Madison County, Illinois - Chapter 14: Ecclesiastical History, 1882 (part 1 of 5)

By Hon. Edward M. West

' MONO the subjects which form the history of Madison county, none are more interesting than the religious element, which constitutes a real and important part of the history of every people and country, and particularly this of ours, which, as Mr. Webster said, "was formed in justice and religion."

Methodist Episcopal Church deserves recognition and honorable mention. For years before Illinois was a state, Methodist preachers were here, preaching in the settlements, forming societies, building churches, sustaining the government, defending the frontier" and actively engaged in giving tone and character to society, and promoting the cause of religion. Nearly all these pioneers are now gone. Their work was well done ; their names and memories are now almost unknown to those of the present age, and need to be rescued from the oblivion fast gathering around them.

Unlike most of the states, Illinois commenced settlements on her western frontier, where the first societies were formed, and the first churches built.

The first preacher in Madison county, and indeed, in Illinois, was Joseph Lilliard. He had been a circuit preacher in Kentucky in 1790. Came to Illinois territory in 1793 and preached in what few settlements there were, and organized several societies. He had no organized circuit, but formed a society in Jvew Design, Monroe county, and appointed Joseph Ogle class leader. Ogle had come to Illinois territory in 1785, was an excellent man, but very difiident in assuming leadership in the church. In 17ii6 Hosea Rigg came to Illinois, and settled in St. Clair county, at Turkey Hill. He was a local preacher, but had preaching app()iutments in Monroe, St. Clair and Madison counties. A good, true man of courage and zeal. The writer of these notices lived near father Rigg from 1818 to 1830, and knew him very well. He was a poor man in this world's goods, but rich in faith and good works. In 1803 he left his blind wife and family, and went to Mount Gerizim, Kentucky, where the Methodist conference was sitting, represented to the Bishop the wants and opportunities of the new territory, had Benjamin Young appointed missionary to Illinois, and piloted him to his new field of labor.

Benjamin Young was the first circuit preacher in JIadison county. His circuit embraced all Illinois, but was mainly confined to what is now Madison, St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. He formed societies in Madison county. One at the house of John Nix, under the blufl\ where his son, David Nix, afterward resided. Father Nix was leader of the class, the first formed in the county. I have not been able to obtain all the names of the members : John Nix and wife, Josiah Cumings and wife and Anna Gillham were five of the eight members forming the class. He had several preaching places in the county, but circulated principally amongtt the Gillham families, and the same year was married to Miss Sallie Gillham. In a letter dated " Randolph county, June 1, 1804," Mr. Young wrote : "lam, and have been sickly since I have been here, but am now on the mend. I met with great difficulty in coming to this country. I lost my horse in the wilderness, fifty miles from any settlement, and had to walk in, and then hire a horse to hunt mine. The Kickapoo Indians had stolen him. "When I got to Kaskaskia they made me pay two dollars for a room to preach in, and twenty shillings for two days' board. I ran out of money and had to sell my book. As for the state of reliirion, it is bad. I have formed a circuit, and have organized five societies and fifty members." At that time it was against the rules of the church for any memberto contract marriage with one who was not a church member. Miss Gillham, when married to Mr. Young, was not a member of the church, and the rules required that Young be placed as a member on probation. Tiiis offended Young, and he would not consent to the change, but tendered his resignation, and was dechired expelled. This arbitrary rule has long since been abrogated. Before his death Mr. Young rejoined the church, and died in its fold. He was a brother of the celebrated Jacob Young, of Ohio. The next year, 1804-5, Joseph Oglesby was appointed to Illinois, and preached in Madison county in 1801 ami 1805.

Rev. Mr. Oglesby had visited Illinois as early as 1802. He was a large man, six feet tall, finely formed, an excellent horseman, had a good voice, self-reliant, an able preacher, and had all the requisites of a pioneer missionary. I knew hira quite well. He had studied medicine, and was esteemed a good physician. In traveling the circuit, he carried some medicines in his saddle-bags with his library. Illinois was undraiued and uncultivated, and was very sickly, and the preacher was everywhere welcomed, and ministered to the diseases of the body as wf 11 as ihe soul.

In 1797, two brothers, David and Anthony Badgley, came out from Kentucky, and traveled over this country, and so pleased were they with the country southeast of where afterwards Enwardsville was laid off, that they called it "the land of Goshen," by which it became extensively known. Here a settlement was made by the Whitesides, Judys, Nixs and Goods, and was made a preaching place by Oghsby.

Here, on the land occupied by Thomas Good, two-and-ahalf miles .south of Edwardsville, in 1805, was built the first Methodist church in Illinois territory, called Bethel, attested by persons cognizant of the time of its erection. It was built of unhewed logs, clap board roof, puncheon floor, and rudely constructed windows. There was a society formed here. Also a society was formed at Robert McMahan's, on the west side of Ridge prairie, and at Robinson's schoolhouse, in the southeast part of the county, and at William Gillham's, in Six Mile prairie. The Bethel society was the largest religious society in the county, and embraced some (if the most prominent citizens. Once when Mr. Oglesby had an appointment to preach, there was a large congregation present. There seemed to be no one to raise the tunes. The preacher not'ced Capt. John T. Lusk, of Edwardsville, in the audience, and invited him to come forward and conduct the singing. Capt. Lusk, though not a member of the church, was a good singer, and went forward towards the speaker's chair, - for there was neither pulpit or table. The house was crowded, and it was difBcult for the Captain to make his way, which somewhat confused him, and when reaching the speaker, he was fo embarrassed that he could not read the lines of the hymn. The preacher noticed the embarrassment, read over the hymn a second time, when the Captain, recovering himself, raised the tune and conducted the singing service quite to the satisfaction of all present. Before leaving the history of Doctor Oglesby, I may mention another circumstance:

In the spring of 1841, Vice-President Tyler, then President, in special message recommended memorial services to be held in all the churches, commemorative of the life and death of President \Vm. H. Harrison. A large audience had assembled at the Methodist church in Edwardsville, but there was no preacher. A Mr. Samuel R. Allard, then teaching school in Edwardsville, was a licentiate missionary of the Baptist church, and the only one present with a license to preach. H. K. Eaton, Matthew Gillespie, Samuel Gillham and Mr. Allard were standing near the church door, discussing the embarrassment of the occasion. Allard was rubbing his hair nervously, and quite excited at the prospect of having to conduct the services. I saw a large, ministerial looking man ride up and hitch his horse near the church, and recognized Dr. Oglesby, and said to Mr. Gillespie, " There is a man who can do the preaching for you." Mr. Gillespie, on baing introduced, explained the situation to him and invited him to preach. His answer was : " Well brethren, I reckon I might try ; come in and we will see about it." Dr. Oglesby had known General Harrison years before quite well, had been with him and esteemed him very highly, and had voted for him for President ; and, on that occasion, did full honor to the memory and character of the distinguished dead, much to the pleasure of the audience.

October 2, 1805, the Western Conference met in Scott county, Kentucky. There were 120 members in Illinois district. The conference then embraced : Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Charles R. Matheny, a young man who had joined the conference that year, was sent to Illinois. Although young, he was well suited to the work he had undertaken. A Western man in feeling and habits, of popular manners, he was quite at home amongst the early settlers. He had studied law as well as theology, and was a man of fine mind and fair preaching talent. His kindly mind and sympathetic disposition made him quite a favorite in the societies in Madison county. He married Jemima Ogle, of St. Clair county, and located thereafter one year. I knew him very well, and esteemed him highly. He, at a very early time, settled in Springfield, and was appointed clerk of the circuit court, and also of the county court, which last office he held until the time of his death in 1840. 1806-7- This year a notable character appeared in Illinois, as the Methodist preacher, Jesse Walker. He was a native of Kentucky. 1 knew him and have heard him preach. It was he who preached the first Methodist sermon in St Louis, formed the first society, and built the first church there. He was not what is called a fine preacher, but was earnest, practical and very orthodox. He had several preaching places in Madison county, and the result of his first year's labor on the circuit was an addition of 215 members. Six years after this he took charge of all the Methodist interests in Illinois and Missouri. He would frequently travel thirty miles a 4ay, preach twice, and then ride ten or twenty miles to get home ; where he cultivated a small farm in St. Clair county, to raise something for his family to live on, not receiving as much as one hundred dollars for his year's labors.

St. Clair county. I knew the old church very well, and have been at it often. Three other churches have since been built at the same place; the last, a handsome brick building, 35 by 57 feet, with basement story, costing SG,700, and was dedicated in 1875 by Bishop Bowman.

In 1807, there was a camp-meetiug held at the Bethel church by Elder William McKendree, (afterwards Bishop) and Jesse Walker, a.ssisted by several local preachers, Ilosea Eigg, John Kirkpatrick and others. As far as I can ascertain, it was the first camp-meetiug held in the county. The results of the meeting were very gratifying, and many persons made a profession of religion and joined the church.

Mr. Walker deserves honorable mention as a pioneer preacher in Illinois and Mi-ssouri - long a missionary among the Indians, possessing in an eminent degree the characteristics of a successful missionary. His name was cherished by all who knew him, of whom it could be said by the Master, " I know thy works and thy labor and thy patience ; and that thou hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted."

1807-8. John Clingan was appointed to Illinois, by a long established rule of the Methodist church her annual Conference supplying all the Methodist societies with a preacher. So that from 1803 to the present, these societies have never been without a preacher. Originally the preachers were one year on a circuit ; now the preacher may remain three years in a charge, and an elder four years on the same district. At the close of the year Rev. Mr. Clingan returned to Kentucky, and the next year 1808-9, Jesse Walker was the preacher in Illinois Circuit. It was a year of hardship and labor, but was readily undertaken by Walker, who visited all the settlements, preaching almost every day and forming societies wherever practicable. His work showed an increase of fifty-five members of the church.

