cents a day were given to such
employees, the objection to the French sys-
tem would be obviated. For. while tliis
would be sufficient to supi)ly a family with
bread and fuel, it would not l)e enough to
*■
Paiiiicr-
isni not iii-
liorited.
A Krciicli
iiiistjiki'.
Hi<
*
*
144
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Prpiiiiuin
1)11 idlo-
nps.s.
Misdiri'ct-
('(1 fliiirity.
*■
tempt laborers from other work, or to hold
them, if any other employment could be ob-
tained.
' ' When the applicant is assisted by pub-
lic charity, he is regarded, and regards him-
self, as a public dependent. His shiftlessness
is encouraged, and his children taught the
lesson — once learned, never forgotten — that
the government virtually pays a premium
for idleness.
"It has been hinted, that some families
move into the city to avail themselves of the
aid given to the poor. This immigration
should be discouraged, and to accomplish
this, the city government should have au-
thority to send these people back to their
homes. This plan works well in other pla-
ces, and deserves a trial here.
"During the past year it came to our
knowledge that several families were actu-
ally relieved from work by the aid given by
the various relief societies. They were sup-
ported by charity. Such a system is worse
than none, as it conceals the imposter and
encourages the lazy.
"To prevent such frauds, all societies
granting out - door relief, should send to
■*
*■
■^jl
AT HOME.
145
some central office, daily, the names and
residences of those assisted the day before.
• ' Whatever is done for the poor, should
be of a permanent character. Owing to the
want of powers of the Commission, many
last year were helped only to be helped
again. If they are confirmed paupers, not
able to take care of themselves, they should
be put by themselves. The welfare of soci-
ety demands it. If they are only tempo-
rarily distressed, it is the interest of society
to help them on their feet again, without
pauperizing them.
"Oftentimes the visitors find applicants
too old and infirm to work. It would seem
to be the dictates of true charity and human-
ity, that these poor, old and disabled people
should be sent to the poor - house, where they
may have more of the comforts of life.
"Children are sometimes found, who,
with no friends to care for them, depend
entirely upon begging for their daily subsist-
ence. They are waifs, exposed to every
form of vice and crime, and will eventually
be found in our gaols and penitentiaries.
"In conclusion, allow me to recapitulate
18
Sugges-
tion.
Children.
*■
-*
)±t-
■*
ur;
MEMOIR OF W, S. STICKNEY.
Recom-
menda-
tions.
i^-
the recommendations presented in the fore-
going:
"1. The District Government should es-
tablish a ' Labor Bureau ' for the employment
of men whose families apply for aid — the
wages being considerably below the usual
rate, but sufficient for maintaining subsist-
ence.
"2. That orders be given, that any ap-
plicant for aid, having a legal settlement
elsewhere, be sent to his home.
"3. That all societies granting out -door
relief, be requested to send to the central
office, daily, a list of the names and residen-
ces of those assisted the previous day.
"4. For every five hundred dollars ap-
propriated by Congress to benevolent institu-
tions in this District, the Relief Commission
be entitled to send one inmate for one year.
"5. That the Relief Commission be con-
stituted a visiting board, to visit all the char-
itable institutions in the District, at least
once a year, to examine the condition and
management of such institutions, and report
the same to the city government. This sys-
tem is found to work well in the State of
New York.
-*
^-
■*
AT HOME.
u:
''In these suggestions no extra expense
would be involved, except, perhaps, in the
labor bureau, and, in that case, the benefit
would more than compensate for the outlay.
"Respectfully submitted.
"W. S. Stickney."
Foasiliili-
ty of tliese
suggos-
tiOMS.
>±f-
■*
* *
CHAPTER IV.
FIRST UTE COMMISSION.
"Not the place honors the man, but the man the place."
The day is short, and the work is great. It is not incumbent upon
thee to complete the work ; but thou must not, therefore, cease from
it. If thou hast worked much, great shall be thy reward ; for the
Master who employed thee is faithful in his payments. But know that
the true reward is not of this world. — Talmud.
^ *
*
UTE COMMISSION.
■*
151
cy^ONGRESS passed a law, approved May
^J' 3, 1878, for the appointment of a Special
Commission to negotiate with the Ute In-
dians in Colorado, for the consolidation of
all the bands into one agency, and for the
extinguishment of their right to the southern
portion of their reservation. Gen. Edward
Hatch, of the army, N. C. McFarland, of
Kansas, and Wm. Stickney, of Washington,
constituted the commission. W. S. Stickney
was appointed Secretary and Disbursing Of-
ficer.
The Commission met and organized at
Manitou, near Pike's Peak, Colorado. July
30, 1878.
The unusual altitude or peculiar climatic
conditions of this region so affected me, that,
fearing I should be an obstruction to the
work of the Commission, and meeting ex-
Governor Morrill, of Maine, at Manitou,
with his consent, I telegraphed the Presi-
dent, suggesting that he be appointed in
my place, at the same time announcing my
resignation on account of ill health. This
change was immediately effected.
Gen. Clinton B. Fisk was present, repre-
senting the Board of Indian Commissicmers.
>±^
ute Com-
mission.
Apiioiiit-
ment.
Cliaiigc.
4«
*-
1 .V2
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
±ii
Kolipst' of
tlie sun.
•lourney-
ing.
Uliiiipses
of glorious
tliiiifrs.
*■
After remaining several days at Manitou,
where we had the intense satisfaction of
witnessing the total eclipse of the sun on the
30th of July, the Commission, accompanied
by Gen. Fisk and myself, proceeded to Ala-
mosa, the terminus of the Denver and Rio
Grande R. R., crossing, en route, the cele-
brated Veta Pass,
We remained at Alamosa a day or two,
waiting for the military escort which was to
accompany the Commission to Los Pinos and
other points in southern Colorado.
The Commission started on their long
journey over mountains, plains, and valleys,
while Gen. Fisk and I returned east, stop-
ping to visit the Indian Territory on our way.
The following extracts from a letter of
my son, gives interesting incidents and im-
pressions by the way:
"Since my last letter, which was from
Manitou, our camp has moved all through
the famous San Juan mining country. I can
give you but glimpses of the glorious things
we saw in that almost unknown land. The
ride to Alamosa, over the narrow- guage
(gouge it should be called, for charging ten
■*
>^'
UTE COMMISSION.
■ti
153
cents a mile), was rather devoid of interest,
excepting the Veta Pass. This' R. R. feat
our Colorado friends seem never to tire talk-
ing about. Not having money enough to
tunnel the mountain, the railroad company
went over it. The summit is 9,339 feet above
the sea, and the average grade for 31i miles
is 211 feet to the mile. One sharp curve of
30 degrees, with a radius of 193 feet, called
the 'mule shoe,' is one of the sights. As a
piece of engineering, this is no great wonder,
as the road sticks close to the mountain side,
and the certainty of reaching the top only
depends on the strength of the locomotive.
But the view down the valley is very fine —
the Spanish peaks looming up on the foot-
hills five or six thousand feet and overlook-
ing the prairie plains that extend as far as
the eye can reach. The ride down the
mountain was on the double-quick, but a
heavy shower and thick, black clouds pre-
vented our seeing any thing of the country.
"Alamosa, the present terminus of the
road, affords two hotels. We stopped at the
Perry House. The proprietor, Joe Perry, as
he is familiarly called, came originally from
Chester, N. Y. The chief end of his life
View
down the
valley.
Kajiid
t^aIl^s^t.
•If
■*
*
l.U
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
*
Prairie
schoonors
*
appears to be to 'keep a first-class hotel
on the frontier.' He has already built six-
teen hotels, following the western terminus
of the Kansas Pacific, Atchison, Topeka and
Santa Fe, and now of the Denver and Rio
Grande Railroad. On the 23d of last June
his guests took breakfast in his hotel at Gar-
land City, and tea in the same house at
Alamosa, 30 miles beyond. After breakfast
the house was taken apart in sections, loaded
on fifteen cars, transferred to the new town,
and reerected.
''We reached Alamosa the 7th of Au-
gust. The town was then two months old,
with a population of six or eight hundred.
The town was in process of construction.
Houses almost finished, half built, some with
only the foundations laid, could be seen all
around. Prairie schooners brought families
from Del Norte, thirty miles beyond, to
locate in the new town; and a few came
directly from the east. Freight trains load-
ed with houses, the owners sitting on top,
steamed in from Garland. All about the
town were tents and covered wagons, serv-
ing as houses till more substantial ones could
be roofed in.
■*
^-
UTE COMMISSION.
->±(
155
"The town is located in the middle of
the Rio Grande valley, about a mile west
of the river. The valley is sixty miles wide,
and four hundred long; is skirted by high
mountains, and is covered with a luxuriant
growth of sage brush, grease wood, and
cactus. It is said, that, with 'irrigation,'
this valley may be made to blossom as the
rose. A friend — a Colorado enthusiast —
would picture us picking bananas, oranges,
and other tropical fruits from the groves of
San Luis Park — Nous verrons. The dust
is an inch or two deep, and so filled with
alkali that it is especially disagreeable to
the eyes. Its presence in such quantities is
accounted for on the theory that the rocks
on the mountains have become disintegrated
and blown into the valley. No gardens have
been started yet; hence living is expensive.
Most of the vegetables come by rail from
Kansas, thirty- six hours distant, and are re-
shipped at Pueblo. The Texas herds furnish
most of the meat. We observed several Chi-
nese, in their national costume and the inev-
itable pig -tail, who seemed to be doing a
good business.
"There we bade farewell to what civili-
Rio
Grande
valley.
Dust.
*■
*
*■
15(;
■^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Farowcll
to civili-
zation.
Tlio (Jon-
oral.
Till' .ludfii
The (iov-
erni'i'.
Tlio Poc
tor.
The Cap-
tain.
The Colo
iicl.
zation there was, and started for the mount-
ains. Before beginning the trip, you must
know something of the party.
''First, came the 'General,' [Hatch] full
of war stories; always ready for a hunt or a
fish; generally good-natured, but a thorough
military man. Then there was the 'Judge.'
[McFarland] tall and slim, about six feet
two, unused to rough roads and 'irregular
meals;' but, with the aid of his quinine pills
and the ambulance cushions, he managed to
survive his 'new sensations.' The 'Govern-
or,' [Morrill] started in well, but the roads
were too much for him, and we had to send
him back. We were all sorry to lose his
genial face and pleasant company; but camp
is a poor place for being sick. The 'Doctor,"
[Park] went along for his health. It would
certainly have improved fifty per cent, more
if his wife and babies had been with him.
His correspondence alone discounted all the
rest put together. The " Captain ' did not go
far; Uncle Sam wanted him in New York,
and that settled it. The ' Colonel ' turned the
scale at 200, was always in a hurry, good
company, and an acquisition to the party.
The 'Lieutenant,' commander of the escort,
^
■*
*
UTE COMMISSION.
"*
157
is a Pennsylvania boy, sent here to die: but
mountain air wouldn't let him. He does
little of every thing; collects flowers; bottles
spring -water ; keeps an accurate register of
the thermometer and barometer (when he
thinks of it) : measures the marches with an
adometer; and then tells us about them all.
and lots of other things. Then the 'Secre-
tary," [W. S. S.] who needs no description,
an escort of ten men, and Col. Pfeiffer, the
interpreter, a veteran Indian fighter. For
many years he was the warrior -chief of the
Utes, and even now it is sometimes difficult
to tell which he likes best, the Indians or the
whites.
' ' The business of these gentlemen was to
visit the Ute Indians in south-western Colo-
rado, and purchase, if possible, a part of
their territory. At the lower end of the
Reservation is a strip of land about 200 miles
long by 15 wide, on which the whites are all
the time encroaching, and it was feared the
Indians would resist these encroachments,
and so cause trouble.
"To carry the. outfit, required ten cov-
ered ambulances, a buckboard. and four
wagons, with thirty mules to di-aw them.
*"
Tlii> JJcti-
tciiaiit.
'I'lio Socrc-
tary.
'I'lio Intcr-
protci-.
oiiii'ct.
oiiint
■*
*
loS
MEMOIR OF W. S, STICKNEY.
*
First (lay.
Mexican
town.
^-
•"The Commission had four wall tents,
which were generally arranged in the form
of a hollow square, and over the centre a
large awning, under which was the dinner
table. The escort and interpreter had their
tents on one side, making altogether quite a
camp.
"It would be too great an undertaking
to describe in detail each day's journeying,
so we will only notice the principal points
passed on the trip to the Southern Ute agen-
cy, and the general pow-wow held there with
Ignacio and his warriors.
"The beginning of the first day's ride
was, the first part, over an exceedingly
dusty road, but toward the last we came
to the "bad land,' where it looks as if a great
stream of lava and scoria had poured down
over the valley. The first camp was on the
Conejos river, near a town of the same
name.
"'The second day we passed through
Conejos; and as it is a thoroughly Mexican
town, I will tell you something of it. It is
built in the shape of a square, with a church
and monastery on one side, and adobe houses
on the other three. There is really but one
■*
li^-
*
UTE COMMISSION.
lo'.t
house to a side of this public square, though
that is divided into many apartments, which
are used for various pubHc and private pur-
poses. The whole is so constructed as to
have a square court in the centre. It is a
square bounded with squares — one of the
few things the Mexicans do on the square I
These courts have their only entrance from
the great public square. In them are the
stables and store -houses. They are the
back yards of a Mexican town.
"Leaving Conejos, our road was along
a very pretty valley under some cultivation,
dotted with Mexican houses. One house
was being repaired by a couple of women,
who were on the roof plastering up the holes,
while the pater familias was on the ground
bossing the job and stirring up the mud
mortar. Close by eacli house is the bake-
oven, a conical - shaped mound of earth about
three feet high. All our surroundings were
so un -American, it seemed as if we must be
traveling in the Orient."
Notwithstanding the discomforts to which
they were exposed, their destination was
finally reached in safety.
Wdiiian'
*
It^
ICO
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
■*
Rain.
Saturday, August 10, 1878.
In Camp on Los Pinos Creek.
My dear Father —
Rain, rain, rain. I 'm so glad, on your
account, that you are not along. We re-
main here till it stops raining.
Yesterday the Governor complained of
not feeling well. I did the best I could for
him, and this a. m. he feels a little easier,
but is afraid to go on. McCauley takes him
back to Fort Garland, and the rest of us
will keep on. The Judge sajs, though the
weakest man of the party, he has already
beaten two men.
Rubber coat and shoes come in first rate,
We live very comfortably. Dr. and I tent
together. He appears happy, and improving
in health. I am very well this a. m., though
yesterday my head had a very decided in-
clination to go where my heels are.
Love to mother.
Affectionately, Will.
*
Los Pinos Agency,
Thursday, Aug. 39, 1878.
My dear Father —
I feel almost like complaining a little,
*
*■
UTE COMMISSION.
■*
161
that I have not received any letter from you
or mother. Not a word have I heard since
we parted at Alamosa. The rest have all
had mail, but nothing for me.
The Commission toil on. The Council
at the Southern Ute agency, so far, has been
of no avail. The Indians refused to come
here, and declined to go to White River.
We used one of the letters to agent
Weaver, granting permission to spend $1,000,
and bought calicoes, knives, caps, handker-
chiefs, scarfs, &c., and gave them to the
Indians. Four hundred and ninety- six men,
women, and children squatted on the ground
together, and received their portions of the
spoils. It did n't take very well, for the In-
dians stubbornly refused the next day to do
any thing the Commission asked. We left
the interpreter there, and he may succeed in
doing something.
The road up here we found very rough.
From Animas to Silverton the road was so
narrow, in places, that the river had but
three or four inches to spare. We deserted
the wagons, preferring to walk most of the
way alongside of Cascade Creek. The sce-
nery is very fine. The valley is about a mile
Distribu-
tion of
gifts to
Indians.
►fr
Rough
roads.
■*
^
1(52
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■^
Mines.
wide, and at each end a sentinel mountain,
the walls from one to three thousand feet
high, forming a suitable frame for the pic-
ture.
At Silverton we left the wagons, and
took horses to cross the Red Mountain trail
to Ouray. The wagons go round by Lake
City; our baggage was mounted on donkeys,
and came with us.
On our way we passed several mining
works. The road was steep in some places,
but not dangerous. From the summit the
view was magnificent. Coming down, the
way was in some places very steep and dan-
gerous. We frequently dismounted and took
it on foot. We were all glad to reach Ouray.
Just before arriving there, we crossed a reg-
ular mauvais pas — none of us had the cour-
age to ride across.
Ouray is beautifully located at the head
of a valley, high mountains on three sides,
the fourth opening north toward the agency.
From our hotel, the Dixon House, we could
see a waterfall, reminding me of Staubach,
though not so beautiful.
Yesterday we took a wagon and came
here. The Indians have been sent for, and
(Mra.\ .
*■
■*
>^-
UTE COMMISSION.
-tii
163
we hope to get away to-morrow or next day,
and then push on to Alamosa. We will all
be glad to get out of this country. It 's
rough, and there is no pleasure in being
surrounded by miners and Indians.
Love to mother and yourself, and do n't
forget to write soon.
Affectionately, your son Will.
Los Pinos Agency,
Saturday, Aug. 31, 1878.
My dear Father —
Yours of the 22d inst. just received. I
don't understand why the $25,000 -'could
not be done." It 's strange we can't have an
honest policy towards the Indians.
We met the Indians in council yester-
day. The Commission offered $10,000 in
cash for the four mile square. They de-
clined at first, but afterwards adjourned till
to-day, to consider it.
With few exceptions, the Indians do not
work, but spend their time in loafing and
hunting. The northern bands are superior
to the southern.
Just outside of my window, in full sight,
are about a dozen Indians, all well armed
Honest
l>olicy.
^
*
*■
■*
104
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY
Indians.
Issue of
beef.
Vitality of
Commis-
.sion low.
*■
with revolvers, one or two with rifles, and
one old fellow is playing with his tomahawk.
One chief refused to shake hands with Col.
Watkins — demanding his credentials!
I went to see the issue of beef this p. m.
The steers were put in the corral, and the
Indians sat on the fence and fired away at
them. Sometimes they killed at the first
shot, but frequently three or four bullets
would be put into the poor animals before
they fell. Just as soon as the last one fell,
women, boys, and men all rushed to the
dead cattle, and commenced cutting them
up. The Judge and I voted it a great and
unnecessary cruelty.
We stax't to-morrow for Lake City,
thence to Del Norte, Alamosa, and Garland
to White River.
Affectionately, with love to mother.
Your son Will.
Denver. Col., Sept. 1, 1878.
My dear Father —
The Commission still lives, though vital-
ity seems low. Gov. Morrill has gone to
Washington, to see if Prest. Hayes and Sec-
retary Schurz approve of putting the Indians
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UTE COMMISSION.
1()5
on the head waters of the San Juan, Navajo.
Blanca, and Piedra.
Judge McFarland is going home. Gen.
Hatch is off in a few days to Santa Fe, to
look after ''border troubles," "approve con-
tracts," &c. ; and McCauley and I are to go
to White River, to inspect the country, con-
sult the Indians, and report. I suppose (one
never kiioics on this Commission) we will
leave to-morrow; will postal card you from
Fort Steele or Rawlins. About the 30th we
expect to have our final council.
By the way. I want you and mother to
decide what you wish in regard to my set-
tling in Des Moines. Whatever I do, I want
to feel that you and mother are perfectUj
satisfied. If you think you will need me at
home, say so, and that will settle the ques-
tion. I will disregard entirely my own pref-
erences, and do gladly just what you and
mother say. So I expect you to have it all
decided by the time I reach home.
I have been so busy running around over
the country, that I may appear to have neg-
lected writing my friends. Remember me to
all. Love to mother.
Affectionately, jour son Will.
*-
Wliat to
(1(1 ill the
future.
*
^
i(5<;
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
*
lU.'-tali.
Break-
down.
>^'
Salt Lake City, Sept. 30, 1878.
My dear Mother —
How I should like to see your face when
you read this letter heading. You did n't
know the Utes were in this part of the
country, did you? Where should we find
them, but at Ute - tah ? The Uintah Indians
are all Utes, and are part owners of the land
we want to purchase, and I am here to
obtain their consent.
We arrived here last Wednesday, and
started Friday for the agency, 2^5 miles off,
with a good team, and what seemed to be
a strong wagon, expecting to reach it in four
days. After making twenty- five miles, the
right hind wheel became disgruntled, the
spokes had a falling out, and brought us
to a halt. We repaired damages as well as
we could, and under difficulties continued
our journey to Park City, ten miles beyond.
I, to lighten the wagon, took passage with
a Mormon, who happened along just in time.
He was a skillful driver, found every stone
in the road, which gave me a good bouncing.
We had not gone far before we met Col.
Watkins, who said the road beyond was im-
passable; that no wagon could ever reach
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1G7
the agency. He said he had mentioned to
the Indians the object of my visit, and it
would only be necessary to write a letter,
and send it by a courier. I immediately
decided what to do. We went on to Park
City, hired a horse, and dispatched our dri-
ver as courier.
This driver is quite a character — Smith,
by name — and a Mormon. He said his fa-
ther had two wives. I asked him if he
called the one who was not his mother,
mother No. 3? He said he called one moth-
er, and the other "aunt Mary"; that aunt
Mary, had always lived with them, and his
father thought he might as well marry her.
He says the Mormons believe baptism is a
saving ordinance — that it is efficacious for
the dead.
We stayed over night at a Mr. Kimball's.
Mr. K. has 104 brothers and sisters, and, I
was about to say, thirteen mothers. I won-
der if the father gives all the children Christ-
mas presents I
Saturday we returned to this place. Yes-
terday morning McCauley and I started for
church, but found there would be no Gentile
service till twelve o'clock. We went to the
<^
A fliarac-
ter.
A iiuiiic-
roiis fam-
ily.
■*
)t^
168
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Temper-
ance.
MoniU'ii
iiu'pting.
^
Methodist church. Met a Mr. Kaighn (pro-
nounced Cain), who remembered seeing you
in '7(5. The pastor introduced "Bro. Allen,"
a temperance reformer — a kind of Gough
No. 2 — lately from San Francisco. I could
not see much of his face, for the hair and
whiskers. He was fifty- five minutes going
through his violent gymnastics.
At two o'clock we attended the Taber-
nacle. You remember what a queer, turtle-
shaped building it is. We were three min-
utes early, and there were about five thou-
sand present. The organ is large and very
harsh. On dif — it requires four men to
blow it. The singing was poor, and the
preaching intolerable. The service opened
with communion, and was so devoid of so-
lemnity, that it seemed more like a free
lunch. While the bread was being passed,
a Bro. Hart spoke in defence of Latter - day-
Saintism. He said he had been an Episco-
palian, but that did not satisfy him. He
then joined the Baptists, and was ready to
cry "Eureka," but found that was not what
he needed; at last he became a Latter-day-
Saint, and was happy. The house of the
Lord was to be built in the last days on
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169
the tops of the mountains. This was that
church. The little stone that was cut out
of the mountain was the church of the L.-d.-
Saints. When the water was passed to him,
he stopped preaching, and took a good drink.
He seemed to be very thirsty; at any rate,
his preaching was dry enough. He was
followed by several other speakers; the last
of whom compared Christ with Joseph Smith,
making the latter equal in sinlessness, in-
spiration, and righteousness to the blessed
Savior. The people seemed to be the scum
of the earth, who had floated to Salt Lake
City. I did not go out at night.
The Wasatch Mountains, their peaks all
covered with snow, and the bright sun shin-
ing on them, look beautiful from my window.
1 expect to await the return of my courier,
which will probably be by the last of the
week.
Called on Gov. and Mrs. Emery Satur-
day night. They remembered you, and
wished to be remembered when I wrote.
Love to father and all inquiring friends.
If I can be spared for a few days, intend to
take a look at San Francisco.
'i^
Affectionately, your son
21
Will.
Waiting
for tiip
courier.
^
*■
170
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
*
California.
Ocoan of
Peace.
*-
Fort Fred Steele, Wy. Ter'y,
Oct. 15, 1878.
My dear Father —
The courier despatched to the Uintahs
returned, and reported that the Indians were
all off hunting, and would not return before
1st prox. Agent Critchlow, a good and re-
liable man, has offered to see them for me.
Having received permission to visit San
Francisco, I lost no time in starting. Thurs-
day we rode to the Cliff. I had not expected
to see the ''Ocean of Peace" so soon. The
fact that I was on its banks interested me
much more than the seals and Cliff House.
The Golden Gate could hardly have looked
better. The sky was blue, and the sun was
bright. Returning to the city, we were re-
ceived very cordially by Mr. Harmon, who
invited us to dine the day following.
In the evening, with a Mr. Barstow.
Capt. Stone, chief of the detective force,
Danezin, Chinese agent of Wells, Fargo &
Co. , and Mr. Jennings, patrolman of Chinese
quarters, McCauley, Woog, and Major Lock-
wood, of the Interior Dep., and two other
gentlemen, we set out on a visit to China-
town. First came the restaurant, wh^re we
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171
drank some very good Oolong tea, and at-
tempted the chop sticks; then visited a mer-
chant, and were interested by the rapidity
with which he counted on the abacus. Next,
was a "respectable" opium den, comfortably
fitted up with an easy divan for two smokers.
We then proceeded to a "low" opium den,
and though it was dirty, and, in its ap-
proaches, filthy, I could not but feel that
the quiet, deceptive slumber of the poppy
was preferable to the senseless laugh, or
bestial stupor of the whiskey drinker. It
may be possible for a man to smoke opium
and be respectable, but there is nothing re-
spectable in being a whiskey drinker. The
joss house was dark and dingy; the idols
shapeless and without expression. We saw
the gods of Wealth and Protection, and the
god of Women. A small lamp was hung
before each idol, kept constantly burning.
We then visited the theatre. House full;
about 1,200 present. Of all the jargon I ever
heard, this was the worst. I could see no
sense in the pla5% though the costumes, em-
broidered in silk, were rich. After the first
act. there were tumbling and fencing; the
hitter deftly done. After taking a look at a
China
town.
Opium.
>i^
*
►i^
L I ara-
tioiis f(ir
f'liristinas.
■«±<
^
182
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
-*
store, so will have to depend largely on fath-
er's collection, and take his leavings. I am
anxious the chapel should be decorated; as
to presents, trees, &c., I Ve not reached that
yet.
Ki.'wers. While out here I have found some very
pretty flowers, that will probably grow east ;
inclosed you will find the seeds of one of
them, something like a lily. It should be
started in a pot, and then transplanted.
Please keep the seed, as I am anxious to see
if it will grow with us.
This morning is cloudy, and threatens
snow. We look for the Indians Saturday.
Give love to father, and regards to in-
quiring friends.
Affectionately, your son Will,
^
Los Pinos, Friday, 8th Nov., 1878.
My dear Father —
Yours of Oct. 29th received yesterday.
Sorry to hear your rheumatism is again as-
serting itself. This country has quite a rheu-
matic reputation; most every body has more
or less of it; I have not altogether escaped,
and the Indians are quite subject to it. Since
their removal from their old agency at Coch-
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UTE COMMISSION.
*
183
etopa, mortality has been very great. The
cause is probably to be found in the large
number of hot springs that empty into the
Uncompahgre river, near the town of Ouray.
A dirty scum accumulates on these springs,
and is then carried oflf and dissolved in the
river. Some genuine cases of typhoid fever
have occurred, undoubtedly produced by the
poisoned water.
