Two weeks before Conference I closed up my work, went to Cleveland and was married by Presbyterian Minister REV. HICKOK. Lizzie prepared a surprise, invited quite a company who suspected nothing. I was to be hidden away until just the time for the Ceremony. MR. HICKOK invited all into one room, and before the surprised group, we were married.

The next day we made for Chicago to visit James and J.B. and attend the Worlds Fair 1893.

Up to the time of marriage I had known Mrs Johnson about 12 years.

She was a woman of rare abilities and one of the most remarkable women in prayer I ever heard.

Before leaving Portland, I managed to secure for Mrs Lewis $1000 insurance money. I wrote the company in Columbus Pa, most of the officers I knew well and urged the payment to the worthy woman.

They responded and I guess it was the last money they ever paid, for the failure of the organization followed immediately.

When I rec'd my appointment to Eldership I returned to Portland and sold some chairs, a bureau and then sent the remnents to Cleveland.

Our Conference met at Dubois, BISHOP HURST presiding. He was a man of Parts and great learning, but not winning as a President. Instead of consulting his Cabinet he asked 2 men. G.H. HUMASON and W.O. GRAHAM, who would make a good Presiding Elder and both recommended me. I give them credit for my being in the Eldership.

I followed his plan in laying out the work and continued it thro the year.

Lizzies home was East Cleveland, 2 miles beyond the Garfield Monument.

We attempted to find a suitable house in New Castle, but failed and so we lived in East Cleveland during the year.

I liked my District and loved the people and met only kindness from the Brethen.

A.J. MERCHANT was at Sharon, which was the only church that refused to pay it's assessment after helping make the appointments.

A.J.M. was a good Preacher and no complaint could be made against him on that score. But he wanted to run the whole business. Class prayer meeting, even to the repairing the organ. In his home he monopolized the conversation. I have been talking with his wife and when he entered the room he took the bits in his own hand and she never got in a word edgewise.

When we came to the 4th Quarter Congerence, the officials were like hornets and it was a long time before I could smooth things down.

I knew he would have to go at Conference.

E.P. EDMONDS was at New Castle. He too was a very good preacher, but he had the tobacco habit. At close of the year some of the elect ladies came with a complaint. He was damaging the young people by his habit. His room was thick with smoke. The poison saturated his clothing. I said, will you make this complaint in writing so I can back it up in the Cabinet. They were not willing. You see how my way is blocked. When the Bishop asks, why his removal. I have nothing to show. The result was that he was sent.

JOB STRALLON was an Epworth. His wife was the best S.S. superintendent on the District. At the 3rd Quarter Conference. Job in

When the 4th Quarter Conference came was all changed. That body asked to have another man. When I came to preach in the evening Job said he tho't the expression of the Board was not quite understood. So, I called for a meeting of the board after my sermon.

I stated the case and asked for an expression of their will. Change it must be.

When it came to Conference all that I could give him was Fredonia on my District. It was a good strong church with a lively country appointment. No, he did not want that.

He wanted to go to Brockwayville, a long move and a charge paying the same as Fredonia. He was uneasy, and I saw he did not trust me, So I sent him to the Bishop. Next Cabinet meeting the Bishop said, What about the Stratton case? I explained the whole thing, and then appealed to the other Elder. They stood by my action and Job had his desire, Brockwayville, 1 year.

At my 3rd Quarter meeting I was to preach at Epworth in the morning and Wampum at 2, and dedicate the Mahoning Church the evening. I said to the man who was to take me to Wampum. Don't get up a big dinner and make me late. But the good wife didn't propose that her P E should be put off with a crust. My what a dinner. Bless her good heart, but I was just one hour late at Wampum. The people had waited and waited, finally a local preacher who had come among them was holding forth. There was nothing for me to do, only make my explanation, and Minister the Sacrement.

One Sunday morning I was over in Ohio, not far from my birthplace in Poland. I did enjoy the

At another time I was at Mt. Jackson in the afternoon. After service the pastor took me to my stopping place. While I was in the bedroom, washing, I heard a rap and the Minister went to the door. Is there a Mr. Stubbs here? Yes. I'd like to see him.