If it should be considered that fifty-five members added to the church in a year was a small return, we must know that there were very few people in Illinois at that time, few and sparse settlements, and the people very frontier in habit and character. Now when churches are good, ministers educated, and many more religious privileges, fifty-five additional members is a rare year's report for ministers to make.

1809-10. Western Conference met at Cincinnati, Ohio, September 30, 1809. At this Conference Charles Holliday and Samuel H. Thompson joined the Conference, and became afterwards conspicuous in the history of the church in Illinois and Missouri. Abraham Amos was appointed to Illinois, and immediately came to Madison county, and formed a Society at Salem, at the house of Isaiah Dunnagan- There were seventeen members, viz : Isaiah Dunnagan, Ann Dunnagan, James Gillham, Polly Gillham, R. C. Gillham, Susanna Gillham, George Davidson, Jane Davidson, Polly Davidson, George Sanders, Hi.nnah Sanders, John Kirk, patrick, Sally Kirkjjatrick, Thomas Kirkpatrick, Polly Kirkpatrick, Anna Dodd, Sally Salms. Isaiah Dunnagan was appointed class leader. Preaching was at the house of Isaiah Dunnagan until 1814 ; from 181-1 to 1818 at the house of Ja naes Gillham, then at the house of John Gillham, Sen » to 18'26 and the next two years at the house of John Gillham, Jr., where Mr. E. Fahnestock, now resides. In 1828 under the auspices of Rev John Hogan this society built a frame church in the extreme southeast corner of township 5, range 9, very near the residence of Isaiah Dunnagan. Here the society continued until 1854, when a larger church was erected, where the society still meet.

In September 1838 a beautiful camp ground was laid, and very substantial camp buildinjis put up. Yearly camp meetings were held here until 1861, when the war excitement came on and the j'early meetings were discontinued. From the organization of the society there have been regular religious services, and a class of members with a leader, and many local preachers have had stated services there. It has always been an important point in Methodist church history in Madison.

Many of the desendants of these early church members still remain in that neighborhood, and are highly respected- The society here received additional strength in 1810, when John Springer settled in the neighborhood. Air. Springer was one of the most devoted Christian men I ever knew, earnest, constant, punctual in all his religious duties. He had the confidence and esteem of all who knew him, and no society ever had a more valuable member. Two of his sons became ministers and all his children honored members of the church, among whom Hon. T. O. Springer, Levi Springer and Mrs. R. C. Gillham all live in this county. Mr Springer was the leader of the class from 1815 to 1849, the time of his death. The members of this society well known to the citizens of this county, were always esteemed as a part of our best citizens, and the religious influence of the society was very valuable. Their last minister was Rev. Henry Delicate, deceased March 12, 1882. Five hundred persons have joined the church at this place since its organization and there are at present about 100 members.

1810-11. The conference met this year at New Chapel, Shelby county, Kentucky, November 1, 1810. Daniel Fraley joined the conference and was sent to Illinois. There were twenty-six new preachers this year added to the Conference. Illinois was settling very fast, and amongst others who came to Madison county was William Ottwell, Rev- Josias Randle, Jesse Bell, Henry Bonner, Josias Wright, B. Maxey, Benjamin Delaplaiu and others who settled near Edwardsville. They and their friends were members of the ]\Iethodist church, and Randle, Maxey and Delaplain was preachers, also Thomas and Parham Randle. J. Randle had been a distinguished preacher in Georgia and South Carolina since 1802. He was probably the first local preacher who had regular appointments in this county.

Mr. Randle, as I remember him was a large, fine-looking man, an excellent preacher, and preached every Sabbath. In 1812 he was appointed Recorder for Madison county, which embraced all of Illinois north of St. Clair county, which office he held until his death which occurred in 1824. The office at that time was the most lucrative in the State. It had been offered to John Hay of St. Clair,^the grandfather of Hon. John B. Hay, now Postmaster in Belleville, but Hay preferred to remain in St. Clair county, and was appointed Recorder and Clerk of the Court of that county. Rev. Mr. Randle had four sons, Richard, Barton, Peter and Josias. Josias died in Mississippi, in 1832. Barton and Richard became efficient and able preachers. Barton joined the conference in 1830, and continued a preacher in that conference until his death in 1882. Richard is still living, having been a preacher since 1828, and is now in his 84th year, honored and beloved by all who know him. Peter Randle became a physician of distinction, was for some years President of a Medical College in San Francisco, Cal, and now holds an important federal office in that city. The only daughter, Mrs. Martha P. Ripley, is now residing in Staunton, Macoupin county, and is known as a very active worker in the " Women's Christian Temperance Union."

Goshen settlement became noted this year for its increase in Methodist families, and uniting in church membership with the Society at Bethel, made quite a large church membership at that place. Parham and Thomas Randle became circuit preachers, lived to old age, and dying, left a reputation for excellent citizens and acceptable and useful ministers.

William Ottwell came to Madison county in 1811. He was born in Maryland, 1779, but disliking slavery came to the territory of Illinois that he might raise his children in a State where slavery did not exist.

He was in the ranging service during the Indiana hostilities under Capt. Jas. B. Moore, of Monroe county. He was a good citizen and a true patriot. He filled many responsible stations in society and was three times elected to represent Madison county in the State Legislature. He was very earnest and gifted in exhortation and prayer and instructive as a class leader A man of positive character and strength of mind, his influence for good was seen and felt. He died in Madison county, his home, September 4, 1844.

1811-12. - Conference was held at Cincinnati, Oct. 1,1811. The minutes show an increase of seventy members in Illinois circuit. Jesse Walker and George A. Colbert were the preachers. There being two preachers enabled the societies to have circuit preaching every two weeks, and the year showed a gain of 134 members. There was an increase ot membership in all the societies in Madison county, and more preaching places were established, and the Methodist church became the most prominent church in the county. The Indians were troublesome this year to the northern settlers, and many of our citizens became volunteer defenders of the settlements and were called rangers. A name very honor, able in Illinois, and which elected John Reynolds Governor of the State and member of Congress. He was called the "old ranger." In 1811 occurred the great earthquakes in western Illinois and Missouri; the earth at intervals would shake violently with a dull roaring sound, and continued to do so at intervals until late in the spring of 1812. The people became greatly alarmed, and very many joined the church. Many curious instances of alarm were witnessed. Most of those who had joined the church from feelings of alarm, forgot their vows and professions when the danger was over. In 1811-12, Jesse Walker and George A. Colbert were sent to Illinois. 1812-13, James Dixon was the preacher. 1813-14, Ive Walker, a young man of Irish parentage, was the circuit preacher. He was an excellent preacher and a very zealous man. 1814-15, James Nowland was the circuit preacher. Iknew Rev. Mr. Nowland. He was a good substantial preacher. Not a man of much pathos, rather slow in speech, methodical in style. He settled first in St. Clair and afterward in Monroe county, where some of his descendants now reside. There had been regular services in all the societies, but no very material increase of membership for the past four years.

In 1815-16, John Scrips and William Jones were the circuit preachers, filling the appointments semi-monthly. Scrips was from Indiana, had joined the conference this year and was sent to Illinois. He was an excellent preacher, and became noted in his profession as a minister. There was an increase of church membership of over fifty this year. The following is taken from the St. Louis Christian Advocate : - "The General Conference in 1816 recognizing the increased interest of the church in the West, divided Tennessee conferencejand formed Missouri conference, embracing Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. Missouri conference met at Shiloh, St. Clair county, September 23, 1816. Ten preachers constituted the conference, eight of whom were present. Bishop McKendree presided, Jesse Walker, Samuel H. Thompson and Thomas Bright were the Presiding Elders. There were 2192 members, of which 66 were colored. Four new preachers were received on trial, of whom Alexander McAllister was one, and became one of the ablest preachers and profound reasoners in Illinois or Missouri.

Which when divided amongst all the preachers gave to each of the married preachers $88.75, and to the single preachers $44. 37 J." This was the first conference held in Illinois. The second was held at Bethel church, 2i miles south of Edwardsville, in Madison county, October 6, 1817. Bishop Roberts presided and John Scrip was Secretary. Samuel H. Thompson served as a member on every committee. There were fourteen preachers in attendance. During the session of the conference the weather became inclement and the meeting-house having been hastily built twelve years before, was now out of repair and uncomfortable. Father Josias Wright who lived near the church invited the Conference to adjourn to his house, which they did, and on Sabbath the entire conference of preachers sat down to dinner at his table. Now Illinois has five Methodist Conferences, besides those of Indiana, Missouri and Arkansas. How large would be the table that would seat all the ministers now ? Father Wright gave them a cordial welcome, and

This year the preachers went to their appointed places with great courage. The name of rfainuel H. Thompson became a household word in all Methodist families. He was a burning and shining light wherever he went. I have never known a minister, whose loving spirit, kind manner and aflectionate nature made him a more welcome guest or beloved pastor. At the time he entered the traveling ministry at Cincinnati, 10th Sept. 1809, he was esteemed as a young man of fine promise. Of fine person and pleasant address, he added extraordinary zeal. His whole soul was engaged iu the work of the Master. His labors kuew neither relaxation nor rest, traveling through storms, heat and cold. He went deep and far in the sea of religious experience and from its golden treasures brought forth the truth that found its way to the judgment, and the heart of the hearer. From 1809 to 1834 he was a great Field Marshal of the Methodist Church. He lived most of that time iu Illinois, and was known to,and loved by eveiy Methcdibt ian.ily in Madison county. A Christian, and a Christian minister, a messenger of peace and good will, a lover of order, and admirable administrator of discij)line in its mildest forms, every charge flourished to which he was appointed. He possessed great faith, zeal and love ; was happy himself, and made others so.