While I write, three chiefs are standing
by the stove. They came in about midnight;
are ready and anxious to go to Washington.
I hold a council to - morrow.
I send a package of bulbs by to-day's
mail.
Love to mother: kind regards to all.
Affectionately, your son Will.
Los Pinos Indian Agency, Col.,
Friday night. Hth Nov. , 1 S78.
Mrs. Win. Sfickrieij,
Washington City, D. C.
My dear Mother —
I have a council on the tapis (that is.
figuratively speaking, for I have not seen a
carpet for quite a while) to-morrow morning,
and T must therefore write you this evening.
*■
Great
mortality.
*
*■
1S4
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Iiidiau
cliiofs.
Clivistmas
festival.
*■
Three of the chiefs have been in here
{the agent's office, parlor, and reception
room) all the evening. One of them (Billy)
wanted to know to whom I was writing. I
told him, and he wished to be remembered;
said he would like to see my "piatch." — (Ute
for mother. )
I have had an informal talk with these
three this evening, and trust sincerely my
efforts to-morrow will be successful. I
should be very sorry to take the Commis-
sion any thing but a favorable report.
If I repeat myself in writing so often,
you must excuse it, as I have no copying
book with me.
Has father done any thing about speak-
ers for Christmas Festival? If he has not,
please ask him to write Dr. Lorimer before it
is too late. Last year, you know, he had a
previous engagement. We ought to be at
the head of the list this year. But I am
tired and sleepy, and must go to bed now.
Love to father, and kind regards to
friends.
Affectionately, your son Will.
P. S. — Saturday morning.
A dark, damp morning; a mist — almost
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■>J
185
a rain. Have just come from breakfast: —
ham, beef hash, potatoes poorly boiled, and
sour bread, butter and tea very fair, heavy
doughnuts, and good molasses — a fair sam-
ple of our food.
Yesterday I wrote Theo, asking him to
look up some Christmas music for the chapel.
So if he comes round to talk music, you will
know what started him.
The way things look now, unless per-
mitted to take some of these Indians to W.,
I doubt if I can finish up my Secretary's
work before the middle of Dec. , and in that
event can only assist in carrying out any
plans for our Christmas Festival. W. S. S.
Los Pinos Indian Agency, Col.,
Monday, 11th Nov., 1878.
Mrs. Wm. Stickneij,
Washington Cifi/. D. C.
My dear Mother —
Another council on hand for this morn-
ing. The weather is very disagreeable, and
I am in doubt whether it will meet the pleas-
ure of tliese "noble red men" to keep their
appointment this morning. They are as
fickle as the weather.
Breakfast.
*■
■H
► ^
1S(;
■^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
A dreary
day.
Indian
Sabhath.
Indian
service.
Yesterday was a long, dreary day. I
did n't feel very vigorous, and it was not till
late in the afternoon I felt like reading any
thing. Outside it was snow and rain, mixed
and separate. In the evening I found a
book containing a sketch of Savonarola, and
sat up till half past ten to read it through.
The Indians have little regard for the
Sabbath, and the agent has no service; not
even Bible reading. Even if he had the
disposition, it would be difficult to find a
room here. The office is not larger than our
library, and the chiefs and head men fill it
up as they sit around on the floor, desks,
boxes, and wherever they can.
A good sized room, combining a chapel,
school room, and council chamber, should be
provided.
But I have made so many suggestions
about the Indian service, here and elsewhere,
I fear you will think me a regular fault-
finder.
By to morrow's mail I will try and send
a pen-and-ink sketch of the agency and
surrounding mountains, made for me by Mr.
Flint, a Dartmouth graduate, and an ex-
employee.
*■
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UTE COMMISSION.
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187
Love to father; kind regards to friends.
Affectionately, your son
Will S. Stickney.
Los Pinos Indian Agency, Col. ,
Tuesday, 12th Nov., 1878.
My dear Father —
Council No. 1 is a thing of the past; but
as a memento, I have the signatures of all
the Indian men in this vicinity to a paper
giving their consent to whatever disposition
the southern Utes might make of the "L"
part of the Reservation.
After signing, the head chief said, "We
bear no ill will towards the Great Father,
but we do n't want the presents he sent."
I tried to find out the reason for this
unusual conduct, and from what I could
learn — First, they didn't want the Great
Father to think he must send a lot of pres-
ents to the Utes every time he wants them
to do any thing; and, secondly, those Utes
not here might think it was the purchase-
money for the lower land.
Yesterday I felt very miserably, and
would have spent most of the day on the
bed but for tlie council; but when we were
►±^
Council
No. 1.
*
*
*
18S
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Speoch to
the In-
dians.
The Ute
Welistor.
Beautiful
view.
*■
fairly started, I was so interested, in the
chief especially, that I forgot my indisposi-
tion. When the council convened, I was
alone with the Indians and interpreter; the
rest of the white folks being at dinner. I
opened with a speech, and never had a more
attentive audience. Twenty- three Indians
were in the room, huddled together as best
they pould. When I finished, the head chief.
Sapovoneri, made a speech to his people; it
was natural eloquence; though spoken in an
unknown tongue to me, I could not but feel
that his utterances were those of an Ute
Webster.
I wish I could describe this man. His face
something like grandfather Kendall's, a very
bright eye, high forehead, and an expression
of intelligence that many of those who legis-
late for him would be proud to have. His
build is strong, medium height, wears a light
felt hat, high crown, with an eagle's feather.
This king of the Utes rules wisely, and his
word is law.
I wish you could see the beautiful view
from the piazza. The range is covered with
snow, and in the clear, thin air seems but a
little way off, though it is 30 miles distant.
*
^
UTE COMMISSION.
■^
isn
Hope your rheumatism is on the mend,
and that you will be in good condition for
Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas prepar-
ations.
Love to mother, and kind regards to the
bank folks.
Affectionately, your son Will.
Los Pinos Indian Agency, Col.,
Thursday night. Uth Nov.. 1878.
Mrs. Wni. Stickney,
Washington City, D. C.
My dear Mother —
I have had a peculiar experience to-day,
and do not feel particularly in the mood for
writing, but as I expect to go to Ouray to-
morrow, will write a few lines to - day.
As yet I have heard nothing from Wash-
ington in regard to taking the Indians on;
hope something will come soon, as I am
anxious to start.
To-day the goods were issued. The
agent said it was impossible to secure the
names of the Indians receiving supplies, and
he has not done it at any time. I requested
tlie Lieutenant and the Doctor to remain at
the door of the l)lacksmith shop, where the
A peculiar
day.
■*
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190
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Persever-
ance.
A grand
rascal.
Presents
to Indians.
^
issue was made, and we have a name — in
a few cases manufactured by the Indians —
but at all events a name for every head
of a family that received any of the pres-
ents. I was discouraged from attempting
it, both by the agent and the escort, but
the Will brought the way this time. Dur-
ing the issue, one of the ex -chiefs began
to fight one of the plebs., but the result was
not serious.
This pugilistic fellow is Chavano, a great
rascal. He ought to be hung to the nearest
tree, and if I can secure the evidence, of
which there is plenty, against him that will
put him in prison for life, you may be sure I
will do so. He has boasted that he has
killed a white man, and I have no doubt
he has killed many. The Indians dislike
him, and the whites hate him.
Each Indian received fourteen yards of
calico, two pairs stockings, five yards flan-
nel, two spools of cotton, two papers nee-
dles, two flannel shirts, four yards ticking,
two handkerchiefs, and the chiefs, flannel,
shawls, shirts, and socks extra. Every one
seemed satisfied and happy. When the tick-
ets were given out I passed around about
*
*
U.TE COMMISSION.
■^
191
fifty pounds of candy, and you should have
seen how the young ones enjoyed it. I was
real glad to see the little folks have such a
good time; these poor little things don't
wear much, and have a pretty hard time.
I saw one real pretty squaw. She has
just had her photograph taken. If I can get
one, you shall have it. Wass, her husband.
is one of two who are bigamists ; the other is
one of the proposed delegates to Washington.
What are you so busy about? I have n't
heard from any of you for several days. I
quote father's words: — "A postal, even, is
very comforting. " But I must go to bed.
Love to father, and kind regards to
friends.
Affectionately, your son
Will S. Stickney.
Los Pinos, Col., Sunday, Nov. 17, 1878.
Mrs. Win. Stickney,
Washington City, D. C.
My dear Mother —
Your letter of the 4th inst. reached me
at Ouray yesterday. I am very sorry to
hear father has been sick; but suppose he is
improving, or you would have telegraphed.
A pretty
squaw.
Bigamists.
*
*-
1!)2
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Heiidaclie.
Higli
prices.
Unexpect-
ed twist.
Ill good
si)irits.
I am glad every day that he did not venture
this Rocky Mountain country. The altitude
is so great that few persons escape being
affected. The whole time I was in Ouray,
my head ached hard; but it is all right now.
I had quite a good time in Ouray, but
was considerably put out by the high prices
— always higher to those purchasing for the
Gov't.
One man amused me very much, by say-
ing people could live in this country who
couldn't live any where else. I replied,
such were my sentiments, judging from the
specimens I had seen. The unexpected twist
from the sanitary to the moral, that I gave
his statement, was most too much for the
gravity of the listeners.
Only a few people remain in town, living
is so costly — sugar twenty- two, pepper sev-
enty cents per pound, and other things in
proportion. We daily see people leaving,
expecting to return in the spring.
Some surveying friends dropped in on us
last night. They leave to-day for the east;
wish I could go with them.
There is nothing new about here. I am
in pretty good spirits; not much congeniality
*-
*
*■
■t;f
UTE COMMISSION.
193
>I-^
with the people; so my life may be described
as "staying." I hope to leave by the last of
the week.
Thanks to friends for kind inquiries.
Please remember me to all such.
Love to father. Hoping by this time
you are both well, I will rest easy till I hear
again. Affectionately, your son
Will S. Stickney.
Los Pinos, Nov. 18, 1878.
My dear Father —
I am still waiting to hear from the Gen-
eral. If he does not answer soon, I shall
leave for a warmer clime.
Have had an informal talk with the
chiefs, and with two of them visited the four
mile square, twenty- five miles off. They
said they would agree to the sale, but are
anxious for a delegation to Washington.
I still think this the best thing to do.
They will have their present notions very
much modified by the sight of civilization,
and a better comprehension of the strength
of the Government. It will be easy to select
men of good judgment, who have the confi-
layed last night for one of old Jacob's sons
to dance? and yet, the more I see of these
people, the more I am convinced that they
belong to other stock than ours.
Love to father, and kind regards to
friends.
Affectionately, your son
Will S. Stickney.
>&■
Hope and
f xpecta-
ti(in.
Indian
dance.
-*
h/^
r.iC)
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
*
Good news
*■
Fort Garland, Colorado,
Monday, 25th Nov., 1878.
Mrs. Wnt. Stickney,
Washington City, D. C.
My dear Mother —
Your letters of Oct. 28 and Nov. 12, and
postals of 9th and 15th inst., came to hand
last Friday night in Lake City.
Last Monday some of the chiefs wanted
to go back to their camps for a week or so to
see how matters were progressing. I imme-
diately told them, if they left I should come
here, where I could be comfortable and in
telegraphic communication with Washington.
Hurrah!! Telegram from General Hatch
this moment received. Says I am to take
the delegation to Washington. Now I feel
quite sure of being with you Christmas.
But, retournons nous a nos moutons.
Left the agency Thursda}^ and rode
thirty- five miles to the Cimaron River. Col.,
(there is another in New Mexico. ) The road
was very muddy and hilly, but we made
good time, and reached the cabin before
night. The meal would have been pretty
scant had I not brought some canned baked
beans and tomatoes with me.
■*
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UTE COMMISSION.
197
*
After supper I spread 1113' bedding on
some hay in one corner of the room, and
there slept. At four o'clock the next morn-
ing we were on the way to Lake City in a
buckboard. As this team only went to In-
dian Creek, I hired a "private conveyance"
to take me to my destination.
The aforesaid conveyance was an old
farm wagon, and we were seven hours and
a half going twenty- two miles: that made
fifteen hours for that day.
Saturday I left Lake City at half -past
six in the morning, and had another beau-
tiful ride across the range; had little or no
snow, reached Del Norte about eight in the
evening, and then took a "jerky" and rode
all night, reaching Alamosa about half -past
three. A very severe snow storm set in
about nine and lasted during the night. I
had a buffalo robe given me at White River;
this did me good service. Do not think I
caught the least cold. One of the passen-
gers was very drunk, and his soliloquies and
incoherent babblings rendered sleep impos-
sible.
The train left Alamosa at ±e
No news.
■*
*
•.>Oll
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY
*
Hlliitiiifr
small
tranio.
Love to father and yourself.
Affectionately, your son
Will.
M)
*■
Fort Garland, Colorado,
Tuesday p. m., 3d Dec, 1878,
Wm. Stickney,
Washington, D. C.
My dear Mother —
You see I am still here, though likely
to pull out in a few days. This p. m. re-
ceived despatch from the Commission, say-
ing I was to bring the Indians on with their
share of the money due them ; but I have n't
any of their money; Gen. Hatch has it all.
Have telegraphed the General, and guess
he will transfer without any further trouble.
Will try hard to reach home by the 15th.
This morning, for recreation, I went with
Maj. Shorkley hunting jack rabbits; some-
thing like a hare, only four or five times as
large. It was my first hunt for a good many
years. Enjoyed the tramp ever so much.
Think I will do more hunting; it exercises
a body all over. The next time I come into
this country, will bring my own gun.
For a game country I never saw a better;
though on the line between Wyoming and
*
^-
UTE COMMISSION.
■^^
201
Colorado it is said to be magnificent — deer,
elk, antelope, and mountain sheep, sage-
hens, and trout three times a day!
Love to father and yourself.
Affectionately, your son Will.
Fort Garland, Colorado,
Saturday night, Dec. 7, 1878.
Mrs. Wm. Stickney,
Washington City, D. C.
My dear Mother —
I rather guess another Saturday night
will pass before seeing you once again, but
trust it will be only a few days over. Am so
glad to hear father is better; not hearing for
so long, feared he was worse.
My plans are all made to leave for home,
but they may be changed.
Most of the time here is occupied in copy-
ing the minutes, making out reports, &c.
Christmas must not go by without some
demonstration. Tell father I '11 be all ready
to help him and myself out in a little while;
but he must have something to start with;
have not been able to lay hands on a
thing here. Will see if the Indians have
any performances sufficiently dignified for
25
*■
Christmas
prepara-
tions.
*
t&
•.'02
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
such an occasion. Billy might make a
speech; he knows a little English. But we
will see.
Good night. Love to father and your-
self.
Affectionately, your son Will.
Denver, Dec. 14, 1878.
My dear Father —
You know the *'best laid plans of mice
and men gang aft aglee," and though I left
every thing at the agency in such shape that
half a day's notice would start my delega-
tion, now they are debating again who
Waiting. should go. and I am waiting for their slug-
gish minds to come to a conclusion. Com-
munication is so slow in that country that
it is impossible to tell the result for three or
four days at least. Had rather wait than
go after them across the mountains in an
open wagon.
The Com'r. in his dispatch, says nothing
as to how I am to pay the expenses of the
delegation. Of course I declined to budge
an inch till this was provided for, and there
have several days been consumed in tele-
graphing, mailing. &c., between the Com-
*■
Ij(-
UTE COMMISSION.
-ta
•>03
missioner of Indian Affairs, General Hatch,
and myself, which ought to have been avoid-
ed. The Com'r asked me, by telegraph, if
the Indians would consent to have the ex-
penses of the delegation paid from their
funds. The Indians were at Los Pinos, I
at Fort Garland, seventy- two miles distant,
two mountain ranges between, and no tele-
graph I
I occupy myself reading Gibbon and
superintending the manufacture of a pair of
boots.
Will telegraph when we leave, and if
the delegation is too slow, will put them in
charge of an interpreter and go ahead.
Love to mother.
Affectionately, Will.
Denver, Col., Dec. 16, 1878.
My dear Father —
Just one more letter from Denver, and
then I *11 try a change of base, and call it
Topeka for a while.
This morning started Curtis, the inter-
preter, after my Indian delegation, and to-
morrow I expect to take the train for Topeka,
where I will assist the Judge in preparing
Occupa-
tion.
Topeka.
ifr
■*
*■
•.'04
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
■*
healtli.
Christmas
announce-
ment.
*
the report; that means about three days'
hard work. Am trying to fix matters so I
will not be specially needed. Will ask the
Judge to accompany them from Topeka, and
if he will, please have the carriage at B. & P.
depot at nine o'clock, p. m., Dec. 24.
Last night heard a first-rate sermon
from the Baptist minister on "Manliness;''
enjoyed the service very much.
To-day we have had more snow, and I
have spent the time reading, with the excep-
tion of my morning walk.
Health first-rate; never better; but will
be glad to be home once more.
Kind regards to the bank friends. Love
to mother and yourself.
Affectionately .'your son Will.
P. S. I have a Christmas announcement
for you and mother: After very careful and
prayerful thought, have concluded not to go
west to live. Will remain in Washington,
and practice law there — at least, there will
be my home. Will.
■«^
*
UTE COMMISSION.
■*
•205
Topeka, Ks.. Dec. 20, 1878.
My dear Father —
You see I have at last made a start. Am
detained here, having a good time, waiting
for my wards. They left the agency day
before yesterday, I suppose, so you may ex-
pect us all before long. Hope to be with you
on the eve of the 25th, Indians or no Indians;
but trust we may all arrive together, and
that I may, together with 3^ou, celebrate the
dies dierum.
I have almost lost my patience waiting
for these Indians. One day they would say
"Yes,"' and the next, ''No," — unable to de-
cide who should constitute the delegation.
Had I been there, think I would have
brought them to a decision subito.
About fourteen inches of snow here, and
splendid sleighing, though the sleighs are
most all improvised.
The Judge will leave here with me. Love
to mother.
Affectionately, your son Will.
On Christmas eve our hearts were made
glad and thankful by the safe return of the
dear bov. who had been absent so long, and
*■
Indians or
no Tiifiians
lloint"
again.
*
*
•>or.
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
who had lahored so faithfully and energ-eti-
cally, amidst some trying embarrassments, to
discharge, to the satisfaction of the Govern-
ment and the Commission, the arduous du-
ties of his position.
The experience and duties were all new,
and the members of the Commission were
strangers; yet with that self-reliance which
always characterized him; with an honest
determination to devote his best energies to
the work; stimulated by an honorable ambi-
tion to deserve well of his associates; unde-
terred by obstacles which might have dis-
couraged one of less enthusiasm; conscious
of the responsibilities he had assumed; he
entered with characteristic vigor upon the
expedition.
Success. His success was equal to his expecta-
tions. His associates were captivated by
his courteous deportment, obliging disposi-
tion, executive ability, and his wonderful
energy and resources so frequently brought
into requisition during the trip.
Notwithstanding his unaccustomed ex-
posure and hardship; his night and day
travel by rail, wagon, and horseback; his
hard fare and poor accommodations while
^
■*
-*
UTE COMMISSION.
:io:
in the Indian country, he returned in im-
proved health, with a decided gain in flesh.
His spirits were never better. He was
enthusiastic over the success of the Com-
mission; had gained useful information con-
cerning the extent and resources of the coun-
try; was becoming more and more interested
in the Indians, for whose amelioration he
made many useful suggestions to the Depart-
ment ; he had looked npon the " ' Ocean of
Peace'" through the Golden Gate, and he
now declared himself ready to work for the
church and Sunday School, or wherever he
could do the most good.
Just here it may not be out of place to
insert the following Report to the Hon. Ute
Commissioners, not only for its inherent in-
terest, but also for the evidence it gives of
careful study of the situation, and thorough-
ness of execution in the trust committed to
him. Indeed, the manner in which he did
his work, on the several occasions on which
he was called to do public service, justify
the remark, often made, that his death was
more than a loss to his family and imme-
!*■
•408
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
*
Rojiort.
REPORT.
Fort Garland, Colo.,
November 27, 1878.
Gentlemen —
At a meeting of the Commission held in
Denver September 11, and also by a supple-
mental telegram dated September 24, 1878,
the Secretary, accompanied by Lieut. C. A.
H. McCauley, as escort, was instructed to
" ' proceed as speedily as possible to the White
River agency, to complete arrangements al-
ready made with U. M. Curtis, interpreter,
to report as to the condition of the Indians
and the agricultural capacity of the country,
and to secure from the Indians, in writing,
their consent to the sale of that part of the
Reservation immediately south and west of
the San Juan mining district," and then
'*to proceed to the Uintah agency with the
saine instructions."
In pursuance of these instructions, I beg
leave to present the following as my report:
Thursday morning, September 12, 1878,
Lieutenant McCauley and myself took the
Denver Pacific Railroad to Cheyenne, and
thence the Union Pacific to Fort Steele, in
*-
*
*•
UTE COMMISSION.
■*
200
all about 284 miles, reaching the last - named
place at midnight.
Major Thornburg, commander of the post,
receiv^ed us and kindly accommodated us at
his own table.
The following day was occupied in se-
curing an outfit with which to make the
trip. The officers of the post placed at our
disposal a buck -board and a pair of mules.
At Rawlins, some sixteen miles distant, I
hired a guide and an extra pair of horses,
which were sent ahead as a relay.
Saturday. September 14th, we left Fort
Steele for the agency, riding that day about
sixty miles. From the Fort to Pine Grove,
the ranch where the relay awaited us, is
an alkali country, generally rolling, and
with very little vegetation save sage-brush
and grease -wood. After leaving Rawlins
we passed but one house, and that is about
sixteen miles out. From the Grove to Snake
River the road crosses the Continental Di-
vide, a series of high mesas separated by
arroyas of greater or less depth. These
table -lands abound in game, and furnish
good summer ranges for cattle. Grass and
sage-brush are the products of the soil, ex-
26
f'oiitinen-
lal divide.
*
*
*
•^10
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
Stock
raising.
*-
cept on the banks of an occasional stream,
where the cotton - wood seems to flourish.
The second day we rode about fifty- one
miles, crossing Snake River Valley to Forti-
fication Creek. This valley, about two miles
wide at the crossing, is beautifully located,
partially protected by high plateaus, and
with good mountain pastures at its head.
The river is lined with cotton -wood and the
bottom-land well covered with grass. On
our return, about eight miles above the river-
crossing, we passed a mild soda- spring; the
only mineral development of the valley re-
ported.
Quite a number of settlers have already
located along the river, an Indian trader,
still doing a flourishing business, being the
pioneer. The principal occupation is stock-
raising; the cattle ranging about the moun-
tains in summer, and sixty or seventy miles
west and south in the winter, where the
grass is not covered with snow. Little is
done at farming, the settlers having no
chance to grind their wheat nor market for
their vegetables. But most of the usual
crops, except corn, so far as they have been
tried, seem to do well.
■*
^-
rXE COMMISSION.
■^■<
•ill
The third day we crossed the Bear Riv-
er, known on the map as the " Yampa."
Like the Snake, this valley, though sparsely
settled, is used principally for cattle -ranges.
The season being short and the demand
small, little or nothing is done in the way of
farming. The Indian trader at this post, the
nearest to the agency, has a small garden,
and supplied us with fresh tomatoes and
very fine potatoes of his own raising.
From this valley to the agency, about
sixty miles, the road crosses mountain ran-
ges of no mean height: but before sundown
Tuesday, the 17th, after riding in four days
about two hundred miles, we reached the
White River Valley and the Indian agen-
cy.
The agent, Mr. N. C. Meeker, received
us very cordially, and introduced us to the
scanty quarters and poor fare of the agency
boarding - house.
Wednesday a council was convened, and,
as a result, I have the pleasure to submit
herewith the written consent of the most of
the chiefs and headmen, viz., thirty- four in
number, to "whatever disposition the Ca-
l)otes, Muaches, and Weeminuches may
■*
*
*
•n2
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY
Miirdor in
Middle
Park.
*■
make" of the southern and western strips
of the Reservation.
The Indians were very friendly, and
wished the Great Father to distinctly un-
derstand that they, the White River Utes.
do not want to fight nor in any way incur
the displeasure of the whites. In regard
to the late murder in Middle Park, they dis-
claim all connection. Washington, who was
present at the murder, claimed to have ad-
vised Piah against it, but his counsel was
disregarded. Piah has not yet returned to
the agency. If he could be caught and
punished by the government authorities, the
effect on the Indians would unquestionably
be for the best, and would have a tendency
to prevent an early repetition of the crime.
Mr. Curtis, employed as interpreter bj'
the Conmiission. presented his report as to
the arable land between the Los Pinos and
the White River agencies. It is submitted
herewith. I also approved his action in
proceeding to Middle Park so promptly with
seven of the leading Indians to prevent any
further trouble by an apprehension on the
part of the settlers that a general outbreak
was imminent.
*
*
UTE COMMISSION.
■*
213
The presents ordered by the Commission
for these Indians had not arrived, and as
the agent has no interpreter. I instructed
Mr. Curtis to remain until they came, and
with the agent to distribute them to the
Indians who had assisted the work of the
Commission.
On my return, the goods having reached
Bear (Yampa) River. I stopped a day at
the trader's store to inspect them and ap-
prove the bill.
The condition of the White River In-
dians and the agricultural capacity of their
country seem to be but little knowm outside
of the agency and its vicinage. The old
distinction of the Yampa and Grand River
bands is rapidly disappearing, and they all
call themselves "White River" Utes. The
chief no longer has absolute authority, but
acts only in accordance with the will of a
majority of his councilors. They are all well
off; hardly an Indian has less than twenty-
five ponies. All have good guns and an
abundance of ammunition. Game is plen-
tiful, and the Indians are rich from their
hunting. Tlicv hunt off the Reservation,
going two. three, and four hundred miles
^
White Ri-
ver Utes.
*
( lost.
^
tested by a year's trial, it being his duty not
only to keep the Indians quiet and orderly,
but make them remain on the Reservation;
provided, of course, traders at the agency
are permitted to sell ammunition, though it
be in limited quantities, and subject to the
order of the agent.
In conclusion, whatever is to be done
should be done quickly. It is very important
that they should be put to work early in the
spring, and if they are henceforward to live
under a new regime, the sooner it is intro-
duced to them the better.
It is certainly to be desired that the
buildings at the new agency will be of a
somewhat more civilized character than the
rude log huts at present occupied. The In-
dians learn only by imitation, and with the
good saw- mill now on the Reservation, plen-
ty of lumber, and the good supply of em-
ployes, there is nothing to prevent the erec-
tion of comfortable homes, and at the same
time models fit to be copied.
I left the agency on my return Wednes-
day night, September 18, and reached Fort
Steele Monday, the 23d of September.
Having received telegraphic instructions
*
*
■^
UTE COMMISSION.
'•■il
to proceed to the Uintah Reservation, escort-
ed by Lieutenant McCauley, I left Fort Steele
September 24, arriving at Salt Lake the eve-
ning of the following day.
Thursday, the ^(ith. was occupied in
fitting up for the trip. A wagon, warranted
to carry us over the mountains, and a guide
were hired.
