At Dayton we housed more with GILES JOHNSON than anyone else. What a lovely family. Mr. Johnson was oddity, true blue. He went about his chores, pipe in his mouth, the bowl upside down. At table there was always a pitcher of cider. No one else participated. He began in apple time and he kept it going until next apple time.

Two lovely daughters, a stepson, FRANK BAILEY who ended his career as Rear Admiral Bailey. His mother, 3rd or 4th wife, was a woman never excelled as a wife.

There was another family by the name of SHEPARD. He was a rousing Democrat, but one of the best natured men. But we never met, but had a lively time. Once at table I outmanuvered him and the family enjoyed the joke.

One Sunday night we shared their hospitality. It was winter, snow 4 feet on the level. Some good friend loaned us a pony and finest style, we circled around our parish. This day we were snuggled in, crossed the RR track where the runner struck a stone, and over we went scrambling in the snow. Our pony stopped, turned her head as much to say, What's up. Well, we were and scrambled to our places and on our homeward way. So deep was the snow turn out, places were provided. Woe to the fellow that paid no heed, for turning was well nigh impossible.

Over near Hamlet lived CHARLES JUDD. She and my wife became fast friends. My wife taught her how to make yeast bread. As well as I can judge it was the introduction of that make of this day, in Chaut Co.

She had a sister Libbie Richardson. Meeting her at Mrs. Judds one time, she said she had been offered a position in the Fredonia Normal, but was in doubt about accepting. I said, accept it by all means. Shortly after she had the position.

CHARLES JUDD at this time was leader of the choir. We were always sure of good singing. Thro the passing years, I think the church has had its ups and downs.

It might have been my first sermon. I preached the funeral sermon of a baby. It made quite an impression and I heard of it many years after.

That reminds me. At Cottage a MR. BLAIR lost a lovely little girl about 10 or 12 years of age. Diptheria, in those days everyone was taken to church. As I stood looking down into the face of the child, I thought it was one of the most beautiful faces I ever saw. I made allusion in my remarks, How like an angel she looked. Strange how a word makes an impression. It was consolation to the family. And the child became Angel in the hearts of the family.

In October we had a heavy snow storm and wife and I rode to Asbury appointment in a heavy fall of snow. After the service we rode through slush and snowflakes down to Waterboro to th Ingersolls. We were on our way to J.B.s wedding. They were married in Painesville, Ohio, the home of SARAH HICKOK. They had been courting for some years, since they were sweet 16. It proved a happy marriage, broken only by the death of J.B just as we were coming to California.

The Asbury appointment I always enjoyed. Pine Valley was as it seems to me only a school house and a few houses. Now there is a flourishing village, and a beautiful church.

In the summer W.W. WARNER began revival services and carried on very successfully.

While my Senior was not called a great preacher he was a most beloved man, and he reaped because he had a great Gospel heart. By a former wife he had a son, COL WARNER who lived in Erie several years. When in the war

Thus he saved his money, which saved him many a good turn while he was prisoner.

The subsequent history of W.W.W. is unknown to me. He went west and died somewhere in some state. The last I heard his widow was in Texas.

When the year ended the Conference thot I served long enough Junior and sent me to Clymer Village, Chaut Co.

In May my wife went to Meadville where May 25, 1865 my firstborn, Joseph Chase was born. It was certainly a great event. To think I was a father. We had brought forth an immortal being. To us committed a soul and what it would be was largley in our hands. He still lives and is one of the finest physicians in Chicago.

In January 1865 I was made a Mason in the Cherry Creek Lodge. Retaining my membership there till I went to Randolph.

Clymer was, and I guess always will be, a village with 2 or 3 hundred inhabitants, a tannery, 2 stores and immense deserted Baptist Church and a modest M.E. Church that served the religious wants of the towmship during my 2 years.

How things change. Shortly after my departure the Baptists sold their shell of a church to the Brethen, who moved a little way, then built an elequent brick. The Holland Dutch, a large colony on the hill, built a modest Congregational Church down in the Village.

After years the Methodists are the only ones who hold service.

There were 2 out appointments, North Clymer and Town Line.

We became endeared to the people. What good people we found. As the out churches had service in the afternoon, it gave the evening free and we always took Chase and remained over night with some family, going home Monday morning.