In 18-^4 Gen. Jackson, President, appointed him Register of the Land Office at Edwardsville. He asked of the Department at Washington the privilege of still continuing his ministerial relations in the Conference, which was granted, and continued to fill regular churches until his health failed. He died in Edwardsville, 1811, where a tombstone erected by his brethren in this county marks his last resting place.

This year there was a church built one-half mile southwest of Edwardsville, called Ebeuezer, and part of the members of the Bethel Society, including .Jame-s Randle and family, Jesse Bell and family Thomas Randle and family, Henry Bonner and family, William Ottwell and family, Parham Randle and family, with others whose names 1 have been unable to obtain, formed a society at Ebenezer.

This year there was a large increase in church membership Illinois district increased l,.jOO, Missouri district 400. Nearly 2,000 members had been added to the church this year. Elder Thompson called it a grand jubilee. We might here ask the question why are not our preachers as successful now in gathering in members as then ? It can not be because they were more able preachers or better paid than now ; for this year the married preachers received $83.60, the single men $41.80. There are several causes which might be mentioned. Now, the aim and labor of life is to accumulate property, to get rich, and for this the hands and hearts of the people are more earnestly engaged than then. Now, there is much greater extravagance than then, which is unfavorable to religion. A large influx of foreign populain the West has been unfavorable to religion, producing dis. tion regard of the sanctity of the Sabbath. The demoralizing infiueuce of party politics and party strife. The influence of infiilelity, which seem? incraanng. And then, not the least of the causes may be found in the constantly increasing demands made upon the members of the church for money with which to carry on the enlarged plans of the church iu her benevolences, and the maintenance of her ministers* which is not uufrequently felt to be burdensome,

It may be thought by the reader that this last assigned cause has neither merit nor truth in it, but from a close observation as steward in the church for forty years I am .satisfied it is correct, and so believing, it would not be right nor honest if I did not say so. Formerly a minister would supply from fi veto fifteen or more societies, all of whom would contribute some thing to his support. Now almost every society desires the services of a minister and, as is often the case, where there are not many members they feel it rather a costly luxury. In 1S44 as steward of Edwardsville circuit I was required to make and furnish the stewards of the several societies their proportion of amounts to be raised for the preacher's salary and parsonage rent. The demand against the circuit was as follows :

A large part of the membership in all the churches is composed of the young, and those who are unable to pay anything, and of the remainder, a majority are able to pay very little ; the burden rests on a few in every charge who feel it very sensibly ; since they are in no way exempted from the taxes or contributions which other citizens pay. It will be seen that the salaries of the preachers are too small to make the ministry an object in a pecuniary point of view, for any man of education and talent necessary for success as a minister in the present advanced state of society, and we must give them the credit of being actuated by motives of a higher character.

I do not say, nor do I believe, that members of the church pay more to sustain religious institutions than they should, but the change in that particular is so great that a large portion of them feel so, and the frequent expression of this feeling aflects others, and lessens their own interest in the church. I see no remedy for this state of thing but in a better understanding of the subject, which will require time and teaching.

1817. This year the original town of Upper Alton was laid off, and under the ministrations of Rev. Samuel H. Thompson, a class of six persons was formed. Ebenezer and Mary Hodges, Jonathan and Delilah Brown, Oliver Brown and John Seely, were the members. The iirst preaching place was at the house of Mr. Hodges, which was a log cabin, and when the Baptist church was built in 1836. Mr. Thompson was the pastor. The society was small for some years ; but was the nucleus of what afterward became a large society. A large number of influential and promineiit citizens have had membership in this church. William G. Pinkard, Dr. Thomas Stanton, H. P. Eundle, Troy Moore, I. B. Randle, Lewis J. Clauson, Isaac Waruock, John Hcgan, John Cooper, Robert and James Harrison, H. H. Summers, and many others.

A church was built in 1835, and is now occupied by S. B. Congdon as a residence. In 1849 a new brick church was erected under the active efforts of Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Clauson and others. There have been forty-seven pastors appointed to this charge. The present pastor. Rev. L. C. English, reports the society in a flourishing condition. There are 136 members. The regular services of the church are interesting and well attended.

The third session of the Missouri Conference was held at Mt .Zion meeting-house, in Murphey's settlement, Sept. 10, 1818. Jesse Hale was presiding elder, and Samuel H. Thompson and Thomas Helms were on Illinois circuit ; and Jacob Whiteside an assistant preacher. David Sharp was appointed to Silver Creek circuit. He was an excellent preacher, and became quite prominent and influential in the church. Some years after, he married Miss Anna Moore, daughter of Judge Risdon Moore, of St. Clair county. It was a sickly year. The preacher labored earnestly and faithfully, and reported an increase of seven hundred members in the Conference.

This was the first year I saw Mr. Thompson. I was a very small boy, but his fine appearance and dignified manner impressed me favorably, and this impression continued. No camp meeting in this county was complete or successful unless he was present. This year there wt re no trials nor appeals, and the Conference was harmonious. But what was rather extraordinary was the appointment of a committee which made a long and exhaustive report on the Arian, Socinian and Pelagian doctrines. Of course, these heresies were severely handled, although not one person in fifty knew or cared anything about them.

In those early times it was not an uncommon thing for the young preacher, when he found himself confused in his subject, to vigorously attack " the five points of Calvinism," set the brush on fire, and ride out by the light the fire created. The next Conference was held at Cape Girardeau, Mo., Sept. 10th, 1819. Bishop George presided. He had commenced preaching in 1790 There were at that time 227 Methodist preachers in the United States, 45,949 white and 11,682 colored members. He visited Turkey Hill settlement, in St. Clair county, where I heard him* preach. He also spent a week in Edwardsville, the guest of Rev. Jonas Randle, and preached at Ebenezer meeting-house. He was a most devout and holy man, of a most tender and loving heart. He rarely preached without shedding tears and deeply affecting his audience. His pure and loving spirit drew every ono with whom he had intercourse towards him.

The Minutes of this Conference show that for the twentynine traveling preachers $1410 93 was all the stewards could report for them. The people were poor. There was very little money in the country. It was difficult to get money enough to buy salt and pay taxes. All the farmers were trying to save money enough to enter the lauds on which they were living from the General Government. The strictest economy was practiced, and nearly all necessaries for family use were raised and manufactured at home. The people were, however, religious and happy. Regular services were held in all the societies, and several new preaching places established in this county. Alexander McAllister was on this circuit.

The next year the Conference was held in S*. Clair county, at Shiloh Camp Ground, Sept. 13, 1820. Four years before, the conference was held at this place with ten preachers and two thousand members. - now thirty preachers and eight thousand members. Alexander McAllister, a very talented preacher, was appointed on the circuit.

These pioneer men had proved themselves equal to the nece-'sities of the times. The Methodist Church had become the leading denomination in the county and state. I remember the time and circumstances of this meeting quite well, although a small boy at the time. My father had a tent, or rather a house, on the ground ; it was built of logs, covered with boards, partitioned into several rooms, and quite comfortable.

I had great reverence for the preachers, and considered the Bishop little less than a divine personage. A number of families from Madison county had camps there, and the meeting continued nearly two weeks. I had never seen anything equal to the excitement of that meeting. At night the camp fires were lighted and the beautiful grounds made brilliant. After each sermon, the mourners, as they were called, were invited forward for prayers, and many would corae. I had no other idea but that it was the singing and prayers that gave the people religion, and why all did not get it was a wonder to me, - seeing there was so good a chance. It was at this meeting I first heard the word " hallelujah." I have often heard it since, but never with such voice and joy as then. It is a good word when rightly used. My recollection is that over one hundred persons made profession of religion. It was this feature of religious worship in America that excited great wonder in Lamartine, who says: " The people will meet in great numbers in the proves, and stay for days in an excited state of mind, and professing to get religion."

The married preachers this year received $73.00 each quarter; the single men, $36.50. Jesse Hale was sent to preach for the societies in Madison county. He was rather au eccentric man, and never was married.

Complaints had been made against Brother Hale's manner and peculiarities. He was very severe in his remarks against fine dress, - although no one was finely dressed here in those days. For a lady to wear a veil or a ribbon on her bonnet, or a ring on her finger, was with him quite enough to exclude her from the church. I have seen him take oft' his coat in warm weather and preach in his shirt sleeves. A committee was appointed to address him on the subject of his eccentricities, and, if possible, tone him down a little. They made, however, but small progress. He was a fair preacher, very conscientious and pious, wholly devoted to his work. He died at the Conference at Nashville in the fall of 1838.