Friday, morning at sunrise we started,
and had gone but twent}' miles before the
wagon broke down. Finding it useless to
attempt the mountains with a broken wagon,
to save time I hired a horse and sent our
driver as courier over the trail to the agency,
requesting the agent to procure of the In-
dians their release to the country south and
west of the San Juan district, and returned to
Salt Lake City. While waiting for the re-
turn of the courier T received a call fiom
Tabby, chief of the Uintahs, and Tackawan-
na. sub -chief. The^y each expressed them-
selves as pleased with the work they are
doing at the agency and as willing to sign
the release. The courier returned with a
letter from the agent, to the effect that the
Indians were out hunting, but as soon as
l)ossible he would convene them and secure
Break
down.
^
*
^
"^
•)•)•>
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Indian
wants.
*
their signatures to the release. About a
month later I received this document prop-
erly signed and witnessed, and take pleasure
in presenting it herewith. >»
From the Indians met and agent Critch-
low it would seem as if their needs were
about the same as at White River. They
particularly requested that stoves, wagons,
and harness be given them, in addition to
whatever stock and farming implements
might be sent.
As requested, I reported on Saturday,
October 20, at Fort Garland, to the Chairman
of the Commission.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
W. S. Stickney,
Secretary Ute Special Commission.
The Hon. Ute Commissioners.
Upon reporting to the Chairman of the
Commission at Fort Garland, he received
additional instructions; their execution will
be found detailed in his report, which follows.
*
*
UTE COMMISSION.
->^
IXSTRUCTIOXS.
Rooms Ute Commission,
Alamosa, Colo., October 32, 1878.
Sir: You will proceed to the Los Pinos
agency and endeavor to obtain the consent
of the Ute Indians to sale of all land south
of 38°. The land now important to secure is
the Uncompahgre Park adjoined to the town
of (^uray.
It is believed the payment of so much
of their annuities to the Tabequaches, now
the only tribe whose consent is required to
relinquish this land south of parallel 38° 10',
can be obtained, and that the amount of
-S 4,000, with the goods authorized purchased
by the Indian Department, to be issued by
the agent under the direction of this Com-
mission, will obtain the consent of these
Indians to disposal of their lands at such a
sum as the Commission may believe it is the
interest of the government to pay and for
the Indians to receive.
You will assist the agent in the issue of
the goods purchased by him, as directed by
the Indian Department, in letters dated July
17, 1878.
You will obtain the signatures in tlie
*■
-1^
*
•>-.M
-*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
manner designated by Department of the
Interior, in letter of September 25, 1878, copy
of which is inclosed. You will understand
that only such Indians are to be paid the
money annuity as agree to sell and remove
from the Uncompahgre Park. The question
of their future reservation is a matter to be
hereafter decided by the President, through
the Department of the Interior, on such ac-
tion as Congress may take.
If the Indians will not sign an article
to relinquish the land upon payment of this
money per capita, you will return the mo-
ney, or such balance as you may have on
hand upon making payments under these
instructions, with report of your action, no-
tifying the Commission of your arrival at
Alamosa.
Lieutenant McCauley, Third Cavalry, is
ordered to report to Los Pinos Agency, to
assist and witness payment of annuities, and
will accompany you on your journey.
Yours, very respectfully,
Edward Hatch,
Brevet Major- Getieral
and Chairman Ute Special Commission.
W. S. Stickney, Sec'if Coin'n.
^■
■*
*-
UTE COMMISSION.
"^3
325
Washington, Dec. 26, 1878.
Gentlemen —
On the 22d day of October I received the
accompanying instructions from General
Hatch, Chairman of the Commission.
The following is therefore submitted as
a partial report.
I left Alamosa, accompanied by Lieut.
C. A. H. McCauley, on the night of the 23d
of October, with $2,000 in standard silver
dollars, the same amount in checks on the
First National Bank of Denver, and five
boxes of goods as presents for the Indians.
In due time we arrived at our destination
with both money and goods.
Most of the Indians were hunting when
we reached the agency, but messengers were
soon dispatched, and in a few days a council
was convened, and as a result I have the
pleasure of submitting to you the release of
the Reservation south and west of the San
Juan district by the Tabequaches.
For reasons which I deemed satisfactory
the agent preferred that the presents pur-
chased by the Commission at Alamosa should
be paid for out of the tribal funds in posses-
sion of the Chairman, rather than by certified
>±^
Partial
report.
Result of
Council.
*
li^
■*
')')r,
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
vouchers issued by the agent; I therefore
submit a receipt for all the goods delivered
to the Indians.
It was with considerable difficulty that
they we're induced to receive the presents,
Sapovoneri, the chief, declaring that the
Great Father must not think it necessary to
send presents every time he wished a favor
of them. The money they requested me to
return to the Great Father, or with it pay
the expenses of a delegation to Washington;
they declined to receive it, as it had not
been given them when promised. They
evidently feared that it was a ruse to pur-
chase the Uncompahgre Park, in regard to
which they declined to treat. Finding them
very anxious to have a delegation visit
Washington, I was encouraged to believe
that if a few of the leading men of the
tribe could talk with the President in person,
the sale of the four -mile square could be
effected.
Authority was requested to take such
delegation to Washington, and permission
having been granted, I sent Captain U. M.
Curtis, as interpreter, to bring them from the
agency here.
*
■*
>^-
-►^
UTE COMMISSION.
007
As soon as any definite conclusion is
come to in regard to sale of the Park I will
report it at once to your honorable body.
After Lieutenant McCauley witnessed the
issue of the presents to the Indians he re-
turned to Alamosa.
The checks and unexpended balance of
the $2,000 cash, together with duplicate re-
ceipts, have been returned to the Chairman,
as per liis receipts.
Very respectfully,
W. S. Stickney,
Secretary Ute Special Cpmnnssion.
To the honorable the
Ute Special Commission.
An untried and unexpected experience
now awaited my son, which was destined to
prove the strength of his christian faith, as
his late employment had tested his ability for
severe mental and physical labor.
The particulars of these strange proceed-
ings will be given in another chapter.
New o\ii<>-
rioiK"!'.
*
* ^ ^
CHAPTER V
CHURCH TROUBLES.
Thy friend has a friend, and thy friend's friend has a friend: be discreet.
— Talmud.
^ *
*■
■*
CHURCH TROUBLES.
•rdl
^^ USTICE to tlie memory of my son calls
^^. for a brief statement of his connection
with the troubles which agitated the Calvary
Baptist Church of this city, of which he and
his parents were members, during the latter
part of 1878, and early in 1879.
The pastor was receiving a salary of
three thousand dollars a year; but the Trus-
tees having been unable to provide a regular
income sufficient to pay this sum, with other
necessar}' expenses, seriously considered the
necessity of its reduction.
While attending an International Sun-
day School Convention in Atlanta. Ga., in
April, 1878, I received a letter from my son.
dated Washington, April 18, 1878. containing
the following:
"At the church business meeting last
night, about sixty were present. In your
absence I was chosen clerk pro tern.
"The Chairman of Trustees reported
that, though the pastor had offered to give
the church $41.67 per month (period not sta-
ted), the committee still thought it but right
to report the same as heretofore, viz.: $2,500
to be the salary of pastor from 1st prox.
A uecfs-
slty.
Roiiort.
■*
^-
*
•^32
MEMOIR OP W. S. STICKNEY.
ineiits
against.
Argu-
iiKMits for.
►tt
"The correspondence of the committee
with the pastor was read, and the question
was thus fairly opened.
*'The arguments against adopting the
report were —
'•1. Under the contract we had no right
to cut down the salary,
''2. That the proposed contribution by
the pastor was equivalent to $500 a year;
hence it was just what the proposed reduc-
tion contemplated.
"3. That it was a magnanimous offer
on the part of the pastor.
"4. To reduce the salary, would be to
say the pastor was worth but $2,500.
"5. That the church was never in so
prosperous a condition financially as now;
and if the $500 was taken, it should be paid
back as a Christmas gift.
"The arguments in favor of the report
were —
"1. Tliat if we continued the salary at
$3,000, nominally, and paid but $2,500, we
should place ourselves in a false position
before the world.
•*2. That $41.67 per month was not the
same as $500 per year, as the pastor could
^■
■*
CHURCH TROUBLES.
discontinue it at any time — in two, three,
or six months.
''{]. That the church should not become
a pensioner on the pastor.
' ' 4. That arguments one and five of the
other side were not true, and three was
doubtful.
•'A substitute for the report was of-
fered, continuing the salary at 63,000, and
accepting the pastor's offer of $41.67 per
month.
• ' The substitute was sustained by a vote
of 33 to 9. The clerk, pro tem., was one of
the nine. I think these were all that stood
up when the vote was taken. "
Several members of the church were so
aggrieved by this action, that they surren-
dered their pews, and a few took letters of
dismission.
The agitation continued several weeks,
when charges were preferred against several
members, including my son.
He had not concealed his disappointment
at the action referred to in his letter above,
and had not hesitated to express his opinion
that it was not honest for a church to assume
29
*
Amend-
ment.
■Hi
1^
•S.'A
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
-*
A^ccusn-
tion.
Exonora-
ted.
*
such a position, and not honest in the pastor
to be a party to it.
He was formally charged with having
said the pastor was dishonest, and resolu-
tions for his expulsion from the church were
presented.
At the trial before the church. Will ap-
peared with his defence in writing. A friend
had borrowed the manuscript before the meet-
ing, and, without consulting him. had met
several members of the church who were in
sympathy with the prosecutors, and read to
them his paper.
As Will was about to proceed to read his
defence, on the night of the trial, a brother
who had heard the contents of the paper,
suggested that if the accused would omit
reading all his defence, except the last one
or two paragraphs, he thought the church
would be ready to act favorably on his case.
Will complied with the suggestion, and
after taking his seat a resolution, exoner-
ating him from any blame worthy of church
discipline, was adopted.
The foUoiving is the papei- he had pre-
pared, but which, for the reasons above, was
not read:
■*
*■
CHURCH TROUBLES.
'-^
235
Dear Brethren and Sisters
of the Calvary Baptist Church —
On Sunday, January Vi, 1879, immedi-
ately after Sunday School, I was waited upon
by two deacons, and informed that charges
had been made against me; was told what
the charges were, and the brethren asked (I
quote their words), '"Will you meet us some
time to-morrow?"
Fearing misunderstandings and mis-
takes. I requested that our communications
be had in writing, and that I be furnished a
copy of the charges, with the names of m}'
accusers.
Tuesday I received an envelope, directed
to me, containing an anonymous communi-
cation, addressed to the deacons of the Cal-
vary Baptist Church.
The next day, Wednesday, about seven
o'clock in the evening, I received official in-
formation from the deacons that the ''matter
concerning the charges preferred against you
[me] would be submitted to the church this
evening" — in about half an hour from its
receipt by me.
I have noted these few facts, so that
you might have a fair understanding of
2»K
( 'harges.
oincial in-
formation.
^■
■^-<
Answer.
Salary
question.
>fr
the progress of my case before it reached
you.
The gist of the accusations made against
me is, that I have questioned the honesty of
the pastor.
That I have so done, except in regard
to his conduct in a single instance, I most
emphatically deny; but I will answer the
charges separately, and in conclusion will
attempt to explain what prompted my re-
marks.
The first charge, that I had said, "I
have no confidence whatever in the honesty
of the pastor," is not a fair statement of my
remark, in that it does not recite the circum- .
stances under which it was made.
The unqualified statement, as quoted, I
never uttered. The circumstances were as
follows :
I had met one of the brethren on the
street; we walked together until reaching
his house, when I was invited in. In the
course of our conversation, the conduct of
the pastor in regard to the salary question
was alluded to. The brother expressed his
views, and I mine. I characterized that
conduct as wanting in openness, squareness.
■>5
frankness, and honesty, and in that connec-
tion, and referring to that alone, the remark
charged was made.
Some time after this conversation. I con-
cluded to go to the pastor and explain my
feelings to him. I went twice to his study,
but he was out each time. Soon after I met
him at the bank, when I explained, at length,
why I thought as I did. My father was
present at that interview.
At the business meeting in April, during
the discussion of the subject, I used lan-
guage nearly tantamount to this, to which
no exception whatever was taken; a strange
circumstance, if this opinion was such heresy
as my five anonymous accusers would now
have you think.
The brother with whom I conversed, ap-
peared to understand, at the time, the mean-
ing and bearing of the words I used. The
conversation was of a private nature, and I
naturally considered that it was only neces-
sary for me to make myself clear to him. I
had no thought that my words would be
repeated, and much less, so repeated as to
g^ve an impression different from that in-
tended — for in every quotation of them that
»i<-
KxpIaiiH-
lioii.
Wrong
Ituppes-
sioii.
*
*■
33S
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Absurdity
Connec-
tion of
thoiiglit.
^
has reached my ears, only a portion of the
conversation, and that, the portion rehearsed
in the accusations, was repeated.
I submit that it is not right thus to sep-
arate a clause from its proper modifications
and connections, and report it as an unqual-
ified statement. If this is proper, King Da-
vid must be charged with teaching "There
is no God," though the whole passage says.
"The fool saith in his heart, there is no
God;" and in like manner, we might with
as much propriety charge our Savior with
teaching the heathenish doctrine of "an eye
for an eye," &c., for he certainly did say
that; though if we take what follows, we
find his meaning just the contrary.
A man's words must of course be taken
in their entirety. If the remark charged had
been made in a general conversation, regard-
ing Mr. Mason's moral character, it might be
proper to introduce it here stripped of its
connections; but when it was so intimately
connected with what preceded, in fact only
a conclusion in that one case, certainly it is
but christian and "honest" that the circum-
stances under which the remark was made,
should always accompany its repetition.
*
CHURCH TROUBLES.
■*
•>:5!i
The second remark charged, that I "did
not blame Mr. Fox for leaving the church:
he dont want to belong to a church where
the pastor is dishonest." was spoken just
after the business meeting, nearly a year
ago. in answer to a question by a lady, and
after expressing my opinion so emphaticalh'
in the meeting. I cannot believe that any but
wilful misconstruction would apply my ex-
pression otherwise than to the conduct of the
pastor at that time.
In conclusion. I will endeavor to state
briefly my reasons for the opinions held on
this question.
My Bible teaches that deception should
be avoided as distasteful to God.
To my mind, it was a species of decep-
tion, when the pastor would have credit for
receiving §3,000 for his services, when he
knew he, at the end of the year, would actu-
ally have received but S2,oOO.
To me it is the same in principle if we
had raised the salary to $ 10,000, and allowed
a reimbursement of $7,'')00: and t(» me this
would not have been any more of a decep-
tion.
Again, ill 1 Thess., v: -i-^. we are told to
>fr
Wilful
luiscim-
stnirtioii.
Reasons
for opiii-
ions.
*
The wcak-
fv con-
science.
s<-
"abstain from all appearance of evil." Now-
even if the pastor's alternative was right in
itself, the fact that others in the church
thought it wrong, and that business men,
not in the church, considered it a deception,
should convince an honest mind that the
proposition had at least the "appearance of
evil;" and I reasoned, perhaps incorrectly,
that a mind bent on doing the Master's will
w^ould be eager to change a course so at
variance w4th the Divine teaching.
These thoughts, among others, led me to
the opinions I held and expressed under the
circumstances herein before set forth; and
these convictions I still hold, not ignoring
the consciences of ray brethren who see no
moral principle involved, any more than did
Paul consider his conscience ignored when
he declined eating meat because it was an
offence to some of his brethren.
But in reviewing in my mind the whole
subject; the harsh construction put upon my
words; the unkind remarks they have elicit-
ed; charging me with malice, and with wan-
tonly endeavoring to injure, &c., &c., feel-
ings I never have felt toward the pastor, I
cannot but regard the expression of my opin-
*
■*
CHURCH TROUBLES.
Ul
ions as injudicious and ill-advised, and I
regret having given utterance to them; for
I have not yet reached that higher plane
where mistakes may not be made, and where
life is but a faultless reflection of that one
life — the promise of the past, the blessing of
the present, and the hope of the future.
W. S. Stickney.
This unworthy attempt to crush a young
man, whose every word, thought, and action
were as loyal to the church and the cause of
Christ as he was capable of making them,
who endeavored to make his conduct con-
form to the high standard of Holy Writ,
though it might have discouraged many an
older christian, did not in the least shake
his confidence or weaken his faith in the
truth and reality of the religion he pro-
fessed. His convictions were a part of him-
self. I believe he would have submitted to a
martyr's fate rather than renounce them or
betray his Master.
In all this there was no wilful obstinacy
or unreasoning bigotry. He was willing to
reason upon any subject, but must be con-
Expres-
sion inju-
dicious.
Contl-
(leiu'P in
religion
iiiisliakpn.
■>J<
*
-^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
TliowroDK
keenly felt
Nobility f)f
bearing'.
iS-
vinced of error before he could surrender his
convictions.
He felt most keenly the great injustice
done him by this attempt to stigmatize his
character, and repress if not destroy his use-
fulness, sometimes referring to it with quiv-
ering lip and tremulous voice. Though the
provocation had been so great, he never cher-
ished anger or feelings of revenge towards
any of his brethren — saying, on one occa-
sion when alluding to them, "but — let us not
judge."
The nobility of his bearing throughout
this, his first taste of the contradictions of
the world, is worthy of imitation. Instead
of defying his accusers to do their worst, he
calmly prepares his plea — a plea which the
judgment of every disinterested man will
accept as conclusive of innocence of the
wrong with which he was charged. Then,
judging himself by the same interpretation
of the exhortation to "avoid every appear-
ance of evil," which he applied to the con-
duct of others, he regrets the use of words
which might seem evil. But his magna-
nimity goes even beyond this. He is willing
to omit the major part of his plea — the part
■*
*■
CHURCH TROUBLES.
■tii
243
of all parts to which most men would tena-
ciously cling — and express sorrow that he
had used words which had l^een misunder-
stood. If such a spirit as this were more
common, there would be greater unity in the
churches of Christ, and the prayer of our
Savior answered— "'That the}' may be one
even as we are one."
^
*
* ^
CHAPTER VI.
BEGINNING OF PROFESSIONAL LIFE.
Diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
— Romans, xii: u.
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.
— EpHESIANS, VI: 7.
^ 5<
1^
ۥ
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
u:
AVING completed his studies in the
Law- School, Will was anxious to be
employed.
The city of Des Moines, Iowa, had been
recommended as an inviting field for a young-
lawyer, but his parents did not encourage a
settlement so far from home.
He looked about in Washington for a
suitable opening, but found none that was in
all respects congenial. At length he was
received into a law office, not as a partner,
but for the purpose of obtaining a more
practical knowledge of the profession, in re-
turn rendering the firm what useful service
he could.
He had the privilege of attending to any
professional business that might come to him
individually. By the influence of his friends
in various parts of the country, he was en-
trusted with quite a number of cases — prin-
cipally claims before the Departments. He
was successful in the prosecution of several;
some of which involved between one and
two thousand dollars. He manifested tlie
same zeal here as every where, devoting
himself zealously to the business committed
to him.
Klitfi-s
law ollici
*■
Enf riist«"±^
*
-*
254
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
A new
pastor.
«<■
Jones, with the rest of us, made the armor
[the Christian Armor being one of the exer-
cises], and the young soldier (Charlie Ma-
gruder) looked very fine in his military dress.
Mr. Fuller, of Iowa, who preached for us in
the morning, was present and made a splen-
did address. Programme inclosed."
At home things moved along as usual.
In December, 1879, the pulpit of the Cal-
vary Baptist Church having been vacant
several months, the Rev. Samuel H. Greene,
of Cazenovia, N. Y., was elected pastor.
He accepted the position, and immediately
religious matters assumed a new and live-
ly interest. A vigorous impulse was given
to all our religious work; meetings for
''young ladies" and "children," "young
men" and "young people," were well at-
tended and sustained; conversions from the
Sunday Schools were frequent; the church
was united, happy, and prosperous.
The Home and Mission Schools had each
their usual celebration at Christmas.
At the chapel the room was crowded,
and the occasion was intensely interesting to
all present. The scholars, whose names
■*
were on the •'Roll of Honor," received a
present from the superintendent, who was
never more happy than on that occasion.
His modesty of manners, considerate treat-
ment of all. generosity in dispensing gifts,
frequent visits to the homes of his scholars,
unselfish and unremitting devotion to the
work, gave him a hold upon the affections
of his school which death alone could sun-
der.
It was while engaged so earnestly in
striving to inculcate in the hearts of these
his young parishioners a love of those prin-
ciples and doctrines of the Bible in which
his soul took such delight, that he began to
question within himself whether, after all,
he was not" more useful and more happy in
this work than in attending to the duties of
his profession.
He soon entertained serious misgivings
on this subject, and debated the question of
abandoning his law, and preparing himself,
by a course of theological study, for the
ministry. He expressed himself as willing
to do just what the Master would have
him. and was only concerned to know His
will.
Roll of
lioiinr
A faithful
suiierin-
tciidont.
Thoughts
of the
ministry.
^
^
^^
•2r)(;
"*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
A helper.
Illhcaltli.
His love for the souls of the young,
especially, was daily becoming deeper and'
more manifest. To him many confided their
religious experience, gladly accepting his
counsel and advice. The pastor found in
him a ready and constant friend and brother,
upon whom he could always depend to aid in
whatever enterprise might be suggested for
the good of the church.
"Where can I be the most useful to my
fellow- men?" had become with him the par-
amount question. Had he foreseen the end
of his earthly career to be so near, he could
hardly have employed his time more profit-
ably and more devotedly to the cause of the
Lord than he did.
Notwithstanding all his activities in the
church and Sunday Schools, his health was
not good, and he was not unfrequently com-
pelled to stop entirely and recuperate.
^■
*
H.Ulke.
C^Aly
^ ►J
CHAPTER VII.
SECOND UTE COMMISSION.
And the chiefs made answer, saying:
" We have listened to your message,
We have heard your words of wisdom.
We will think on what you tell us.
It is well for us, oh brothers.
That you came so far to see us."— Lonofkm/jw.
* *
IJ«-
■*
UTE COMMISSION.
■2b\)
A -, S Congress had passed a bill at its last
session for the appointment of another
Special Commission to the Utes of Colorado,
Will thought he saw in this a most favorable
opportunity for him to be of service to his
Government, and to seek that recreation and
change of which he so much felt the need.
Before making the application for the
appointment, we discussed the question fully
and deliberately. Will referred to the great
benefit derived from his previous trip, which
was of a similar character, and to the same
country, as the one now proposed. His for-
mer experience would greatly aid him in
this, and he would come back invigorated
for the winter's work at the church and
Sunday School.
His cousin, Charles Stickney, of nearly
his own age, from Bangor, Maine, was visit-
ing the family at this time. Will felt a
deep interest in his cousin, who was in
poor health, having had several hemorrha-
ges, and who was hoping some way would
open for him to go west, where, he was led
to believe, he might hopefully look for re-
covery.
These considerations prevailed, and after
*
Sjiecial
Commis-
sion.
Benefit to
bo flerived
*
*
360
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■*
Position
ol)tainecV
Peculiai*
peril not
anticipa-
ted.
Bonds.
ijj-
the passage of the bill, application was made
to the Hon. Carl Schurz, Secretary of the
Interior, for the position of Secretary and
Disbursing Officer, which was at once cheer-
fully granted.
It was known the duties of his office
would be arduous, and the time protracted,
perhaps for five or six months, but never a
doubt or misgiving entered the minds of his
parents that the expedition involved peculiar
peril, or greater hardship, than had been
experienced by the previous Commission.
The following gentlemen were appointed
by the Secretary of the Interior to constitute
the Commission: Messrs. G. W. Manypenny,
A. B. Meacham, Otto Myers, J. B. Bowman,
and J. J. Russell. The two former my son
had met a few times; the others were stran-
gers to him.
As one of the duties of the Secretary of
the Commission would be the disbursement
of about seventy- five thousand dollars to the
Indians, the law required of him a bond.
This was given in the sum of fifty thousand
dollars.
The Commissioners visited Washington,
had an interview with the Secretary, and
■*
*
UTE COMMISSION.
■*
2HI
received their instructions. A meeting of
the Commission was appointed at Denver
the last of June.
I was present with mj^ son as he called
to bid the Secretary "Good-bye." Tuesday
morning, June 22d. We met Messrs. Many-
penny and Meacham there. I shook them
by the hand, and said to them, in the pres-
ence and hearing of my son, "I expect you
to take good care of my boy;" to which both
responded, they certainly would.
Last words to his beloved Sunday School.
Just before the close of the Calvary Mis-
sion Sunday School, the Sunday before his
departure, the superintendent feelingly allu-
ded to his anticipated absence for several
months.
Among his papers were found the fol-
lowing "notes" of what he proposed to say
to the School:
"Your teachers have wisely elected Mr.
Taylor, who will more than fill m}' place in
my absence. I trust you will all sustain
him: be prompt and orderly: lot each one
try to surpass the other in doing what is
*■
■^
*
•2ni
■*
MEMOIR OP W, S. STICKNEY.
Be faithful
Visit ttie
scholars.
^
right. Do not neglect the school, even if
the weather is hot and some of the teachers
are absent. Be proud enough of your school
to be present every Sunday.
"I expect and hope the building of the
new chapel will be commenced this summer.
You must help every way in your power,
and when fall comes let every class raise
some money, that each one of you may have
at least one brick in it. I want you to be
interested here — willing to do without some
things, if necessary, for the sake of your
chapel.
"Teachers, thanks for work done. I
commit the work to your hands and hearts
during the days that are to come. Be faith-
ful to your trust. Remember the object of
each day's work is to lead some soul nearer
the Master. Therefore, pray much; visit
much. If your scholars are absent a single
Sunday, I beg of you, call and see them; no
matter if you know the reason; go to the
house; go in and stop a little while, and
manifest your interest. Be enthusiastic in
your work; prompt; know your lessons; be
bright and cheerful — enthusiasm is the fire to
kindle zeal in others. Pray without ceasing.''
■*
Then, according to his custom, he lead
the school in a short, earnest prayer, in
which he expressed the hope that, if they
met no more on earth, they might, '"every
scholar and teacher, without a single excep-
tion, meet around the Great White Throne
in heaven.'*
The engraving at the beginning of this
chapter represents my son as he appeared
every Sunday afternoon at the Calvary Mis-
sion School, with his singing book in one
hand, the other resting upon the desk, wait-
ing for the school to come to order.
This position was a signal for silence,
and without uttering a word, a few moments
sufhced for that perfect stillness which al-
ways preceded the commencement of the
exercises.
The slightly- raised platform, desk, and
piano are faithful copies, and present a scene
familinr to many who will peruse these pa-
ges — a scene hallowed by associations that
time will only render more tender and sacred
in the hearts of his devoted teachers and
scholars.
At the ''Young People's" meeting, the
■^
*-
*
264
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
Young
people's
inoeting:.
(iood-bye.
*-
night of his departure, Will was present, as
usual, leading the music by playing on the
piano. He spoke seriously and earnestly to
the two or three hundred young people pres-
ent, exhorting them to. be faithful in all their
duties; zealous in their work; to honor their
Master by precept and example, and to labor
for the salvation of souls. He bade them an
affectionate "Good-bye," expecting to be ab-
sent perhaps till Christmas.
He returned from the church to the
house, kissed his mother "Good-bye," shook
hands with his friends who were present, not
omitting the servants, and then, accompa-
nied by his particular friend and assistant S.
S. superintendent Taylor and myself, with
his cousin Charlie, proceeded to the Balti-
more and Potomac depot.
On the way we rode to the city Post
Office, where I purchased one hundred postal
cards, and gave half to each of the boys,
with an injunction to return every one in
due time.