At North Clymer was the BLY family. Mary was a sweet sugar, Bernett & Herman and the Mother

Typhoid early took Burnett. It was after I was gone. Looking out one morning, the spring just breathing its welcome he said "What a beautiful World", but the more beautiful world claimed his spirit.

There were choice families, but time would not permit me to mention all.

Town Line was a precious place. I was told before going there to beware of a certain MR. RICH. How strangely things come out in this world. That man became one of my best friends nor did I discover anything crooked in his life.

BARKER has been bookkeeper in Jamestown there many years.

Jean was a school teacher, lively, happy, true and pure. She came to our house in Randolph to be married. She dies as a result of a fall since we came to California.

There was a Minister MARKHAM who use to hear me preach on the Town Line over 50 years ago. He is a member of our post.

At Clymer one of the stores was kept by HART AYRES and IRA BEECHER. The other was owned by MR GALLARP and MR GREEN.

The Tannery was owned by MR. WILLIAMS, a lame man. OTIS HINKLEY a surveyor lived across from the stores.

MR AYRES was not a member of the church, but there was no one more regular in his attendence. The friendship established endured a lifetime. His wife I buried while I was living in Parker City. His second wife, a strong spiritulist was a very lovely charector, I buried when I was in Warren. They invited a MRS LOWE to be present at the services, but she failed to come. Mr Ayres for 44 years a friend, I buried when I was living in Cattaraugus.

He was a strong charactor and a devout believer in God. But for some conscientious scruples never became a church member.

OTIS HINKLEY was one of our best friends. I o't to say the family. Their daughter, KITTY, became a famous singer.

Mr. G proved to be one of the most bitter foes I ever had. It turned out because I was a Mason. The waged relentless hostility, but I never uttered a word in the pulpit.I let him and one or two others do all the fighting.

Before it was over it proved to their sorrow.
At the end of my first year, Mr. Ayers

He said, I am in the store and the people far and near come to do business and I know they want you and I returned.

When it became known I was a Mason, 3 or 4 persons set out to ruin me.

It was a quiet kind of war. As I said, no word ever came from me. My friends in and out of the church, and Masons far and near arranged, unknown to me, a donation. It was given in the Baptist church, the coldest night, zero couldn't beat it. Snow was deep. They came from Corry and Columbus and about Clymer and it was a crowd. They left me $400.00 and $40.00 in provisions.

That settled the question of Masonry in that community forever. Nor have I ever had the question raised from that day to this.

Another matter rose that was farther reaching.

A DR. SPRATT, who was a partner of my brother James, who was settled in Corry, came with his wife to board with us.

Now I had in my library $18.00 worth of books sent by some Unitarian organization to every preacher in our conference.

We had various discussions on no end of topics, but always good naturedly.

Unbeknown to me, the Dr circulated about town that I was a Universalist.

When my presiding Elder came to hold his 4th Quarter, he heard these reports. Had he come to me as a father or brother and talked with me, I could have settled it in no time. But he was smooth and wanted to know where I would like to go when Conference appointed. I said I had no choice, I would like to be on the R R as I could go home at times to see Father and Mother.

When the Elder reached home he sent me letter. ??? ???? know my views about the

I was indigent, Why didn't he asked while he was with me? Father was in England. I could council with no one. I replied, he could find my views in such a passage of Scripture.

It settled nothing. When we came to Conference and my name was called. He said, there is a question on which the Brother is not quite settled.

He stated the question. There was a buzz thro the Conference. A committee of 5 was appointed, and it turned out they were my friends. I stated the case, I had their sympathy. I said I had followed the books and had never publicly or privately said anything contrary to their teachings.

I wrote a sentence and it was passed to the Conference. The case was settled, and the mass of preachers were perfectly satisfied.

However a few would cross my path in some way endevoring to spoil my prospects. None the less, The Lord hath dealt bountifully with me and I made no complaint.

If I could tell of all the good things that we enjoyed in Clymer, it would take a whole book and I would have no place for the other places I served.

I was frequently called back for funerals and weddings.