Local Preachers

A very imprrtant feature in the early history of the church in Illinois, and largely so in Madison county, was the work and influence of local preachers. In many places the local preachers were the right arm of the churches, and notwithstanding they have been derisively termed " ecclesiastical bummers " by a high official in the church, it was by and through them, that the Methodist Church in Illinois took the front rank. They were the first pioneer preachers. Laboring six days in the week, for the maintenance of their families, they had but little time for reading and study. Their serraoui lacked the flavor of education, the skill of logic, the subtleties of wit and grace of eloquence, but they had what was better, the flavor of a rich religious experience, earnestness, zeal, practical piety, backed by a life of true Christian conduct which gave them influence, and the canfidence of the people. Learning and talent in the pulpit are of great value, but any minister who expects succe.«s on any other line than that of a holy life, and simple fidelity to the teachings of the Great Master will be disappointed ; without the sanction of the Divine Spirit all other endowments and gifts are vain in bringing men to an experience of the truths of the gospel. These men were taught in the Scriptures, and their acquaintance with the writings of Wesley, Watson, Fletcher, Clark and the fathers of the Churches was good, and their labors successful. Without the sacrifices, the labors the influences of these " ecclesiastical bummers" the Methodist Church and the cause of religion in Illinois and the West would be far below what we see it to-day. It has been my observation for many years that local preachers were not estimated at their worth and merit Their sermons to be received with equal favor with those of the circuit preachers, had to be superior to them. Their every day life, eucurabered with the business, labors, occupations and professions of life, and coming a^ was often the case in conflict with the opinions and interests of others in their neighborhood, they had to overcome prejudices that itineraut ministers did not meet. Their common oneness in the communities where they lived, their avocations and weaknesses, which a regular minister's life does not make so apparent, tended to lesson that degree of reverence for them, which was felt towards the minister who was rarely seen except in the pulpit. It was also expected of them they should give much more of their time, and means to the church than those who might have more time, and larger means. Fortunately for the church iu Madison and St. Clair counties they had superior advantages in being blest with a large number of those men, mo.st of whom were of deep piety and more than ordinary preaching ability. I may mention some of them. Joseph Lilliard, in 17:10, James Clark, 1798, who preached in Madison and St. Clair counties. Hosea Kigg, in 1796, Thomas Harrison, 1809. Thomas Talbot, 1810 Benjamin Watts, 1811, Edward and Samuel Mitchell and William Heath 1818, who settled in St. Clair county, and had a mark ed and valuable iufluence, both as citizens and ministers. In Madi.son county, were John Kirkpatrick, Josias Randle, Benjamin Delaplain, Thomas Randle, Bennett Maxey, Parham Randle, Washington C. Ballard, and a few years later, William Hadley, Richard Randle, Thomas G. Lofton, and Jesse Rcnfro. I was personally acquainted with all these men except Lilliard and Clark, and have heard them preach. They deserve to be honored and remembered by the church. Richard Randle, now in his84lh year, Jesse Renfro, in his 85th year, William Hadley in his 76th year, alone remain. The others have long since heard the voice of the Master say " come up higher," and have entered into rest, but their names are not forgotten ; their memories and their Christian labors remain to bless the church, and although called " ecclesiastical bummers " by him who should have been the last to apply such an epithet to this worthy class of Christian men, their names and memories will live and be cherished by thousands after the names of the more learned and pretentious will be forgotten. The occasion and circumstances which gave rise to that office in the church and which made local preachers effective in Illinois, seem to have passed aiyay, and they have almost passed away with the necessities which give rise to them. John Dew was appointed to this circuit for 1820-21. He was a plain, rather rough man, in style and address, but a man of extraordinary fine talents.

He became a traveling preacher in 1813, and early exhibited tho.se traits of character which made him distinguished. Of great strength of will and force of character, with brilliant mind and self-reliance, he occupied for many years a prominent position in the church. No man of his time drew more largely or more effectively on his own mental strength and resources for his pulpit efforts than did he. He was outspoken in his opposiliuu to what he thought wrong in the church or out of it, and had those positive traits of character which make warm friends, and decided opponents. He acted on the theory that fruit-trees needed pruning as well as cultivating, and was a strict administrator of discipline. He and Samuel H. Thompson were neighbors, and a close friendship ever existed between them, although quite unlike in their make up and disposition. While Dew was much the best preacher, Thompson was the most wiuniug and successful. Dew was the most talented of the two, but Thompson was the most popular.

This year a Methodist society was organized at the house of John Jarvis, at Troy, where for a time regular preaching was had. Afterward the society constructed a small frame church building, called "Gilead," on section 14, on the premises now belonging to the estate of James Lang. The society grew and prospered, having at one time over a hundred members. Subsequently the society occupied a brick school-house, on section 11, near the residence of Rev. Jesse Renfro, who for many years was an effective local preacher and leading member in the church, and who in 1S52, was circuit preacher on Edwardsville circuit. In 1876 the members of the Gilead society removed their membership to Troy. The society in Troy was re-organized with seventeen members, and preaching was had there. In 1844 the membership had increased to forty-four. Wm. J. Barnsback was class-leader and steward. In 1864, the society, feeling the necessity of a church building, erected the "Jubilee church, a neat frame building on brick foundation, 24x34 feet, with substantial seats, pulpit and bell. The society was materially aided by John C. Dugger and others of Gilead .society. This building served the necessities of the society until 1870, when they concluded to build a larger house in a more convenient place, which was done, and a handsome brick church was erected during the pastorate of Rev. Van Winkle, and dedicated by Dr. Peter Cartwright, and was about the last public service of his life. He was then quite feeble, the mere shadow of himself in mind and body. The society was made a station, and at present numbers one hundred and five members, under the pastorate of Rev. T. J. C. Tolle.

1821-2. - Parham Raudleand James Scott were the pastors. I have already spoken of Mr. Randle, who was well and favorably known all over the county. New and additional societies bad been formed in the county. I have heard Mr. Scott spoken of very favorably by those personally acquainted with him, as an earnest and acceptable preacher. There were many appointments, and but few of the societies had Sabbath preaching, but were supplied with weekday preaching by the circuit preachers, and on Sabbath by the local ministers. In all the societies there were class-leaders, who met their classes weekly. Tliis excellent part of Church polity and religious service is now rarely kept up with any regularity. Then absence from class-meeting three times in succession, without satisfactory excuses, was deemed good cause of exclusion from church membership. This year (1821) a society was formed at the house of Dempsey Guthrie, and a church built on hisland in 1838, called Pleasant Ridge, and regular services had thereuntil 1844, when the church and society were removed to Collinsville. 1822 - The Conference of 1822-3 met in St. Louis, October 24, 1822. There was no church in St. Louis except a Catholic church. Jesse Walker had commenced a church building on Myrtle street, bat it was unfinished. Col. Rufus Easton offered his house fur the use of the Conference, which was accepted. Col. Easton was a whole-souled gentleman, and made the Conference welcome to an enlarged hospitality. I had the pleasure last year of meeting Col. RE. Easton, (son of Col. Easton^ now and for many years in the United States engineering service, and a graduate of West Point. I found him a very intelligent and pleasant gentleman, much like his father ; but he had no recidlection of this Conference, being too young - then only two years old. There were now fifty-one preachers appointed to work in the four states, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri aiid Arkansas. This year there was no increase in the Church in the Illinois circuit. We were in the most exciting election which has ever been held in Illinois. Nothing less than the settlement of the slavery question. The people seemed to think or care about little else. The excitement pervaded all classes and professions.

At this conference Zadoc Casey, afterwards known throughout all Illinois, was elected to Deacon's orders. Casey was a man of superior talent, and became a fine preacher, for many years a prominent member of the legislature, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lieutenant Governor of the State, and for some years a representative in Congress, and regarded in Washington as a superior parliamentarian and useful member. In 1847 he was a member of the Constitutional Convention in Springfield.

He became interested in the coal mines near Collinsville, laid out the town of Caseyville, and whilst eng.iged in attending to his interests in that place he was taken sick. At night kneeling at his bedside, as was his custom, to offer prayer before lying down the messenger came to him, and in the morning he wa^ found on his knees cold in death. Jesse Hale and Cornelius Ruddle were the pre.ichers. This year also showed a decline in church membership in Madison and St. Clair counties, when the great battle on the slavery queston was fought.

1823-24. John Dew and Orcenith Fisher were the pastors. Fisher was a young man of extraordinary character. I have never known a man to exceed him in earnest zeal and effort in gathering young persons into the church. There were revivals in the societies wherever he went. To his zeal was added application to books. He became an industrious student, acquiring not only a knowledge of the English but of the Greek, Latin and Hebrew languages. But theology was his most constant study, so that with a vigorous constitution and strong mind he was able to do an immen-e amount of work. He was very effective in his labor in this county. Later in life he went to Texas, and was there in 1844 while the church was divided. Remaining in the South he retained his relations to that branch of the church, and for many years preached in that State. He afterward went to California, but returned to Texas, and when near 80 years of age could hold a congregation in earnest attention for two hours. He died in Texas in 1880.

In an article by John Hogan, taken from [ the St. Louis Christian Advocate it is stated that the stewards this year settled with the married preachers at $32.(52. Single preachers at $20.31. We hope there is some mistake in this. A public collection was taken on Sunday by the Conference then sitting in St Louis to pay for the new church, and $50.00 was raised. New circuits were organized this year. That country in north-eastern Illinois, lying north and west of Terre Haute and toward Chicago, was embraced in a circuit and called Vermillion circuit.

1824-25. The Ninth Conference was held 23d October, 1824, at Padfield's Camp Ground near Lebanon. It was a session of much importance. Three bishops were present, Robert R. Roberts, Wm. ]McKendree, Joshua Soule ; Roberts presided-. William Beauchamp, a minister of prominence had died on the 8th of October. He and Soule had been the candidates for the office of bishop at the late General Conference, and Soule was elected by one majority. Beauchamp had settled near Mount Carmel in 1817, and had formed quite a settlement there. Comparaiively a young man, being in his 47th year, and the most prominent preacher in Illinois, and of most aflectionate and gentle disposition ; his death was deeply deplored. Bishop Soule preached his funeral sermon by request of the Conference. He did justice to the occasion and to the subject. All who heard the discourse considered it the most able to which they had ever listened. The General Conference at its last session had divided the Missouri Conference. Illinois and Indiana were united, making Illinois Conference. All west of the Mississippi river formed jMissouri Conference. Thomas Raudle, of Madison county, was made a circuit preacher and sent to Kaskaskia.