It had been a custom with Will from his
earliest infancy to kiss his parents "Good-
night" before retiring to bed. This habit he
never gave up. To strangers it may have
■*
u*.
■*
UTE COMMISSION.
265
looked odd to see a son, as tall as his father,
kissing him " Good -night" as he would leave
to go to bed. For this Will made no apolo-
gies nor explanation. He had always done
so, and he was never ashamed to do so. It
was also his custom, on leaving home, or
returning after an absence, to salute his
father, as well as his mother, with a kiss.
So, in the car, on that eventful Tuesday
night, he gave his father a cordial shake of
the hand, a hearty kiss, and tender "Good-
bye," and left at 10:30 for his long journey
to Colorado.
Postals were received from Altoona the
next day: "All well. Safe journey, so far.
Beautiful morning." From "on the cars
just east of Richmond. Ind., where we ex-
pect to take supper: Very warm day. Some
tired, and very dusty. Country beautiful:
no signs of army worm; wheat being har-
vested; corn from one to three feet high.
Have been reading instructions. Think we
can save time by going first to Southern
Utes. However, more anon."
33
No apolo-
ffies.
A flual
•'Oood-
byp."
■^
*-
■&
2(i6
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Father of
Wators.
Ignacio
first.
Our next is a letter, as follows;
Lindell Hotel,
St. Louis, June 24, 1880.
My dear Father—
This morning at eight, we crossed the
'"Father of Waters," and at present are com-
fortably ensconced in the hotel above. The
ride here was comfortable, and most of the
way interesting. The Cincinnati Conven-
tion formed the general topic of conversa-
tion, and the guesses were as various as
they were numerous. The announcement
of the nominees at the hotel this noon cre-
ated a little enthusiasm, but not much.
Dr. Park [his dentist friend] has given
me two sittings to-day, and wishes two
more.
Hope to leave for Kansas City and Den-
ver to-morrow p. m.
Went down to the sub -Treasury this
afternoon. My draft not yet received.
In reading the instructions, it seems as
if considerable time could be saved by visit-
ing Ignacio first. Then some of the Com'n
could go and see Ouray and the White Riv-
ers (now near (^uray), while one or two of
*■
■*
*■
■*
UTE COMMISSION.
2()7
us could visit the Uintahs. Then, when the
agreement was signed by all, the Commis-
sion would be near the White Rivers, and
could secure, or attempt to secure, their im-
mediate removal to the Uintah country, and
the delivery of the criminals — the next step
after the agreement is signed.
If the Com'n go to the Ouray and White
River Utes first, and then to the southern
country, they would have to retrace their
steps to come again to the White River Utes,
to see about their removal.
I think we had all better go to the south-
ern country, as the influence of numbers will
undoubtedly be needed there, and then one
of the Com'n and myself can do all the work
necessary with the Uintahs.
I write thus fully, for the Secretary may
receive a dispatch from the Com'n, asking
permission to go south first, and I would
like to have you able to give him some of
the reasons.
My way will save about six days — a
desideratum, when the time is so limited,
I do not think the Uintahs will requiir
more than a representation of the Com'n
before signing tlie agreement, and, while
Southern
country.
■^^
*
^
2()8
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Keturn of
prisoners.
Out on the
l>rairie.
*■
one or two of us are on that business, the
remainder will have all the more time to
labor for the return of the prisoners — desid-
eratum No. 2.
Will keep you advised.
Love to mother.
Affectionately, your son Will.
We next hear from him by postal:
On the cars Mo. Pacif., six or eight miles
from Kansas City,
Saturday, June 36, 1880.
Pleasant ride last night; just enough
rain to settle the dust. This a. m. we both
feel pretty well — in readiness for breakfast.
Yesterday afternoon Dr. Park took us
through some of the pleasant drives about
St. Louis. Had a delightful time.
Love to mother. Aff'y, Will.
•'Wallace" for breakfast Sunday, a. m.,
"way out on the prairies," or "plains'* would
be more accurate. Had a good night. Each
of us feels pretty comfortable. Weather cool
and delightful. Colonel Manypenny on this
train. Aff'y, W.
"*
*
UTE COMMISSION.
■*
3(59
"Denver. June 27. 1880.
Sunday night.
Reached here at 4:30 this p. m. Heavy rain.
Both quite well, considering the long jour-
ney. No Commissioners here, except Col.
Manypenny."
Monday. Tuesday, and Wednesday Will
was constantly occupied in purchasing 3,;300
pounds of camp supplies, outfit, &c., prepar-
atory to their long journey in the wilderness.
Wednesday he sends the following postal:
June 30, '80. Denver.
Very busy, and very tired. I leave here
to-morrow for Alamosa to look after bag-
gage. Commissioners will follow next day.
Expect to meet Indians Thursday. Have so
telegraphed them. Charlie will not go on
this trip. Dr. Denison thinks he had better
become a little more acclimated. Please
send me copy of the treaty of '68, also one
of '72.
Love to mother. Aff' v. Will.
>!*■
Purchas-
ing sui>-
plios.
■*
^■
aro
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
The next information, is the following
letter:
Long ride.
Hot Springs, Colorado,
Near Wagon Wheel Gap,
Sunday, July 4, 1880.
My dear Mother —
To-day I will write you something of
the trip so far. Though not my practice
to write Sundays, think I can employ part
of my time to - day better this way than any
other.
The ride to Denver you have heard
about. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
were spent in buying the outfit. Thursday
went to Alamosa with Col. Meacham; a long
and tiresome ride.
[Alamosa is fourteen hours, by rail, from
Denver, by the Denver and Rio Grande R.
R. , and the terminus of the road. ]
Friday I completed the outfit at A. and
went back to Fort Garland [about 30 miles]
to look after some things left there two years
ago. Returned with the supplies bought at
Denver, and made arrangements for the
freight to leave Saturday morning.
Friday p. m. Col. Manypenny and Mr.
^•
*
*
UTE COMMISSION.
■*
'v I 1
Russell came, and yesterday p. m. we all left
in the coach for this place. The ride for the
first thirty miles was very dusty, though the
roads were smooth.
The country may have magnificent pos-
sibilities; we may yet see the orange and
the palm, beautiful in foliage, and stately
in shape, growing in tropical luxuriance
through the San Luis Park, but at present
the sage-brush and grease -wood vie with
each other, and over, and under, and about
every thing is the alkali dust, so fine and
disagreeable.
The company in the coach was very in-
teresting. Beside ourselves, were three Cor-
nish miners and a Mexican ranchman. Senor
Antonio. The miners were unusually intel-
ligent. First, they described their sports in
England; then mining at Lake Superior and
Brazil, and finally, began to talk about the
Bible. Their queer pronunciation and pecu-
liar idiom were to me very fascinating. They
did not seem to have any objective — "Do
you know he?'' or. "Did you see they?'' was
the usual form. When tliey discussed Bible
truths, repeating unusual passages, I felt
they had learned to mine for richer ores than
k:^
Possiliili-
ti(>s.
Coriii.sh
iiiiiicrs.
■m
*■
■i7-i
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
(J0(>«1 kind
of irnmi-
fTvatioii.
Au Salile.
*■
silver or gold, and their treasure was already
great.
Never, I think, have I traveled all day
with any other three men, rough or polished,
when I have not heard a single objectionable
word, or even hint. I was surprised and
gratified at the style of these men. That
kind of immigration will not hurt us; and if
their American cousins would take a few
lessons from them, they would be all the
better for their coming.
The Senor may have done a deal of
thinking, like the owl the Irishman bought
for a parrot, but he did not say much.
At Del Norte we took dinner at two
o'clock; thence the scenery improved, and,
about six, the rocky sides of the mountain
loomed up to very great heights. I cannot
describe the view to you. Imagine an Au Sa-
ble chasm, one -fourth of a mile wide, and
three times as high, a valley of pines and the
jumping, dashing Rio Grande, with the road
first by the side of the mountain, and then
skirting the river, the mountains showing
their bare, steep sides so high "one has to
look twice " to see the top. It was grand —
magnificent! and I could not but feel it was
■*
Ij<-
UTE COMMISSION.
■*
■i7:i
all made for us, that we might use them
to the glory of the Creator. Perhaps the
Psalmist had some such display of God's
works in mind, when he asks, "What is
man .■^
At seven o'clock we reached the Gap.
The Col's stopped at the hotel there, Mr.
Russell and I came up here, two miles, and
found the Saratoga, may be, of the future —
three hot springs, about one hundred and
ninety degrees, almost exactly like the Ar-
kansas springs, and two cold, with just a
little gas, some iron, and considerable mag-
nesia; these are all I could taste. The hot
springs have soda, sulphur, and iron.
Last night, after a trout supper, Mr. Rus-
sell and I took a grand bath in a tub twenty
feet square by four and a half deep.
To-day we have been quietly resting,
preparatory to another week's hard work.
The Commissioners are now all in the
State, and I expect to have a very pleasant
time with them. We hope to be at the
agency Wednesday.
Charlie did not come along. He called
on Dr. Denison, author of the "Rocky Moun-
tain Health Re.sorts." and the Dr. thought the
What i^^
inau?
'I'roul and
a bath.
^
■*
>^
274
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Hopes.
A new
question.
*■
long ride, so soon after his illness, with the
high altitudes, would be too much for him
for two or three weeks. I have understood,
since, that the Dr. thinks he can be entirely
cured in four years. Expect he will accom-
pany me on the next trip, when we come to
pay the annuities.
Information respecting the Indians is
very encouraging. Hope they will sign the
agreement promptly, and let us get to the
real work of the summer.
Hope Taylor is getting along well with
the school. I believe he expected to be ab-
sent to-day. Wish I might look in on you
and it.
Keep me posted, please, as to what you
are all doing.
Please ask father, if he has not already
done so, to send me the treaty of 1868. A
new question has arisen, and I think we will
need it.
How did the pic-nic come off? Thought
of you at the time. Hope every thing passed
off satisfactorily.
Love to father and all inquiring friends.
Affectionately, your son
Will S. Stickney.
■*
*■
UTE COMMISSION.
-*
•^75
Los Pinos Indian Agency,
Thursday, July 8, 1880.
My dear Father —
Col. ^lanypenny and I reached this place
yesterday about noon. Col. Meacham was
quite sick at Indian Creek (fifty miles from
here), and we left him and Mr. Russell to
stay over a day. We expect them this noon.
Ever}^ thing here is quiet. The agent
says the Indians were never more friendly
than at present.
The Indians have been told they are to
lose all they possess, and get nothing for it.
This will make it more difficult to convince
them that all is right; but trust we may be
successful.
This place is just as it used to be — very
dusty, and every thing as inconvenient as it
could well be.
Our outfit has not yet arrived, and for
the time we are boarding with the mess, and
it is pretty poor eating.
We applied to Gen. McKenzie for some
tents, and he answered, he did not exi>ect
any such a request, and did not think he liad
any to spare. What is the use of an order
from the Secretary of War, if that is the
Falso
re)K>rts.
iirdiT.
■>h
*■
t>7(;
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■*
Healtli
good.
*■
way it is to be treated? As it was, the agent
found places for us. What we will do when
all the Commissioners come, remains to be
seen.
The annuities and supplies have not yet
come, and things are getting pretty low in
the store -house. I think the agent said he
had about two more issues of flour. An
omission in the issue of supplies at present, I
think would be unfortunate.
Ouray is here, and the Indians are com-
ing in slowly.
My health is pretty good, and, when
well rested, think I will feel first-rate.
Love to mother, and regards to friends.
Affectionately, your son
Will S. Stickney.
Los Pinos Agency, Col.,
Sunday, July 11. 1880.
My dear Father —
Yours of 2d and 3d inst. , inclosing report
of last Ute Commission, came to hand yes-
terday. Many thanks for your frequent
writing. We have nothing to do here, and
the mail is looked forward to with great
interest by us all.
■*
*■
UTE COMMISSION.
■*
'17:
When in Denver. I suggested to Colonel
Manypenny that he secure an interpreter:
but he preferred to wait until reaching the
agency. Now we are here, and there is
no one who can interpret our speech into
Ute.
Friday the Commission instructed me to
hunt up Curtis. I staged it twenty- five
miles, and that night received a courier dis-
patch to hire a man and send him, and for
me to return. I did so, and returned the
next morning. Mr. Russell thought some
one else might do as well, and save me the
trip; hence my recall. Now we are waiting
for Curtis: it may be four days, and perhaps
ten, before he comes.
The Commissioners were in such haste
to leave Denver, that our beds, blankets,
eatables, &c., were all left to be freighted.
and they have not arrived yet; so we are
bunking on tables, sofas, and the like. Last
night I slept on the floor.
The fare here is just about as poor as it
well can be. However, we hope soon to live
under our own vine and fig tree.
The dust is so ubiquitous that it is im-
possible to keep clear <>f it: so we do not
^
*
keep ourselves quite as neat as we would
like; but it treats us all alike.
Have wished a good many times this
morning that I might look in on you at S. S.
and church.
This is a poor country for Sunday ob-
servance. The agent has been unloading
goods; the Commission sent one of their
number to confer with Gen. McKenzie, and
when I suggested to-morrow would be as
well, so far as the urgency of the business
was concerned, Col. Manypenny and some
of the others laughed at the idea — so soon
have these gentlemen adopted the habits of
the country.
Yesterday we witnessed the issue of ra-
tions. After the flour issue, we went to see
the beef slaughter. If I were Commissioner
of Indian Affairs, I would certainly repri-
mand an agent who issued beef in that way,
and if he repeated the offence, would sus-
pend him from duty.
The cattle were put in a corral; theoreti-
callj'", one Indian was detailed to do the kill-
ing. He shot the first beef, then he was
assisted by fifteen or twenty others; some
of the cattle were wounded, and left to die
^■
■*
*
UTE COMMISSION.
■^
in their agony; one accidentally (?) escaped
through the gate, and they had a gay time
chasing and shooting at the poor animal
until it was killed; a yearling also escaped,
and they gave chase to him. Almost as
soon as the first one was killed, the women,
men, and children rushed in and commenced
to flay it, and there, in the midst of the blood
and filth of the place, the squaws chopped
off the different parts of the animal and
bore them to their ponies to be carried home.
The blood-thirsty way in which they all
acted in this brutal scene, was discouraging
to all attempts at civilization. It is no won-
der they continue savages, when these scenes
are repeated every week.
We were told, that the week before some
of the men amused themselves by driving a
calf about and alternately slashing its sides
with knives until death terminated its mis-
ery. Tt is too bad, and ought to be stopped.
Ere this you have heard why Charlie did
not come with me; so will not repeat. Yes-
terday I heard from him; he seems quite
encouraged, and in good spirits: hopes to
join me the first of August.
Love to mother. Please tell her I re-
^
-►^
^
480
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Expensive
traveling.
ceived her letter duly, and like O. Twist,
Esq. , am looking for more.
Kind regards to friends. Health is first-
rate.
Affectionately, your son Will.
P. S. I understand there is nothing but
beef at the agency.
Los Pinos Agency, Colo. ,
Tuesday, July 13, 1880.
My dear Father —
Thanks for yours of Gth inst., with in-
closures, which came in to-day's mail.
Our interpreter has not yet arrived, and
we are consequently in a state of masterly
inactivity.
Gen'l McKenzie tells us he has no au-
thority to furnish transportation and tents
"to the east, on any mail line, without spe-
cial instructions from the Department Com-
mander." This will make it very expensive
traveling to the Southern Ute agency, unless
the aforesaid instructions can be obtained.
Expect the goods will be here to-mor-
row.
Wednesday, the 7th inst., pic-nic day, it
rained very hard here; hope you had all sun-
^■
-*
*■
UTE COMMISSION.
■►^
381
shine. Shall expect to hear all about it day
after to - morrow.
Please send me some papers. Now and
then we have a Chicago paper, but no New
York journals. If Taylor would send his old
Tribunes, they would be thankfully received.
We are all well, and having as good a
time as can be expected in such a place.
Love to mother, and kind regards to the
bank folks and other friends.
Affectionately, your son
Will S. Stickney.
HIS LAST LETTER HOME.
Los Pinos Agency, Colo.,
Wednesday, July 14, 1880.
My dear Mother —
Yours of 5th inst. came to hand this
noon. I heard from Charlie the other day,
and he seemed to be improving. He wrote
in good spirits, and with good courage.
Glad to hear you had such a good day
Sunday, the 4th. There is so little Sabbath
(observance here, that it seems good to hear
of a good Sunday elsewhere.
Sorry to hear about the pic-nir disap-
.T.
»±^
New8i>n-
l)ers.
(f()(Ul
coil rage.
■>-<
>fr
-^
2S2
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
Shoes for
Mission
scholars.
Occupa-
tion.
*
pointment [it was postponed on account of
the rain], but expect you had a fine time
when it did come off.
Herewith please find check for ten dol-
lars. This will pay the Hazelton bill for
shoes furnished some of our Mission scholars.
I have no news to give you. Neither the
interpreter, the Indians, nor the outfit have
come yet; but I hope we may get to work
Monday next.
I spend most of my time reading up the
treaties, writing letters, stitching torn com-
forters, and sleeping.
The gentlemen have the same pro-
gramme, varied by a game of whist every
evening.
At night, and early in the morning, it is
quite cool, sometimes cold, but from ten to
four it is as hot, almost, as you have it. But
I must fix up my bed, as some of the things
are on another bed, and the occupant of the
latter wishes to retire. Will finish this in
the morning.
Thursday morning, [July 15, 1880.]
It is a bright, beautiful morning, prom-
ising a warm day; but the atmosphere is
■*
cool and pure. I must tell you how we sleep
while waiting for our goods. Col's Many-
penny and Meacham have beds, Gen. Bow-
man sleeps in the carpenter shop on an old
door laid on two horses, Judge Russell and I
sleep on the floor in the agent's room. This
room was originally intended for a stable,
but the agent thought it an improvement on
his own quarters, and moved in.
Beside the Judge, myself, and the agent,
Hermon Silver, a friend of Mr. Mears, and
Col. Parker, chief of the secret mail service,
slept in this room last night. Mr. Mears
shares a bed with one of the employes. To-
night I hope our supplies will be here, and
we can sleep in our tents, such as we have.
Give love to father, please, and kind re-
gards to all inquiring friends.
Affectionately, your son
Will S. S.
In a letter written from Los Pinos to his
friend Taylor, under date of Monday, July
12, he says:
"This place is nothing but dust — no
grass, no good place even for a tent. The
yiiai'ters.
■*
^
284
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■*
Tenting-.
Intel•e^^t
for the
Chappl.
Books.
Sunday.
*■
accommodations are scarce, I sleep on the
floor, and this morning came to the conclu-
sion that I could do better out of doors; so to-
night I am going to try it in a tent, if pos-
sible. Our bedding and outfit are all on the
way, so we have to put up with what we can
get.
"How comes on the chapel improve-
ment? [Referring to a project inaugurated
several months previously for the enlarge-
ment of Calvary Chapel.] Is the fence up
yet? I sincerely hope you will get the foun-
dation for the north wall in this summer or
fall; then we can go ahead in winter, if it is
thought best. Kendall was to prepare some
drawings, but I have not heard any thing
about them since I left. Keep things mov-
ing.
' ' After a while I may want you to send
me something to read — Lecky, Van Hoist,
or Stubbs; but I wont trouble you yet.
■'Yesterday [Sunday] I thought much of
you all, wishing for your success and bless-
ing. No service here.
"A letter to father in the morning; then
a little time for putting the room in order;
dinner, and a very poor one; then a nap;
■*
■*
UTE COMMISSION.
285
afterwards a reading in the Bible, then a
good wash: supper; walk; some more Bible
reading: then good -night.
'•One of the Commissioners went to fish,
put his rods on the bank, and they tumbled
off. and floated down the stream — 'lost to
sight, but to memory dear." He received
little sympathy."
Little
synipatliy.
■^
^ ^
CHAPTER VIII.
SICKNESS AND DEATH.
When tlie righteous die, it is the earth that loses. The lost jewel
will always be a jewel; but the possessor, who has lost it — well may
he weep. — TAi,>ruD.
A l)IR(iE.
Dig,/ July 20, iSSo.
•"Ble«sP th' unprisoned soul to Heaven?
What stricken mourner then can say — "Thy will"?
The spirit cries for one last look and word :
Still is the answer to our rebel "Why?" —
"The LoRU hath given, the Lord hath called away;
Give thanks. Thy dead is living over ihere ! "
— T. I. K. in ".Musical Bulletin," Washington.
^ »I <
^-
SICKNESS AND DEATH.
■*
•>8y
jHURSDAY morning, July loth, after
}y^ bathing in cold water, as was his daily
practice, Will remarked to Commissioner Rus-
sell: "'I feel so well this morning." That
night he determined to exchange his floor
of the cabin for a cot in the tent. Accord-
ingly, with Mr. Russell, he retired under a
small shelter tent, or fly, without pins, a
short distance from the cabin. His bed con-
sisted of blankets spread upon boards. The
weather became chilly during the night, the
wind blew freshly, and as the walls of the
tent were not banked nor pinned, the inmates
were exposed to its cold blasts. In the morn-
ing Mr. Russell observed that Will had pro-
tected his face by covering it with his hat.
Friday morning he complained of sore-
ness of throat, and said he believed he was
feverish, and thought he had taken cold.
He declined to eat any breakfast. Mr. Rus-
sell gave him some quinine, and called in the
physician of the agency, Dr. Lacy, who ad-
ministered (piinine and calomel.
, Friday night a cot was placed in tlu'
tent.
Saturday morning he was worse; the
fever had increased; the temperature of his
Well!
ih-k'.
Worse.
■^
*■
290
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Itclirinii.-
Hoi>es.
^-
body was 100 degrees; but to his friends his
condition did not appear alarming. He evi-
dently considered himself quite sick, and
suggested that information be sent to his
parents, but was told he would soon be bet-
ter. Commissioner Meacham watched with
him that night.
Sunday found him no better. At six
o'clock that evening, by advice of Commis-
sioner Meacham, a messenger was sent for
Dr. Brown, the army physician, who was
with the military post, sixteen miles distant.
For some reason, the message failed of being
delivered.
Sunday night Mr. McRae. a friend of
Commissioner Bowman, sat up with the pa-
tient, who appeared to be delirious at times,
asking to be moved out of the sun, as it hurt
his head, though it was not then daylight.
Monday morning he was visited by Ed.
Jenkins, the driver of the stage between Los
Pinos and Cimmaron. Will had previously
made his acquaintance in his travels there,
and had won his confidence and friendship.
Jenkins, entering his tent, remarked. "I
have come to see you." He replied. "That's
right. I hope to be well in a day or two."
■*
■*
SICKNESS AND DEATH.
!»!
The driver asked if he could not bring him
something from Mrs. Clines [twenty- five
miles distant on his route], "some milk, or
something else?" "Yes," he said, "bring
me some crackers; not hard -tack, but soda-
crackers."
Will renewed the suggestion that his pa-
rents had better be advised of his illness, and
was informed that as soon as the fever was
broken speedy recovery would follow. There
can be no doubt, though he may have con-
sidered himself very ill at this time, that he
did not think himself to be in any real dan-
ger.
During this day (Monday), after a gen-
eral consultation, it was determined to re-
move him to the cabin, the sun rendering it
uncomfortably warm during the day in the
tent.
Two sticks were placed under the frame
of the cot, and four men carried him about
one hundred and fifty yards distance, into
the cabin.
Mr. Curtis, the interpreter, took him in
his arms and carried him into a second room,
which was as comfortal)le as any the agency
afforded. When Mr. Curtis placed him on
*■
Thought
of home.
■*
*
292
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Loss of
speech.
*■
the bed, Will thanked him for giving him
"such a nice ride."
When asked by Mr. McEae, between
nine and ten o'clock of this morning, how
he was, he replied with some difficulty, "Not
very well."
This night (Monday) an employe of the
agency watched with the patient.
Another messenger was sent for the
army physician, who reached the agency at
two o'clock Tuesday morning. He expressed
his approbation of the treatment, and recom-
mended its continuance.
At ten o'clock the sufferer motioned to
Curtis to come to his bed. Will drew him
down and tried to talk, but could not speak.
From the best interpretation of his artic-
ulations and signs, his last thoughts were of
his home — a home peculiarly dear to him —
never forgotten, and from which he always
parted with regret ^ —
"And dragged at each remove a lengthening chain" —
to return to which he dail}' looked forward
with the greatest desire.
That morning the fever was broken, and
stimulants administered.
■*
*■
SICKXESS AND DEATH.
■*
W:]
His friend Jenkins, the stage driver,
went to see him shortly before twelve, with
the milk and crackers. He swallowed with
difficulty several spoonsful.
Retaining- full consciousness to the last,
at half -past twelve, without a struggle, i»<'«tii.
calmly and peacefully his pure spirit took
its flight.
Commissioner Bowman writes: "It was
my sad pleasure to sit by his side, and alone,
while all others were absent, not expecting
so sudden a result, and to witness his peace-
ful, quiet departure.
"His noble, manly form lies before me
at this moment, as natural as life, with that
kind, bland expression which made him so
attractive while living.
"Our Commission had all become greatly
endeared to him, and knew well his manly,
christian virtues."
Commissioner Russell: "The morning
before his death. 1 asked if he desired to
write his parents, and he said, not if we felt
that he would be out in a few days. He was
all the time quiet, except when spoken to:
■*
^-
294
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Lamented.
*■
and at no time did he express regret, or
complain because of his sickness. I felt all
the time, until the moment of his death, that
he would recover; but it seemed to be the
will of the Ruler over all that it should be
otherwise."
Commissioner Meacham writes : ' ' Willie
retained full consciousness and voice until
about ten this morning. Every thing that
love could do was done. The Commission,
the agent, and military officers have all been
kind, and deplore the sudden death of one so
young and so much beloved.
'"We sought in every way to encourage
him in the hope of speedy recovery, fully
believing, until the day of his death, he
would soon be well again; and for this rea-
son, he has left no message for the loved
ones."
It is not the purpose of this Memorial
to attempt to describe the anguish of the
parents, as they were aroused from sleep
at midnight, Wednesdaj', the 31st of July,
by Mr. Bell, the Assistant Secretary of the
Interior, and told that their son. of whose
*
SICKNESS AND DEATH.
■*
295
welfare and good health they had received
almost daily tidings, lay dead at the Los
Pinos agency.
He presented the following telegrams,
just received:
Los Pinos, Colorado, July 30, 1880.
To Carl Schurz, Sec'ij Int.,
Washington, D. C.
Clerk Stickney has been sick five days
with typhoid fever. We have two physi-
cians. They pronounce his condition criti-
cal. Please inform his father.
Geo. W. Manypenny. Ch. Ute Com.
Toletfraiiis
Los Pinos Agency, Col.,
July 20, 1880.
Hon. Secretary of Interior,
Washington, D. C.
W. S. Stickney, Clerk of the Ute Com-
mission, died at 12:30 to-day. Embalming
impossible. The physicians think it imprac-
ticable to send body east at present. Will
pack it in zinc coffin and charcoal, ready for
removal in fall. Please inform Mr. Stickney.
Geo. W. Manypenny, Ch. Ute Com.
*■
-*
)J< ■• ^
CHAPTER IX.
THK FUNERAL.
S. T. T. L.
Sit tibi terra levis.
May the earth be hght upon thee. —INSCRIPTION ON Roman ToMH.