I met an elderly woman who said she had cared for an old couple who had now passed away. She had some little trifles, among them a picture of someone by the name Stubbs. She produced a locket, and there was my father.

How under the sun did it get there?

I put some things together and remembered, when we were in Ravenna a woman spent a few days at our house. Father said she was a "smart woman", wrote for magazines and papers, a rare thing in those days. He must have had that picture taken at that time.

Two hours after that I was at Mt Pleasant, 20 miles away. In the afternoon I saw a woman in the audieance that looked familiar. I never was here before. Where have I seen her? After service among others she came and spoke to me. I said, where have I seen you? Mt. Jackson.

Sunday evening I was at the same church. The house was crammed full, some setting right up against the Pulpit. A man, holding his boy. After I had talked, 10 minutes say, I drew my hand down the edge of the Bible and knocked over a glass of water. The man and boy jumped and the audience bellowed.

I stood big biting my lips. When I could compose myself, I remarked You can't call this a dry sermon, and went on with my discourse.

To speak of all the places and all the Ministers would be impossible.

I mention a young man, son of one of our ministers, He was home.

New Castle was and is a strong church. The city a great manufacturing place. Iron and tin I think, however in way of Benevolence it has not measured up to Warren, Pa, Franklin Pa, Greenville.

Sharon, at the time I was there was in great depression, business at stand still. Which may account for the pinching in church finances. But as years have skirted by, the church has made great progress and 1924 is erecting a very fine church.

J. Bill Neff, before his sudden homeward flight, had built up and greatly strengthened the station.

Mercer on the hill was a quaint town, conservative, strongly Presbyterian.

Our people were progressive, plucky and friendly and I ejoyed my visits in thrie midst.

Good Revivals privailed on various charges, but I was greatly surprised when the minutes were published, the membership on the district had not perceptibly increased. Maybe the emotional element may in part account for this.

I liked my work, the people and was growing in favor and was greatly surprised when at the end of the year, I was transfered to ther Erie District.

Our Conference met in Fredonia, N.Y. Bishop GOODSELL presiding.

At this Conference JOHN LUSHER took a transfer to Madison, Wis. I said to him, Don't go, you are making a mistake, but he was elated as the boy with the new boots. He went to his sorrow and was glad to come home again. As will be seen later.

The Cabinet work went along smoothly, and my part was all satisfactory.

Merchant asked me, Isn't SCOFIELD going out? I don't know, the Bishop has said nothing.

The last day the Bishop informed the Cabinet that Scofield must be removed. Would we retain him in the Cabinet? It would be satisfactory to him if we would. Bishop can we talk this over? I will give you half an hour.

Now was my time, and I could have paid him in his own coin, but I said no and was the first to say, let him stay. The others acquiesced.

When the Bishop returned we informed him our decision.

It will be necessary then for one of you to move. That, we had not considered.

PRATHER said, the District is too large for him to handle. HUMASON on the Jamestown District said, mine is still larger. BECK on the Olarion piped up, mine is the largest of all and I don't want to move. MEAD spoke up, I have moved 5 times this year and I don't want to move again.

It was up against me. Bishop, I accept the situation and will move. Your appointment is for six years.

Then I found myself practically at home, for I had lived in the Lake Shore a good part of my life.

We packed up our goods, and were at home on 6th Street.

My District extended from the OHIO

I had the Lake Shore like a Paradise in Summer, and the Hill Crest which sometimes in Winter was a terror.

I used to banter friends at Sheridan by saying, When I am thro preaching give me 5 acres of grapes and I'll settle here, but no one was generous enough to take my offer and so here I am in Pasadena.

If one may say Joy of the whole Earth, it well maybe said the Lake Shore in Summer is the Joy of the whole Earth.

On of the Shores of Lake Erie, I have spent a good part of my life. 2 years as boy, 2 years at Simpson, 6 in the Eldership.