There was a school exhibition given in the Baptist church. The last on the program was marked "Tablean Vivang". No one has a suspicion as to what was coming. At that time a young couple stepped on stage and I married them.
Boundless applause.

The Conference sent me to Randolph, N. Y.

Randolph was and is a beautiful town on the Erie RR. Population at that time was about a thousand.

There was no parsonage. We secured the upstairs in a house nearby, owned by a Presbyterian Minister living in Gowanda, by the name of Cowles. (He has a daughter now living in Pasadena.)

Randolph was then a station but very feeble. Neat little church.

At the first Official meeting, it was comical. The officials were puzzled. They wanted to do the best they could, but it was so little they felt ashamed. Finally Erastus Ingersoll said, "We think we can raise a certain amount in the church, and if you take well, we can raise $200 more from the outside." I laughed and said, "That's putting a fellow on his good behavior." Well, it was raised in a donation, and thus it went in the 2 years and 3 months we were there (Bishop Ames made the 3 months a year).

We had some great times in that church. Some Sunday nights we had a Sunday school lesson on the blackboard. Rev. Stocker, who was our pastor at the East Village would come over, and that church was crammed up stairs and down.

One night I had my text on Life. I made it as glorious as possible and wound up by saying, "and this wonderful being is going out in the dark", and dismissed the Congregation.

My, but there was a sensation. Then I said, "I will conclude next Sunday evening." Be sure there was a full house. Then I showed up Immortality.

Midway between the two towns, on a commanding knoll, stood proudly, overlooking miles, Chamberlain Institute.

For many years it exerted a great influence over 2 or 3 counties.

Rev. A.S. Dobbs was at the head the first year. When I went there I supposed he was

Going to Warren next Spring, riding with him, he gave me a terrible berating. I said I was sorry, but I had to choose between him and the church, and I chose my church.

Mr. Dobbs was a great Preacher, but a bad man. Let him pass.

He was succeeded by Prof. Post, who was there a year, when he was followed by Dr. Edwards, a man of great abilities, and exerted a good influence in the Conference, and gave the climax in the history of Chamberlain.

After several years he became a paralytic and lived in a wheelchair for several years. His wife was a lovely woman, but for some years was mentally afflicted.

One of our prominent families was the Van Rensellairs. At one time I sat at table when there were 5 generations. The old lady lived to be over a hundred. At 100 she was on the platform at Chautauqua, with Gen'l Grant.

Mrs. Van, active in church and a very talented woman, had a daughter Martha, who is a Prof. in Cornell, and is ranked by many as one of the ablest women in America.

While here, Marion Bain and Maggie Adrain lived with us nearly 2 years, attending Chamberlain Constitute.

I removed my Masonic membership from Cherry to Randolph Lodge 359, and it has remained there to this day, making 59 years a mason, and 57 in Randolph. We had some noble men in our company.

James Johnson and Rodney Crowley were prominent lawyers. Sunday mornings

Before our church provided the Psalter, I instituted reading the Bible with my people. James Johnson finally united with the Congregational Church.

Rodney was skeptical about the Future. At the 50th Anniversary of the lodge, I was present with C.O. Mead, each speaking. Rodney came to me afterwards, remarking, "I would give everything if I could believe as you do." The cloud never lifted.

Charles and Erastus Ingersoll were among the best friends I had. Both are still living, I think. Erastus resides in the eastern part of the state in paper industry. Chas has not been so fortunate. Marriage not very happy. Where he is, I know not.

Chase came to be 4 years old, and was as perfect physically as any child ever was.

One day Jas Stocker living at East Randolph the Pastor, and I were playing croquet in the lot next to the parsonage.

Chase was amusing himself when a sheep, before we could intervene, butted him in the hip, and the beginning of years of trouble was at our door. How that boy suffered for years. At first Rheumatism had the credit, but at last Hip disease disclosed itself.

When the full fact stared me in the face, it seemed to me I could never bear the idea of my boy growing up to be a cripple.

Yet few things in my life have more broadened my mind, or given so much sympathy for unfortunate humanity.

Sometimes our misfortunes God turns to our highest good.

At this time too our sorrow was like a great calamity thrust upon us.