Unveii. thy bosom, faithful tomb,
Take this new treasure to thy trust ;
And give these sacred rehcs room
To seek a slumber in the dust.
So Jesus slept ; fiod's dying Son
Passed through the grave and blessed the bed ;
Rest here, dear saint, till from his throne
The mornmg break, and pierce the shade. — Watts, i 734.
*■
4<
Ij"
■fj
FUNERAL.
301
J HE funeral services occurred on Friday,
the 13th of August, at the Calvary Bap-
tist Church, at half -past three.
The following correct account of the ob-
sequies was published in the National Re-
publican newspaper:
•'Imposing Funeral Display at Calvary
Baptist Church.
"The funeral of William Soule Stickney,
Secretary of the Ute Commission, who died
in Colorado on the 20th of July, took place at
three o'clock yesterday afternoon from the
Calvary Baptist Church, and seldom have
greater honors been paid to the dead. After
a prayer at the house of Mr. William Stick-
ney, father of the deceased, at the corner of
Sixth and M streets, the remains were re-
moved to the Calvary Baptist Church. The
church was already packed with people, the
crowds extending out into the street. The
funeral ceremonies were conducted in the
Sabbath School room, which was draped in
mourning. The teachers of the Sabbath
School, who wore appropriate badges of
mourning, were seated at the right of the
pulpit, while the space at the left was occu-
*■
rmirral.
At lioiiio
At 111.-
cliiin-li
■^
*
302
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY
Sunday
Scliool
children.
Floral
offering's.
Eulog'ics.
Singinsi-.
^
pied by the three hundred children of the
Calvary Mission School, attended by their
teachers. Each child held in his hand a
bouquet of white flowers, and wore upon his
bosom a white silk badge, inscribed in black
letters, 'July 30, 1880. In memory of our
beloved Superintendent, W. S. Stickney. In
solo Deo salus.' The casket, covered with
cloth, with drop black handles, with a plate
suitably inscribed, was placed before the
altar. A feature of the obsequies was the
richness and profusion of the floral display —
flowers being worked in every appropriate de-
sign. As the procession entered the church,
a dirge was rendered by Professor Hayden,
the organist. Rev. Mr. Greene conducted
the services and pronounced a eulogy of the
deceased. He was followed by Rev. Dr.
Morehouse, of New York City, formerly pas-
tor of the church attended by the deceased
when a student at Rochester, N. Y. Dr.
Welling, President of the Columbian Uni-
versity, also added his testimony to the
worth of the deceased. During the services
the children of the Calvary Mission, under
the direction of Mr. David Haines, sang with
fine effect 'It is Well with Mv Soul.' The
^^
■t^
FUNERAL.
MX]
remains were then removed from the church
to the hearse, Messrs. Theo I. King, L. R.
Taylor, J. M. Bessey, J. H. Olcott, H. G.
Jacobs, H. H. Kendall. D. A. Chambers, and
D. E. McComb officiating as pall -bearers."
Impressive as was the scene at the
church, the spectacle at Oak Hill Cemetery,
beautiful by nature and radiant with its rich
profusion of flowers, was most affecting.
The members of the Calvary Mission
School filed in solemn procession past the
grave, which was about to close upon the
form of their beloved Superintendent, and
cast in their beautiful floral offerings — the
last expression of their deep affection for a
true and devoted friend.
The church choir sang the "Sweet Bye-
and-Bye," and the pastor read the following
requiem, sent by an unknown friend:
REQUIEM.
WILLIAM SOULE STIPKNEY.
LAID TO HIS REST AT OAK HII.I., ArOlST 13, 1880.
Brought home, where the dust of his kindred reposes,
To sleep 'mid the dew and the breath of the roses —
In summer, the season the sweetest and fairest —
Himself, of its blossoms, the purest and rarest.
►i^
At Oak
Hill.
Calvar.v
Mission
Soliool.
Il(>i|iiii'ni.
V<
*-
304
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
*
He sleeps his last sleep — while all nature reposes,
And melody breaks from earth's thousands of voices;
Like distant sweet chimes, o'er evening's winds singing.
The music he breathed is in echoes still ringing.
Life's silver cord loosed, and the golden bowl broken;
We bow to the mandate Jehovah has spoken ;
God's promise proclaims, o'er the lov'd and lamented,
The silver cord loosed, shall again be cemented.
We lay him in love 'neath the rose and the willow —
Peace sits by his ashes — Peace breathes 'round his pillow;
How well that such graces and gifts should be given,
Like precious first fruits — an offering to Heaven.
God gave — and we bless him! God took — and though parteii,
Still trusting — still loving — we yield, broken-hearted;
Again in the home of the blest we shall greet him.
And youth bloom immortal, when joyful we meet him I
A short prayer and benediction, and the
mournful company slowly retired, leaving
all that is mortal of their precious friend
among the flowers, the "purest and rarest,"
and loveliest of them all.
T-
■*
^B ^
CHAPTER X.
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES, LE'lTERS OF CONDOLENCE, AND
RESOLUTIONS OF SVMPATIIN .
There is a way to get the kingdom; get the people, ;iml llie
kingdom is got. There is a way to get the people; get their hearts,
and the people are got. The people turn to a benevolent rule, ns the
water flows downward. — .Mencius.
X8
4i ^
*
MExMURIAL ADDRESS.
■^
;}(>:
rs
A DDE ESS BV TH K PASTOR.
Rev. Samuel H. Greene.
' OME lives, when they terminate here, go
out in utter darkness: others in the twi
light of doubt and obscurity; while to others-
it is given to depart like the setting sun.
when, having finished its daily course, it
sweeps through the western gates, leaving
us, under skies resi)lendent with its touch,
to recount its kindly ministry. Such a life,
it seems to me, was this, the sudden ter-
mination of which so many mourn to-day.
I am prompted to no words of eulogy as I
stand beside this precious dust. No words
of mine can add to your appreciation of the
beauty and value of the life which was so
marked in the purpose and toil. His record
is his best eulogy. AVhat he has been to
us in the past, what he is to us to-day.
these tear -dimmed eyes and quivering lips
about me speak more eloquently than woids
can tell.
I need not in this ju'esence speak <>f
him as the affectionate and dutiful son: the
thoughtful and devoted friend: the thorough
and enthusiastic student: the vigorous and
*■
S(>in(>
lives.
No NVuriN
of (Mill Iff. V
Ili'Odril.
■*
t&
308
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Ye are the
witnesses.
Some
traits.
Iiitelli-
ireiice.
I
independent thinker; nor need I impress up- /
on your minds the memory of one so earnest
in his religious convictions and labors as to
subordinate all else to these; of one who was
a wise, generous, anxious Sunday School
Superintendent, a tender hearted and prayer-
ful teacher. Nor yet is there occasion to tell
you how earnestly he prayed; how tenderly
he entreated the lost; or how he preached
the gospel from house to house, often with
tears, ministering to the sick and afflicted,
and stretching out his hands generously to
the poor. Of these things you have been
the fortunate and appreciative witnesses.
And while we would bring no fulsome words
of praise to this sad place, yet we instinc-
tively feel that honesty and gratitude de-
. mand the recognition of the life which
touched so many of us only with blessings.
1 shall simply attempt to recall some of the
traits which peculiarly marked this dear life;
and first let me speak of his Intelligence.
The agreeableness and worth of human
friendship is always largely measured by its
intelligence. Nature gave him from out of
her choicest gifts. From infancy these
found a congenial sphere for development in
i
the home life. The natural desire for know-
ledge found here a wise and healthy stimu-
lus. The privilege of native city and land
were supplemented by months of study
abroad, and what he gained was devoted
to a high and worthy purpose. Not in a
single department was he intelligent, but in
many. Literature, art, and science found
in him an enthusiastic student and friend.
But he had a knowledge of more than was
taught in the schools. He learned to know
men. and more than most young men he
came to know his race — its sin, its need,
and its grand possibilities; his ministry, con-
sequently, was tender, appreciative, and sen-
sible. How largely he was successful in
approaching, leading, and blessing others,
let these hundreds who shared in his min-
istry give answer to-day.
But again. I was impressed with his
Honesty — not a mere legal or business hon-
esty, but much more. There was in his
nature an utter abhorrence of all pretense
or sham. He was an honest thinker. His
convictions resulted from his thinking, and
they represented to him intelligence, con-
science, and judgment. To these convic-
HiiiK'sty.
*■
■*
*
310
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
Honest
■with him-
self.
*
tions he was loyal, cost what it might, and
no man can say that ever, for a single day,
did he turn aside from the course to which
those convictions impelled him. If mistakes
were made, they were mistakes of judgment
and not of heart. He believed in the tri-
umph of the right, and consecrated himself
to it. I cannot better describe his position
than to give one of his favorite quotations:
"Truth is ever on the scaffold,
And wrong is ever on the throne;
Yet that scaffold sways the future,
And behind that great unknown
Standeth God within the shadow.
Keeping watch above his own."
He was as honest with himself as with
others. A fault was not less a fault because
he discovered it in his own life. I remember
how tearfully it is told in his home now.
that, when but a little child, having trans-
gressed the commandment of his mother and
felt no punishment for it, he came to her.
bringing in his little hand a stick, and ask-
ing that he might receive the punishment
he merited. Whatever it might cost of open
confession and tears, the consciousness of an
honest life was worth infinitely more to him
*■
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
>^
311
than every other consideration. This hon-
esty made him a model of untiring industry
and left upon his work the marks of thor-
oughness throughout. He was too honest to
expend the time, strength, or means which
God had given him, in any thing but the
highest and best of purposes. In the social,
religious, and business life his sincerity was
every where apparent, and constituted one
of the peculiar charms with which his char-
acter was invested.
But again. He came so near us and
blessed us so largely in his Sympathy. No
nature was more susceptible to touch of joy
or sorrow than was his. His delicately con-
stituted senses quickly comprehended and
took hold of the experience of others, and
the unfortunate, the suffering, the bereaved,
found in him a warm and practical sympa-
thy. I well remember, when not a week
had elapsed since I had entered on my duties
here, of his calling to tell me of an afflicted
family in his Mission School. I remember
the impression made upon me as he said,
his eyes filling witli tears, "It seems to me
we shall save this family for God." He
shared their sorrows, and used whatever
*-
Syinimtliy.
To .•'uvf
for ()o«I.
4^
*
:U2
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Pioty.
Fidelity to
con-
science.
*
influence he had to bless their affliction to
the salvation of their souls. He was in
profound sympathy with his race, and his
happiest hours were when he served it.
Generous, self -forgetful, he imitated the ex-
ample of his Divine Master, and sought "not
to be ministered unto, but to minister. "
But the characteristic which impressed
us most strongly, was the fact that he was
Pious. His intelligence, honesty, and sym-
pathy were laid in consecration at the feet
of Jesus, where these earthly gifts were
sanctified and guided by the Holy Spirit,
and used for the highest possible good of his
race. His entrance upon the religious life
was not the result of any sudden emotion,
but from the commencement to the close
bore the mark of intelligent and decided
conviction. It was fidelity to his conscience,
his judgment, and the Word of God. But
while he was moved by principle rather than
emotion, it was not the coldness of a merely
intellectual piety. There was a tenderness
and depth of religious life. We felt in his
presence that he had been with Christ. He
was honest in his spiritual life. It meant
vastly more than a nominal church member-
*•
■*
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
:5i;{
ship to him. It meant submission to Christ;
union with Him and His people in their
spirit and work; the laying on God's altar
of all that was most precious and dear to
him. It is pleasant to feel that the first
money ever earned by him was given to
build this edifice to God, and that the last
time he ever lifted a pen — among the moun-
tains of Colorado — was to write a note en-
closing a check which should help to bring
happiness to the scholars of his Mission
School.
His piety was progressive. He grew in
grace, and believed in it for himself and
others. He was peculiarly happy in his re-
ligious work. Its ways to him were ways
of pleasantness, and all the paths were peace.
Over the intense earnestness of his religious
life, strengthened by profound conviction,
there broke the sunshine of his great heart
and greater hope. I think none of us who
walked beside our brother and shared in his
work, have ever seen an hour when we could
gather, by any sign or expression, that the
duties of his religious life were not pleasant
ones to bear. There seemed to be to him no
stronger, richer satisfaction than that of
*"
(Irowtli
ill praco.
■*
*
314
MEMOIR OF W, S. STICKNEY.
■5<
Sy ininetry
Desire.
*■
being in submission to the will of his Master,
and giving- his life to His service.
The elements of character which we
have mentioned were happily blended, giv-
ing symmetry and strength to his life. Here
was ability with modesty, zeal tempered by
intelligence, and faith lighted by works.
That such a life was attractive, inspiring,
elevating in its tendencies, we cannot won-
der. His last days with us were filled with
Christ -like work. He fell at his post, and
away from us, but found Heaven just as
near and sweet from Los Pinos as if he had
gone up to it from out his own beautiful
home. He learned long ago in whom he
trusted, and the "valley and the shadow of
death" had no fear for him. "I should like
to experience for myself what lies beyond."
he said but a few weeks before his departure.
There was no morbid fear in his heart, but a
longing to see the land to which his kindred
had gone and to which he had pointed those
he loved the best.
The clouds are heavy over us to-day.
We had hoped to hear his voice and take
his hand again this side of the river; but
God had better and greater blessings in store
■*
*■
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
-^^
:n5
for our brother, and to-da}^ I doubt not, his
foot -fall is heard within the pearly gates,
and a "Welcome home," grander and sweet-
er than ours, is sounding in his ears, and
the hands we hoped to clasp are casting the
crown at the feet of Him we love. The
home call has sounded. The brother has
entered into rest. Let us not mourn as do
others. We shall not lay him in the grave
to.- day. This is but the casket which held
the jewel. And now, while we thank God
for this true, sweet life; for what it was to
himself, his family, the church, and the
world, let us bow in submission to the will
of Him "who is too wise to err, too good to
be unkind." We have left to us the precious
memory of what he was, the gracious prom-
ise of what he is.
To these stricken parents and kindred,
the bereaved church and Sunday School, and
mourning friends, there come the consola-
tions of the gospel he believed and loved.
We shall meet him again when the night has
past and the morning has come. "Wliere-
fore comfort one another with these words."
No language of mine can portray to you
the overwlielmiiig loss which has fallen upon
*■
railed
home.
Snbiiiia-
siiiii.
■>b
*■
:3io
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■*
Loss to
Ills home.
Personal
loss.
*■
the home dear to all our hearts. No lan-
guage can express the sympathy which goes
out from every true christian heart to those
who mourn over so great and sore an afflic-
tion. The highest ministry we can bring is
the promise of the Master we love, who bids
us to find peace in Him. I cannot describe
the loss which has come upon the Church of
Christ in being thus bereft of one of its most
vigorous and devoted laborers, whom God
has gathered to Himself. And yet, while we
mourn, there is greater reason for rejoicing,
that in the hour of earthly loss there is tri-
umph over pain. Our brother joins to-day
in Alleluias "over there."
I cannot close without giving brief ex-
pression to my own sense of personal loss in
the death of this brother beloved. When I
came, a total stranger to this city, these fold-
ed white hands were the first outstretched to
bid me welcome. When I came at a later
time, to enter upon official relations to this
church, those hands again gave me welcome,
and I came immediately into the strong and
beautiful influence of that sweet life. To
many of you who have recently put on
Christ, he first called mv attention. You
■*
*
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
■^
31 :
had shared long in his love and prayers. I
shall miss his affectionate words of sympa-
thy and cheer; his counsel and prayers: his
earnest, tear -wet face as it looked up to me
from the sanctuary pew. I am sadly con-
scious that one who prayed for the success
of the gospel, through my humhle ministry,
has left us when I seemed to need him so
much. But I would not murmur; no. rather
would I join hands with those who mourn,
and seek with them those spiritual heights
from which we can catch glimpses of the
land to which he has gone, and rejoice with
him in his victory. Here are crushed hopes
and a darkened home; yonder, thank God.
are hopes realized and the "Father's house."
The inspiration of his precious life is upon
us, and it calls us not to his grave, but to
his work. Upon whom shall his mantle faliy
I look over the young men of this congrega-
tion and ask myself, upon whom shall the
mantle of our brother fall? Who shall take
up the words of the prayers now ended: the
testimony that has been given for the last
time? Beside this silent sleeper I ask you
to pledge yourselves to the work he laid
down. Let us remember that he became
.Miss.-(1.
Ili-
iiiantW
^
I. OSS to
Mission
Scllool.
Last
words.
what he was only as he followed Christ, and
we can only hope to enter into his toil here
and his rest hereafter, when Christ becomes
to us the "all and in all."
I know I speak to many who mourn,
outside of his home and family and kindred,
the loss of our brother. The tears would
come as these children filed in from the Mis-
sion School, and I thought how, to some of
them, he had been more than father and
mother, and I asked who should care for
them now? But the God he loved abides;
though the teacher, the superintendent de-
part, yet the Savior, whose image he bore,
dwells with those who love Him forever-
more. Let your hearts find comfort in that
source of consolation and comfort to which
he pointed you. Let the last words he ut-
tered in your hearing come to have a deep
place in your hearts and home. For listen
to what he said as he bade you what then
promised to be but a brief farewell: "Let
us all so live that, if we do not meet here
again, we may meet around the Great White
Throne in heaven." How little he knew
how near his feet were to the pearly gates.
We take leave of him amid the flowers.
^
*
■*
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
3HI
in the place full of sacred associations, to
which he has come. We shall lay his bodj^
down beneath his native skies, in the midst
of the community where his prayers and
testimonies shall still be sounding in our
ears; and beside this precious dust let us
learn to know how good a thing it is to
follow the Lord Jesus. How sweet and
blessed it is, when life's work is ended, to
sleep in Jesus!
"Asleep in Jesus; blessed sleep,
From which none ever wake to weep."
So he goes from us in the impress and
beauty of his first manhood. We shall not
forget him. His memory shall cheer us in
our toil: and when the toil shall be ended,
and we go out from these Sabbath School
classes and missions, and the places which
our work and duty have made for us, it will
only be into a heaven richer and sweeter
because many of those we love have gone
before. By the precious dust we shall write.
''Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest
from their labors, and their works do follow
them."
Dt-ail. .Mt
siM'iikiiijjr.
•N.-t I.. W
forirottcn.
•i*-
Hi.
*
«
320
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY,
"It is well
with my
soul.'"
And now the dear scholars who loved
him so well, shall bring to us their tribute
and offering as they sing to us, "It is Well
with My Soul," from out those sweet songs
in which our brother so often led them before
he passed over to the other side.
I*^^-
*■
ADDRESS
By Rev. H. L. Morehouse,
Secretarv American Baptist Home Mission Society.
JHIS, to me, has been an unusually sad
week. On Tuesday last I mingled v(vy
tears with those of the friends of that great
and good man, Dr. Bishop, of N. Y., whom
we laid away in Greenwood Cemetery, and
now I meet with those who weep the loss of
an only child, and a justly beloved son. Dr.
Bishop was an honored member of the Board
of the American Baptist Home Mission So-
ciety, of which this sorrowing father is Pres-
ident, and I am here, as I was there, as a
representative of that society, to express, so
far as my presence enables me to express,
not only my own personal sympathy, but
also the sympathy of my associates, with my
brother, and all who are smitten by this
affliction. But T am here in more than a
representative capacity. I am here because
my own personal regard for him who has
gone prompts me to be here. In that loss
to which T have referred, and in this, a per-
sonal friendship has been sundered. The
one had passed his three score and ten years
40
Sad week.
*■
regard.
*
*
*
322
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Contrasts
Parental
liopos.
Life trans-
ferred.
*
of a life filled with usefulness. The other
left us before he had finished his one score
and ten years — years, however, that had
already yielded rich fruit, and given promise
of even greater productiveness for Christ in
the later life. Such are the contrasts of the
week — age and youth gathered into the
grave. That the aged should be called to
rest was according to the divinely appointed
and natural order of things. That this
youthful servant, our beloved friend, should
be smitten down thus, when thoroughly
equipped for life's work, when so many of
his stamp are specially needed in the church
and world, and when so many parental
hopes centred about him, is one of those
mysteries that no one can fathom. Only a
strong faith can say, "It is for the best;"
"All things work together for good to them
that love God." Only a strong faith at such
a time can say, "Thy will, O God, be done."
That life, however — that higher life —
has not ended. It has simply been trans-
ferred to the higher, nobler, purer world,
where the redeemed of all ages unceasingly
sing the praises of Him who redeemed them.
Our departed friend and brother, Wil-
*■
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
■*
323
Ham S. Stickney, was indeed a servant of
the. Lord Jesus Christ. It was mj^ privilege
to know liim and the character of his service
during the important period of his life, when
he was a student in the University at Ro-
chester, New York. When, in January, 1873,
I assumed charge of the church in Rochester,
to which I had been called, I found him,
student as he was, variously and earnestly
engaged in christian service for that church,
and as devoted to its service as the very best
member. He was organist and chorister,
having charge of a large volunteer choir,
which he diligently and patiently drilled on
Saturday evenings, and successfully led on
the Sabbath day. For a time he conducted
singing in the Sabbath School, wherein, also,
he was a most faithful and successful teach-
er. He was a regular attendant at the
Wednesday evening prayer meeting, and
on Friday evening, when the Young People
held their meeting, or the monthly covenant
meeting was observed, he was usually pres-
ent; coming in after attending the meeting
of the Y. M. C. A. of the University, which
met half an hour earlier. He frequently
took i)art in these meetings, and well do T
Iiii]>iirtaiit
Iieriod.
Activity.
<^
■^
*■
■5«
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Social
]>owers.
Results
unknown
to us.
*■
remember his thoughtful, soulful, and tender
utterances on these occasions. During the
winter of 1874 and '75 there was a special
religious interest, and I recall his assiduous
labors in behalf of the unconverted, both in
the Sabbath School, the congregation, and
the University, and it was largely through
his influence, I am sure, that several, includ-
ing some students in the University, pro-
fessed their faith in Christ. His fine social
powers were dedicated to christian service,
and thus, unlike many, wherever he went
he carried his religion with him, for it was
in him and of him; it was ingrained, and
it would manifest itself; it could not be hid-
den. How much richer that church was
because of his presence! — how much richer
those circles of friends among whom he
moved! — how much richer that University
because of his pronounced religious charac-
ter, who can tell? Only God can know;
only in eternity will be gathered up the
results of his work and influence. When
I came to know his antecedents, his culture,
his refined tastes, and then saw him give
his heart and strength to a church organized
after he came to the University, and which.
-^
*
*
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
:Vi,^
neither as to its house of worship nor general
character, could be as attractive or gratify-
ing to his tastes as other older and stronger
churches. I felt the sincerest admiration for
his character, and I thought, there was one
who was religious not merely because it
would minister to his own needs, but one
who would look over the whole field and
say, "Where am I most needed? Where
can I do the most good? Where will my
work tell the most for God?" and finding
that field, would give himself wholly to it.
From January-, 1873, to July, 1875, he was
to me a friend and helper in my pastoral
work, such as few young men have been
in the whole course of my ministry, and 1
never can forget him. and his worth, and
what he accomplished, while scores of his
associates, who were also christians, have
faded from my memory, because they did
nothing particularly worthy of remembrance.
Verily, as the Psalmist says, "The righteous
shall be in everlasting remembrance."
Not alone in church matters were his
thoughts and efforts enlisted. The religious
principle ruled in all he did. He was chiefly
instrumental in establishing a University
Frifiiil
and
liolin-r.
*■
i
A leatler.
Iiiclepeii-
(leiice.
MaiilK
5<-
paper, through which the institution should
be represented. I remember with what ear-
nestness he threw himself into it. He was
its chief editor for a time, and ever aimed
to give the paper a high character, and was
especially anxious that nothing in its pages
should cast any reflection on the institution,
or be detrimental to the reader. Among the
students he was a leader — a leader not for
the sake of distinction, but to use his in-
fluence for good. He was independent in
judgment and in purpose— not following the
current tendencies of college life, but aiming
rather to direct college sentiment and opin-
ion into right channels. I may say here,
that, by both the President and Professors
of the University, he was held in the high-
est esteem for his thorough christian bearing
and manliness, as well as for his work as a
student.
If I were to sum up his character, I
would say that he impressed me then as a
man of profound earnestness, great sincerity,
and marked conscientiousness, with simpli-
city of character, humility, and special con-
secration to Christ. His ruling purpose, I
am sure, was to learn how best to serve
^
■*
MEMORIA.L ADDRESS.
•■i-i:
Christ; how, while he lived, he could do the
most good for the world.
During the closing months of his college
course, he reflected seriously what his call
in life should be, and conversed with me
freely about a call to the ministry. He was
impressed with the greatness of the minis-
ter's work, but was not anxious to assume
the responsibilities of the office. For several
months he debated the question whether he
should enter the ministry, and I am con-
vinced that his decision not to preach the
Gospel was the result of thoughtful consid-
eration and prayer. His convictions were
not sufficiently positive, and he could not
think of going forward in such a serious
matter uncertainly.
But I must not linger on what we love to
think of in him who has now gone from us.
Were he to speak, would not he say: ''If
there was any thing good in me. the praise
thereof belongs to Christ, thi-ough whose
grace I am what I am?'' To wise and loving
parental christian training, and to the direct
influences of the Holy Spirit, would he refer
as the efficient causes in the formation of his
christian character. So. while we mention
Qui-stimi
of diiix .
Kb-
■*
*
:5-28
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
His life a
lesson.
what he was, we remember that the ultimate
praise is due to Christ, who can so change,
beautify, and conform to his own likeness
this poor human nature of ours on which
and in which He works so mightily. Though
our dear friend was possessed of many nat-
ural endowments which rendered him lova-
ble and admirable, yet all these were lighted
up, mellowed, and beautified by the grace of
God, as the colors and figures in a stained-
glass window are brought out into beauty by
the sunlight of heaven.
Some of the lessons of this life, that par-
ticularly impress me, are these: In the first
place, there is in his life a lesson to young
men pursuing a course of study, or engaged
in any profession that calls them from home
and from their usual religious associations.
We have here a demonstration that the reli-
gious life need not deteriorate, while one is
engaged in a course of study, as it too often
does. That need not be so with any young-
man. The education of the head need not,
should not, interfere with spiritual develop-
ment. And in the second place, I wish to
call your attention to the importance of
vouthful devotion to Christ. Our brother
*■
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
■^^
:}2t»
did not wait until he should become old and
influential before he gave his service to
Christ. What ability he had as a young
man he used as a young man for Christ.
When we remember that the great harvest-
field of souls is in the younger period of life,
and that none can reap so well in that har-
vest, as young men and women, whose expe-
riences are of the same kind as those among
whom they labor, what a wonderful incen-
tive it is for young men and young women
to put all they are, all they have, all they are
worth, into the cause of Christ I What a
wonderful influence a christian young man
has in college, in the church, in the Sabbath
School; and to-day what an influence goes
out from that life, and from this place! —
How the nobility of such a life stands out in
contrast with that soulless and aimless life
of multitudes. As we recall what he has
accomplished for Christ, and for souls on
this earth, what inspiration has gone forth
from him to others, and how many noble
impulses have been generated by ccmtact
with him, we can say: "Truly liis life has
been productive of great things."
41
f:^
Yoiitlifill
devotion
to Christ.