The Conference before the division contained 12,579 members, an increase of over 800 the past year. There were Walker, Thompson, Hale, Pattison, Matheny, Dew, Cartwright, Fisher, Sharp, and Ruddle, who had been instrumental in building up the church in Illinois, in which ^Madison county was quite in advance of any other. Bishop McKendree, who was an old man, had been in the ministry thirty-seven j^ears. It was his last visit to Illinois. He .spent a week in the neighborhood of Turkey Hill, visiting Edward and Samuel Mitchell, Judge Risdon Moore, Father Walls, Wm. Scott, and my father. Boy as I was, I treated him to the best I had - a large plate of hickory nuts and apples. I remember how he described the growth and maturity of fruits and nuts, to me a new but very interesting subject, and yet remember much he said. There were the brothers Mitchell, Jloore, and some others present- On rising to leave, he turned around and said:

"Cliildren of the Heavenly King, As we journey let us sing." I thought he was making poetry, but they all began singing, after which all knelt and the old man offered fervent prayer. I am now nearly sixty years older than then, but the pleasant remembrance of the occiision is still fresh. Rev. John Dew and J.imcs Johnson were sent to this circuit.

1825-26. -Conference met at Charleston, Indiana, 25th August, 1825. There had been additional preaching places and societies established in the county, but as yet fewsocieties in the towns. There was no church building in any of the villages in ^ladison county except a small building in Upper Alton. There was a society in Scarritt's prairie called Bethel ; one at Salem ; one at Samuel Brown's, on Long Lake; one at Samuel Gillham's, on Sis Mile prairie; one at Ebenezer; one at Dempsy Guthrey's, on Pleasant Ridge ; at Gilead ; at Upper Alton ; at Lamb's Point ; at Rodger Snell's, near Staunton, and at John C. Dugger's.

Washington C. Ballard came to Madison county in the early part of 1825, and had preaching appointments in many places, and was well received and useful. Although not a man of much preaching ability, yet such was his Christian life, his kindly disposition and genial nature that no preacher was more favorably received or had better congregations than he. He lived to a ripe old age and died in 1870, beloved by all who knew him. This year the preacher in charge. Rev. John Dew, reported an increase of seventythree members.

For 1825-26, Thornton Peeples and Ebenezer Webster were sent to this circuit. They were sensible men and fair preachers. Peeples had lived near Lebanon and Webster had come from Ohio. It was not a very prosperous year ; the number of members of the church being 695, the same number as reported last year. I remember once at a night meeting at ray father's house, when Rev. Webster was preaching, seeing a man walk up deliberately to where the preacher was standing, take up the candle, light his pipe and go back to his .seat enveloped in a cloud of smoke. Both these pieachers died in 1878; Mr Peeples in Kansas and Webster in Ohio. They had long been faithful ministers of the gospel, and left a record behind them of much good accomplished in the Master's service. This year James Hadiey was made a circuit preacher.

1826-27. - Conference met at Bloomington, Indiana September 28, 1826, and Samuel H. Thompson and John Miller were sent to this county. At this conference three young men of Madison county, Stith M. Ottwell, son of William Ottwell; Isaac Hou.se, of Edwardsville, and Smith L. Robinson, of Ridge Prairie, joined the traveling ministry. They were young men of fine talents and much promise of future '' usefulness, and their lives and history fully justified the hopes of their friends and the church. They deserve a more extended notice than can here be given. Ottwell and Robinson became prominent and able ministers, although neither lived to old age.

1827-28. - Conference met at Mount Carmel, Illinois, September 20, 1827. Samuel II. Thompson and John Hogan were sent to the circuit, and Peter Cartwright to Illinois district The appointment pleased everybody.

Cartwright was rising rapidly to distinction, of whose history so mucli is known as to make it unnecessary for me here to say much. He was one of those men who attract attention, and make lasting Impressions wherever they are. Asa self reliant and original man; of forcible character, strong determination, moral and physic il courage able iu the pulpit and wise in council, he had no superior and but few equals. The last time I saw him was at the dedication of the church in Troy, in 18 72. It was, perhaps, the last public act of his life. He was then, however, the mere shadow of himself in both mind and person.

John Hogan was a young man of Irish parentage. Had come to this country when a boy and learned a trade in Baltimore. Was early impressed on the subject cf religion, and made profession whilst a youth. On reaching his majority he came west, and in 1826, became a traveling preacher and was sent to Salem circuit, Indiana. It was a rough circuit and hard fare, but he made a deep and lasting impression wherever he preached This year he came to Illinois, which embraced Madison and St. Clair counties. He was young in age and even youthful iu appearance, but full of zeal and a natural orator. He made more impression iu the societies in Madison county, and especially with young persons, than any minister who had ever been sent on the circuit, except Orcenith Fisher, and in the pulpit he was his superior.

In 1827, there was a church built three miles east of Colliiisville, on land belonging to Philip Teter, called '- Zion Church." There had been a society formed and a preaching place at the house of Robert McMahan, in the earliest history of the county, which had been kept up to the time of budding the Zion church. This very early settlement of MeMahon's, Seybold's, Downing*!', Hall's, Gaskill's, Gillet's, Teter's and others, was the place where, under the efforts of Joshua Atwater in 1809, the first benevolent association in Illinois territory was formed. The object of the association was to provide for the necessities of the poor and indigent -' without distinction to race or color,"' and more particularly for the families of those engaged in defendingthe frontier settlements from Indian hostilities. The original paper or constitution, with the names of the members of the association, and the amounts of subscription by each, to be made in quarter-yearly payments, is in the possession of E. M. West. The Zion Church Society is now embraced in the Troy charge.

There was also a preaching place at the house of Sylvanus Gaskill, about three miles north of the Zion church. Very nearly all of the original settlers and their descendants of this rich and beautiful part of Madison county are now deceased or moved away, and the present occupants of that region know nothing of the hardships of those early pioneers.

Hogan visited and preached in almost, if not quite, every neighborhood and town iu the county, and in conjunction with Thompson, added largely to the membership of the church. It is not extravagant to say he was a favorite with all classes, and perhaps, somewhat to his injury. Under his preaching, all the societies were increased and several new ones formed It was while he was on the circuit that the church iu Edwardsville was established. He preached in the old court-house, which would be filled with anxious and attentive hearers. In December, 1827, a society was formed of twenty-one members, and Rev. Richard Randle, the only survivor of the original society, was appointed leader. The society was composed of: Richard Randle, Washington C Ballard, Elizabeth Ballard, Thornhill Ballard, Alexander White, Rebecca Atwater, Julia Ann Atwater, Mary Brooks, Susannah Kendall, Sarah Cotter, Joel Neff, Sarah Wright, Heiress Baker, Josiah Randle, Elizabeth Randle, Hosea Armstrong, Marilla Wilder, Samuel McNeil, Samuel A. Walker, Ryland and Mary Ballard. In February following, Alexander Miller and Eleanor Gay joined the society. In April and May, nineteen more, including : Hail Mason and wife, William P. ^IcKee and wife, Joshua Atwater, William and Catharine Miller, Thomas Kendall, Ann M. Randle, Thomas Gulliher, Alisworth Baker, Elizabeth Gibson, Mary Adams, Lucretia Lusk, and others. The church now composed of 40 members, most of whom were leading and prominent citizens, met for worship sometimes in the' court house and also in the library building, where the St- James hotel now stands.

In the spring of 1829, the society having continued to increase steadily, they determined to build a church. It was a frame building, 40 by 60 feet, where the present church now stands. Wm. P. McKee, Alexander Miller, William Ottwell, W. C. Ballard, Richard Randle, Barton Randle, church now stands, were donated by James Mason. The services were held in it during the sitting of the Conference, and the first sermon preached was by Elder George Locke, of Wabash District, Indiana, the father of Rev. Doctor John Locke, President of McKendree College, Sunday, October 29th, 1829. Elder Locke became a man of prominence in the church, whose history may be found in " Sprague's Anna/s of the American Pulpit," also in " Mc Clintoek and Strong's Encyclopedia of Methodism in America." The society worshipped in this building until 1853, when a new brick church was erected, called Thompson's Chapel, in honor of Rev. Samuel H. Thompson. John Hogan was invited to dedicate the new church, but not being in good health at the time, invited Rev. D. R. McAnally to preach the sermon. Air. Hogan was present, and gave an interesting account of the societies in Madison county, and the formation of the church in Edwardsville twenty-five years before.

Since the first organization of the church in Edwardsville, there have been regular religious services kept up, and amid all the changes which time and circumstances have wrought, there have ever been at her altars " those who have borne, and have had patience, and for the Master have labored and have not fainted ; who have a little strength, and have kept the Master's word, and have not denied His name."

I may here mention a revival which took place in the winter of 1857-8, under the ministrations of Rev. Carlyle Babbitt. Mr. Babbitt was a singular and rather remarkable man. He had been raised in Kentucky, and for several years had preached among her hills and mountains. A man of impulse, which sometimes betrayed him into acts of doubtful propriety. He was of fine presence, good voice, genteel manners and winning address, but had no education and was no great preacher, yet his understanding of men and things was such that iu almost every charge to which he went, there was a revival. His tact aud management in getting up and carrying on a revival were superior to that of any other minitter I ever knew. It was fully displayed on this occasion. During the progress of the revival, he secured the aid of the most efftctive help. Rev. Joseph Brooks, editor of the Central Christian Advocate and a distinguished preacher. Rev. Joseph Earp, Prof. Mudge, and President "W. R. Davi;, of McKendree college. Rev. Hiram Sears, Rev. Wm. Jerome, all fine preachers, rendered material service. He had also that which few ministers possess, the faculty to make each member of the church feel that they form an important part of it, and that their labor and influence was absolutely necessary in the accomplishment of certain ends. He had the faculty to utilize all the material within his reach better than any mau I ever knew, and could be entrusted more safely with the management of a meeting. One hundred and forty-four persons made profession of religion and united with the church. As might be supposed iu so large a number, and under the excitement of the occasion, some forgot their profes-ion and religious obligations, and forfeited their church membership, whilst others remained true and steadfost iu the profession they had made, and are valuable members of the church. The meetings were exceedingly interesting and enjoyable ; the preaching was very good, and there was that mingling of solemnity and pathos, joy and love, which crown human effort with b essed eflect. The church in Edwardsville, since its organization, has had fifty-three pastors, including their assistants.

