GENEALOGY C0L.LECT10r>4
KK\. ui:unE:N gayloro
First Coii^rfjjationHl |)astor in Nobrask;i
Congregational
Nebraska
BY
MOTIER A. BULLOCK
CONGREGATIONAL MINISTER
LINCOLN:
THE WESTERN PUBLISHING AND ENGRAVING COMPANY
1905
COPYRIGHT. 1905
BY
HE WESTERN PUBLISHING AND ENGRAVING COMPANY
PRESS or
JACOB NORTH « CO.
LINCOLN, NEB.
X
'.^
^
DEDICATION
To my beloved wife, zvJw, for more than twenty-five years, has
shared with vie the joys and trials of a minister's life,
this book is affectionately inscribed by the aidhor.
PREFACE
In preparing- this little book to celebrate the jubilee of
Nebraska Congregationalism, the work continued to grow
from a brief sketch to the present treatise. The range of
study was larger than anticipated ; the sources yielded larger
results ; the plan of work was radically changed ; and so a
jubilee volume was undertaken.
The success of my work I must leave the indulgent reader
to determine. No one is more conscious of its imperfections
than am I, but at the same time I am confident that there are
some things in this volume that will be of interest to the
churches, for many friends have kindly responded to the
appeal for information and help, and what they have written
has added much to the value of the book. The interest they
have taken in my effort and the help they have rendered are
highly appreciated ; and to them individually due credit is
given in connection with their contribution.
It has been my aim not to give a history of individual
churches, but rather the historic development of a great
denomination ; and so I have used the Minutes of the Gen-
eral Association as the basis of that development. I have
received much valuable help from Prof. A. B. Show's thor-
ough work on Congregational Schools published in Cald-
well's History of Education in Nebraska; the "Life and
Labors of Reuben Gaylord" ; and other sources of infor-
mation which have been placed within my reach. In refer-
ence to the pictures of workers in the state, I have been
fortunate in securing the photographs of some of the early
pioneer fathers whose faces all will be glad to see on the
printed page. I have failed to secure some that I especially
desired to have. Some I was unable to find; others were
too feeble to sit for a photograph and had none which they
could send.
The Western Publishing and Engraving Co., which is
publishing the Morton Illustrated History of Nebraska,
printed by Jacob North & Co., has added several illustrations
of Nebraska and Nebraska pioneers which have increased
the attractiveness and value of the book. These illustrations
could not otherwise have been obtained. I count myself
happy and the public fortunate in the choice of publishers.
With the exception of the Moderators of the General
Association, and members of the Advisory Board, which is
entering so largel}" in the development of modern Congre-
gationalism in the state, I have asked no one resident in
Nebraska for his picture, unless he had been twenty-five
years in service in the state. If any other pictures have been
introduced it is through the courtesy of the publishers. I
may have overlooked some of the pioneers who should have
had a place in the book ; if so. it was not intentional on my
part but due rather to my lack of familiarity with the per-
sonnel of the pioneer fathers, especially the laymen.
I wish here, for valuable services rendered, to extend my
thanks to Rev. G. G. Rice of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Rev.
A. L. Riggs, D.D., of Santee. Nebraska; Mrs. A. N. God-
dard of Connecticut ; Mrs. E. G. Piatt of Ohio ; Rev. A. E.
Sherrill, D.D., of Massachusetts; Rev. C. W. Merrill and
Rev. John L. Maile of California ; Rev. A. A. Cressman of
Iowa ; Rev. G. W. Mitchell of Clarks ; Supt. Harmon Bross,
D.D., Mrs. H. Bross, Rev. Lewis Gregory, and Editor H.
A. Erencli of Lincoln ; Mr. C. S. Paine of the Morton Illus-
trated History of Nebraska ; Pres. D. B. Perry, D.D., and
Rev. Laura H. Wild of Doane College; Dr. George L.
Miller of Omaha; Col. S. S. Cotton of Norfolk; Supt. J. D.
Stewart of the Congregational Sunday School and Publish-
ing Societv ; Rev. Charles G. Bisbee of Arlington ; Rev. C.
PREFACE Vll
S. Harrison of York; Rev. John Gray of Basin; Rev. W.
S. Hampton of Dodge; Rev. George E. Taylor of Pierce;
Rev. A. E. Ricker of Aurora; Rev. George Scott, D.D., of
Wisner; the scribes of the local associations who furnished
valuable data not found in the state minutes, and, last but
not least, to Rev. and Mrs. J. E. Storm of Lincoln, v^ho
prepared the major part of the tables in Part HI, which are
of especial value for reference.
These friends have contributed in no small degree to the
value of this book, and if it is acceptable to the Congrega-
tionalists in the state much of the credit is due them.
Hoping that Congregational Nebraska may have a mission
for good in the state, it is now given the general public.
MOTIER A. BULLOCK.
Lincoln, October i, 1905.
CONTENTS
PAGE
Preface . . . . v
Introdnction ....... 3
Part I — Development of Church Life
CHAPTER I
The field 9
CHAPTER II
Congregational pioneers ...... 13
Gov. Richardson . . . . . . 13
Dr. Geo. L. Miller 13
Rev. G. G. Rice 15
Reuben Gay lord 16-18
The Congregational Association of Iowa . . 19
CHAPTER III
Development of Church life . . . . .20
Historic date ...... 21
Temperance work . . . . . -23
The Fremont Church ..... 23
CHAPTER IV
Nebraska * . 25
CHAPTER V
Some discouragements ...... 28
CHAPTER VI
Early declarations ....... 30
CONTENTS
CHAPTER VII
A new era in Church development .
Railroad extension .....
New towns and churches . . . ■ .
CHAPTER VIII
Gaylord as Home Missionary Superintendent
First visit of National Secretary A. H. M. S. .
The American S. S. Union
Memorial to Pres. U. S. Grant, in behalf of Ne
braska Indians .....
The Pawnee Indians ....
CHAPTER IX
Removal of the capital .....
Mr. Gaylord's report .....
The Fremont Church ....
CHAPTER X
Rev. O. W. Merrill, Superintendent .
Father Gaylord ......
The prayer-meeting- .....
The Pilgrim's idea and practice
Amos Dresser ......
Supt. Merrill's report .....
Rev. J. B. Chase as acting superintendent .
48
48
50
50
51
52
53
Organization of woman's work • • • 53
CHAPTER XI
Rev. H. N. Gates, Superintendent . . . -54
The ravages of locusts ..... 56
Rev. Lewis Gregory . . . . -57
34
34
35
36
37
37
38
43
46
46
47
CONTENTS XI
CHAPTER XII
Sunday school development . . . . -58
Letter from Superintendent Stewart . . . 58
Translation of Reuben Gaylord . . • .60
Letter from Mrs. A. N. Goddard .... 62
CHAPTER XIII
Rev. C. W. Merrill, Superintendent . . . . 63
Modern development of Congregationalism . 63
Nebraska Congregational News . . . -65
Organization Nebraska Home Missionary Society 65
Superintendent Merrill's report ... 67
The Nebraska Sunday School Assembly . . 68
The German work ..... 68
Letter from Rev. C. W. Merrill . . . .68
CHAPTER XIV
Rev. J. L. Maile, Superintendent . . . -7^
Rev. LL Bross, General Missionary . . 71
Church activity . . . . . -73
Church polity 72)
Letter from Dr. A. F. Sherrill . . . -74
Letter from Rev. ]. L. Maile .... 75
A. F.
Sherrill .
J. L.
Maile .
CHAPTER XV
D.D.,
Superintendent
Rev. Harmon Bross, D.L)., Superintendent . . 81
Letter from Dr. Bross ..... 81
Reports from Superintendents Eross and Stewart, 85, 86
The frontier ....... 86
Revs. G. J. Powell and George E. Taylor appointed
General Missionaries .... 87
The drouth 87
The translation of Isaac E. Hcaton . . 88
A typical meeting . . . . . .90
The second drouth . . . . . . 91
Dr. Crofts on the watch tower . . . .92
XU CON.TENTS
CHAPTER XVI
Recent declarations . . . . . -94
Arniy chaplains ...... 94
The Crete assembly ... . . . -95
Divorce and desertion ..... 96
Polygamy ' . 97
The New Jersey Plan of Union ... 98
Dr. A. H. Bradford's letter . . . .98
The National Council (1904J on church union 99
Obstacles in the Avay ..... 99
The Geneva meeting and church union . .100
Other declarations .... 100-102
CHArXER XVII
Centralization ........ 103
The State Advisory Board ..... 104
The Nebraska Idea ....... 107
The ecclesiastical standmg of churches and ministers 107
Evangelism . . . . . . . . .109
CHAPTER XVlll
The outlook . . . . . . . .110
The Lincoln convocation . . . . . 112
The incorporation of the Nebraska Home Alissionar}'
Society 115
The responsibility of the churches . . . 116
CHAPTER XIX
Phases of Church growth . . . . . 117
Congregationalism in Lincoln, Rev. Lewis Gregory 118
The growth of churches . . . . . .121
The German work in Lincoln and in the state . 122
The German Pro-Seminary ..... 123
Congregationalism in the Elkhorn valley —
Col. S. S. Cotton 124
CONTENTS XUl
Congregationalism in the Republican valley —
Rev. W. S. Hampton 134
Rev. Geo. E. Taylor . . . . . 134
Congregationalism in western Nebraska —
Rev. A. E. Ricker • I43-
Ogalalla, Nebraska 144
Julesburg. Colorado ...... 145
CHAPTER XX
Pioneer experiences ...... 147
Mrs. E. G. Piatt, missionary teacher among the Paw-
nee Indians 147
Rev. C. S. Harrison . . . . ... 154
The liquor war . . . . . . . .156
Rev. A. A. Cressman . . . . . . 158
Dr. George Scott ....... 161
Rev. John Gray 164
Rev. A. E. Ricker 169
"Father Barrow's Story" — Rev. J. E. Storm . 188
CHAPTER XXI
\\'c:)man"s work in Nebraska,
Rev. Laura H. Wild 191
List of presidents and secretaries, Mrs. PL Bross . 196
Part H — Congregational Schools in Nebraska
chapter i
The Fontanelle school . . . . . .201
Letter from C. G. Bisbee 206
Causes operating against Fontanelle . . . 207
Discussion of new location for a Congregational school 209
College located at Crete . . . . . 211
.The end of the Fontanelle school . . . .212
CONTENTS
CHAPTER II
Doane College ....
Dr. Willard Scott's address at the fifteenth anniversary
Founding of Crete Academy
The founding of Doane College .
Financial struggle ....
Thomas Doane .....
The Head of the college .
The deliberation of the trustees
Foreign population ....
President Perry's reports
CHAPTER III
Education in the state
The attitude of tlie General Association
The minute of Chancellor Manatt
The Pro-Seminary at Crete .
A Committee on Education
CHAPTER IV
The college question ....
Gates College ....
Vote to recognize defeated
Dr. Duryea's resolution
Proposed consolidation of Doane and Gates
An educational commission
The attitude of Doane College
Trouble at Gates College .
A third school— "Norfolk College"
Gates becomes an academy
Results of the controversy
The standing of Doane College
Attitude of the churches
CONTENTS XV
CHAPTER V
Congregational academies in Nebraska,
Rev. G. W. Mitchell 254
CHAPTER VI
A comparative study ...... 259
CHAPTER VII
Santee Normal Training School .... 265
Character of the training .... 265
Pupils in the school 270
The Riggs family 271
Artemas Ehnamani . . . . . . 272
The oversight of the Santee school . . 275
Missionaries at Santee ..... 275
Part III
TABLES
I
Sessions of the General Association . . . 280
II
Superintendents of home missions .... 281
HI
Corporate members of the American Board . . 281
IV
On the foreign field 282
V
Delegates to the National Council .... 283
VI
List of churches dropped ...... 286
VII
Land grants . ....... 290
XVI CONTENTS
VIII
Pastorates in living churches ..... 298
IX
Alphabetical list of ministers .... 323
ILLUSTRATIONS
Rev. Reuben Gaylord . . . . f
Pit-a-le-shar-ii, head chief of the Fa\\nees
Samuel Alhs .......
Omaha in 1870 . . . . .
Modern Omaha ......
First territorial capitol building
Origen D. Richardson .....
Rev. George G. Rice
Omaha in 1854 ......
First Congregational Church, Omaha, 1855
First Congregational Church, (Jmaha, 1905
Rev. Isaac E. Heaton
Airs. Isaac E. Heaton .....
Rev. Silas J. Francis . . . . ,
E. H. Barnard ......
Site of '"Xebraska L^niversity," Fontanelle, 1905
Bellevue, Nebraska, 1856 ....
Rev. A. F. Sherrill, D.D
Some prominent laymen ....
Dr. Geo. L. Miller
Hon. I-I. H. Shedd
Deacon Geo. T. Lee
Deacon Geo. S. Harris
Sioux chief, Spotted Tail
l^incoln, Nebraska, in 1870 ....
A section of modern Lincoln . . . .
Rev. O. W. Merrill
Rev. Amos Dresser ......
Rev. H. N. Gates
Grasshopper scene, Plattsmouth, Nebraska, 1876
rontispiece
4
6
10
II
12
14
15
19
21
22
^3
24
25
26
28
32
36
40
42
44
45
49
51
55
=;6
.win ILLUSTRATIONS
Rev. J. D. Stewart ...... 59
Sunday school, Greeley count}-, Nebraska, photo fur-
nished by W. H. Kimberly, Lincoln, Nebraska,
State Sunday School Superintendent American
Sunday School Union ..... 61
Rev. C. W. iAIerrill 64
Rev. H. A. French and the A'rbraska Congregational
Ncz.'s 66
Rev. John L. Maile. M.A 72
Rev. Harmon Bross. D.D. 82
Group of portraits ...... 89
Rev. S. X. Grout
Rev. W. P. Bemiett
Rev. William Leavitt
Rev. D. Diffenbacher
Members of the Advisory Board .... 108
H. C. Herring, D.D.. Chairman
Rev. G. W. JMitchell
J. W. Co\van, D.D.
kev. V. F. Clark
C. B. Anderson, Crete . . . . . . 11 1
Falls of the North Loup river . . . . .114
Rev. Charles Little . . . . . . 117
First Congregational Church. Lincoln, t868 . .118
First Congregational Church, Lincoln, 1905 . 119
Rev. Lewis Gregory 120
Rev. William Suess, Crete ..... 123
Col. S. S. Cotton 125
Col. Charles Mathewson ..... 126
Group of portraits . . . . . . .127
George Scott, D.D.
Rev. J. \\\ Kidder
Rev. Al. B. Harrison
Rev. George E. Ta-vlor
ILLUSTRATIONS XIX
Group of portraits 138
Rev. W. S. Hamptou
Rev. R, S. Pierce
Principal A. C. liart
Principal F. C. Taylor
Tvev. Henry Bates 137
Rev. S. C. Dean 139
Mrs. E. G. Piatt 148
Pawnee Indian village, 185.4, from a drawing- by Geo.
Simons 150
Rev. C. S. Harrison 154
Rev. A. A. Cressman 159
Group of portraits ....... 165
Rev. John Gray
Rev. J. E. Storm
Rev. George E. Hali
Rev. G. ^^^ Wainwright
Group of portraits . . . . . . ■ 171
Rev. S. I. Hanford
Rev. W. J. Turner
Rev. John Doane
Rev. A. E. Ricker
Rev. E. Cressman
Xorth Face of Pine Ridge 174
Industrial scene on the Union Pacific railroad . 180
Toadstool Park, Sioux county Bad Lands, on Burling--
ton and Missouri river railroad . . . .184
Western Nebraska under irrigation on FTnion Pacific
railroad 187
Logan Fontenelle, Omaha Lidian chief . . . 202
Rev. C. G. Bisbee, Arlington .... 206
L'^niversity of Nebraska 208
Doane College, Crete . . . . . . 214
-VX ILLUSTRATIONS
Group of portraits . 217
Prof. A. B. Fairchild
Prof. J. S. Brown
Prof. G. D. Swezey
John L. Tidball
Colonel Thomas, Doane 221
President D. B. Perr\-, D.D. ... . . 228
Chancellor E. B. Fairfield. D.D 235
Chancellor I. J. Manatt, D.D., LL.D. ... 237
Franklin Academy . . . . . . -255
Gates Academy ....... 257
Weeping Water Academy 260
Chadron Academy ....... 262
Santee Normal Indian Training- School . . . 266
Rev. A. L. Riggs, D.D 267
High school pupils, Santee Indian Training School . 268
Group of Omaha Indians ..... 269
Rev. Artemas Ehnamani ...... 272
PART
DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH LIFE
INTRODUCTION
In writing a jubilee volume commemorating the work of
Congregationalists in Nebraska the question arises, Where
shall we drive the first historic peg? Shall it be at the or-
ganization of the General Association of Congregational
Churches of Nebraska, the coming of Reuben Gaylord, the
beginning of organized work in Omaha, or the advent of
Congregationalists in the territory who were here ready to
welcome the missionary when he came?
Gov. O. D. Richardson came to Omaha from Michigan
in September, 1854. It was he who persuaded Rev. Reuben
Gaylord to come to the territory, or at least "gave him his
call." Congregationalists were in the territory at that time.
If we drive a peg here our jubilee year is passed. It was
also as early as September, 1854, that Rev. G. G. Rice se-
cured lots for the expected Congregational Church in
Omaha.
In January, 1855, Mr. Rice preached the first Congrega-
tional sermon in Omaha, and in December, 1855, Rev.
Reuben Gaylord began his work; 1905 may well, then, be
taken as the jubilee year of Congregational Nebraska.
May 4, 1856, the First Church, Omaha, was organized;
1906 will then be a jubilee year for Omaha. August 8,
1857, the General Association of Congregational Churches
in Nebraska was organized; 1907 will be another jubilee
year. And so it would seem our jubilee time of rejoicing
and planning for larger things extends over a period of
several years.
We, however, make a mistake if we think that the first
missionary work in Nebraska was as late as 1854-55. As
early as 1843 Mrs. E. G. Piatt, whose interesting letter will
3
PIT-A-LE-SHAR-U
Head Chief of the Pawnees
INTROmJCTION 5
be found in the chapter on Pioneer Experiences, began work
as a teacher among the Pawnee Indians in Nebraska. But
she says she was invited to come by missionaries of the
American Board. Who were they, and when did they come
to Nebraska? Inquiry at the rooms of the A. B. C. F. M.
in Boston brought the following interesting information :
The American Board sent as missionaries to the Pawnee
Indians in the Nebraska country in 18^4:
"Rev. John Dunbar, who was born in Palmer, Massa-
chusetts, March 4, 1804; a graduate of Williams College in
1832, and Auburn Seminary in 1854; ordained Ithaca, New
York, May i, 1834, and set out from Ithaca, May 5, 1834,
for Nebraska. He arrived at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas,
June 26, and at Bellevue, near Council Piluff, the following
October.
"The Chief of the Grand Pawnees (one of their four
bands) wished Mr. Dunbar to go with him on his trips. He
went with this band on several of their long hunting expe-
ditions. Mr. Dunbar returned to New England, September,
1836, married Miss Esther Smith, January 12, 1837, and
returned with her in May (jf the same year. They resided
in Bellevue, near the agency, until April, 1841, when he re-
moved 130 miles to a Pawnee village.
"In June, 1843, this village was raided by the Sioux,
and many Pawnees were killed, wounded, or carried away
captive. Other similar attacks were afterward made, and
the mission was given up in 1847.
"Rev. P. E. Ranney and wife joined this mission in 1844,
but were transferred to the Cherokee mission in 1847.
"Benedict Satterlee, a physician, and wife set out for the
mission March 2, 1836. She died on the way in Liberty,
INIissouri, April 30, 1836. He reached Bellevue, May 27,
1836, and was murdered while on a missionary tour by a
renegade white man. May 10, 1837.
INTRODUCTION
"Samuel Allis, farmer and teacher, left Ithaca with Mr.
Dunbar for the Pawnee village, May 5, 1834; married
Emiline Palmer at Liberty, Missouri, she having come from
SAMUEL ALLIS
Ithaca, New York, with Dr. and Mrs. Satterlee. They
were released from the service of the board in 1846.
"George B. Gaston and wife arrived at the mission May,
1840, and were released from service in 1842."
There were then engaged in Congregational work in
Nebraska, years before Father Gaylord came to the terri-
tory, these missionaries besides Mrs. Piatt, who was not
INTRODUCTION 7
commissioned by the board, but who did splendid service
as a Congregational worker.
Eighteen hundred and eighty-four was, then, a jubilee
year, but it was passed by unnoticed.
Historical accuracy, as well as denominational loyalty
calls upon us to make honorable mention of these brave
men and women who counted not their lives dear unto
themselves, that they might take the Gospel of the dear
Lord to the Indian tribes living in Nebraska. One will need
to read between the lines to enter into the real spirit of our
pioneer fathers. The allusions to the periods of drouth and
grasshopper plague are simply a hint at the terrible suffer-
ings and deprivations many endured. It is a pathetic chap-
ter in the history of our state. It revealed many unnamed
heroes and heroines ; men and women who believed in Ne-
braska and stayed by the work in the dark hour of need.
They have lived to see the state rich and prosperous, and
have learned that drouths and plagues are not confined to
the region once called "The American Desert," and that
this "arid" region has sufficient moisture to insure large
returns from the cultivation of its rich, strong soil.
Nebraska faces the future with courage and hope.
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
TlIJi: FIF.IJ)
Fifty-one years ago, May 30, 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska
bill was enacted.
That meant the rapid settlement of the new West; that
the "American desert" should blossom as the rose; and that
the great moral question of slavery or no slavery should be
settled by these new territories for themselves. We are all
familiar with the story of ''bleeding Kansas," and how she
won the victory for freedom.
It was through the immigration of the liberty-loving sons
and daughters of the East — the transplanting of a virile
New England stock in this western land. That victory de-
termined in large measure the moral status of Nebraska on
the slavery c[uestion.
The territory at that time extended from latitude 40°. to
British America, and from the Missouri river to the ridge
of the Rocky mountains, a vast empire of some 350,000
square miles. A portion of this territory has been given to
Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, leaving a
stretch of territory some 200 miles from north to south and
450 miles from the INIissouri river west. Its altitude ranges
from 1,000 feet on the east to 5,000 feet on the west. Its
soil is unsurpassed. The eastern portion is a splendid farm-
ing country ; the western is especially valuable for stock
raising. Such a territory was bound to attract settlers from
the East, even as Iowa had attracted them a few years be-
fore. They came in ever-increasing numbers. They and
9
12 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
their descendants are among us to-day. Who were they?
And what is their influence?
FIRST TERRITORIAL CAPITOL BUILDING OF NEBRASKA
AT OMAHA
It is the purpose of this sketch to answer in part the
questions, to tell the story, though imperfectly it must needs
be, of the Congregationalists who came hither, and what
they have accomplished. Our treatise, then, is Congrega-
tional Nebraska.
CONGREGATIONAL PIONEERS I3
II
CONGREGATIONAL PIONEERS
Lying just west of Iowa it was natural that Nebraska
should attract some of the pioneer preachers from the "Mas-
sachusetts of the West" to her own land of promise. One
of these pioneers, the Reverend Reuben Gaylord, was the
first settled Congregational minister in Nebraska.
The way had in part been prepared for him by Gov. O. D.
Richardson, for four years Lieutenant Governor of Michi-
gan, Dr. George L. Miller, a physician of Omaha, and the
Rev. George G. Rice, pastor of the Congregational church
in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Governor Richardson was a native
of Vermont, came to Michigan when thirty-two years of age,
settling in Pontiac. He came to Omaha in September,
1854, was an earnest Congregationalist, a man of wisdom
and strength of character.
Mr. Gaylord said of Governor Richardson: "He was
an intelligent Congregationalist, and desired to see the Gos-
pel standard raised in this, the frontier town. . . He
was a wise counselor in church organization and church
building. . . He took great interest in all that concerned
the welfare of the church, and ever proved one of its pillars
— was constant in attendance upon Sabbath worship and
the prayer meeting, and was a man around whom others
loved to gather."^
This Christian lawyer had much to do with laying the
foundations of Congregationalism in Nebraska.
Dr. George L. Miller was one of the first trustees of the
old Plrst Church in Omaha,- a warm friend and valuable
^Gaylord's Life, p. 334.
"Personal letter to the writer dated June 23, 1904.
14
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
helper in pioneer Congregational work. It is he who tells
this interesting incident in connection with the early work
of Reuben Gaylord : In going by the improvised chapel he
heard the voice of a man in prayer, and looking in he saw
ORIGEN D. RICHARDSON
Trustee First Congregational Church, Omaha
Mr. Gaylord on his knees praying that the Lord would send
him an audience. Dr. Miller also said in a letter to Dr.
Joseph B. Clark, Secretary of the National Home Mission-
ary society : "It was Reuben Gaylord, the brave Christian
CONGREGATIONAL PIONEERS
15
soldier, who brought Sunday into Omaha and the trans-
Missouri country."^
REV. GEO. G. RICE
Who preached the first Congregational sermon in Nebraska territory
The writer has been at considerable pains to ascertain
who preached the first Congregational sermon in Nebraska.
There seemed to be different opinions in reference to the
^Leavening the Nation, by Dr. Joseph B. Clark, p. 119.
I 6 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
matter. Fortunately a letter from the Rev. G. G. Rice*
settles the question. Mr. Rice writes :
"Dr. D. B. Coe, Secretary A. H. M. Society, wrote me
in July, 1854, requesting that I keep the society informed
in regard to the settlements and needs of Nebraska-. Au-
gust 4, I replied : 'The Indians have not yet been removed
to their reservations, and until that time the territory will
not be open to settlement. The agent is hastening the re-
moval of the Indians, and the territory will likely be open
for settlers in a few days.' September 19 I wrote again:
'The Indians have been removed and there is a brisk move-
ment into the territory. Omaha, just across the river from
Council Bluffs, is to be the capital of the territory. A steam
ferry boat is conveying material across the river for the
capitol building, which is already under way. Omaha
should have a minister as soon as a suitable man can be
found, for, being the capital, it will build up rapidly. An-
other man should be sent to the territory as general
missionary.'
"About this time I secured two lots — a gift from the
'Omaha Land Co.' — for a Congregational church. When
the church was built one of the lots was sold for $700, and
the money was used in building.
"The latter part of January, 1855, I spent a Sabbath in
Omaha and preached morning and evening in the legisla-
tive hall, and Monday morning I officiated as chaplain in
the same hall. This was the first Congregational sermon
in Nebraska after the territory was organized. There were
a few Congregationalists in Omaha at this time with whom
I was frequently in conference, trying to aid them in se-
curing a minister.
"In September, 1855, Rev. Reuben Gaylord came across
the state on a vacation tour. I went with him to Omaha
* Dated July 5, 1904.
CONGREGATIONAL PIONEERS 1 7
and we called upon Governor Richardson and made ar-
rangements for Brother Gaylord to preach in Omaha the
next Sabbath afternoon. Sabbath, after morning- service in
Council Bluffs, we rode down to the river, tied our horse
in the willows, and were conveyed across the river in a
canoe. At the close of the (afternoon) service several per-
sons expressed the wish that Mr. Gaylord would come and
be their minister. After considerable correspondence he
resigned his charge in the eastern part of this state, and
came to Council Bluffs with his family, December 22, 1855,
on his way to Omaha, where he at once commenced mis-
sionary labors. . . The slow movement of Congrega-
tional ministers into Nebraska was the cause of some Con-
gregational settlements being organized into Presbyterian
churches, yet Congregationalism has flourished and been a
power for good in Nebraska."
Mr. Gaylord's visit to Omaha in September, 1855, was
for the purpose of learning the particulars in reference to
the last sickness and death of a nephew who had lived in
Omaha, and while in Omaha he consulted with Dr. Miller,
who was his nephew's family physician. We may rest as-
sured that their conversation was not limited to family mat-
ters, but included the pressing needs of a new town and
growing territory. "Being invited to preach the next day
he consented, but returned to Council Bluffs and officiated
for Rev. Mr. Rice on Sabbath morning as he had promised.
In the afternoon he recrossed the river and preached in the
old state house."" In his congregation that day was Gov-
ernor Richardson whom he had met the day before, and
who, with others, gave him the call to Nebraska ; and it was
Governor Richardson's earnest appeal that led him to con-
sider the question of leaving Iowa for this land of promise,
to which he finally came, as related by Mr. Rice.
'Life of Reuben Gaylord, p. 167.
2
l8 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Mr. Rice had already written the A. H. M. Society® of
the needs of Omaha, that he held the deeds for lots there
for a church, and said of Governor Richardson, "He is now
a member of the council of Nebraska, is a member of the
Congregational church, and probably would do what he
could to aid and sustain the minister you may send them."
Others also were looking toward the setting sun, and
seeing visions of future states, of the growing kingdom of
God.
"In the latter part of June, 1855, ^^v. John M. Ellis,
D.D., came to the territory to select a site for a Congrega-
tional colony. June 24 he preached for Rev. G. G. Rice,
pastor of the Congregational church in Council Bluffs.
Crossing the Missouri at that point he spent several weeks
in explorations along the river, and finally chose a location
for his colony. The land chosen lay between Omaha and
Florence, at that time hardly more than names upon the
map, and extended some distance north of the latter place."^
The death of Dr. Ellis, August 6, 1855, was the death
also of his enterprise. What missionary work he may have
done, and where he preached while making his explorations,
are left unrecorded so far as the writer can learn. No rec-
ords of other Congregational ministers visiting Nebraska
at this early date can we find. Other men had done valu-
able preliminary work for the future state, but to one man
belongs the honor of laying deep and strong the foundation
walls of our Congregational Zion, and that man was
REUBEN GAYLORD
Reuben Gaylord was born in Norfolk, Connecticut, April
28, 1812; graduated from Yale College in 1834; taught in
Illinois College from the spring of 1835 to the autumn of
"See Gaylord's Life, p. 176.
^Education in Nebraska, p. 163.
CONGREGATIONAL TIONEERS 1 9
1837; returned to Yale Seminary for further study in 1837;
was ordained in Plymouth, Connecticut, August, 1838, as
a Cong-regational minister, and the same month left New
England for his life v/ork in the West. He first settled in
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and afterward located in Danville,
where he lived during the larger part of his residence in
Iowa.
THE CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF IOWA
In November, 1840, Rev. Harvey Adams, Rev. Reuben
Gaylord, Rev. Julius A. Reed, and Charles Burnham, a
licentiate, organized the Congregational Association of
Iowa, The association was composed of three churches,
Denmark, Danville, and Fairfield, and the three ministers
just mentioned.^
' \.t
Reuben Gaylord was one who helped organize Iowa Col-
lege and was one of its trustees until after his residence in
Nebraska in 1855. It was very natural, then, that he should
interest himself in Christian education as soon as he found
himself settled in his new home in Omaha. This part of
his work will be considered in a later chapter.
'See Gaylord's Life, p. 109.
20 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
III
DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH LIFE
Of the hardship of Mr. Gaylord's journey to Nebraska
we need not write ; but it is well to note that the winter of
1855-56 was intensely cold, the thermometer ranging- from
25° to 32° below zero. It is no wonder, then, that in the
house, or partial shelter we may better say, which our mis-
sionary found, water froze within a foot of the stove, which
was heated as hot as the best fuel could make it.^ It surely
took courage and a warm heart to withstand the cold. But
how shall a missionary live on $600 a year when he pays
$21 a month rental for a two-room house, $7 to $8.50 for
100 pounds of flour, and I2>2 cents a pound for sugar?
This was the munificent salary granted by the Home Mis-
sionary Society, and but little was added on the home field.
Our pioneer fathers and mothers knew the meaning of
sacrifice, and the minister's wife more than anyone else
entered into its sterner experience.
But severe though the winter was, it soon passed, and
our missionary was visiting his larg'e field and organizing
churches.
Mr. Gaylord was a man who could never be content with
a single parish. The ''regions beyond" were his also. When
he reached Omaha he found a Rev. Isaac F. Collins, M. E.
minister, a Methodist class of six members, and a Baptist
minister by the name of Rev. William Leach. With these
he took turn in holding services in the council chamber of
the old state house, and "Sunday was brought into Omaha."
'Gaylord's Life, p. 179.
DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH LIFE 21
HISTORIC DATE
It was May 4, the year 1856. On this date, which was
the Lord's Day, Mr. Gaylord organized the First Congre-
gational Church in Omaha with nine charter members. This
was the first church of our order in Nebraska, not large in
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
OMAHA, 1855
numbers, but strong in faith and good works. A vigorous
weekly prayer meeting was established, a flourishing Sun-
day school was maintained, woman's work in the church
inaugurated, and in due time a new church building erected,
affording seats for 225 persons, and costing $4,500, ex-
clusive of furnishings.
22 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
The week following the organization of the church in
Omaha Mr. Gay lord organized a church in Fontanelle,
where he found quite a number of Congregationalists from
the First Church in Ouincy, Illinois. This church had
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, OMAHA, 1 905
Corner of 19th and Davenport Streets. Rev. H. C. Herring, D.D.,
pastor. Erected in 18SS at a cost of about sixty thousand dollars
twenty-three charter members, and it was in Fontanelle
that the first educational work of the denomination was
undertaken. The settlement began in 1854 and was named
for Logan Fontenelle, a chief of the Omaha tribe of Indians.
DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH LIFE
23
TEMPERANCE WORK
In the very beginning we find temperance work taken up,
and every effort made to stem the tide of intemperance
REV. ISAAC E. HEATON
which was coming Hke mighty billows upon the land. From
that day on our churches have ever taken a strong and de-
cided stand against intemperance and kindred vices.
THE FREMONT CHURCH
"In 1856 the Rev. Isaac E. Heaton came with his family
from Wisconsin to Nebraska and located in Fremont, then
21
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
a mere hamlet. He came to teach, but seeing the great need
of ministers he began preaching, and with the few others
shared the trials and experiences of pioneer life on the fron-
MRS. ISAAC E. HEATON
tier. Within a few months he succeeded in gathering a
church."-
The Fremont church was organized August 2, 1857, with
seven charter members.
'Gaylord's Life, p. 197.
STATE ASSOCIATION
25
IV
THE STATE ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES
IN NEBRASKA
The organization of the General Association was an im-
portant event for Congregational Nebraska. It occurred
on the 8th of August, 1857.
REV. SILAS J. FRANCIS
Three churches, Omaha, Fontanelle, and Fremont, met
in Omaha through their representatives and perfected the
organization. The roll call as found in the manuscript
minutes is of historic value.
Omaha: Rev. Reuben Gaylord, minister; O. B. Rich-
ardson (evidently O. D.) and A. R. Orchard, delegates.
26
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Fontanelle: Rev. Thomas Waller, Rev. Silas J. Francis,
ministers.
Fremont : Rev. Isaac E. Heaton, minister ; E. H. Bar-
nard, H. A. Pierce, delegates.
E. H. BARNARD, FREMONT
A constitution was adopted, and Rev. Reuben Gaylord
was elected moderator and Rev. Isaac E. Heaton, stated
clerk.
After appointing committees to notify the Congregational
Herald, Independent, and the city papers of the new state
association, the meeting adjourned for the day, and, the
next day being Sunday, "met and spent an hour in devo-
tional exercises. Adjourned to perform the service of ded-
ication (evidently of the Omaha Church), and the com-
STATE ASSOCIATION 2^
munion service in the afternoon. At the close of the service
the association adjourned."^
October 30 of the same year the association met in Fre-
mont in its "first annual meeting."
Mr. Gaylord was again elected moderator and I. Gibson
stated clerk, pro tern. A strongly evangelical confession
of faith vv'as adopted, rules of business were formulated,
and a committee of three was appointed to "take into con-
sideration the location of the literary institution" provided
for in a preceding resolution.
Mr. Gaylord and P. .Vllen of Ft. Calhoun were two of
the committee, and Mr. Gaylord was authorized to select
the third member in Omaha. -
A special meeting of the association was held in Fonta-
nelle, January 5, 1858, to consider the report of this com-
mittee, v;hich will be considered in another place.
At this time special meetings of the association were not
unusual, and semi-annual meetings were held for a number
of years. The next annual meeting was at Ft. Calhoun,
October i, 1858. Rev. I. E. Heaton was chosen moderator,
Rev. E. B. Hurlbut is subscribed as stated clerk, and the
roll of churches is increased so as to include Omaha, Fre-
mont, Fontanelle, Platford, Decatur, and Ft. Calhoun. •"'
Congregational Nebraska is becoming already an important
factor in the development of a state. The State Association
of Congregational Churches is already considering ques-
tions of grave importance in the development of church life
and educational work.
^Manuscript Minutes, August 8, 1857.
"See Manuscript Minutes, October 30, 1857.
'Manuscript Minutes, October 1, 1858.
28 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
V
SOME DISCOURAGEMENTS
It was not all fair sailing for the pioneer churches of Ne-
braska. The discovery of gold in the Rocky mountains
almost led to the depopulation of hamlets and seriously
SITE OF NEBRASKA UNIVERSITY, FONTANELLE, I905
Photo, by M. R. Giliiiore
affected the growth of churches. Bank failures crippled
the work; the breaking out of the Civil war distracted the
people, the grasshoppers destroyed crops; the Indians at
times were troublesome ; and when in later days railroads
were projected, the routes passed by some towns to their
great disappointment and eventual death, while other towns
and churches sprang up in unexpected places.
Tliis in part explains the loss of some churches like Fon-
tanelle, whose early history was bright ; whose subsequent
SOME DISCOURAGEMENTS 29
(lisappointments were many; Fremont secured the county
seat, and its name appears in another county ; Lincohi was
awarded its hoped-for capitol ; Crete its college; and the
open tields its once ambitious town. The loss of other
churches was due to a lack of men and means at the criti-
cal times in their development. The Home Missionary
Society either lacked the foresight or the money to come
to their rescue. Strategic points of strength and oppor-
tunity were lost beyond recall.
Some of these churches were turned over to the Presby-
terians, because we had not the men and money to man
them. This loss was keenly felt and called forth bitter
lament on the part of Mr. Gaylord.^
His work was constantly growing. He was acting as
superintendent of Nebraska long before he gave up the
pastorate in Omaha for the general work of Home Mission-
ary Superintendent in the state.
Churches were growing, new ones were being organized,
and the pioneers of Nebraska met discouragement with
brave hearts and faced the future with hope.
'Gaylord's Life, pp. 211 ff.
30 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
VI
EARLY DECLARATIONS
Congregationalists in Nebraska were keenly alive to the
stirring events of the times. At the May meeting, i860, we
find a resolution urging the A. H. M. S. to send "ministers
and the Gospel" to the people in the gold fields of the
West.
Home evangelization received considerable attention in
1862. At the annual meeting of the association held in
Nebraska City, October. 1864, we find this report from the
Comnu'ttee on "The State of the Country" :
"Resolved, ist. That the only way to secure for this gov-
ernment true and permanent peace and prosperity is to
prosecute this war to the complete suppression of the
Rebellion.
"2d, That the earnest efforts of the government to this
end meet our decided approbation.
' "3d, That we thankfully recognize the gracious provi-
dence of God in the recent victories that have so thrilled
every loyal heart."
A year later, September, 1865, the committee, consisting
of Rev. Reuben Gaylord, Rev. Isaac E. Heaton, and Deacon
J. J. Hawthorn, reported as follows :
"Resolved, ist. That we gratefully acknowledge the
kind providence of God in the final victory obtained over
the armed forces of the Rebellion.
"2d, That we shall fully secure the legitimate results of
this great struggle only by administering equal justice and
giving the rights of citizenship to those who have been
EARLY DECLARATIONS 31
lifted out of boiulai^c, and intiicting suitable punishment
upon the leaders of the late Confederacy."
Again in 1866, at the annual meeting held in Fontanelle,
the Committee on the State of the Country, consisting of
Rev. F. Alley, Rev. E. B. Hurlbut, and Bro. G. Gaylord,
made the following stirring report:
"Whereas, Our country is now in a very disturbed state,
lawlessness and bloodshed deplorably increasing, and
"Whereas, The unreasonable prejudice against and op-
pression of the colored race are hindrances to our peace
and the progress of civilization among us, therefore
"Resolved, That we deeply regret the present unhappy
disagreement between the legislative and executive depart-
ments of our government.
"Resolved, That in impartial suffrage and impartial
justice to all classes we recognize the only permanent basis
of the peace and prosperity of this nation.
"Resolved, That we regard the course of the President
of these United States in his general policy, and especially
in his late speeches, as opposed to the peace and prosperity
of this nation, and derogatory to the dignity of the high
position in which he has been placed."^
In expressing itself on local conditions in 1865 the asso-
ciation put itself on record as follows :
"New fields are opening and demanding culture, and
laborers are needed to go in and possess the land. A large
increase of material prosperity has characterized this year,
and we enter upon the year before us with new encourage-
ments and hope. While we rejoice that so much has been
done, we feel humbled that no more has been accomplished,
and desire humbly to beseech a larger measure of divine
influence and a higher spirituality."
* Manuscript Minutes for years noted.
32 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
A declaration on temperance in the same year is of
interest :
"In view of the alarming prevalence of intemperance in
our land, and especially among the newly settled portions
of our country,
CELLEVUE, NEBRASKA, 1 856
No. 1 (near center), old home of Peter A. Sarpy; No. 2 (in fore-
ground), Sarpy's new home; No. 3, Indian mission; hill
on extreme right, present site of Bellevue College.
".Resolved, That the Association of Nebraska hereby
declare,
"I. That, the chief instrumentality upon which temper-
ance men must rely in their struggle to put down the great
evil is the education of the people to the appreciation of the
evils and dangers of intemperance.
"IT. That solemn obligation is laid upon the church to
take a foremost part in the work, and that all Christian
men and ministers must let their influence be felt decidedly
against this evil.
EARLY DKCLARATIONS 33
"III. Tliat the onl;/ plalfonii on wliich this struggle can
he carried to a decided issue in our ccnuitry is total ab-
stinence from all intoxicating drinks.
"W. That we decidedl}- (lisapi)rove of the use of beer,
ale, and all malt liquors or domestic wines, whether manu-
factured from grapes, currants, or any other fruit, except
for medicinal purposes. "-
In 1868 the association says that:
"The use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and the
present popular uses of tobacco, are spots upon the Chris-
tian character, examples pernicious to society and the
Church of Christ ; that they greatly impair personal use-
fulness, and are to be discountenanced and avoided by
every professed follower of Jesus. That extravagance and
intemperate habits in any sphere whatever are opposed to
the spirit of the Cospel, consequentl}- wrong, and the money
thus expended ought to be consecrated to the service of
Christ's cause."-*
It will thus be seen that our Church fathers were prompt
in taking advanced ]:ositions on all great moral questions
in Church and state, not forgetting that they were citizens
as well as Christians.
Mamiscript Minutes, ISO"..
'Printed Minutes, ISOS, pp.
3
34 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
VII
A NEW ERA IN CHURCH DEVELOPMENT
The advent of railroads, in a new country especially,
means a revival of industry, the building of towns, the
settlement of the country, and a larger opportunity for
church extension.
The Union Pacific, Burlington & Missouri river, Mis-
souri Pacific, Chicago, Rock Island &" Pacific, and Chicago &
North-Western railroads have covered the state with a net-
work of iron rails. Their lines extend not only across the
state as part of great trunk systems, but the Burlington
especially has established lines all over the state with the
capital city as a center, and has brought remote regions
into easy communication with the great centers of trade,
Omaha and Lincoln. The Missouri Pacific has developed
a part of the richest portion of the state. The Rock Island
railroad crosses a rich portion of the state. The North-
Western extends up the Elkhorn valley and on into the
northwest. These roads, built for the commercial develop-
ment of the country and as money getters for the com-
panies controlling them, stand also in close relation to the
growth of the kingdom of God in the state.
\Yhat would become of the cattle industry in the sand-
hills and the mission churches established therein without
the Burlington railroad? The beautiful Elkhorn valley
and the regions beyond would not be near!}- so attractive
without the North-Western railroad, and two at least of
our Christian schools would cease to be. The Union Pacific
has made the Platte valley a rich part of the state. What-
ever else they may be, these roads are the agents of the
A NEW ERA IN CITURCH DEVEEOI'MENT 35
churches in the development of new life. It meant much
then to Congregational Nebraska, and especially to Omaha,
when in November, 1863, President Lincoln designated
Omaha as the location for the entrance of the Union Pa-
cific railroad into the state.
The announcement of this was received in Omaha by
telegraph the second day of December, and the grading
of the road in eastern Nebraska began in the spring of
1864.^ Towns sprang up; churches were multiplied; new
fields called loudly for more attention than could possibly
be given by one or several men who had pastoral charges.
It was a situation very similar to the more recent one in
Oklahoma. The King's business required haste ; we needed
missionaries to '"ride on the cow-catchers," and get in a
town ahead of the saloon, and there must be some man to
look after the work. Who should do it? There was one
man so well qualified with native endowment and by ex-
perience for this general work that no one else was thought
of. This man was Reuben Gaylord.
1272748
'Gaylord's Life, pp.258 ff.
COiXGREGATlONAL NEBRASKA
VIII
(;ayi.(;ro as iio:\iE missionary superintendent
The state superintendent was then called "the agent,"
and Mr. Gavlord's field was Nebraska and western Iowa.
REV. a. F. SHERRILL, D.D.
He, however, ministered to the First Church in Omaha till
the middle of November, when Rev. A. D. Stowell as-
sumed the pastorate, which he held onlv a few months
GAvr.oRn AS I10M1-: missionary supkrtntendrnt 37
when he was succeeded by Rev. \\\ \V. Rose, who remained
two years. Rev. E. S. Pahner then served the church two
years, and after a few months' interval Rev, A. F. Sherrill
bei:;an his lon^^ and successful pastorate, which left its im-
press fur !;"ood on the city and state. He was ordained in
( )nia]ia in 1870 and remained with the church eighteen
years.
It was in \8()/ at the \\'eeping Water meetinsT; that the
Secretary of the A. 11. M. Society. Rev. Dr. A. H. Clapp,
visited the association and greatly encouraged the brethren.
The association said: 'A\'e have been greatly interested,
cheered, and encouraged by the attendance with us at our
associational meeting of one of the secretaries of the A.