Iiilluoiicc
of tllP
younK
Nol.ility
of liLs lifi'
1^^
3;}o
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
*
Charactei-
trans-
forincd.
Consola-
tion.
^
"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial. He most lives
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best."
I have spoken of these things in the hope
that some one of those present may be led to
seek Christ; that some one of you, troubled
with faults, with passions, it may be with
some besetting sin, may be led to look to
Him who can impart heavenly power which
will transform your character and make it
beautiful, as that of our friend was beautiful.
He was a standing witness to the power of
God's grace to keep a soul from falling, and
to render a life eminently useful.
What an unspeakable consolation it is to
these parents to remember his affectionate
character; his deep love for Christ; and his
decided religious life — a consolation which
I can only illustrate by reference to an inci-
dent that occurred during my pastorate. In
the same college class to which our brother
belonged, was a young man who was taken
sick and died near the completion of his
course. He, too, was an only son. During
the religious interest which prevailed in the
institution, both our departed brother and
myself were deeply interested in his welfare.
He had imbibed skepticism from books, was
materialistic in his views, but being troubled
on account of his sins, publicly asked pra3^ers
for himself, and honestly endeavored, as I
think, to believe in Christ as his Savior. He
made no positive public profession, however.
So he died. When his parents came, the}'
sought me and said, with tears, "Can you
give us any evidence that our son professed
faith in Christ?" and I never saw two chris-
tian hearts yearn so for some evidence on
which to hang their hope of his eternal wel-
fare — something which would afford conso-
lation to the soul in that trying hour. I
could only tell them what he had said, and
how he had felt, and how he had tried to
exercise faith in Christ; but how I wished
for something more that I could tell them,
with which their hearts might be comforted.
But to-day I need say nothing to these af-
flicted parents to assure them that he who
has gone is at rest. Theirs is the great con-
solation, which his pronounced christian life
gives, that Christ has taken their son t<»
Himself. And so we bid our brother fare-
well, feeling that he has entered into th«'
•'rest that reinaineth for the people of God."
Contrast.
•if
■*■■■<
Sympathy.
Personal
knowledge
*■
<2ii
ADDRESS
By James C. Welling, LL.D.,
President of the Columbian University.
JT AM here to - day to attest simply by my
(^ presence, for my words must be few, not
only the sj^mpathy which is due to a stricken
father and mother, who feel that the light of
their eyes has been quenched, and that the
gladness of earth has fled from their hearts,
but also the sympathy due to a church
which, in the death of our young and be-
loved brother, has been called to mourn the
loss of a loyal and earnest christian worker,
and the sympathy due to a Sunday School
weeping over the sudden and, as it seems
to us, the untimely fall of a Superintendent
who was faithful, energetic, and devout.
And I am also here to take my part in a
great affliction.
It has been my fortune, and I count it
my good fortune, to have known our friend
and brother from his early youth down to
the day of his death. I saw him as he grew
up, a bright and gleeful boy. in the sacred
precincts of home, diffusing joy and gladness
among all with whom he came in contact.
I saw him as he sat on the forms of the
■*
*
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
~qi
ms
Sunday School, a diligent student of the
Holy Book, and as he entered the sanctuary
to learn from its ministrations the way of
life. I saw him as he went from among us
to dwell in college halls, and as he came
back from them, laden with their highest
honors — the academic diploma in his hand,
the academic laurel on his head. And better
than all these, I have seen him, too, as he
wore in the presence of this whole commu-
nity the christian's crown of righteousness —
the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
and yet of a spirit which was noble, gener-
ous, and brave in every manly impulse.
And now I am here to join with you
in this tearful tribute to his memory, as
with reverent hands we bear his body to
the burial, when, in the order of nature, it
would be so much more fitting that he should
help to perform these last sad offices for me.
Surely, in the presence of a spectacle like
this, when a young man falls in tlie full
flush of his athletic strength, we are called
to read with a new pathos the lesson of our
mortality, while a new emphasis is given
to that sublime declaration with which the
Apostle Paul transfers our unfading liopes
'riif rliris-
tiaii's
cniwii.
Trlliufi'
to his
iiit'iiuin .
■4<
^-
:VM
-*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
IH'atli not
a strange
thing.
and our unfailing expectations to the "'Bless-
ed and only Potentate, the King of kings
and the Lord of lords, who only hath iininor-
tality.'^ Change and decay are indeed writ-
ten on every created thing, and the choicest
emblems of human frailty are found in that
which is brightest and fairest — in the grass
which withers and in the flower which fall-
eth away. We all do fade as a leaf. Alas!
in this vale of tears there is nothing so com-
mon, nothing so universal, as death, and
when one of our own poets would gather
the phenomena of earth into a single view,
which should be at once the most compre-
hensive and the most striking, it was a
•'Thanatopsis," a "Vision of Death,'' which
unfolded itself to his sight.
"All that tread
The globe are but a handful to the tribes
That slumber in its bosom."
And yet, compared with death, there is
nothing of which we can say that it is so
singular, so individual, so unique. This
King of Terrors is unique in the solemn
grandeur with which he comes to every liv-
ing soul; unique in the personal summons
which he sounds in every hutnan ear: "It
^■
■*
^
■^
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
3Ho
is appointed unto men once to die, and after
that the judgment"'; unique in the demand
he makes on the tenderest of human sensi-
bilities and the most sacred of human affec-
tions.
And standing- as we do to-day around
a bier which reminds us of all that is most
inevitable, and all that is most touching in
human calamity — of hopes blasted in the
bud just as they were ready to burst into
blossom, and just as they gave rich promise
of the fullest fruitage — it only remains for
us to decide the point of view from which
we shall survey this great affliction. For
there are two very distinct points of view
from which it may be contemplated; as in
the physical world there are two very dis-
tinct horizons within which we may bound
our vision — the horizon of earth, and the
horizon of the sky. Beyond this horizon of
earth, within which are com])rised the toil
and trouble of human conflict, the sights
and sounds of human woe. we can project
our thoughts to that wider and higher hor-
izon which moves among the stars — the
unsetting stars in the infinite dome of tlie
sky. And so. as a French christian has
K^
Tw..
li(ii'iz<'ii>
■*
*
3:)(;
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
From
earth to
lieavii«
RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE,
and for all its sweet and blessed influences.
And we do earnestly pray that the consola-
tions of that religion and of that hope which
made so bright and joyous the life of your
loved one, may still comfort and sustain you
and help you to look forward with joyful
anticipations to that blissful reunion in a
happier and better land, where there is no
more sorrow nor tears, and where we shall
forever be with those we love.
Marcus M. Bartlett, E. B. Curtis,
H. G. Jacobs,
Henry Beard,
D. A. Chambers,
L. R. Taylor,
Alice Wurdemavn,
John L. Hazzard,
D. Haynes,
F. H. Stickney,
L. GiLSON,
Emma Higgins,
M. A. Quincy,
Annie B. Rose,
S. M. Plumley,
H. M. Brush,
Anna S. Wheeler,
W. H. Slater,
Mrs. W. M. King,
Committee.
John H. Howlett,
Anna G. DeLong,
Geo. S. Prindle,
Columbia E. Noyes,
Katie A. Stickney,
B. F. BiGELOW,
A. N. Condron,
E. J. GiFFORD,
S. C. Benedict,
Mrs. J. E. Dexter,
Mrs. H. E. Albee,
M. J. Lynch,
Lizzie B. Jones,
Carrie A. Clapp,
T. R. Jones.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Htlckueij.
^
May til.-
wliicli
liiiii coiii-
fiirt you.
onicors
anil
Tfachcr."*,
■^
34(t
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Mourn
his loss.
A soleiun
promise.
I±(-
From the Calvary Mission Sunday School.
IN MEMORIAM.
ail
JT^T has pleased the Most High God, in
(^ furtherance of His wise and loving:
though to us, inscrutable purposes, to call
our dearly beloved brother and Superinten-
dent, W. S. Stickney, from a sphere filled
with christian activities, to join that great
multitude, which no man can number, who
stand before the Throne and before the
Lamb.
While reverently we confess the Judge
of all the earth doeth right, our hearts are
sad and our eyes suffuse with tears, because
we shall see his face among us no more.
Cherishing the remembrance of his ear-
nest admonitions, his wise counsels, his un-
wearying labors, his broad charities, his
deep sympathies, his cheerful and beauti-
fully symmetrical religious life, we promise,
by God's help, to show in our faithful atten-
tion to the interests of Calvary Mission Sun-
day School a reverence for his memory
which language may not here express.
We sorrow with the afflicted parents in
their sudden and painful bereavement, the
>±<-
RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE.
-^
Ul
severity of which can scarcel}'- be mitigated
by earthly remedies — for earth has nothing
to offer lacerated hearts, blighted expecta-
tions, darkened homes: yet is our sorrow
turned to joy, as we see in their lives evi-
dence of that strong faith which led Job to
exclaim, "Though He slay me, yet will T
trust Him," and which enables them to en-
dure, "as seeing Him who is invisible," and
this to the honor of God and the glory of His
church.
Resolved, That the foregoing is tendered
by the undersigned officers and teachers of
Calvary Mission Sunday School to Mr. and
Mrs. Stickney, parents of our late Superin-
tendent, as a feeble expression of the love
we bore him, and the sincere sympathy we
feel for them.
L. R. Taylor, Ass't Snjyt.
J. Mortimer Bessey. Secretary.
T. R. Jones, Treasurer.
Teachers.
John L. Hazzard, Annie R. Burnsidk.
Mary A. Quincy, Lillian Spignul,
Mary J. Bessey, Ella DeMott,
Wm. M. Fletcher, Ella M. Eraser.
Mary L. Bischoff, Marian E. Snook,
Reuben Perrin, Nettie B. Collins,
Sorrowing
reJKiciiif,'.
*■
OIllciTM
)lll(t
TcacluTM.
4«
^^
342
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Eva vS. Brooks,
Mary A. Holbrook,
G. H. JUDD,
Mary A. Lerch,
Minnie M. Moran,
Sallie S. Davis,
Amanda McMurray,
James J. Brooks,
Susie F. McKnew,
Katie M. Wells,
A. M. Webster.
^■
•*
*
RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE.
■*
34:5
From the Covenant Band of the Calvary
Baptist Church.
Washington. Aui^ust 20, 1880.
^tI~\EAR Friends —
(^^ In His infinite wisdom our Heav-
enly Father has removed from us a dearly
beloved brother and companion in christian
work. We mourn the loss of his earnest
words and wise counsels, yet instinctively
our hearts turn in sympathy to you whose
loss is so much greater, and the burden of
whose grief is so much heavier.
We cannot refrain, as a Band of which
he was one of the covenant members, and
for whose success he labored so faithfully,
from expressing to you the deep sense of
loss we feel in this separation, and in the
knowledge that we no longer share his earn-
est prayers. Yet, in the midst of our sorrow,
we rejoice that we have known such a life,
and trust that the memory of his kind, per-
sistent, faithful labors shall serve us as an
inspiration to more faithful, more consecra-
ted living for the Master.
To many of us his life was a new revela-
tion of christian experience, and we liavc
*■
Lii.s» to
the Bniiit.
HIa mfliii-
iiry nil lii-
M|iiriit inn.
-^
*■
.'J 44
MEMOIR OIT W. S. STICKNEY.
Members.
all found new incentives to faith and duty
in reviewing his words and acts among us.
To you, who so much better than we, knew
and valued this life, this Covenant Band of
Calvary Church tender their most sincere
and heartfelt sympathy, and unitedly pray
that He who gave and hath now taken away
may prove a never -failing source of comfort
and consolation.
H. G. Jacobs,
L. R. Tayt.or,
Frank S. Bi.anchard,
W. E. Sebree,
J. M. Bessey,
R. Perrim,
Theophilus Bray,
Henry H. Kendall,
Wm. D. Henry,
Frank H. Jackson,
J. H. Eldridge,
Chas. F. Plumley,
George S. Fraser.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stickney.
©■
*■
^
LETTER OF SYMPATHY.
:U5
From the Officers and Teachers of
Kendall Chapel.
WE, the Officers and Teachers of Ken-
^^^ dall Chapel Sabbath School, remem-
bering the affectionate interest and faithful
labors of our christian friends, Mr. and Mrs.
William Stickney, desire to express our sym-
pathy with them in the death of their only
son, William S. Stickney.
Knowing him as an earnest and suc-
cessful worker in the Sabbath School, and
especially endeared to us by the helpful
influence of his sweet music, as well as by
his efficiency as a teacher, through years of
service in our own school, we feel that the
cause of Christ has lost an able and consci-
entious advocate. How great that loss, time
only can show us. Yet we pray that he,
being dead, may yet speak, and that his
works may follow liim, so tliat they who
best loved him may find a comfort and a
joy in hearing of the glorious things God
has been pleased to work through his instru-
mentality. ^
Again we tender the assurance of our
sincere and heartfelt sympathy, and pray
An earn-
est worker
endeared
!>/ liis
sweet
music.
."Sincere
syTiipatJiy
-Kp
*
:U(;
MEMOIR OP W. S. STICKNEY.
■ officers
and
Teachers.
>ii-
that in this, as in all our lives, we may see
God's goodness, and that He may be, in
this time of trial, a Comforter indeed.
Theophilus Bray,
W. E. Sebree,
Chas. a. Muddiman,
Mary A. McMakin,
C. A. Mahoney,
Frank S. Blanchard,
Mrs. S. M. Yeatman,
Henry H. Kendall,
Mrs. H. S. Sayre,
Florence B. Towers.
Sarah F. Livingston,
J. H. Johnston,
H. G. Jacobs,
Frank H. Jackson,
John H. Olcott,
E. J. GiFFORD,
L. J. White,
Mary Hatch,
S. Bray,
Carrie A. Clapp,
Annie B. Rose.
Effie Burr,
Alice C. Reynolds,
Annie E. Muddiman,
Emma A. Genzekodt.
*■
■*
RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE.
:U7
From the Superintendents' Union.
Ya^
Washington, D. C, Aug. 13, 1880.
^5^jT a meeting of the Sunday School Su-
^^ perintendents' Union, held August 0.
1880, a committee, consisting of Messrs.
Simpson, LeDuc, and Gatley, were appointed
to prepare resolutions expressive of the sense
of the Union at the loss sustained by us in
the death of William S. Stickney.
The committee appointed reported the
following, which were unanimously adopted:
WhereciH, it has pleased the Supreme
Ruler of the Universe, by his inscrutable but
all - wise decrees, to remove from a sphere of
usefulness here on earth to the enjoyments
of his home in heaven, our respected friend
and CO -laborer, William S. Stickney, there-
fore be it —
Resolved, That by the death of Mr. Stick-
ney this Union has been deprived of a mem-
ber whose sympathy and aid were ever en-
listed in the advancement of the interests of
this Union, and the cause of Sunday School
work in this city has lost the services of one
who in a signal manner possessed the ability
to render eflficient service in this branch of
^
I.iiss III Die
■^
►>
■*
34S
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY
Mourner's
luipe.
*
our Master's work, and whose heart and
hand were ever ready to carry forward the
work of christian education among the young
of this District.
Resolved, That we tender to his bereaved
family and friends our heart -felt sympathy,
and while we mourn with them our loss, we
would point them to Him who is the mourn-
er's hope and joy, and comfort them and
ourselves with the full knowledge that our
departed friend is now enjoying the bliss of
dwelling in the presence of Him whose ser-
vice on earth was his chief end and joy.
Resolved, That these resolutions be en-
tered upon the minutes of the Union, and
a copy transmitted to the family of the de-
ceased.
A true copy.
Henry K. Simpson,
Secretary S. S. Supt. U 71 ion.
■(^
LETTER OF SYMPATHY.
349
Letter from M. B. Anekerson, D. D.,
President of Rochester University.
Rochester, Aug. 26, 1880.
DEAR Sir —
The exhaustion consequent upon
a year of unusual labor, has prevented me
from expressing sooner my deep and heart-
felt sympathy with you and Mrs. Stickney
in your great and irreparable loss. I knew
your son as none but a college officer could.
He passed his four years of college life with-
out giving me one moment's anxiety regard-
ing his character or conduct. He was al-
ways and every where the christian gentle-
man. He had an unusual amount of the
rarest of capacities — administrative power.
This capacity prepares a man for the service
of his fellow men better than any of the
forms of what is ordinarily called genius.
I confidently expected for him a large and
honorable career in life — a career worthy of
his descent, and one which would do honor
to his Alma Mater. But God in His Provi-
dence has seen fit to take him early to the
rewards of a blessed life.
I have no children nor near relatives.
111.' Chris
tiiiii Kcii-
tl<-intiii
.\^
A deep
chasm.
Syini)atli.v
of SilfMR'l'.
*
*
352
MEMOIR OP W. S. STICKNEY.
■^
Stars of
promise.
A. blessing
f^
for words can bring no solace to the heart
that is withered and smitten like the grass of
the fields.
And yet, even in this hour of your an-
guish, I may whisper in your ears the words
of an old German hymn which always come
to my thoughts when the grave opens to
swallow my own hopes^ or the hopes of my
friends. The purport of the lines is this:
"'Our pathway in life lies over the graves
of those most dear to us, so long as we keep
our eyes fixed on the earth, but when we lift
our eyes heavenward, we see that it also lies
beneath the unsetting stars of the Divine
promises."
You have indeed been greatly afflicted
in the death of your beloved boy, in the full
flush of his manly youth, but God has also
greatly honored you both in his exempla-
ry christian life, and now, in saving him
from the heat and burden of a long life, by
giving him at once an early entrance into
the kingdom of heaven. We shall all soon
be called to lay down the burden of life's
sorrow at the portals of the tomb, and happy
will it be for us if the portal of our graves
shall have, like his, an outlook on the cross.
-^
^
LETTER OF SYMPATHY.
'^
353
and the open gate of the Father's house,
with its many mansions. Earth has no long-
er any sorrows for him whom you mourn,
and earth has no sorrows for you "which
heaven cannot cure." Meanwhile you must
try to walk through this thick darkness bj^
the light of the stars which are still shining
over your head, albeit you can scarcely see
them while your eyes are filled with tears.
Of course I shall wish to stand by your
side when you are called to place the remains
of your dear son in their last resting place.
I can reach Washington in a day from Sara-
toga, and I pray you to give me timely no-
tice of the funeral.
Convey, I beg, my heartfelt sympathies
and words of condolence to Mrs. Stickney,
and invoking for you both the consolations
of the great All -Father, who is most kind
when to the eye of sense he seems most
stern, I remain, my dear Mr. Stickney,
Your sympathizing friend and brother,
James C. Welling.
44
No sorrow
for the
dead.
*■
•*
*■
354
■^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Bewil-
dered.
An acliiiif''
liearf.
>^-
Letter from James J. Brooks, Esq.
Washington, D. C. Sept. 4, 1880.
't;yr Y DEAR Mr. Stickney —
Your unexpected but welcome
letter, dated Sept. 2, is this moment received.
I have read it v^^ith weeping eyes, and if, in
writing on the spur of the moment and out
of the depths of a sorrowful heart, I should
appear incoherent or heterodox in my utter-
ances, I beg you to impute it not to my lack
of faith in God's justice, wisdom, love, or
mercy.
That I have not had one word of comfort
to utter either to you or your dear wife, is
solely due to the fact that I was awe -stricken
and, shall I say, confounded at this unlooked
for, mysterious phase of God's dealings with
those who love Him. The more I thought
over it, the more my head and heart ached,
and as I stood facing the sad dispensation,
I confess I discovered how very weak my
faith was, nor could I, in such a frame, dare
to mock your grief by uttering words of com-
fort that were not born of an intelligent,
whole-souled trust in the Almighty God.
So, I say it, at the same time praying for
■*
*■
■*
LETTER OF SYMPATHY.
;ioo
forgiveness of God, I laid my hand upon
my mouth and only wept and wondered.
I lost a sweet little girl, Mary, in her
fifth year. As she sickened, I prayed God
to take me and spare her. I did not ask
that His will be done. The instinct that
prompted the prayer was of His planting.
1 cannot think He saw sin in the petition,
but He took the child. I have lived to firmly
believe that His way was the best for her
and for me. I know what have been your
thoughts. How gladly would the parents
have relinquished all except immortal life
to save the now sainted one for a few more
years of labor here for Christ. But He for
whom your boy labored saw all; He knows
all; He marked his seed -sowing, his prayers,
his charities, his mature christian life, and
He said, "Come up higher!" And may it
not be in reserve for the dear parents of the
departed to realize, even on this earth, that
His ways, though now inscrutable, are the
best?
I cannot hope to increase your know-
ledge of the commands or the promises of
God as given in the Scriptures, yet I am
moved to request you to read Ezekiel, chap-
God
knows all.
*
■^
*
35(i
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S, STICKNEY.
Pearliest -
lu^ss aiKl
solf-sac-
vificc.
Xdt for-
gotten.
*
ter 24, verses 15, 10, and 18, and may you
be led to feel that it is a message from God
to you.
I loved your boy for his earnestness and
self-sacrifice in the christian w^ork, and as I
sat and listened to his expositions of the
great truths embodied in the plan of Re-
demption through the crucified One, I felt
as though they were such revelations as only
the Spirit of God could impart — so simple,
yet so convincing. I felt it a great privilege
to be admitted as a co -v^orker with him. I
knew he loved me, and I asked for nothing
but to do his bidding as a teacher in the
Calvary Mission Sunday School.
Should it please God to restore you and
your dear wife to us in health, and with
that peace in your hearts "which passeth
all understanding." do not think, when you
see cheerful faces and hear resonant voices
in praise, that he is forgotten. His memory
will long remain as a sweet fragrance in
the hearts of old and young who have ever
been in school and church fellowship with
him, while the extent of the influence of
his godly life shall be fully known only in
the Judgment of the Great Day.
■*
^
LETTER OF SYMPATHY.
oo,
I fear to \veary you with my words, but
I cannot close without assuring you of the
blessed influence already exerted by your
deportment before the church and the world
since your affliction came.
While the lines of sorrow have ploughed
deep into your soul, people see that your
faith is still centred in the living God, and
He evidently intends you shall honor him
in teaching by example what that living
faith is which enabled Job to exclaim —
''Though He slay me, yet will I trust in
Him."
I thank you for so kind a remembrance
of mine and me. Your affliction was a
household sorrow with us. Commending
you to Him who "doth not afflict willingly.
nor grieve the children of men," I am
Your sympathizing friend,
James J. Brooks.
Lake Mohonk. N. Y.
My family will be pleased to hear your
letter.
*■
Lesson ol'
affliction.
-*
■*
:)r)8
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
iliialities.
The ilcso-
lato lionip.
^-
Letter from Hon. Lot M. Morrill,
Member of the First Uie Commission.
Augusta, Oct. 20, 1880.
Ln^ ON. Wm, Stickney —
My dear Sir — I read in the
paper you sent, with deep regret, the sad
news of the death of your son, and wrote
you a letter of condolence for the great sor-
row that had overshadowed your house.
I had had but slight acquaintance with
William until associated with him on the
Ute Commission, when I soon came to know
and appreciate those qualities of disposition,
temper, and character which shone through
and revealed his moral life; and to know
one void of sensuality, malignity, and mis-
anthropy, and whose life ran on a plane
above that of vanity and conceit.
The sense of bereavement in the death of
a life so young and full of promise, will, in-
deed, be most poignant in the home he loved so
well, and in which he was so greatly beloved,
and will find expression, also, wherever he was
known, for the gentleness, the refinement, and
courtesy of his nature. I am, my dear sir.
Very sincerely and truly yours,
Lot M. Morrill.
*
*■
RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE.
■*
359
From the Ute Commission.
^, T a meeting of the Ute Commission,
,(K^ held at Los Pinos Agency, July 21,
1880, J. B. Bowman, A. B. Meacham, and
J. J. Russell were appointed a committee to
give expression of the feelings of the Ute
Commission in regard to the death of W. S.
Stickney, Secretary of the Commission. The
following were adopted:
The death of our friend and associate,
occurring so unexpectedly, so far from his
home and kindred, while in the faithful dis-
charge of duty, and amid hopes and prom-
ises of an active and useful manhood, im-
presses us with a profound sense of our loss
and of the uncertainty of human life, and of
our obligations to the Supreme Ruler of the
Universe.
Resolved, That we can but express our
admiration for his manly qualities and chris-
tian virtues that had endeared him to every
member of the Commission. That we de-
plore his loss as a friend and an officer of the
Commission.
Refiolved, That we deeply sympathize
with the bereaved parents and friends of
*■
PlM.fniiilil
St'lltiC of
loss.
Admira-
tion for
manly
(|iiMlitit's.
*
:m)
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■*
Iri'oi)ara-
lile loss.
Consola-
tion.
Appreci-
ation of
tributes
to his
memory.
U(-
the deceased in the irreparable loss, which,
we trust, may be alleviated in some degree
by the assurance that he was surrounded by
friends and physicians who did all in their
power to alleviate his sufferings in sickness
and perform for him the sad office of placing
his body to rest in a quiet grave.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolu-
tions be transmitted to the parents of our
deceased friend, and that they be spread up-
on the records of the Commission, and a
copy be furnished to the Washington Repub-
lican, Washington Star, Washington Post.
and the Council Fire.
•J. B. Bowman,
A. B. MEA.CHAM,
J. J. Russell.
It would swell this volume to too large
proportions, if all the letters of tender sym-
pathy, and resolutions of respect for the
memory of our son, received from kind
friends were inserted. Suffice it to say, that
the tribute to his worth thus given, as well
as in the many references to him in the
public prints, is a consolation to his sorrow-
ing parents.
*
qi >^
CHAPTER XL
WILL'S BIBLE.
" ' I AM WITH YOU ALWAY.' These words have volumes of meaning
and worlds of comfort to me."
— Extract from one of his letters, August /j, /Sj j.
Here is the spring where waters flowe,
To quench our heate of sinne;
Here is the tree where trueth doth grow,
To lead our lives therein;
Here is the judge that stints the strife,
Where men's devices faile;
The tidings of salvation deare
Come to our eares from hence;
The fortress of our faith is here,
And shield of our defence. — 1594.
I
iv,
■*
*
■^
WILL S BIBLE.
STi_T is diligent, critical, systematic, and
(^J- thoughtful study of the Bible is well
known. He began to read it in his early
youth, and continued until the close of life.
The habit was formed, when young, of
reading it morning and night, which neither
the presence of company, engagements, nor
any thing but absolute necessity was per-
mitted to interrupt.
The marginal annotations, corrections,
references, historical allusions, varied inter-
pretations, and comments made upon the
copy he constantly carried since 18G(j, give
evidence of careful research and thoughtful
study.
He loved to feed upon its precious prom-
ises; meditate upon its sublime utterances:
and learn its practical lessons, that he might
be thoroughly furnished for daily duties.
Pasted on the top of the inside cover is
this line:
"What have yon done for Christ to-day?'*
Following this, is the line of descent of the
Herod family.
Upon the top of the first blank leaf, and
directly opposite the question, "What have
^
study of
BiMo.
Evidences
of ro-
sea rcl I.
■*
*
3(54
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■*
Admoni-
tion and
promise.
Procopts.
^
yon done for Christ to -day?" are the words,
always precious to him — ''I will never leave
thee, nor forsake thee." Thus exhortation
to service for his Lord, and promise of His
presence, are placed side by side, for the
direction and the joy of his life.
Next comes a printed slip, pasted in. on
which are the following precepts:
•'Keep good company, or none.