Our second child was born, Mary. Seems to me I never saw a more beautiful or perfect child. The Angels had the best of it, and lo these many years she has been my guardian Angel. It was a sad journey to Meadville, where Chas Ingersoll and I laid

One by the name of Morse was our chorister, and we had singing that would been a credit to some city church.

Randolph was noted for its Infidelity. For some reason, they never sought to cross my path. A few years after, matters culminated, and a lawyer challenged a debate. Leslie, Presiding Elder, accepted and said he would furnish the Antagonist. Rev. A.N. Craft was our representative. I went on from Corry and heard the debate. It continued 4 days.

The Lawyer was the worst whipped man you ever saw. In sheer desperation he made a scurrilous attack on the birth of Christ.

Quick as a wink, spontaneously, the whole Congregation rose to its feet in protest. He backed out, but made a second slur, and the audience was again on its feet.

That was the lash, that live wire scorched his own back.

From that day no man has ever risen to challenge the Bible.

Now I speak of a deed ne'er to be forgotten, that was shown me by a man who never entered church, tho' his wife and little girl were members.

One night an envelope was slipped under the door. Opening I found $20, with a sentence. "This may help you in your trouble." It surely did, for Chase cost us all we could gather in our scant support.

The Gospel is not confined to buildings. The goodness of Christ actuates men sometimes where they would perhaps be slow to credit His loving hand.

Two years and 3 months fled, and I never received an unkind word.

Bishop Ames assigned me to Pleasantville, when some delegate from Tidioute had been notified that I was to be their pastor. It made a commotion. The people put in a protest, over 200 names.

Elder Leslie sent me word not to move till I heard from him. I waited two weeks and the suspense was painful. Finally I went to Corry to ascertain the cause. He informed of the difficulty ans was trying to get Bishop AMES to make the change. Ames was a ??? man and not to be caught by letter or telegram. So Leslie ended the difficulty and I went to Pleasantville.

As one of my members, one of the best in the church, said after I was getting along finely, Do you know why? NO, well my predecessor told the people that he feared I would not be able to go forward in building the new Church.

Would that be called a white lie? Soon all things were going well. The church went forward to completion and in due time was successfully dedicated.

REV. ALFRED WHEELER and REV. D.C. OSBORN were the Ministers and a crowning day was had.

The old church was moved in the rear and served for our Sunday School and prayer meetings.

GEORGE SQUIR was the superentendent and a very afficient officer, he proved. Thro my advice a few years later, he entered the Ministry.

At this time the oil business was booming all about the territory. Tho gradually moving away from Pleasentville.

For some time I preached at the Enterprise in the afternoon. At the first place I preached in an engine house, while the engine was pumping oil.

At Enterprise there was a good sized school house. Benson and his bro-in-law were among my hearers, and warm friends. Lovely people they were and have since passed on to the better world. WILLIS BENEDICT, not a member, proved one of my best friends. When in Erie I was called back to the funeral of his charming wife.

At Pleasentville there were hosts of friends. Manly Beebe and wife, tho not in our church. Mr. B was a lawyer of

Mr.WM NEWKIRK lived only a few rods from the parsonage. What a help they were in the church and I never have had any more ardent friends. Judge CONNELLY and family made rich thro oil, were great supporters of the church and warm friends. SINGLETON DUNHAM, oil rich, paid largely into the church. He was married to his second wife by me.

On Thanksgiving night of my second year, in a prayer meeting in the new church, a very quiet meeting. J BRADY and wife rose and said, they gave themselves to Christ. Soon they were rec'd into the church. J Brady was a catholic receiving $75.00 a month, big pay in those days, as a telegrapher for some oil company.

After his conversion, he notified the company that he would not telegraph on Sundays. He was immediately discharged. It's a strange history. His family was large. For years he sold spices, and teas, and coffee, going about the country with horse and wagon. Later he sold books, American Encyclopedia, and served as local preacher. Irish he was, with the Irish wit, he never was worsted in jolly talk with catholics.

He lived to see his immediate family unite with Protestant Churches. Had I been P.E., I would have urged his admission into Ministry of the M.E. Church. The strange is now to come. There were 5 children, the oldest by some accident, was prevented from schooling. The 4 others he succeeded in giving a College Education. His wife more or less invalid.