Rev. Dr. J. A. Robinson is the present pastor. Mr. Hogau located in 1831, and settled in Edwardsville, and engaged in merchandizing, but continued to preach every Sabbath. In 1835 he removed to Alton, and soon after engaged in politics, and was elected to the legislature, and the next year was made Commissiouer under the Internal Improvement system of the State. In 1840 he was very actively engaged in the Presidential campaign, and was amongst the best political stump speakers in the State. He was appointed Register of the Land Office at Dixon, Illinois, by General Harrison. Two years after he was removed by President Tyler, because of his friendliness for Mr. Clay. He then went to St. Louis, and was for some time engaged in merchandizing aud manufacturing. Was appointed Postmaster of that city, and was elected to Congress. He still resides in St. Louis. For years he has taken a very active part iu all matters pertaining to the interests of that city, aud in the improvement of the navigation of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and has very largely contributed to the passage of the bill iu the Congress of this year for the improvement of those rivers. A man of extraordinary application and ability, of fine talent, and natural oratory, had he remaintd a traveling preacher there is every reason to believe he

1829-3J. - The Illinois Conference, then including Indiana and Illinois, met at Ebenezer Camp Ground, a mile southwest of Edwardsville, October 18th, 1829. Bishop Soule presided, and had his room at the house of Joshua Atwater. Material changes were made in the district. Sangamon District was created, reaching from Lsbauou to Galena. Peter Cartwright was Presiding Elder. Isaac Scarritt, of Scarritt's Prairie, was sent to Kaskaskia. John H. Benson, of Ridge Pj^irie, to Mt. Vernon. Smith L. Robinson, to Springfield. Jamas Hadley, to Indiana. John Hogau, transferred to St. L^uis. I mention these naaies, because they were Madison county men. Stith M. Ottwell, to Salem, Indiana. The name of this Circuit was changed to Lebanon Circuit, at the dictation of Cartwiight, because McKendree Seminary had been started, and located at Lebanon. Johu Dew and Asahel Phelpj were on this Circuit.

I have heretofore spoken of Mr. Dew, who was welcomed heartily wherever appointed. Phelps was a young man who had joined the Conference three years before, a little impressed with the dignity of a traveling preacher, but withal of fair talent and good promise of future usefulness; and became in after years, an able minister and valued member of the Conference. The addition in church membership this year was thirty-one. Society was undergoing some change in Illinois about this time. (See Ford's history of Illinois). The people were dressing better ; trade aud commerce in the State was more active than ever before. A materiid prosperity and business activity was very apparent. St. Louis and western Illinois were improving rapidly. Transportation by steam-boats was increasing, a better market for produce was being had, and better returns for labor. The people put forth more industry, and were more intent on making money and accumulating property.

It became a common thing now to hear the preachers speak against dress, and a love of money, and striving to get rich. I always thought this rather a waste of breath. I never noticed that it had much good effect. It may have had a tendency to make a lazy mau better satisfied with himself, but had no influence with the industrious and energetic. Besides, I never knew a minister who would not accept a good salary, or own property if honestly acquired. On this subject every one feels that iu their case there is no danger of being hurt iu that way.

There was a camp meeting held on the Ebenezer grounds during the session of the Conference, which was largely attended. Rev. Edward and Samuel Mitchell were present, and rendered good service. Rev. Samuel Mitchell preached a powerful discourse on the subject of Christian holiness, which had great efiect, and many persons made profession of that grace. His three sons, John, James and Francis, made profession of religion at this meeting, each of whom became able aud distinguished ministers. Also, a young mau, E. R. Ames, who subsequjutly became a bishop. The nest year John Mitchell and Ames were recommeoded for license to preach. Mitchell was readily accepted ; there were some doubts as to the qualifications of Ames, and the vote was close. Immanuel Wilkinson, a colored local preacher, father of Rev. Daniel A. Wilkinson now of this county, was a member of the Quarterly Conference, and was acquainted with young Ames, and voted to recommend him. It was the vote that elected him. He became one of the most eloquent and able ministers in the Methodist church.

This year, 1830, a church was built in Six Mile Prairie near the house of Thomas Gillham. The society became very strong. Thomas Gillham, Wm. Gillham, John Gillham, Thomas Y. Lofton, Mflses Seeds, Joshua Delaplain, Wra. Snyder, O. W. Sims, Calvin Kinder, Peter Barco, and Ephraim Davidson with their families and many others were members, and it became a very important appointment. After this church became old and unfit for use, under the auspices of Calvin Kinder, a new brick two story building was erected for a church and district school-house. The upper story was used for a church, where the society worshipped until 1880, when Mr. Kinder and all the old families being deceased, and very few members left, the society sold their interest in the building and transferred their membership to Venice.

1830-31. Stith M. Ottwell and William S. Deueen were sent to this circuit. Ottwell had grown into an able preacher. I had known Mr. Deneen in 18'29 when he first came to Illinois, and was on Salt creek Circuit, Sangamon county. He was not a ready speaker, but was of fine mind and studious habits, and a very able and interesting preacher. He subsequently settled in St. Clair county. His son, Samuel H. Deneen, has long been a professor of languages in McKendree College, and his ouly daughter married Hon. A. W. Metcalf of Edwardsville.

Mr. Deneen was the first stationed Methodist minister in Edwardsville, and was greatly beloved by the church here. He was a fine mathematician, and was for many years surveyor of St. Clair county. The societies prospered this year. Notwithstanding there was consideiable txcitcn-.ent in the state caused by the Black Hawk war, there was an increase of sixty members.

1831-32. Conference met at Indianapolis, Oct. 4, 1831, Barton Raudle of this county joined the Conference, and was sent to Shelbyville, Illinois. John Dew and W. R. D. Trotter were the preachers sent to this circuit. There was great excitement again this year about the Indian war in the northern part of the state, and an increase in church membership of sixty. There was a camp meeting at Ebenezer this year, largely attended. The next Conference was at Jacksonville, September 1832. Smith L. Robinson and Nicholas S. Bastion, both of Madison county, were sent to this circuit. They were young men devoted to their work, and industrious students. Robinson was in the habit of getting up at four o'clock in the morning to pursue his studies. Mr. Bastion became a man of note, and was sent to Liberia as a missionary. His plans while there for enlarging the missionary work among that people, was considered rathtr visionary, which discouraged him, and he returned to

1833-34. Conference met at Union Grove. St. Clair county. Sept 2.5, 1833- Samuel H. Thompson was sent to this circuit and James Hadley to Alton circuit. Elihu Springer, son of John Springer, joined the Conference and was sent to Carlinville. There was at this time no church in Alton and but little preaching. Sometimes there was preaching in the upper part of a small house not far from where the Baptist church now stands, in which Sundayschool was kept, by Mr. W. S. Gilman, superintendent.

There was this year, an organized plan of local preaching adopted, by whi^h all the societies in the county had regular preaching every Sabbath, alternating in their appointments The plan worked well.

1834-35. Conference met at Mt. Carrael, Oct. 1834. John Vaucleve and William W. Mitchell were sent to this circuit. Both of these men deserve a more extended notice than I can give them in these notes. They became well and flivorably known throughout all Southern Illinois, and served the church as ministers as long as they lived. Mr. Mitchell died at Richview in 1867, and Vancleve in 1876. Mr.^Vancleve was originally from Cincinnati, and commenced preaching in 1828. He had a logical mind of more than ordinary ability, was studious, and rose to a prominent position in the church. Was frequently elected to the General Conference, deservedly made Doctor of Divinity, and was considered the ablest preacher in Southern Illinois Conference. He died full of years and honors, loved and lamented by the church.

W. W. Mitchell, was a younger man, son of Capt. Jas. Mitchell of Belleville. Had graduated at Yale College and studied for the law, and it was a great disappointment to his father when he became a circuit preacher. While at Yale College he and Trusten Polk, of Missouri, afterward Governor and U. S. Senator from that state, were classmates in their studies, and whilst there belonged to a Methodist class formed by the students. After joining the Conference, his habits of study were continued, and he rose rapidly and soon became prominent as an able minister of the gospel. From the time he received his first appointment until 1867-68, when he received his last appointment, which was to Edwardsville, he was always prompt and ready for his work, whether it was on the circuit, in the station or on the elder's district. His sermons were well studied and always extempore, short, full of fervor and models of excellence in style.

The chief and most prominent quality, and which characterized him most, both as a man and minister, was his extraordinary simplicity, faith, aul holiness of life. In my intercourse with men and ministers, now somewhat extended, I have never known one whose faith in the Scriptures, and belief in the djctrines of the church to which he belonged, was greater than his, or who was more conscientious in living up to his sense of Christian duty. Every sermon was filled with the unction of the spirit of the Master. He died when only fifty- two years of age, yet ripe in all Christian character and experience. It was a pleasant year to this church in Madison county, perhaps as much as any year in the experieuce of the church. All the appointments were regularly filled; the quarterly meeting, which was an interesting feature in the church services, were largely attended. There were ahout eight appointments and religious interests kept up in all the societies.

Barton Randle was sent to Alton Station, and J. H. Benson to Alton circuit, 1835-6. Conference met at Springfield, Oct. 1st, 183.5. John H. Benson and G. Worthiugton, were on this circuit. Mr. Benson was a Madison county man, highly esteemed by all who know him, and an excellent preacher and very well received. Mr. Worthiugton was a young man, had just been received in the Conference, and was of moderate ability. Joseph Foueks was sent to Alton Circuit, and A. L. Risley to Alton Mission. There were 72 members in Alton Station, and 360 on Alton circuit, which embraces Upper Alton. Scarritt's prairie and several societies in the northern part of Madison and southern part of Jersey county. There was a camp meeting at Ebeuezer in the fall of 1835, at which much interest was manifested, and quite an increase of members in the church Nineteen additional preachers entered the Conference this year.