1:1. Yi. Society, Rev. A. IL C.'lapp. "This, the first visit of
tlie kind we have ever received, a visit that we expect to
be productive of great good to the general cause of home
missions in the new state of Nebraska."^
Tn this period of our work the churches were feeling
the need of larger evangelizing forces within the state. The
work of the A.merican S. S. Union in part ])ro(luce(l this
need, for the statement is made that "in Nebraska and
southwestern Iowa more than two hundred and fifty Sab-
batli scliouls were organised, comprising over thirteen
Inmdred teachers and more than nine thousand scholars. "-
( )ther denominations were active, but in the rapidly grow-
ing state there was work for all. The demand for workers
exceeded the su])ply. We could not ignore our responsi-
bilit}-. \\^e bravely tried to meet it, a responsibility not
only for the incoming settlers and their families btit for
the Indians of the ])lains as well. \Ve inherited the mis-
sionary spirit wliich mcrved our fathers to noble deeds in
behalf of others.
'Printer! r^Iimitcs. tSGT. pp. 9. in.
'Minutes, isns. p. G.
38 CON'GREGATIOXAL NEBRASKA
In 1869 the State Association met in Fremont, and Rev.
Charles Little, first pastor of the First Congregational
Church of Lincoln, was the moderator. This meeting is
noteworthy because of two strong appeals in behalf of the
Indians within the state. One is to President U. S. Grant;
the otlier to the American Board.
The memorial to the President, though long, is of such
historic interest that we reproduce it. It is another illustra-
tion of the fact that Nebraska Congregationalists were men
of patriotism, strong convictions, and courage.
"To His Excellency, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the
United States:
''The General ^Association of the Congregational Churches
of Nebraska, now in session at Fremont, Dodge county,
Nebraska, send greeting.
"rlonored Sir — Believing that you are heartily interested
in the temporal and spiritual interests of Indians; as a re-
ligious body in the immediate presence of these Indians,
^ve venture, unaslced, to make to you a few suggestions, as
to what, — from our standpoint, — seems a practicable, just,
and Christian method of dealing with them. You are
doubtless aware that a strong political pressure is now
being exerted to remove the Indians from our state, and
plant them on lands further removed from white settle-
ments ; and to this end strong arguments are found in the
following facts :
"ist, The Indian reserves in Nebraska are now nearly
surrounded by white settlers.
"2d, These reserves embrace some of the best lands in
the state, and their opening for the settlement by whites
would add somewhat to its wealth, population, and pros-
perity.
''3d, The Indians arc unpleasant neighbors even when
at peace.
GAYLORD AS HOME MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT 39
"4th, Their national feuds are continually provoking
bloody conflicts among themselves, even in the case of those
Indians who are located on reserves, and in these quarrels
the rights of adjacent white settlers are often too little
respected.
"5th, The proximity of the reserve Indians to the white
settlements gives a plausible excuse to the wild Indians
of the plains to come within a striking distance of white
settlers, thus ])roducing continually a feeling of distrust'
and danger, which is very prejudicial to the rapid increase
of population through immigration.
"While these facts above stated are indisputable, we
would request your careful consideration of the following-
statements, which v/e believe to be equally true and indis-
putable :
"I St, The reasons above given for the removal of the
Indians are all the natural results of the heathen character
and customs of these uncivilized peoples, aggravated largely
by the vices contracted and exasperations received at the
hands of unprincipled white men.
"2d, The vices contracted and exasperations received
have been so productive of fatal results, because thus far
the motives which have prompted intercourse between the
whites and Indians have been so largely of a mercenary
and vile character; and because the extreme border settle-
ments are not often a fair representation of the words or
manners of our professedly Christian nation.
"3d, If these Indians are now removed for reasons given
above, it v/ill be but a short time before advancing immigra-
tion will again bring about the same state of affairs, and
with equal force call for another removal.
"4tli, It is manifest that might does not make right in
our dealing with the Indians any more than with any other
people ; and as a powerful Christian nation, while giving
Dr. (ieu. L. .Miller
Deacon (ieo. T. Lee
Hun.H. H.Shcdd
Deacon Geo. S. Harris
SOME rKOMlNENT LAYMEN
GAVLORl) AS IlOMi: MISStDNARY SUPKR[ NTRNDKNT 4I
them every just clue, we should also manifest such a spirit
of true benevolence as to lift them up to a Christian civili-
zation.
"5th, It is a fact that the present position of these
.Indians is hecoming- every (la\- more favorable for their
evangelization and civilization ; and that this work is al-
ready being prosecuted with some success among the ( )ma-
has, the Pawnees, and some bands of the Sioux.
'Tith, It seems i)ossible to obviate almost entirely the
difficulties, certainly all the dangers, already spoken of,
which by sfriiigciif laics kccpiiii^ them on their rcscrz'cs,
forbidding all ■zi.'arlihc and thici'ing demonstrations by one
tribe on another, and by tlie oeeiipation of the conntry by
siie'i posts of ea-ralry as sliall form an eifieient proteefion
from all e-zil disposed persons.
"In consideration of these things we ask Your Excel-
lency to pass by all arguments for the removal of these
unfortunate people, based on selfish, territorial, financial,
or political reasons.
"We believe that the new system which Your Excellency
has recently inaugurated will succeed, if it be supported
by a military arm sufficient to awe down the dissatisfied
and lawless, and // the pofiey be held withont wavering
for a time sufficient to shozi' the reasonable results.
"To this end we pledge ourselves as a religious body to
cooperate, so far as we can, in every effort for the evangeli-
zation and civilization of these Indians.
"Praying that the Lord would guide Your Excellency
to adopt and execute the best plans for the welfare of all
races found within the borders of our nation ; and that He
will keep you and strengthen you to acomplish all His holy
will, with great joy to yourself, and a full assurance of
everlasting life; we have the honor to remain,
42
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"Your true friends and staunch supporters. In behalf
of the General Congregational Association of Nebraska.
"[Signed] J. B. Chase, Jr.,
"Charles Little,
"J. J. Hawthorn,
"Coininittcc"
SIOUX CHIEF SPOTTED TAIL
This same committee, authorized by the association, sent
a most earnest appeal to the .Vmerican Board for mission-
aries to the Indians, especially the Pawnees in eastern Ne-
braska.^
■""Minutes of ISfiO, pp. 6-10.
GAYLORD AS HOME MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT 43
In this appeal to the American Board the committee
speaks of the Pawnees as being- on their reservation within
seventy miles of Fremont to the number of twenty-five
himdred, and that one of their number had recently been
on the reservation. Mr. Albert Watkins in the article on
Nebraska in the Encyclopedia Americana says that the
Pawnees ceded all their lands south of the Platte river in
1833, and the rest of their possessions north of the Platte
in 1857. It is, however, evident from the minutes of the
association that the Pawnees were in 1869 on a small
reservation, a part of the larger one north of the Platte.
They were removed to the Indian Territory in 1876.
There is one Indian reservation in the northeastern part
of the state occupied by the Omahas, 1200 in number, and
the Winnebagos, 1 100 in number. The lands of the reser-
vation have been allotted to the Indians in severalty, and
they are all citizens of the state.* There is also the Santee
agency.
It would be interesting to know how the memorial to
President Grant was received, but we have failed to find
anything bearing on the matter beyond what is here stated.
Nebraska Congregationalists, however, made very plain
tJicir position in this whole matter, and stood manfully for
the protection of the weaker race, true to the historic spirit
of the denomination.
* Article "Nebraska," Encyclopedia Americana.
o
46 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
IX
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL
The removal of the capital to Lincoln in 1868 (the en-
abling act was June 14, 1867) turned the tide of immigra-
tion to that part of the state, and Superintendent Gaylord,
whose hard work began to tell upon his health, found the de-
mands upon his strength w^ere increasing wath each year.
The opportunity for establishing churches in southern Ne-
braska was increasing each year. The Union Pacific railroad
was extending its line w^estward up the Platte valley, and
settlers were following in its track. The Burlington railroad
was planning to cross the state, thus making the new
capital city easy of access, and in time a railroad, as well
as political and educational center. Southern Nebraska
in prophecy and in reality was calling loudly for mission-
aries and churches.
In Omaha and surrounding country the work was in-
creasing rapidly. ]\Tr. Gaylord in 1868 reports to the na-
tional society : "The past year has been one of constant and
increasing activity in respect to all material interests. Our
great railroad (the Union Pacific) is extending its iron
arms toward the Pacific, and even now is reaching to em-
brace the mountains with their hidden treasures, which
are soon to be laid at the feet of the nation. The popula-
tion is increasing ; capitalists are constructing railways ;
farms are brought under cultivation ; towns and cities are
springing up ; and now is the time to lay the foundations of
Gospel institutions for future generations. We must repeat
here the experience and policy of the early settlers of New
England, if we would see a prosperous and glorious future.
REiUOX'AI. OF THF. CAI'ITAL 47
Along the whole river front of this new and rapidly de-
veloping state your society has but two missionaries. We
neerl a large reinforcement of laborers without delay.
Situated as we are, in the very heart of the continent, on
the great highway of nations, destined to become the chief
source of supply to the mountain territories, how impor-
tant it is that this valley should be thoroughly evangelized,
not only for its own sake but for the regions beyond."^
If our National Society could only have sent the needed
men and money into Nebraska at that time, and stood by the
work through that period of foundation laying, our con-
stituency would be vastly larger than it is to-day. Much
was indeed done, but eastern men did not have the large
vision of opportunity for church extension which the men
on the frontier had, and when the vision did come, other
denominations had seized the opportunity. But our men
on the field were active and the work was constantly grow-
ing. There is still a great opportunity in Nebraska. We
need more men and money to develop our work.
April 6, 1896, Mr. Gaylord alludes to the coming resig-
nation of Rev. I. E. Heaton, the second Congregational
pastor in Nebraska, and says, "This church [Fremont]
furnishes a beautiful illustration of the fruits of patient,
persevering labor in planting and watering the institutions
of the Gospel on new ground."- The Fremont church is
to-day one of the strong churches in the state and has been
fortunate in the able men chosen for pastors. The list in-
cludes Rev. I. E. Heaton, Rev. J. B. Chase, Rev. Rosewell
Foster, Rev. George Porter, Rev. Albert T. Swing, Rev.
Loren F. Berry, Rev. William H. Buss, and the present
pastor, Rev. John Doane.
'Gaylord's Life, p. 295.
'Gaylord's Life, p. 296.
48 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
X
REV. O. W. MERRILL, SUPERINTENDENT
Mr. Gaylord resigned the superiiitcndency of home mis-
sions in Nebraska, March, 1870, and Rev. O. W. Merrill
of Anamosa, Iowa, was appointed in his place. In his letter
of resignation, Mr. Gaylord says : "As I now lay down my
work, I look out upon a goodly family of churches, eigh-
teen in number, the way to organize others preparing, and
Gospel influences extending more rapidly than ever be-
fore. . . . There remaineth yet much land to be pos-
sessed, and in view of the present outlook of this frontier
field, I earnestly hope that the resources of the society will
enable it to enter and occupy the new openings for the
Gospel that are constantly coming to our knowledge."^
As Mr. Merrill could not enter upon his work imme-
diately, Mr. Gaylord continued to act for some time longer,
and afterward took a trip to the Rocky mountain region in
the interests of home missions. He later served the church
at Fontanelle for a time, and finished his work in the state
whose foundations for a great commonwealth he had helped
to lay. He was a sturdy, active, wise, and consecrated
man. Congregational Nebraska owes nuich to "Father
Ciaylord," his devoted wife, and their noble and heroic
work in the state.
The State Association in its annual meeting 1870 passed
the following resolution :
"That this association tender to Rev. R. Gaylord our
gratitude for all the wisdom of counsel and effective aid he
has rendered to the ministers and churches of our order
'Gaylord's Life, p. :503.
REV. O. W. ]MERRILL
Second State Superintendent of Home Missions
50 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
as agent of the A. H. M. Society, and we pray the Great
Head of the church to bless and direct him in the future
in the paths of usefuhiess and pleasantness."^
THE PRAYER-MEETING
This same association of 1870 gave expression to the
views of the churches on one of the most practical and
helpful institutions of the church — the prayer-meeting :
"Resolved, That we deem the prayer-meeting of the
highest importance to the Christian church ; that we deem
it very desirable to have all the members of the church take
part in the meeting, be they old or young, male or female,
and that all professing Christians should come froili their
closets to the meetings, and that they should have special
subjects for prayer."^
It also declared :
"That the Pilgrim's idea and practice, religiously based
and built upon the great doctrine of justification by faith,
and governmentally upon the free, equal, and inalienable
rights of all men before God and among themselves, de-
serve and should receive the warmest gratitude to God
from all their natural and spiritual descendants, and the
most earnest and whole-hearted extension."*
These expressions show the trend of thought in the form-
ative period of our church life, and illustrate the sound
evangelical position of Congregationalism in the state.
The Narrative on the State of Religion in the Churches,
which was a special feature of the early meetings of the
association, shows that there had been precious revivals dur-
ing tlie year, and several new churches added to the list.
"-Minutes, 1870, p. 7.
'Minutes, 1870, p. 8.
'Minutes, 1873, p. 9,
REV. O. W. MERRILL, SUrERINTENDENT
51
There were then twenty-three Congregational churches in
the state.
In 1 87 1 the association met for the first time in Lin-
coln, and Rev. Amos Dresser was chosen moderator.
REV. AMOS DRESSER
Better known as "Father Dresser"
"Father" Dresser was a man who threw his whole life into
the home missionary work of the state. He was a veritable
circuit-rider, worked largely in rural fields, was beloved
by all the churches, and filled a large place in the work
52 CONGREGATIONAL NKliKASKA
of the state. Rev. A. F. Sherrill, D.D., writes of Father
Dresser :^
"He was pretty near to pure stuff. I never rode with
him over the prairies to his appointments without profit.
He kept up his studies and thinking as long as I knew him.
With a very tender and sohcitous heart ahvays for the
people in his parish. He used to own Butler eounty, as to
religion."
At the time of the Lincoln meeting — 187 1 — thirty-two
churches were represented. Among these was Crete, des-
tined to become allied with the Congregational educational
center, and a church of commanding influence. There were
then only two churches, Omaha and Fremont, that were self-
supporting. The history of the churches is largely the
history ,of home missions in the state. In his annual report
Superintendent iMerrill made a plea for the missionary
spirit, and uttered these significant words :
"V/e are laying the foundations of churches and of a
work that is to be among and for millions, instead of
thousands, and these foundations must not be laid in 'un-
tempered mortar.' Permeating our work must be a Bible-
instructed conscience, and outgrowing in our lives must
be a deep sympathy with that redemption which Christ
brought to our world, ^^"e can not afiford to be narrow
in our views of our duty, or to isolate ourselves from the
great world-wide v;ork of Christ through our great so-
cieties."'"'
Reviewing the work from the beginning Mr. Merrill
alluded to the fact that forty men had labored in the state,
nineteen of whom were then in active service, and five
were still residing in the state but not in regular service.
This year and the next were especially noted for the dis-
•■' Letter, August 10, 1904.
"Minutes, 1871, p. 8.
KEV. 0. W. MKRRILL, SUPERINTENDENT 53
cussioii and tinal action on the location of the Congrega-
tional college. The growth of Congregational churches
in southeastern Nebraska was a large factor in that issue.
iJefore another year had rolled by we find Superintend-
ent ( ). W. Merrill i)rostrate(l with sickness and unable to
continue his work.
Rev. J. r>. Chase assumed temporarily a part of the bur-
den and made the report for 1873. From this report we
take tlie following passage which shows the rapid develop-
ment of the state :
"There is at the present time much work that needs to
be (lone by us to fill up the demand made by the unparal-
leled immigration of the past year. The frontier has been
crowded along toward the setting sun from fifty to one
hundred niiles. There are some counties which had scarcely
a settler one year ago, that to-day are so fully occupied that
there is scarcely a good homestead of government land
that is not occupied. The counties north of the Platte
need immediate visitation by the superintendent, and pro-
vision for spiritual necessity. South of the Platte, especially
in what will be the garden of the state — the Rei)ul)lican val-
ley— -there are as many more."'
The work was growing.
This association also resolved that "Cod's work would
1)C honored and advanced by the organization of a woman's
board of missions," and appointed Mrs. J. E. Elliot, Mrs.
A. Dresser, Mrs. A. B. Pratt, and Mrs. R. C. Birge a com-
mittee to "initiate the matter." Steps were taken to se-
cure a "compact" with the Presbyterians to prevent fric-
tion in the development of home missionary work.
'Minutes, 187?., p. 6.
54 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
XI
REV. H. N. GATES, SUPERINTENDENT
During the year 1873, Supt. O. W. Alerrill was called to
his eternal home and Rev. H. N. Gates of Minnesota was
appointed to fill the office of home missionary superin-
tendent.
His first report shows that he was a man of intellectual
strength, broad vision, and keen spiritual perception. He
already had his work well in hand. The Association in
1874 said:
"It is with devout thanksgiving to God that we record
His goodness to us the past year. While we lament the ab-
sence of our late beloved superintendent, a feeling of sad-
ness comes over us that we shall hear his cheerful voice and
listen to his wise counsel no more. We at the same time re-
joice that his place is so richly filled by one in whom we
find our hearts so readily and easily to confide. With this
exception death has not been permitted to enter our ranks.
While some who came with us last year have found fields
of labor elsewhere, their places have been more than filled,
so that our present working force is greater than it was a
year ago. There has been a steady and, we trust, a healthy
growth of churches and members."^
We begin to feel that we are reaching modern times, for
already such names as D. B. Perry, H. A. French, and H.
Bross are becoming familiar on the printed page. We note
also that "The Ladies' " Association for Home and Foreign
Missions is organized with Mrs. A. Farwell of Ashland as
president, Mrs. G. W. Hall of Omaha secretary, and Mrs.
H. M. Bates of Omaha treasurer.
'Minutes, 1874, p. 14.
UK\-. H. N. GA-ri-:s
Third State Superintendent of Home Missions
56 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
THE RAVAGES OF LOCUSTS
It was a trying- ordeal through which Nebraskans passed.
Crops devastated by the locusts ; people reduced to poverty ;
many leaving the state ; man}- more unable to leave ; some
resolving to remain at any cost, believing in the future of
the new state. These had their reward. W'hat kind of a
CKASSTIOi'lMlR SCICNE, ri^ATJ-SMOUTH, NEliRASKA, 1876
report should wc expect from the home missionarv super-
intendent?
'T have to record the mercy of (jod to both churches and
ministers during the past year — a year of unprecedented
hardships and suffering to the people of the state, in con-
sequence of the ravages of the locusts during the last sea-
REV. H. N. GATES, SUPERlNTENnENT 57
son. I would also put ou record the wonderful interposition
of Providence in shielding our state during the past summer
from the ravages of the locusts, which, for several months,
hung over us in nuiubers sufficient to have devoured every
green thing; ])ut by the hand of God we were protected
from the evil, and instead of devastating fields and suffering
families, our people are rejoicing in bountiful harvests and
a plenty of all the necessaries of life. To God be all the
praise. "-
This -year some eleven new churches were organized,
among them Hastings and Neligh. The work was strength-
ened throughout the whole state. Superintendent Gates
reported eighty-one churches in all.
We find in tlie minutes of- this year the name of the Rev.
Lewis Gregory, whose twenty-three years service as min-
ister to the P'irst Church, Lincoln, has made his name a
household one in the state, and won for him the title of
"The Nestor of Congregationalism in Nebraska." He has
filled a large place in the state and has helped in large
measure to make its history ; a man of rare wisdom, devo-
tion, and loyalty to the churches. Retired from the active
ministry, but active in business circles, he still lives among
us, a help and inspiration to all who learn to know him.
'Minutes, 1875, p. 12.
58 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
XII
SUNDAY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT
The period of the '70s witnessed a steady development of
church hfe and the beginning of systematic state Sunday
school work, which has been so ably carried on by Rev.
J. D. Stev/art, the only state superintendent of Sunday
school work Nebraska has had, and the first superintendent
appointed by our National Sunday School and Publishing-
Society, though preceded by Superintendent Maile in actual
service.
Superintendent Stewart, formerly minister at Hastings,
was called to the state Sunday school work in 1882 ; but it
was in 1879 that resolutions calling for a national Sunday
school secretary, and for Sunday school institutes, normal
classes, and greater efficiency in Sunday school training in
our Nebraska churches were passed.^ These were the initial
steps which led up to the present system of Sunday school
work in the state. A letter" from Superintendent Stewart
telling of pioneer experiences may well be introduced here :
"Pioneer work, laying foundations for Christian institu-
tions and character, mostly on the frontier and in new
towns, leaves fragrant and lasting memories. To preach
the gospel of good citizenship to new communities, while
enterprising business men sit on improvised seats in un-
furnished store buildings ; to return after the women and
children arrive, organize Sunday schools and develop them
into churches, visit their homes, baptize their children,
marry their young people, and bury their dead, is to estab-
lish enduring relations with a multitude of families. To
'Minutes, 1879, p. 11.
'June 30, 1904,
. RE\'. J. 1). ST.'LWAUT
First State Superintendent of Congregational Sunday School Work
under the C. S. S. and P. Society
6o CONGREGATIONAL NKBRASKA
travel in the country and find Christian women, mothers
of large famihes, Hvine: far away from all Christian privi-
leges, waiting anxiously for the missionary to come and
start Sunday schools, to hear their earnest prayers and see
the tears in their eyes when their children are brought to
Christ during special evangelistic meetings held v/ith the
mission Sunday schools, is enough to gladden any Christian
heart.
"To cooperate with pastors and superintendent, gather
the people into churches, schoolhouses, halls, or tents, hold
norinal institutes, conventions, and grove meetings, teach
Bible lessons, discuss the best way to make the Sunday
school successful, to see the children and young people take
notes, all anxious to learn 'more about Jesus,' is the most
satisfactory work a man can be engaged in. This has been
our experience for twenty-two years."
In this realistic pen picture of missionary life we see how
the Sunday school missionary is intimately connected with
the home missiotiary superintendent in upbuilding Christian
work in pioneer fields.
The development of the state called for such help, and
it was provided. The work continues. The railroad de-
velopment in the state has enlarged the pioneer work of
the missionary. There are whole counties with but few
gospel privileges. The demand for more men is urgent.
Telephones are preceding the missionary in the sandhills
and ranches of the West.
TRAN.'JLATrON OF RKUliEN (^.AYf^ORD
January lo, t88o, witnessed the translation of the pioneer
preacher and founder of Congregational churches in Ne-
braska. A brief service was held in Fontanelle where he
died, "conducted by Rev. T. E. TTcaton of Fremont, and
more extended services were held in Omaha. At the fol-
SUNDAY SCHOOL l)l-;\'F.!.OI'.M KNT
6i
lowiiii^ state association held in Hastings, October, 1880,
ap[)nipriate memorial services were held. "The service
was conducted by 'Rev. A. F. Sherrill, and after the me-
morial paper pre])ared b\' Rev. jnlius A. Reed, remarks
were made by Rev. J. (i. Spencer, Rev. A. Dresser, and
Rev. Dr. (II. M. ) Storrs. Extracts were read from letters
written bv Rev. Dr. Salter of liurlins^ton, Iowa, Rev. Dr.
5
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SUND.W SCHOOL, AMITY, GREELEY COUNTY, NEBRASKA
j\[aj.;onn of Iowa College, and Rev. Daniel Lane of Iowa."-'
In this service Nebraska ]^aid lovinq- tribnte to the memory
of the man who has done more than any other one man to
bnild np our Congregational Zion in the state.
This year also Supt. H. N. Gates made his last report as
superintendent of home missions. He returned to pastoral
^:\Iiinites, ISSO, p. 29.
62 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
work, taking charge of the church in David City for a few
>'ears, and then went to New England, where he passed
the last years of his life. His sister, Mrs. A. N. Goddard,
of New Britain, Connecticut, writes :
"His work to a great extent was organizing and encour-
aging feeble churches, traveling some ten thousand miles
a year in that state [Nebraska]. He spent the summer of
1876 at the East, preaching in many city churches, in the
interest of home missions, and induced a number of theo-
logical students to go west to work through their long va-
cation, guaranteeing them $100 each, and the money was
raised. Another time, when the home society could not
meet the quarterly payments of the needy missionaries, he
advanced thenioney to them, taking no interest, until they
could repay. At the time of the grasshopper scourge, great
quantities of clothing were sent to them, and he, with the
help of his wife, distributed not only to missionaries, but
other destitute families. He helped in founding Gates Col-
lege, named for him contrary to his wishes, and felt a great
interest in it, doing all by his influence for it in his power,
and when it seemed best no longer to keep it as a college,
was disappointed. His last years were quietly spent in
Medford, Massachusetts, reading much, keeping up with
the times, and waiting the Lord's time to take him. He
talked much of the future and had no dread of the end,"*
Mrs. Goddard was with her brother the last nine and
one-half years of his life and heard much from his lips of
his experiences in Nebraska.
Traveling over the state was more difficult in pioneer
times than it is to-day with our splendid railroad systems,
but even now a sixty-mile drive over sandhills and prairie
is by no means uncommon.
* Letter dated June 29, 1904.
REV. C. \V. MERRILL, SUPERINTENDENT 63
XIII
REV. C. \y. MERRILL, SUrERINTENDENT
Superintendent Gates was succeeded in i88i by the Rev.
C. W. Merrill of Waseca, Minnesota, as State Superin-
tendent of Home Missions, and with his advent we may
date
THE MODERN DEVELOPMENT OF CONGREGATIONALISM
IN NEBRASKA
When Superintendent Mcrriil made his first report he
found, out of the "136 nominal organizations 132 dc facto
churches" ; of these fourteen were self-supporting. Sev-
enty-four churches were supplied with regular services ;
fifty-one a part of the year ; and eleven had no regula-
services.
The German Association, which has such an interesting
history, had come into being with eight churches, and Rev.
T. D. Stewart was soon to enter upon his duties as State
Superintendent of Congregational Sunday School Work, so
that Superintendent Merrill had the help of his valuable
assistance, for the cultivation of a Sunday school mission
field was often the most valuable preparation for vigorous
church extension. The problems of the field were very
similar, to those which confront us to-day.
During the first six and one-half months of Superin-
tendent Merrill's service he traveled 12,595 miles, 580 of
these by team. It was no sinecure ofifice which he filled.
He had a strong conviction that there was need of "a.
better understanding of the relation of the church to the
A. H. M. S. The idea of some seems to be to get all that
can be secured from the society, and the church make up
REV. C. \\. MERRILL
Fourth State Superintendent of Home Missions
REV. C. VV. MERRILL, SUPERINTENDExVT 65
the rest of pastor's salary; the idea of others, to ask and
get a certain amount from the society and raise a certain
amount themselves.
''What is the true idea? .Simply this: the Home Mission-
ary Society is a helper. A thorough, careful canvass should
be made of the church, the field, all who will give to sup-
port the Gospel, and then an honest answer given to ques-
tion tv/enty in the form of application, 'The least amount
that will suffice from the A. H. M. S.' Pardon the blunt-
ness, but in many cases that question is not honestly an-
swered."^ The Board of Directors of the Nebraska Home
Missionary Society in their monthly meetings appreciate
the application of these plain words to present-day condi-
tions. Too many times a thorough canvass of the local
field has not been made. This may be natural, but it is
not Christian.
The association this year — 1881 — recommended to the
churches the Congregational paper "Church and Village,"
established and owned by Rev. H. A. French, then pastor
at Mil ford. This paper was established in July, 1880, and
in July, 1882, its name was changed to "The Nebraska
Congregational News." It has held a unique place among
the state Congregational papers of the country and is
placed in the very front rank. Tt has been a valuable
medium 1?hrough which church and school news, secured
in no other way, comes to our homes and has been published
in Lincoln where Mr. French resides.
The association in 1882 was able to record a marked in-
crease in benevolences and conversions, and a "kindling
enthusiasm in Bible study and Sunday school work." It
also took measures to organize a State Home Missionary
Society to take the place of the State Central Home Mis-
sionary Committee. This organization was completed at
'Minutes, 1881, p. 29. •
5
REV. H. A. FRENCH AND THE NEBRASKA CONGREGATIONAL
NEWS
Ki:\-. C. W. .MI-:i<Kll.l., SlMMiklXTENDENT 67
the meeting in York in 1883 with the following officers:
President Rev. \\'. S. Hampton, Recording Secretary Rev.
L. Gregory, Treasnrer Rev. C. W. Merrill ; Board of Di-
rectors: Rev. H. iJross. Leavitt r>urnham. Rev. L. Greg-
ory, Pres. D. B. I\^rry, Rev. W. Scott, Rev. A. F. Sherrill,
and Charles West.
With this organization Congregational Xehraska came
into line with the older states in the aggressive work of the
churches.
At the meeting of 1883 Superintendent Merrill reported
that he had traveled during the year 27,173 miles, visited
130 churches and fields, and delivered 123 sermons and
addresses. The churches had increased to 147. Fourteen
churches had been organized during the year, five of whom
were German. Omaha now boasted its second church, St.
Mar\ 's Avenue, organized May 8, 1883. Omaha has now,
1905, eight churches, the First, St. Mary's Avenue, Ply-
mouth. Saratoga, German, Cherry Hill, Hillside, and Park
Vale.
It was generally the privilege of the association at its
annual meetings to welcome representative Congregation-
alists from the Fast and from other state associations. In
the earlier days delegates from other state bodies were re-
ceived, and the association appointed delegates to their state
meetings. This pleasing custom gradually went out of
use, but our missionary secretaries continue to visit us from
time to time, and in these later days enterprising business
committees have secured the presence of some of the most
noted missionaries from the foreign field. They have
thrilled us with their addresses, and have given us a larger
vision of the world-wide work in which we all have a
common interest. We shall not soon forget the visits of
such men as Dr. W. S. Ament of China and Dr. R. A.
Hume of India.
68 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
THE NEBRASKA SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
In the '80s we find the Nebraska Sunday School assem-
bly established, with Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., of Boston,
as conductor. A Chautauqua assembly for some years
was conducted at Crete with superior programs, which at-
tracted visitors outside of the state, but the enterprise was
not a financial success, and was, after some years' trial,
reluctantly given up. It is a matter of sincere regret that
this movement, which gave prestige to the denomination
and was developing a Congregational consciousness, should
have failed for want of financial support. The reasons for
this it is not our purpose to discuss. Opinions vary. The
loss to the churches, however, is evident.
THE GERMAN WORK
The German \vork was so rapidly expanding that a
general superintendent, the Rev. George E. Albrecht, was
appointed with headquarters at Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Al-
brecht, in the interest of the German work, visited the asso-
ciation at its Norfolk meeting in 1S84. Dr. Dunning was
also a visitor, speaking in the interest of the Sunday School
Assembly, and Dr. Wm. M. Barrows, Secretary of the A. H.
M. S., represented that society. At this meeting Superin-
tendent Merrill closed his work in the state, having been
enticed to resume pastoral labor in Minnesota.
Mr. Merrill is now in Saratoga, California, and in re-
sponse to a request for some reminiscences of his experi-
ences in Nebraska sends the following characteristic letter :
"Saratoga, Cal., June 4, 1904.
"Dear Brother — I send in this some crude material for
you to work over if you can make use of it. I have left it
in 'the rare' because I had but little idea how much room
you would wish to give, if any, to what I send.
REV. C. W. MERRILL, SUPERINTENDENT 69
"I preached one Sunday in the First Church of Omaha;
the next Sunday the same sermon in a sod schoolhouse in
northern Nebraska, the insects so thick I could hardly
breathe without swallowing bugs ; yet cultured and college-
educated people in the schoolhouse could appreciate the best
sermon as well as the people in the Omaha church. When
the church at Arlington was organized there was not an
original Congregationalist in the organization. Congrega-
tionalism is the solution of such a situation. Church or-
ganized at Phelps Center, the county seat. New railroad
went through, and town of Holdrege started four miles
away. Phelps Center in winter time was put on runners,
every building, stores, schoolhouse, residences, and all and
'slid' over to Holdrege, four miles.
"Student employed on one field of three points for the
summer; preached every Sunday morning at one point, and
in the afternoon alternated between other two points. I
went on the field and wished to visit all three points in one
day ; rode forty miles ; preached three times ; held three
coinmunion services ; held three church meetings ; reached
home at midnight, or rather reached starting point; strong,
hot south wind, mercury 107 degrees above zero; student
used up riding around and looking on while superintendent
next morning started on for other work.
"Church building put up at Freewater in the Republican
valley. Foundation had to be in by a certain time or largest
subscription lapsed ; delayed in getting brick ; they came
right in height of harvest, when the men could not be spared
from the fields for a single day ; women took teams and went
twenty-four miles to railroad, loaded the brick on wagons,
drove them home ; foundation put in at night, subscription
saved ; and building dedicated free from debt. These wo-
men were of finest culture and education.
70 CONGREGATIOXAL NEBRASKA
"Had correspondence with persons in Beatrice about
church organization; one night by telephone arranged for
services the next Sunday ; conducted the services, completed
the arrangements, laid the plans, called the council, and in-
side two weeks the church was organized and services,
regular services, established.
''When I closed my work as superintendent, I received a
call from this church, signed by every member, some over
fort}', in the church.
"When I began my work the First Church in Omaha was
the only Congregational church in the city ; their idea was
to have one strong central church. They saw their mistake
afterward.
"I secured Rev. Geo. Hindley to work in the neighbor-
hood of the St. ]\Iary's Avenue Church. In about a year
effected an organization ; secured Re^. Willard Scott from
New York; had to give $750 from the missionar\- society
on salary of $1500. Committee thought it very unwise; in
third year the church came to self-support, and soon be-
came one of the best churches in the state.
"W^ent to Ogalalla : no church. Sunday school, or any-
thing of the kind. Just before I was there a fire burned
down most of the business part of the town ; some men were
gambling in a saloon ; saloon took fire, men moved their
table into the street and went on with their gambling by
light of the burning buildings.
''T secured a man to go there as teacher and preacher,
and in a short time had coimcil called to organize a church.
"But I think T better 'say amen and quit.'
'"'I don't know as I have come within forty rods of what
you wish, but have at least shown my good will,
"^ilost cordially yours,
"C. W. Merrill."
RFA'. J. r.. MATI.i:, Sl-PKUFNl-RXDENT 7I
XIV
RI-:\'. J. I.. MAILR, Sl'PERINTRNDRNT
Rev. J. L. Mailc, lornieiiy of Arichii;"an, was chosen state
superintendent in ];lace of Mr. ATerrill.
During^ Mr. Merrill's service in the state the work had
so expanded thai we find in his last report that in this
time, three years and eight months, he had traveled 93,712
miles: by team 2,666; by railroad 91,046, and had given
534 sernions and addresses. Forty-two churches had been
organized with a membership, of 646, and forty-three meet-
ing-houses erected.^ A general missionary was also ap-
pointed, Dr. H. Bross. for several years pastor at Crete,
entering ui)on the work.
Superintendent Maile's first report, given at Beatrice,
1884, shows that the list of churches had increased to 168.
Seventeen of these were self-supporting. Nebraska was
still a niissionar}- state, and its histor_\- largely of home
missionary \vGrk. The development of church and school
was largely dependent on the fostering care of the Na-
tional Home Missionary Society.
The state itself is a large debtor to the generous aid of
the home missionary societies connected with the dififerent
denominations represented within its borders. It has not
yet. nor can it easily, cancel its obligations.
The churches in this period believed in the installation
of pastors, and the year 1885 witnessed the following in-
stallations by councils : Rev. \\\ P. Bennett at Crete, Rev.
S. H. Harrison at York, Rev. C. E. Harwood at Fairfield,
Rev. William O. Wheeden at Beatrice, and Rev. W. D.
Page at Cowles. There were also ordained that year Rev.
'Minutes, 1SS4, p. 24.
REV. JOHN L. MAILE, M.A.
Fifth State Superintendent of Home Missions
REV. J. r.. MAILE, SUPERINTKNDF.NT 73
George C. Hall, Rev. John Lich, Rev. George W. Mitchell,
Rev. A. B. Show, Rev. W. D. J. Stevenson, Rev. W. O.
Wheeden, Rev. W. D. Page, and Rev. J. W. Hadden.
The following churches were dedicated that year : Be-
atrice, Cambridge, Cumniiusville, Doniphan, Emanuel,
Franklin, Fremont, Gloversville, Indianola, Liberty, Mar-
tinsburg, Milford, Newcastle, Omaha Third, Pierce, Rich-
mond, and West Cedar \ 'alley. Chadron, Cowles, Lincoln,
Norfolk, Ogalalla, and Stratton had houses of worship
nearly completed. -
Such lists from year to year were not infrequent. These
are noted as an illustration of the ecclesiasticism of the
period ; the development of a Congregational consciousness.
There was "something adoing" in the state all the time.
The five years of Superintendent Maile's service in the
state represents a time of marked interest in the develop-
ment of the educational interests of the denomination and
in questions of church polity. At the Beatrice meeting
1885, Rev. W. P. Bennett read a strong paper representing
the old view, "The second principle in our polity," which
was published in the Congregational Nezvs, and was spoken
of as "especially timely in our own state," which indicates
the conservative trend of thought at the time in reference
to the fellozvship of the churches.
The centralizing tendency in church polity of the present
day would have been vigorously opposed then. In 1888
Rev. L. F. Berry of Fremont gave a masterful paper on
"What constitutes a quorum of a council?" and by vote
of the association it was ordered printed in the minutes.^
It was this year that Dr. A. F. Sherrill closed his long
pastorate in First Church Omaha and removed from the
state, to the great regret of all the churches.
'Minutes, 1885, pp. 18, 19.
'Minutes, 1888, pp. 15-33.
74 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
LETTER FROM DR. SIIERRILL
In response to repeated and urgent requests Dr. Sherrill
sends a jubilee message to the Nebraska churches:
"Lee^ Massachusetts^ August i8, 1904.
"Dear Brother — You ask me to give the relative status
of the Congregational churches in Nebraska when I went
there in 1869, and when I left in 1888. At the former
date there were about twent}^ of our churches in the state.
Some of them had a very plain frame meeting-house, more
had none, and all depended on the Home Missionary So-
ciety for help. In 1888 there were 168 churches in the
state. Forty-seven were self-supporting, generally with
good, modern buildings, some of which had cost $50,000
or more. The early churches, though few and small, cor-
responded well with other growth and conditions in the
state, and with their pastors were useful, and regarded
well by the people.
"The superintendents succeeding Mr. Gaylord kept pace
with frontier progress, and preserved oirr good reputation
as pioneer churches. Our first pastors were followed by
younger men, as President Perry. Rev. Lewis Gregory,
Superintendent Bross, and others, who came to the state
to remain and do permanent work, and their services to
the churches, to education, and other interests can not be
overstated. When I left Nebraska, our denomination was
in the forefront as to number and activity of churches,
and Doane College with affiliated academies, illustrated our
reputation everj'where for interest in Christian education.
"In those earlier days we tried to plant churches only
where they were plainly needed, avoiding sectarian ambi-
tion, and keeping the responsibility for too many churches
in the town where it belonged. In closing, let me pay a
hearty tribute to the lavmen of both sexes, whose worth.
REV. J. L. MAILE, SUPERINTENDENT 75
generosity, and devotion contriliuted so lari^ely, not only
to the growth of the chiuxhes bnt also to all that enters into
the fonndations of a good commonwealth."
Supt. J. L. JVlaile closed his labors with the Nebraska
churches in 1889 at the Ashland meeting of which he was
moderator.
The Home Missionary Society expressed by vote its "high
appreciation of the consecration and devotion he has mani-
fested, and the efficiency he has shown in his five years
of service with ns ; and we heartily commend him for the
vVork he has done, and bid him Godspeed in the work
wdiich lies before him."*
Mr. Alaile has kindly furnished recollections of his work
in the following letter :
"Los Angeles, California, June 18, 1904.
"Dear Sir — In line with your request for some recollec-
tions of the events of my work in Nebraska, I send you
the follow ing :
"As Superintendent for the Congregational Home Mis-
sionary Society in Nebraska, I began my labor in October,
1884, attending the State Association at Norfolk, as a be-
ginning of my work.
"I relinquished my superintendency of state Sunday
school work in Missouri to accept this appointment. Dur-
ing the tw^o previous summers I taught in the normal de-
partment of the Crete Chautauqua assembly, directing the
program during the second season. My previous acquaint-
ance with the Rev. J. D. Stewart at Chautauqua, New York,
led to these engagements.
"From the acquaintance thus formed in the state, I was
asked to succeed Rev. C. W. Merrill, resigned. He had
successfully led the home missionary work for a number
'Minutes, ISS9, p. 24.
76 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
of years, following Superintendent Gates. I may say that
as Secretary of our National Sunday School Committee,
formed at Chautauqua, New York, in 1878, I there met
Brother Stewart, and thus one contact and friendship led
on to another.
"The work of this national committee led to the holding
of a Congregational congress at Chautauqua in 1879, at
which Joseph Cook, Lyman Abbott, Dr. J. O. Means, Dr.
Hutchins, and others addressed our Congregational people.
Our agitation of the need of an advanced movement in our
denominational Sunday school work culminated in the ap-
pointment by the directors of the Sunday School and Pub-
lishing Society of Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., as National
Secretary.
"Under the reorganization. Rev. Jno. L. Maile was ap-
pointed first on the list of superintendents to serve in
Colorado, Rev. J. D. Stewart was next assigned to Ne-
braska, and Rev. H. P. Case succeeded Mr. Maile in Colo-
rado, the latter being transferred to Missouri.
"These successive steps in the development of our general
Sunday school work are interesting and important because
the prosperity of our home missionary work has been much
assisted by the aggressive life of our Sunday school enter-
prise.
"My five years' work as superintendent of home missions
in Nebraska occurred during a period of energetic expan-
sion and occupancy of many communities on the advanc-
ing of settlements.
"Some sixty-one churches were organized during this
period; not all of these organizations were due to my
initiation. I recall as having little to do with starting the
work at Beatrice and Seward ; the German churches were
not recipients of my care, although I cooperated for their
welfare as best I could.
REV. J. L. MAILE, SUPERINTENDENT 77
"General Missionary- Harmon Bross, my most efficient
and honored successor, started the work at Chadron, Craw-
ford, Hay Springs, Hemingford, and other places. I
vividly recollect the improvised meeting-house of Plymouth
Church in Lincoln, with earth banked well-nigh up to the
eaves of the board structure, resultant in comfort during
severest winter storm. In the council organizing the church
at Burwell, Rev. Lewis Gregory rendered very important
assistance.
"Thus I might recall the incidents occurring on many
new fields.
"At Curtis the v»ork was started under very primitive
conditions. Doniphan required persistent faithfulness on
the part of Rev. J. H. Embree. The church at Dustin
was due to the energetic efforts of Mrs. Dustin and family.
They had come from Boston for the benefit of the health
of a son and daughter, and found a marked contrast in the
manner of life at the metropolis, and in the distant valley
of northern Nebraska. Mrs. Dustin rode her broncho from
one isolated ranch home to another, and interested mothers
and children in Sunday school and temperance work.
"The work at Farnam was first led by Rev. John Wool-
man, whose large family was domiciled in very small
quarters, and at that time the people of the congregation
were in the midst of the trials incident to pioneering in those
days. Our Grand Island church was formed under cir-
cumstances which led some good people to doubt the success
of the enterprise. Rev. Mr. Comstock was the first pastor,
and I judge a succession of efficient ministers have wisely
led the church.
"At Leigh I found a Dr. Geer, brother to a former fellow-
student at Oberlin, and have since met him here in southern
California. This church enjoyed one or two genuine re-
vival seasons, and was much strengthened thereby.
78 CONGRliGATlUNAL NEBRASKA
"1 thiiik it was at Newcastle that I made my first visit in
northeastern Nebraska immediately after the association
meeting in 1884. The elderly minister was in a peck of
trouble, and the wisdom of the superintendent was drawn
npon to solve sundry problems. I trust this work survives
in strength.
'■xA.t Ogalalla I assisted in dedicating the meeting-house.
Mr. L. E. Brown, who was passing from the law into the
ministr}', was the }oung pastor. A successful series of
meetings was held. The family of the station-master was
specially interested and the work received a strong impulse.
"Five churches were organized in Omaha during my
administration, and I suppose they have had varying de-
grees of success.
"I recall the beginning of the work at Strang and
Sliickley, under the lead of Air. Glen A. Taylor, who came
direct from Yale Theological Seminary. Special difficulty
seemed to attend these enterprises, but they were in good
measure overcome.
"Geneva was started by the Presbyterians, but was
changed to our Congregational fellowship by the almost
unanimous action of the people concerned.
"At Trenton, well on toward the western line of the
state in the Republican valley, Mr. and the Misses Hogg
were the pillars in that church. If memory serves, a very
ungodly man made a generous subscription toward build-
ing the meeting-house, on the ground that he did not wish
passengers, looking from the Pullman car windows upon
the village, .should consider it a heathen community because
no church edifice was visible. I have met the Misses Hogg
in Los Angeles, as indeed many old friendships have here
been renewed.
"My recollections of the details of the work are so im-
perfect that I hesitate to write the above. Aluch more
KEV. J. L. MAILE, SUPERINTENDENT 79
might be said. A true spirit of consecration and of earnest
desire to build up the Kingdom of Christ characterized our
ministry and churches as a whole. J enjoyed the hearty
cooperation and fr'cndliness of pastors of self-supporting
churches. A. F. Sherrill, Willard Scott, Lewis Gregory,
President Perry, Professor Fairchild, J. D. Stewart, and
many others might be mentioned whose inspiring friend-
ship was of greatest value to me.
"JMr. Charles West of Lincoln very efficiently served as
Secretary of the State Board of Home Missions. He re-
moved to Denver and there passed to the Beyond.
"It was my privilege to serve as trustee on the board
at Doane College. The inside views there obtained con-
firmed my sense of the importance of education conducted
under distinctly Christian auspices. Much ciuiet, hard work
has gone into the young life of Nebraska from this insti-
tution. The affiliated academies arc doing an equally im-
portant work, the circle of institutions forming an ideal
combmation for the attainment of the great ends thev
represent.
"In my addresses to the churches, I frequently urged the
importance of dedicating- promising young men to the
Christian ministry, and since our churches were served by
pastors who had been raised up elsewhere, we should de-
velop our proportion of ministers for the time to come. I
pressed the importance of sustaining our educational in-
.stitutions as an efifective method of building up our
churches in the Christian life.
"The impression was thus unwittingly made that I was
specially interested in Christian education, and when the
Educational Society at Boston was, in 1889, looking for
some one to serve as college field secretary, I was asked to
take that responsibility. I accordingly resigned my Ne-
braska appointment, and in October of said year began in
8o CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
New England my work of representing western colleges
and academies to the eastern churches.
"Nine colleges, eighteen academies, and twelve mission
schools were at times on our list to be presented in public
and in private. I frequently met President Warren of
Gates College (now of Yankton College) and other veteran
presidents.