It is to me one of the amazing things, that that poor man was able to accomplish the miracle of educating his children.

His oldest son. I met in Phi Psi hall, Meadville and learned he was Superintendent of some Ohio Insurance Company.

And yet we say the day of miracles is past.

Mrs NEWKIRK found thro my wife our Wedding Anniversary We were invited to a M. NEWKIRKS

I hurried up the walk, beg pardon for detaining you, opened the door saying "come in", when I was greeted with shouts and roars of laughter. House was full. I have surprised many times, but that was the competest i ever had. Usually some one gives you a hint.

The amount left me, I cannot recall, but some one, I believe one of the BARROWS Pres,s gave me a stove pipe hat. What under the sun shall I do with that hat. Never wore such a thing in my life.

After a time one Sunday evening the Elder was to preach, I put on that hat, marched into the church, hiding the hat as well as I could, was the last one out when I wore it home. That was my first and last experience.

When I moved away, I gave it to the man who moved my goods.

Here I met my double. ROBT ARMOR. I never saw the resemblence, but others did, and it gave us rare sport. One time I took my departure for Conference. Soon after leaving REV REESE, retired minister slipped into a store when MR. BANKS had charge, and said "You told me Stubbs had gone to Conference" Yes, I did. "Well he hasn't gone he's standing on the corner over there" Banks looked out and smiled, "That's not Stubbs, that's Mr. Armor".

While in Parker I had some funny experience. Down at the landing I stepped into a doorway

Repeatedly that mistake was made. I use to jokingly say to Rob't, Don't you give me away. What has become of him, I know not.

There is Pleasantville my second boy was born, FREDERICK WM STUBBS. What shall we name him. WILLIAM NEWKIRK was dear to us, so we said Wm. It was just the time when FREDERICK PRUSSIA was in the eyes of the world, so I said Frederick William and it was settled.

During my second year I permitted a woman to lecture in the church. MRS CHASE. She was a lady of abilities and would have given honor to any pulpit. Never heard of her since. She lectured 2 nights. I do not recall her subject. It made quite, quite a sensation. For a woman to occupy a pulpit was questioned in those days.

My own people made no comments, in fact were pleased. The Presbyterians shook their heads. Mrs. Connely's sisters were present and she was not sure it was just the thing.

Foolishly I allowed the criticism to influence me, and coming to Conference I decided to move. Conference in Meadville BISHOP SIMPSON presiding, RICHARD GAGGIN was there from Erie. I said yes. Bishop sent me to Simpson, Erie.

It had a gradual growth thro many years. The membership tho not large was a Unit and well disciplined. The Sabboth school was one of the best in the city of Erie. Harmony was in all her borders.

It was under the skillful management of JAS M. BRAY that the present noble structure was built.

It was under J. BELL NEFF that the church burst into its modern greatness. It's strength blossomed into fragrance and beauty.

It was my privilege and may say my hardship that I followed such a Captain as AMOS N CRAFT.

So far as I know we did not fall below his management in the economy, and spiritual unfolding the life of the Church.

Our morning congregations were most excelent, the evenings, discouraging. It remained so thro many years. Safe to say, that continued till J Bell Neff changed the order of things.

Among the membership were many choice spirits too numerous to mention all. MR. SHENK in those days was humble builder and lived in one of the humblest houses. But sterling qualities, real abilities lifted him year by year till he and his sons became among the most prominent architects and builders in the state. He spent his last days in a beautiful mansion on the corner opposite the church.

Richard Graggin knew more public men, more national charectors, more United States history than any man I ever knew.

Finest judge of lituature I ever found. I would rather have him select a library than

He went west and was surveyor for a few years, then returned to Erie and engaged in life insurance. He was able to send 3 boys and 2 girls to Syracuse University. These all have turned out to the praise of their parents and an honor to the human race.

HENRY SIMMS entered the Ministry, but for some reason gave it up and settled in Erie, and for many years has been one of the most active members of Simpson church.With his family he has been among the conspicious charectors of Eris.

No lives were more beautiful and chashe than FLETCHER McDOWELL and wife. In R. Road employ for many, many years. One of the ablest Bible teachers. Both have passed to the Celestial City.

Father AMES and wife, dear souls, how I loved them. They had been choice friends of my father. Always at church, ever doing their part.