1836-7. Conference met at Rushville, Schuyler county. Thirty-five new preachers joined the Conference. Jesse Walker had died this present Conference year, and all mourned the death of this noble pioneer missionary. The Conference extended from the Ohio river in the South, to Green Bay, Prairie Du Chien and Milwaukee on the North, and from the Wabash to the Mississippi river. Charles HoUiday was on Lsbanon district. John H. Benson and Norman AUyn on this circuit. Simon Peter and Wm. AY. Mitchell reported 295 members were at Alton. William Meldrum and Daniel Blackwell on Alton circuit 115 white, 10 colored. Alton circuit returned 295 members. Alton mission 125. Few ministers ever did as much or so effectual labor in .Middle and Southern Illinois, as Norman Aliyn, of very strong physicial constitution and untiring zeal and energy, and of iiost loving heart and gentle manner he always succeeded in winning the coufic'ence and aflections of the members of the church wherever he went. He usually did the work of two men yet never seemed weary. Unfortunately his zeal caused him in his commencement as a preacher to contract a habit of speaking at the top of his voice, and most of his sermons were screamed rather than spoken. He would preach at the top of his voice to an audience of 20 persons, and in rooms 20 feet square. It was a misfortune that he never corrected this error in his style of delivery, for otherwise his sermons were most e.xcellent. In a revival meeting in Woodburn in the winter of 1866-7 which he attended, his protracted and hard labor produced congestion, of which he died in a few days, a martyr to his zeal. There were e'ght or nine societies, the circuit having been made smaller, 607 church members. Sir. Benson salary was 8400. Mr. Allyn a single man SlOO, the presiding elder 840.00 Calvin Kinder was this year licensed to exhort. He was born in Pennsylvania, 1804, came to Illinois 1820. He at once took a leading position in the church, an earne.-t, devoted, conscientious man, and most valuable member of the church and of society. Outspoken sometimes to bluntness, but alwavs desiring to think and act right. His earnestness and zeal he retained to the close of his life. His decease took place in the winter of 1880.

1837-38 Rev. W. Cumming was appointed to Edwardsville circuit and Wm. L. Deneen, assistant. By an arrangement made, Mr. Deneen removed his family to Edwardsville, and it was made a station. N. P. Cunningham was at Alton. Upper and Middle Alton J. II. Benson and Norman Allyn.

Twenty-eight new preachers joined the Conference this year Among them was John Gillhani, son of Ryderus Gillham, of Salem. An unforlunate circums^tance had taken place the year befoi-e while Conference was in session at Jacksonville, by which Rev. Simon Peter, of Scarritt's Prairie, then presiding elder, was expelled from the church. He afterward rejoined the church, and secured the confidence of his Christian brethren, which he retained to the close of life. Alton Station now had 224 white and 16 colored members as reported in Minutes of Conference, Vol. I, page 503. Alton circuit 300.

This year tiie Society in Edwardsville had a valuable acquisition to its membership. Thomas Eaton, Wm. Pomery and H K. Eaton moved from Kentucky to Edwardsville, and with their families joined the church. Also Mathew Gillespie, who became a valued officer in the church, and for many years superintendent of the Sunday school.

Matthew Gillespie, formerly a member of the Cumberland Presbyterians, also joined the Meth( dist Church in Edwardsville. It was a prosperous year for the church. Since the days of Wm. P. McKee and William Ottwell there have not been so efficient members of the church in Edwardsville as Gillespie and Eiton. ]Men of fine mind, unquestioned piety, good culture, enlarged observation, gifted in the public exercises of the church, dignified in deportment, and of fine presence. They were influential and popular men in the county, as evinced by numerous public offices held by them. As a notice elsewhere of these two men will appear in this volume, I may refer to that, for a more extended histo-y. of them. Mr. Gillespie died in March, 1871, and Judge Eaton in 1881.

1838, Sept. 12, Conference met at Alton, 22 additional preachers. John Dew was presiding Elder ; John S. Barger and J. H. Benson were the Circuit preachers. James B. Corrington, afterward a distinguished minister in Southern Illinois, joined the Conference. Alton City was a mission with 79 members. Upper Alton and Middle Alton 190 members. W. S. McMurray, a young man, and quite an orator, was sent to Upper Alton, and David Blakwell to Middle Alton. N. P. Cunningham to Lower Alton.

1839-40. W. S. McMurray and L. D. Bragg were the men sent to the Circuit. McMurray was an eloquent preacher. It was a rich treat to hear him. He had the readiness and style of an Irish orator. I admired his preaching very much. He had a strong passion for the law and would have made a fine advocate. He died in 1844, of cholera, at Waverly.

Joseph Eilnnindson was sent to this Circuit. He commenced preaching ill Mi.-souri, iuid was far more than an ordinary man and preacher. Self-reliant, copying no man in style or argument, for conclusive and logical argument he ttood in the front rauli of ministers. Under his ministration the Churches prospered and increased in membership. It was a year, too, of great political excitement. The Harrison Campaign as it was called. Politics ran high and Gen. Harrison was elected President by a large majority.

In 1841-4'2, Mr. Benson was on the Circuit, but his health failing, there was no especial religious interest in the county, e.'icept at New Ebenezer, where Bro. Wm. Atkins had erected a neat and comfortable Church for the Society at that place, which thereafter had regular Circuit preaching and an interesting Society.

1842-43, Joseph Eclmundson and Aaahel Brown were on the Edwardsville Circuit. The Circuit had been divided the year before, and the preacher's health having failed, there were 449 members returned in the Conference minutes. It was during the latter part of the year 1^42 that the writer of these notes joined the Church and was made steward, which office he has since retained. Col. Jacob Judy, an early and prominent citizen, and his wife joined the Church this year.

Mr. EJnnmdson was again returned to the Circuit for 1843-44. The appointment was sftry agreeable to both preacher and the Church. Congregations were large, and frequent additions were made. But quite a change took place in 1844, which was the year of the great flood of the Miss-isi-ippi river, the waters rising higher than for fifty years before or have ever been since. The whole country west of the blufl' was inundated. Steamers plying from St. Louis to Alton did not follow the river channel, but would steam through the wide waters and go through the timber land and over farms. I stood in the second story of Gay's store in St. Louis, (the first story being under water) and saw a steamboat leave St. Louis and take a straight course east across fields and orchards and go to the bluff five miles east. It was a vast sh-^et of water five miles and in some places ten miles wide. It was this flood that destroyed the ancient town of Kaskaskia. After the flood abated some of the settlers in the bottoms returned to their farms. Mr. Ednnindson continued his travels in that part of the country, visiting all the families. It was an exceedingly sickly time, and contracting a malarial fever he died. His death was a great loss to the Church, for he was in the meridian of his manhood, and great good was anticipated from his labors.

1S44-45. George \V. Robbins was Presiding Elder, Wra. Willson and Samuel Smith, Circuit preachers. I refer to a former nate for particulars of this year. There were thirteen societies or preaching places in the Circuit, viz,: Edwardaville, Liberty, Salem, NI.k's, Widow Gillham's, Ebenezer, Six Mile, Venice, CoUinsville, Mount Zion, Troy, Gilead, Ridge Prairie; also Alton, Upper Alton, Scarritl's Prairie, Highland, Marine, Augusta. There were ten local preachers" W- C. Ballard, Thos. Raudle, Parham Randle, J. M. S. Smith, E. L. Dwight, T. J. Lofton, Wm. Hadley, Wm.

Gillham, Jesse Renfro, James M, Green ; nine Exhorters, viz: H K Eaton, M Gillespie, Henry Guthrie, John Hcmsaker, L. McD)nough Gales, Wm. McKinley, Calvin Kinder, Comfort Roben, J. Delaplain, and eighteen class loaders, 1845-4(5. Rev. Elijah Corrington was on the circuit. He was an elderly man, in poor health, and remained only one year. 184G-47. This year Rev. W. W. Mitchell was sent to this circuit, much to the gratification of the church. At the first quarterly meeting, Jesse Renfro, William Hadley, and H. K. Eaton, as estimating stewards, reported the sura of $135.98}, as the amount to be raised by the circuit for table expenses for the preacher's family this year - the family consisting of four persons ; traveling expenses, 810 00; quarterage salary, §232.60. The presiding elder's claim on the circuit, S48 33 ; rents for preacher, 8"6 60. Whole amount, S463.31i. The number of members of the chunh was 473. The financial charge was small, and was promptly met, and the societies were prosperous.

1847-48. Rev. Mitchell was returned to the circuit, with Daniel Fairbank, assistant. The salary of Mr. Mitclull was §378; Rev, Fail-bank, -S 100; Presiding Elder, 04S.33; parsonage rent, S42. Total, 8o68. 38. Thisyear a parsonao-e lor the circuit preacher was purchased in Edwardsville for goOO. At the quarterly conference, held in Edwardsville July 26, 1848, there were 29 members present. A plan for a circulating Sunday-school library for the circuit was this year organized under the care of H. K.Eaton and Matthew Gilbspie, librarian, which was successful. There were 515 Sunday-school scholars.

1848-49. Rev Collin D. James was the presiding elder, and James Hadley and N. Cleaveland, circuit preachers. The financial charge for ministerial support was §733. It f was not a very successful year in the church. There was I considerable cholera this year ; and such is the nature of our people, that panics and epidemics are unfavorable to religious revivals.