"In 1895-97 I made a special campaign for endowment
for Whitman College, Washington, and gathered much
original data concerning the great work of Missionary Mar-
cus Whitman in saving to our country the great northwest
region of the Pacific Coast.
"Health being impaired under the stress of continuous
and heavy work, I sought a change by accepting, in 1897,
the home missionary superintendency of North Dakota. I
served in this field with happiness to myself until the effect
of severe winter compelled the seeking of a milder climate.
"Rev. James T. Ford, the veteran superintendent of
southern California, having resigned, to take effect April
I, 1899, I entered the open door of that work, and am
wholly rejuvenated by the restoring effects of the most
attractive climate on earth.
"1 treasure the remembrances of my Nebraska life as
among my most precious treasures. It must be that such
rich reminiscences will spring into new life in the realms
of the Great Beyond, to which we are hastening, and where,
perhaps, we shall perfect much that has been begun in this
]5resent life under circumstances of limitation and imper-
fection which the Master wishes to see perfected.
"My affectionate greeting to many friends in the grand
state of Nebraska.
"Very sincerely yours,
"John L. Maile."
REV. HARMON BROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 8 1
XV
REV. HARMON BROSS, D.D., SUPERINTENDENT
The logical successor to Superintendent Maile was Rev.
H. Bross, D.D., the General Missionary of the state and
superintendent of the Black Hills region. His long service
as stated clerk of the association had kept him in touch
with all the churches of the state.
At the request of the writer, Dr. Bross has furnished a
brief account of some missionary experiences while he was
general missionary. These serve as a valuable illustration
of the pioneer work in the state in comparatively recent
times. Dr. Bross writes :
"Lincoln, July 6, 1904.
"After a pastorate of nearly eleven years at Crete, ex-
tending from August i, 1873, to February i, 1884, during
which time the church increased from a membership of
fourteen to 185, and the present house of worship was built,
I entered upon general missionary work in northern Ne-
braska with headquarters at Norfolk.
"At that time we had comparatively few churches in
the North Platte region, and efforts were made at once to
extend the work. The churches at Wisner, Pierce, West
Cedar Valley, and other points which were nearly extinct
were revived and strengthened. Special meetings were
held in Dixon county, out of which the churches of New-
castle and Daily Branch grew, also a church at Martins-
burg now nearly extinct. The churches at Gloversville
and Park in Antelope county also grew out of this work.
Ainsworth had been organized but was nearly extinct ; it
was revived and Long Pine added. The churches in Holt
county were also gathered the following summer.
REV. HARMON BROSS, D.D.
AS DEPARTMENT COMMANDER G. A. R.
Sixth Stale Superintendent of Home Missions
REV. HARMON BROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 83
"During the session of the legislature in 1885 the coun-
ties of northwestern Nebraska were organized and a great
tide of settlement poured into that region. In the early
spring I made an exploring expedition into that region,
visiting the new towns of Gordon, Rushville, Hay Springs,
and Chadron.
"With the first train into Chadron, August, 1885, I went
to begin permanent work. I made headquarters at Chadron
and soon had a gospel tabernacle ready for church and
Sunday school. On Sunday, September 13, 1885, the three
churches of Rushville, Hay Springs, and Chadron were
recognized by council, Rev. M. L. Holt of Neligh being
delegate from that church, and Mrs. Bross from the church
at Norfolk, where we were then living.
"Houses of worship were soon built at these three points ;
but later at Rushville, when the Methodists, Baptists, the
United Presbyterians, the German Methodists, and the
regular Presbyterians all crowded in, it did not seem wise
to continue further expenditure of home missionary money,
and that point was given up. With the extension of the
railroad in the spring of 1886, church work was established
at Crawford, where we now have a thriving church with
a good brick house of worship and parsonage all paid for.
The church at Chadron has also just come to self-support ;
has a good house of worship and parsonage free of debt.
"September 29, 1887, the Northwestern Association was
organized at Chadron, and later Chadron Academy was
established. The work then extended into the Black Hills
and into W^yoming and T was made superintendent of that
region in connection with my north Nebraska work.
"The extension of the Burlington road into northwestern
Nebraska and the Black Hills in 1888-89 opened another
large region, and population began pouring in. With Hem-
ingford in Box Butte county as a center, preaching points
84 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
had been established throughout the county, and the church
at Hemingford was organized in 1886. Then followed
Hyannis and Reno and these formed the nucleus of a large
group of churches since gathered in the sandhills.
"The aim had been to have our churches organized in
groups, so that they might "support each other and have
fellowship among themselves. With this in view, we passed
from Ainsworth 150 miles west before attempting the or-
ganization of another church. These churches have proved
very efficient and fruitful in their influence for good, and in
developing Christian character among young people who
have made themselves strong for good work. The church
at Chadron has made a good history in this respect. The
young people who have gone from there to college, and
have become teachers, Christian business men, home keep-
ers, will date their first impulses for the higher life to in-
fluences em.anating from the church and academy. One
of our most influential international Y. M. C. A. workers
was converted in that church and started on his career of
usefulness. The community of churches in the Black Hills
and in central Wyoming owe their existence and their
strength largely to their close contact with this work in
northwest Nebraska.
"An interesting feature in the extension of this work
was the use of Gospel tabernacles in the beginning. The
success of the one at Chadron was suggestive of what
might be done in other places, and in a short time the gen-
eral missionary had at his disposal six canvas roofs which
might be used for gospel tabernacles at various places.
One of these had been purchased at Chadron by the Sun-
day school of Farmington, Connecticut; another was
bought by money given by the Sunday school at Milburn,
Illinois, and four were donated by the firm of J. V. Far-
well & Co., Chicago.
REV. HARMON BROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 85
- "At each place the use of a lot was secured, a collection
taken to furnish sufficient lumber for the walls of the tem-
porary building, and this was covered with the heavy duck-
ing. No windows were needed, and one small door allowed
entrance to the unique structure. In this way the church
and Sunday school had a home at once with regular hours
for service and a distinct place in the life of the community.
"One of these tabernacles, that at Buffalo Gap, was used
for eighteen months. When the one which had been used
at Lusk for some time was not needed there, it was brought
down to Ravenna and sheltered that church in its early
history.
"In December, 1889, when Rev. J. L. Maile discontinued
his work as superintendent, the writer was appointed super-
intendent of the state work with headquarters at Lincoln.
When he entered upon his work as general missionary
February i, 1884, the denomination had 148 churches in
the state with a total membership of 4,042, with 6,390 in
Sunday school. There are now 203 churches with member-
ship of 15,212; and 16,719 in our Sunday schools.
"Our yearly contributions then for home expenses were
$45,248; now $160,287. Our benevolences then were, per
annum, $8,722; now $21,827.
"H. Bross."
In his first report to the Home Missionary Society Super-
intendent Bross says :
"The western half of our state presents all the phases of
work in a region where home missionary efforts have been
in progress fifteen or sixteen years. There are the same
difficulties, the same opportunities, the same mighty incen-
tives to aggressive work. It is as yet almost entire mission-
ary ground. We have there only five self-supporting
86 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
churches, and but about thirty in all, including several Ger-
man churches."^
Superintendent Stewart says in his report :
"In many places the people are entirely destitute of any
religious services. The few Simday schools that have been
organized are but little better than none, as ignorance and
infidelity prevail to a great extent. The scattered settlers
in those new communities consist very largely of those
classes that care nothing for Bible study, and those who
have been members of Sunday schools have been so long
without them that in many cases they are indifferent . . .
In all that region (the western frontier) there are but few
people who are competent for officers and teachers, and of
these only a small number have consecration and Christian
character sufficient to make the Sunday school a success. "-
And yet that year Superintendent Stewart organized
twenty-one schools.
The association of 1890 made a strong protest against
opening the World's Fair on Sunday, and a stirring appeal
for an amendment to the state constitution prohibiting the
liquor traffx. A spirited address by the Rev. A. A. Cress-
man upon "Work among the Bohemian population of the
state" called forth vigorous resolutions, endorsing the
work already done, and expressing sympathy with those
engaged in that service.
As we contrast this period with that of three decades
preceding we find similar problems. The frontier has only
been pushed to the western part of the state, and there
the work is as truly pioneer as that in eastern Nebraska
when Father Gaylord began work on the banks of the
Missouri. In 1890 the State Missionary Society employed
'Minutes, 1890, p. 31.
'Minutes, 1890, p. 34.
REV. HARMON BROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 78
two general missionaries, Rev. G. J. Powell and Rev, George
E. Ta}'lor, to supplement the work of the state super-
intendent.
At this time the American Home Missionary Society
was beginning- to reduce appropriations to Nebraska, and
said :
"Your churches should be made deeply to feel that what-
ever new work is undertaken must come from the savings
of the old work, anu an increase in the contributions to
the cause."-'
It is not always understood that as the eastern portion
of the state has become self-supporting, a vast empire in
the western portion has sprung into being; that this is
pioneer soil, and being more sparsely settled than eastern
Nebraska will remain a missionary field for some time to
come, and that in eastern Nebraska there are parishes,
once self-supporting, which on account of removals and
changes find themselves once more on the home missionary
list.
The missionary problem is always being solved, but each
year new elements enter, and so it is ever with us.
THE DROUTH
This period is also remembered for the severe drouth
which devastated homes, ruined the financial prospects of
many, and was a staggering blow to the growth of the
churches in the state. It was one of the elements then
entering into the missionary problem.
In alluding to this severe experience and emergence into
a brighter outlook Superintendent Bross says :
"The cities and towns that contributed money; the
farmers who shared their provisions with others ; the coal
men who donated trainload after trainload of coal, asking
'Minutes, 1890, p. 30.
88 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
in return only enough to pay the miner for his under-
ground work; the railroads and express companies that
transported, free, tons and tons of produce, goods, fuel,
and seed, have added another chapter to the abundant testi-
mony accumulated through the years, showing that we are,
after all, one family and responsive to the same appeals for
help. We gather this 3^ear in the presence of such abundant
crops of all sorts that the transformation seems a miracle
of Providence. In spite of losses and difficulties the year
has been one of substantial progress."'
We are not surprised that at this time there should be
an unusual number of changes in the churches, and that
vigorous words should be uttered in favor of permanence
in the pastoral office. Biit the hopeful spirit which per-
vaded the Fremont meeting of 189 1 shows the vast recupera-
tive forces resident in the state.
In the following year a carefully outlined plan for the
development of Sunday school work was presented by
Superintendent Stewart,^ and the whole work of the denomi-
nation began to be more thoroughly unified and system-
atically prosecuted.
TRANSLATION OF ISAAC H EATON
The Fremont church, and the churches of the state as
well, were called to mourn the loss of the inspiring pres-
ence and wise counsels of Rev. I. E. Heaton who was called
to his eternal home September 17, 1893. One by one the
early pioneers have disappeared. The memory of their
devotion and heroism remains with us ; their works do
follow us ;
"But, oh, for the touch of a vanislied hand
And the sound of a voice that is still."
^Minutes, 1891, p. 50.
'Minutes, 1892, p. 37.
Rev. S. N. Grout
Rev. Wm. Leavitt
Rev. W. P. Bennett
Rev. B. Diffenbacher
90 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Mrs. Heaton passed to her reward August 8, 1905, aged
ninety-three years. Dr. Geo. L. Miller of Omaha, one of
the first trustees of the First Church, still remains with
us, but there are not many who can tell of the first
beginnings of pioneer work in the state. It is the second
generation of w^orkers who are now called pioneers. But
all have partaken of the same spirit and are doing a noble
work in the development of a Christian state.
A TYPICAL MEETING
The practical treatment of live questions is characteristic
of the State Association. This was well illustrated in the
Beatrice meeting of 1893, with these topics for discussion :
"Morals involved in the coinage question," by Rev. W. P.
Bennett ; "Morals involved in the labor question," by Rev.
Wilson Denney ; "Morals involved in the immigration ques-
tion," by Rev. John Power; "The evils resulting from short
pastorates and how they may be remedied," by Rev. H. A.
French; "Why are not more young men in the Sunday
school?" by Rev. T. W. DeLong; "More systematic and
thorough instruction in Sunday school," by Rev. John
Doane; "How to secure trained and efficient superintend-
ents," by Rev. A. G. Washington ; and "Are our churches
doing their whole duty toward destitute places within their
reach?" by Rev. C. W. Preston.
This meeting was selected at random from among the
later meetings of the association, and the topics show, as
do those of other meetings, that it is practical rather than
doctrinal questions in which our churches are especially
interested, although the doctrinal is not eliminated from
the thought and life of western Congregationalism, and it
only takes the occasion to bring it to the front. Life was
real and earnest, and the churches of the state were, in
the very struggle for existence, compelled to face stern
every-day problems.
REV. HARMON liROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 9 1
THE SECOND DROUTH
The drouth again blasted the crops and the hopes of the
people. The state superintendent's report at the Crete
meeting, 1895, had a more pitiful story of hardships and
loss than the one some years before, but with it a glad re-
frain of thanksgiving on account of the practical and gen-
erous sympathy of the outside world.
"True to its genius and its history, Congregationalism
did its work, not for itself but for the community.- Carloads
of coal and flour were wisely and carefully distributed in
homes where the only condition was that of need. These
offerings of clothing, provisions, and money came from all
parts of the country, from Maine to California, and from
North Dakota to Alabama. . . . These offerings were
distributed in the counties of Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cus-
ter, Dav/son, Franklin, Frontier, Garfield, Grant, Harlan,
Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Loup,
Merrick, Perkins, Phelps, Platte, Red Willow, Webster,
Wheeler" ; and adds Superintendent Bross, 'T believe it
will surprise you all, no matter how carefully you have been
observing the changes among us, when I say that although
the hardships of the year have been unparalleled in the his-
tory of our state, only four of our home missionaries have
left the state during the year. ... Of our vacant
churches, correspondence is under way looking to the
support of nearly all. There are only two or three that
have been entirely without supply during the year."^
There is hopefulness also in the Sunday school report of
Superintendent Stewart for the same year: "Our corres-
pondents write that whole families come to Sunday school
now who never could be induced to attend before. One lady
'Minutes, 1895, pp. 28, 29.
92 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
says, 'Men who were scoffers, and who made Hght of the
lesson quarteriies, calHng them almanacs, are now regular
attendants upon the Sunday school and students of those
same quarterlies.' This is certainly some compensation for
the shortage in crops during the last three years. Possibly
this is the purpose of God's providence in withholding the
rain. . . 'Neither tribulation, nor distress, nor persecu-
tion, nor famine, nor nakedness, nor peril, nor sword, can
separate them from the work that God has given them to
do.' "'
In these later years we have had an abundance of rain;
they have been "years of plenty," and the work of our
Congregational Zion has been making steady progress.
The annual appropriations for missionar>^ work have been
gradually reduced, and the work steadily advanced, and
yet we could wisely expend double what we receive.
DR. CROFTS ON THE WATCH TOWER
The Committee on State of Religion, Dr. George W.
Crofts, chairman, at the David City meeting, 1898, gave
a happy expression to the outlook in Nebraska then. With
an increase in figures quoted it is applicable to the outlook
in 1905.
"As you open the gate of the year and look over the field
of Congregational Nebraska, what do you see? You see
our state superintendent, our apostles, going about as they
did in early days, strengthening the churches, flying as
compared with the means of transportation in those days,
like the angel of the Apocalypse with the everlasting
Gospel. You see 105 pastors and preachers shepherding
their various flocks comprising the sum total of over 13,000
souls. You see these men, men of culture, men of consecra-
' Minutes, 1895, pp. 40, 41.
REV. HARMON BROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 93
tion, men of God, self-sacrificing, prayerful, faithful, and
efficient. You see an army of over 15,000 Sunday school
children being matured in the Christian faith. You see
6,000 Christian Endeavorers, not only being trained for act-
ive service in the cause of Christ, but doing service for
Him that is telling on the spirituality and energy of the
church for great good. You see our colleges and academies
promoting Christian education, and presenting year by year
a company of young men and women to the Master for His
work in the world in every avenue of life. You see nearly
a thousand born from above coming into the Church on
confession of faith. You see increased benevolences. You
see debts melting away like snow banks in spring. You
see silvery streams of Congregational, Christian literature
irrigating the moral soil of the state and making the desert
with its sage-brush of sensuality bloom like a garden. You
see all this activity and faithfulness. Y'ou see unity and
peace and fraternity and fellowship, and that charity which
edifieth. Y"ou see less restlessness and more contentment
amongst pastors and people. You see a tendency toward
longer pastorates, and hence a larger degree of confidence
and forbearance, more of Christ and less of criticism. You
see all these factors working harmoniously together, work-
ing as though impelled by a divine principle. And then you
ask, 'What is the state of religion in Nebraska?'
"There is a dark side, but there is a bright side, and it is
encouraging to look at it. Even the dark side is bright
compared with what has been seen in the past history of
the Church, in the times of Savonarola, -of Luther, and of
Wesley. Let us thank God and take courage."^
Nebraska is looking up and reaching out, ready to seize
any new opportunity to extend more widely the Kingdom
which is within it.
^Minutes, 1898, p. 28.
94 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
XVI
RECENT DECLARATIONS
The deliberations of a body of Christian men and their
mature conchisions reflect in large measure the thought and
life of the people whom they represent.
We have seen how in the early days of our history Con-
gregational Nebraskans were keenly alive to all that was
going on in their own midst and in the country at large.
Recent declarations in the meetings of the State Associa-
tion show the same characteristics.
The Ashland meeting, 1889, appointed a committee, Rev.
M. L. Holt, chairman, to report upon "The religious and
moral condition of our army" ; originally to "cooperate with
array chaplains for the better welfare of our soldiers."
This committee at the Fremont meeting, 1891, reported the
following, which was adopted :
"To the Nebraska delegation of Honorable Senators and
Representatives in tlie United States Congress:
"Gentlemen — We, the Congregational churches and min-
isters of Nebraska, in Annual State Association assembled,
recognizing our obligation to the national army and navy
for their moral and spiritual training and development, do
most respectfully urge upon you the importance of the
passage of the bill entitled 'An act to increase the number
of chaplains in the army of the United States ; to define their
duties and increase their efficiency.' We do, moreover, pray
that a moral condition of promotion be at once established
in the army and navy, whereby no man of immoral charac-
ter of any rank shall be promoted over one of pure moral
character. This we do in order that everv incentive be used
RECENT DECLARATIONS 95
to encourage the army and navy to combine in an effort to
remove from among them the debasing- immoral practices
which to so large an extent prevail."^
In the '90s our churches were considerably interested in
the Chautauqua movement, and maintained for some years
an assembly at Crete. Many have regretted that the as-
sembly was ever given up. This is what was said of the
movement at the Omaha meeting, 1892:
"Whereas, The Chautauqua movement has proven to
be strongly helpful to our churches, Sunday schools, Bible
students, and Christian workers; and
"Whereas, The Crete assembly has special claims on
us as a denomination, therefore
"Resolved, That we commend to our ministers and
churches the wisdom of promoting local training classes in
harmony with the assembly work, of preaching an annual
sermon in the interests of the Chautauqua endeavor, of se-
curing a large attendance at the summer assembly, and of
acquiring a proprietary interest by the purchase of as-
sembly stock. "-
The Crete assembly had the reputation of presenting an-
nual programs of high order of merit ; and from the stand-
point of literary, moral, and spiritual benefit was a great
success.
The management secured men of national reputation to
lecture from its platform ; but as a financial venture it
failed, and after a few years' trial was given up. It is a
question well worth considering, if the time has not now
come when the denomination should take up some phases
of Bible study, normal training and correlated subjects in a
summer assembly established at a center like Lincoln, where
a larger attendance could be secured with better financial
'Minutes, 1891, pp. 11, 12.
'Minutes, 1892, p. 18.
96 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
prospects. The difficulty is in reviving- an effort which has
once failed for want of financial support.
The association at its meeting in 1891 appointed Rev.
John Power, Dr. Joseph T. Duryea, and Rev. Lewis Greg-
ory a Committee on Divorce Legislation. The next year
this committee made the following report, which was
adopted :
"Tg the General Association of Congregational Churches
of Nebraska:
"Your Committee on Divorce Legislation recommend that
the following petition be presented to the legislature of the
state of Nebraska:
"'To the Honorable Legislature of the State of A^ebraska:
" 'Whereas, By the law of the state no remedy is pro-
vided for a deserted husband or wife within the space of
two years from the date of desertion, and then only by an
action for divorce ; and,
" 'Whereas, Alimony, when allowed, is to be collected
only as a civil debt, and consequently, in most cases, not to
be collected at all ; and,
" 'Whereas, Marriage, followed by immediate desertion,
is the easiest method of escape for an unmarried man from
the consequences of an action for seduction or bastardy,
and has been frequently performed for that very purpose ;
and,
" 'Whereas, A divorce may be obtained from an absent
respondent where due diligence has not been used to notify
such respondent that action for divorce has been com-
menced ;
" 'Therefore, we, the undersigned, do respectfully petition
your honorable body that during your present session such
amendation of the law may be made as shall
" 'First — Make desertion on the part of a married person
a penal offense.
RECENT DECLARATIONS 97
" 'Second — Subject a man against whom desertion has
been proven to the same conditions as one against whom
bastardy has been proven.
" 'Third — Give this remedy independent of any action for
divorce.
" 'P'ourth — Prohibit proceeding in any action for divorce
until due dihgence has been used to bring the respondent
into court.
" 'And your petitioners will ever pray.'
"Your committee further recommend that this petition
be presented to the legislature by a delegation from this
association, and that the W. C. T. U. and other associa-
tions be invited to cooperate in urging the matter upon the
legislature."*^
Some of the evils petitioned against have been removed
by recent legislation, and desertion in some cases is made
a criminal offense, and in other ways the law has been
improved.
vSpirited resolutions are sent to the President of the
United States, requesting that vigorous measures be taken
to protect American citizens, and maintain the treaty rights
in the Ottoman Empire.^
Again
"Recognizing the increased activity of the Mormon
church, and the aggressiveness on the part of the polyga-
mous propaganda, be it therefore
"Resolved, That we hereby most respectfully call upon
our United States Senators and Representatives to use
their utmost endeavor to secure early action by Congress
proposing an amendment to our Federal Constitution for-
ever prohibiting the practice of polygamy in any place sub-
' Minutes, 1892, pp. 19, 20.
* Minutes, 1896, p. 14.
7
98 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
ject to our governmental jurisdiction, and providing for the
disfranchisement of those who are guilty of this crime."^
vSonie years ago a plan of church union of all Protestant
bodies in this country was proposed. It was called the New
Jersey Plan and was considered by the Nebraska churches
during 1894 and 1S95, but the association came to the con-
clusion that "We are unable to find a feasible way to such
unity in what is known as the New Jersey Plan."*'
The time, in the estimation of the association, had not
come to agitate the question of the organic union of the
Protestant bodies, but the Plan itself is of interest. The
essential features of this plan are stated by Dr. A. H. Brad-
ford of New Jersey in a letter dated January 6, 1905 :
"The New Jersey Plan for the Union of Protestant
Evangelical Churches was based on four proposals namely :
I, The acceptance of the Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments, inspired by the Holy Spirit, as containing all
things necessary to salvation, and as being the real and ulti-
mate standard of Christian faith. 2, The discipleship of
Jesus Christ, the Divine Lord and Savior, and the teacher
of the world. 3, The Church of Christ, which is His body,
whose mission it is to preach the Gospel to the world. 4,
Liberty of conscience in the interpretation of the Scriptures
and in the administration of the Church.
"I have not given the proposals in the exact form in which
they were originally presented, but in their substance. You
will find them in the Minutes of the National Council of
1895, page 36.
"Very sincerely yours,
"Amory H. Bradford."
The plan of church union in some form has, however,
been kept before the Church, and the action of the National
* Minutes, 1900, p. 17.
•Minutes, 1895, p. 14.
RECENT DECLARATIONS 99
Council, October, 1904, in adopting the report of the com-
mittee appointed in 1901 to confer with other denomina-
tions, especially the United Brethren and Methodist Prot-
estants, has made this a live question, and it is possible
that some kind of federation may be adopted in which these
denominations, together with the Free Baptists and Con-
grcgationalists, may come into much closer fellowship, and
l)erhaps eventually into organic union. This is for the
churches of all the denominations to say. There can be no
coercion. Local and state bodies are discussing it. De-
nominations are coming closer together, but there are many
obstacles to be overcome before organic union can be
realized. The readjustment of missionary boards and
church papers, of publishing houses and Sunday school lit-
erature, is a tremendous undertaking; but this is a simple
problem as compared with that of bringing the individual
churches into line with the movement, and "delivering the
goods." There will doubtless be a cleavage when it is under-
taken. Some United Brethren and Methodist Protestants
will prefer the M. E. Church to the proposed Union Church ;
some Congregationalists will prefer to remain Independent ;
and so there is a danger of the proposed union of denomina-
tions resulting in the organization of still another, and the
weakening of those that remain. Much will depend on the
skill, w"isdorn, and patience of the leaders in the movement.
Congregational Nebraska at the Geneva meeting, 1903,
unanimously adopted the following resolutions, which may
be said fairly to represent the thought and desires of our
churches :
"Whereas, There is at the present time a movement look-
ing toward a closer federation and possibly organic union
of dififerent denominatioHS with the Congregational body ;
therefore
lOO CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"Resolved, That we hail hopefully the movement for a
closer association with sister denominations, trusting to find
in it the beginning of that consummation of Christian fel-
lowship so long desired and prayed for by the Church. The
end sought is worth sacrifice, and while we still cherish the
constitutive principles of our order — the independence of
the local church, and the fellowship of the churches — with a
conviction too profound to be surrendered, we stand ready
to sink personal preferences and all non-essentials of method
and tradition that we may strike hands in love and labor
with the v/ider fellowship.
"Resolved, That it should be the aim of our churches to
strengthen the denomination through the development of an
inner life, and the application to all our work of those his-
toric ideas which have left such a profound and beneficial
influence upon the development of our national life, as well
as upon the educational and spiritual life of our churches.
"Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to
the next National Council as a testimony of the position
of our churches in the state of Nebraska."^
These represent a friendly attitude toward a closer affilia-
tion of Christian workers in all denominations, but em-
phasize the need of the "development of an inner life, and
the application to all our work of those historic ideas which
have left such a profound and beneficial influence upon the
development of our national life, as well as upon the educa-
tional and spiritual life of our churches."
The same Geneva meeting in connection with the preced-
ing adopted the following resolutions on the Bible Society ;
Labor and Capital ; Temperance and the Observance of the
Lord's Day :
Minutes, 1903, p. 21.
RECENT DECLARATIONS lOI
"Whereas, The American Bible Society, through its trans-
lation of the Holy Scriptures into many languages and the
distribution of the same in mission fields, has become an
indispensable agency in the development of our missionary
work ; therefore be it
"Resolved, That we heartily commend the American
Bible Society to our churches as worthy their moral and
financial support.
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this association that
the Bible Society should also print the very best English
version, and we therefore respectfully request that the so-
ciety publish the American Revised Version of the Holy
Scriptures for general distribution.
"Resolved, That the -state registrar be requested to send
a copy of these resolutions to the officers of the Bible Society
in New York.
"Resolved, That without at present expressing ourselves
as to the nierits of the controversy between organized labor
and capital, we heartily approve of the appointment by the
National Council of a labor committee to inquire into the
facts as to labor and its relation to capital and to the
churches, and recommend the appointment by this body of
a committee to cooperate with the national committee as
requested.
"Whereas, We recognize in the use of alcoholic liquors,
and in their agent, the liquor traffic, after sin in the heart,
the most destructive foe to the progress of the Kingdom of
our Redeemer in the hearts and lives of men ; be it
"Resolved, i, That we pledge ourselves to favor total
abstinence on the part of individuals and total prohibition
of the traffic on the part of the state and nation.
"2, That working toward this we favor vigorous presen-
tation of the evils of intemperance and vigorous enforce-
ment of existing laws, and as rapidly as possible the enact-
I02 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
meiit of new restrictive measures until the traffic is wholly
outlawed."
"We deplore the growing laxity in the observance of the
Lord's Day and urge upon our ministers and churches the
necessity of recovering the reverent regard for the Lord's
Day so valuable to family life and to the Kingdom of
Christ."
The Lincoln meeting, October, 1904, was alive to the
inhuman treatment of the natives in the Congo valley and
adopted the following resolution :
"In \'iew of charges made by responsible parties that
grossest outrages are being perpetrated upon the native
people of the Congo valley, reducing them in many in-
stances practically to a condition of slavery,
"Resolved, That the General Association of the Con-
gregational Churches of Nebraska urges upon Congress a
thorough investigation of the charges made against the
authorities of the independent state of the Congo, to the
end that if such charges are found to be true, the United
States unite with other western powers to secure to the
native people of the Congo the humane and just govern-
ment which is their right."
In all these, and in other declarations, the churches of
the state show an active interest in the questions which
afifect not only the denomination but our common humanity
as well. Congregational churches would be untrue to their
historic life if they failed to keep in touch with the great
movements in thought and life which characterize the pres-
ent century. A new and interior state feels the throb of this
vigorous life as well as those states nearer the great com-
mercial centers of the country.
CENTRALIZATION IO3
XVII
CENTRALIZATION
Interested as onr churches are in the movement looking
toward a closer affiliation with other denominations, it is
even more interested in the trend of thought and action in
favor of a more centralized government. There has been
milch discussion of late of some one or more phases of this
question.
Congregationalists "to the manner born" and those who
have drunk deep of the historic spirit of the denomination
will hardly surrender their freedom for a centralized gov-
ernment, acting with authority and assuming legislative
functions. It is the independence of the local church to
conduct and manage its own affairs, subject only to the
laws oi fellowship, which makes pulpits in our
churches so attractive to ministers in other denomina-
tions. We rejoice in our independence, but we are not In-
dependents ; we are Congregationalists, because we are
bound together by the law of fellozvship. We shall see
how the application of this principle may work out the
unification of the churches, without surrendering our first
constitutive principle, the independence of the local church.
It is also historically shown that our freedom has been as
valuable a safeguard to the orthodox faith of the churches,
colleges, and theological seminaries as the more centralized
government of other denominations.
On the other hand, it is felt that if, as a body of churches,
we can work in closer touch with one another, we may
largely increase our efficiency in the Kingdom of God.
It was to secure this that Congregational Nebraska at
its Geneva meeting, 1903, appointed a State Advisory
I04 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Board, which has been widely commented upon in the re-
Hgious press. The board is an experiment in Nebraska
Congregationahsm, and will be continued only as it proves
that it has a mission for good, a mission in harmony with
the; genius of our polity, in the development of a vigorous,
healthful church life dominated by the democratic spirit in
fellowship with the best thought and life of the churches.
After a year's trial the churches at the Lincoln meeting,
October, 1904, with only one dissenting vote, gave their
most hearty approval of the work of the board, and en-
larged its membership from three to five mernbers. It has
done much in helping pastorless churches to secure minis-
ters ; in planning for fellowship meetings, evangelistic ser-
vices, and in other ways promoting Congregational interests.
The board is the child of the fertile brain of the large-
hearted pastor of the First Church in Omaha, Rev. H. C.
Herring, D.D.
The following resolutions and explanatory statement,
adopted by the association, were prepared and introduced
by him, and are here given in full because of their historic
value :
"Resolved, i. That there be appointed by this associa-
tion two of its number who, with the State Superintendent
of Missions, shall constitute a body to be known as the
State Advisory I^oard; one of the two named to be chosen
for one year and one for two years, and hereafter one to be
chosen each year for a term of two years.
"2, That this board be instructed to associate with itself
at its discretion, and as may be arranged with the Home
Mission Board, the General Missionary of the state in order
that his work may be coordinated with its own.
"3, That this board be charged with the duty of aiding
the churches of the state in their work in all ways within
its power, so far as they are willing to accept such aid.
CENTRALIZATION 1 05
Especially is it charged to seek to be helpful to the churches
ill the following- particulars :
"a. The promotion of evangelistic effort through the
services of the general missionary, through the introduction
of other evangelists in whom it has confidence, and through
the cultivation of the evangelistic spirit.
"b. The settlement of pastors by placing at the disposal
of vacant churches the information it may possess or may
obtain concerning applicants, by seeking to bring good men
into the state, and by endeavoring through personal con-
ference to guide the churches in wise methods of seeking
pastors.
"r. The strengthening of weak fields through the con-
centration of workers in them for brief periods.
"(/. The investigation of eligible localities and the de-
velopment of Congregational churches there when feasible.
"e. The cultivation of systematic and efifective methods
of missionary giving among the churches.
"/. The promotion of the circulation of our denomina-
tional literature among the churches,
"g. The furthering of union locally bet\yeen our churches
and the Methodist Protestant and United Brethren churches
wherever it may seeni desirable.
"4, The members of this board shall be chosen by ballot
from six names to be submitted by the nominating com-
mittee. In subsequent years the number submitted shall be
three, from whom one shall be chosen.
"explanatory statement
"The aim of the accompanying resolutions is five-fold :
"i. To secure for the State Association a continuous
executive agency, speaking with such authority as is com-
patible with our independent polity. There would thus come
to be in time a consciousness among the churches that our
I06 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
work has a unity and coherence of which they are largely
unconscious now.
"2. To secure a definite instrumentality for furthering
the lines of effort mentioned in the resolution, such further-
ance being made possible by the fact that two of the board
give their whole time to the work and the other two con-
stant oversight and counsel and it is expected some measure
of personal activity.
"3. To reinforce the home mission superintendent in all
the relations which he now sustains to the home missionary
churches, and to extend the same relationship of advisory
helpfulness to the self-supportiiig churches.
"4. To protect the churches against unworth}- ministers
and evangelists and to attract worthy men to the state.
"5. To promote the organizations of Congregational
churches in the man}- promising fields now open to us
throughout the state.
"The reasons for the existence of such a board are three-
fold:
"i. The acknoAvledged weakness of our churches in all
enterprises calling for united effort and the frequent laxness
w^ith which the affairs of the local church are managed.
'"2. The fact that in our whole state system there is but
one common and continuous meeting point for the churches,
vi.7., the home mission superintendent, and he, of course, is
unrelated to the self-supporting churches and can not
possibly compass much beyond the routine duties which de-
mand attention in connection with the churches under his
care.
"3. The fact that the value of an advisory or executive
agency is in proportion to its permanence and prominence
before the eyes of the churches.
"For this reason the resolutions suggest that the functions
of the Evangelistic and the Benevolence Committee be con-
CENTRALIZATION IO7
centrated in this committee in connection witli its other
duties. It is hoped that an agenc}' such as this might in
process of time exercise an important influence in bringing
our state to self-support.'"^
In adopting this measure the General Association ap-
pointed as members of the Advisory Board : Rev. H. C.
Herring, D.D., Rev. J. W. Cowan, D.D., and Supt. H.
Bross, D.D. The following year Rev. G. W. Mitchell and
Rev. V. F. Clark were elected additional members. The
work of the board will be watched with growing interest
by the churches. There are those who think that in this
board, or some development of it, we have the happy solu-
tion of the more "centralized government" which some be-
lieve is necessary to the vigorous prosecution of our church
work. It is the "Nebraska Idea." How far it may enter
into the life of the churches in other states remains to be
seen.
It will be noted that this is an effort to unify the churches
and secure greater efficiency along the line of a command-
ing fellowship, and not through a legislative body with au-
thority over the churches. It is doubtful if we ever go
beyond this. And whatever centralization the churches
may sanction will be along Congregational, not Presbyterial
nor Episcopal lines.
ECCLESIASTICAL STANDING
The development of the constitutive principle of fellow-
ship has placed an emphasis on the ecclesiastical standing
of churches and ministers in the association of churches.
This is thoroughly Congregational.
A church can not organize itself, call whomsoever it will
as pastor regardless of moral and doctrinal fitness, and then
say "We are a Congregational church, and our pastor is a
'Minutes, 1903, pp. 8-10.
Rev. G. W. Mitchell
Rev. V. F. Clark
H. C. Herring, D.D.
J. W. Cowan, D.D.
ME^tBERS OF THE AD\'ISORY BOARD
H. C. Herring, D.D., Chairman
CENTRALIZATION IO9
Congregational pastor and must be received as such." It
may be an Independent church and its pastor an Independ-
ent, minister, but neither church nor minister can lay claim
to the name Congregational until recognized by a Congre-
gational council, or received into a Congregational associa-
tion which is responsible for the standing of both church
and minister.
The old idea of ministerial standing in the local church
is a relic of independency zviiJioitt fellowship. Modern Con-
gregationalism has long since repudiated it, and the western
churches have been among the foremost in pushing forward
this development of Congregationalism, holding in even bal-
ance its two constitutive principles, the independence of the
local church in the management of its own affairs, and the
fellowship of the churches in a united body — the denomina-
tion. Any future centralization in government of the de-
nomination must continue to hold in even balance these tivo
constitutive principles if our churches remain Congrega-
tional. There is no indication that Congregational Nebraska
is ready to renounce its birthright and disown its inheritance.
EVANGELISM
But there are tokens of a vigorous denominational life, a
truly Congregational life. The action of the recent Na-
tional Council at Des Moines in creating' a Committee on
Evangelism, representative in every way, earnest and de-
voted, a committee who mean business, is already sending
a purer blood through our denominational veins, and with
the development of a new spiritual life there is coming also
into our churches a strong Congregational consciousness,
which indicates a more rapid growth in churches and a
commanding influence in the management and life of our
great missionary societies and institutions of learning —
the congregational academies, colleges, aild theological
seminaries.
no CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
XVIII
THE OUTLOOK
.Vt the Geneva meeting Superintendent Bross in his an-
nual report makes mention of the fact that the Nebraska
State Missionary Society had ahnost reached its majority,
which to-day it boasts, in the following words :
"T\VENTY YEARS
"This is the twentieth anniversary of our Home Mission-
ary Society. The history of the years has much to show
of progress. Then we had a membership of 4,042, now
16,005 • then our home expenses were $45,248, now $150,030;
then we raised for our benevolences $8,723, now $19,479.
While then we had nominally 147 churches, many of them
were so only in name, and even their names have since dis-
appeared. Only seventy-seven of our present 205 churches
had then been organized. We often mourn over our lost
churches, and in many cases we ought not only to weep but
to humble ourselves in dust and ashes that we forsook them
in the time of their dire extremity ; but it is worth remember-
ing that the total membership of the churches whose names
have disappeared from that list of twenty years ago amounts
to only 453, only four or five of them having a membership
above twenty.
"NEW FEATURES
"Three features of the work of the past year I wish to
emphasize, viz. : the Lincoln Convocation, the advent of the
Yale Band, the efforts of the board to take advantage of
this occasion to increase the volume of our work.
112 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA •
"The Lincoln Convocation [presided over by Hon. C.
B. Anderson of Crete] March 23, brought together
many representatives from different parts of the state and
gave utterance to the deep conviction on the part of many
that we need an awakening interest in our Congregational
ranks. Dr. Herring evidently interpreted the feeling when
he said : 'I am oppressed with the sense of the weakness
of our Congregational Zion.'
"For a whole day, from 8 :oo o'clock in the morning until
9 :oo in the evening, the convocation faced the question of
ways and means for an advance along the line. Prayer and
conference, addresses and resolutions, the best wisdom and
concentrated attention in committee meetings combined to
make the day memorable in our Congregational history.
The publication in the Congregational Nezvs of April of Dr.
Herring's strong address and the resolutions adopted
brought the message of the meeting into many of our homes.
The paper ought to have gone into many more homes.
"Among the resolutions adopted was the following: Tn
our judgment the time has come to set a higher standard
for our missionary gifts. Especially in the matter of home
missionary offerings do we feel that our 15,000 members
ought not to attempt to raise less than $10,000 per year,
nor to be satisfied to fall short of it.' This certainly struck
a high note, none too high, for our home missionary gifts.
The meeting also expressed the conviction that in view of
the great need of laborers, the superintendent should visit
eastern seminaries and appeal to the young men to come to
the rescue. Upon reporting this matter to New York it
struck a responsive chord there, and Secretary Choate, with-
out waiting to write, wired the superintendent at once ad-
vising the visit. . . .
"It has been felt by the board and the superintendent
that the coming of this band in connection with the utter-
THE OUTLOOK II3
ances of the Lincoln Convocation ought to mark the begin-
ning of better things in the development of our work. Evi-
dently we ought to be moving more rapidly toward the goal
of self-support. In the hard-time years we could not press
forward with much momentum. We have outgrown hard-
time conditions. It is amazing to witness the recuperative
power of our great state. Churches in eastern Nebraska
that have almost reached self-support need to make the ad-
ditional effort to complete the work.
■'But especially do we need to bestir ourselves for in-
creased contributions. With this fact in view, the board
has given much time of late to this aspect of the work.
The sessions have not been simply to pass upon applications
but to advance the interests of our Congregational Zion.
One result of these deliberations has been the publication
in a red-letter circular of a' statement and an appeal to the
churches for the raising of $8,000 the present year. Enough
of these have been prepared to circulate among our fam-
ilies, or at least in groups of families. This is a red-letter
edition, and it is hoped that pastors will make free use of
them in connection with their annual collection. Take sam-
ples of them to your homes. The other is along a different
line and I can not use three minutes of your time to better
advantage than to read it.
"the christian stewardship band
"Dear Friend — In view of the abundant means now in
the hands of Congregational Christians in Nebraska, many
of the more conscientious are seriously asking the question
whether it is right for us to look to eastern givers — many
of whom are less able than we — to provide two-thirds of
the financial help needed for the home missionary work in
our state, when the Lord has placed in our hands ample
means for this work if we are willing to use it in any way.
8
114
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
A movement is therefore on foot to band together such as
recognize the claims of Christian stewardship, for the pur-
pose of doing more thoroughly our fair share of this im-
portant work within our own state. Recognizing the fact
that the amount received from church collections is not suf-
ficient for these important lines of Christian work, many
persons in the East contribute annually, as individuals, to
the work, because they firmly believe that no agency is as
FALLS OF THE NORTH LOUP RIVER
well fitted to strengthen and develop the institutions of free-
dom inherited from our Pilgrim forefathers as are the
churches and Sunday schools, and that these should be
planted and kept actively at work in each local community.
Many in Nebraska share in these convictions, and to such
this letter is addressed.
"Out of over 16,000 Congregational Christians in the
state it is believed that from 300 to 500 at least can be found
who are able and who will be willing to contribute in sums
THE OUTLOOK II5
of $10, $25, $50, or $100 a year for this specific work in
addition to what is usually given in connection with the
annual church offering. In this way it is hoped at least
$5,000 additional can be raised for this work. At present,
of the $12,000 and more of home missionary money used
in the state, the Nebraska givers furnish less than $5,000.
The Christian Stewardship Band is a recognition that this
sum is no fair proportion of the abundance with which the
Lord has blessed us and is an effort to organize a 'band
whose hearts God hath touched,' to the end that Christ's
work may receive the same businesslike attention which is
given the less important secular enterprises of the state.
"If this movement meets your approval and you are will-
ing to join us in it, please fill out the enclosed pledge form
for such sum as you are willing to ins^est in the work and
forward it to Supt. H. Bross, D.D., Lincoln, Nebraska. DO
IT NOW.
"Yours in the Master's service,
"S. I. Hanford,
"W. A. Selleck,
"H. Bross,
"Committee."^
At the Geneva meeting steps were taken looking toward
the incorporation of the Nebraska Home Missionary So-
ciety. This was accomplished a year later at the Lincoln
meeting, and the Nebraska Home Missionary Society is now
a corporate body, and is looking forward to the near fu-
ture, when it shall be independent of the National Congre-
gational Home Missionary Society and administer its own
funds, commission its own missionaries, and be able,
through the C. H. M. Society so long its foster mother, to
do something for "the regions beyond."
'Minutes, 1903, pp. 44-47.
I l6 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
In incorporating, the society elected the following officers :
President John E. Tuttle, D.D., Lincoln; Secretary Rev.
A. E. Ricker, Aurora ; Treasurer Rev. Lewis Gregory, Lin-
coln. Board of Directors : Prof. A. C. Hart, Franklin ;
W. A. Selleck, Lincoln ; Rev. J. D. Stewart, Aurora ; Rev.
S. L Hanford, Weeping Water; M. A. Bullock, D.D., Lin-
coln; Rev. George E. Taylor, Pierce; Rev. A. E. Ricker,
Aurora ; Siipt. C. H. M. S. for Nebraska Harmon Bross,
D.D., Lincoln. Officers of the board: M. A. Bullock,
D.D., chairman ; Rev. George E. Taylor, secretary.
Before, however, the State Home Missionary Society can
become self-supporting there will have to be a vigorous
growth of the feeling of responsibility for our home mis-
sionary work on the part of our churches. Our contribu-
tions will have to be increased three-fold before we can as-
sume self-support, and four-fold before we can do an ag-
gressive work in the state. The society awaits the response
of the churches. The society has secured the help of Rev.
N. L. Packard as general missionary and he entered upon
the work November i, 1904. He combines evangelistic
work with that of caring for pastorless churches, and great
good is expected from his labors in the state.
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH
"7
XIX
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH
We have noted in a general way the growth of our
churches throughout the state "beginning at Jerusalem,"
REV. CHARLES LITTLE
First pastor First Congregational Church, Lincohi, 1867
in this case Omaha; seeing the little church organized by
Father Gaylord growing in strength and numbers, sending
ii8
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
colonies here and there in the rapidly growing city until
our Congregational Zion numbers in that city eight churches.
We have seen Fremont become a strong and leading church
under the successive pastorates of able men. We have
noted the increase in the number of churches and men, but
have felt constrained rapidly to pass by the development
of church life in various places.
A chapter devoted to some phases of church life in differ-
ent parts of the state may be of positive value. Especially
is this true since the writer has been able to call to his aid
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, LINCOLN, 1868
the help of men who were on the field and entered largely
into the work concerning which they write.
It is a source of great gratification to the writer that
these busy men have been willing to take the time to give
this valuable service to the churches. The first to respond
is Rev. Lewis Gregory, who for twenty-three years was
pastor of the First Congregational Church in Lincoln, and
is now president of the American Savings bank in that
city. Mr. Gregory writes of
CONGREGATIONALISM IN LINCOLN
"Congregationalism in Nebraska was ten years old and
had ten churches when it began regular services in Lancas-
ter countv. This was one of the least settled of the eastern
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH
119
counties. Only 116 votes were polled in the county at an
exciting election in 1866. A county seat, the present site of
Lincoln, was laid off in 1864 and named Lancaster.
"Rev.. E. C. Taylor preached here occasionally as an out-
station of Greenwood. In August, 1866, a little church of
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, LINCOLN, I905.