•'Never be idle; if your hands cannot be
usefully employed, attend to the cultivation
of your mind.
"Always speak the truth.
"Make few promises.
" Live up to your engagements.
•'Keep your secrets, if you have any.
"When you speak to a person, look him
in the face.
"Good company and good conversation
are the very sinews of virtue.
"Good character is above all things else.
Your character cannot be essentially injured,
except by your own acts.
"If any one speaks evil of you, let your
life be such that none will believe him.
'• Drink no intoxicating liquors.
■^
' ' Ever live (misfortunes excepted) within
your income.
"When you retire to bed. think over
what you have been doing during the day.
"Make no haste to be rich, if you would
prosper. Small and steady gains give com-
petency, with tranquillity of mind.
"Never play at any game of chance.
"Avoid temptation through fear you
may not withstand it.
"Earn money before you spend it.
"Never run into debt, unless you see a
way to get out again.
"Never borrow if you can possibly avoid
it.
"Do not marry until you are able to sup-
port a wife.
"Never speak evil of any one.
"Be just before you are generous.
"Keep yourself innocent, if you would
be happy.
"Save, when you are young, to spend
when you are old."
To the above is added, in his own writ-
ing. "Be polite."
*
*
*
8G(i
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
The "Eu-
reka chap-
ter."
^
On the next blank page is a printed slip,
containing "Facts about the Bible."
Written on the margin :
"He who walks according to God's words
acts wisely and happily; but he who goes
according to his head, acts unwisely and to
no profit." — Luther's Bible.
The first chapter of John he designates
the "Eureka chapter.""
At the beginning of Psalm cxxxi:
"A proud heart and a lofty mountain
are never fruitful." — Gurnall.
On margin of Psalm cxlv. verse 13:
"Inscription over door of great mosque
at Damascus: 'Thy Kingdom is an everlast-
ing Kingdom.'"
On margin of chapter xiv. of Isaiah. 12th
verse:
"Compare Milton P. L.. B. 5. Satan's
rebellion :
"'O Lucifer, son of the Morning I how
art thou cut down to the ground, which didst
weaken the nations. " '"
4
^^-
WILLS BIBLE,
-^^
.'367
The following notes on the margin show
the dates of his reading the Bible through in
course :
•'Began O. T., 2, 23, '75.
"Began O. T., 4, 20, '78.
"Began O. T., 4, 1, '80.
•' Began N. T., 2, 12, '78, finished G, 21, '78.
6, 22, '78, '• I, 6, '79.
1, 7, '79, " 9, 23, '79,
9, 24, '79, " 6, 9, '80.
6, 10, '80."
Showing he had read through the Old Testa-
ment three times, and the New Testament
five times, since February 22, 1875.
On the first blank leaf, at the end, is the
following, in his writing:
"There is no other actual misfortune,
except this only — not to have God for our
friend."
"Isaiah, xl: :31."
"Walk with the Lord! along the road your strength he will
renew;
Wait. on the everlasting God, and He will wait on you!
Aspiring eyes ye still shall raise, and heights sublime explore;
Like eagles, ye shall sunward gaze; like eagles, heavenward
soar."
Record of
reading.
*
-^i
*
3(;.
He is wise in heart and mighty in
strength: who hath hardened himself against
him. and prospered? — Job. ix: 4.
January 27.
For I know that my Redeemer liveth.
and that he shall stand at the latter day
upon the earth. — Job, xix: 25.
January 28.
Whom I shall see for myself, and mine
n
■z-i
25
26
28
>i«-r
-^
2il
8(1
31
S2
•a:\
■M
>^
eyes shall behold, and not another. — Job,
xix: 27.
January 29.
How oft is the candle of the wicked put
out? and how oft cometh their destruction
upon them? God distributeth sorrows in his
anger. — Job, xxi: 17.
January 30.
Thou wilt show me the path of life; in
thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right
hand there are pleasures forevermore. — Ps.
xvi: 11.
January 31.
Oh, how great is thy goodness, which
thou hast laid up for them that fear thee:
which thou hast wrought for them that trust
in thee before the sons of men. — Ps. xxxi: 19.
February 1.
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and
delivered me from all my fears. — Ps. xxxiv: 4.
February 2.
The angel of the Lord encampeth round
about them that fear him. and delivereth
them. — Ps. xxxiv: 7.
February 3.
() taste and see that the Lord is good:
T*
1^
WILL S BIBLE.
375
■*
blessed is the man that trusteth in him. —
Ps. xxxiv: 8.
February 4.
The eyes of the Lord are upon the right-
eous, and his ears are open unto their cry. —
Ps. xxxiv: 15.
February 5. :«
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and a contrite heart. O God, thou
wilt not despise. — Ps. li: 17.
February 0.
What time I am afraid. I will trust in
thee.— Ps. Ivi: 3.
February 7. =«
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and
there is none upon earth that I desire besides
thee. — Ps. Ixxiii: 25.
February s. :w
For promotion cometh neither from the
east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
— Ps. Ixxv: (J.
February '.).
But God is the judge: he putteth down
one and setteth up another. — Ps. Ixxv: ;.
February lo.
Thou didst cause judgment to be heard
*
■^i*
*
37(5
■^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
from heaven; the earth feared, and was still.
— Ps. Ixxvi: 8.
42
43
44
45
4ti
February 11.
When he slew them, then they sought
him; and they returned and inquired early
after God.
And they remembered that God was
their rock, and the high God their redeemer.
— Ps. Ixxviii: 34, 35.
February 12.
Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. —
Ps. Ixxxi: 10.
February 13.
Oh that my people had hearkened unto
me, and Israel had walked in my ways! — Ps.
Ixxxi: 13.
February 14.
I should soon have subdued their ene-
mies, and turned my hand against their ad-
versaries. — ^Ps. Ixxxi: 14.
February 15.
Blessed is the man whose strength is in
thee.
They go from strength to strength; every
one of them in Zion appeareth before God. —
Ps. Ixxxiv: 5, 7.
*■
*
)^-
-*
WILL S BIBLE.
377
*■
February 16.
For a day in thy courts is better than a
thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in
the house of my God, than to dwell in the
tents of wickedness. — Ps. Ixxxiv: 10.
February 1?.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the
Lord will give grace and glory; no good
thing will he withhold from them that walk
uprightly. — Ps. Ixxxiv: 11.
February 18.
Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that
trusteth in thee. — Ps. Ixxxiv: 12.
February 19.
1 will set him on high, because he hath
known my name. — Ps. xci: 14.
Written on the margin:
Very great is the value God sets on his
name; and very great the importance he at-
taches to the knowledge of it. His name is
the declaration of his character as the Lord
God, merciful and gracious. — Sibhs.
February 20.
Harden not your heart, as in the provo-
cation, and as in the day of temptation in
the wilderness. — Ps. xcv: 8.
47
n
4X
49
.50
■*
►^-
3;s
-^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
February 21.
For he commandeth, and raiseth the
stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves
thereof. — Ps. cvii: 25.
February 22.
They mount up to the heaven, they go
down again to the depths; their soul is
melted because of trouble.— Ps. cvii: 26.
February 23.
Then they cry unto the Lord in their
trouble, and he bringeth them out of their
distresses. — Ps. cvii: 28.
February 24.
He maketh the storm a calm, so that the
waves thereof are still. — Ps. cvii: 29.
February 25.
Then are they glad because they be
quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired
haven. — Ps. cvii: 30.
February 26.
The Lord is thy keeper; the Lord is thy
shade upon thy right hand. — Ps. cxxi: 5.
February 27.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out
and thy coming in from this time forth, and
even for evermore. — Ps. cxxi: 8.
^
■*
*■
WILL S BIBLE.
■^
:}:9
February 28.
Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine
eyes lofty. — Ps. cxxxi: 1.
On the margin:
A proud heart and a loft}^ mountain are
never fruitful. — Gurnall.
March 1.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
— Ps. cxlv: 13.
On the margin:
Inscription over door of the great mosque
at Damascus.
March 2.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call
upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
— Ps. cxlv: 18.
March 3.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear
him; He also will hear their cry and will
save them. — Ps. cxlv: 19.
March 4.
The Lord preserveth the strangers; he
relieveth the fatherless and widow; but the
way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
— Ps. cxlvi: 9.
59
«(l
61
62
63
*■
■^<
*-
380
■^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
*>4
S5
6fi
67
68
6!)
7(1
March 5.
He healeth the broken in heart and bind-
eth up their wounds. — Ps. cxlvii: 3.
March 6.
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that
fear him; in those that hope in his mercy.
— Ps. cxlvii: 11.
March 7.
Let every thing that hath breath praise
the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. — Ps. cl: 6.
March 8.
A wise man will hear, and will increase
learning; and a man of understanding shall
attain unto wise counsels. — Prov.. i: 5.
March 9.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and
instruction. — Prov., i: 7.
March lu.
My son, hear the instruction of thy father,
and forsake not the law of thy mother. —
Prov., i: 8.
March 11.
Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell
safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
— Prov., i: 33.
■*
1^-
WILLS BIBLE.
:J81
■*
March 12.
My son, forget not my law; but let thine
heart keep my commandments. — Prov,, iii: 1.
March 13.
For length of days and long life and
peace, shall they add to thee. — Prov., iii: 2.
March 14.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee;
bind them about thy neck; write them upon
the table of thine heart. — Prov. , iii : 3.
March 15.
So shalt thou find favor and good under-
standing in the sight of God and man. —
Prov., iii: 4.
March 10.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
— Prov., iii: 5.
March 17.
In all thy ways acknowledge him and he
shall direct thy paths. — Prov.. iii: 6.
March 18.
Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the
Lord, and depart from evil. — Prov.. iii: 7.
March H).
My son, let not them depart from thine
*
71
n
74
75
7«
78
*
>^-
38-2
'>^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion.
Prov., iii: 21,
7!t
80
SI
82
83
84
85
March 20.
So shall they be life unto thy soul and
grace unto thy neck. — Prov., iii: 22.
March 21.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely,
and thy foot shall not stumble. — Prov., iii: 23.
March 22.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be
afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down and thy
sleep shalt be sweet. — Prov., iii: 24.
March 23.
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of
the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
— Prov., iii: 25.
March 24.
For the Lord shall be thy confidence and
shall keep thy foot from being taken.—
Prov., iii: 26.
March 25.
Withhold not good from them to whom
it is due, when it is in the power of thine
hand to do it. — Prov., iii: 27.
March 26.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore
*
1
^
WILLS BIBLE.
883
an
«7
m
get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get
understanding. — Prov., iv: 7.
March 27.
Exalt her and she shall promote thee:
she shall bring thee to honor when thou
dost embrace her. — Prov., iv: 8.
March 38.
The path of the just is as the shining-
light that shineth more and more unto the
perfect day. — Prov., iv: 18.
March 29.
Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out
of it are the issues of life. — Prov., iv: 23.
March 3u.
For the ways of man are before the eyes
of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.
— Prov.. v: 21.
March 31.
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and
shall obtain favor of the Lord. — Prov. . viii : 35.
April l.
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth
his own soul: all the}^ that hate me love
death. — Prov.. viii: 36.
April 2.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
81)
■.I*)
It:;;
*
■*
!(3
IM
i»5
it-
^-
■^
^-
WILL S BIBLE.
■>:i
385
it stoop; but a good word maketh it glad. —
Prov., xii: 25.
April 10.
The heart knoweth his own bitterness;
and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his
joy. — Prov., xiv: 10.
April 11.
In all labor there is profit; but the talk
of the lips tendeth only to poverty. — Prov.,
xiv: 23.
April 12.
In the fear of the Lord is strong confi-
dence; and his children shall have a place of
refuge. — Prov., xiv: 26.
April 13.
Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin
is a reproach to any people. — Prov.. xiv: 34.
April 14.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
beholding the evil and the good. — Prov.,
XV: .3.
April 15.
Better is little, with the fear of the Lord,
than great treasure, and trouble therewith.—
Prov., XV: Ki.
April 10.
The fear of the Lord is the instruction
1(M»
101
102
1(13
104
inr,
io«
^
i
^■
^
;{S(;
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
107
108
of wisdom; and before honor is humility. —
Prov., XV : 33.
April 17.
All the ways of a man are clean in his
own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
— Prov., xvi: 2.
April 18.
When a man's ways please the Lord, he
maketh even his enemies to be at peace with
him. — Prov., xvi: 7.
April 19.
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and health to the bones. ^ —
Prov., xvi: 24.
April 20.
He that is slow to anger is better than
the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit,
than he that taketh a city. — Prov., xvi: 32.
109
no
111
112
April 21.
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness
therewith, than an house full of sacrifices,
with strife. — Prov., xvii: 1.
April 22.
He that covereth a transgression, seeketh
love: but he that repeateth a matter, separat-
eth very friends. — Prov., xvii: 9.
*■
*
^.
WILLS BIBLE.
■^
38?
April 23.
A friend loveth at all times, and a broth-
er is born for adversity. — Pro v., xvii: 17.
April 24,
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous runneth into it and is safe. —
Pro v., xviii: 10.
April 25.
A man that hath friends, must show
himself friendly; and there is a friend that
sticketh closer than a brother. — Prov. , xviii:
34.
April 26.
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpen-
eth the countenance of his friend. — Prov.,
xxvii: 17.
April 27.
As in water face answereth to face, so
the heart of man to man. — Prov.. xxvii: 10.
April 28.
Every word of God is pure; he is a
shield unto them that put their trust in
him. — Prov., xxx: 5.
April 29,
For God giveth to a man that is good
in his sight, wisdom, and knowledge, and
joy. — Eccl., ii: 20.
n.s
114
115
116
m
118
Hit
>!-<•
*
*
388
■*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
120
121
122
123
124
April 3U.
I know that whatsoever God doeth, it
shall be forever; nothing can be put to it.
nor anything taken from it; and God doeth
it, that men should fear before him. — Eccl.,
iii: 14.
May 1.
Better is the end of a thing than the
beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit
is better than the proud in spirit. — Eccl.,
vii: 8.
May 2.
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry:
for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. —
Eccl.. vii: 9.
May .3.
For there is not a just man upon earth
that doeth good and sinneth not. — Eccl..
vii: 20.
May 4.
A wise man's heart is at his right hand:
but a fool's heart at his left. — Eccl.. x: 2.
12.5
*■
May 5.
He that observeth the wind, shall not
sow; and he that regardeth the clouds, shall
not reap. — Eccl., xi: 4.
■*
*■
will's bible.
■^
:38i)
May 6.
In the morning sow thy seed, and in the
evening withhold not thine hand; for thou
knowest not whether shall prosper either
this or that, or whether they both shall be
alike good. — Eccl.. xi: G.
May 7.
Though your sins be as scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow: though they be
red like crimson, they shall be as wool. —
Isaiah, i: 18.
May 8.
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall
eat the good of the land. — Isaiah, i: 19.
May 9.
Now will I sing to my well -beloved a
song of my beloved, touching his vineyard.
My well -beloved hath a vineyard in a very
fruitful hill. — Isaiah, v: 1.
May 10.
And he fenced it, and gathered out the
stones thereof, and planted it with the choic-
est vine, and built a tower in the midst of
it, and also made a wine -press therein: and
he looked that it should bring forth grapes;
and it brought forth wild grapes. — Isaiah,
v: 2.
ua
m
UH
nu
yM\
*
H^
*
390
•*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
131
132
133
134
135
13«
137
May 11.
Fear not, neither be faint - hearted. —
Isaiah, vii: 4.
May 12.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son
is given, and the government shall be upon
his shoulder; and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
—Isaiah, ix: 6.
May 13.
And a little child shall lead them. —
Isaiah, xi: 6.
May 14.
Thine anger is turned away, and thou
comfortest me. — Isaiah, xii: 1.
May 15.
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust,
and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is
my strength and my song; he also is become
my salvation. — Isaiah, xii: 2.
May 16.
I will make a man more precious than
fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge
of Ophir. — Isaiah, xiii: 12.
May 17.
O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art
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thou cut down to the ground, which didst
weaken the nations! — Isaiah, xiv: 13.
On the margin :
Compare Milton P. L.. B. 5, Satan's re-
bellion.
May 18.
Because thou hast forgotten the God of
thy salvation, and hast not been mindful
of the Rock of thy strength, therefore shalt
thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it
with strange slips. — Isaiah, xvii: 10.
May 19.
In the day shalt thou make thy plant
to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make
thy seed to flourish ; but the harvest shall be
a heap in the day of grief and of desperate
sorrow. — Isaiah, xvii: 11.
May 20.
And the Lord shall smite Egypt; he shall
smite and heal it; and they shall return even
to the Lord, and he shall be entreated of
them, and shall heal them.— Isaiah, xix: 22.
May 21.
He will'swallow up death in victory; and
the Lord God will wipe away tears from off
all faces. — Isaiah, xxv: 8.
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May 22.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on thee; because he
trusteth in thee. — Isaiah, xxvi: 3.
May 23.
Trust in the Lord forever; for in the
Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. —
Isaiah, xxvi: 4.
May 24.
To whom he said, This is the rest where-
with ye may cause the weary to rest; and
this is the refreshing: yet they would not
hear. — Isaiah, xxviii: 12.
May 25.
Wherefore the Lord said. Forasmuch as
this people draw near me with their mouth,
and with their lips do honor me, but have
removed their heart far from me, and their
fear toward me is taught by the precept of
men: the wisdom of their wise men shall
perish, and the understanding of their pru-
dent men shall be hid. — Isaiah, xxix: 13, 14.
May 26.
For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy
One of Israel; In returning and rest shall
ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence
shall be your strength. — Isaiah, xxx: 15.
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May 27.
And therefore will the Lord wait, that he
may be gracious unto you, and therefore will
he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon
you; for the Lord is a God of judgment. —
Isaiah, xxx: 18.
May 28.
He will be very gracious unto thee at the
voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he
will answer thee. — Isaiah, xxx: 19.
May 29.
And though the Lord give you the bread
of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet
shall not thy teachers be removed into a
corner any more, but thine eyes shall see th}^
teachers. — Isaiah, xxx: 20.
May 30.
And thine ears shall hear a word behind
thee, saying, This is the way. walk ye in it.
— Isaiah, xxx: 21.
May ;n.
And my people shall dwell in a peaceable
habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in
quiet resting places. — Isaiah, xxxii: is.
June I.
O Lord, be gracious unto us: we have
waited for thee: be thou their arm every
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morning, our salvation also in the time of
trouble. — Isaiah, xxxiii: 2.
June 2.
And Hezekiah received the letter from
the hand of the messengers, and read it: and
Hezekiah went up unto the house of the
Lord, and spread it before the Lord. — Isaiah,
xxxvii: 14.
June 3.
And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord. —
Isaiah, xxxvii: 15.
June 4.
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith
your God. — Isaiah, xl: 1.
June 5.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and
cry unto her. that her warfare is accom-
plished, that her iniquity is pardoned; for
she hath received of the Lord's hand double
for all her sins. — Isaiah, xl: 2.
June 6.
The voice of him that crieth in the wil-
derness. Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for
our God. — Isaiah, xl: 3.
June 7.
Every valley shall be exalted, and every
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mountain and hill shall be made low; and
the crooked shall be made straight, and the
rough places plain. — Isaiah, xl: 4.
June 8. i5s
All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness
thereof is as the flower of the field. — Isaiah,
xl: 0.
June 9, m>
The grass withereth, rhe flower fadeth;
because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon
it: surely the people is grass. — Isaiah, xl: 7.
June 10. lei
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth;
but the word of our God shall stand forever.
— Isaiah, xl: 8.
June 11. 'ei'
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd;
he shall gather the lambs with his arm. and
carry them in his bosom, and shall gently
lead those that are with young. — Isaiah,
xl: 11.
^ June 12. m
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a
bucket, and are counted as the small dust
of the balance. — Isaiah, xl: 15.
June 13. i«4
He giveth power to the faint: and to
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them that have no might he increaseth
strength. — Isaiah, xl: 29.
June ]4.
They that wait upon the Lord shall re-
new their strength; they shall mount up with
wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be
weary: and they shall walk, and not faint. —
Isaiah, xl: 31.
June 15.
Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be
not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will
strengthen thee; yea. I will help thee; yea,
I will uphold thee with the right hand of
my righteousness. — Isaiah, xli: 10.
June 16.
But now thus saith the Lord that created
thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee,
Israel. Fear not: for I have redeemed thee.
I have called thee by my name; thou art
mine. — Isaiah, xliii: 1.
June 17.
When thou passest through the waters, I
will be with thee. — Isaiah, xliii: 2.
June 18.
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy
transgressions for mine own sake, and will
not remember thy sins. — Isaiah, xliii: ::^5.
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June 19.
One shall say. I am the Lord's: and an-
other shall call himself by the name of Ja-
cob. — Isaiah, xliv: 5.
June 20.
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the
ends of the earth ; for I am God, and there is
none else. — Isaiah, xlv: 32.
June 21.
I have sworn by myself, the word is
gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and
shall not return, That unto me every knee
shall bow, every tongue shall swear. — Isaiah,
xlv: 23.
June 22.
But Zion said. The Lord hath forsaken
me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. — Isaiah,
xlix: 14.
June 23.
Can a woman forget her sucking child,
that she should not have compassion on the
son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet
will I not forget thee. — Isaiah, xlix: I o.
June 24.
For the Lord God will help me: therefore
shall 1 not be confounded; therefore have 1
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set my face like a flint, and I know that I
shall not be ashamed. — Isaiah, 1: 7,
June 35.
For the mountains shall depart, and the
hills be removed; but my kindness shall not
depart from thee, neither shall the covenant
of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that
hath mercy on thee. — Isaiah, liv: 10.
June 26.
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,
call ye upon him while he is near. — Isaiah,
Iv: 6.
June 27.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the
unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him
return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy
upon him; and to our God, for he will abund-
antly pardon. — Isaiah, Iv: 7.
June 28.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith the
Lord. — Isaiah, Iv: 8.
June 29.
He that putteth his trust in me shall pos-
sess the land. — Isaiah, Ivii: 13.
June 30.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my
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soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath
clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he hath covered me with the robe of right-
eousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself
with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth
herself with her jewels. — Isaiah, Ixi: 10.
July l.
Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in
the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in
the hand of thy God. — Isaiah. Ixii: 3.
July 3.
And it shall come to pass, that before
they call, I will answer: and while they are
yet speaking, I will hear. — Isaiah. Ixv: 24.
July 3.
I said. Thou shalt call me. My father:
and shalt not turn away from me. — Jer..
iii: 19.
July 4.
But let him that glorieth. glory in this,
that he understandeth and knoweth me. that
I am the Lord which exercise loving -kind-
ness, judgment, and righteousness, in the
earth: for in these things I delight, saith the
Lord. — Jer.. ix: 24.
July 5.
Thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us. and
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we are called by thy name; leave us not. —
Jer., xiv: 9.
July G.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the
Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. — Jer.,
xvii: 7.
July 7.
The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately wicked: who can know it?
— Jer., xvii: 9.
July 8.
I the Lord search the heart, I try the
reins, even to give every man according to
his ways, and according to the fruit of his
doings. — Jer., xvii: 10.
July 9.
Be not a terror unto me: thou art my
hope in the day of evil. — Jer., xvii: 17.
July 10.
But the Lord is with me as a mighty
terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall
stumble, and they shall not prevail ; for they
shall not prosper; their everlasting confusion
shall never be forgotten. — Jer., xx: 11.
July 11.
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall
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go and pray unto me, and I will hearken
unto you. — Jer., xxix: 12.
July 12.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when
ye shall search for me with all your heart. —
Jer., xxix: 13.
July 13.
And they shall teach no more every man
his neighbor, and every man his brother,
saying. Know the Lord: for they shall all
know me, from the least of them unto the
greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will
forgive their iniquity, and I will remember
their sin no more. — Jer., xxxi: 34.
July 14.
Great in counsel, and mighty in work:
for thine eyes are open upon all the ways
of the sons of men, to give every one accord-
ing to his ways, and according to the fruit
of his doings. — Jer., xxxii: 19.
July 15.
And they shall be my people and I will
be their God.— Jer., xxxii: 38.
July 16.
Leave thy fatherless children, I will pre-
serve them alive; and let thy widows trust
in me. — Jer., xlix: 1 1.
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July 17.
He hath made the earth by his power,
he hath established the world by his wisdom,
and hath stretched out the heaven by his
understanding. — Jer., li: 15.
July 18.
When he uttereth his voice, there is a
multitude of waters in the heavens; and he
causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends
of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain,
and bringeth forth the wind out of his treas-
ures. — Jer.. li: 16.
July 19.
This I recall to my mind, therefore have
I hope. — Lam., iii: 21.
July 20.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are
not consumed, because his compassions fail
not. — Lam., iii: 22.
July 21.
They are new every morning: great is
thy faithfulness. — Lam., iii: 23.
July 22.
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul;
therefore will I hope in him. — Lam., iii: 24.
July 23.
The Lord is good unto them that wait
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for him, to the soul that seeketh him. —
Lam., iii: 25.
July 24.
It is good that a man should both hope
and quietly wait for the salvation of the
Lord. — Lam., iii: 26.
July 25.
For the Lord will not cast off forever.
— Lam., iii: 'M.
July 26.
But though he cause grief, yet will he
have compassion according to the multitude
of his mercies. — Lam., iii: 32.
July 27.
For he doth not afflict willingly, nor
grieve the children of men. — Lam., iii: 33.
July 28.
Let us search and try our ways, and turn
again to the Lord. — Lam., iii: 40.
July 29.
For I know the things that come into
your mind, every one of them. — Ezek., xi: 5.
July 30.
I will put a new spirit within you, and I
will take the stony heart out of their flesh,
and will give them an heart of flesh. — Ezek.,
xi: 11).
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July 31.
That they may walk in my statutes, and
keep mine ordinances, and do them: and
they shall be my people, and I will be their
God. — Ezek., xi: 20.
August 1.
When the son hath done that which is
lawful and right, and hath kept all my
statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely
live. — Ezek., xviii: 19.
August 2.
The soul that sinneth. it shall die. The
son shall not bear the iniquity of the father,
neither shall the father bear the iniquity of
the son: the righteousness of the righteous
shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the
wicked shall be upon him. — Ezek.. xviii: 20.
August 3.
Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of
the father, so also the soul of the son is mine:
the soul that sinneth. it shall die. — Ezek.,
xviii: 4.
August 4.
But if the wicked will turn from all his
sins that he hath committed, and keep all
mv statutes, and do that which is lawful
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and right, he shall surely live, he shall not
die. — Ezek., xviii: 21.
August 5.
All his transgressions that he hath com-
mitted, they shall not be mentioned unto
him. — Ezek.. xviii: 22.
August 6.
Cast aw^ay from you all your transgres-
sions, whereby ye have transgressed; and
make you a new heart and a new spirit; for
why will ye die, O house of Israel? — Ezek..
xviii: 31.
August 7.
For I have no pleasure in the death of
him that dieth. saith the Lord God: where-
fore turn yourselves, and live ye. — Ezek..
xviii: 32.
August 8.
Therefore, say unto the house of Israel.
Thus saith the Lord God: I do not this for
your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine
holy name's sake, which ye have profaned
among the heathen, whither ye went. —
Ezek., xxxvi: 22.
August l>.