In 1849 50, R. W. Travis and James Hadley were the preachers Mr. Travis was a young man of good mind and studious habits, and became in after years rather a noted ! man in the ministry in Illinois conference. His wife's health becoming seriously impaired, compelled him to locate about 1870. He was induced to take the traveling agency of the Lamar Insurance Company of Chicago in 1872. This was a swindling institution, gotten up by unprincipled parties, who selected Travis as agent, because of the confidence } which the public had in his Christian integrity. Mr Travis was an honest, upright man, and had been grossly de- ' ceived in the character of the in^titu ion, which soon exploded. I think his death, which took place two years after its failure, was hastened by that cause.

1851-52. Rev. George Rutledge was appointed elder, and C. F. Jay and James Estep were the circuit preachers. This year the Conference was divided, and that part of Illinois south of Jersey, Macoupin and iMontgou^ery counties, and running east to the Wabash, was called "Southern Illinois Conference." This year a church was built five miles north of Edwardsville, on land donated by John E-tabrook, called " Liberty M. E. Church."

1852 53. This year W. W. Mitchell was presiding elder. Prof. S. Matteson, formerly of McKendree College, and Henry S. Blackwell were the preachers. Prof Matteson was a man of miu'h culture and fine talent. His health, however, was much broken, and at the close of the year he went north and died the same year. Mr. Blackwell was a young man of fine mind, hut a hopeless dyspeptic. Every one who knew him loved him for his excellence of character aud piety. He died a few years after on the bank of the Okaw river, near Carlyle. This year the present brick church in Edwardsville was commenced. John H. Weir and John A. Prickett were the building committee.

18j3 4. Rev. Hiram Sears was the stationed minister at Edwardsville, and Charles A. Kinson and James Hadley were on the circuit. This j^ear the church in Edwardsville was finished and dedicated, as heretofore mentioned. There were at this date the following Methodist churches in Jladison county: Alton, Upp^r Alton, Sea rritt's Prairie, Liberty, Salem, E hvard vill-', Highland, Gilead, Troy, Zion, Sixmile, Colliusville, Troy, Augusta, New Ebenezer ; al;0, UnioQ churches at JUarine, Ridgely, Goshen, Lamb's Point, Greenea-tle, and White Rock, where our preachers had stated religious service-;. There were over 1000 members of the church in the county.

1854 55 Rev Dr. James B. Corrington was the presiding elder. These notes would not be complete without some further notice of Dr. Corrington.

James B. Corrington was b;)rn in Kentucky, October 24, 1801, and learned a trade at which he worked in the city of Louisville for several years.

On the first of January 1828 he made a profession of religion and joined the church, and two weeks thereafter was made a class leader. So cle;ir were his conceptions of religious life and character, and of his own experience of change of heart with the ability to strengthen and encourage others in faiih and practice, that no hesitation was felt as to the propriety of his appointment. At a Quarterly Conference mei ting held at Jlillersburgh, Bourbon Co., Kentucky, he was licensed to preach. In March, 1830, he removed to Jacksonville, Illinois, and at once took position in the church as a local preacher.

In 1832 he removed to Greene county. In 1838 at the annual Conference held at Upper Alton he was made a traveling preacher and went to Carroliton Circuit. In 1847 was sent to Jackscnville, then the most important station in the Conference. In 1849 was appointed presiding elder of Lebanon district, in which he remained five years, which were years of great usefulness to the church. In the full strength of a matured manhood, in mind and in person of almtst Herculean proportions, his preaching was marked by much pa'hos and intellectual strength, often rising to true oratory; he was a field nlar^llal of Melho(li^t cavalry in southern Illinois In 1854 he was appointed to Alton district, which introduced him to Madison county- From this time until 1872, when his health began to fail, Dr. Corringt(ui exercised a wide spread influence as an able minister. Free from all idiosyncrasies as to doctrine he was a power in whatever department of the church service he was called, and was a delegate to every general Conference of the church from 1852 to 18G8, and until publicly declining a continuanca of that service. He died in D.irchester, Mac< upin county, in Nov. 1881, full of faith and hope of the future life.

As it might not b.'^ e«p3eially interesting to the reader to pursue the details or particular history of the M. E church down to the present time I will not attempt it.

There have been great changes in all the societies in the county since 1854. Some have ceased to exist whilst others have become merged into other societies.

These changes have been the result of decease or removal of the members of the societies aud a change of population. Most of the lands where the extinct societies then existed are now owned by Germans, who belong to other denomiua tions. Very few of the old settlers reside there.

Yet has the church sustained her high standing as a Christian denomination. There are now thirteen regularly organized societies in the county numbering as heretofore stated, 1165 members with nine reguhir pastors. These pastors are supported by the societies. There are nine parsonages The various religious enterprises and benevolences of the church are generously supported. There are thirteen organized Sabbath schools with 144 teachers and officers and HOG .scholars.

In all these societies there is a life, spirit and devotion in their religious services, and a desire to have them increase in moral and relijriuus influence.

The German Methodist Episcopal Church By Rev. W.M. Sciiwixd

It was in the year 183G when some of the leading minds in the Methodist Episcopal church in the United States deemed it practicable to establish a domestic mission among the Germans. The movement, though slow at first in forming congregations, met with ultimate success and was carried on 1))' the church with much zeal and activity. From Ohio and Pennsylvania where it began it spread westward.

As early as 1845, the Rev. Wm. Hemrainghaus, a German Methodist preacher, went from INIascoutah, St. Clair county, to Highland, to preach to the Germans then residing there. He was one of the early pioneer preachers among the Germans iu Illinois, and died at Beardstown while yet young.

He was succeeded in 1S4G by Rev. Chas. Koencke, and the first society was organized in that 3-ear. Some of the first members were, Michael Molet, John Zimmerman, Philip Gruen, J. Miller and C Kluge. As it soon appeared ncces^ary to have a house for worship, a delibsrative meeting of the society was helil on the 14tli of Decenjber, 1846, which decided that a church should be built ; but owing to circumstances it was not accomplished until a few years later.

Eev. Charles Koeneke was succeeded by Rev. Louis Kimz in 1847. Rev. Wm. Fiegenbaura followed in 1848. In the fall of the same year the building of a cluiroh was eominenced and carried on until it was under roof. Its completion was delayed till the following spring. It, was dedicated on the '2Gth of June, 184i), by Rev. Henry Koeneke, presiding elder. The church is 40 by 30 feet, two stories high, with steejile and bell. The lower stoiy was built of rough stone ; the upper story was built in partnership with the American Methodist, which relation it still sustained. Its value is about §2,000. It is still used for public worship and is of interest to many yet living who often went to Highland at those times to attend quarterly meetings which always were of great interest. S,ime of the first members were, F Kandert, J. Kir.sher, Galium Rutz, Henry Becker, J. Kaeser, Charles Grundeiiberg, and C Britt. The mission at that time already embraced a large territory and many appointments. It included Edwardsviile, Fosterburg, Staunton. Looking Gla.*s Prairie, Btaver Creek, Blackjack, Smooth Prairie, Silver Creek, Ridge Prairie, The Bluff-*, Moro and Upper Alton. The membership in the whole field of labor numbered 67 at the time the church was dedicated. Rev. Wm. Fiegenbaum was in charge of the mission with two assistant preachers. They were Rev. J. Keck and Rev. Herman Koch, who is now President of Central Wesleyan College, Warrenton, Mo. The latter taught school at Highland, besides preaching regularly at several appointments.

Great and exhausting were the labors of those early i)ioiieer preachers, but they felt themselves equal to almost any emergency. With heroic devotion to their work and selfdenying determination, they shared the hardships and difficulties of the early German settlers. They were on horseback almost every day, seeking the lost sheep of the house of Israel, preaching in log cabins, school houses, and where ever they could get any hearers, many or few, to teach them the way of righteousness, expecting very little compensation but what the great Shepherd might please to give them at the great day. And their labors were not in vain. Many persons became converted and rejoiced in the experience of a new life.

W^hen in the year 1849 the Cholera broke out, eight to ten persons died almost every day at Highland. Rov. Wm. Fiegenbaum was stopped on his rounds for fear he would spread the disease. But then he went to nurse the sick and dying, often day and night, for two mouths, administeiing faithfully to their bodily and spiritual wants. After that he resumed his labors and was eminently successful in building up the societies in Madison county. Several years later a new church was built at Beaver Creek, where a society still exists. Most of the above mentioned appointments are still places for public worship ; they are either formed into separate organizations or connected with other charges.

The early history of Highland church is of more special interest, as it was the nucleus from which sprung most other societies in the county. Of its later history I have very little knowledge. Its present membership is 70. It carries on two Sabbath-schools of about 100 scholars, 16 officers and teachers.

It appears that Missionary labor by the German Methodist preachers began in the vicinity of Edwardsville, in the year 1847, and had a very small beginning. An assistant preacher residing at Alton, met Mr. John Stullken, and in. quired of him, about the religious condition of the people. He was invited to make an appointment for preaching at the school-house No. 4, now called Progress school-house, three milesnorth of Edwardsville. Mr. C.Bernreuter, ayoungraan of some education and influence previously held private religious meetings in the neighborhood. Most persons who met there fordivine worship were of a marked religiousdisposition. They were glad to have religious meetings now regularly held among them. And they went even to Highland in those times to attend Quarterly meetings, where at a revival of religion many were converted to God.

Among the first members were ; - C. Bernreuter, C P. Smith, J. Stullken, Henry Stullken, and at Pleasant Ridge, Henry Blume and Wm. Blume. In 1852, a camp meeting was held in the neighborhool of Progress School-house under the supervision of Rev Phil. Kuhl, presiding Elder, who is still living, and one of the oldest preachers in the St. Louis German Conference.