I learned to swim in the waters, and know the fun of the waters. I know the toil of the minister, and I know the care, the thought, the Joy too, and the preaching of the P.E.

Six years I went in and out before and among the people of the District. Twice only in 6 years did I fail to fill my appointments.

One week I preached six times, the other 4 times holding the Quarter Conferences, Ministering the Sacrement, often speaking before the leagues, This for 6 years.

Once I was laid up with Rheumatism and before I was well, I went to a charge wearing a rubber shoe over my swollen foot.

For six years I never failed to freeze my face, and in some of the storms, I nearly perished.

One Sunday morning I was at Phillipsville. It was clear, cold, the house was full. When thro, I asked is there anyone that can get me to Waterford?

MR. MOON can do it if anyone can. Yes, he said. Going a mile, we tipped over and my cheek was frosted. Before going three miles the horses waded thro snow up to their necks. When we had gone 4 we came to JOHN BRACES. I said, we will stop here half and hour and warm up.

Time up I said, We had better move.

It was well, it was growing dark. The snow was fence high and we never could have made it. Afterwards I learned 2 dozen people were at church.

Once I was at Dewittville in the morning. It was mild, when we came from the church a soft snow was falling.

Making our way to Mayville, it grew bitter cold. When we arrived Bowers turned loose and cutter into my hands.

Down the Chautauqua I faced the storm. My eyes were peppered. I dug the snow out of my eyes, till my hands were so cold, I could not do it. When I drove up to the Parsonage, my left eye was closed. As soon as I was indoors my hands were put in snow water and my feet danced dog trot, turkey trot, fox trot or most anything.

Then to church. Thro all the services I went back to Mayville. I told BOWERS I would take the early train, if I wakened in time, and they must pay no attention to me.

In the morning I made my way thro the snow, at times knee deep. Just as I was within a few rods of the station, the big engine started towards me. It was snowing furiously. I waved my satchel and yelled, but the engineer could not see nor hear, and consequently I gave the monster the right of way. I had the privilege of wading back thro the drifts and taking my leave on the aternoon train.

One more snowstorm experience I will narrate.

It began at Westfield

The morning was mild and the service was enjoyable. I had to go to Ripley and then 2 miles on the Hill side.

Who drove me I cannot now recall. The west wind sprung up to a gale. We faced that cold blast for 10 miles.

When we reached Ripley I was well nigh perished.

My friend J.M. BREY was the pastor. Newton he said, You are going no farther. The snow is fence high and no one can get thro. If you did, there would no one be there to greet. It was good to have some one speak with authority, and harborage never was more welcome.

It turned out that some one living across from the church built a fire, but he was the only one to enjoy it.

My experience in strange beds was almost as fatal as my storm experiences. At Loweville, I was quartered with a farmer. Well to do and desirous of showing all honor to the P.E. They gave me a bed right off from the fire. Alas, there was bedding enough for an icelander, but I guess it had been made for years. Damp, damp, I rolled and tumbled and after 2 hours I warmed the bed.

After service I had to ride 10 or 12 miles. The wind was terrific. They gave me an umbrella, turned wrong side and I tossed aside.

Many of the miles I had guess where the road was. Reaching the Parsonage, I stopped and warmed, and pursued my journey. Going to miles I met parson WALKER, he going to an appointment. I rode on thro Finley Lake and 2 miles further. How happy I was to find the church full.

My ezperience with men. The ones for whom I did the most, costing me more time, tho't and prayer, abused me the most and found the most fault.

G.A. WILLIAMS, local Preacher, was at McKane. He was one of the finest readers I ever knew and he was a good preacher.

He crossed swords with some woman. A bleak icy day I rode 3 miles beyond to a church to meet all interested in settling the difficulty. There was a goodly company.

There always is when there's is war. REV'D Crouch from Edinboro was among the number. Why are you here? I did not send for you. Well, there may be a church trial and I want to know the case.