Cut loaned by the I<iiicoln Lusiness College
six members was organized. This is the oldest existing
church in Lincoln. The minutes of the council state that
there were then seven buildings in the town, viz., a school-
house, a store, a blacksmith shop, and four dwellings. In
the following summer it was decided to locate the state
capital here, and call the town Lincoln. In December of
I20 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
the same year (1867) Rev. Charles Little, having been
chosen pastor of the Congregational Church, set about se-
curing for it a meeting-house. This was erected in 1868 at
a cost of $2,778, and v/as the first permanent building dedi-
cated to the worship of God in Lincoln.
REV. LEWIS GREGORY
"For a few years there was an ecclesiastical society con-
nected with the church, after the old New England fashion,
but was discontinued in 1873. After an arduous and self-
sacrificing pastorate Mr. Little resigned in 1870, leaving a
church of thirty-four members, Mr. Little afterward re-
turned to Lincoln, where he and his wife are buried.
''His successors, Rev. L. B. Fifield and Rev. S. R. Dim-
mock, were men of scholarly ability and oratorical gifts.
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH 121
Considerable additions were made to the church, but there
was so much going as well as coming that the residue was
small. However, the congregation of strangers kept in-
creasing. The church building was enlarged and
mortgaged.
"B\' act of the state legislature of 1869 lots were given to
churches erecting buildings within two years. As a con-
sequence there was an unfortunate division of efifort and
multiplication of church edifices. All the parishes were in
debt; religious interest declined. When Mr. Dimmock re-
signed in 1875 there were only about fifty active members
on the roll.
"The church seriously considered whether it was not
best to disband. In the good old Congregational way they
called a council to advise on the matter. The council dis-
couraged the idea of disbanding, and the church decided to
go forward.
"The failure to ask advice, and the mistake of looking
only on the surface for the results of the first hard years of
pioneering have wrecked many Nebraska churches. They
abandon the foundations laid, and leave the good seed sown
in tears, when only a little more persistence and patience
are necessary to justify the years of labor seemingly spent
in vain. Later in the same year (1875) a call was ex-
tended to Rev. Lewis Gregory who continued in the pastor-
ate twenty-three years. He was succeeded in 1898 by Rev.
W. H. Manss, followed in 1903 by Rev. J. E. Tuttle, D.D.,
the present minister.
"These thirty years have witnessed a steady growth.
The church is now the largest of our order in the state.
It shares with its seven sister churches of our order in the
city, with their united memberslrip of 1,773. the honor of
contributing largely to the religious life of Lincoln and
Nebraska.
122 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"It is to the credit of our denominational fellowship
that none of these churches, Lincoln First, Plymouth, First
German, Vine Street, Butler Avenue, Swedish, Zion, and
Salem, sprang out of dissension or rivalry. Each, with the
approval of all, is located in a distinct parish in centers of
influence. Each has been established in turn to meet the
growing needs of population and the general interests of
Christ's Kingdom.
"The history of the German churches of Lincoln is of
special interest. The largest German church of our order
is located in Lincoln. More German Congregationalists are
here than in any other city of our countr\^ The origin of
this work in 1889 came of the helping hand extended by the
Congregationalists of the city in suggesting and contribut-
ing to a place of worship for the German people coming
here, poor but thrifty, to escape the exactions of Russian
despotism. In the way of sympathy, advice, and little
courtesies, mutual good will has grown until in apprecia-
tion of its liberty and fellowship Congregationalism has no
more loyal children than our German brethren of Lincoln."
It may be added that Mr. Gregory's characteristic mod-
esty prevented him from saying how large a factor he him-
self was in building up the First Church, erecting its present
attractive church building, establishing the other Congre-
gational churches, and in helping our German brethren to
see in our church polity the freedom for which they had
hungered when in their German villages in Russia. Whole
villages of these Russo-Germans emigrated in a body from
Russia to Nebraska. A people intensely religious and de-
voted, liberty loving, and loyal, they soon found in our
fellowship a congenial church home.
We nov/ have German churches in Alliance, Butte, Crete,
Deweese, Friend, Germantown, Guide Rock, Hallam, Hast-
ings, Hayes County, Inland, Lincoln, McCook, Napier,
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH
123
Omaha, Princeton, Stockham, Superior, Sutton, Timber
Creek, and Turkey Creek.
The church at Crete, organized in 1876, is the oldest, and
in that town for some years was located the German Pro-
REV. WILLIAM SUESS, CRETE
Seminary which for a time had a loose connection with
Doane College. This pro-seminary, designed to prepare
students for the German department of Chicago Theolog-
ical Seminary, was transferred to Wilton Junction, Iowa,
and became the Wilton German-English College in Septem-
124 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
ber, 1894, the Wilton Congregational Academy, with two
brick buildings and several acres of land, being turned over
by its trustees to the German brethren for this purpose.
In September, 1904, the Wilton school was consolidated
with Redfield College, South Dakota, and the property in
Wilton was disposed of for about $4,500 in favor of the
town, and the sum applied on indebtedness. The location of
Redfield College is near the territory from which a large
number of German students come, and the change is
thought to be desirable in every way.
Rev. F. C. F. Scherff of Minden, Iowa, writes ■}
"The new articles of incorporation of Redfield College
provide a full German course for German theological stu-
dents. It is believed that the college under the new condi-
tions will have more sympathy and financial aid from the
German churches. Prof. H. Seil has been elected presi-
dent."
This digression has come naturally through following
out the history of a Nebraska institution, sprung from our
German work, a large part of which is in the city of Lincoln.
CONGREGATIONALISM IN THE ELKHORN VALLEY
Col. S. S. Cotton of Norfolk has kindly furnished the
following account of church life in the Elkhorn valley :
"Until the year 1867, the Elkhorn valley was uninhabited
by white people. Only Indians roamed over it in search of
game, or interchanging visits among the different tribes.
This v/as a part of the country considered by eastern peo-
ple to be 'the great American desert.'
"It was Albert D. Richardson who, perhaps half a century
ago, traveled through this country in company with Horace
^Letter, August S, 1904.
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH
f25
Greeley and published a work, 'Be3'ond the Mississippi/
and £^ave a faint idea of its wonderful possibilities, its vast
commercial, mining-, and agricultural resources. What he
prophesied as possibilities then are realities now.
COLONEL S. S. COTTON
"With the march of progress, the mission church has held
a foremost place. From the beginning until now, Norfolk
Church has been a center to which the younger churches
have looked for inspiration and help.
"Col. Charles Mathevvson, the main founder of the Nor-
folk Church, was a man eminently fitted to be a leader in
this work of beginnings. He was clear headed, with a
126
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
great heart full oi sympathy for everything looking to the
upbuilding of church life. A royal welcome to his home
always awaited the workers in the little sister churches.
They could not fail to catch encouragement from his genial,
hopeful nature and inspiring advice.
COLONEL CHARLES MATHEWSON
"The Norfolk Church had its beginning with the settle-
ment of the town. In the summer of 1869 Colonel Mathew-
son, with his family, located in Norfolk, building a flouring
mill and the first house. His birthplace was Pomfret, Con-
necticut, a town noted in history as the home of the Revolu-
tionary patriot. General Putnam.
Geo. Scott, D.D.
Rev. M. B. Harrison
Rev. J. \V. Kidder
Rev. Geo. E. Taylor
I 2b CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"Religious meetings were frequently held in the Mathew-
son home, but in 1871 it was decided to organize a church
ixud erect a church building. When this was known in
Pomfret, $200 was forwarded from the friends there as a
greeting to the Norfolk organization. I have the names of
the donors in my possession — thirty-four in number. All
but five have joined the Church Triumphant. Of the five,
two are now living in Norfolk, enjoying the benefit of that
early benevolence.
"In all $900 was raised for the church building. The
Congregational Union added $500 more. In May, 1871, a
church was organized with ten members : Rev. J. W. Kid-
der, from Michigan, was called to the work. He continued
his services until 1878, when he was succeeded by Rev. M.
H. Mead, who in turn resigned May, 1881. In February,
1882, Mr. Spencer was called as pastor and remained three
years. During these pastorates, a period of fifteen years,
the church was fostered by the Home Missionary Society.
"At its organization and for several years afterward this
was the extreme frontier church in northern Nebraska of
any English speaking denomination, and the only Congre-
gational church west and north of Fremont, except the one
at Columbus.
"In 1885" the town had grown so much that our little
church seemed about to be crowded out by the business
blocks, which were approaching very near, and the building
was too small for the growing audiences, so a beautiful
church was erected upon new lots in the residence part of
tov/n,
"Rev. J. J. Parker of New York was called to the work.
His coming had almost the touch of romance. Some one
had heard of Mr. Parker in a roundabout way. The clerk
of the church wrote, inviting him to come and preach four
Sundavs, and if there was mutual satisfaction he was to
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH 129
become the pastor oi the church ; otherwise he was to
return to New York. A distance ai i,ooo miles to travel,
unacquainted with a single person in the town, $30 for re-
muneration— it took a brave man to accept such conditions,
but it was done to the lasting satisfaction of all parties.
Some men are born preachers. This was Mr. Parker's good
fortune. Sixteen years this pastorate continued, with
strengthening affection between pastor and people. It has
many times been said that during this period Mr. Parker
never preached a poor sermon.
"A temperament capable of preaching with great earnest-
ness and fire must sometimes flame. If this was so with Mr.
Parker, we must recall the words of President Roosevelt,
'The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who
never does anything.' Norfolk Church and the name Parker
will go down the years together.
"August 5, 1899, a great grief came to Mr. Parker and
the church in the death of Mrs. Parker. The mother of
ten children, she was of necessity a home keeper, but no
'servant question' troubled her, for she took care of her
own family, yet found time and strength for all the devo-
tional meetings. Mrs. Parker was a woman of calm, sweet
nature and great spirituality. The uplifting power of her
prayers will always remain as a benediction upon this church.
'T think every one present at a State Association in Nor-
folk will recall Mrs. Parker's coming forward, holding her
baby boy, and saying, T have not silver nor gold, but I give
this baby boy to the Lord, and to His service.' Who can
estimate the meaning of such a gift? Perhaps the sainted
mother can.
"Rev. W. J. Turner was called to the church in 1902 and
is still the pastor. He preaches good sermons, is of sweet
spirit and fine social nature. The church prospers under
his influence in all departments of its activity. The mem-
9
130 COXGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
bership now numbers more tlian two hundred. The church
has had its vicissitudes, but out of small numbers and weak-
ness and poverty it has q,risen, strong and vigorous, to do
valiant service for the Master.
"Every little town in the Elkhorn valley wanted a church.
It was needed as a check to lawlessness, and as an induce-
ment for respectable citizens to settle. This idea was illus-
trated in a neighboring town. The citizens wanted a church.
There was not a church member among them. Not one
had attended church enough to be interested in any particu-
lar organization. They decided to take bids from the differ-
ent societies. The Congregationalists offered the most
inducements.
"In the early times home missionaries often passed
through Norfolk, as it was a railroad center. Many times
it w^as convenient tor them to stay over a day or two.
A large corner room was always ready for them in our
home, and one of our greatest privileges was the entertain-
ment of these heroic pioneers.
"Chief among them, and counselor for them all, was the
Rev. Dr. Bross, General Missionary, and afterward Superin-
tendent of Home Missions. He was many times an honored
guest in our home, but never for long. It w^as always
'move on.' I ^^-ell remember one Sabbath. The Doctor told
a most eloquent story of his v;ork in our church in the
morning. He v^as due at Pierce in the evening. At noon
a blizzard began. Snow falling fast; wind blowing faster
still. Unavailing were all entreaties to prevent his ventur-
ing on the perilous drive of twelve miles. His faithful wife
insisted on keeping him company. The Lord needed them
for future work, and they arrived safely. Where is the ro-
mance to home missions ?
"Many interesting experiences were related by these
visitors in otir homes. One missionary said, 'I shall never
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH I3I
forget the day that fixed our clioice on this work. My hus-
band came in with two letters. One contained an offer
of a home missionary church in Nebraska w-ith a salary of
$700 ; the other an invitation to a church in a pleasant east-
ern town with $1,400 salary. He looked at me, "Which shall
it be?" he questioned. 1 answered, "You say," and he did.
It was to go to the frontier on $700 a year.' Then she spoke
of some of their hardships. One winter the roads were all
blocked, and very little fuel could be bought. They shared
what they had stored with others. When all was exhausted,
the mother and two children went to bed to keep from
freezing. They stayed there one week, not knowing but it
might be a month; then relief came. One day, she said,
her husband dug down eight feet and hauled out five sticks.
She said, '1 cried when he gave a neighbor two.'
"Another missionary told of work in a little mountain
town, where even the saloon-keepers closed up and attended
church. In the same town were men living in tents, who
baked cakes and sent them to a children's entertainment.
"A pleasing incident comes to mind in connection with
Green Island (now Aten) Church. In 1879 a niece of
Colonel Mathewson was teaching in the Pomfret, Connecti-
cut, Sunday school. She had a class of well-grown boys,
restless, eager, young fellows, and, anxious to interest them
in home missions, she conceived the idea to have them raise
money to buy a bell for the little church at Green Island.
The boys entered with enthusiasm into the plan, and soon
the bell was pealing forth on the little mission church.
Later the Lord called this teacher into His higher service.
The boys scattered and entered life's work. In 1882, the
year of great floods, I one day read in the paper that Green
Island was entirely swept away by an ice gorge in the Mis-
souri. The church Avas seen floating down the river, the bell
ringing. Instantlv there came to mind the bright class of
132 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
boys, the devoted teacher, the ringing of their bell drowned
by the roaring water of the Missouri. Was its mission
ended ? Or will its tones echo down the ages, kept in tune
by those who know the story — by the seed sown in the
hearts of young manhood in their first effort for home
missions ?
"Do we not sow sometimes better than we know ? A little
seed dropped here and there. Only the Master Gardener
can tell of the harvest. What encouragement for weary
workers ! If the outcome of their working, watching, wait-
ing was only what their eyes could see, they might well be
faint-hearted. But with the Master's touch upon it all, and
all effort is in vain without it, how can these heroic workers
be cast down?
"The work grows so gradually. Its magnitude can hardly
be realized except as we pause and take in the retrospect.
Thirty years ago, how few the churches in all this region
of country! How bare and unadorned they were! How
small the congregations ! With what struggling they main-
tained the preaching! Now, dotting the landscape every-
where, are beautiful houses of worship, with earnest and
increasing memberships.
"And let it not for one moment be forgotten that the
home missionary and the church building societies are the
parents of them all. They have all been helped into exist-
ence, and sustained until strong enough to stand alone, by
these societies.
"The dear little church on the prairie ! If all the boards
could speak, what a story they would tell of the dollars that
nailed them there ! But the record is not lost. God has the
storv written down in His own book. All the consecration,
all the self-denial that has planted His houses is put down
in letters that time can never blot out."
Rev. W. S. Hampton
Prin. A. C. Hart
Prin,
R. S. I'ierce
F. C. Taylor
134 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Colonel Cotton in this attractive story of church life
speaks as a pioneer who has witnessed the development from
the beginning-. One riding to-day through the Elkhorn
valley thickly covered with beautiful and productive farms,
with good houses and barns, thriving towns here and there,
can hardly realize that a little more than a generation ago
this was virgin soil, the Itome of the Indian and hunter,
where occasionally the buffalo might be seen. Now it is
one of the richest portions of the state, and in these prosper-
ous towns and settlements Congregationalism has taken deep
root, has already a history which is the prophecy of a
bright future of service in the Kingdom.
CONGREGATIONALISM IN THE REPUBLICAN VALLEY
The Republican valley is known for its rich alfalfa fields.
It is a veritable garden spot. A good alfalfa farm in this
valley is a fortune. The towns are not large, but are well
located to accommodate the settlers. In this valley Franklin
Academy, which is doing such noble service, is located.
Congregationalism, as well as alfalfa, has here found con-
genial soil. Two men. Rev. W. S. Hampton and Rev.
George E. Taylor, commissioned as general missionaries,
had a large share in laying the foundations of Congrega-
tionalism in southwestern Nebraska. They have kindly con-
sented to tell in brief something of their work.
Rev. W. S. Hampton writes :
'Tn April, 1880, I was commissioned as General Mission-
ary for southwest Nebraska, ^^^est of Franklin county
there were very few people who had been resident more
than two years except along the streams. The country was
filling rapidly with homesteaders and small tradesmen in
the growing towns. The railroad was just completed to
Indianola. The Texas cattle trail entered the state near
where the Driftwood creek crosses the state line. Culbert-
ruASKS OF CHURCH GROWTH 135
son was the objective point for all cattlemen for that region.
Thousands of cattle were driven across the valley annually
on their way to the ranches of the big cattlemen of Ne-
braska, W}oming, and the regions farther north. A church
organized on the Driltv ood not far from the trail was
scattered to the four winds by the severe drouth and the
sharp hoofs of the cattle. I have seen a large herd turned
aside from the old trail to trample out the scant crop of a
]ioor homesteader. The homesteaders would ruin the busi-
ness of the cattle king. The prairies were covered with
cattle. At the spring round-up a large number of cowboys
were in town. A stranger just arrived with broadcloth suit,
polished boots, a gold headed cane, and a shining silk hat.
Offended at the conduct of some of the cowboys he re-
buked them. Soon after, when crossing the street, he was
surprised by the crack of a revolver, the whiz of a bullet
and a little cloud of dust at his feet. This was followed by
another, and still others from different directions, keeping
him jumping to escape the bullet striking at his feet, until
almost breathless, hatless. and covered with perspiration
and dust he was given a rest. He purchased a new hat,
hired a liver}- team to drive to Tndianola, vowing that he
had enough of the cattle business.
"Better listeners I never had than those same cowboys.
I preached the first sermon ever preached in the village of
Cambridge in early May, 1S80. The only building avail-
able was an unfinished store building. I obtained permis-
sion to use it for Sunday services. Saturday evening after
the men had finished their da}-'s work, with coat off and
broom in hand, 1 was doing my best to get it ready for next
morning. I was reinforced by a young man engaged in
Sunday school missionary work wdio was also looking for
a place to hold service and organize a Sunday school. He
introduced himself as N. D. Hillis. and wished to secure
136 CONGREGATIONAL NEBR^VSKA
the use of the building. A few words of explanation re-
sulted in his taking off his coat and assisting in arranging
seats as best we could with boxes, nail kegs, and boards. I
preached the next morning, and N. D. Hillis in the evening.
At that time I believe 1 could preach as well as he. He is
now pastor of Plymouth Church, Brooklyn.
"Aly next service in Cambridge was in an unfinished
blacksmith shop with roof partly shingled, dirt floor, and
improvised seats as before. For the winter we used the
'barracks,' as the building was called. It was three stories
long, the west sod, the center log, and the east boards, all
on the ground. We occupied the log story. It had been
used for a dwelling, and sometimes called a hotel. All the
inhabitants had not moved out. The warm spring days
seemed to bring them forth, and their gamboling up and
down the walls and elsewhere compelled us to seek other
quarters. A frame building was secured for a school house,
and we used that until better accommodations could be had.
"I preached the first sermon in Oxford in an unfinished
store building. The next time I was there the services
were held in a grove where a platform had been erected for
Fourth of July celebration. We used that until cold weather
forbade. We then accepted the offer of a ]Mr. Mugg of
the space between the counters of his drug store, which we
used till spring. j\Ir. Alugg furnished fuel and seats.
'T preached in sod dwelling houses, in dugouts and in the
open air, wherever there was need and people could be
gathered together.
"At one place we found a novel Sunday school. Chris-
tians were scarce, but the people wanted a school. Several
men, only one of them claiming to be a Christian, agreed
to superintend one month each, thus distributing the burden.
It was a success. We now have a Congregational church
in the town. I think N. D. Hillis assisted the school when
REV. HENRY BATES
138 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
on his way np the valley. I do not know that the plan was
his.
"When Franklin v\as first seen by me there were three
buildings on the present town site, a dugout, a log cabin,
and a small frame building unoccupied. 1 preached there
in October, 1880, in a schoolhouse, part dugout and part
log, with sod roof. In company with Rev. J. M. Strong
I took dinner at the home of A. E. Rice, now of Hillsboro,
Oregon. Our conversation drifted naturally to the subject
of Christian education. Mr. Rice was anxious to give his
children as good an education as possible. He was ac-
quainted with the history and work of Denmark Academy,
Iowa. The need of an academy for the Republican valley
was considered, and from that time plans were thought out
which resulted in Franklin Academy. My plans were for
the institution to be further west in the valley, but I was
content with the location, as at the time that seemed best.
Everywhere I went parents were discussing the educational
problem. Young people were anxious to have better ad-
vantages than the sod schoolhouse afiforded. It was not
strange that the first term of Franklin Academy opened
with fifty-five students.
"My experiences during my work as general missionary
were an inspiration to me. The strong faith of the people
in the possibilities of the valley, and their determination to
win ^•ictory out of every seeming defeat were worthy the
heroes of any age. The gracious revival in Franklin in
January, 1882, followed by constant revival in the Academy,
the campaign of Mrs. S. M. I. Henry at Riverton, Alma,
Bloomington, Franklin, and Red Cloud in the winter of
1884-85, have left their impress ui^on all that regiou, and
have reached to far distant places through the immigration
of converts.
"These seasons of spiritual refreshing have been among
the most precious remembrances of my life."
REV. S. C. DEAN
140 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Rev. George E. Taylor writes as follows :
"The year 1880 was notable in the development of south-
western Nebraska. The region was reviving after the pro-
longed drouth that had discouraged all but the most per-
sistent of the early settlers. The B. & M. railroad was
extending its line up the Republican valley. The flickering
churches at Guide Rock, Red Cloud, Riverton, and Franklin
were being fanned to increased ardor under the new leader-
ship of Rev. George Bent at Red Cloud, and Rev. J. M.
Strong at Riverton.
'■'At the uttermost frontier in Red Willow county, the
venerable Amos Dresser was heroically at work. In the
north part of Franklin county a little church had gathered
about that herculean Vermonter, the Rev. S. N. Grout, 'hold-
ing down' a homestead at Alacon. In the spring of 1880
Rev. W. S. Hampton of Arborville was commissioned for
general missionary work in the Republican valley with head-
quarters at Cambridge. During the year eight churches
were organized, mostly under his care.
"In the northwest corner of Franklin county Amos N.
Dean was one of the sod house dwellers. In his Iowa home
he had served as county superintendent of schools, also as
an elder in the Presbyterian church. In his new prairie
home he was an efficient teacher in Sunday school. With
no minister in the region he could not resist the call to
unfold the Word of God to the congregations which crowded
the schoolhouses at Freewater and Morning Star. Churches
were soon fomied at both these points. Mr. Dean, well
passed his fiftieth year, responded to the invitation of the
two chi.irches to become their pastor, and was ordained by
council. In 1881 Mr. Dean was called to Cambridge, where
for nearly ten years he was a beloved and effective pastor
and an esteemed brother and father in the association.
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH I4I
"In the autumn of 1880 some seventeen churches united
in forming the Republican Valley Association of Congrega-
tional Churches. Early in 1881 the association founded
Franklin Academy. From the first this school has been a
loved and loving child of the churches, a bond of fellowship,
a force for spiritual and intellectual life. The men who
have wrought themselves into the school are those who
have most effectually built up the Kingdom of Christ from
Hastings and Red Cloud to the Colorado line.
"Rev. Amos Dresser, then pastor at Indianola, prayed,
toiled, and won for the academy a constituency extending
to the eastern seaboard. Rev. W. S. Hampton relinquished
the pastorate of six frontier churches to become the first
principal. Rev. C. S. Harrison, pastor at York, assisted
Republican valley pastors in evangelistic work and gave
tremendous impulse to the academy movement. Later, in
1884, Mr. Harrison accepted the call of the Franklin
church to become its pastor. As pastor of the church and
'father of the academy,' he toiled with masterful efficiency
till 1892, when he devoted himself to the wider academy
interests.
"Mr. Harrison was succeeded by Rev. G. W. Mitchell,
less massive in form but mighty in faith, love, and capacity
for effective work. As pastor, as chairman of academy
trustees, as member of association, he made his impress on
every church and on nearly every Congregational house-
hold in southwestern Nebraska through a period of ten
years.
"Since 1888 Alexis C. Hart has been headmaster of the
academy. Peerless as administrator, as teacher of youth,
as trainer of teachers, he has proven not less a spiritual
father and wise counselor. It is doubtful whether there is
a church in the Republican valley and Frontier associations
that has not been helped by his kind and timely influence.
142 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
'The construction of the 'Kenesaw Cut-off' in 1884; of
the DeWitt-Holdrege-Cheyenne divisions in 1885 and 1886,
and later the Frenchman valley line of the Burlington &
Missouri railroad opened many fields for aggressive work.
At its fall meeting in 1887 the Republican Valley Associa-
tion adopted a memorial to the State Board presenting the
urgent need and asking the appointment of a general mis-
sionary. The proposition was cordially approved at Lincoln
and New York. Rev. George E. Taylor, pastor at Indianola,
was appointed for the work. The association authorized its
home missionary committee to hold monthly sessions in
conference with the general missionary. The following
yeal"S were marked by careful oversight of feeble churches,
prompt occupation of new and needy fields, constant en-
deavor to secure effective ministers, the equipment of each
church with a commodious house of worship and progress
of churches in careful and forceful administration.
"In 1890 the churches along the Holdrege-Cheyenne divi-
sions of the Burlington railroad withdrew from the Republi-
can Valley Association to form the Frontier Association.
"The limits of this review do not permit appreciative men-
tion of many worthy ministers and laymen whose sustained
devotion, faithful and wise labors have built up churches
and established Christian institutions in southwestern Ne-
braska. Some are yet there, some are in other fields, and
some have gone to their reward."
From these reports of the work in southwestern Ne-
braska it would seem that the foundations of our Congrega-
tional work are well laid ; that Congregationalism is a
growing tree whose roots, like the alfalfa of the region,
strike down deep to the springs of living water.
The Republican valley represents a strong and aggressive
force in Congregational Nebraska.
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH 143
wi£STi:rn ni-:i;kaska
Rev. A. E. Ricker, who has had much to do with the
pioneer work in western Nebraska, has kindly furnished the
following- account of our work in western Nebraska :
"In the autunni of 18S3 a little company of Christian
people met in the parsonai^e of the Methodist minister in
the town of Sidney. It was a very small company, per-
haps not more than six or eight persons, including the
Methodist pastor. Rev. Leslie Stevens, now departed hence,
and his devoted wife. The occasion of that meeting was
the regular prayer-meeting of the Methodist-Episcopal
Church of vSidney. In those days the people of Sidney,
however pious they may have been, did not manifest their
religious proclivities by excessive attendance upon the week-
day meeting of the church.
"Though this particular meeting was so small its influence
has been large. Among the number present were Rev. C.
W. Merrill, then Superintendent of the A. H. M. S. for
Nebraska, a young Congregational preacher who was that
year teaching the Sidney high school. Rev. L. E. Brown,
and the writer of these words, who was just about to begin
study for the ministry.
"During the evening, conversation naturall}^ turned to the
religious needs of the surrounding regions of western Ne-
braska. The town of Ogalalla, especially, was mentioned
as a point of a few hundred people where there was no
regular preaching and almost no religious work on foot.
"Superintendent ATerrill turned to Mr. Brown with the
question, 'Why couldn't you go down to Ogalalla and preach
for them occasionally, during the time you are teaching
here?' Little m.ore was said on the subject, and presently
the little company scattered. Although it is probable no
definite agreement was made, I think there was an under-
144 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Standing between Superintendent IMerrill and Mr. Brown,
at the close of the prayer-meeting, that the latter should
visit Ogalalla and establish a preaching station. This was
the real origin of the Congregational Church of Ogalalla,
Keith county, Nebraska, for shortly after that hint of Mr.
Merrill's Mr. Brown went down from Sidney to Ogalalla,
a distance of seventy miles, and preached, leaving an ap-
pointment for another preaching service in two weeks. This
appointment was filled, the writer himself being present
at one of these services, which was held, as were the other
meetings of that period, in the old frame schoolhouse. And
I am nearly certain that Air. Brown kept up preaching ser-
vices every two weeks during that winter — 1883-84 — and
the follo\\dng summer, and quite so that he preached fre-
quently, even if not so often during this time. For to meet
one of these preaching appointments the writer made his
first eflfort in the pulpit; this was June 9, 1884, in the
schoolhouse of Ogalalla.
'T can say from personal knowledge that Mr. Brown
came to Ogalalla as a Congregationalist, and that his work
was the first regular and permanent work ever taken up
in the town. The school board of Ogalalla employed Mr.
Brown to teach the town school for the year beginning
September, 1884, and in connection with his work as teacher
of the village school, he kept up stated preaching services.
He was presently ordained to the Gospel ministry, and in
due time a Congregational church was organized, and
recognized by an ecclesiastical council in the orderly Con-
gregational way.
"These facts arc of considerable importance because the
Ogalalla church has since become a center of evangelistic
movements that have affected the town and the regions
about for many miles. Following Wx. Brown's work have
been the labors of Rev. J. A. Thome, closing about 1887,
PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH I45
Rev. A. E. Ricker, 1888-91 ; Rev.. W. E. Pease, 1892-93
perhaps; Rev. W. S. Hampton for several years; then Rev.
G. W. Knapp, and the present pastor, Rev. Mr. Duncan.
"During Mr. Hampton's pastorate wide-reaching revivals
occurred, and the work was pushed into outlying rural re-
gions, resulting in the organization of at least three churches
which now cluster about Ogalalla as a center.
"jULESBURG, COLORADO
''While, strictly speaking, it is not a part of the history
of Nebraska, the beginning of the work in Julesburg was the
outgrowth of Nebraska influences, and indeed during
.Superintendent Maile's time, by agreement with the Colo-
rado superintendent, this town was reckoned as a part of
the Nebraska field.
'"In the spring of 1885, returning from Chicago Seminary
to my parents' home in Sidney, I called on Superintendent
Maile in Omaha, and he suggested that during my summer
vacation I look about m that western part of the state, and
if I found a needy field, establish a preaching station, and
see what I could do. So early in May, going down from
Sidney, I visited the town of Julesburg. It was in the
midst of the liveliest boom and buildings were going up
everywhere. Perhaps there were 300 people then in the
town and 'land agents' were doing a thriving business
'locating' new corners on their claims. I succeeded in find-
ing some Christian people and others who were interested
in having preaching services. Finding accommodation in
the dining room of a hotel, I held the first religious meet-
ing in the history of the town, and continued preaching
statedly through that summer, going down from Sidney
and preaching once in two weeks.
"A Sabbath school was organized in an empty saloon
building, and toward the latter part of the summer, a Con-
10
146 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
gregational church was organized of about twelve mem-
bers. Rev. H. P. Case, now Sunday school missionary in
southern California, was present and assisted in the or-
ganization of the church. The meeting for the organization
was held in the waiting room of the Union Pacific depot,
and I remember that the meeting had to be hurried a bit
to get out of the way and remove all evidences of the meet-
ing before a passenger train went through toward evening.
"This first organization was sufTered to lapse, but at a
later date was revived and the Julesburg church has main-
tained a continued existence.
"It was my privilege again to minister to this church
for about a year from the summer of 1890, preaching every
alternate Sabbath there while pastor at Ogalalla. Two or
three weeks of special meetings were held during the winter
of 1890-91, several converts resulted, part of them joining
the Congregational church, and part of them the M. E.
church, which at that time was without a pastor."
This rapid survey of Congregationalism in western Ne-
braska completes the survey of church extension as we have
seen it, beginning with Omaha and eastern Nebraska, ex-
tending up the Elkhorn valley and into the sandhills and
cattle ranges of the northwest, in the Republican valley
and the v/estern part of the state.
In much of this territory pioneer work is going on to-day,
and western Nebraska is especially home missionary ground.
Whenever irrigation is extended in western Nebraska, there
we find rich farms and growing settlements^ and there is a
field for home missionary enterprise. With the extension
of irrigation canals there wdll be an enlargement of mis-
sionary work. In other parts of the western half of the
state we find the large cattle ranches, with few settlers, and
correspondingly small opportunities for church growth.
piONEKR exim-:rif.ncks 147
XX
PIONEER EXPERIENCES
Years before Father Ga3'lord came to the territory of Ne-
braska, CongregationaHsm had a Congregational teacher
among the Pawnee Indians, Mrs. E. G. Piatt, now of Ober-
lin, Ohio.
Thougli hardly recovered from a severe illness during
which for days she was supposed to be lying on the border-
land between this and the life beyond, she has kindly con-
sented to give a brief account of her experiences among
the Pawnees. It is fortunate that we can have these remi-
niscences from the pen of Mrs. Piatt herself. The oppor-
tunity to hear from any of the first pioneers will soon be
gone. But few of them' remain.
Mrs. Piatt writes:
"Oberlin, Ohio, November 29, 1904.
'Tn 1843 I went with my husband, L. W. Piatt, to the
Pawnee villages situated in the Indian territory, in that part
of the land nov/ known as Nebraska. We went in response
to a request made by the missionaries of the A. B. C. F. M.
who were stationed there. In a treaty which these Indians
made with our government they were promised teachers,
and the missionaries, wishing to secure those wdio would
cooperate with them in their work, had invited us to join
them. We were successful in learning to converse with
the Paw^iees, won their confidence, and in 1846, when they
started on their sum.mer hunt, thev left twenty of their chil-
dren with us to teach.
"But the Sioux came down upon us that season, often
making war-like demonstrations, thus hindering the work
MRS. E. G. PLATT
PIONEER EXPERIENCES I49
of the men in the field, and at last firing upon some of the
company, and so it was deemed unsafe to remain, and all,
both missionaries and government employees, left the sta-
tion, going to Bellevue, the seat of Council Bluffs agency
for the Otoes, Omahas, and Pawnees.
"The missionaries were requested by their board to leave
the field, but we remained with our school.
"There was no agent there at that time, as our good tem-
perance agent had been dismissed through the influence of
the fur traders, as he had given orders to his employees to
destroy all liquors they found designed for sale to the
Indians.
"Poinding an old log building infested with fleas and rats,
we made it our school home and reported to the superin-
tendent of western Indians who w^as in St. Louis, the build-
ing being a government storehouse. There, under many
difiiculties, I taught the children, having great pleasure in
my work, as they learned their English lessons well, de-
lighting to perform any work given them to do, and when
given a play time, asking for Bible stories instead.
"When the new agent arrived, he proved to be a man with
whom whisky lovers and dealers readily affiliated, per-
mitting the Indians near the agency to ride through its
streets with bottles of the vile stuff in their hands, giving
their drunken yell, thus so alarming us at the school it
seemed wise to draw curtains, lock the door, and go to the
second floor where we would not be seen.
"The winter was very cold which w^e spent in that store-
room, and we hailed the warmth of spring joyfully. But
our joy was of short duration, as the new agent decided on
appointing a teacher more in harmony with him, and in
May, 1847, I delivered m.y charge with aching heart to
those who, I knew, would not do duty by them ; and cross-
inof the Missouri river Mr. Piatt and I went down and
•t
's.%.
PIONEKR KXPERIENCES I5I
made our home four miles above old Ft. Kearney, now Ne-
braska City, still keeping a friendly communication with the
Pawnees by visiting them, receiving them as guests, and
keeping one or more of them in our family.
"In 1857 the Pawnees made a new treaty with our govern-
ment, as they had wandered hither and thither during
the years of our separation.
"Again they were pledged teachers, and after waiting
four years to learn of the establishment of a school, and
finding none had been given them, in 1861 we returned, I
being appointed as teacher and Mr. Piatt as trader, a posi-
tion which, through treachery, he never filled on the reser-
vation, and it was months before I was permitted to have a
room in Vv hich I could open a school.
"This was not accomplished till a company of the em-
ployees to whom the agent had failed to fulfil his pledges
uniteci and so proved their case at Washington that he was
removed, and one sent who permitted the gatherinig of the
school. This was not difi'icult to do as we spoke Pawnee
and many of our old friends were left.
"My work was pleasant and all went prosperously till a
young Methodist minister was sent to assist in the school.
The Methodists of Nebraska, learning there was an appro-
priation for scliools for the Pawnees, wished to obtain it to
establish a mission among them, and as there was one of
their society at the head of the Indian Department at that
time they felt quite sure of obtaining it.
"Good Congregationalist as I tried to be, I made an
effort to harmonize with my associate teacher, but in 1864
it seemed wise for us to separate, lest those who had come
to that savage people in the name of the Prince of Peace
should dishonor their Leader : and I left my beloved school,
going to work in the Christian Commission till the close
of the war, and then actinc" as matron for the Iowa Soldiers'
152 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Orphan Home till in 1866 I was called back to take charge
of my Pawnee school. There being an Episcopalian in
charge of the agency at that time, Bishop Clarkson of
blessed memory asked the rector of the Columbus church,
Rev. Mr. Goodale, to look after the lambs in the Pawnee
school. As he was the son of a Congregational minister, we
wrought together most pleasantly. During his stay with
us, coming each month to hold service in the school build-
ing, there was a lar^e class desiring baptism, and by his
request properly to instruct them as to the meaning and
design of the solemn sacrament, I used a catechism prepared
by his society for instructing the young, and found it very
helpful.
"The Sabbath morning when the ceremony was to occur,
as I passed through one of the halls, a small girl who had
been present during the training of the class, but had not
been reckoned as one, met me and in beseeching tones said,
'Mrs. Piatt, I want to be baptized.' 'O Maria,' I said, T am
afraid you do not understand.' With pathetic tone and
look she answered, 'Yes, I do.'
"Consulting with Mr. Goodale, we decided if a lamb stood
bleating at the gate, we would not forbid her entering the
fold, and she was baptized with the twenty-seven.
"While absent on my vacation that summer she died, and
my assistant teacher told me that the morning of her death
she said to Maria, 'Do you know we think God will call
you to Himself .to-day ?' Her answer was 'I am ready.'
"Our good helper continued with us till Grant's Quaker
policy was inaugurated, when his church thought it honor-
able to withdraw, and he left the field for others to occupy.
"The Rev. Mr. Elliott, who was a home missionary sta-
tioned at Columbus twenty miles distant, soon visited me,
he being a Congregationalist, and I a charter member of
the church in his care. With his wife he often came to
hold service and give aid and courage to those of us con-
PIONEER EXPERIENCES 1 53
nected with the school. While he was thus assisting us
one of our caretakers asked for baptism, and two of our
Indian boys wished to unite with her. They were brothers,
and the elder was one who was obliged to assist the men
on the reservation farm. The younger was a gentle, loving
brother. They hesitated about presenting themselves, as
the elder brother feared he should dishonor the Savior by
getting angry when the farm men swore at and kicked him,
but as the younger refused to go without him they at last
pledged themselves to the service of our Lord in the coveted
rite. The younger, our gentle Richard, was soon after called
to' leave us for his Heav.enly Home.
"Our Quaker agent was catholic in his views, and the
years we wrought together were those of Christian friend-
ship. But at last there came an editor from the East to
view our work, and on his return he commenced his report
by writing, 'It is just tvro years since an effort was com-
menced to christianize and civilize the Pawnees,' and closed
by adding, Tt is very incongruous that a school under the
rule of the Friends should be in charge of an orthodox
Congregationalist.'
"It was not long before I was requested to leave my
children, and with a heart full of sorrow I went.
"Between these lines lie veiled volumes of broken govern-
mental treaties, of robbery and deceit and treachery and
uncleanness practiced by those sent to the Pawnees to teach
them the arts of civilization which proved to be to them a
curse, and which, if uncovered, would lead us to feel it were
better that they had been left in their wildness and
ignorance.
"Yours in Christian bonds,
"Mrs. E. G. Platt."
Mrs. Piatt's severe arraignment of government officials
only shows that in too many cases the government has been
154
COXGRliGATIONAL NEBRASKA
as treacherous in its dealings with the Indians as have
been the Indians before their christianization in their rela-
tions to the whites.
The treatment of the Indians by the government is a sad
chapter in American histor}', and Mrs. Piatt's experience
^.
*»^.^
^
^
J
^4^ A
^
™
^^^vps^^^^pi
REV. C. S. HARRISON
among the Pawnees shows how politics enters in to disturb
a work which, if protected, would result in great good.
REV. C. S. HARRISON
All Nebraskans know Rev. C. S. Harrison as a cultivator
and propagator of beautiful and rare plants and flowers.
riONKIiR EXrERIKNCES I 55
But the pioneers know him better as a courageous, l)ol(l,
successful, and devoted pioneer preacher and worker. Wy
request Mr. Harrison has furnished the following-
REMINISCENCES
"In the fall of '71 while pastor of the Congregational
church of Earlville, Illinois, I received a request from
George S. Harris, land commissioner of the Burlington &
Missouri railroad, to take charge of a colony. I came out
to look the ground over.
■'Lincoln was but a village with plenty of room to grow.
The railroad terminus was Sutton. I rode out on a load
of railroad ties. The track was so rough the bell rang of
its own accord. Sutton had three shanties ; two of these
were saloons, and I noticed that towns started that way
were tainted for a long time after if not permanently.
"Finally York was settled upon. The place had six shan-
ties, and one of these was built of sod. I believe I preached
the first sermon in York, November, 1871. Service was
held in an unfinished store, and it was very cold. There
were fourteen persons present and the service was short.
The county was new and raw ; hardly a house to obstruct
the vision, and those that were seen were miserably built of
sod. Tlie Congregational church was organized with only
a iew members in an unfinished land office in the spring of
1872. Soon after a little schoolhouse was built.
"the academy
"One of the inducements offered a colony w^as that an
academy should be built. For this purpose fortv acres of
land were donated, and in those early days, when the locust
invasion was the worst, a fine building went up as a glorious
hope in the midst of despair.
156 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"On account of its proximity to Crete it was thought best
not to open the academy. It was used for our church.
About this time the Methodists located their college at York,
and we freely gave them the use of the building. It was
eventually sold at half cost, and the proceeds went into the
church building. I think in the year 1873 I organized the
church at Arborville with six members, in the parlor of
Deacon Twichell, the son of a faithful pioneer missionary.
Rev. Royal Twichell, who did heroic work in Minnesota.
The old man was a father to me when, sick and discouraged,
1 went to that new state in 1857. I attended his funeral in
Arborville. It was like burying a father.
"Having organized a church I knew it was necessary for
them to have a home, and so we erected a building 26 x 40.
That was then the largest in the county. I held at different
times two series of meetings there which resulted in quite
an ingathering. We had to haul the lumber thirty-six
miles. I gave much time and a block of land, and preached
a year or two without a cent of salary. The people were
very poor. But now they have a fine new church, an able
and beloved pastor, and the work and sacrifice paid. Six
churches .were organized in York county, and those I or-
ganized and fostered are the only ones alive.
"the liquor WAR
"Yes, it was war ! I was the means of bringing in about
600 people into the town and count}- and these were mostly
in favor of education and temperance. But 'Satan came
also,' and we determined to keep him out, and so there was
war.
"At first, knowing the tremendous malignity of the liquor
power, we were afraid to prosecute. Finally I suggested
that seven of us should unite. We did so, and with such a
backing there was dismay in the ranks. That, however, was
PIONEER EXPERIENCES 157
the timidity under the first fire. When they threatened to
kill me and started out to do so, and nearly killed a witness,
all fear was banished, and I entered prosecutions thick and
fast. I raised $1,500 one night with which to fight it out.
We fought to the finish. The thing seems settled. The
matter does not come up at all at our elections.
"Crete and Seward had a far better start, and far better
locations, but York went ahead two to one because it kept
clean.. It has over 6,000 population to-day.
"It was hard to give up the academy idea. Our edu-
cators had not yet realized the importance of having feeders
for the college, and it was a long time before the present
attitude was reached.
"In the last of the '70s I was helping Rev. Mr. Strong in
a series of meetings in Bloomington, Nebraska, and the idea
of an academy came up. We talked till midnight over it.
'Where should it be?' 'At Franklin,' a new town with six
houses, no saloon, and the right kind of people. I was so
much impressed that I walked down, wading through snow-
drifts, got the leading people together, outlined the plan,
and the academy was located there. I was called in 1883
from the pastorate of Pueblo, Colorado, to become pastor
at Franklin. I put in there eight of the most important
}'ears of my life. It was a work of faith, in ways new and
strange. The Lord opened unseen gates for us, and money
rained down upon us, twice $500; once $1,000.
"I was called thence to be Field Secretary of the Educa-
tion Society at Boston. I continued in that work two years,
till my health failed.
"Rising from the borders of the grave from rheumatic
fever, I >vas called to the pastorate of the Weeping Water
church. There I had the hardest work in my life. The
church was about $10,000 in debt, and discouraged. The
times were the hardest. The academv was worse than
158 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
bankrupt. The church debt was paid. The academy was
placed on the h'st of the Education Society, and a good deal
of money was raised. Buildings w^ere hired and furnished,
and to crown all, a blessed revival added over 100 to the
church within a month.
"Now the nation on Thanksgiving Day, 1904, celebrates
m}' seventy-second birthday, and I bless the Lord that He
has permitted me to live and work for Him.
"When a boy in 1844 I hunted the dirty little village of
Chicago over for a peck of potatoes. I have seen the
mighty West grow up from babyhood.
"In 1857 I began work in ]\Iinnesota; was often nearly
frozen ; once a horse sank with me three times and I was
nearly drowned. I have had the bitter with the sweet.
"To sum up: I helped to found tw'o academies; built
and paid for ten churches ; have been in above forty pre-
cious revivals, and I hope to meet a thousand souls in glory.
And I now wait on the hither shore among my flowers,
adorning Eeulah Land, making it prophetic of the glory
beyond.
"Yours,
"C. S. Harrison."
REV. A. A. CRESSMAN
Rev. A. A. Cressman served in the work of the churches
for twenty-five years, most of the time as a home mission-
ary. A brief sketch of his work in Nebraska is here given :
"I came into Nebraska from the Presbyterian church in
Monroeville, Ohio, in March, 1879. I took charge of the
Congregational church at Camp Creek, where T remained
one year. I organized a church at Sheridan which after-
w^ard disbanded ; was called to Congregational church at
Albion. The organization was small, having no church
PIONEEK EXPKRIKNX'ES
159
building. I served also every alternate Sunday the churches
at Boone and Cedar Rapids for several years. Both churches
later disbanded. I was at Albion six years ; while there a
house of worship was erected and the church brought to
self-support. During this time I also served as county
RE\-. A. A. CRESSMAN
superintendent ot schools for four years, and preached at
a number of schoolhouses.