CAL SWEENY, lovely personage and one of our best teachers. I had the pleasure of recieving her into membership. Not long after she moved, settled in Gerard and became a member of the Presbyterian church.

The LEWISES, the BELLS, the ELLIOTTS, the FEDMANS, the THURBERS, the FALKNERS, the WILKINS and oh such a host of the finest people one could wish to meet, with whom to labor.

Dr W.W. WYTHE was part of 7th St my first year and DR. ALFRED WHEEL the second year.

In many respects Dr. Wythe was the most remarkable charecter I ever met. He was really a genius. He was a physician and served in the Civil war. He was an inventor and at one time had amassed quite a fortune. However he was no genius in money matters.

Dr WHEELER was one of the ablest of our preachers. In style rather dry. But on the Conference floor he was eloquent. He was the first one who recognized the importance of a Univesity at Washington D C. It is now growing to be a great institution.

RUSSELL KEELER was pastor at 10th St. while I was at Simpson. Made his mark. Great debater on Baptism and wrote a book on the Conference. Strange isn't how the question is thrown into the discard. Questions drop out, we know not why. Once in awhile they bob up and again drop out of sight, never again to appear.

There lived with us for a time, MARION BAIN. A young man by the name Acheson fell in love with her and I married them in the church. They were kindly remembered, and we gave them a reception in the Parsonage.

I note here, One Sunday ARTHER BANKS STUBBS was born. DR. FAULKNER was the Physician. Several of his family were among our best friends.

There was a Canadian family I hunted up. In after years the young people became conspicious in church life. The young man is one of the most prominent men in business circles in the city.

At the end of the second year Parker sent in a request for me. I think GEO SQUIR instigated the move. So down the river we went to Parker City.

It became an oil center, but was gradually moving to the Front, miles away

Oil however is produced in that section to this day.

I became pastor in 1873.

The Parsonage was not finished, so we were at the hotel for 3 or 4 weeks. Chase was on crytches, Fred was a lively red haired boy, about 4, and Art a few months old.

The Parsonage was immediately back of the church, giving quite a downyard.

The church was not conspicuous for beauty.

In the first initial meeting, I inquired, How much is your debt? Oh, about $400.00. Don't you know? They reckoned up and found it $1200.00. They were surprised and disgusted. One man, a lumberman, said "I have been paying on old debts until I am tired,I won't pay anymore".

Brethen I said, Elect some man who can keep books. Let him make a statement to the people. The amount of our debts, then every six weeks report to the church. All our reciepts and expendatures, no secrets.

They elected O.P. SWISHER who proved to be the great bookkeeper for the standard. Oh he said, "I'm the busiest man in town. I can't do that". That's the man I want and I know it will be done.

In due time we came to the question of altering our seats. They were the most back breakers I ever found in my travels.

Finally I said to some of the young men. It's simply a question, whether the young men have courage to go forward, or whether these 2 men were to rule.

They rose to the occasion. They made the improvments and paid for them without asking a cent from the opposition.

The first year a Revival broke out. I cannot say it was due to me. The spirit of the Lord was working remarkably thro the land.

The work continued 11 weeks. I preached every night, with 3 exeptions.

How I managed to be ready every time with a messege for the hour, is even now a surprise to me. I lost some flesh, but was in good spirits and clear in mind.

There were nothing but benches about which we gathered. There were some of the most beautiful sights I ever witnessed about those benches. One night a young married woman rose and for a few minutes moved about as gracefully as I ever have seen in mortal. Never a word. By her side knelt a young woman. When she was converted she remained on her knees, her elbows resting on the bench, her face uplifted and a countenance beaming with delight and her hands moving gracefully to the emotions of her soul.

One night my friend, CHAPIN was at the alter. He had been a study. Night after night he came. Then he stopped. I fear I have lost him. In a few night he appeared , I said nothing to him. I tho't it best to let him fight it out for himself. That scene I'll never forget. He stood at the end of the seat, his hands clenched to the seat in front, he took a step into the aisle, then withdrew. His face was pale. A tremendous battle was being fought. The victory came and he marched to the alter. Prayer and singing were spirits impelled while my eyes were.
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