There will be no trail, I propose to settle the difficulty.

Before any inquiries, I said, we are all liable to make mistakes, and say things that are misunderstood, when we mean no harm. If you two will shake hands, thereby declaring. If I have in any way hurt you, I ask your forgiveness, and grant you mine.

The woman of it refused. She wanted an airing, to see the fire fly.

We worked from one till 4:00. The woman told her story, the man his. The most I could get out of it was that the Minister might have been indiscreet in some remarks, but the whole case was too trifling to be worthy of any notice.

Once Crouch interfered. When I gave him to understand that he was welcome to remain, but I would not stand for any interference.

At length the parties did what I advised on the start. However, the woman left the church and went to Edinboro.

But Williams was the cause of no little trouble. Discouraged over

Nothing moved him, as he went to his carriage, I shouted out the window, I guess you will take work again?

He did, but it would have been better for me had he not. His people wanted his return. Now in arranging work, the P.E. has to see that every Minister has a place, and the local preachers must take what is left. Someone took his place then his people pulled my hair, nor would they listen to reason.

During the course of events, his wife was sick. I slipped into his hand $2.00. Shortly she passed away. He sent for me to attend the funeral, at that time I gave him $5.00

When he afterwards came to be married, he forgot to ask me to the wedding.

Still later I read a letter from some Elder in the Pittsburg Conference asking about his qualifications.

I gave him as good send off as if he were a personal friend.

He served some years in the Pitts Conference and I know not if he be alive.

Now I resume the story of JOB STRATION.

Job stayed his year at Brockwayville, and at Conference asked me to bring him on to my District. I did and placed him at Mills Groves, now North Girard.

Later I sent him to Waterford. Then I was again in the back of his books.

It seems I was not yet done with Crouch.

PRATHER came to me and importuned me to give Crouch a place.

Crouch came to me to see if I couldn't better. No I said, it's the only open place on my District. I don't want it. Allright. Another day he came and said he would accept it.

When my 5 years were up, he tried to pass a resolution requesting the Bishop not to appoint an Elder who had served six years. I had served one on the New Castle and 5 on the Erie. He failed.

Subsequently, having some trouble on his charge. I went with him to the Bishop to speak a word in his favor. I went gladly. His career is ended and he has gone to his reward. He had many noble, manly qualities and seemingly ought to have had more years in the Ministry.

Once Westfield was vacant. They had 2 men in store, CLEMENS and GILLETTE. Finally settling on Clemens and making overtures to him and he accepted. This shows how the strong charges do the calling and the Elder carries out their wishes.

A letter from one of my ministers requested me to give him a place. I replied you are the 4th who has made a similar request. It's a matter over which I have no controll. Westfields has settled the matter.

At Conference I had a lively time. Brock in Ridgeway had it's mind on Clemens, and sent lawyer Arnold to manage the case.

About Friday, he sought me out. We had a long talk going to my stopping place. I assured him I could not

Sunday passed, Monday the man who was to go to Ridgeway read some report and was like some timid school boy. I watched the Bishop. I said, my cakes all dough. He called me up. Don't you think you had better let Clemens go to Ridgeway. No I replied, theres no way I can explain to Westfield and the agreement made must stand.

Well, you call the Elders to a Conference and whatever you agree will be satisfactory to me.

I called them to meet in a classroom, but only Mead and Prather came, and Arnold to present his cause. He said, we will give him 3.00 more than Westfield can or will.

At that Prather said, hadn't you better let Clemens go Stubbs? Prather, I replied, I'll tear your District to pieces if you say anything more. He subsided.

The Bishop had called a final Cabinet meeting in a classroom for that evening.

I was late, as mine host had a late supper. At the door of the classroom, I heard CHARLIE MEAD pleading my case. Thank you Lord.

Entering I heard the Bishop say, SMITH his host said he heard TAYLOR preach one of the finest sermons in that church that he ever heard. I will send TAYLOR to Ridgeway.

I breathed easy.