"A more devoted and loyal people I never served. In
April, 1886, I took charge of the Congregational church
at Wahoo, ha\ing a membership of some twenty-five. We
paid a debt of $300 on building, and built a commodious
parsonage. The cluirch contributed $900 for benevolent
l6o CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
objects other than her own work, and received eighty-six
members, of whom sixty-six were received on confession
of faith. I resigned, April i, 1892, after serving the church
six years. While at AVahoo I was secretary of the city
school board.
"I commenced niy pastorate of four and a half years
with the church at Fairmont, April i, 1892. There we
built a parsonage, paid a church debt, raised over $700 for
benevolences. The church was self-supporting. I also
served during this pastorate the churches at Strang, Shick-
ley, and Bruning, preaching at all three churches once a
month, for which I received home missionary aid. I was
also a member of the Fairmont school board for two years.
While pastor here ninety-six members were received, sixty
of v/hom came into the church on confession of faith.
'T resigned September i, 1896, to become state secretary
of Doane College, which position I held until September i,
1901. While secretary the first two years I supplied every
Sunday the church at Grafton, and the next two years the
church at Waverly, and for a few months the Rokeby
church. As secretary I visited and addressed nearly all
the high schools in the state, and most of them a number of
times, traveling over 65,000 miles. I preached in nearly
all the Congregational churches in the state, and lectured
over 200 times in the interest of institutes and high schools.
I sensed as chaplain in the state senate of Nebraska during
the sessions of 1899 and 1901.
"I took charge of the church at Grand Island, September
I, T901, and remained as pastor until March i, 1904, when
I left to take charge of my present field, Farragut, Iowa,
rounding out just twenty-fi\e years of service in Nebraska.
During this time I received into the church by letter no;
on confession of faith 180; total 290. I officiated at 130
funerals and 65 weddings, was Moderator of the General
PIONKER EXPERIENCES l6l
Association at Holdrci^c in 1899, and have been elected
delegate to five National Conncils.
'■\\'lien I went to .Mbion in 1880 most of the honses ont-
side of town wore built of sod, an<l so were the school'.ionses.
It seems to me my hai)piest da}-s were when visiting- in,
and preaching- to peo]-)le crowded into these sod honses.
The people in those earl\- da}'s were eager to listen to
Gospel truths. They did not remain at home on account
of poor clothes or distance from place of preaching. They
came in all sorts of clothes and vehicles. Many walked
three and four miles to the sod schoolhouse wdiere the Sun-
day school and services were held. A large number of the
young- people in the Sunday school then are now the fore-
most leaders in our cliurches. The seed sown is vielding
fruit in man^' cases a hundred fold."
One must read between the lines in such a rapid survev
of work to appreciate fully the busy life of a pioneer pastor.
DU. CEORGE SCOTT
Rev. Dr. Scott is an Englishman who came into Ne-
braska in an earlv day. worked with a sister denomination
for a time until he finally "came unto his own." He has
also served the government as L'nited States consul in
Odessa, Russia, from 1884 to 1886, and is well known in
affairs of state. He served as chaplain of the Nebraska
house of representatives in a special session in 1882, and in
the regular sessions of 1883 and of 1903.
Dr. Scott writes as follows :
"Wliile I was eng;aged in missionary work among the
coal miners in the north of England, the call came for men
to preach the Gospel in the great West to the large body of
immigrants who had gone to the states after the close
of the Civil war.
11
1 62 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
''I felt perfectly sure that a man could be secured to fill
ni}^ position in England very much easier than for the
work across the sea. So althoug-h I had been in this par-
ticular woric for six years, and was much attached to it, I
decided to heed the call, and in May, 1871, I, with my wife
and infant son, started for Nebraska.
"We entered Nebraska from Sioux City, Iowa, at Cov-
ington, and thence toward the frontier, fifty miles from
railroad, with the mail carrier in his open democrat wagon.
"The people had not had a minister for a year, and al-
though they v^'ere anxious for one, they had not expected
one and had made no provision for him. There was no
parsonage nor any house that could be rented, so we lived
around among the people in their poor narrow quarters.
The hearty welcome accorded us compensated for the rough-
ness of the living.
'T found that the only place for holding meetings was
in a poor log schooihouse with rough home-made benches.
But the old schooihouse became a Bethel to many.
"That winter we held a series of meetings lasting for
thirty nights, to which many came regularly, even as far
as twelve miles, and great numbers were converted. We
knew that there could be no permanent success without a
church home, so every one put his shoulder to the work,
and the next summer a church building and parsonage were
built and dedicated, out of debt. .
"When we got into the ne^v clean church the men kept
up their old practice of chewing tobacco and making the
floor a cuspidor, as they had in the old schooihouse. I
made up my mind that this must be stopped, so before
preaching one Sunday morning I said, 'You people used
to chew tobacco and spit all about the schooihouse, but now
we are in a beautiful church building and I wish you would
not do it. I know it will be hard work for some of you to
PIONEER EXPERIENCES 1 63
quit for an hour, but if you make an effort I believe you
can do it. If you can not succeed we will get a log of wood
and place it outside the door, on which you can place your
quid when you come in, and it will not be considered an
interruption of the service, if you find you can not endure
the abstinence, if you retire and take your quid and chew
it a few times and then return to the church.' I added,
'I'll guarantee that you will find your tobacco where you
placed it, for there is not a hog in town that vs^ould touch
it.' The cure was perfect.
"'Next summer the grasshoppers came in such numbers
that the heavens were darkened. Wherever they alighted,
in a few hours the crops were destroyed. The people were
helpless; nothing to sell; no money to be had. Many be-
came subjects of charity. For a long time I had not enough
money to buy a postage stamp. Friends in England offered
to send money to take us back again ; our answer was, 'We
have made our choice to preach the Gospel to this people,
and we v/ill continue to work here.'
"These were hard times, but it paid. Sixteen years after
this I returned to visit one of the settlements. I preached
to them two evenings and held a fellowship meeting. In
the experiences that were given, numbers testified that they
were converted in the old log schoolhouse sixteen years be-
fore. Among those giving experiences was the pastor of
the church, who said, T was converted at the close of a
meeting held by Brother Scott in my father-in-law's house.'
His wife bore the same testimony. It pays to make sacrifice
for the Lord.
"The harness that I was required to wear for seven and
one-half 3'^ears in Nebraska never did fit me, so I determined
to put it aside and chose a system of church government
that was more in accord with mv views.
164 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"In the fall of 1878 I made application for admission into
the Coln.mbns Association of Congregational Churches.
After due and strict examination I was accepted.
"The Rev. Hiram Gates, who was then Superintendent
of Home Missions, asked me what I intended to do and
where I expected to preach. My answer was that I did not
come to the Congregational church for financial consid-
erations, nor to step into work commenced by others, but
intended to go to W^^st Point and Wisner to organize two
Congregational churches and bring them with me into this
fellowship. And under God's leadership and blessing this
was accomplished. The church building which now stands
in West Point was erected during that pastorate. After
serA'ing three other churches I am back again at Wisner,
one of my first Congregational fields."
REV. JOHN GRAY
Rev. John Gray represents still another type of pioneer
life and work. From a lengthy communication, for all of
which there is not place, the following extracts are taken :
"At the suggestion of Superintendent Gates I went to
Sutton and preached for them on Sunday, and then visited
Kearney, where 1 in\/ested in land. Coming back to Sutton,
I returned to my home in Lyndon, Illinois, and there de-
cided to accept ni} call to Sutton. 'Grasshoppers or no
grasshoppers, I would go there.'
"I preached my farewell sermon in Lyndon from the text,
'The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.' The
next day, riding with Simeon Gilbert, the axle of the buggy
broke, and stepping out on a rolling stone, I broke my
ankle, and was laid up seven weeks. 'How about that step?'
said one of the facetious. 'Oh, it is all right,' I replied.
The saints collected $75 for me to help me in this calamity.
The sinners said, 'We have never done anvthing for Mr,
Rev. John t;ray
Rev. Geo. E. Hal
Rev. J. K. Storm
Rev. G. W. Wainwright
1 66 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Gray; let us do as well as the saints/ and so they brought
me $75 also.
"After seven weeks of inaction I thought I was well
enough to travel. The people said, 'Do not go out West
where you will have to feed your children on grasshopper
soup.' But T said, T must go to those poor people as I
pronnsed.' 'Well then,' they said, 'we will put vegetables
and provisions on your car to provide some living for you.'
So they brought potatoes, squashes, and other vegetables
to supply our needs. Alas ! they were all frozen. During
the grasshopper winter friends from Illini, Illinois, 'sent
barrels of wheat, oats, corn, and potatoes as their contribu-
tion to Congregational ists in Nebraska.
'"When I reached Sutton there was no decent house to
be obtained, so I had to pack my wife and six children and
furniture into an unpleasant shack 12 x 14 feet which had
been used for a stable. I began to preach in the courthouse
and afterward we hired the Odd Fellows' hall. People
came to the services.
"That winter, after New Year's, was three days' storm,
three days finer weather. The week of pra}er I began
meetings and continued them ever\' fine night for seven
weeks. There was quite a revival, and the membership of
the church was increased from about thirteen to thirty.
'"During December we had a series of fellowship meet-
ings. Brothers Bross and Piatt traveling on train, Brother
French and I by team. We held one all-night meeting at
each town from Ashland to the first station beyond Hastings
encouraging the people and doing good.
"As soon as spring came we started to build a church at
Sutton, though impoverished by the grasshoppers. I said,
'We can buifd. The C. C. B. S. will help us $500.' This
enthu.sed them so that saint and sinner started into the
work. One man opposed. A profane man with an oath
PIONEER EXPERIENCES 1 67
replied,, 'Go home ; little Gray has started into building a
church, and we are going" to help him, and don't you talk
against it.'
"One told me several years afterward, 'Gray, you came
to me about the third one for a subscription for the church
building. I put down a liberal sum, but I never expected to
pay it. You were so smart in earnest, that I did not dare
to discourage you, but I thought when you got further along
you would get discouraged and give it up.' 'But you found,'
.1 snid, 'I was not that kind of man, but went through with
the thing, till it was done and paid for, and }'ou remember
that the lumberman in Omaha said that he had never been
paid as promptly by any church as he had by the church at
Sutton.'
"Having finished the church at Sutton I raised a sub-
scription of $1,000 for a church at Harvard. During all
this time I had not neglected preaching in every school-
house about four miles apart in all the northern part of
Clay county. North and south, east and west of Harvard
T established Sabbath schools and preaching stations, and
had I had more experience I would have organized churches.
But I was new to the West, and simply wanted to preach
the (jospel to all tlie i}eople I could reach. Sometimes 1
preached five times on a Sabbath. My good team got the
fichooihouse habit and would stop of their own accord at
every schoolhouse, supposing of course that their master
would hold a service.
"\\liile at Sutton the grasshoppers had so impoverished
the people that ti)iies v/ere hard. The merchants could give
no credit. I was refused trust for a bag of flour. A
wealthy Russian loaned me $100. There was no bank at
Sutton in those days. A great many of the farmers suf-
fered severely. I ^^•ent to see the sick, and as long as my
pocket would stand it, I would take a parcel of meat and
1 68 COXGREGATIOXAL NEBRASKA
groceries v. ith me, and while I was praying" with the sick
my boy would manage to convey the parcel into the house
where they would find it after we were gone. In many
cases sickness was caused by lack of nourishing food.
\\ hen my own pocket gave out I wrote eastern friends
who furnished me with clotiiing and mone}', so that I could
supply the needs of the people. ]\Ien came to church with
their feet tied up in rags to keep them warm. It was hard
times indeed.
■'Later on I preached at V\'ahoo, Cedar Bluff, \\'eston,
and other places, and sometimes I would cover forty miles
Saturday and Sunday riding to my appointments, but I
never fa/iled, blizzard -or no blizzard. I encountered storms
of v.dnd and dust, rain and snow. I have been so cold that
I had to be lifted from the buggy almost frozen. A brother
said to me once, 'Brother Gray, if I keep on preaching and
give up farming I shall be as poor ten years from now as I
am to-day, but if I give up preaching and go on farming in
ten years I will be worth $10,000.' I said, 'Woe is me if I
preach not the Gospel. I shall go on with preaching.'
'Well,' he said, 'I sliall farm." I saw him later on at York,
and reminded him of what he said. 'I don't remember say-
ing that," he replied, 'but I have the $10,000.' 'All right.'
I s.'riid, 'I am still preaching.'
"V/hen pastor at Columbus I often went to Xeligh as one
of the trustees of Gates College, and heard a great deal
about the country west of Xeligh. and that we were doing
nothing there. So when I took my vacation, I went up to
the countr\- reputed to be in the hands of Doc Middleton
and Kidd A\^ade's band of horse thieves. Leaving the team
at Atkinson I took the train to Ainsworth, where I found
a student who had preached during the summer, and had
gathered a few members ready to join a church. The
pastor at Neligh came up for a Sunday and we formed a
PIONKEK KXPKRIENCES 169
council and organi/cd a Congrcy:ational church. Monday
I went on to X'alontine, saw Inchans, and looked over the
prospects for work. I wrote to Xew York concerninj^: the
needs of the field. The next year Brother Ijross was ap-
]:)ointed to tak'e up that work which he so abl_\' did. As 1
was nturnino- froni Valentine information came to me that
led me, when I reached Atkinson, to write back to the stu-
dent at Ainsworth and tell him to i^o out on the street and
talk C^ong-regational church building- next morning, and
that 1 could get $400 from Xew York to help erect the
meeting-honse. This he did. The result was that I re-
ceived a letter at Columljus, asking me to come up and
advise them how to proceed. So at a personal expense of
$35 to $40 I went up and drew plan of building, wrote out
specifications for workmen, and started the deacon out with
subscri])tion paper. They went on and built the church,
and a year later were afjie to pay $400 toward tlie support
of a pastor.
'T remember sonie of our early financial struggles. At
one time I could not buy a postage stamp, but going to the
post-office I took out a letter containing $3 which the writer
said T should use. Then 1 had to go out eight miles to
marry a couple Xevv Year's day. It was grasshopper time,
and the man gave me $20 for a fee, the largest I ever re-
ceived anywhere, and I never wanted it worse, as I had to
feed mv horse on stra'vx', the rains having washed away my
hay, some thirty tons. In some way the Lord provided for
our wants."
REV. A. E. RICKER
Rev. A. E. Ricker is one of our younger men in the prime
of strong manhood, and the pastor of the Congregational
church at Aurora. The following pages from his pen are
like the fresh breezes from the northwest — full of life :
I 70 CUISGRKGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"It was in the year 1886 that I was directed to go to
Crawford and begin work under the auspices of the Con-
greg;ational tionie Missionar}- Society. I was young and
inexperienced, although the summer before, as a seminary
student, I had preached the first sermon and organized the
first Sunday school in Julesburg, Colorado.
"Taking the train at Chicago for Sidney, Nebraska,
where I paid a short visit to my parents, I started by stage
from Sidney to Ft. Robinson, 125 miles north. I think I
shall never forget that ride. The stage was not a stage,
but a stiff buckboard, with two seats, capable of carrying
three passengers besides the driver. The company made
two or three trips a week, and the principal business was
the carr3nng of the United States mail.
"It was about 9:00 o'clock of a bright, cool morning in
early A/fay that our buckboard started for the long trip. It
was twenty-four hours later when we rode down into the
White river bottom, and finally stopped at the station near
Ft. Robinson and Crawford. And that t\Venty-four hours !
The horses and drivers were changed at intervals during
the journey, hut the passengers sat through steadily from
first to last. Didn't they stop ? Yes, to feed the horses and
get meals at the stage stations, perhaps pauses of an hour,
and then on we went another weary expanse of prairie and
along the interminable road. But such meals as those were
at the stage stations ! The best thing about them was the
price, fifty cents — quite metropolitan ; but the meals !
"We came into one station just as the gray streaks of
morning struggled feebly up the eastern horizon. The
family — it was the home of our driver — were just begin-
ning to stir. It was a lone log house, meanly built, with
various sheds and pens round about. On one side the tim-
bers that supported the roof projected four or five feet from
the eaves, and were covered with brush and earth, as was
Rev. S. I. Hanford
Rev. A. E. Ricker
T 1 T-, l^ev. W. J. Turner
Rev. John Doane ^^^_ ^^ Cressman
172 CONGREGATION Al. NEBRASKA
the whole roof. This formed a sort of piazza. A stove-
pipe had been run up through this extension of the roof,
and the cookstove was out on this veranda. The process
of getting breakfast was going forward. We were both
cold and hungry, and it was natural for the travelers to
gather about the stove and watch the preparations for our
regalement.
'T think the chicken house must have been near, not sim-
ply because chickens were present, biit because they dis-
played such fearless familiarity wnth the other members of
the family, and such interest in what was going on. The
cook and hostess was busy frying potatoes on the stove, for
one item in our bill of fare. She was also setting the table
in a room in the house. When she bestowed her attention
on the potatoes she turned them with a knife. When she
went into the house to the table, she laid the knife on a low
bench, and the chickens jumped up on the bench, walked
over the knife, and picked off bits of potatoes that adhered
to its blade. The hostess came out, shooed the chickens
off, picked up the knife they had walked around on, and
turned over the potatoes with it some more. Now we like
our potatoes turned and fried on both sides, but we did not
feel much like eating these potatoes.
"When I sat at the table in a dark room dimly lighted
with one small, dirty, smoky chimneyed kerosene lamp, I
wondered what articles of food would be most likely to
have least dirt in theni. I was desperately hungry. I had
to eat something. I thought there was as little risk about
the coffee as anything — maybe any unnecessary ingredients
would settle to the bottom of the cup. I drank about half
of my coffee as quickly as possible, and then concluded 1
had made one mistake anyway. I thought it would be. run-
ning great chances trying bread — it looked of a tremen-
doufly questionable color. I kiiczv I did not want any of
pioNKiiR i:xi'kkii-:nces 173
those potatoes. I selected a little that seemed to promise
as small amount of risk as anything- and swallowed a few
anrelished mouthfuls. Alter paying- niy fifty cents 1
thought to niNself that i liad never yet paid more money
for less value- received in my life's previous experiences.
"The morning was crisp and cold as we rode down from
the table-land into tlie valley of the White river. At one
point we passed a freighters' canij). The horses were pick-
eted near at hand ; tlie wagon \\'ith its canvas top stood be-
side tl;e road, and under it, v/rapped in th.eir blankets, the
freighters were still asleep.
"The scene as we wound do-\v-n in.to the valley was indeed
1<cautiful in the early morning light. Heneath us the deep
v,-inding valley, and beyond the strange rugged bluffs, just
north of Ft. Robinson, their bare rocks like the turrets of
some vast castles, lifting themselves against the sky. while
at their base grew the dark green pines. Away oft" to the
right — that is. the east — extends the uneven line of the Pine
Ridge whh 'Crow Butte' standing out. prominent, against
the morning- sky like a giant captain of a g'ant host.
"Presently the driver turnedi the heads of his horses into
a yard in which was a long, low log house, with sheds for
liorses. A v.oman stood in the door. Children and dogs
and domestic animals of various orders uttered for us each
his peculiar greeting. Here our horses stopped, and our
journey was ended, so far as staging was concerned.
"I could see nothing but open and apparently uninhabited
prairie, and [ looked around with some interest, not to sav
foreboding, for the town in which my missionary labors
were to be. After scanning the landscape with some care
in silence T asked the driver. 'Where is Ft. Robinson?'
Pointing off across the valley and toward the buttes, he
said. 'Just over th' hill an' th' trees a little ways ; ver can't
see it f'm here.' I gained a little encouragement and asked.
PIONEER EXPERIENCES 175
'Where is Crawford?' 'Wall th' aint much Crawford now.
"T's goin' to be over thar. Yer ken go out t' thet ridge
thar an' see all ther is.'
"I went as directed. I could see a small, clear stream
winding along under cottonwood trees and brush. I could
see a line of embankment, evidently a partial grade for a
railroad, and where the grade approached the stream a pile-
driver was sending down the heavy posts for a bridge.
That was a sign of coming life, but it wasn't a town. Over
a little farther I could see a tent, and beside it a few pieces
of timber sticking up in the air. Evidently some one had
begun a building of some sort. That was all I could see.
That was all there was to see. That tent contained the
first stock of goods that was ever brought upon the site of
the present city of Crawford, and those pieces of timber
were 4:he posts of the first frame building — a hardware
store — erected in the town. That was Crawford as I saw
it first in May, 1886.
''For a few days I was kindly entertained in the home
of an officer at Ft. Robinson, and then I met Mr. Bross and
a company of three of my fellow students from the semi-
nary. They were traveling with a wagon, in real emigrant
style, on their way to points' still farther up the line of the
projected railroad. After a pleasant dinner about the camp-
fire with them, and consultation with the General Mission-
ary, which gave me a notion of what he wanted me to do,
I bade my companions farewell and saw them move out of
sight on the trail to Wyoming. Then I turned to the task
before me.
"The town of Crawford had not come yet, and there was
nothing to do at that point. But down the valley twelve
miles farther was a little hamlet called then Earth Lodge.
There my work was to begin. That same afternoon the
ambulance, at the generous command of the officer who was
176 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
my host, took me to the settler's cabin at the foot of Crow
Butte, to which Air. Bross had directed me. There I found
a Christian brother and a Christian home, housed in a log
cabin. That evening was pleasantly spent in conversation,
in singing gospel hymns, for this brother was a singer, and
after the season of worship came rest and refreshing
slumber.
"And there was sort of a weird, poetic charm about it.
The slight shelter of that frail cabin, on the utmost rim of
the regions inhabited by man, the mighty and desolate
plains everywliere, and the great buttes, shadowed with
piiies, lifting swarthy shoulders into the night close at hand,
and the silence of the great plains that stretched darkly
beneath the starry heavens — all these spoke a mystic lan-
guage, oppressive, yet enchanting, saddening, yet delight-
ful. But the stars looked through the cabin window from
their mighty heights and thoughts of home and thoughts
of God sang a glorious lullaby.
"Early the following morning the brother took me to the
corner of his farm and pointed out the location of Earth
Lodge, and directed the way to it. Taking my grip from
his hand, I trudged along afoot and finally found my way
to Earth Lodge. Ten or a dozen small houses huddled to-
gether on the banks of the \Miite river constituted the
hamlet.
"Then I sent out the announcement of preaching for the
next Sabbath, and began the work of getting acquainted
with the people. I found Christian men and women,
started a Sunday school, and kept up a preaching service
during the summer. One thing may be of interest, and
that is the straits to which I was put to find a place to
study and pre])are my sennons for Sunday. There was a
'hotel.' It consisted of three rooms and a shed kitchen.
There was no room in which I could be by myself day
times. A few hundred vards awav ran 'Ash creek,' a small
PIONEER EXPERIENCES 177
Stream whose banks were quite steep, and in the creek bot-
tom were some trees. Under one of them was a log, quite
well shaded by foliage. That shady nook I appropriated
for a study, and during the most of that summer what
reading I could do and the work of preparing my Sabbath
sermons were done almost wholly in that outdoor study.
My Bible and tlie commentary of nature were all the helps
I had.
"Sabbath services at first were held in an empty store-
room, in one corner of which was a land office, and boards
with such supports as could be appropriated served as pews.
Later in the summer, after the railroad came through, the
town was removed to a site near the station and the name
changed to Whitney. A 'tabernacle' boarded up to the
eaves, the roof covered with canvas, served the purposes
of a sanctuary. The work at Whitney was kept up during
that summer, but the town failed to develop. Congregation-
ally speaking.
"Within about two weeks of the beginning of my work
at Earth Lodge, nee Dawes City, nee Wliitney, a rumor
came that people were coming into Crawford. Promptly
securing a pony, I rode down to investigate. Imagine my
surprise when I came in sight of the place where I had
seen, a fev/ days before, a solitary tent and a part of a
frame building, and beheld a village of at least two hundred
inhabitants. The railroad graders were at work in the
immediate vicinity of the town and things were 'booming.'
There were two or three frame business houses of the fron-
tier sort — light frame, rough boards, battened over cracks,
no paint, no plaster, no finish, — the rest of the town con-
sisted of tents, some of them stretched over a frame of two
by fours, some with walls of v/ood ; in fact every sort of a
contrivance to make a temporary shelter for goods or
workmen.
12
: 78 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"It was a strange looking town. It was a motley col-
lection of people. It was humanity in epitome. Business
men, American and Jew; workmen, mostly carpenters,
blacksmiths, and day laborers ; frontiersmen of every stripe,
hunters, freighters, cattlemen, land agents, railroad men
of the various 'gangs' ; negro soldiers of Ft. Robinson close
at hand, and the floating population that infests a new town,
toughs, gamblers, saloonkeepers, lewd women, and various
other grades and sorts of degenerate humanity.
"One thing I soon noticed. There were no hotels and
no residence houses. Every building was some sort of a
business house, or shop, or office. Men, and their families
if they had any, lived in their places of business. Restau-
rants there were, but no rooms for lodging. Every man
was supposed to have his own roll of blankets and find a
place to spread them under his own or some one else's
canvas. I soon discovered my former friend with whom I
had lodged at Crow Butte on my way to Earth Lodge and
covenanted with him. for six feet of space on the floor of
his wagon shop. My first step was to find a place in which
Sabbath services could be held. After some inquir}', I
learned of a large tent that was only partially occupied as
a storeroom for a feed store, and from the owner I gained
permission to use it for a preaching place. Then the an-
nouncement was given out, and on the following Sabbath
I preached the first sermon in Crawford. The tent was
well filled. In one corner of it a young man had placed a
barber's chair and was plying the tonsorial art Sabbath
day. It was not until after the service had proceeded for
some time that he ceased work.
"The audience consisted of representatives of nearly all
the classes I have enumerated above as dwellers in the vil-
lage, and were seated somewhat irregularly on boards and
blocks; some on bran and meal sacks of various heights,
PIONEER EXPERIENCES 179
and many stood. But all were respectful and listened to
the young and inexperienced missionary less critically, I
am quite sure, than some much more highly favored au-
diences would have done. I remember distinctly the text,
Zech. 8:16-17, 'These are the things that ye shall do; speak
ye every man the truth with his neighbor; execute the judg-
ments of truth and peace in your gates : And let none of
you imagine evil in your hearts against your neighbor ; and
love no false oath, for all these are things that I hate, saith
the Lord.' Whatever may have been the tenor of the ser-
mon, such a text certainly contained wholesome sentiment
for such an audience and such a time.
"At the close of the sermon the question of Sunday
school was presented. The blacksmith moved that we have
a Sunday school 'to-day,' and the motion having carried,
the audience resolved itself into classes, disposing itself
among the planks and grain sacks to the best advantage
possible, and an hour was spent in the study of the Sabbath
school lesson.
"Preaching services were maintained from that day dur-
ing the whole summer.
"In the earlier portion of my stay there we never knew
one Sunday where the service would be held the next.
Empty rooms in partially completed buildings were the
favorite refuge, but the dining room of a hotel — when one
was built — the waiting room of the depot are among the
places which I rem.ember served our purpose. Then I se-
cured some posts and boards, set the posts in the ground,
nailed the boards on. put up the frame of a roof, took some
heavy ducking to the home of a lady and stitched the seams
myself on her sewing machine, put this over the roof; my
friend the wagon-maker assisted in making some benches,
and we had a place to worship of our own. To be sure, the
floor was mother earth, and our carpet the velvet grass,
r^ c <" ""
PIONEER EXPERIENCES l8
but many worshipers among those whom the Father seek-
eth to worship Him have Hfted spiritual song and fervent
prayer to the God and Father of us all in places less at-
tractive and comfortable.
"Among the farmers who had settled in the country
round about, and among the merchants, shopkeepers, and
workmen I found Christian men, and also Christian women.
A little band of these gathered each Sabbath, participated
in the worship, assisted in the Sabbath school, and in a
multitude of ways held up the hands of the young mis-
sionary. Our superintendent, a young man from the east-
ern part of Nebraska, would have done credit to any Sun-
day school, and our teachers did faithful work.
"At the close of the summer a dozen names had been
gathered for membership in the church to be organized,
and a provisional organization was effected, and at that
service one woman who united on confession was baptized.
"So far as my connection with this Crawford work is
concerned, it remains only to add some details, and some
incidents that may be of interest to the friends of home
missions. After the work was started at both Whitney
(Earth Lodge) and Crawford my plan was to preach every
Sunday in each place. After the morning service at Whit-
ney, I put my Bible and gospel songs in a sack, and tied
them on the back of my saddle and rode to Crawford —
twelve miles. There I preached in the afternoon. At first
I tried to take a hasty dinner before starting for my second
appointment, but I found that the motion of the horse made
it impossible for me to get to Crawford zvith my dinner.
So, of necessity, I had to postpone my Sunday meal until
after the afternoon service.
"Among the most blessed experiences of that summer's
work were my rides back from Crawford to Whitney, on
Sabbath evenings, after the messages of the day had been
1 82 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
delivered and its work done. Nebraska, especially in its
western portions, is a land of beautiful evenings. As my
horse sauntered leisurely homeward, the shadows would fall
softly on the rolling prairie, the western heavens would be
painted on cloud and glowing blue in colors delicate, bril-
liant, glorious, as with pencils of light in the hand of God.
Through skies as clear as those of Italy or Syria the stars
would look down, and then, over the glorious pine-fringed
outlines of the eastern hills, would come forth the silver
moon, shedding her soft indescribable glory over a land-
scape that seemed to tremble for joy in the mellow light.
And how could such a symphony fail to impart itself to the
heart of man? But through the waning moonlight and
above the voices of nature there came oft to the missionary
a higher communication. The consciousness of the Father's
presence, the approval of the Savior whose message had
that day been delivered, however weakly, the deep gratitude
to Him w^ho had guided and supported the weakest of His
servants in situations where the strongest would have been
as tow to the fire without His grace, the deep sweet delight
of fellowship with God in that lonely road : — these and a
myriad emotions no pen can write down made that ride
of a solitary horseman a pleasant and a blessed part of his
life's experiences.
"Another little incident of delightful memory is con-
nected with the process of securing the little tabernacle at
Crawford. To get the lumber it became necessary to make
a trip to a sawmill. This was located well up among the
hills east of Crawford, toward the head of a huge gully, or
."^mall canyon, that made down from the 'Pine Ridge' into
the plain below. After a brisk horseback ride in the crisp
■^lorning air, I came to the edge of the canyon, the sides of
vv'hich were timbered to the bottom, which was perhaps 150
feet below. The road or trail wound around among the
PIONEER EXPERIENCES 1 83
pines, and toward the bottom of the glen a perfect mass of
roses in full bloom, in beautiful contrast with the somber
evergreen, made a picture of surpassing loveliness, and
loaded the air with fragrance. No one knows how lovely
a diversified landscape with forests is save him who has
lived until his eyes have become weary of it upon an un-
timbered prairie, and then suddenly come upon a royal view
of timber.
"I have spoken of the difficulty of securing lodging dur-
ing those first weeks in Crawford. A striking experience
is associated in my mind with that fact. Of course in that
day the gambling profession was liberally represented. It
\\ as no uncommon thing to see a man walk out of a saloon,
set up a little three-legged stand in the middle of the main
street, cry out, 'Walk up here, gentlemen, walk up, bet your
money and win your pile. This way, fellers, this way,'
and go forv.-ard with his gambling business as unconcern-
edly as though he were selling fruit or notions. One of the
favorite devices of this gentry was the 'ball and shell' trick.
With his little stand, or some board or counter before him,
the gambler produced the half of a shell, as of a large wal-
nut, and three balls, each about the size of a pea. These he
would appear to put under the shell, and manipulating them
with great skill, induce some one to bet that one or more
of the balls were under the shell, or were not, when of
course the victim VN'as taken in, or his money was, by the
professional.
"For some days we had noticed one of these men about
town who appeared to be of rather quiet disposition for one
of his class. In fact, I am quite sure that he was in the
audience the first time that I preached in Crawford, and
of course he knew who I was. One day he spoke to me :
'Where are you going to sleep to-night?' I said, 'Oh, I
don't know, I shall have to find a chance to turn in some-
PIONEER EXPERIENCES 1 85
where.' 'Well, say, come and sleep with me, I've got a
good tent, all by myself, and a comfortable bed ; the tent is
in a quiet place, too.' 1 was a little surprised, I knew he
was a gambler and he knew I was a preacher. I knew he
had no thought of making money from me. At any rate,
whatever his thought was, I was perfectly safe on that
score. He couldn't enrich himself through me. I gave
him an indecisive answer, thanking him for his ofTer. Again
before night he repeated the invitation, and the outcome
was that when night came on, I went with him to his tent
and slept with him.
"It was pitched on a grassy plot about forty feet to the
rear of a large saloon tent. In that saloon, with nothing
but canvas intervening, I could hear the conversation and
the revelry wlienever I was awake through the night. We
liad a comfortable bed in one corner and he also had an
extensive collection of various devices which he used in
his vocation as a gambler. He became quite confidential,
showed me the contrivances, and explained, sparingly, how
the various tricks were worked. When we were talking
about the 'ball and shell' trick, I asked the question, 'Where
is the ball when you get people to bet it is under the shell ?'
'In my pocketj he answered. After I had listened to his
descriptions for some time, I took up my Bible, and asked
him if he would listen to a chapter from the Book. 'Oh,
} es, I'll listen, you can read if you want to ; I ain't got
nothin' agin the Bible.' So I know that he heard one chap-
ter from the Gospel of the divine Lord, whether he ever
heard one again or not. When the evening was growing
late, perhaps ten or ten thirty he rose and said to me :
'Now, you can turn in whenever you want to. There's the
bed 'n' it's all right. I'm goin' out to see if I can make
somethin'.' And he vanished into the night. And I lay
down to sleep, and the strangeness of the situation came
lS6 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
upon me. I in the tent of a frontier desperado and gam-
bler, and he gone out to 'make somethin' !'
"I heard the chink of glasses, the click of 'chips,' the
boisterous talk and laughter in the saloon tent, and won-
dered just where ray friend and bunkmate was, and just
what were his transactions. But presently I fell asleep,
and did not waken when he came to bed. Some time dur-
ing the night I was awakened by the sound of voices. My
gambler friend was by my side in the bed. Some other
man was in the tent and was pleading with my bedfellow
in husky, excited half-whispers. The intruder was the first
to speak: 'Say, pard, let me take yer pop, jest for a few
minutes.' The voice at my side answered: 'No, I can't let
yer have it.' 'O say, pard, I don't want it but jest a little
while: let me take it, won't yer?' 'No.' More decidedly,
'I won't let it go.' 'O come now, I've got t' have a pop.
I'll bring it back to you in jest a few minutes. I'll do any-
thing fer ye on earth if ye'll jest let me have yer pop a few
minutes.' But my gambler com])anion steadily refused to
lend his 'pop' (revolver). The other kept up his excited
pleading for some time, using every persuasion, but to no
avail.
"During the progress of the conflab I felt something
under the blankets touch me, and I knew that in his de-
termination not to let this stranger, whoever he might be,
get possession of his gun, he had shoved it back into the
bed between us. Penally the intruder became convinced
that his request was not going to be granted and went
away. As he disappeared into the night, the gambler said :
'You bet, I ain't goin' to give up my gun, for anybody ; ye
don't ketch me without my gun.' A paitse. Then : 'I
wonder if he thought I'd let him take my gun ? Not much.
I've got too many enemies in this country. There's one
feller, if we ever meet agen it's jest who can shoot first.
PIONEER EXPERIENCES
187
that's all. 'N' he's look'n f me, too.' A pause. 'That's
wh}' I wanted you to stay with me. That feller may come
into this town." That was interesting. I suppose he
thought that if there wcve'tzvo men in his tent, and his
enemv should put in an appearance, there would be some
chance that he would not be hit ! We talked in this refresh-
ing way for some time. I asked : 'Did you see that fellow
before he spoke to you?' 'You bet, I heard him before he
got to the tent, and I had my gun right on (pointed at) his
WESTERN NEBRASKA OF TO-MAV rXDl'.R IRRIGATION
heart.' Then as we lay down to sleep again, I did some
thinking. What a life this man was leading! To be every
moment on guard for his life, night and day. That man
had approached our tent over the soft grass with well-nigh
noiseless footfall in the dead of night. He might easily
enough have surprised me, for I did not hear him till his
voice awoke me. But this gambler was living under such
a tension of watchfulness and dread that he had been
aroused and was fully prepared for self-defense before that
1 88 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Stranger had reached the tent. 'Truly,' I said, 'the way of
the transgressor is hard.' No further interruptions dis-
turbed our shimbers, but I presume that for many a day I
shall not forget the night when I enjoyed the hospitality
of a border gambler."
In this and the preceding chapter we get various glimpses
of pioneer work, of the characteristics of different men who
have had no small part in the development of Congrega-
tional Nebraska. We are wont to think of pioneer work
as something which occurred long ago. But here we find
it very recent. Some of it is even now, and the work goes
on. There is some romance as well as hardship in home
missionary work.
The following story of grasshopper relief was prepared
by Rev. J. E. Storm who knew the facts, and is related to
show how Congregationalists worked in the interests of the
people in need. There was much suffering, hardship, and
destitution on the part of many. There was no little hero-
ism on the part of missionaries and pastors who in the
midst of great deprivation staged by their posts and helped
bring relief to. the destitute.
FATHER barrow's STORY OF GRASSHOPPER RELIEF
''While Polk county was suffering from the grasshopper
devastation of '74, Rev. Simon Barrows was county super-
intendent of public instruction in connection with his pastor-
ate at Osceola. On his rounds of duty he made note of the
most pressing needs of the settlers — so many pairs of shoes,
so many undergarments, trousers, socks, stockings, cotton
and woolen cloth, etc., etc. This condition he set forth in
detail in a letter to a ministerial friend in Boston with the
comment, 'This represents one-quarter of Polk county ; if
you can multiply this by four you will know our need.'
PIONEER EXPERIENCES 1 89
"The friend took the letter to Hon, Alpheus S. Hardy, one
of Boston's best business men. Hardy read it through and
said, 'That is business ; now we know what to do." He had
a large number of copies of the letter struck ofif, and set on
fire the pulpits of the city the following Sunday morning.
People saw the need and gave heartily and liberally. Boot
and shoe firms gave whole boxes of new goods, dry goods
merchants gave by the bolt, money poured in freely to pur-
chase with, so that within a few days a whole carload was
ready to hurry west. The freight was prepaid through to
Columbus, Nebraska, the whole cargo being shipped direct
to Rev. Simon Barrows. Some little time after he had re-
ceived word from Boston of the shipment being on the road
and all freight prepaid, he received word from Omaha to
send on money to pay freight from there to Columbus. He
at once telegraphed to Mr. Hardy and Mr. Hardy tele-
graphed to Omaha to 'forward the car immediately.'
When the car arrived at Columbus teams were sent for the
goods, but not enough teams to take the whole at once.
The agent would not open the car unless they would sign
a release of the whole carload. This the men feared to do,
lest they would never more catch sight of that car or its
contents, so they went home v/ithout the goods. The fol-
lowing day teams enough were sent to empty the car, but
they had to ^agree to deliver their loads to the county relief
committee. Wh\ the agent .should insist on such a move,
the reader may guess. Arriving at the county seat the boxes
and bundles were deposited in the court house, and a mes-
senger sent to Father Barrows to see how the wind blew.
He talked of the arrival of the goods, and casually sug-
gested that the committee might open the boxes. 'No,'
said Father Barrows, 'they would not do that,' 'But.' said
he, 'suppose they should ?' 'They would not open but one,
for I would put them where they could not open any more.'
igO CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
'Well, what can they do?' 'Do! There is but one thing
for them to do, — load up the goods and send them to me.'
'They have no right to them at all.' 'It was an individual
shipment to myself.'
"The result was that the committee were called together,
and they got Father Barrows to help them get up a suitable
resolution that the goods belonged to him, and that they had
no right to them, and to him they should, would, and did go.
"Then came the task of distribution. For this careful
preparation had been made. A large book made of common
brown wrapping paper was used for entries. The needs of
each family had been itemized and listed therein. When the
boxes and bundles were opened, packages were made to cor-
respond with the entry against each name. These were
labeled and stored away in the attic, where a floor of new
boards had been laid for this emergency. As the recipients
came, everything was ready, the packages were delivered,
and receipts signed right in the book.
"When all had been served this book was taken to three of
the coimty officials, including the county judge, and they
were asked to look the book through and give such certifi-
cate as they thought best. They did as requested and gave
a certificate to this eft'ect : 'We are satisfied that the goods
have been disposed of according to the wish and purpose of
the donors.' This certificate Father Barrows sent to Mr.
Hardy. The reply came back at once. 'We are perfectly
satisfied; you need give }'ourself no further trouble.'
"If all grasshopper relief had been as carefully and con-
scientiously handled nnich suffering would have been
avoided, there would have been a more equal distribution,
and the bright days that followed would not have left a
cloud upon some otherwise fair names."
WOMEN S WORK IN NEBRASKA I9I
XXI
WOMEN S WORK IN NEBRASKA
The writer counts himself fortunate in securing from the
president of the W. H. M. U. of Nebraska, the Rev. Laura
H. Wild, recently pastor Butler Avenvie Church, Lincoln,
the following account of the organized work of the women
in Nebraska. A woman's pen can best describe women's
work.
Miss Wild writes :
"The women of Nebraska have not been slow to help.
In the Year Book of 1904, out of the 196 church clerks re-
ported 91 are women, and 35 of the 181 Sunday school su-
perintendents. The ladies' aid society in almost all the
churches is an indispensable assistant to local interests,
financial and otherwise, and in the missionary work it is
the women who have kept things stirring outside the annual
Sunday morning offering. *
"The women's annual missionary meeting occurs in Octo-
ber, usually before the State Association meeting. One day
is devoted to the home work and one day to the foreign.
From forty to sixty delegates are present, not a large at-
tendance, but made up of some of the most consecrated and
earnest women of the state.
"The interest in foreign fields is centered about workers
who have gone from our own number, Miss Wainwright in
Japan and Miss Stella Loughridge (of Vine Street Church,
Lincoln) in western Turkey. A Bible woman is also sup-
ported in central Turkey, and the children are working for
an industrial school in Africa.
192 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"The home work is concentrated upon the missionary
fields we have within the boundaries of our own state, mis-
sionaries in the sandhills ; two Indian children attending the
Santee school, our four academies, and the churches and
Sunday schools that are being built. The money raised is
nearly equal — $1,700 in 1903 for foreign work, $1,600 for
the home.
"Certain distinctive points in the development of the work
stand out clearly. The first gift from the state to the
Woman's Board of the Interior was $5 from Mrs. Reuben
Gaylord in 1871. The first contribution to the Home Mis-
sionary Society was from Nebraska City in 1876. The first
contribution from a local society was from the Ashland
'Little \\'orkers" in 1874.
"The oldest auxiliary is the one at Weeping Water. In
1873 at the State Association meeting held in \\'eeping
Water the women got together and organized the \\'oman's
Board of Missions for the State of Nebraska, its object be-
ing both foreign and home work. The next year, that this
double end might be clearly understood, the name was
changed to the Ladies' Association of Nebraska for Home
and Foreign Missions, and ]\Irs. Asa Farwell of Ashland
was made the president. Mrs. A. E. Dean became president
in 1876, — the wife of one of the pastors, who herself was
born in India, who had labored there after her marriage,
and who went back there in July. 1901. after her husband's
death, to give still further missionary sers^ice. The meet-
ings were held up to 1887 in connection with the State
Association meetings, not as a part of them but in some
neighboring church. 'Many times,' as jNIrs. Sherrill said in
one of her reports, 'by overcoming great obstacles, leaving
the pleasant gathering of our brethren, who. Ave know,
thought us much more zealous than wise, and retiring to
some cold, neighboring church.'
WOMEN S WORK IN NEBRASKA I93
"In 1877 a paper on 'Woman's Work for Woman' by
Mrs, Farwell, read before the State Association itself, was
so well received that it had the honor of being incorporated
in the minutes of that body. There were twelve auxiliaries
then. In 1879 ^ milestone was passed when the women de-
cided to attempt the support of a missionary, Miss Van
Duzee of Turkey.
"In 1880 it was resolved to raise an equal sum for home
missions. The report of this year says, 'Our infancy is
past, and we enter upon our next stage with great promise.'
Four hundred and sixty-two dollars were raised that year,
three-fourths going to foreign work and one-fourth to
home. It has taken Christian people longer to realize that
there is as much of a responsibility upon us for home
missions as for foreign.
"The Nebraska Woman's Board of Missions was or-
ganized with that fact in view. It was to be a union effort,
one society working for the entire missionary field. But
owing to the tardiness of the home missionary consciousness
and urgent foreign missionary pressure from the Woman's
Board of the Interior, which had been organized in 1868,
it was the foreign work which received the lion's share of
the gifts. Mrs. Sherrill writes in 1880: 'The proposition
to change our name and constitution, and limit our work to
foreign missions so as to become auxiliary to the W. B.
M. I., has been discussed every year, but the feeling pre-
vails that we can not exclude from our thought and prayers
and gifts the society that is working to Christianize our own
land', both because that society needs our allegiance, and
because we need that our intelligence and activities be
stimulated by connection with it.'
"Nevertheless the receipts fell ofif, and because the so-
ciety had pledged a definite amount for the support of their
foreign workers, it was the home cause which suffered.
13
194 COXGREGATIOXAL NEBRASKA
"In 1883 two treasurers were appointed. In 1884 the
W. B. M. I. called for $750. That year there was raised
for foreign missions $892.66, for home missions $313.89,
for the Educational Commission $2, for the A. M. A. $22,
for the American Congregational Union — our present
Church Building Society — $5. These sums show the rela-
tive importance, in the eyes of the women, of these various
societies.
"While the amounts increased and home missions gained
as the years went by, and many of the founders and strong
supporters of the society believed most earnestly in union,
it was voted in 1887 ^^ the meeting held in Lincoln that 'the
\\'oman's Missionar}^ Association limit its work to foreign
missions, being auxiliar\- to the ^^^ B. ]\I. I., and that we
form a Woman's Home [Missionary Society of Nebraska.'
This accounts for the fact that the Branch (the foreign
work) reports date of their meetings from the very begin-
ning. 1873, ^^'^^^ tl''s Union '(the home work) from 1888.
That is, the annual report of 1904 is the thirty-first of the
Branch and the seventeenth of the Union.
"From that time to the present there have been two sets
of officers and two state headquarters, but the meetings are
always held together at the same place, and the local soci-
eties have never divided. There is the utmost harmony in
the work, a mid-winter fellowship and consultation of the
officers of both societies having been held in 1888 and 1904.
The first reports after the division were published together ;
then each pursued her own way until 1903, when they were
published together once more.