My people are destroyed for lack of
knowledge. — Hosea, iv: i*-
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August 10.
Come, and let us return unto the Lord:
for he hath torn, and he will heal us. — Ho-
sea, vi: 1.
August 11.
Break up your fallow ground; for it is
time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain
righteousness upon you. — Hosea, x: 12.
August 12.
Who is wise, and he shall understand
these things? prudent, and he shall know
them? for the ways of the Lord are right,
and the just shall walk in them; but the
transgressors shall fall therein. — Hosea, xiv:
9.
August 13.
Rend your heart, and not your garments,
and turn unto the Lord your God; for he is
gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of
great kindness. — Joel, ii: 13.
August 14.
Seek good, and not evil, that ye may
live. — Amos, v: 14.
August 15.
He hath showed thee, O man, what is
good; and what doth the Lord require of
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thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and
to walk humbly with thy God? — Micah. vi: S.
August 16.
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the
day of trouble; and he knoweth them that
trust in him. — Nahum, i: 7.
August 17.
Return unto me, and I will return unto
you, saith the Lord of hosts. — Malachi, iii: T.
August 18,
Bring ye all the tithes into the store-
house, that there may be meat in mine
house, and prove me now herewith, saith
the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the
windows of heaven, and pour you out a
blessing, that there shall not be room enough
to receive it. — Malachi, iii: 10.
August 19.
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord
of hosts, in that day when I make up m}'
jewels; and I will spare them, as a man
spareth his own son that serveth him. — Ma-
lachi. iii: 17.
August 2u.
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for re-
pentance. — Matthew, iii: S.
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August 21.
Think not that I am come to destroy
the law, or the prophets: I am not come to
destroy, but to fulfil. — Matthew, v: 17.
August 22.
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your
Father which is in heaven is perfect. — Mat-
thew, V: 48.
August 23.
For where your treasure is, there will
your heart be also. — Matthew, vi: 21.
August 24.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven. — Matthew, vii: 21.
August 25.
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more
value than many sparrows. — Matthew, x: 31.
August 26.
Blessed is he whosoever shall not be of-
fended in me. — Matthew, xi: fi.
August 27.
Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. — Mat-
thew, xi: 28.
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August 28.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of
me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and
ye shall find rest unto your souls. — Matthew,
xi: 20.
August 29.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light. — Matthew, xi: 30.
August 30.
Out of the abundance of the heart, the
mouth speaketh. — Matthew, xii: 34,
August 31.
Whosoever shall do the will of my Fa-
ther which is in heaven, the same is my
brother, and sister, and mother. — Matthew,
xii: 50.
September 1.
And his disciples came, and took up the
body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
— Matthew, xiv: 12.
September 2.
Again T say unto you, That if two of you
shall agree on earth, as touching any thing
that they shall ask, it shall be done for them
of my Father which is in heaven. — Matthew,
xviii: 1!».
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September 3.
For where two or three are gathered to-
gether in my name, there am I in the midst
of them. — Matthew, xviii: 20.
September 4.
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do
also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive
not every one his brother their trespasses. —
Matthew, xviii: 35.
September 5.
And all things whatsoever ye shall ask
in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. — Mat-
thew, xxi: 22.
September 6.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest
the prophets, and stonest them which are
sent unto thee, how often would I have gath-
ered thy children together, even as a hen
gathereth her chickens under her wings, and
ye would not! — Matthew, xxiii: 37.
September 7.
Go ye therefore and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; —
Matthew, xxviii: 19.
September 8.
Teaching them co observe all things
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whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo,
I am with you alway, even unto the end of
the world. — Matthew, xxviii: 20.
September '.). -m
And as many as touched him, were made
whole. — Mark, vi: 56.
September 10. -m
Therefore I say unto you. What things
soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that
ye receive them, and ye shall have them. —
Mark, xi: 24.
•September 11.
And what I say unto you, I say unto all,
Watch.— Mark, xiii: 37.
September 12.
Wist ye not that I must be about my
Father's business? — Luke, ii: 49.
September 13. *66
She hath done what she could. — Mark,
xiv: 8.
September 14. *"
Every valley shall be filled, and every
mountain and hill shall be brought low; and
the crooked shall be made straight and the
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rousfh ways shall be made smooth: — Luke,
iii
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September 15.
And all flesh shall see the salvation of
God. — Luke, iii: 6,
September 1(>.
Give, and it shall be given unto you:
good measure, pressed down, and shaken
together, and running over, shall men give
into your bosom. For with the same meas-
ure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured
to you again. — Luke, vi: 38.
September 17.
Be not afraid of them that kill the body,
and after that, have no more that they can
do. — Luke, xii: 4.
September 18.
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall
fear: Fear him. which after he hath killed,
hath power to cast into hell; yea. I say unto
you. Fear him. — Luke, xii: 5.
September 19:
For all these things do the nations of the
world seek after: and your Father knoweth
that ye have need of these things. — Luke,
xii: 30.
September 30.
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God,
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and all these things shall be added unto you.
— Luke, xii: 31.
September 21.
But he that knew not, and did commit
things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten
with few stripes. For unto whomsoever
much is given, of him shall be much re-
quired. — Luke, xii: 48.
September 32.
He that is faithful in that which is least,
is faithful also in much; and he that is un-
just in the least, is unjust also in much. —
Luke, xvi: 10.
September 23.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done
all those things which are commanded you.
say. We are unprofitable servants: we have
done that which was our duty to do. — Luke,
xvii: 10.
September 24.
Tn your patience possess ye your souls.
— Luke, xxi: 1!).
September 25.
Watch ye therefore, and pray always,
that ye may be accounted worthy to escape
all these things that shall come to pass, and
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to stand before the Son of man.— Luke,
xxi: 3G.
September 36.
Why are ye troubled? and why do
thoughts arise in your hearts? — Luke, xxiv:
38.
SeptExMber 37.
Search the Scriptures: for in them ye
think ye have eternal life : and they are they
which testify of me. — John, v: 39.
September 28.
Whosoever committeth sin, is the ser-
vant of sin. — John, viii: 34.
September 29.
And I knew that thou hearest me always :
but because of the people which stand by, I
said it. that they may believe that thou hast
sent me. — John, xi: 42.
September 30.
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall
I say? Father, save me from this hour: but
for this cause came I unto this hour. — John,
xii: 27.
October 1.
Father, glorify thy name. Then came
there a voice from heaven, saying. I have
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both glorified it, and will glorify it again. —
John, xii: 38.
October 2.
These are written, that ye might believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and
that believing ye might have life through his
name. — John, xx: .31.
October 3.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and
the moon into blood, before that great and no-
table day of the Lord come. — Acts, ii: 20.
October 4.
We ought to obey God rather than men.
— Acts, v: 29.
October 5.
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus,
whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. — Acts,
v: 30.
October fi.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand
to be a Prince and a Savior. — Acts, v: 31.
October 7.
In every nation, he that feareth him and
worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
— Acts, X: 35.
October 8.
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and
277
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a7it
28(1
281
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MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
•J82
283
284
285
286
287
exhorting them to continue in the faith, and
that we must through much tribulation enter
into the kingdom of God. — Acts, xiv: 22.
October 9. ^
What if some did not believe? shall their
unbelief make the faith of God without ef-
fect? — Romans, iii: 3.
October 10.
For I reckon, that the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory that shall be revealed in us. —
Romans, viii: 18.
October 11.
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the
Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart
that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved. — Romans, x: 9.
October 12.
Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith
the Lord. — Romans, xii: 19.
October 13.
All things are lawful unto me, but all
things are not expedient: all things are law-
ful for me, but I will not be brought under
the power of any. — I. Corinthians, vi: 12.
October U.
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to
^e—
offend, I will eat no flesh while the world
standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. —
I. Corinthians, viii: lo.
October 15.
There hath no temptation taken you but
such as is common to man : but God is faith-
ful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the
temptation also make a way to escape, that
ye may be able to bear it. — I. Corinthians.
x: 13.
October Ifi.
By the grace of God I am what I am. —
I. Corinthians, xv: 10.
October 1 7.
Be not deceived: Evil communications
corrupt good manners. — I. Corinthians, xv: 33.
October 18.
Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, foras-
much as ye know that your labor is not in
vain in the Lord. — L Corinthians, xv: 58.
October 10.
The God of all comfort, who comforteth
us in our tribulation, that we may be able
to comfort them which are in trouble by the
288
28it
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i!il
•>9-i
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418
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
*
295
comfort wherewith we ourselves are com-
forted of God. — II. Corinthians, i: 3, 4.
293 October 20.
We should not trust in ourselves, but in
God which raiseth the dead. — II. Corinthi-
ans, i: 9.
294 October 21.
For we must all appear before the judg-
ment-seat of Christ; that every one may
receive the things done in his body, accord-
ing to that he hath done, whether it be good
or bad. — 11. Corinthians, v.- 10.
October 22.
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord,
we persuade men. — II. Corinthians, v: 11.
October 23.
Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he
is a new creature: old things have passed
away; behold, all things are become new. —
II. Corinthians, v: 17.
October 24.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,
as though God did beseech you by us: we
pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled
to God. — II. Corinthians, v: 20.
208 October 25.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with
2»t!
297
^:<-
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^-
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■*
41Jt
unbelievers: for what fellowship hath right-
eousness with unrighteousness? — 11. Corin-
thians, vi: 1-t.
October 26.
He which soweth sparingly, shall reap
also sparingly: and he which soweth bounti-
fully, shall reap also bountifully. — II. Corin-
thians, ix: 6.
October 27.
And God is able to make all grace abound
toward you. — II. Corinthians, ix: 8.
October 28.
For not he that commendeth himself is
approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
— II. Corinthians, x: 18.
October 29.
My grace is sufficient for thee: for m}^
strength is made perfect in weakness. — II.
Corinthians, xii: 9.
October 30.
Do I seek to please men? for if I yet
pleased men, I should not be the servant of
Christ. — Galatians, i: 10.
October 31.
Let us not be weary in well-doing: -for
in due season we shall reap if we faint not. —
Galatians, vi: 9.
23St
m\
301
:^02
30:-i
:W4
qi-
■^
^
420
-^
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
305
SOfi
307
308
309,
310
November 1.
For by grace are ye saved through faith:
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God. — Ephesians, ii: 8.
November 2.
And are built upon the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself
being the chief corner-stone. — Ephesians,
ii: 20.
November 3.
Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to
yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spir-
itual songs, singing and making melody
in your heart to the Lord. — ^ Ephesians, v:
18, 19.
November 4.
Giving thanks always for all things unto
God and the Father, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.— Ephesians, v: 20.
November 5.
Whatsoever good thing any man doeth.
the same shall he receive of the Lord. —
Ephesians, vi: 8.
November 6.
It is God which worketh in you both to
will and to do of his good pleasure. — Philip-
pians, ii: 13.
*
■*
*
will's bible.
■^
421
NOVEMBEK 7.
I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. —
Philippians. iii: 14.
November 8.
The peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus. — Philippians,
iv: 7.
November 9.
I have learned, in whatsoever state I
am, therewith to he content.^ Philippians,
iv: 11.
November 10.
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also
ye are risen with him through the faith of
the operation of God, who hath raised him
from the dead. — Colossians, ii: ]•>.
November 11.
Forbearing one another, and forgiving-
one another. — Colossians, iii: 13.
November 12.
Above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness. — Colos-
sians. iii: 14.
November 18.
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed.
:m
312
313
31 J
315
3111
31:
*■
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MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. — Colos-
sians, iii: 17.
318 November 14.
Let your speech be always with grace,
seasoned with salt, that ye may know how
ye ought to answer every man. — Colossians,
iv: 6.
319 November 15.
Study to be quiet and to do your own
business, and to work with your own hands.
— I. Thessalonians, iv: 11.
320 November 16.
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing. — I. Thessalonians,
v: Ifi. 17.
.4
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
mortality to light through the gospel. — II.
Timothy, i: 10.
:m November 27.
Therefore endure hardness, as a good
soldier of Jesus Christ. — 11. Timothy, ii: 3.
H32 November 28.
Study to show thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.
— II. Timothy, ii: 15.
■.m November 29.
Preach the word; be instant in season,
out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with
all long-suffering and doctrine. — II. Timo-
thy, iv: 2.
November 30.
Young men likewise exhort to be sober-
minded. In all things shewing thyself a
pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing
uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound
speech that cannot be condemned; that he
that is of the contrary part may be ashamed,
having no evil thing to say of you. — Titus,
ii: 6-9.
:«5 December 1.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the
people of God. — Hebrews, iv: 9.
S.S4
i^
^
*-
WILL S BIBLE,
■^J
435
December 2.
For he that is entered into his rest, he
also hath ceased from his own works, as God
did from his.— Hebrews, iv: 10.
December 3.
Unto them that look for him shall he
appear the second time without sin unto sal-
vation. — Hebrews, ix: 28.
December 4.
Lo, I come to do thy will. O God. — He-
brews, x: 9.
December 5.
Let us draw near with a true heart, in
full assurance of faith, having our hearts
sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our
bodies washed with pure water. — Hebrews.
x: 23.
December G.
Let us hold fast the profession of our
faith without wavering; for he is faithful
that promised. — Hebrews, x: 23.
December 7.
And let us consider one another, to pro-
voke unto love, and to good works. — He-
brews, x: 24.
December 8.
For ye have need of patience, that, after
5.3
■x%
as7
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3311
.340
341
:iii
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*■
+•■>(;
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
■^
34H
H44
:^4S
ye have done the will of God, ye might re-
ceive the promise. — Hebrews, x: 36.
December 9.
For yet a little while, and he that shall
come will come, and will not tarry. — He-
brews, X: 37.
December 10.
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with
the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures
of sin for a season. — Hebrews, xi: 25.
December 11.
My son, despise not thou the chastening
of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked
of him: — Hebrews, xii: 5.
December 12.
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
— Hebrews, xii: 6.
December 13.
Holiness, without which no man shall see
the Lord. — Hebrews, xii: 14.
December 14.
He hath said, I will never leave thee nor
forsake thee. — Hebrews, xiii: 5.
December 15.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is
■Md
:U7
H4S
H4'.t
*■
■m
^-
will's bible.
-^^
427
my helper, and I will not fear what man
shall do unto me. — Hebrews, xiii: G.
December 1G. swi
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-
day, and forever. — Hebrews, xiii: 8.
December 17. ^^i
It is a good thing that the heart be estab-
lished with grace. — Hebrews, xiii: 9.
December 18. 352
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask
of God. that giveth to all men liberally, and
upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. —
James, i: 5.
December 19. m
Blessed is the man that endiireth tempta-
tion: for w^hen he is tried, he shall receive
the crown of life, which the Lord hath prom-
ised to them that love him. — James, i: 12.
December 30. m
Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above, and cometh down from the
Father of lights, with whom is no variable-
ness, neithershadowof turning.— James. 1:17.
December 21. m
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let
every man be swift to hear, slow to speak,
slow to wrath. — James, i: 19.
•i<-
■>±<
*-
428
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
sr>t>
357
S58
Hail
m>
361
362
December 22.
For whosoever shall keep the whole law,
and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of
all. — James, ii: 10.
December 23.
Even so the tongue is a little member,
and boasteth great things. Behold, how
great a matter a little fire kindlethi — James,
iii: 0.
December 24.
Out of the same mouth proceedeth bless-
ing and cursing. My brethren, these things
ought not so to be. — James, iii: 10.
December 25.
But the wisdom that is from above is
first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to
be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy. —
James, iii: 17.
December 26.
Draw nigh to God. and he will draw
nigh to you. — James iv: 8.
December 27.
The effectual fervent prayer of a right-
eous man availeth much. — James, v: Ki.
December 28.
But as he which hath called you is holy.
*
*
*
*
will's bible.
420
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.
— I. Peter, i: 15.
December 29,
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not
redeemed with corruptible things, as silver
and gold, from your vain conversation re-
ceived by tradition from your fathers, but
with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
lamb without blemish and without spot. — I.
Peter, i: 18. 19.
December 3().
Casting all your care upon him: for he
careth for you.— I. Peter, v: 7.
December 31.
Now unto him that is able to keep you
from falling, and to present you faultless
before the presence of his glory with exceed-
ing joy. to the only wise God our Savior, be
glory and majesty, dominion and power,
both now and ever. Amen. — Jude. 24. 25,
.S6.S
MM
365
■>'.i
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VM)
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Other
reading.
*
Aside from the numerous note -books, in
which, in his neat hand, are found references
to the subject matter of the text he was
perusing, and suggestions of further study,
other records of his reading are found in
carefully- marked passages of books with
which he seemed to have choice fellowship.
One such book was "The Blood of Jesus," by
Rev. William Reid, M. A. Some of these
marked passages are here given:
" In reference to the pardon of your sins,
there is no time to be lost.
"The true gospel of God is, that when
any one belonging to our sinful world feels
his sin to be oppressive, and comes straight
to the 'Lamb of God' with it, and frankly
acknowledges it, and tells out his anxieties
regarding it. and his desire to get rid of it,
he will find that Jesus has both the power
and the will to take it away.
' ' You are as welcome to Christ now as
you will ever be. Wait not for deeper con-
viction of sin; for why should you prefer
convictions of sin to Christ? And you would
not have one iota more safety, although you
had deeper convictions of sin than any sinner
ever had.
*
*
WILLS BIBLE.
■*
■i:n
•Well, here is the Bible — your invitation
to come to Christ. It does not bear your
name and address, but it says, ' Whosoever'
— that takes jou in: it says. ".4//' — that
takes you in: it says. 'If any' — that takes
you in.
"For the question is not, Will you re-
move these evils and then come to Christ?
but, Will you have a Chriftf to remove them
for you?
•'Jesus, and Jesus only, is the object on
which your anxious eyes must rest, for peace
with God and a change of heart.
"Our conscience may well find settled
rest where God's holiness finds rest.
•• 'Looking unto Jesus.'— Hebrews, xii: 'i
— is the most refreshing exercise in which
we can engage; and the shortest road to
genuine spiritual revival is by the cross of
Calvary.
•'The reason why many real christians
are harassed with doubt, fear, and darkness,
is, that they leave off leaning entirely upon
their beloved Savior, and rest part of the
weight of their souls' eternal well-being on
their own experience. "
*■
Marked
l>assagos.
■*
*■
vji
*
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Oltl Testa-
ment se-
leetioiis
clas-iifietl.
^•
OLD TESTAMENT.
Blessings of trusting in the Lord — 33, 44, 45,
4G, 49, 57, 58, 75, 76, 78 to 83, 93, 94, 102,
114, 118, 131, 135, 142, 143, 167, 174, 175,
176, 180, 187, 197, 228.
Comfort in affliction — 16, 17, 19, 21, 64, 141,
149, 150, 168, 207, 208.
Comforting promises — 9 to 15, 22, 43, 48, 70,
97, 127, 147, 158, 162, 164, 165, 166, 169, 172,
182, 191, 194, 196.
Confidence in God — 7, 27, 28, 32, 37, 190, 203.
206.
Contentment — 105, HI.
Each one personally responsible to God — 3,
107, 189, 213, 214.
Exhortation to christian labor — 4, 8, 125, 126.
230.
Friendship — 115, 116, 117.
God hears prayer — 35, 61, 62, 140, 148, 155.
156, 183, 192, 193.
Humility— 36, 59, 77, 106, 121, 185, 227.
Littleness of man — 24, 159, 160, 161, 163.
Obedience to parents — 69.
Omniscience and majesty of God — 1, 26, 41,
52 to 56, 89, 104, 179, 195, 198, 199, 210.
Patience — 205.
■*
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will's bible.
-tii
433
Pleasures of religion — 30, 31. 47, 65, 73, 74,
87, 108, 181.
Practical religion — 2, 84, 99, 109.
Praise the Lord — 66.
Presence of God— 18, 186.
Proverbs- 88, 95, 101, 110, 112, 113, 122, 124.
Punishment of the wicked — 29, 42, 63, 98,
138, 139, 145, 215, 224.
Rest — 20, 23, 144, 146, 151.
Rewards of the righteous — 119, 128, 211, 212,
216, 217, 231.
Seek the Lord— 5, 34, 68, 85, 86, 90 to 92, 96,
177, 178, 204, 219, 222, 223, 225, 226, 229.
Sinfulness of man — 25, 123, 188.
Study the Scriptures — 6, 67, 71, 72, 221.
The everlasting kingdom — 60, 120.
Miscellaneous — 132 to 134, 136, 137, 152 to 154,
157, 171, 184, 200, 201, 202, 209, 218, 220.
^
64
*
434
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
•*
New Test-
ament se-
lections
classifiefl.
*
NEW TESTAMENT.
Be patient — 267, 342.
Be thankful — 308, 321.
Be watchful — 254, 268, 337, 357, 358.
Christian excellence — 234, 265, 286, 287, 289.
311, 316, 318, 319, 323, 325, 332, 334, 340,
344, 347, 351, 355, 362, 363.
Christian joy — 307, 320.
Christian labor— 232, 241, 250, 255, 256, 291,
299, 304, 334, 341.
Confession — 284.
Confidence in God — 237, 260, 288, 300, 324,
349.
Faith in Christ — 275, 282, 305, 339.
Giving— 259, 309.
Glory of God— 274, 326.
God hears prayer— 245, 248, 253, 352, 360, 361.
Humihty— 301, 302.
Jesus exalted — 278, 279, 317, 350, 365.
Judgment — 294.
Obedience to God — 277, 303, 338, 356.
Practical religion — 236, 243, 247, 266, 280. 315.
329, 359.
Prayer— 320.
Presence of Christ — 246, 251.
Proverbs — 242, 290.
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will's bible.
-t35
Responsibility and privilege — 364.
Rest — 339, 340, 313, 335, 336.
Resurrection — 393, 314.
Search the Scriptures — 370.
Seek the Lord — 363, 337.
Servant of sin — 371.
Triumphs of the gospel — 357, 358.
Trials of the christian — 381, 383, 331, 353,
364.
Trust in the Lord — 363, 313, 343, 345, 34().
348.
Miscellaneous — 333, 335, 338, 344, 349, 353,
361, 369, 373, 273, 376, 285, 393, 395, 396,
297, 298, 306, 310, 333, 338, 354.
►I^
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CHAPTER XII.
CONCLUSION.
I,Kr us hear tlu- conclusion of tlie whole nialter: ?'ear Clol and
keep his commandments: fniit y.
Favorite
quotation.
Living
voice.
*■
earthly existence — preparation for eternity.
In the second place, usefulness is not to be
measured by the opportunities and possibili-
ties of earth alone, but by those of heaven
also. If, to be prepared for eternity, is to
come to a timely death, then must we regard
his death as most timely; if to be useful, is
an end of our being, then has he truly at-
tained that end, since to him the .Lord has
said, ' ' Come up higher ! " In his own favorite
quotation of the words of "Festus" (Bailey),
whose truth he so beautifully illustrated in
his life —
" He most lives
Who think.s most, feels the noblest, acts the best."
And now, little book, embalming the life
and character of this darling son and christ-
ian for "a life beyond life," go on your mis-
sion, to teach by the printed page, as did
he by the living voice, the helpful, helping
hand, and the conscious and unconscious
influence, that there is no true manhood,
no real nobility, save that which is with
Christ in God, and that such a manhood is
freely offered to all in the gospel.
-*
5<-
(
:nSUOP IIEBER.
W. S STICKNEY
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*
446
MEMOIR OF W. S. STICKNEY.
Ancestors, 13.
Anderson, Prest. Martin B. 54, 349.
Baptized, 40.
Becomes a christian, 38.
Be kind to the poor, 20.
Berta, 22.
Bible reading, 47, 363.
Birth, 13.
Boston, 47.
Brooks, James J. .354.
Burial, 297.
Business College, 127.
Calculus, 73, 84.
California, 170.
Calvary Baptist Sunday School, 7, 33>!.
Calvary Christian League, 137.
Calvary Mission Sunday School, 249,
255, 284, 302, 340.
Cash account, 23, 71.
China Town, 170.
Christmas, 205.
Chorister, 73.
Christian student, 56.
Church subscription, 18.
Church troubles, 231.
College Societies, 50, 75.
Colored children, 17.
Compositions, 19, 20.
Conscientiousness, 14.
Cornish miners, 271.
Covenant Band, 343.
Cruelties, 279.
Deaf and Dumb Institution, 13.
Death, 293.
Del Norte, 272.
Denver, 269.
*■
Early letters, 21.
Early Sunday School etforts, 17.
East Avenue Church, 55.
Emilie, 22.
Examinations, 82.
Expenses, 77.
First ballot, 97.
First earnings, 18.
Florence, 34.
Fondness for books, 19.
Foreign Lands, 27.
Funeral, 301.
Geography, 21.
Good - bye, 264.
Graduation, 121.
Greene, Rev. Samuel H. 307.
Home again, 31.
Hornets, 24.
Hot Springs, 270.
Immortality, 63.
Indian Council, 187.
Indian dance, 195.
Italian language, 29.
Jerusalem, 29.
Jewish Synagogue, 81.
Jones, Thomas R. 297.
Kendall, Amos, 13, 40, 42.
Kendall, City of, 13.
Kendall Chapel, 7, 345.
Last letter home, 281.
Last words to his Sunday School. 261.
Latin and Greek, 49.
Latin commenced, 19.
Law profession, 247.
Law School, 127, 135.
■*
*
■ii<
INDEX.
447
Letter to his grandfather, 22.
Life, 19.
Looiicj'ville, 60.
Los Pinos, 275, 276, 280, 281.
Luzerne, 100.
Meeker. N. C. 211.
Methodical habits, 23. '
Moral eourag-e, 15.
Morehouse, Rev. H. L. 321.
Mormons, 168.
Morrill, Lot M. 358.
Music — Rodney, 443.
Musical talent, 17.
Niagara Falls, 119.
Oak Hill Cemetery, 303.
Oltedience to i)aronts, 14.
Oration, 122.
Ossian, 85.
Palestine, 30.
Philadelphia i)rivate school, 37, 44.
Physical and Mental Organization, 18
Piano lessons, 17. 29.
Prayer, 15.
Presents, 69, 107. 115.
Reading, 117.
Relief Commission, 139.
Rio Grande Valley, 155.
Rittenhouse Academy. 17. .37.
Rochester University, 44.
Rockville, Ct. 23
Sabliath observance, 33. 278.
4
Sapovoneri, 117.
Senior, 113.
Serenading, 51.
, Sermon on the Mount, 16.
Sickness, 18, 38. 70. 289.
Society, 95.
Southport, Ct. 46.
St. Louis, 266.
Studies, 116.
Sunday occupation, 285.
Sunday School, 37, 45, 58, 73, 111.
Superintendents' Union, 347.
Tayli'r, Lewis Rodney, 261, 297.
Thanksgiving, 60, 108.
The youthful teacher, 17.
Tour abroad, 27.
Typhoid fever, 18.
Ute Commission — First, 151.
Ute Commission — Report, 208.
Ute Commission —Second, 259, 359.
Valedictory, 128.
Watch Hill, 250.
Waterloo, N. H. 103.
Webster, Daniel, 13.
Welling, Prest. James C. 3.32. .351.
Western travel, 152.
White River Utes, 213.
Whittier. 11.
Wordsworth, 11.
Y. M. C. A. 99, 113, 114.
Ydiiiig ])eoj)le's meeting, 26.3.
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