It resulted well, for CLemens proved the mau for Westfield and Taylor for Ridgeway. At the end of 3 years, Clemens went to Ridgeway and I don't know about Taylor.

REV'D HUTSENPILLER was pastor at 7th. He had a 4 year pastorate.

At one quarterly Confernce, I called for reports. Hutsenpiller informed me I was chairman of Temperance Commity. I expressed my surprise. It was not supposed the Elder would serve on commities. I put you on. Since that is the case, next time I come I will ask you what you will do on the Temperance.

We did not wait. The storm broke then and there.

BYRON WALKER said it's too bad. What's too bad? Why, there's a boys club in which are high school boys. They serve beer and wine as they do in mens clubs.

Not long since 6 of those boys went to the Red light district and hired a woman to strip herself naked. Too bad. Don't we owe those boys something? I don't know what you mean said Byron. I mean just what I say. Don't know what you mean. I replied, the only way we get anything in our country is by ballots. That's what we owe, ballots. There was a lively time. I tried to go on with my question, when someone would fire up on Temperance. A certain lawyer became sarcastic and slurred the poohis. Not one particle did I yield, and we had a sharp tilt at arms.

They were all convinced I knew my ground. When at last we adjourned, they still were discussing. The ples was you can't do anything. Going home, STRONG and SULLIVAN said, you are posted. That's my business I replied.

It is noteworthy that the ministry in Erie were in the grip of liquor and no man dare utter his sentiments.

It so continued till Billy Sunday

The Pastors of the city had their weekly gathering and most of the time I could get home in time to attend the meetings. For some reason I was asked to take the Temperance cause.

One time I ventured to say, we are all cowards and dare not express our convictions. There was one man, WILSON of the United Presbyterian church, that boldly championed the Temperance cause. It was fun to see how Minister after Minister sought to justify himself from my charge.

At last it came to the Swedish Lutheran. I am not afraid of my people. I dare speak my views. I married a rich wife, and if the church puts me out we can live. What a room there was.

At the end of 4 years, 7th St wanted a change.

It was disttressing to me for Dr H. was an able man, and it was humiliating to him to feel that he was no longer wanted. But I came to pass, The Dr took a year off and spent it in Europe.

Returning he bro't many momentos. Nobody opened the door to him, so he became a guest of ours for 2 weeks. The lion over the clock was a gift from him.

The Dr finally wound up in San Francisco and served a term in the Eldership. His wife sued him for divorce and the Judge instead of granting it to her, granted it to him.

I have met him several times in our church, South Pasadena he lives.

ANDY ELLIS followed and remains 5 or 6 years. He was one of the most successful ministers in the Conference. I guess no man held Erie, Meadville, Oil City, Jamestown a life term. He has gone to his reward.

At Wayne St. A.A. HORTON held

The Committee met at our house and stated their views. As they furnished the money, removal was the only thing to do.

Now gentleman, you will inform BRO. HORTON of your decision. Not much, What's the P.E. for, but to do those things.

Funny isn't it, when they want a Minister they call him. When they want him to go, the Elder must bear the news.

That night Horton walked to the street car. How it did rain, and the storm for Horton was worse. Completely surprised, my heart ached for him. Like a man he bore it, and the only opening I had was Wattsburg, and he did a noble work. He was every inch a man.

There are some distressing things mixed at times with the humorous.

CRAWFORD was stationed at Punxsutawney. He must move. Why he should move across the whole Conference and land in my District. I couldn't understand.

Instictively I felt he was coming. I tried to stop him at Wattsburg, that failed. Then I headed him for Chautauqua, no no. Then it was Silver Creek. Never do Bishop (Fowler). Why? And his jaws came together like a steel trap. I explained.

The matter dropped. The Bishop came back the second and third time. You can make the appointment, but it will be over my protest.

I will consent to send him to Forestville, not because I want him, but because the people there are solid, substantial, and will bear what Silver Creek would not.

So it came to pass. Crawford plainly indicated to the people that it was a great come down for him. The people said nothing.

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