"After the division there were more active efiforts put
forth for the home missionary cause. Special circular let-
ters were sent to every pastor, and there were added thirty-
three new auxiliaries during the year. The church in Ken-
sington, Connecticut, sent $100 to encourage the new-born
WOMEN S WORK IN NEBRASKA 195
child. At the close of the year there were fifteen junior
and juvenile societies, one of them being a boys' club in
South Bend. Boxes for the home missionaries were pre-
pared. There was raised for the home work $1,105.82,
including- the $100 from Connecticut, against $513 the year
before. The foreign work saw quite an increase also,
$1,000 coming into its treasury.
"There was a steady increase in gifts, with some fluctua-
tions, until the year 1892, when the high-water mark was
reached for the Union — $2,002.43, the Branch that year rais-
ing $2,185.34, and the next more still, $2,345.
''Then came on the hard times and a most discouraging
drop, falling down in 1897 to $1,280 for the Branch and in
1899 to $1,091 for the Union.
"Again prosperity is making itself felt throughout the
state, and this time of a more solid character. Receipts
are rising. But just as business men are more cautious in
their ventures the women are not as liberal accordingly as
they were in earlier days. But each year a higher goal is
set, and it is hoped soon not only to reach but to pass our
former high-water mark.
"During the last two years there has been broader intelli-
gence concerning foreign missions owing to the systematic
study of the most admirable books prepared by the national
boards, and consequently a more real interest in those aux-
iliaries where such study is carried on. Mention should be
made of the special library fund raised by the Union, by the
publishing of a serial story called 'Inasmuch.' Twelve
chapters were written by well-known women, including
Mrs. Caswell and Mrs. Sangster. The sale of these books
at twenty-five cents has brought in enough money to buy
and circulate a library of forty home missionary volumes.
The Branch also has a half dozen books in this collection.
196 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"Nebraska has two young ladies' missionary societies,
one at Vine Street Church, Lincoln, and one at Weeping
Water. These have a splendid record, but for the most
part the young ladies' work has been merged in that of the
C. E. S. The children's department has been quite success-
ful, with special objects to work for. Of late years in
some of the larger churches the departmental plan has been
adopted, all the women in the church being united in one
association with various departments, chosen according to
individual preference. The missionary department of such
associations is counted as an auxiliary. In 1894 there was
one German auxiliary organized by the pastor at Princeton.
The same year Mrs. Caswell spent several weeks in the
state visiting the local societies in the interest of home mis-
sions, and in 1898 Miss Wright, Field Secretary of the
W. B. M. L, did the same.
"The women's work in Nebraska has had in the past
most faithful women at the helm, pouring into it effort,
strength, and patience of which few will ever know. The
result has been not a brilliant record, but a creditable one
in its breadth of view, practical methods, financial fruitage,
and warm Christian fellowship."
The following list of presidents and secretaries of the
women's w^ork in Nebraska has been compiled by Mrs. H.
Bross, and is of no little interest :
PRESIDENTS
Mrs. Asa Farwell, 1875-76. Mrs. S. C. Dean, 1876-87.
''branch'' PRESIDENTS
Mrs. S. C. Dean, 1887-88. Mrs. F. L. Fitchett, 1894-99.
Mrs. G. W. Hall, 1888-93. None, 1899- 1900.
Mrs. J. G. Haines, 1893-94. Mrs. E. H. Wood, 1900-.
women's work in nebraska i97
''union'' presidents
Mrs. S. H. Leavitt, 1887-91. Mrs. J. T. Duryea, 1893-95.
Mrs. Whitfield Sanford, Mrs. D. B. Perry, 1895-1901.
1891-92. . Mrs. M. A. Bullock, 1901-03.
Mrs. S. H. Leavitt, 1892-93. Rev. Laura H. Wild, 1905-.
SECRETARIES
Mrs. J. E. Elliott, 1873-74. Mrs. A. F. Sherrill, 1879-83.
Mrs. G. W. Hall, 1874-75. Mrs. H. A. Leavitt, 1883-84.
Mrs. H. Bates, 1875-79. Mrs. E. L. Childs, 1884-87.
''branch" SECRETARIES
Mrs. N. C. Bosworth, 1887- Mrs. W. H. Russell, 1894-
90. 1900.
Mrs. A. R. Thain, 1890-94. Mrs. W. A. Higgin, 1900-.
"union" SECRETARIES
Mrs. L. F. Berry, 1887-90. Mrs. S. C. Dean, 1893-94.
Mrs. E. S. Smith, 1890-92. Mrs. H. Bross, 1894-.
Mrs. W. R. Dawes, 1892-93.
PART II
CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOLS IN NEBRASKA
I
Congregational Educational Institutions
THE FONTANELLE SCHOOL
At the second meeting- of the State Association held at
Fremont, October 30, 1857, and called "The First Annual
Meeting," a preliminary meeting for organization having
been held in Omaha, August 8, 1857, it was
"Resolved, That we deem it expedient to take measures
to lay the foundation of a literary institution of a high or-
der in Nebraska.
"Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to
take into consideration the location of the literary institution.
"Resolved, That R. Gaylord of Omaha and P. Allen of
Ft. Calhoun be two of this committee, and that Brother
Gaylord select the other in Omaha. Voted, That this com-
mittee view locations, receive propositions, and, if thought
expedient, call a special meeting of the association."^
This is the first record of action looking toward Congre-
gational education in Nebraska. Our pioneer fathers could
not well be good Congregationalists without building a
college.
True to the historic spirit of the denomination they be-
gan building up a Christian school as soon as they were
organized into an association of churches.
In compliance with the preceding resolution Moderator
Gaylord called a special meeting of the association at Fon-
tanelle, January 5, 1858, to consider the question of found-
ing an institution of learning.
^Manuscript Minutes, .1857, p. 10.
201
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Mention has been made in a preceding chapter- of the
efi'ort of Dr. John AI. Ellis to locate a colony and establish
a Congregational college. A year earlier than that, "on
the 24th day of June, 1854, less than thirty days after the
LOGAN FONTENELLE, CHIEF OF THE OMAHAS
passage of the Kansas-Xebraska act, a little company of
Ouincy (Illinois) people met together and organized the
'Nebraska Colonization Company.' "^
= Part I, chap. II.
'Caldwell's Education in Nebraska, p. 165.
THE FONTANELLE SCHOOL 203
This company, in carrying- out their project, located, Sep-
tember 15 of the same year, the town of Fontanelle on the
east side of the Elkhorn river a few miles northwest of
Omaha, and named after Logan Fontenelle, a half-breed
Indian, chief of the Omaha tribe, who had rendered them
valuable assistance. There a tract of 112 acres was set
apart for Nebraska University. Says Prof. A. B. Show :
"It would be difficult to find a more satisfactory location
for a college. The westward view is broad and charming,
embracing- in its sweep not only the Elkhorn and its tribu-
taries, but also the wide valley of the Platte many miles to
the south. It did not seem visionary to expect that some
day a half score of substantial college buildings would look
down from this height upon a thickly populated and pros-
perous community."'*
Rev. W. W. Keep, a Baptist clergyman, was one of the
leading promoters of the colony, trustee and financial agent
of the university, and it may be it was intended to establish
a Baptist colony and build up a Baptist college. Professor
Show says : "The evidence is not clear and satisfactory.
. . . In the first board of trustees of w^hich a record re-
mains, that of 1856-57, three out of eight trustees were
already members of the Fontanelle Congregational Church
and two others were members before i860. In the next
board of trustees, elected before the question of transferring
the management had been raised, five out of eleven were
Congregationalists, but the chairman, Rev. J. M. Taggart,
was a Baptist clergyman."^
■* Caldwell's Education in Nebraska, pp. 167-68. Professor Show,
who writes of Congregational educational institutions in Education
in Nebraska, has done such thorough and scientific work that when
we quote from him we are assured there is no need for further re-
search in the matter quoted.
= Ibid., p. 171.
204 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
The first church organized in Fontanelle^ was Congre-
gational, and "quite a number of these were from the Con-
gregational Church of Quincy, Illinois,"' showing that they
were a part of the colony.
The First Church in Omaha was organized May 4, 1856.
One week later the church in Fontanelle was organized
with twenty-three members.
It is quite evident that Congregationalists predominated
in influence, for when Mr. Gaylord called a special meeting
of the State Association at Fontanelle, January 5, 1858, the
Nebraska Colonization company and the trustees of Ne-
braska University were ready with proposals to transfer
the college to the Congregationalists. In view of these pro-
posals and of donations by the citizens of Fontanelle, the
association voted, January. 6, 1858, to locate the college at
Fontanelle, Dodge county, Nebraska.^ The next day the
association considered the question of a charter for the new
college, appointed a committee to look after the matter, and
instructed the moderator and " clerk, as a committee, "to
draw up and arrange a contract with the previous trustees
and Nebraska Colonization company.''^
In accordance with this contract^" the State Association
of Congregational Churches undertook to erect a "building
for a preparatory department of sufficient dimensions to
accommodate 100 pupils" before the third Monday of the
next October, and "a good and substantial building for
college purposes of architectural proportions" within a pe-
riod of five years.
The revised charter of the Nebraska University secured
by act of the legislature October 25, 1858, "changed en-
''The modern spelling — Fontanelle— is used throughout this work.
'Gaylord's Life, p. 1SS.
'Manuscript Minutes, p. 12.
"Ibid., pp. 12, 13.
"Ibid., p. 14.
THE FONTANELLE SCHOOL 205
tirely the mode of electing; trustees, that power henceforth
being vested solely in the Congregational Association."^^
In the Ft. Calhoun meeting of the association, October,
1858, "much interest was manifested concerning the present
and future prosperity of the institution."^- It was now a
child of the church, and had a lofty ambition to become a
leading western college.
A series of misfortunes made its history a checkered one.
Hard times interfered with its material advancement; the
discovery of gold at Pike's Peak took away many of the
inhabitants of Fontanelle ; the Indian scare of 1859 had a
depressing efifect; and, above all, in i860 it was, by act of
legislature, detached from Dodge county and made a part
of Washington county. The coveted county seat of Dodge
county went to Fremont, Avhich secured also the Union
Pacific railroad, leaving Fontanelle to one side and with
hopes of the future largely blasted. College work was sus-
pended for a time, debts increased, and Mr. Gaylord be-
came actively engaged in securing funds from the East.
While these changes and disappointments "proved the
death blow to the future prospects of Fontanelle as a city,"^^
yet the pioneer churches stood by the infant college with a
heroism v/orthy of larger results.
In 1864 the school resumed work under Miss A. B. Sav-
age, who had charge of the "preparatory and ladies' depart-
ment," and in the following spring Prof. Henry E. Brown,
a graduate of Oberlin College, was engaged as "professor
of languages and principal of the preparatory department."
Professor Brown began work in midwinter (1866?), and he
and Miss Savage continued the work until the spring of
1867, when Professor Brown retired from the school.
"Education in Nebraska, p. 174.
''Manuscript Minutes, p. 22.
"Education in Nebraska, p. 176.
2o6 COXGKEGATIOXAL NEBRASKA
Rev. Charles G. Bisbee. who for a year had been pastor
of the Fontanelle Church, assumed charge of the school,
and remained for some three years.
''He was assisted in teaching by Mrs. Bisbee, Miss Sarah
Jenny, Rev. J. F. Kuhhnan, and perhaps others. The
KEY. C. G. BISBEE
records do not incHcate precisel}- the attendance of students
during- these years. Obviously, in that respect it was the
most flourishing period in the life of the school, but at the
best the number was small."' ^
Rev. C. G. Bisbee now resides in Arlington, and writes :^^
"Education in Nebraska, p. 170.
'"June 14, 1904, letter to writer.
THE FONTANELLE SCHOOL 207
"You ask for reminiscences in regard to the early history
of Congregationalism in Nebraska. I am not one of the
pioneers. There were Cong-regational churches in Ne-
braska ten years before I came. I attended the meeting of
the State Association of Congregational Churches at Fon-
tanelle in September, 1866. The ministers and delegates
attending that meeting were in all thirteen. None of them
are now living but myself. At that time I was elected
stated clerk, and the minutes of the association were printed
that year, I think for the first time ... At the same
meeting I was elected a trustee of the Nebraska University,
the first school of high order which the Congregationalists
of Nebraska undertook to sustain. At the meeting of the
board of trustees I was elected secretary of the board and
clerk of the executive committee. I kept the records of
said institution while it lasted. Said records can be found
among the archives of Doane College.
"From the minutes of the State Association and the
records of the Nebraska University you will find the im-
portant facts for your history (of that period). But the
difiiculties, trials, and arduous labors attending the estab-
lishing and building up of the Redeemer's Kingdom in
those early days can not be told in a brief history. This
state is one of magnificant distances.
"Yours truly,
"C. G. BiSBEE."
"About the beginning of 1871 Mr. Bisbee resigned, and
Mr. J. J. Boulter was engaged to conduct the school. Un-
der his supervision instruction continued until -some time in
1872, when it was given up never to be resumed." ^^
Different causes brought about the downfall of the school :
The first in point of time was doubtless the failure of Fon-
'" Education in Nebraska, p. 180.
1
i
1
Ha
1 :■
11
' "^W^r-iE^ ^J
HVm' ^^H
THE FONTANELLE SCHOOL 2O9
tanelle to develop as a town, due to its failure to secure the
railroad and the county seat. In the beginning it tried also
to secure the capital of the territory.
These disappointments resulted in the collapse of the
town, which might have become a small college town had
not a second factor entered into the problem of its exist-
ence— the removal of the capital from Omaha to Lincoln.
This and the establishment of the state university at Lin-
coln caused the more rapid development of southern and
southeastern Nebraska. Immigration went that way. Con-
gregational churches were organized, and by 1871 there
was a strong sentiment in favor of a new location for a
Congregational college. Weeping Water with its compara-
tively strong church made a bid for it. Milford with its
academy already in operation wanted it. Crete with its
academy, with its pastor Rev. Fred Alley, backed by the
strong influence of Mr. Thomas Doane, and the Burlington
8z Missouri river railroad was persistent in asking for the
college. It also put in the plea of having a central location,
and Nebraska is a large state. It began to look dark for
Fontanelle.
At the Fremont meeting of the General Association, 1869,
the report from Fontanelle was discouraging. One must
read between the lines to catch the spirit of the meeting.
The following resolution was adopted :
''Resolved, That a committee be appomted to have power
to convey all the property, right, and title we possess in the
Nebraska University to the citizens of Fontanelle, as per
original contract, or to such other persons as the trustees
may decide upon.",^"
In 1870 the association heard a report from Fontanelle
but took no action.
'"Minutes, 1869, p. 16.
14
2IO CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
In 1871 the association met in Lincoln. Something evi-
dently had been done during the year. The Burlington &
^Missouri river railroad company gave the association a free
excursion to Crete and return. While at Crete the associa-
tion assisted in laying the cornerstone of the new academy
building. College matters were generally discussed. The
following significant resolutions were adopted :
"I. Resolved, That we believe the time has come to take
measures for the establishment of two or more academies.
"11. Resolved. That Fontanelle has strong- claims upon
the association for sympathy, and we commend the institu-
tion at that place to the confidence of our people.
'TIL Resolved, That the people of Milford and Crete
shall have the sympathy and good will of the association,
to do all they can in 'Establishing first-class academies at their
respective points.
'TV. Resolved, That the thanks of the association arc
due to the people of Milford and Crete, and also to the
Burlington & Missouri river railroad company for the very
generous ofi"ers they have made us in the matter of locating
a college; and that the association respectfully :isk further
time for considering the matter."^^
At this same meeting Supt. O. W. Alerrill introduced the
following resolution w hich was also adopted :
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this association that
we should concentrate our educational efforts on our acade-
mies and our one college for our order in the state. "^^
That emphatic "one" has a peculiar significance. The
resolution is prophetic. Doane College has its "Merrill
Hall."
'-]Minutes, 1871, p. 12.
^"Ibid.
THE FONTANELLE SCHOOL 211
Milford and Crete at this meeting of the association pre-
sented definite bids for the college. Rev. O. W. Merrill,
Rev. Julius A. Reed, and George Lee were appointed a com-
mittee to supervise the general educational interests in the
state until the next meeting of the association.
This committee in a voluminous report of marked literary
flavor, the following year, 1872, recommended that Crete
be chosen as the location of the new college. In the mean-
time Weeping Water presented a strong showing in favor
of the location there, so that there were three competing
points, Milford, Crete, Weeping Water. The report of the
committee aroused a spirited discussion. It was shown in
the report that in 1870 Nebraska had sent thirty-tv.^o pupils
to Tabor College, Iowa — "enough at that one school to
make a respectable beginning were they gathered into a
school of our own."' This, too, because Nebraska had no
school for them !
"The conclusion to which we come is that we have al-
ready waited too long, and that we can not move too soon
or too vigorously.'"
Some wanted to postpone action till the next October.
This was voted down, and the recommendation of the com-
mittee that the college be located at Crete was adopted by a
decisive vote.-*^
The association then appointed trustees for the new col-
lege and took initial steps to establish it.
A paper respecting "Fontanelle University" was referred
to a committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. A. Dresser, John
E. Elliott, and I. E. Heaton, to report on the following
year, and when the report was called for, it was "No cause
of action.""^
'"Minutes, 1872, pp. 6-11.
''Minutes, 1873, p. 10.
212 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
This ends the history of Nebraska University so far as
the State Association is concerned. "It can not be said that
the enterprise — the Fontanelle School — ever reached secure
footing, or even promised permanent success. At the outset
the time was not ripe for such undertaking, and long before
the general conditions were favorable, the particular lo-
cality selected for the school had ceased to claim attention."--
The institution came to an end in August, 1873, but "Alay
15, 1874, the trustees held their last meeting and concluded
their work."-'^ This might be called the official ending of
the Fontanelle school.
Mr. Gaylord was wont to speak of the "rcmovaV of the
college from Fontanelle to Crete,-* but the minutes of the
association show that Fontanelle was abandoned and a new
college organized at Crete.
"Education in Nebraska, p. 183.
^Mbid., p. 182.
='See Gaylord's Life, pp. 327, 430.
DOANE COLLEGE 21 3
II
DOANE COLLEGE
Doane College was more fortunate in its founding than
was Fontanelle. It had a better financial backing. Mr.
Thomas Doane, a native of Alassachusetts, and at the time
chief engineer of the Burlington & Missouri river railroad
in Nebraska, became interested in the establishment of an
educational institution in the state.
Dr. Willard Scott, at the time pastor of St. Mary's Ave-
nue Church in Omaha, gave an address at the fifteenth an-
niversary exercises of Doane College and presented
a graphic picture of the preliminary work attending the
planting of Crete Academy :
''Our attention is now directed to Plattsmouth. The Bur-
lington & Missouri river railroad company in Nebraska was
operating its construction from that place and pressing
westward. At the Brooks House we are asked into a room
in the winter of 1870-71. It is small; so small that when
the necessary articles of furniture are placed, there is room
only for two large easy chairs and a fur robe, kept rolled up
and strapped ready for use at short notice, in a nook between
the bureau and the table. Here evening by evening — and
long evenings they seemed to the lady seated upon the fur
robe — sit in the easy chairs two gentlemen, a civil engineer
and a preacher, the pastor of the First Congregational
Church at Plattsmouth. The theme is a college and the
idea seems to the lady on the fur robe as 'impossible as es-
tablishing one in the moon.' 'Can we secure the land?
Where is the best place for it?' Crete is proposed 'as being
beautifully situated upon the Big Blue.'
DOANE COLLEGE 215
"Before February 20 Mr. Alley had located there, enter-
ing, it is said, upon a load of lumber, and had contracted
with Mr. George W. Bridges for $100 per year for two years
to start an academy.
"Articles of incorporation for the Crete Academy were
adopted May 22, 1871. June 30 the president and secretary
were authorized to execute a note to Mr. Thomas Doane
for the amount of $2,000, borrowed for building purposes,
and Rev. Frederic Alley was 'requested to act as principal
of the academy for the coming year.' "^
The story of the founding of Crete Academy is also told
by Professor Show :
"After the associational action of 1869 and 1870 great
interest prevailed among the Congregational churches as to
the educational problem. Many minds were busy upon it.
During the winter of 1870-71, the matter was much dis-
cussed by two men destined to play conspicuous parts in
the founding of the future college — Rev. Frederic Alley,
pastor of the Congregational Church at Plattsmouth, and
Thomas Doane, chief engineer of the Burlington & Missouri
river railroad in Nebraska, then in the process of construc-
tion. As the result of their deliberations they selected Crete
as the most desirable location, and decided to open the way
for a college by locating an academy. In the spring of
1871 Mr, Alley moved to Crete, organized a church, and
devoted himself, with the constant aid of Mr. Doane and
others, to the establishment of Crete Academy. The erec-
tion of a building was begun at once, lumber being hauled
twenty miles by team. On the 12th of June the corner-
stone was laid, the General Association coming down en
masse frorn Lincoln, where it was in session, to witness the
ceremony. The building was dedicated November 5, 1871."^
^Historical Glimpses, pp. 8, 9.
^Education in Nebraska, p. 186.
2l6 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Rev. F. .Vlley was elected principal for the first year and
with him were associated Miss Mary W. ^^lerrill, Miss
Kesterton, and Miss Bridges. It w-as a prosperous year for
the school, a good preparatory year for the college about
to be organized.
Among those who had much to do with locating- the col-
lege and pushing forward its interests were George S.
Harris, a deacon in First Church, Lincoln, and Rev. Charles
Little, the first pastor of the First Church, Lincoln. Through
their efforts as well as those of Mr. Doane the railroad
company was led to offer very liberal inducements to the
proposed college. President Perry relates this incident in
connection with the railroad grant :
"An indescribable charm invests the story that I\Ir. Ed-
ward Alclntyre of Seward tells of the way in which the
prime movers in the college enterprise were encouraged to
ask the railroad company for the large grant of 600 acres.
These men in earnest deliberation had purposed to limit their
petition to eighty acres, but one of them. Rev. Charles Lit-
tle, at length, with a peculiar light in his eye, says, 'Why not
ask for the whole 600 acres? The Scriptures say. Ask and
ye shall receive.' Thereupon these college builders had a
large accession of faith, and they asked and received.
'"That their faith was rewarded was due in no small
measure to the railroad land commissioner, Mr. George S.
Harris, v.ho was a large-hearted, broad-minded man who
took great interest in all educational and religious work in
the new state. "^
The larger faith won, and the 600 acres were received.
It was in June, 1872, that by vote of the State Associa-
tion the new Congregational college was located in Crete.
The academy was made a preparatorv school to the college,
'Historical Glimpses, p. 38.
Prof. A. B. Fail-child
J. L. Tidball
Prof. J. S. Brown
Prof. G. D. Swezey
2l8 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
which was duly incorporated July ii, 1872, and was named
Doane College "in recognition of the services of Thomas
Doane, Esq., of Charlestown, Alass., who was then among
its most devoted friends, and has since proved its most gen-
erous benefactor/"*
In addition to the 600 acres donated to the college by the
Burlington railroad, the South Platte Land company gave
fifty town lots in Crete.
The college began its work in the academy building,
which for the time being served well for that purpose.
FINANCIAL STRUGGLE
The land grants above mentioned were conditional on the
college raising $30,000 and securing official recognition of
tlie Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theologi-
cal Education. The indorsement was readily secured ; rais-
ing the money meant a struggle.^
... Mr. Doane came to the rescue. He pledged $10,000 of
the $30,000 ; Professor Perry raised $10,000 in New Eng-
land, and the remaining $10,000 was pledged in Nebraska
The conditions were met and the land secured.
At the Lincoln meeting of the association in October.
1874, Professor Perry made a committee report in behalf of
the board of trustees. From this report the following is
taken :
"The committee desire to put on record that the past year-
the good hand of our God has helped us. The college year
opened the 9th of September with a debt of $6,593.97. O^
this $2,250 were in the banks. The financial crisis came,
and the banks refused to renew. For a time the college
treasurer was in darkness like that of Egypt. A generous
■"Education in Nebraska, p. 187.
'Ibid, p. 19L
DOANE COLLEGE 219
friend east who promised Si, 000, payable in five years,
upon being informed of our embarrassment, imdertook to
meet the pledge at once. He horroivcd money at 18 per cent
interest and sent on the full amount promptly, to our great
relief. Others exerted themselves in a similar way. By
such sacrifices the college was lifted out of debt.'"*'
"At commencement, 1874, the trustees reported the young
institution out of debt, with $500 in the treasury, and with
$30,000 in notes and pledges."^
When we remember the financial straits to vrhich men
were reduced by the devastation from grasshoppers and by
the prevailing hard times, it seems wonderful that Doane
College emerged as well as it did out of its financial diffi-
culties. Surely the good hand of our God helped it and
the people made sacrifices for it.
In these and other trying times Mr. Thomas Doane proved
tiie loyal friend and generous supporter of the college.
Through the kindness of Pres. D. B. Perry we are permitted
to use the following sketch of his life, which will be of in-
terest to all lovers of Doane College.
SKETCH OF THOMAS DOANE
"Thomas Doane, son of John and Polly Eldridge Doane,
was born at Orleans, Massachusetts, September 20, 1821.
The Doane family, has been closely identified with the de-
velopment of New England, and the Pilgrim ancestry of the
subject of this sketch was shown in his life work. Deacon
John Doane was a member of the Plymouth settlement as
early as 1630, and from that date until the present the an-
nals of that section of New England are filled with the men-
tion of members of the Doane family. A descendant of the
"Minutes, 1874, p. 9.
"Education in Nebraska, p. 192.
220 CONGREGATIOXAL NEBRASKA
Puritans. Thomas Doane combined in his character the
rugged honesty, the tireless industry, the love of religious
liberty, and the hatred of sham and pretense, that character-
ized the men and women who landed upon Plymouth Rock
and set about to conquer the wilderness of an unknown
hemisphere. His early education was received in an acad-
emy established in the Cape Cod district of Massachusetts
by his father and others. After completing the course re-
quired by this academy he spent five terms at Phillips Acad-
emy, Andover. Early in life he conceived a liking for civil
engineering, and determined to make that his profession.
His father, John Doane, was one of the best known lawyers
in the Cape district, but the son had no taste for the law.
Ujion leaving the academy at Andover he entered the office
of Samuel M. Felton. one of the noted civil engineers of
his time. Mr. Felton's office was at Charlestown, and here
Thomas Doane studied for three years, as was the custom
at that time. Immediately after this term of study he en-
tered upon the active pursuit of his profession. His first
professional engagement was as engineer of the Windsor,
White river division of the Wrmont Central railroad,
where his work soon attracted wide attention. From 1847
imtil 1849 h^ was resident engineer of the Cheshire railroad
at Walpole, New Hampshire. In December, 1849, he re-
turned to Charlestown, Massachusetts, and established an
office, conducting a civil engineering and surveying business
either personally or through capable assistants. He con-
tinued this office up to the time of his death. His ability
as an engineer was recognized in all engineering circles,
and at different times he was connected with all of the rail-
roads running out of Boston, particularly the Boston &
Maine.
"In 1863 the state of Massachusetts assumed the work of
building the Hoosac tunnel, and the board of commission-
COLONEL THOMAS DOANE
222 CONGREGATIONAI, NEBRASKA
ers at once eneaged Air. Doane as chief engineer. With
characteristic energy he proceeded to relocate the tunnel
line and established new grades. The distance to be tun-
neled was nearly five miles. He pushed the borings on four
faces from both sides of the mountain and a central shaft,
and so accurate were his measurements and levels that the
centers of the borings met with a variation in alignment of
only nine-sixteenths of an inch in one case and five-six-
teenths of an inch in the other. He was a pioneer in the
use of compressed air in this country, and he built a dam
across the Deerfield river to furnish power for the turbine
wheels to operate his air compressors. The successful use
of nitro-glycerine, drilling by machine drills operated by
compressed air, and 'simultaneous blasting' by electricity
were here established for the first time in the United States.
Naturally this attracted universal attention, for at that time
the Hoosac tunnel was justly considered one of the engi-
neering marvels of the world. In his book on tunneling,
Mr. Henry S. Drinker pays the following deserved tribute
to Mr. Doane's ability as an engineer and his energy in ex-
ploring the field of compressed air and mechanical con-
trivance for tunnel work : 'Mr. Doane's connection with
the Hoosac tunnel in the early days of that great work is
not a matter of especial but of universal interest to the
engineering profession in America, for to his persistent
energy, far-seeing sagacity, and his able management we
in a large measure and, in fact, chiefly owe the develop-
ment and introduction into 'this country of the present ad-
.vanced system of tunneling with machinery and high ex-
plosives. It was under his direction as engineer of the
commission that the state experiments were made, and the
long and disheartening fight carried through which ter-
minated in favor of the new system, the system which has
since given us the Burleigh, Ingersoll, and Wood drills, and
DOANE COLLEGE 223
which also first showed Americans practically what the
potent agency of nitro-giycerine, first applied by Nobel in
Europe, actually was.'
"In 1869 Mr. Doane was called west and became chief
engineer and superintendent of the Burlington & Missouri
river railroad in Nebraska, an extension of the Chicago,
Burlington & Ouincy system. Though new to the West he
gave the men of the West an example in their own push
and energy, and in less than four years completed 241 miles
of road on the frontier, establishing a steam ferry at Platts-
mouth and building and maintaining a telegraph line the
full length of the road. And on a rush order he surveyed
the branch line from Crete to Beatrice, the distance of thirty
miles, and had the road ready for operation in ninety days.
He named the towns on the line between Plattsmouth and
Kearney, and this will explain the frequent recurrence of
New England names — Dorchester, Exeter, Harvard, Low-
ell, etc. This line was built with a view to economy of
operation, and time has proved the soundness of his judg-
ment in constructing the road on the low grades he
established.
"In 1871 Mr. Doane thoroughly identified himself as a
citizen of Crete, Nebraska, selecting what is now known
as the college section, on which he erected a dwelling-house
and occupied it with his family during his connection with
the Burlington system. In 1873 Mr. Doane returned to
Charlestown and shortly after was reappointed consulting
engineer of the Hoosac tunnel and also of the reconstruc-
tion of the Troy & Greenfield railway. On February 9,
1875, the Hoosac tunnel was opened and Mr. Doane ran
the first train through. He remained in charge of the tun-
nel work until 1877. In 1879 he was appointed consulting
and acting chief engineer of the Northern Pacific railroad
and served in this capacity for one year. From that time
2 24 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
on Mr. Doane devoted himself chiefly to office practice as
a consulting' engineer.
"While in Nebraska Mr. Doane saw the possibilities of
the country and believed that it would soon become a pop-
ulous and wealthy section of the republic. His first thought
was a characteristic one — how best to pro\ide for the edu-
cational growth of the young commonwealth.
"Before the railroad reached Crete he took a prominent
part in the effort to establish a college there. Cooperating
with the land commissioner, Air. George S. Harris, and
others, he secured from the Burlington railroad company
the offer of a beautiful college site just east of Crete, em-
bracing in- all 600 acres, and when the Congregational
churches of Nebraska in General Association had located
their college at this point, he gave liberally of his means to
make it a success. In recognition of his services the college
was named after him. and for many years he was the effi-
cient chairman of its board of trustees. His interest in the
college never waned, and from his eastern home he did
much to guide it by wise counsel and tide it over financial
difficulties. He was rarely absent from its annual com-
mencements, though his attendance involved a journey of
3,000 miles. He made generous provision for the colleg-e
in his will, and a large part of his estate has become a per-
manent college endowment. Doane College is fulfilling the
ex])ectation of its founders. From its walls are going forth
young men and women who are making their mark in the
world and leaving a noble impress upon their generation.
"Mr. Doane was also one of the founders of the first bank
established in Crete in 1S72 and its first president. During
the years that he was actively engaged in his profession he
received many young men into his office as students, and a
goodly number of these have carved their names high in the
engineering world. For upwards of twenty years he was a
DOANE COLLEGE 225
member of the Uoston Soeiety of Civil Engineers and for
nine years its president. He was gxeatly interested in
various educational and charitable institutions, and took an
active part in religious work.
"November 5, 1850, .Air. Doane was married to Miss
Sophia D. Clark, who died December i, 1868. To this
union five children were born, viz. : Mrs. David B. Perry,
wife of the President of Doane College ; Mrs. William O.
Weeden, Concord, Massachusetts; Mrs. Plenry P.. Twombly,
Summit, New Jersey ; the Rev. John Doane, Fremont, Ne-
braska; and Thomas who died in infancy. November 19,
1870, Mr. Doane was married a second time to Miss Louisa
A. Barber of Brattleboro, Vermont, who was in close sym-
pathy with him in his Nebraska enterprises, taking an active
part in the first eft'orts to establish the college at Crete.
October 22, 1S97, after a short illness and while on a visit
at West Townshend, Vermont, he departed this life. It
was fitting that he should pass away among the rock-ribbed
hills and amid the trees he loved so well, the maples all
aglow with autumn's choicest colors. His grave is in the
old family burial ground at Orleans, Massachusetts, a com-
manding knoll which looks out over a pleasantly diversified
landscape and the great sea, an environment rich in ances-
tral associations. Of him it may be well said that the world
was better because of his having lived. Successful in the
management of his own business affairs, he took delight in
assisting others, and he was never more pleased than when
doing something to help those about him to higher and
better things. The long line of generations constituting the
D'oane family contains many illustrious men, but none was
more so than Thomas Doane, founder of Doane College.
The family is an old one, probably of Norman origin, its
history being traceable to the year 1000. There were
Doanes with William the Conqueror; Doanes were promi-
15
2 26 CONGREGATIONAL NKliRASKA
nent in Englisli church history ; they were conspicuous in
the civil hfe of England, ^\'hen the good ship Fortune
sailed from Wales in the wake of the historic Mayflower
a Doane placed his name upon the passenger register and
established the family in the new world.
"From such stock as this sprang the eminent engineer
and philanthropist whose monument is the splendid college
upon the upland overlooking the beautiful valley of the Big
Blue where the river, as seen from college heights, turns
sharply to the west to make room for the picturesque little
city of Crete, Nebraska. Not marble shaft or polished brass
can best perpetuate his memory, but it will live forever in
the minds and hearts of thousands wdio have been, and will
yet be made better and more useful citizens by reason of his
integrity, his wisdom, his enterprise, his liberality, and his
devout Christianity."
THE HEAD OF THE COLLEGE
In 1 87 1 JMr. David Braincrd Perry, graduate of Yale
College and Theological Seminary, traveler and student in
Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, tutor in Yale College, de-
cided to be a missionary on the western frontier, and asked
for one of the hardest fields. He was stationed at Aurora,
and the same year, 1872, was ordained at Crete to the Gospel
ministry.
Mr. Perry was the man whom the trustees decided to
call to take charge of the new college ; he accepted the call
anrl began senace in the autumn of 1872, being, during the
first year, the only teacher in the school. Thirteen students
were in attendance, but at the end of the year five young
men. examined and approved by the trustees July I, 1873,
entered the freshman class of Doane College, and at the
July meeting, 1873, the trustees elected Mr. Perry professor
of Greek and Latin, and also Miss ]Marv \V. Merrill as
DOANE COLLEGE 227
principal of the preparatory department and teacher of Ger-
man and French. As yet the office of president had not
been created, but Professor I'erry had charge of the
institution.
He has the unique record of being the first teacher in
Doane College, its first professor in charge of the school,
and its first and only president, being elected to that office,
and Perry professor of mental and moral philosophy in
1 88 1. A man who has been and still is so intimately con-
nected with the development of Congregational educational
interests in the state is worthy of the more extended sketch
of his life which Ave are permitted to use, and it is here
introduced.
DAVID BRAINERD PERRY, D.D.
"David Brainerd Perry, president of Doane College,
Crete, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, March 7,
1839. His ancestors on his father's side came from England
to Massachusetts at a very early date, and the old home-
stead farm bordering on the city of Worcester was for many
generations a permanent and noted family possession. Sam-
uel Perry, the father of the subject of this sketch, inherited
the sturdy characteristics of his family and was a thrifty
farmer. Possessing the respect and confidence of his neigh-
bors to a rare degree, he was an important member of the
community in which he lived and a generous supporter of
religious and educational enterprises near and far. The aid
he rendered to Doane College at an early and critical period
in its history was invaluable. He married Mary Harring-
ton, who in addition to the care of her own family of ten
children, was an efficient and nnich loved medical adviser
for the neighborhood.
"In his early boyhood Brainerd Perry preferred work on
the farm to attendance at school. Perhaps few boys have
PRESIDENT D. B. PERRY, D.D.
DOANE COLLEGE 229
been more fond of an outdoor, active life. Few boys took
more interest in the great anti-slavery agitation with which
New England was at that time all alive. As he was too
young to go in person to Kansas to take part in the struggle
for freedom he did the next best thing — he sent his small
earnings to buy Sharps rifles. When at the age of seven-
teen his life work had been chosen, he gave himself with
intense purpose to making amends for lost educational time.
He fitted for college in the Worcester high school, an in-
stitution of high grade. He went to college for the purpose
of preparation for the Christian ministry. His high school
teachers, who were recent graduates of Yale, did much to
determine his choice of a college. He entered Yale in 1859
and graduated in 1863 with the degree of A.B., taking sec-
ond rank in scholarship in a class of 122. During his train-
ing at Yale the freshman and senior college societies were
in high favor, but he carefully avoided the sophomore so-
ciety and used that of the junior year simply as a stepping
stone to the senior society. The war for the Union was
being fought out while he was in college and he would
gladly have thrown himself into the conflict, but he was
held back by the advice of friends.
"Immediately after graduation from Yale he took one
year of theological training at Princeton Seminary, New
Jersey. For an interval during this year he was able to
give himself to the service of the Christian Commission in
Virginia where he saw the camp-fires of the enemy.
''He spent the following year at Union Theological Sem-
inary. New York city, and engaged in religious work in
Iowa during the summer vacation. He had gone to An-
dover, Massachusetts, for a third year in the theological
seminary at that place wh'en he received an invitation from
President Woolsey to become a tutor in Yale, which led
him to change his plans and to take his third seminary year
23© CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
in the Yale Divinity School during- the two years of his
college tutorship.
"President Perry graduated from the Yale Divinity
School in 1867 with the degree of S.T.B. In the following
year he went abroad and continued his study and travel for
fourteen n.ionths. Upon his return he was engaged for
nearly two years again as a tutor at Yale. At the end of
his student life his health, which had always been excep-
tionally good in his college days, was so much impaired that
he asked the Congregational Home ]\Iissionary Society for
a frontier parish, where he could have outdoor life and
breathe the high, dry air of the plains. Superintendent
O. W. Merrill assigned him to Hamilton county, Nebraska,
where he lived near Aurora from April to September, 1872.
In a short time the north half of Clay county was added
to his parish, and he was then in charge of three little
churches.
"Efforts that had been put forth for some time to estab-
lish a Congregational college in the state culminated in
June of this same year, and Mr. Perry was at once urged to
take up educational work in the new institution soon to be
known as Doane College. During his first year of service
at Doane, 1872-73, he was sole instructor with the title of
tutor, and was engaged in preparing a few students to enter
a freshman class. Then he became professor of Latin and
Greek, and afterward successively senior professor, acting
president, and. in 1881, president: He received from Yale
the degree of M.A. in 1866, and of D.D. in 1898.
"His sympathies have always been with the Republican
party, but he has taken no active part in politics and has
neither held nor sought public office. He is a member of
the Crete Congregational Club, the oldest organization of
its kind in the state, and the Schoolmasters' Club, which
was organized in 1898. He was married J"lv 3. 1876, to
DOANE COLLEGE 23I
Helen Doane, and five children were born to them : Thomas
Doane, born May 27, 1877; Brainerd Clark, August 13,
1879 (died July 21, 1880) ; Charles Boswell, January 25,
1884; Helen Clark, February 17, 1888; Henr}- Eldridge,
October 8, 1889.
"If, contrary to expectations, the college educator speed-
ily took the place of the frontier home missionary, President
Perry has never forgotten the missionary work that drew
him to Nebraska, and he has lost no opportunity to identify
himself with the religious life of the state. He has sought
to come in close touch with every phase of school life
whether public or private. It has seemed to him that there
should be no divorce between education and religion, but
that each siiould help the other to what is highest and best.
The college of which he has been the head for thirty years
has taken a high rank, and it is his ambition that he may
be a part of its vitalizing power in the generations to come.
He still fills the office of president of Doane College ac-
ceptably to all who are concerned in its welfare."
THE DELIBERATION OF THE TRUSTEES
In this sketch we have anticipated somewhat the action
of the trustees of Doane College. They were very careful
in making a clioice of president and took time thoroughly
to study the question.
In 1875 the .State Association by resolution* recommended
to the trustees that "as soon as possible and expedient they
secure a suitable man to fill the place of president of the
institution.'' But still they waited, it may be to watch more
fully the development of the young head professor whom
they had in mind and whom they finally chose.
The association the same year unanimously recommended
"to the trustees of Doane College that they take measures
'Minutes, 1S7j, p. 8.
232 COXGREGATIOXAL NEBRASKA
to open at the earliest possible date a training school for
ministers competent to work among the Germans and other
foreign populations of our country, and to call upon the
churches of our state and such others as may be interested
to carry out the needful work/' and also resolved to "take
steps to raise $10,000 to be appropriated to the erection of
a permanent building, to be called Merrill Hall, in memory
of O. W. jNIerrill, one of the earliest and stanchest friends
of the entfrprise."" The churches of the state, which at
that time, 1875, numbered only seventy-seven with a mem-
bership of 2,002, had no small task before them — the prose-
cution of missionary work, the building and equipping a
Christian college, and the training of men for service among
the foreigners in our own state. How large this foreign
work was we may not fully realize, but the churches and
the college as well felt the imperative need of immediate
action and earnest effort. Professor Perry in 1876 reported :
'Tn less than five years in Nebraska I have met the rep-
resentatives of sixteen different languages. In this number
I do not include various Indian tribes of discordant tongues,
nor the African, whose speech, like his nationality, has been
merged in our own ; nor certain of American parentage,
who were born in Asia and first learned to speak JMahratta ;
and I am reckoning respectively as one. Englishman and
American, Hollander and Frisian, Dane and Norwegian.
The rest are Swede, German, Pole, Bohemian, Russian,
French, Italian, Portuguese, Irish, Scotch, Hungarian, and
Jew. ^^'ithin a radius of twelve miles of Doane College I
can count the representatives of more than twelve different
nationalities."^*'
We do not wonder that in 1877 the association votes
"especially [to] Avelcome foreigners and their children to
"Ibid, p. 8.
'"Minutes, ISTfi, p. 8.
DOANE COLLEGE 233
the halls of the college, '"^'^ and that in 1879 it "Resolved,
That we regard the effort to found a German Theological
Seminar}' at Crete with deep interest, and are glad to learn
that its friends have succeeded in raising about $9,000 to-
wards the endowment, and hope that success will continue
to attend their effort. "^-
The establishment of a German department in the Chi-
cago Theological Seminary made the organization and de-
velopment of a German Theological Seminary in Crete un-
wise, but a '"pro-seminary" was eventually organized and
later on moved to Wilton, Iowa, and still later to Redfield
College, South Dakota, as stated in a preceding chapter.
As the "pro-seminary" movemicnt began in Crete, the Ne-
braska churches from the first have followed its develop-
ment with deep interest and contributed to its support at
the time they were seeking to build and equip Doane College.
The active interest of Congregational Nebraska in Chris-
tian education in general, and in Doane College in particu-
lar, was marked and abiding, and found expression in the
meetings of the association from year to year.
PRESIDENT perry's REPORTS
President Perry's reports on Doane College were a unique
feature in former meetings of the association. They had
the true ring in them, and many of them were classics. It
is a decided loss to the association that it does not provide
for their continuance. They could follow the reports of
the Committee on Education, and the churches would be the
gainer thereby.
President Perry's utterance on religion in our schools
before the Fremont meeting in 1878 was timely and strong:
"Minutes, 1877, p. 8.
'"Minutes, 1879, p. 13.
234 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"There are special hardships involved in legislating the
Bible out of the school. No other place is so treated. The
president-elect of the United States is inaugurated with
ceremonies which culminate as he presses his lips to the
sacred volume ; halls of legislation have their chaplain ; civil
tribunals administer the solemn oath ; the lawyer knows
tliat the r.ible underlies Blackstone; the general understands
that men who carry the New Testament in their vest pocket
and drink in its spirit, like Cromwell's old Ironsides, make
the best soldiers. But the great army of boys and girls, a
mightier host than king or emperor can marshal, gathering
in every town and school district, soon to join the ranks of
those engaged in fighting the battle of life, standing in need
of the same sanctions, warnings, and encouragements —
these forsooth in the most plastic period of their lives must
be far removed from Bible, oath, and chaplain.
"Even where free thought has not full sway religious in-
fluences are greatly diminished. It can not be denied that
there is a strong tendency toward the divorce of religion
and education in our public schools. How shall education
be kept Christian becomes an important question. The bal-
lot can not be relied upon, nor the secular press. The
classes to be reached are 'largely inaccessible to preaching.
The great remedy lies in the Christian college."^'*
"We all believe in the common school system, but how
shall it be kept Christian ? Maintain the Christian college ;
make the Christian college a success, and the light which
shines from it will attract with more than magic power.
From the higher institutions of learning go forth the teach-
ers who are to .shape and fashion the minds of the young
people all over our great state. They who mould these
young people determine the destinies of the next genera-
■'iMimitcs. 1S78, p. 19.
CHANCELLOR E. B. FxMRFIELD, D.D., LL.D.
Chancellor of the State University, prominent Congregational
minister and author, formerly president of Hillsdale College,
Michigan, and lieutenant governor of Michigan.
236 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
tion. . . It is of the utmost importance that they who
teach others should first have been taught by the Great
Teacher.""
These strong words met the hearty approval of the
churches, and it will be noted that Congregational Ne-
braska, in most hearty accord with Christian education,
has a deep and growing interest in the public schools of
the state from the primary school to the State University.
It believes with President Perry that we need the Christian
college for the sake of the better moral inflnencc of all these
schools, common school, high school, normal school, and
State University. We need the Christian college for what
it is, for what it is doing directly and indirectly, for what
it may do in conserving the best interests of the state, and
in counteracting the "godless" influence which here and
there seeks to control public action in education and
government.
'Minutes, 1879, p. 22.
EDUCATION IN THE STATE
237.
Ill
EDUCATION IN THE STATE
We sliall find in the endorsements of the State Associa-
tion the general attitude of the churches toward education
in the state.
IRVING J. MANATT, D.D.^ LL.D.
The steady progress of Doane College was a source of
satisfaction. Merrill Hall has a companion in Gaylord
Hall, fittingly named after Reuben Gaylord, whose widow
expressed in substantial ways her sympathy and interest.
238 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
An observatory well adapted for practical use in due time
appeared ; a library building was added to the group ; debts
are paid ; an endowment is being planned for, and the trus-
tees are looking forward to a much larger and better equip-
ment. In all these things the churches take a profound in-
terest and help on in the work. But they can not forget
that the}' are a part of a great state; and state interests
Jiave their claim. How shall they express themselves in
reference to these? \\'hat is their relation thereto?
At the Beatrice meeting, 1885, Chancellor Manatt of the
State University presented a minute bearing on this general
matter, and it was adopted by the association. It is inter-
esting in showing not only the attitude of the association
toward education in the state, but is also a good illustration
of some of the problems with which the state had to deal,
and though somewhat lengthy it is worthy of record here :
"I. The entire education of the commonwealth is one
common interest, to be administered with a single view to
the highest intellectual and moral improvement of the whole
people and the people as a whole.
'TI. In order to its administration with economy and
effectiveness, its promoters must act on the principle of co-
operation rather than of competition.
"III. We recognize as constituting our system of educa-
tion in Nebraska: (a) the common schools and the private
elementary schools; (b) the public schools and the acad-
emies; (c) the University and the chartered colleges.
'TV. (0) We believe that in this system elementary edu-
cation is for quantity abundantly provided for, while we
urge the importance of improving its quality as a prepara-
tion for life, and particularly as a means of moral discipline.
(b) We recognize as a weak point in this system the want
of good secondary schools. While Massachusetts has nearly
300 high schools and academies, training 30,000 pupils.
EDUCATION IN THE STATE 239
from whose numbers five colleges are recruited, Nebraska
has a smaller number of genuine preparatory schools than
of colleges. We therefore urge the building up of good,
honest high schools and academies throughout the state, at
carefully chosen points, with an ultimate view to providing
thorough preparation for college, as well as a sound English
education, in at least one place in every county, (c) In the
higher education we hold that concentration is the neces-
sary law. Tlie nuiltiplication of colleges, out of all propor-
tion to the provision for secondary and the demand for
higher education, violates every principle of economy, and
tends inevitably to the degradation of college standards and
degrees. The fact that young Nebraska, with but a fraction
of her sod turned over, has now three times as many col-
leges as old Connecticut, nine times as many as New Hamp-
shire, must convince even the wayfaring man that it is high
time to call a halt.
"V. In view of these principles, it is the sense of this as-
sociation: (a) that the founding of new colleges is unwise
and inexpedient; (b) that those now existing should be
supported on their merits; (c) that the best interests of
education would be promoted by such concert of action on
the part of the University and the other colleges as to secure
substantial uniformity in standards and degrees."^
Doubtless the association remembered its attitude and
vote at this time when soon after it was called upon to de-
cide whether it should support a second college in the state.
Nor are we surprised that the next year, 1886, Chancellor
Manatt, as visitor to the German Seminary at Crete, recom-
mended that it should be affiliated with Doane College in
the interests of economy and efficiency, having as much of
the work as possible done in the college, and that the Com-
' Minutes, 1885, p. 11.
240 COXGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
mittee on Education, Rev. Willard Scott, D.D., chairman,
to whom the Chancellor's report had been referred, recom-
mended that the report and suggestions be referred to a
committee consisting of President Perry, Supt. George E.
Albrecht, and Rev. Wm. Suess for such action as "in their
united judgment may seem best."
The Committee on Education also recommended "that
a committee be raised to consist of one representative from
each of our educational institutions in the state, to be ap-
pointed by itself and the Chancellor of the State University,
to consider the general educational interests of our denomi-
nation in Nebraska, and to report at the next meeting of the
General Association. "-
= Minutes, 1886, pp. 12, 18.
THE COLLEGE QUESTION 24 1
IV
THE COLLEGE QUESTION
The General Association in 1887 met in Lincoln, and in
its sessions considered largely educational matters.
A new college knocked at its doors for recognition. Its
origin may be briefly stated. With returning prosperity in
1880 the northern counties of Nebraska began to ask for an
educational institution, and took steps to organize a second
Congregational college. The Columbus Association was
active in the movement. In its annual meeting, 1881, it de-
cided to ask for bids for the location of "an institution of
academy or seminary grade." Neligh, Antelope county,
secured the institution. The articles of incorporation gave
it the name of
GATES COLLEGE^
The institution was named in memory of former State
Superintendent of Home Missions, Rev. H. N. Gates. The
college came into legal existence September 29, 1881, but
for the first four years it did only preparatory work, and
was recognized by the association as doing academy work.
The association was loath to recognize a second college,
and in 1885, as we have seen, deemed the "founding of new
colleges as unwise and inexpedient," and in 1886 a commit-
tee, formed of representatives from the educational institu-
tions and local associations, together with the Chancellor
of the State University, in accordance with the instruction
of the association, took the whole matter under advisement
'For further ,'iccount see Education in Nebraska, pp. 219-2G. Our
object is only to show the organization and place of Gates College
in the development of Congregationalism in the state.
16
242 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
and presented a lengthy and in part divisive report before
the association in Lincohi in 1887. This report was favor-
able to the academies, recommending the endowment of
those already existing, and the planting and endowment of
others "in wisely selected locations throughout the state" ;
it endorsed the German Theological Seminary at Crete.
But on the number of colleges to be encouraged the report
was divisive. A part of the committee consisting of H.
Bross, Geo. E. Taylor, Wm. Suess, A. V. Rice, John
Schaerer, and G. A. Gregory reported in favor of endorsing
Gates College as a college, but deprecated "the further in-
crease of the number in the state." The other members, con-
sisting of W. P. Bennett, D. B. Perry, Willard Scott, George
Hindley, C. H. Dye, Irving J. jManatt, and J. B. Pamialee,
reported to recognize and endorse Gates College as a useful
preparatory institution. "But it is the sense of this commit-
tee that its highest usefulness and the interest of our gen-
eral educational work in the state will be best served by
limiting its work in the main to its preparatory department."^
On the program of this meeting of the General Associa-
tion we find such questions as these : "The need for a col-
lege in northern Nebraska," Prof. R. A. Harper of Gates
College ; "One college or two," Dr. Willard Scott. It is
easy to conjecture that the interest in the general question
was intense and growing.
The following years committees were appointed to visit,
and reports were received from both Doane and Gates col-
leges, but it does not appear that there was any particular
discussion of the college question until 1 891 at the Fremont
meeting, when the recognition of Gates College was given
a special place on the program of the association, and the
issue was squarely met in the discussion of the question,
'Minutes, 1887, pp. 30-41.
THE COLLEGE QUESTION 243
"Resolved, That the association endorse Gates College as
a Congregational college."
Before the vote on the question "it was voted that, imme-
diately upon announcement of the vote, the congregation
rise and sing the doxology, Traise God from whom all
hlessings flow' " ! "The resolution was defeated by a vote
of 107 to 124." And "upon the announcement of the vote
the members arose and united in singing the doxology."
Dr. J. T. Duryea of Omaha then introduced the follow-
ing resolution, which was adopted :
"Resolved, That the association advise the trustees of
Gates College to direct their efforts for the present to the
development of the preparatory department, extending its
course as far as the end of the sophomore year, and in case
they decide to adopt this advice, that they be commended
to the churches for aid.""
But the college question was by no means settled. It
assumed the form of a relocation of the Congregational
college and a union of Doane and Gates. Dr. Duryea of-
fered the following, which was unanimously adopted :
"Whereas, In the course of the discussion of the endorse-
ment of Gates College it was suggested that there might be
a union effected between Doane College and Gates College ;
"Resolved, That the whole matter of the policy of the
churches of Nebraska in respect to its educational institu-
tions be referred to a commission of nine members, select-
ing one from each local association, which shall report at
the next meeting of the State Association."*
The Omaha meeting of 1892 will long be remembered
for the discussion on the report of the educational commis-
' Minutes, 1891, pp. 12-14.
'Minutes, 1891, pp. 15, 16.
244 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
sioii. The question of the proposed consoHdation of the
colleges was before the meeting-. The excitement was in-
tense, the discussion spirited, the appeals from the floor
confusing to both moderator and people, and the confusion
at times distracting. It is said that the devotional service
which came in the midst of the heated discussion, and was
led by Dr. S. Wright Butler, subdued the feeling, brought
the members into a more normal condition of mind and
heart, and made possible a course of action which was cred-
itable to the association if not acceptable to all. The result
was the creation of a new educational commission, consist-
ing of Rev. A. A. Cressman, A. G. JNIcGrew, ]\I.D., Rev.
F.' C. Cochran, O. W. Needham, Rev. T. W. De Long, F. P.
Wigton, Rev. Geo. S. Biscoe, Y. S. Abraham, Rev. William
Fritzemeier, John Asmus, Rev. L. Gregory, C. j\I. Root,
Rev. F. L. Ferguson, Rev. G. J. Powell, Rev. W. H. Buss,
William Fleming, Rev. George E. Taylor, and Prof. A. C.
Hart, "whose duty it shall be to incorporate themselves into
a board of trustees of one union Congregational college in
Nebraska, as soon as they are definitely assured by the
official boards of Doane and Gates colleges that all trans-
ferable assets of said institutions will be transferred to the
new corporation, whose duty then shall be to take all possible
action looking toward such consolidation, receive bids of
donations, and report at the next annual meeting of the
association."^ This commission through its chairman, Rev.
G. J. Powell, reported the following year — Beatrice, 1893 —
that "it was found impossible to accomplish anything in
accordance with the resolution under which the commission
was appointed. "° Doane College did not see its way clear
to surrender its charter and turn over its assets, amounting
■''Minutes, 1S92, pp. 10-16.
"Minutes, 1S93, p. 47.
THE COLLEGE QUESTION 245
then to $200,000, to a new corporation, although Gates was
favorable to the proposition.'^
This ended the efforts to consolidate the two institutions.
Other causes were operating to bring about an end to the
controversy.
"In icS95 the trustees of Gates College, confronted with
a grave financial deficit, voted to remove the college from
Neligh to Norfolk, at which place they were promised a
considerable gift in lands and moneys. To prevent this
action the citizens of Neligh, including several trustees, in-
voked the aid of the courts. But the major part of the
trustees, the president and part of the faculty, resigned and
threw their support to a new institution at Norfolk, which
they christened Norfolk College. The result was not the
removal of Gates College, but the founding of a third col-
lege- in competition with it. For about three years this
division of forces continued. In 1898, in deference to the
findings of a "committee of investigation" of representative
Congregational clergymen from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri,
and Colorado, the institution at Norfolk closed its work,
leaving the field to Gates College ; but the long controversy
had so far weakened its strength that Gates College was
unable to maintain its position; and in the spring of 1899
it resigned its college charter and became an academy."*
The years of controversy were unfortunate ; they hin-
dered the real advance of educational work in the state.
A divisive question unsettled the people, caused, some to
lose interest in Doane College, and prevented the college
from doing its best work, because of meager equipment,
at a time when it should have had the individual support
of all the churches, and yet during all this time Doane was
overcoming great difificulties, was doing splendid work, was
'Minutes, 1893, pp. 46, 47.
'Education in Nebraska, p. 223.
246 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
slowly increasing its assets, and paying its debts. It was
securing an accredited standing among the colleges of the
land, and the high merit of its work was recognized by the
State University.
Members of the faculty, for the good w'ork which they
did, were called to other institutions — Prof. F. L. Kendall
to Williams College; Prof. A. B. Show to Leland Stanford
Junior University; Prof. G. D. Swezey to the University of
Nebraska.^
When Professor Perry became President Perry in 1881,
Doane College reported the following professorships : men-
tal and moral philosophy, D. B. Perry; mathematics, Arthur
B. Fairchild; natural sciences, Goodwin D. Swezey. And
a year later there were added to these, chemistry, John S.
Brown ; German and French, Francis L. Kendall ; Greek,
Howard F. Doane. Besides these there were several in-
structors, but the college had not reached the eight full
professorships which now are deemed necessary to secure
recognition as a high grade college of front rank.
It, however, was making progress year by year, and the
catalogue of 1904 gives a corps of professors and instructors
of whom it is justly proud, men whose magnificent work
would be even better if Doane College had the larger and
better material equipment which it is now seeking to secure,
and which its growing number of students demands.
The following is the register of 1904:
DOANE COLLEGE, I904-5
Faculty and Instructors. — Rev. David Brainerd Perry,
D.D. (Yale), President, Perry professor of mental philoso-
phy and history; Arthur Babbitt Fairchild, A.B. (Berea),
David Whitcomb professor of economics and ethics ; John
'Historical Glimpses, p. 30.
THE COLLEGE QUESTION 247
Sewall Brown, i\..]\I. (Bates), principal of academy and
professor of ancient languages; Howard Freeman Doane,
A.B. (Harvard), Boswell professor of Greek and Latin;
Margaret Eleanor Thompson, S.B. (Doane), A.M. (Uni-
versity of Nebraska), professor of English literature and
instructor in history of art; William Everett Jillson, A.M.
(Brown), professor of German and French and instructor
in elocution; Henry Hallock Hosford, A.M. (Western Re-
serve), professor of chemistry and instructor in physics and
astronomy; Joseph Horace Powers, S.B. (University of
Wisconsin), Ph.D. (Gottingen), Crete professor of biology;
John Newton Bennett, A.B. (Doane), A.M. (University of
Nebraska), professor of mathematics and assistant principal
of academy; Hiram Gillespie, A.B. (University of Chi-
cago), A.M. (Yale), acting professor of Greek and Latin;
Mildred Ethel Vance, A.B. (Doane), principal of women's
department and instructor in history and physical training;
Laura Hulda Wild, A.B. (Smith), instructor in Biblical
literature; Walter Guernsey Reynolds, diploma from Mans-
field (Pennsylvania) State Normal Conservatory of Music,
private pupil of M. Guilmant and Madame de Picciotto,
Paris, musical director, singing, pianoforte, organ, theory;
Jennie Chamberlain Hosford (Mrs.), A.B. (Smith), piano-
forte; Robert Lithgov/ Dick, S.B. (Doane), private pupil
of Miss Silence Dales and Gustav Menzendorf, violin and
harmony; Sadie Davis Reynolds (Mrs.), S.B. (Lawrence
University), instructor in art; John William Fuhrer, phys-
ical director for men ; Oscar Tretonious Swanson, instructor
in bookkeeping ; George Roger La Rue, teacher of biology ;
Perry Clayton Swift, teacher of stenography ; George Joshua
Taylor, teacher of mathematics ; Flora May Waldorf,
teacher of physics ; Flenry William Wendland, teacher of
mathematics.
248 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Officers. — Hiram Gillespie, registrar; Joseph Horace
Powers, secretary of faculty; \\'illiam Everett Jillson,
librarian; jMrs. Eliza r\Iar.garet Boehne, mati-on.
Committee on Scholarship Funds. — David Brainerd
Perry, John Sewall Brown, Arthur Babbitt Fairchild.
Student Assistants. — William Everett Jillson, Jr., as-
sistant in Whitin Library ; Genevieve Krainek, assistant in
Whitin Library ; George Roger La Rue, weather bureau
observer in charge of Boswell Observatory ; Arthur Walton
JMedlar, assistant in treasurer's ofifice ; Alonzo Loudon
Moon, assistant in Whitin Library ; Ernest Clifford Potts,
assistant in Whitin Library.
Congregational Nebraska in its educational work now
concentrates its effort to the upbuilding of Doane College
and the five academies which enter into its unique educa-
tional system — Crete, Franklin, Chadron, Gates, and Weep-
ing Water; but it takes a profound interest in the public
schools of the state, in its normal schools and State Uni-
versity, and rejoices in the Christian men and women called
to service in these institutions. It would gladly see the
whole state Christian in the highest and best sense of the
term.
The present attitude of the churches to the educational
work in the state is expressed in the report of the Commit-
tee on Education at the Hastings meeting of the association
in 1900. The report was presented by the writer as chair-
man, was unanimously adopted, and is in part as follows :
"Your Committee on Christian Education desires in the
beginning to express its belief in the great need of a clear
understanding of what is involved in the use of the term
'Christian education.'
"i. It does not believe that the term has reference simply
to an education received in a denominational or church
school which mav or inav not be Christian.
THE COLLEGE QUESTION 249
"2. It does not believe that the term necessarily rules out
an education which is received in our public schools, some
of which are decidedly Christian in their influence, while
others may be far from it.
"3. Neither does your committee believe that Christian
education is all summed up in the chapel exercises, reading
the Bible in school, and in devotional services of various
kinds, valuable and helpful as these are in the development
of Christian character. Indeed, these may be so conducted
as to narrow ratlier than to enlarge the student's spiritual
range of vision and limit the field of his spiritual activities.
"4. Your committee does believe that Christian education
brings into harmonious relations and adjustment scientific
and philosophical truth and the teachings of the Gospel of
Christ.
"(i) It is just as easy -to create a sect in scientific or
philosophical teachings as it is in religious instruction.
Christian education avoids both, but ever seeks to discover
the truth, and then show that truth is not inconsistent with
itself, but in the ultimate analysis is in perfect harmony in
all its relations.
''('2) Christian education goes still further and empha-
sizes the personal relation of Him who is the embodiment
and incarnation of truth with and to the individuals, so that
the feeling of personal responsibility and accountability is
established and maintained, and human conduct regulated
by the teachings of the Scriptures.
"(3) It is evident, then, that the detennining agent in
making evident the character of a school is the teacher him-
self. Are the teachers in our schools men and women of
broad culture, sterling integrity of character, possessed of
the true Christian spirit, who have the ability to show that
the truths which they are called to teach harmonize with
the religion whose center and life is Christ himself, who
250 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
comes into personal relation to those whose eyes and hearts
are opened to the reception of all truth as it is made known
to them? With rare exceptions we believe they are. We
also believe that the greatest care should be exercised in
the selection of such teachers.
"5. Your committee still further believes that in estab-
lishing and maintaining the Christian school and academy
the location should be such as to make imperative the de-
mand for the Christian school in that place.
"(i) What are the elements which enter into this de-
mand? (a) The inefficieyicy of the public schools to do the
nQcessary work, due to a lack of equipment, mental, moral,
and material, (b) The failure of the public schools to
maintain Christian instruction in accordance with the above
interpretation. (c) Inability on the part of the public
schools to afford thorough preparation for our colleges or
universities should be deemed sufficient reason for the es-
tablishment of a first-class secondary school in the destitute
region.
"6. Your committee is also convinced that the determi-
nation to maintain, for the present at least, only one denom-
inational college in the state is eminently wise, and that
earnest efforts should be made to increase the endowment
and enlarge the field of operation of that institution which
is already the pride of the state and whose superior work is
its best recommendation to the citizens of Nebraska, viz.,
Doane College of Crete. Doane College and Academy are
seeking to afford opportunities for the best instruction in
college work, and, through the application of modern meth-
ods, to bring out the best thought of the student in the de-
velopment of the symmetrical education, which is not only
literary, scientific, and philosophical, but decidedly Christian.
Through personal visitation and examination of work done,
vour committee is assured that Doane College has an able
THE COLLEGE QUESTION 25 1
faculty whose instruction is limited only by the equipment
of the institution, and that the enlargement of its work must
be preceded by the enlargement of its endowment. In a
commonwealth whose State University has entering into it
such a large measure of Christian influence as we are glad
to see in our state university, a denominational college, to
hold its own in educational competition, must be able to
give the very best service in laboratory and class room, to-
gether with a personal influence which may be lacking in
the larger universities. It is right here that the small college
has a distinct and unique field of usefulness. It is not so
much that the student in the large university does not come
into personal contact with the head professors as it is that
he is liable, in the course of his university life, to come under
the influence of some one or more teachers of agnostic trend
of thought who unsettle the Christian belief of those whom
they may influence. In this respect the Christian college
holds a preeminent position of influence for good, as it is
the business and aim of its trustees to keep in its faculties
only men of positive Christian faith as well as of sound
learning with ability to teach. It is not always easy to do
this in a state institution where political and other reasons
may influence, to a greater or less degree, the action of its
regents. But in all these institutions their influence will be
determined by the character of the teachers and the spirit
of the student body which is in part determined by the gen-
eral influence of the faculties.
"The demand, then, for a Christian college of broad cul-
ture, large equipment, modern methods of instruction, pos-
itive Christian character, where students of small means
may receive the very best instruction at moderate cost, will
continue and grow m.ore imperative with passing years.
We believe that Doane College has such possibilities, and
that it is for the Congregationalists of Nebraska to say how
252 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
largely these possibilities siiall be realized. In order to
realize them, Doane College must have a material equipment
second to no college in the West.
"7. It is not the aim of this report to enter largely into
the individual needs of our different institutions. These are
presented in the special printed and other reports at hand.
Nor is it in the province of this committee to apply the prin-
ciples of Christian education to these different institutions.
They are applying them themselves, and are their own best
exponents of their right to be and their right to ask a gen-
erous support. But your committee does feel convinced
that, if these institutions of Christian learning are to have
a healthful, vigorous development it must be through the
generosity of Congregationalists in Nebraska. One college
and five academies looking for financial support and for stu-
dents among two hundred churches, a large number of
which are on the home missionary list, is a heroic test of
faith! It is not to be wondered at that these institutions
aft'ord examples of painful self-sacrifice and self-denial.
'Tt is evident that the growth of these institutions will
depend largely upon the growth of Congregationalism in
the state. The enlargement of the work of our Home Mis-
sionary Society will enlarge the foundation for their greater
prosperity.
■'The growth of our churches must precede the growth of
our educational institutions, or churches and institutions
will enter upon a period of arrested development. 'The de-
nomination which educates' is the denomination which ez>a)i-
gclizes that it may educate. The churches must be the base
of our educational pyramid and furnish the power which
generates the light streaming from its apex through college
and academ.y, a light to the world, or that light will be flick-
ering and uncertain, and leave us in total darkness when
electrical storms of agnosticism, infidelity, and pessimism
THE COLLEGE QUESTION 253
are upon us. For the sake of Christian education in Ne-
braska, increase the Congregational forces in the state.
And, for the sake of an enUghtened Congregationalism,
enlarge the equipment and increase the efficiency of our
Christian institutions of learning.
"M. A. Bullock,
"L. A.' Turner,
"]. H. Beitel,
"Coiiuniffcc on Edncation."^^
""minutes, 1900, pp. 50-54.
254 COXGREGATIOXAL NEBRASKA
CONGREGATIONAL ACADEMIES IN NEBRASKA
At the request of the writer the Rev. G. W. Mitchell, for
ten years pastor at Franklin, chairman of "The Academy
Endowment Fund," prepared the following statement of
the academies which enter into our educational system. As
j\Ir. Mitchell is thoroughly acquainted with the work and
needs of the academies, no one is better qualified than is
he to give this brief resume of the Congregational acad-
emies in Nebraska :
"Doane College is the center of a Congregational educa-
tional system in Nebraska that has. in addition to Crete
Academy, its ovvU preparatory department, four outside
academies, Avhich stand to it in the relation of feeders,
though there is no organic connection.
"These academies are at Chadron, in the far northwest
corner of the state, at Franklin, in the southwest, at Neligh
(Gates Academy), in the northeast, and Weeping Water in
the southeast. The total student enrolment in this system,
in the year 1903-4, was 768, of whom 555 were in the
four 'corner' academies.
"Franklin and Gates academies were established in 1881,
soon after the homesteaders settled the new country. At
Franklin, in 1880, four or five men, members of the little
home missionary Congregational church, used to gather fre-
quently at the home of one or another of them, and talk
and plan and pray for their children and the welfare of the
new country. They agreed at last that a Christian academy
would be the best contribution thcv could make to the new
250 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"This mutatis mutandis might be stated as the origin and
motive of each of the other three academies. FrankHn
Academy has three good buildings set in a campus of ten
acres with an athletic field of five acres adjoining. The
first principal was Rev. W'. S. Hampton, who for five years
did a splendid work in organizing and laying foundations.
Prof. Alexis C. Hart, principal since 1888, the Nestor among
academy people in Nebraska, has made Franklin Academy
the foremost Christian academy in the A\'est.
"Gates Academy, the predecessor and successor of Gates
College, at Neligh, was opened in September, 1882. In
1886 college work was begun; in 1899 the college charter
was given up, and the institution continued as an academy.
It has two substantial brick buildings, a library of 5,000
volumes, well equipped laboratories, and in 1903-4 enrolled
171 students.
''Weeping Water Academy was started in 1885 in the
hearts of a few Christian people who wanted their own
boys and girls to prepare for college. The students have
come from many counties in southeast Nebraska, and an
unusually large per cent of them have gone on to college.
Its home has been the old church meeting-house. The first
new permanent building, Hindley Cottage, a dormitory for
young women, is now completed at a cost of $9,000.
"Chadron Academy was established in 1888. In 1890 a
fine brick building was erected which, two years later, was
totally destroyed by fire. School continued >vithout a day's
delay, and a new brick building was soon erected. Chadron
Academy has a contributory territory of not less than 35,-
00a square miles, a region of vast cattle ranges, isolated
ranch homes, and scattered farms. It is just the place for
a Christian academy, and has well fulfilled the ideal and
purpose of its founders.
17
GATES ACADEMY, NELIGH, NEBRASKA
1 — Girls' dormitory. 2 — Main building. 3 — Laboratory,
258 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"Not less than 5,000 different students have attended
these four academies, about 500 of whom have completed
the full three-years courses, and 400 of them prepared for
college.
"January i, 1902, a committee of five was organized to
help the academies secure funds to pay off all debts, pro-
vide for current expenses, and raise a permanent endow-
ment fund of $100,000. June 30, 1904, the committee
reported :
Cash received $58,300 00
Pledges still unpaid 5.170 00
Making a total of $63,470 CXD
"The cash received, $58.3<do, was enough to pay all ex-
penses of the four academies for the two and one-half years,
covered by the canvass, and leave a surplus of about $13,000
for debts, endowments, and new buildings, besides the
$5,000 of pledges still unpaid."
A COMr.\KAll\ !•: STUDY 25.9
VI
A COMl'AKATR'l-: STUDY
The question is sometimes asked, Would it not l)e better
to have all our Congregational schools located in one place?
Would we not administer the schools for less money, and
reach just as many students?
The ]\I. E. Church in Nebraska, which numbers some
55,000 members to our 16,000, has all its educational work
centered in one iristitution, the Nebraska Wesleyan Univer-
sit}- at L'niversity i'lace. This gives a good opportunity to
compare the two systems. Naturally we should expect a
nuich larger number of students in the Methodist institu-
tion because the JNIethodist membership in the state is more
than three times as large as the Congregational. The fol-
lowing study will be of interest :
Students graduating in 1904 from —
Weeping Water acadensy
( 1 ) In college preparator}' 7
(2) Commercial
(3) Music
Gates Academ}'
( 1 ) In college preparatory 5
(2) Commercial
(3) Music
Chadron Academy
( 1 ) In college prepai-'atory 4
(2) Commercial 9
(3) Normal 2
(4) Music
MAIN BUIFDIXG WKKPIXG WATKR ACAnKMV, WEEPING WATER
Old First C()ii,!:;regati()iial Churcli
U/ICOL/t /lEE. >- ' '
HINDLEY COTTAGE, WEEPING WATER ACADEMY
A COMPARATIVE STUDY
261
Franklin Academy
( I ) In college preparatory 8
(2) Commercial 4
(3) Music 12
Crete Academy
( I ) In college preparatory 10
Total preparatory graduates from academies 34
Number normal graduates ; 2
Total 3^>
Preparatory graduates Nebraska Wesleyan University^
Academy i'">
Normal 59
Music 3
The normal students in Wesleyan University have from
two to three years' work in college courses, so that they
can hardly be classed as academy preparatory or college
students. They are normal students.
Number of students graduating from Doane college in
1904 • 19
Number of Doane akunni 219
Number graduating from Wesleyan University in 1904.. 16
Number of Wesleyan alumni 203
College preparatory students in —
Weeping Water Academy 37
Gates Academy 35
Chadron Acadeniy 28
Franklin Academy' 5^
Crete Academy 55
Total in Congregational schools 206
College preparatory students in Nebraska Wesleyan
University 186
A COMPARATIVE STUDY 263
By college preparatory we mean those who, upon grad-
uation, are entitled to enter the college or university.
Enrolment in —
Weeping Water Academy 69
Gates Academy 171
Chadron Academy 149
Franklin Academy 181
Doane College and Crete Academy 180
Total number students in Congregational schools. 750
Students in Nebraska Wesleyan University in all de-
partments including summer school 803
Total number for school year 710
Total expenses of schools for 1903-4 —
Weeping Water Academy $ 3^239 00
Gates Academy 3.586 00
Chadron Academy 4,800 00
F'ranklin Academy 7,150 00
Doane College and Crete Academy 21,850 00
Total for Congregational schools $40,625 00
Nebraska Wesleyan University $33,464 11
This enumeration does not include moneys for new build-
ings, which should be classified as special, and will vary
from time to tim.e in each institution.
Wesleyan spent last year for conservatory of music
$10,261.97; for greenhouse, gymnasium, etc.,- $2,518.71.
Weeping Water spent for new building, a dormitory for
girls, $Q,ooo.
264 fOXGUCGATIOXAI XF.BKASKA
Total number of teachers employed in-
Weeping Water Academy 5
Gates Academ\- 5
Chadron Academ.y 6
Franklin Academy 8
Doane College 18
Total number in Congregational schools 42
Number of teachers in Nebraska W^esleyan University. . 38
Estimated cost or value of buildings and grounds —
Weeping Water Academy $ I-2430 00
Gates Academy 17.536 00
Chadron Academy 12,800 00
Franklin Academy 20,000 00
Doane College including Crete Academy.. . 116,500 00
Total cost or value of Nebraska Congre-
gational schools $179,266 00
Estimated cost or value of Nebraska Wesleyan
University Methodist-Episcopal $175,000 00
Indebtedness —
Doane College $2,300 00
Wesleyan University
In this study the reader is asked to draw his own con-
clusions as to the advantages of either system. This will
not be difficult to do. He can easily see which thus far
reaches the larger number of students and which costs the
more money per year. The two systems have been in exist-
ence side by side now for several years, and this study for
the year 1903-4 may fairly be taken as representing the
comparative merits in the educational work of both
denominations.
SAXTF.E NORMAL TRAIXTXG SCHOOL 265
VII
SANTKE NORMAL TRAINING SCHOOL
The Indian school at Santee, while not supported directly
by the Cong-regational churches in Nebraska, is a part of
the educational work in the state. The school was founded
in 1870 by the American Board, but in the readjustment of
our missionary work it was later on transferred to the
American IMissionary Association.
Situated in the northeast corner of Nebraska it is well
located to accommodate the Indians of the Northwest. The
principal of the school is the well-known Rev. A. L.
Riggs, D.D.
Santee is neither a college nor academy, but, as its name
signifies, is a normal training school. Prof. F. B. Riggs,
M.A., the assistant principal, has given a concise account
of the object of the school in these words:
"The fundamental purpose of Santee is the preparation
of Indian young men and women for missionary and edu-
cational leadership among their own people. Active Chris-
tians and working churches are the result of Christian edu-
cation.
■'Government schools do not and can not provide adequate
])reparation for tlie missionary teachers, preachers, and other
Christian leaders that are needed. Santee does not conflict
with, compete with, or parallel the work of the government
schools or any other schools. . . . Home life is recog-
nized as a potent educational means, and Santee dormitories
are accordingly small and numerous, each in charge of a
Christian lady who appreciates the responsibilities of moth-
ering her flock. ... In the academic work the peda-
SANTKR NORArAI, TRATNING SCHOOL
>67
.cjo^ical (k'vel()i)nicnts at Santcc arc not (Hily alji'cast ol thr
times, Imt often ach'ance into originality. The eourse of
study is essentially unique. The secondary value of "form
stud}-,' such as language and mathematics, is recognized.
■X. A. I.. RIGGS, D.D.
and the 'real studies,' or 'thought studies,' as history or the
humanities, and the sciences, are made the hasis of all
'form study' teaciiing.
"The order, relative value, and most advantageous use
of studies is made a constant pedagogical and psychological
^^ HI,
fe o
270 COXGKIIGATIONAL X!:i:RASKA
study at Santee. . . Industrial training occupies half of
every pupils school day.
"Jjcsidcs the domestic training that the pupils inciden-
tally receive in the care of their rooms, houses, and clothes —
both boNS and girls — the school, cooking school, shop, and
farm give the;n more systematic instruction planned to fit
the possibilities of their home conditions. Santee pupils are
taught to make good bread, and to prepare plain, nourish-
ing food economically, and from such materials as the\' have
at home, or should be able to have.
"The students are practiced in the essentials of stock
raising and general farming. And in laboratory they have
experimental demonstration of the more important theories
of agriculture.
"With the mechanical arts the object is not trade training,
but 'manu-mental' instruction, development of the mind and
character through the hand and body. Blacksmithing, car-
])entering, printing are used for their mental and ethical
value, a means to' all-around development."^
The school also has an extension course with lectures by
Santee teachers. Special classes are formed for adults who
have had none or but few educational advantages. These
are called "adult primaries.''
In 1903 there were 230 students catalogued, of whom 123
were in the correspondence school, 8 in the high school, 51
in the intermediate, including from the fourth to the seventh
grades, 7 in the adult-primary, 40 in the primary, 18 in in-
strumental music, and i unclassified. The music scholars
are included in the other grades.
Looking at the bright and intelligent faces of the high
school pupils one can hardly realize that these are the chil-
dren of "wild Indians." They illustrate what Christian
training can do and is doing for the Indian races.
'Santee Normal Training School, by F. B. Riggs.
SANTKi: NORMAI, THAI \' 1 Nt; SCHOOL 27 I
In Santee there are representatives from different tribes
including the Santee, Winnebago, Navajo, Sioux, and other
tribes, but in Christ Jesus they are all one.
Says Prof. Riggs : "During. thirty-four years of Santee's
history there have been great changes in the condition of
all the Indians of the Northwest. Christianity has been the
onlv i^ower that h.as transformed barbarism into the begin-
nings of civilization."
The Santee pupils, with scarcely an exception, are or be-
come while in school Christians and church members. And
in answer to the question : "Does an Indian on returning
from school relapse to the heathen ways of his people?""
Prof. Riggs answers, "No, never if lie lias become a geii-
iiiite Christimi."
There are eighteen teachers and helpers in the Santee
school, and the work v/hich they are doing for the up-lift
and Christian civilization of the Indian tribes can never be
told by statistics, nor by a superficial study of the work
done. It is onl)^ they who watch the progress of these In-
dian boys and girls as they go through the years of study
in Santee, and then out among their people as leaders and
helpers, who are competent to judge of the character of
the work done in the school, and the transformation of the
Indian into a Christian and honored member of societv.
And they have but one report to make, and that is that the
Santee Normal Training School is an institution of untold
blessings to the Indians of the Northwest.
Into this Indian mission work the Riggs family have put
their lives. "Dr. A. L. Riggs was born in the work," his
father being a missionary among the Sioux in 1857, and his
son is following in his steps. They have made Santee
largely what it is, and are the inspiration of its growing
work.
272 CONGREGATIONAL NKliRASKA
This brief outline of Sautee would be incomplete without
a sketch of that remarkable Indian preacher, pastor, and
missionary, Artemas Ehnamani.
AK'^l■:^[As i:iin'amani
Much of the information for the following- sketch of the
life of this noted Indian minister has been received from
!l-:\'. ARTICMAS KIINA.MANl
leaflets and personal letters from Rev. A. L. Riggs, D.D.,
of Santee, who more than any one else is conversant with
the facts of his life.
SANTEE NORMAL TRAINING SCHOOL 273
Artemas Ehnamani was born at Red Wing, Minnesota,
in 1825. His boyhood days were passed along the banks of
the Mississippi river. As a young man he was tall, attract-
ive, a lover of the chase, and ready for the war path, es-
pecially v/hen opportunity came to strike a blow against the
Chippewas, the enemies of his people. He also won for
his bride the maiden of his choice, the most beautiful one in
the tribe, and in this contest he had many noted rivals from
the young men of renown.
While yet in the prime of life he and his tribe ceded
their ancestral homesteads along the A'lississippi and moved
on to the Sioux reservation on the Minnesota river.
Ehnamani was a participant in the Sioux outbreak of
1862, and with the other leaders was captured, imprisoned
at Mankato, Minnesota, and Davenport, Iowa, and con-
demned to death.
While in prison he was converted, and became a devoted
Christian, and was eventually pardoned by President
Lincoln.
His one book was the Dakota Bible, and the prison was
his school.
When he and the others were released fr.om prison, they
found that their families had been removed to Northeastern
Nebraska on the banks of the Missouri River.
Ehnamani was soon chosen one of the preachers and
pastors in the reorganized church. He served Pilgrim Con-
gregational church as pastor for thirty-five years and was
translated on the eve of Easter Day, 1902. His wife also
became a Christian, and in many ways a helper in his work.
Ehnamani was an out-and-out Christian ; his faith was
genuine, his experience real. He rejoiced in Christian fel-
lowship, and believed strongly in the brotherhood of the
church. He was a successful leader, tender, compassionate,
a man of wnsdom and rare executive ability. He was a veri-
18
274 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
table missionary superintendent among the Indian workers
of his day, and yet was as humbly amenable to the discipline
of the church as any other member.
Dr. Riggs says that he "very humbly and courteously
accepted the investigation and reproof of the Board of El-
ders when he was accused of having fired off a gun to kill
the spirits causing the sickness of his wife. The truth was
that he was humoring the whim of his wife, made childish
and half demented by her sickness."
His message to his people was that of the Risen Savior
and Lord.
He often made trips among the wild tribes of the Sioux
and Dakotas as a Gospel missionary. He was licensed to
preach in 1866, and in 1867 was ordained pastor of Pilgrim
Church at Santee agency and held that position until his
death in 1902.
On account of railroad facilities Santee affiliated with the
South Dakota Congregational churches more than with the
Nebraska churches with which it is connected. However,
from time to time Pastor Ehnamani attended the State As-
sociation of Nebraska, an interested spectator of its pro-
ceedings, and one of its principal speakers, though speaking
through an interpreter.
He has the distinction of serving a Congregational church
as pastor longer than any other minister in the state.
Ehnamani's second son. Rev. Francis Frazier, is pastor of
Pilgrim Church which his father served so many years.
The eldest son, Albert Frazier, preaches to the Bazile
Creek Church, Santee reserve, some ten miles away from
Santee, but he has not yet (January, 1905) been ordained
And so the work of Santee, under the efficient leadership
of the Riggs family, goes on, the Indian pastor's son follow-
ing in the footsteps of his father, and the noted missionary's
son trained to the work from infancy, a leader among men,
SANTEE NORMAL TRAINING SCHOOL 275
a scholar and teacher of that science which makes for per-
fect manhood.
Santee mission was under the American Board from 1866
to 1882, when it was transferred to the A. M. A.
The following missionaries have been in commission :
Rev. John P. Williamson, D.D., Mrs. Sarah F. William-
son, 1866 to 1870.
Mr. Edward R. Pond, Mrs. Mary F. Pond, 1866 to 1871.
Rev. A. L. Rig-gs, D.D., Mrs. Mary B. Riggs, 1870 to
1882 and since 1882 imder the A. M. A.
PART III
TABLES
TABLES
The following tables furnish many items of interest to
the churches. Rev. J. E. Storm prepared the tables contain-
ing an alphabetical list of all ministers who have served the
Nebraska churches, the delegates to the National Council,
the names of disbanded churches. Mrs. J. E. Storm pre-
pared Table VIII, giving pastorates in living churches.
The South Platte and Lincoln Land Companies furnished
the tables which bear their names. The Secretaries of the
American Board sent the list of Nebraskans on the foreign
field. The table showing the sessions of the General Asso-
ciation has been revised with great care from the manuscript
minutes of the association, and will show quite a variation
from the table in recent printed minutes of the association.
SESSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
The General Association was organized in Omaha, Au-
gust 8, 1857, Rev. I. E. Heaton temporary moderator, E. H.
Barnard temporary clerk. At this meeting Rev. R. Gay-
lord was elected moderator, and Rev. I. E. Heaton stated
clerk. It was voted that the "First annual meeting of this
association be held at Fremont on the last day of October
next at 7:00 p.m." (Ms. Minutes, p. 4.). Taking the Fre-
mont meeting as the Urst annual meeting, the sessions of
the General Association are as follows:
279
28o
COXGREGATIOXAL NED1^\SKA
I
ANNUAL MEETINGS
TEAR
PLACE
MODERATOR
PREACHER
1857
Fremont
R. Gaylord
R. Gaylord
1858
Calhoun
I E. Heaton....
R. Gaylord
1859
Omaha
E. B. Hurlbut . .
I. E. Heaton.. . .
1860
Fremont
R. Gaylord
E. B. Hurlbut . .
1861
FontHnelle...
I. E. Heaton . . .
R. Gaylord
1862
Omaha
R. Gaylord
I. E. Heaton.. . .
186:3
Elkhorn ....
I. E. Heaton....
R. Gaylord
1864
Neb. City....
R. Gaylord
I. E. Heaton . . .
1865
Fremont
L. H. Jones
R. Gaylord
1866
Fontanelle. . .
W. W. Rose ....
L. H. Jones
1867
WeepVW'ter
E. B Hurlbut . .
W. W. Rose . . .
1868
Omaha
R. Foster
E. B Hurlbut . .
1869
Fremont
Chas. Little
R. Foster
1870
Camp Creek .
Fred Alley
Chas. Little
1871
Lincoln
Amos Dr.sser. . .
Fred Alley
1872
Omaha
J.J.A.T. Dixon
Amos Dresser. . .
1873
Weep'g W'ter
S. R. Dimmock.
A. F. Sherrill...
1874
Lincoln
A. F. Sherill....
H.M.Storrs, DD
1875
Omaha
Col. ('. MathewsoM. . . .
W. Barrows, DD
1876
Kearney
Lewis Gregory . .
E. B. Fairfield..
1877
Crete
Amos Dresser. . .
S. J. Humphrey.
1878
Fremont
Lewis Gregory . .
Amos Dresser. . .
1879
T. A. Reed
1880
Hastings
H. C. Abernethy
(1. W. Waimvrislit....
1881
Blair
H. N. Gates ....
C. W. Merrill...
1882
Omaha
Lewis Gregory . .
\V. M. Barrows..
1883
York
A. F. vShernli. . .
Norfolk
Beatrice
f C W Merrill
1
1881
\ Willard Scott. .
i
1885
E. H. Ashniun. .
Willard Scott . . .
1886
Fremont
W. S Hampton.
1887
Lincoln
Loren F. Berry..
John L. Maile . .
1888
Kearney ....
Col. S. S. Cotton.
J. J. Parker
1889
Ashland
J. L. IMaile
A. R. 'Ihain ....
1890
Norfolk
John Askin
J. T. Duryea....
1891
Fremont
A. R. Thain
U. A. Deeper . . .
1892
Omaha
J.J. Parker
Lewis Gregory . .
1893
Beatrice
A. C. Hart
S. W. Butler . . .
1891
Neligh
J. E. Brrre on . .
R. T. Cro.ss
1895
Crete
G. W. Mitchell..
C. S. Harrison..
1896
Haryard
A. E. R cker . . .
F. A. Warfield..
1897
York
John Dome
S. I. Hanford...
1898
Uayid City...
A. J. Rogers.. ..
1899
lloldrege
A. A. Cre.s-sman.
J. F. Bacon
1900
Hastings
R. T. Cross
H. C. Herring . .
1901
Norfolk
W. J. Turner... .
John Doane
1902
Weep"g W'ter
Geo. E. Taylor..
CD. Gearhart. .
1903
Geneya
S.I. Hanford...
Geo. W. Crofts..
1904
Lincoln
A. B. Fairchild..
Geo. A. Munro .
I. (iibsoii, pro lem.
E.B. Hurlbut
R Gaylord
I. E. Heaton
E.B, Hurlbut
E B. Hurlbut
E.H. Hurlbut
E.B.Hurlhut
E.B. Hurlbut
C. G. Bisbee
C. G. Bisbee
C. G. Bisbee
C. G. Bisbee
J. B. Chase
J B. Chase
J. B. Chase
J. B. Chase
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bro-ss
H. Bross
H. Bro.ss
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bro.ss
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bross
H. Bro.ss
H. Bross
F. C. Taylor
F. C. Ta'ylor
F. C. Taylor
F. C. Taylor
F. C. Taylor
F. C. Taylor
F. C. Taylor
F. C. Ta'ylor
F. C. Taylor
F. C. Taylor
28l
II
SUPERINTENDENTS OF MISSIONS IN NEBRASKA
Gaylord, Rev. Reuben — 1 867-1 870.
Merrill Rev. O. W.— 1870-1874.
Gates, Rev. H. N.— 1874-1880.
Merrill, Rev. C. W.— 1880-October 1884.
Maile, Rev. J. L.— 1884-1889.
Bross, D.D., Rev. H.— 1890-
III
CORPORATE MEMBERS OF THE A. D. C. F. M.
YEAR WHEN
ELECTED.
1892— John E. Tuttle, D.D., Lincoln.
1894 — Col. S. Storrs Cotton, Norfolk.
1894 — Motier A. Bullock, D.D., Lincoln.
1895 — Rev. Lewis Gregory, Lincoln.
1905— Pres. D. B. Perry, D.D., Crete.
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
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283
V
DELEGATES FROM THE STATE ASSOCIATION TO THE NATIONAL
COUNCIL
The year of
1882— Merrill, Rev. C. W.
Biirnham, Leavitt,
Esq.
1888— Berry, Rev. L. F.
Kilner, J. C, Esq.
1891 — Bross, Rev. H.
Barnard, E. H.
1894— Hart, Prof. A. C.
election is given.
1894 — Gregory, Rev. Lewis.
1897 — Taylor, Prof. F. C.
Hanford, Rev. S. I.
1900 — Herring, Rev. H. C.
Ricker, Rev. A. E.
1903 — Hampton, Rev. W. S.
Bullock, Rev. M. A.
Selleck, W. A., Esq.
DELEGATES TO NATIONAL COUNCIL FROM IJLUE VALLEY
ASSOCIATION
1889 — Wannamaker, Rev.
H. S.
Ba'ker, Rev. E. H. ,
1892— Bennett, Rev. W. P.
Hanford, Rev. S. L
Storm, Rev. J. E.
1895 — Cressman, Rev. E.
Rose, Rev. L. P.
1898— Perry, Pres. D. B.
1898— Stewart, Rev. J. D.
Cressman, Rev. A. A.
1901 — Cressman, Rev. A. A.
Beaver, Rev. C. H.
Harrison, Rev. C. S.
1904— Hunt, Rev. T. C.
Cowan, Rev. J. W.
Smith, Mr. C. C.
DELEGATES TO NATIONAL COUNCIL FROM COLUMBUS
ASSOCIATION
1874 — Dresser, Rev. Amos 1880 — Reed, Rev. J. A.
Elliott, Rev. J. E. Biscoe, Rev. G. S.
1877— Reed, Rev. Julius Tiffany, Mr. F. B.
Mathewson, Col. C. 1883 — Eastman, Rev. W. H.
284 COXGREGATIOXAL XEDRASKA
1883— Lee, Mr. C. H. 1895— Peas, Rev. F. W.
1886 — Cressman, Rev. A. A. Needham, Mrs. O. M.
Lewis, Mr. Hiram 1898— Batty, Rev. G. J.
1889 — Tasker, Rev. J. O. 1901 — Appleton, Rev. F. G.
1892 — Doane, Rev. John Price, Mr. John A.
r904 — ]\[iinro. Rev. G. A.
Dlir.F.CATES TO THE NATFONAL. COUXCTL FROM ELKHORN
' VALLEY ASSOCIATION
i8<;5 — Parker, Rev. J. J. 1901 — No record.
ElHs, Rev. J. F. 1904 — Schroder, Rev. G.W.
Clark, Mr. Geo. E. Kokjer. Rev. J. M.
i,S(j8— Bacon, Rev. J. F. Parker, Rev. J. J.
Copeland, Mr. Geo.
DELEGATES TO NATIONAL COUNCIL FROM FRONT] ER
ASSOCIATION
1892— Hampton, Rev. W.S. 1901— Axtell, Rev. A. G.
1895 — No record. 1904 — No record.
1898 — No record.
DELEGATES TO NATIONAL COUNCIL FROM LINCOLN
ASSOCIATION
1877— Chase, Rev. J. B. 1892— Enlow, Rev. C. E.
Lee, Dea. Geo. F. Bell, Mr. W. O.
i88c^Leavitt, Rev. ^^^ M. 18^)5— Bell, Mr. J. w'.^
Peet, Mr. W. W. Bell, Mr. W. O.
1883 — Gregory, Rev. Lewis 1898 — Stevens, Dr. J. F.
Post, Dea. E. 1901 — Manss, Rev. W. H.
1886— Ashmiin, Rev. E. H. Crofts, Rev. G. W.
Bellows, Mr. Fred 1904 — Han ford, Rev. S. T.
1889 — Gregory, Rev. Lewis Taylor, Principal
Leavitt", Mr. T. H. F. C.
TABLES 285
DELEGATES TO NATIONAL COUNCIL FROM OMAHA ASSOCIATION
1874 — Gaylord, Rev. Reuben 1889 — Alexander, Mr. N. H.
1877 — Sherrill, Rev. F. A. 1892 — Wainwright, Rev.
i88(^Spencer, Rev, J. G. G. W.
1883— Swing, Rev. A. T. 1895— Buss, Rev. W. H.
Scott, Rev. Willard 1898 — Pearson, Rev. Sam-
1886 — Wainwright, Rev. uel
G. W. 1901— Hatch, Rev. F. A.
Burnham, Mr. Lea- Loomis, Mr. G. L.
vitt 1904 — Herring, Rev. H. C.
1889— Scott, Rev. Willard Loomis, Mr. G. L.
DELEGATES TO NATIONAL COUNCIL FRO^SI REPUBLICAN VALLEY
ASSOCIATION
1883— Hampton, Rev. W.S. 1895— Mac Ayeal, Rev. H. S.
Bush, Hon. A. H. ' Clark, Rev. V. F.
1886— Harrison, Rev. C. S. 1898— Foster, Rev. John
Bush, Mr. Royal Faling, Mr. W. H.
1889 — Taylor, Rev. Geo. E. 1901- — -No report.
Cading, Mr. C. L. 1904— Mitchell, Rev. G. W.
1892— Taylor, Rev. Geo. E. Campbell, Mr. T. B.
MacAyeal, Rev. H. S.
DELEGATES OF THE GERMAN ASSOCIATION TO THE NATIONAL
COUNCIL
1883 — Suess, Rev. Wul 1892 — Mannhardt, Rev. Mr.
1886— Albrecht, Rev. Geo. i8()5— Eversz, Supt. M. E.
286
CONGRKGA'llONAL NEBRASKA
VI
LIST OF CHURCHES WHOSE NAMES HAN'E BEEN DROPPED AS
SHOWN BY STATE MINUTES
The printed record from w
1867.
OMITTED IN
1 868 — Lancaster.
1870 — Papillion.
1871 — Salt Creek.
1873 — Pepperville.
Jenkins Alills.
Nursery Hill.
Twin Grove.
i874^Calla.
Elmore.
Plattsmoiith.
Eldred.
Bell Creek (Ger.).
1875 — Palmyra.
Green Island.
Pleasant Hill.
1876 — Elkhorn City.
Fremont (German).
La Platte.
Maple Creek.
Elmwood Precinct.
Webster County First
1877 — Pleasant Prairie.
Boone County 2d.
Pebble.
1878— Central City.
Victoria.
Sarpy Center.
lich this roll is made begins
OMITTED IN
1879 — Mapleville.
Herrick.
1 88 1 — Sheridan.
Scott Precinct.
Lincoln (German).
Rock Creek.
1882— Driftwood.
Dayton.
Iowa Ridge.
Pleasant Grove.
Red Willow.
Oakdale.
Valley Grange.
Lincoln Valley.
1883 — Boone.
Richardson Co. ist.
Precept.
Summit.
1884 — Dorchester.
Wilber.
West Cedar Valley.
Wheatland.
Buda Flatts (Ger.).
Ebenezer (German).
Fricdensau (Ger.).
Prairie Center.
287
OMITTED IN
1885— Buffalo Creek.
Cedar Creek.
Chapman.
Hazel Dell.
Lone Tree.
Morning- Star.
Plainview.
Schuyler.
Way land.
1886— Af ton.
Alma.
Batin.
Beaver Crossing.
Bloomington.
Centerville.
Clearwater.
Council.
Edison.
Gar Creek.
Gibbon (German).
Hampton.
Holt County First.
Ivanhoe.
1887— Elk City (German),
Friedens.
Holdrege.
Louisville.
Mainland.
New Hope.
Osceola.
Osborn.
Otoe Reservation.
Pleasant Grove.
OMITTED IN
1887 — Salem.
Western.
Spring View.
Utica.
1888— Bethel.
Burnett.
Butler County First.
Cedar Bluffs.
Cedar Rapids.
Fontanelle.
Glencoe.
Grafton (German).
Guide Rock.
Huntington.
Inavale.
Oak Grove.
Oxford.
Pleasant Ridge.
1889 — Enterprise.
Hayes County First
(German).
Lakeside.
Neel.
Palisade (German).
Pleasant View.
Trumbull.
Waco.
York (German).
1890 — Highland (German).
Martinsburg.
Randolph.
Rockville.
Stratton.
288
congri:gatio.\al n'i:i'.kaska
OMITTED IN
1889 — Greeley.
1891 — Bradshaw.
Cumminsville.
North Bend.
Osborne ( German ) ,
Rushville.
Stockville.
Vailton.
Wellfleet.
1892 — Pilger.
South Bend.
1893 — Flag Butte.
Macon.
Spring Ranch.
1894 — Keuka.
Kimball.
Park Place.
Snake Creek.
Victoria.
Willow Valley.
1896 — Belknap.
Loomis.
Moline.
. Nonpareil.
Talmage.
Pleasant Ridge.
Clear Water.
Dolphin.
Sunnyvicw.
1897— Blyville.
1898 — Douglas.
OMITTED IN
1899 — Berlin.
Culbertson (German)
Deshler.
Greenwood.
Richmond.
1 900 — Gloversville.
Hayes Center.
Mascot.
Niobrara.
Emmaus.
Oak Creek.
Bennington. '
Platte Valley.
1902 — Nelson (German).
1903 — Crete Bethlehem.
Free W^ater.
Omaha Pilgrim.
Pleasant Valley.
Watsville.
Hope moved to S. D.
Elkhorn.
Fremont ( German ) .
Maple Creek.
Pleasant Hill.
1904 — Beaver Creek.
Ft. Calhoun.
Upland.
Blackwood.
Crico.
Edgar.
TABLES 289
The aggregate membership in the preceding Hst of
churches dropped is not large. Some names have been
changed, merged into other churches ; some after a time
have been reorganized, and others have ceased to exist
entirely. They illustrate the changes going on in a frontier
state v/here population is not settled and show that the
present list of living churches by no means indicates the
active work of Congregationalists in the state.
19
290
lO.NAL NKP.KASKA
The foliowino- is a list of town lots donated by the South
Platte Land company for school and church purposes:
LIST OF LOTS DONATED
South Bend. 2, 3
Highland... 20. 21 ....
Loui.sville. . . 411, 412 .
Waverly.... 41, 42, 23.
Greenwood . 294, 295 .
Greenwood
Exeter
Exeter.
Exeter .
551, 552
f37, 38, 39, for consideration of
\ S50, equals donation of one lot
( 321, 322, for con.sideration of S55,
i equals donation of one lot to .
f 491, 492, Baptist Church for 830,
\ equals the donation of one lot.
7, 8, block 51
7, 8, block 60
3, 4, in 1. y
7, block 79
23, 24, block 82
10, block 84
11, 12, block 85
9, block 94
31, 32, block 108
10, 11, 12, block 110
1, 2, block 113
12, 13, block 119
19, 20, block 120
22, 2.<, 24, block 120
4, 5, block 121
35, block 121
20, block 122
12, block 125
20, block 128
Crete . .
Crete . .
Crete . .
Crete. .
Crete . .
Crete. .
Crete. .
Crete. .
Crete. .
Crete . .
Crete . .
Crete. .
Crete. .
Crete . .
Crete. .
Crete . .
Crete . .
Crete..
Crete..
Crete 1, 2, block 129
Crete ' 22. block 142..
SCHOOI, OR CHURCH
Crete .
Crete.
Crete .
Crete.
G. block 144
16, block 15H
11. 12, block 11, 1,
6, 7, block 187 . . . .
School Dist. No. 57
I)i.st. No. 24
Fir.st Cong. Church
School Di.st. No. 42
I Cong. Church of
i Cxreenwood
Church of Christ
Catholic Chinch
M. E. Church
Baptist Church
Doane College'
Doane College
Doanc College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doanc C ollcge
Doane College
Doane College
Doanc College
Doanc College
Doanc College
Doanc College
Doanc College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doanc College
TABLES
LIST OF LOTS DONATED— a?«.
291
TOWN
LOT NOS.
SCHOOL OR CHURCH
Crete
11, 12. block 192
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Doane College
Episcopal Church
M E Church
Crete
9, 10, block 193
Crete
11, 12, block 203 .. .
Crete
11, 12, block 210
Crete
7, 8, 9, block 210
Crete
De Witt
I 7, 8, block 118, for consid. of $30,
\ equal to a donation of one lot . . .
660. 661
Dorchester
503 504 ... .
School Dist No 44
707,708
787,788
Cong. Church
M. E. Church
Dorchester .
rl237, 1238, M. E. Church for a
< consideration of $25, equal to a
662
M. E. Church
674, 675
Inland
Sutton, 1st add.
Sutton
86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 9] , 92, 93, 94,95,96
13, 14, 15 16 block 4 .. ..
I School Dist. No.
\ 17, Adams Co.
Ger Ininianuel Ch
11, 12, block 28
Rt.Rev.J. O'Conner
1st Cong. Church
Sutton
1, 2, block 29
Harvard ....
54
1st Cong. Church
School Dist. No. 11
School Dist. Juniata
M E Church
Harvard ....
Juniata
Juniata
Juniata
Kenesaw. . . .
186,187
834,835.836,837,838,839
861 862 863
1022, 1023
f German Baptist
\ Brethren Church
[School Di.st. No.
I 3, Adams Co.
Baptist Church
(School Di.st. No.. 2,
11, 12. 13, 14
16
Lowell
562 563 564
63, 64
\. Kearney Co.
/ School Di.st. No. 7,
York
4 5 block 40 ...
\. Buffalo Co.
School Dist No 12
York
1, block 12
York
4,5
Methodist Church
Aside from the above list of town lots donated for school
and chtirch ptn-poses, a great many lots were given by the
South Platte Land company for the promotion of immi-
gration and for the furtherance of local business enter-
prises, such as hotels, nev^^spapers, and stores in nearly every
town in the territory of said company.
292
CONGREGATIQNAL NEBRASKA
NVH3HiQT
aYcioasida
NVIiSIHHD
DnOHJ.V3
iSiaOHXHIM
A^y^sy^ 6
< < -ji < < -< PS P2 cq K K K
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-C -i^ -^ . o B: i -
* ^^ g 3 ^ S.£
cq
293
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<-t •i-fr-iri,-ii-i • -i-ht-i— ii-hth • •(Mtrq-*,
• • • ti
<u ■ • a; ^ • i-H • •
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'Oj.-Sos^a "riS 5Ji_ 5^ occq >-' "^
^I'-^'t^lt-l 2=3-3 5^S5SS'S'5'§ .
<u "S :
Iwood, Neb.
dison, Neb. .
ustis, Neb. . .
ricson, Neb.
Isie, Neb ....
iidicott, Neb
dgemont, S.
^^^
294
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
1
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a:iiis.a
.•cvaaHxai
! ; ! : ■.! ;.i ; 1 !! CO I ;■.!!!!!;■. ;
avanao
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jjr-i-i i::::--*: :"::::::<^'~'::
iSiaoniHM
' \ \ \ '~^ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ '.
o
%
g
Filley, Neb
Farnam, Neb
Ft. Morgan, Col
Farwell, Neb
Guide Rock, Neb
Gillette. Wvo
Greelev, Neb
Grant,' Neb
Guern.sev. Wyo
Giltner. Neb .'
Graf, Neb
Holdres^e, Neb
Holvoke, Col
Holbrook, Neb
Heniin!L(ford, Neb
Herndon, Kan
Hcn.llev. Neb
Hildretii, Neb
Hardv, Neb
Hai-ler, Neb
Hub1)ell, Neb
Holli.s, Kan
Haxtiini, Col
295
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W'oj • ^1) ■ ■ S: • ■ r^ ^T) U • •■ • y r^ .^ X^ G
S S § S S S S rt S S S S S § ;z;
296
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
NVH3HXm
ivdODSida
NVIXSIHHD
DnOHXVD
xsiaoHxaiM
r-(CC.-l!M
(M • • f-H
^7:,
w ca !> ■
o ju v; z -
a'w ^
j^;zi 0000 (£; p: e; p:; (i; ii;««
'XiSitfiffi -J. 'Si C/2
• .-I 1-1 T-H ?■!
297
■o^ • crq ^ i-i i-H
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^ Z'
be
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<v
r-"> (J aj
a; ^ • K/ j3 cu oj rt
;: E >..- rt o cs
:^;?^^^^^^^
29S CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
VlII
1'ASTORATES IN LIVING CHURCHES OCTOBER I, I905.
The following table of pastorates in living churches was
prepared by Mrs. J. E. Storm. Its value is apparent to
those who wish to study the record of any given church.
This table is as correct as could be made from the printed
minutes.
Present pastors marked — .
Addi.son (Bloomfield) — Organized 1889. — Revs. G. R.
Berry, i8c)o; J. W. Hardy (Lie), 1891-92; E. Martin,
1893-96; E. S. Sarkis, 1896-98; R. Y. Grey, 1898; C.
Anderson, 1899; Mrs. J. W. Mason, 1902; R. Graham,
1903 ; A. J. Iden, 1903 ; N. Shemian, 1904—.
AiNSWORTR — Organized 1883. — J. Herbert (Stu.), 1883;
Revs. T. Gray, 1883; N.^L. Packard, 1884; J. A. Mil-
ligan, 1884-86; T. W. De Long, 1888-^)5; S. Eveland,
1896-98; H. M. Triplett, 1898-1902; C. D. Gearhart,
1902-3 ; R. F. Paxton, 1905 — .
Albion — Organized 1872. — Revs. C. C. Huniphrc}-, 1874-
78; T. Armstrong, 1878-80; A. A. Cressman, 1880-86;
E. S. Chandler, 1887; W. J. Turner. 1887-91: F. W.
Peas, 1892-95; L. H. Stoughton, 1895-1900; C. Doug-
las, 1900-3; A. C. Townsend. 1903—.
ALf.iANCE (German)- — Organized 11)03. — Rev. Otto
Roehrig, 1903 — .
.\i.,M.\-- Organized 1888.— Revs. Wni. :\larshali. 1881 : |. W.
Hadden, 1884-85; G. L. Dickenson. 1888-90; A. E.
Ricker, 1891-95; R. i\r. Travers. 18(^5; W. S. Hills.
i89(>-<j8: V. W. IVas, 181)9-1902; A. J. l-olsom.
1902-3; V\u. llauptman. 1904-5; D. H. Piatt. 1905 — .
Almeria — Organized 1905. — Rev. T. Evans, 1905 —.
TABLES 299
Arborvif.le — Organized 1876. — Revs. C. S. Harrison,
1875-76; W. S. Hampton, 1877-80; S. S. Haines,
1881 ; J. W. Young, 1882-84; D. E. French, 1884; J. E.
Storm, 1885-87; G. W. Mitchell, 1888-92; J. A. High,
1892-93; N. E. Gardner, 1895-99; W. W. Hart, 1899-
1902 ; W. B. Payne, 1900-2 ; G. R. Martin, 1902-3 ;
D. E. French, 1903 — .
Arcadia — Organized 1889. — Revs. H. Hitchcock, 1889-
90; M. J. P. Thing, 1891-95; T. F. Smith, 1895-98;
W. TrI. Houston, 1898-1900; F. G. Appleton, 1900-2;
Harold Hunting (Stu.), 1903; H. A. Shuman, 1903 — .
Arlington — Organized 1883. — Revs. B. F. Dififenbacher,
1883-85 ; W. P. Clancy, 1885-87; A. Otis (Stu.), 1887;
J. P. Bidwell, 1888-89; A. W. Ayers, 1889-^)2; J. W.
Kidder, 1S93-94; F. G. Appleton, 1899; L. S. Hand,
1900-1 ; G. H. Rice, 1902-3; G. Rindell, 1904—.
AsJiLAND — Organized 1871. — Revs. Asa Farwell, 1871-77;
Wm. Leavitt, 1878-86; J. E. Brereton, 1886-92; W.
Denney, 1892-97 ; T. W. C. Cheeseman, 1898^-1900 ;
W. C. Blakeslee, 1900-2 ; J. W. Carson, 1903 — .
Aten— Organized 1882.— Revs. R. FI. Baker, 1884; W. H.
Stuhbins, 1884-87; L. Belknap, 188S; G. R. Berry,
1889-91; E. Durant, 1891-92; J. Hardy, 1893-94; W.
T. Williams, 1895-1902 ; A. J. Iden, 1903-4; T. Dyke,
1905—.
Aurora — Organized 1872. — Revs. D. B. Perry, 1872; A.
Maxwell. 1873; Rev. Mr. Hill, 1874-75; W. Woolman,
187^80; A. L. Seward, 1880-84; J- G. Spencer. 1885-
86; E. Cressman, 1887; M. Baskerviile, 1888-91; S. I.
Hanford, 1891-97; W. H. Hopkins, 1898-1901; A. E.
Ricker, iqoi — .
AvocA— Organized 1865.— Revs. F. Alley, i86(>-68; C. B.
Taylor, 1883; J. ATorley. 1884-87; G. W. Mitchell,
1887-89; D. L. Flillard, 1889-90; G. C. Hicks, 1891-
300 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
94; C. J. Sage, 1897-99; J. H. Andress, 1S99-1901 ;
J. H. Bennett, 1901-4; M. B. Bird, -1905 — .
Baker — Org-anized 1900. — Rev. G. W. oNIartin, 1900; Rev.
J. B. Brown, 1905 — .
Bassett — Organized 1903. — Rev. W'm. Haresnape, 1903 ;
Mr. A. Mygatt (Stu.), 1904 — .
Bazile (Niobrara) — Organized 1888. — Revs. A. Eluia-
mani, 1888-91; J. Garvie, 1891-94; F. Frazier. 1905 — .
Beatrice— Organized 1884.— Revs. :M. F. Piatt, 1884; Wm.
O. Weeden, 1884-S6; E. H. Ashman, 1886-88; Mr. A.
Hertel (Stu.), 1888; E. S. Smith, 1888-92; G. W.
Crofts, 1892-1904; E. Booth, Jr., 1904 — .
Beemer — Organized 1899. — Revs. A. W. Ayers, 1899-
1903 ; Geo. Scott, 1903 — .
Bertrand — Organized 1885. — Revs. C. H. Hiiestis, 1886-
88; A. W. Coffman, 1888-90; U. C. Bosworth, 1890;
J. Kerr, 1892; H. C. Snyder, 1893-94; F. D. Healey,
1895-99; J. S. Calhomi, 1899-1901 ; J. Embree, T902-4;
J. Crocker, 1904; H. F. Holton, 1904 — .
Bingham — Organized 1900. — Mr. M. W. WilHams (Stu.),
1S90; Revs. H. C. Cleveland, 1898-1900; J. E. Storm,
1900-2; W. D. King, 1903-5; W. T. Hadsel (M. E.),
1905—.
Bijuden— Organized 1886.— Revs. D. O. Smith, 1886-87;
W. H. Houston, 1889-90; B. O. Snow, 1891-93; W.
A. Davies, 1894-96; A. S. Heathcote, 1897-98. F. W.
Grupe, 1900-1 ; T. F. May, 1904 ; J. T. Ellis, 1905 — .
Beair— Organized 1870.— Revs. M. S. Sperry, 1868; M.
Tingley, 1869-77; R. Campbell, 1878-80; G. W. Wain-
wright', 1880-82; Mr. Fink (Stu.); H. M. Goodell,
1882-84; A. M. Case. 1884-87; A. Rogers, 1887-88;
J. Powers, 1S89-92; T. D. McLean, 1893; G. B. Per-
kins, 1894-97: F. W. Gardner. 1899-1900; J. W. Lar-
kin, 1901-3; A. G. Axtell, 1904 — .
TABLES 301
BLOOMFiELD^Organized 1891.^ — Revs. J. W. Hardy, 189 1-
()2; E. Martin, 1893-96; E. S. Sarkey, 1896-97; C.
Anderson, 1898-1900; E. Booth, Jr., 1900-3; G. L,.
McDougal, 1903; R. Graham, 1903 — .
Brewster— -Organized 1899. — Mr. T. A. Dungan (Stu.),
1899; Revs. T. Evans, 1900-4; J. C. Noyce, 1904 — .
Brule — Organized 1896. — Revs. W. S. Hampton, 1894-
97; F. S. Perry, 1898; G. W. Knapp, 1898-1902; Mr.
H. H. Rhule (Stu.), 1902; T. Jones (Stu.), 1903-4.
Bruning — Organized 1890. — Revs. E. L. Ely, 1890; F.
Fox, 1891 ; E. Martin, 1892; G. J. Battey, 1893-95;
W. R. Griffiths, 1897; A. L. Squires, 1898; W. A. Al-
corn, 1899-1902; -D. E. Thomas (Stu.), 1903; M. J.
Millard, 1904 — .
Brunswick — Organized 189 1. — Revs. H. Griffith, 1S91-
92; W. A. bavies," 1893; S. A. Bear (M. E.), 1894;
G. T. Noyce, 1895-1901; W. J. Isaacs, 1901-3 ; C. M.
Thomas, 1903-5 ; J. M. Kokjer, 1905 — .
Burwell— Organized 1888.— Mr. J. A. Otis (Stu.). 1888;
Revs. G. F. McHenry, 1888; A. W. Connett, 1889-90;
D. W. Comstock, 1890; C. E. Walker, 1891 ; A. A.
Baker, 1892-93; A. L. Squires, 1894; H. M. Evans,
^^95-^7- J- E- McKenney, 1897-98; C. E. Campbell,
1899-1902 ; H. A. Shuman, 1902 ; J. B. Stocking,
1903—.
]^>UTTE — Organized 1891. — Revs. W. Loney, 1893-95; W.
A. Hensel, 1896-98; J. Gray, 1898-1901 ; P. B. West,
1902-4; J. M. Brown, 1905 — .
Butte (German) — Organized 1895. — Revs. J. Single,
1898-1901 ; H. J. Dietrick. 1901-3 ; H. Hess, 1003 — .
CA]\rBRiDGE — Organized 1883. — Revs. W. S. Hampton,
i88c^82; F. W. Barber, 1883; J- W. Hadden, 1884;
A. N. Dean, 1885-89; H. S. MacAyeal, 1889-95 ; D. R-
302 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
James, 1895-96; J. Foster, 1897-98; W. Hardcastlc,
1899-1903 ; J. P. Ratzell, 1903 — .
Campbell — Organized 1875. — ^^Ir. Gardner (Stu.), 1886;
Revs. D. O. Smith, 1886-89; W. H. Houston, 1889-
91; B. O. Snow, 1891-93; S. A. ATomits, 1893; W. A.
Davies, 1894-96; A. S. Heathcote, 1897-99; G. W.
Grnpe, 1900-2; F. Pile, 1903; T. F. JNIay, t 904-5 ;
T. T. Ellis, 1905 — .
Camp Creek — Organized 1868. — Revs. R. Foster, 1868-
ji; C. C. Humphrey, 1871-73; A. B. Pratt, 1873-75;
J. E. Lowes, 1876-78; A. K. Cressman, 1879-80; L. T.
Mason, 1881-82: E. C. W. Hill, 1883-85; A. Dresser,
1886-96; J. L. Fisher, 1896-97; G. B. Spangler. 1898-
1902 ; T. Jeflries, T902 — .
Carroll (Welsh) — Organized .1891. — Revs. S. Jones,
1891-1901 ; D. T. Morgan, 1902-3; J. V. Jones,
1905-.
Center — Organized 1902. — Mr. J. H. Mason (Stu.), 1902;
Revs. J. A. Kraemer, 1903; R. Graham, 1905 — .
Chadron — Organized 1885. — Revs. FI. Bross, 1885; G. J.
Powell, 188^^88; J. A. Thome, 1888-90; F. L. Fergu-
son, 1890-92; J. Powers, 1893-94; A. E. Ricker, 1895-
1900; J. H. Andress, 1901 — .
Clarks— Organized 1878.— Revs. B. A. Dean, 1878; G. S.
Biscoe, 1879-85; G. W. Brownjohn, 188(^87; Miss
E. K. Henry, 1887: J. A. Thome, 1888-89; J. E. Storm,
1890-91: C. W. Terrell, 1892-93; Mrs. E. B. Perkins,
T893-95; H. J. Hinman, 1897-98; Mrs. E. B. Perkins.
1899-190-I ; G. \V. Mitchell, 1905 — .
Clay Ciinter — Organized 1882. — Revs. G. E. Taylor,
1 881-86; E. Southworth, t886; R. R. Williams, 1887-
90; Mr. F. L. Johnston (Stu.), 1890; E. H. Baker,
1891-93: B. L. Webber, 1894-95; Airs. E. B. Perkins,
1896-99: J. 1^. Storm, 1899-1900; C. S. Harrison,
1901-2 ; R. M. Travers, 1903-4 ; J. H. Bennett, 1904 — .
TABLES 303
Clemen — Organized 1901. — jMr. J. W. Ellis (Stu.), 1901 5
Revs. J. C. Noyce, 1901-3 ; T. E. Nugent, 1904.
CoL\T]\[]u-s — Organized 1867. — Revs. J. B. Chase, 1868-
69; J. E. Elliot, 1870-75; C. C. Starbuck, 1875; T.
Bayne, 1876-78; E. L. Sherman, 1878-81; J. Gray,
1882; O. V. Rice, 1883-89; G. Morton, 1889; W. S.
Hunt, 1890-01; O. D. Crawford, 1893; A. J. Rogers,
1894-99; G. A. Monroe, 1900^ — .
CoMSTOCK — Organized 1903. — Revs. Mrs. Mary A. Helser
1903 ; S. x\. Van Luvan, 1904-5 ; J. H. Kraemer
1905—.
CoRTLANi> — Organized 1875. — Revs. C. H. Heustis, 1884
H. Bates, 1885-87; H. C. Halbersleben, 1888-90; G. R
Battey, 189(^93; F. G. McHenry, 1893-96; E. E
Sprague, 1898; G. Scott, 1 899-1 903 ; C. G. Oxley
1904; W. H. LeBar, 1904-5.
CovvLES — Organized 1883. — Revs. A. Martinis, 1884; W,
D. Page, 1885-88; H. D. Piatt, i888-<^3; S. Deakin^
1893-1900; J. M. Kokjer, 1901-3; S. Deakin, 1904 —
Crawford— Organized 1889. — Air. I. Meredith (Stu.)
1889; Revs. E. H. Pound, 1889-90; I. J. Gardner
1891; H. R. Baker, [892; J. Jeffries, i893-<}5; H. V
Rominger, 1896-98; A. C. Townsend, 1899-190T ; G. L
Shull, 1901— .
Creighton — Organized 1872. — Revs. C. H. Emerson,
1871-83; J. P. Sparrow, 1883-84; T. Kent, 1884-86;
J. P. Preston, 1887-89; J. W. Barron, 1890-93; G. W,
James, 1894-1900; C. J. Rogers, 1900; E. L. Wismer.
1901-2; A. A. Brown, 1903 — .
Crete — Organized 1871. — Revs. F. Alley, 1871-73: H,
Bross, 1873-84; W. P. Bennett, 1884-96; M. W. Morse,
1806-1901 ; J. \y. Cowan. 1901 — .
Crete (German) — Organized 1876. — Revs. C. F. Veitz
1875-79; F. Falk, 1880; P. VVeidman, 1881-84; J
304 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Schaerer, 1884-91; \V. Fritzemeier, 1892-97; F. Eger-
land, i8c)7-i90i ; K. L. Stahl, 1902-4; IL C. Stahner,
1905—.
Crofton — Organized 1896. — Revs. W. T. \\'illiams, 1896-
1902 ; A. J. Iden, 1903-5 ; T. Dyke, 1905.
CuMMiNGS Park — Organized 1900. — Revs. S. Deakin,
1901-4; T. Evans, 1904.
Curtis— Organized 1888.— Revs. W. D. Page. 1888-90;
C. W. Preston, 1892-1900; E. U. Menzi, 1900; J. L.
Fisher, 1901-3 ; F. W. Gardner, 1904 — .
Daily Branch — Organized 1883. — Revs. G. H. Rice, 1898-
1900; I. McRae, 1900-2; G. W. Schroeder, 1903-4;
J. Roberts, 1905 — .
Danbury — Organized 1898. — Revs. L, A. Turner, 1898;
Mr. T. A. Dungan (Stii.), 1898; O E. Hayes, 1898^
99; H. C. Cleveland, 1900; H. C. Halbersleben, 1901-3 ;
J. W. Mason, 1905 ; F. Hall, 1905 — .
David City — Organized 1878. — Revs. M. A. Crawford,
1878; A. W. Curtis, 1879-81; H. N. Gates, 1881-82;
T. FI. Avars, 1883-84; Jas. Oakey, t886-S8; V. F.
Clark, 1888-92; A. W. Ayers, iSg2-<)S: W. A.
Schwimley, 1896-99; H. J. Hinman, 190C-1 ; E. Booth,
Jr.-, 1902-4; V. H. Ruring, 1905 — .
DeWitt — Organized 1874.— Revs. F. Alley, 1874; L Good-
ell, 1876^ D. J. Jones, 1877; J. Winslow, 1878-79;
E. E. Webber, 1880-81 ; J. M. Woodward, 1883; C. H.
Heustis, 1884-86; D. E. Hathaway, 1886-88; L T.
Hull, 1889-90; J. E. Storm, 1891-93; G. T. Tangeman,
1S94-96; R. M. Travers, 1809-1900; C. E. Campbell,
190T ; M. J. Millard, 1902-4; J. E. Storm, 1904-5.
Dodge— Organized 1887. — Revs. W. D. J. Stevenson, 1887;
Mr. G. I. Parri.sh (Lie), 1887; S. Pearson, 1888-90;
P. H. Hines (Evan.), 1891-93; A. Farnsworth, 1894-
95; E. Cressrnan, 1896; W. A. Davies, 1897-99; C. E.
TABLES 305
Howard, 1900-2; A. C. Miller, 1902-4; W. S. Hamp-
ton, 1905 — .
Doniphan — Organized 1884. — Revs. I. C. Hughe--, 1883-
84; J. H. Embree, 1885-90; E. Cressman, 1891-95;
R. M. Travers, 1896-98; C. EI. Heustis, 1899-1901 ;
W. A. Alcorn, 1902-4; R. Jones, 1904 — •.
DUxNNiNG — Organized 1900.- — Revs. C. W. Preston,
1900-4 ; J. C. No3'ce, 1904 — .
Di:sTiN— Organized 1S86.— Revs. G. W. Mitchell, 1886;
E. H. Lii^bv, 1887; S. W. Johnson, 1889; W. T. Wil-
liams, f890-93; J. M. Kokjer, 1895-99; O- V. Kenis-
ton, 1899; W. A. Hensel, 1900-1 ; J. T. Ellis, 1903-5.
Eagle— Organized 1885.— Revs. W. .S. Hills, 188^87; J.
F. Tucker, 1888; B. C. Preston, 1889; A. N. Dean,
1890-92; W. Haynes, 1892; S. P>. Crosby, 1893-94;
B. F. Diffenbacher, 1898-99; C. H. Huestis, 1902.
Eureka — Organized 1896. — Rev. J. H. Beitle, 1898-1901.
EusTis — Organized 1894. — Revs. O. E. Ticknor, 1894-95;
Mrs. C. W. Preston. 1897-98; A. E. Davies,_ 1899;
A. G. Axtell, 1900-1 ; J. L. Fisher, 1902-3 ; G. A.
Gardner, 1904-5 ; C. M. Thomas, 1905 — .
Exeter — Organized 1872. — Revs. T. N. Skinner, 1872-73;
C. Hibbard, 1874-75 ; B. G. Page, 1876-78; B. A. Dean,
1880-83; ^'I. L. Butler, 1883-85; J. B. Gilbert, 1886-
90; Wm. Haynes, 1891 ; C. H. Huestis, 1892-99; H. C.
Plalbersleben, 1899-1901 ; W. B. Payne, 1902 — .
FAiRFiELD-^Organized 1873.— Revs. T. Pugh, 1872-78; A.
Abbott, 1878; R. R. V/illiams, 1879-83; C. E. Har-
vv^ood, 1884-89; R. C. Mtorse, 1889; -^- W. Connett,
1890; E. L. Sherman, 1891-95; B. O. Snow, 1896-97;
G. H. Hull, 1898^9; P. S. Bandy, 190(^2; G. H.
Wright, 1903 — .
20
3o6 COXGKEGATIOXAL XIIIIKASKA
Fafrmokt — Organized 1872. — Revs. A. ^Maxwell, 1872; C.
Hibbard, 1873-75; ^^ • Cockran, 1876-77; H. C. Aber-
nethy, 1878^87; W. W. Fellows, 1887; F. R. Bunker,
1888; T. W. Cole, 1889-91 ; A. A. Cressman, 1892-95;
G. T. Tang-eman, 1896-98; C. H. Reaver, 1899-1905;
C. A. Gleason, 1905 — .
Fairview (Dodge) — Organized 1896. — Revs. D. Donald-
.son, 1895-96; \Y. A. Davies, 1897-99; C. E. Howard,
1900-2.
Fairnikw (Trenton) — Organized 1895. — Revs. D. F.
Bright, 1893-96; C. E. Campbell, 1898-99; A. G. Ax-
tell, 1902-3 ; G. T. Noyce, 1904 — .
Farnam — Organized 1887. — H. S. Snyder (Stu.), 1887;
Revs. W. Woolman; 1887-89; J. B. Doolittle. i89C^
92; E. E. Sprague, 1893-97; F. \V. Grupe, 1898-99;
G. J. Battey, 1900-2 ; J. E. Craig, 1903 — .
Franklix — Organized 1873. — Revs. S. X. Grout, 1872-
So; J. M. Strong, 1880-82; W. S. Flampton, 1882-83;
C. S. Harrison, 1884-92; G. W. Alitchell, 1892-1902;
T. p. Douglas, 1902 — .
Fremont — Organized 1857. — Revs. I. E. Heaton. 1856-
69; T. B. Chase, 1869-72; R. Foster, 1872-75; G. Por-
ter. 1875-78; A. f. Swing-. 1878-86; L. F. Berry,
1886-90; W. H. Buss, 1890-1901 ; J. Doane, 1902 — .
Friend — Organized 1875. — Revs. B. G. Page, 1874-78; J.
Winslow. 1879-83; O. C. Clark, 1883-84; Sidney
Strong, 1885-87; W. E. Davidson, 1887; J. Sharrett,
1888; E. P. Dada, 1889-94; A. N. Dean, 1895-96;
W. B. Payne, 1897-1900; W. W. Hart. IV900-3 ; P. A.
Sharp, 1903 — .
Friend (German) — Organized 1884. — Revs. E. Jose, 1883;
J. Lich, 1884-88; L. Newman, 1889-90; F. Reichardt,
1891 ; P. Lich, 1892-95; G. Essig, 1896-97; G. L.
Brakemeyer, 1898-1904; W. F. Vogt, T904-5.
TABLES 307
Geneva— Organized 1886.— Revs. G. A. Taylor, 1886; H.
S. Wannamaker, 1887-90; H. J.J^erker, 1890-92; J. E.
Brereton, 1893-95; P. H. Hines, 1896; T. Griffiths,
1897-.
Genoa— Organized 1882.— Revs. J. P. Dyas, 1879-82; C.
H. Crawford, 1883; O. C. Todd, 1884-85; U. C. Bos-
worth, 1887-88; R. Killip, 1889; C. W. Tnrrell (M.
E.), 1890-91; J. S. VanAlstine, 1892-93; N. E. Gard-
ner, 1894: C. A. Richardson, 1895-96; H. J. Hinman,
1897-99; W. Haiiptman, 1900; R. Rein, 1901 ; C. M.
Lowe, 1902-4; A. J. Iden, 1905.
Germantov/n — Organized 1900. — Revs. . S. Anderson,
1902 ; G. L. Brakemeyer, 1904 — .
Germantown (German) — Revs. F. Woth, 1890-99; C.
Richert, 1 899-1901 ; J. B. Happel, 1902-3 ; G. L. Brake-
meyer, 1904 — .
Grafton— Organized 1878.— Revs. W. S. Hills, 1878; B.
A. Dean, "1879 ; J- T^. Doolittle,, 1880-87; J- E. Herbert,
1887-88; F. C. Baker (Sta.), 1889; E. H. Baker,
1889-93; J. FI. Andress, 1894-95: A. A. Cressman,
1896-97; J. H. Andress, 1898-99; C. S. Harrison,
1900; E. W. Altvater, 1901-2 ; C. L. Hammond, 1903 — .
Grand Island — Organized 1887. — Revs. D. W. Comstock,
1887-88; W. L. Demorest, 1888; J. Doane, 1889-92;
J. H. Henderson, 1893; T. W. Cole, 1894; H. M.
Evans, 1896; G. J. Battey, 1897-^8; E. V. Gardner,
.1890-1900; A. A. Cressman, 1901-4; L. J. Marsh,
1904—.
Grant— Organized 1887.— Revs. J. A. Thome, 1887-88;
M. H. Wallace, 1889; W. S. Hampton, 1889-^1; G. S.
Brett, 1892; G. D. Tangeman, 1893: G. W. Knapp,
1894-98; O. L. Anderson, 1899; J- Crocker, 1900-2;
F. Barnard, 1905 — .
305 ( (_).\(iKi:(;Ario.\AL m:i!kaska
IJAr.LAii Kicrman)— Organized 1893. — l^<^vs. J. Alorach,
1893-1)6; R. Hilkerbaeunicr, 1897-1902; K. L. Hobein,
1903—.
Haruine — Organized 1889. — Revs. J. R. Cooper, 1890-
92; J. 11 Doolittlc, 1893-94; G. J. Battey, 1895-97;
A. L. Brown, 1898; J. A. Jones, i8qg; G. R. Martin,
1900-1 ; J. E. Storm, 1902-4 ; A. W. Nevill, 1904 — .
Harvard — Organized 1872. — Revs. B. F. Haviland, 1873;
J. Gray, 1874-76; H. P. Page, 1877-79; G. E. Taylor,
1880-83; E. Southworth, 1883-88; G. R. Parish, 1888-
89; O. V. "Rice, 1889-91 ; W. O. Wark, 1892-94; R. S.
Osgood, 1898-99 ; A. R. Rogers, 1900 ; A. A. Brown,
1901-3; W. S. Hunt, 1904 — .
Hastings — Organized 1872. — Revs. B. E. Haviland, 1873;
M. F. Piatt, 1874-75; T. Winslow, 1876-77; A. W.
Curtis, 1878; J. D. Stewart, 1879-83; H. Wilson, 1883-
84; G. R. Milton, 1885; Wm. Walters, 1886-91; F. S.
Powell, 1892-93; S. S. Healey, 1894; L. P. Rose,
1895-97; J. W. Nelson, 1898-190T ; T. C. Plunt, 1901-
4; PI. R. Harrison, 1905 — .
PTastixgs (German) — Organized 1890. — Revs. G. Grob,
1890-91; P. O. R. Ouarder, 1892-93; G. W. Goerlitz,
i8c)4; C. W. W'uerrschmidt, 1895-1904; P. J. Thiel,
1904—.
Havflock — Organized 1892. — Revs. C. E. Enlow, 1892-
93; S. W^ood. 1893-97; J. E. McHenry. 1897-99; R- ^■
Graham (Pres.), 1900-1; R. W. Burton, 1902-4:
I. McRae, 1004 — .
Haves County (German) — Organized 1886. — Revs. W. F.
Vogt, 1897-98; G. Essig, 1899-1901; G. L. Henkel-
mann, 1902 — .
Hav Springs — Organized 1S85. — Revs. B. F. Diffenbacher.
1885-88: S. Deakin, i888:-<\v W. P. Peas. 1894-98:
]'.. H. Jones, 1898-1000; D. C Curry. 1900-1 ; G. W.
Knapp. 1902 — .
TM'.LES 309
I-Ic]\nNGFORD — Org-anized 1886. — Revs. N. E. Gardner,
1886-90; C. M. Thomas (Stii.), 1890; W. Wiedeii-
hoeft, 1890-93; E. P. Dada, 1894-96; E. E. Preston,
1896-97; G. J. Battey, 1898-1900; N. E., Gardner,
1901-2; J. H. Embree, 1903 — .
Highlands — Organized 1905. — Rev. W. H. LeBar, 1905.
PIiLDRETH — Organized 1891. — Revs. C. H. Hnestis, 1890-
91 ; W. P. Peas, 1893-94; S. I. linger, 1895-96; O. E.
Ticknor, 1897-98; W. H. LeBar, 1899-1900; G. T.
Noyce, 1901-04; G. I. Reeves, 1905 — .
PToLDRKGE — Organized 1883. — Revs. W. H. Forbes, 1883-
85; V. F. Clark, 1892-96; A. L. Squire, 1897; F. F.
Lewis, 1898-1901 ; T. A. Stubens, 1901 ; Miss A. E.
Switzer, 1902-3; J. F. Lansborough, 1904-5; C. W.
Dnncan, 1905 — .
HowELLS— Organized 1887.— Mr. J. Dunlap (Stu.), 1887;
G. Parrish (Lie.), 1887; Revs. S. Pearson, 1888-91 ; P.
H. Hines (Evan.), 1892; A. L. Brown, 1893; A. Farns-
worth, 1894-96; E. Cressman, 1896; W. A. Davies,.
1897-1900; A. C. Miller, 1902-4; W. S. Hampton,
1905—.
Hyannis— Organized 1889.— Mr. M. W. Williams (Stu.),
1890; Revs. J. B. Brown, 1890-94; O. E. Ticknor
1895; E. E. Preston, 1896: B. H. Jones, 1897; H. C.
Cleveland, 1898-1900; J. E. Storm, 1900-2; W. D.
King. 1903-5; W. T. Hadsel, 1905 — .
Indian Creek (Red Cloud) — Organized 1897. — Revs. F.
W. Dean, 1898-190T ; W. Hauptman, 1902-3 ; G. H.
Rice, 1904 — .
Indianola — Organized 1875. — Revs. T. Pugh, 1878; A.
Dresser, 1879-82 ; G. Dungan, 1882-84 ; G. E. Taylor,
1886-88; J. Flook, i888-t)2; C. D. Gearbart, !8<)2-94:
A. S. Houston, 1895-97; L. A. Turner, 1897-1900;
3 I O COXGRliGATlOX AL >; KliRAS K A
J. S. Calhoun, 1900; H. C. Halbersleben. 1901-3;
X. H. Hawkins, T903 — .
Inland (German) — Organized 1876. — Revs. E. Jose, 1881-
84; G. F. Stuecklin, 1884-85; G. Grob, 1886-93; P- O.
R. Onarder, 1893; G. W. Goerlitz, 1894; C. W. Wuerr-
schmidt, 1895-1902;!. Smit, 1904 — .
1 K\ I XGTON— Organized 1866.— Revs. E. B. Hurlbut, 1865-
70; T. J. A. T. Dixon, 1871 ; A. Fitch, 1874; J. G.
Spencer, 1875-81; J. P. Preston, 1882-86; J. T. Otis,
i887-<)3; G. T. Noyce, 1893; B. O. Snow, 1894-96;
H. C. Halbersleben, 1896-99; A. L. Brown, 1899-
1900; B. F. Diffenbacher, 1900-4; G. H. Rawson,
1904—.
Kearney— Organized 1872.— Revs. L. B. Fifield, 1872-78;
W. L. Camp, 1878; A. D. Adams, 1879-80; T. H.
Avars, 1880-83 ; Mr. Fisk (Stu.), 1883 ; J. Askin, 1885-
93; J. H. Hoffman, 1893; J. Powers, 1894-96; J. P.
Burling, 1897-1900; J. J. Parker, 1901-2 ; J- Flook,
1903—.
Keystone (Loomis) — Organized 1896. — Revs. G. 'M. Ken-
iston, 1898-99; J. H. Embree, 1900-3; J. Croker,
1904—.
KEY.ST0NE (Bertha) — Organized 1900. — Mr. E. Bacon
(Stu.), 1898; Mr.W. H. Hotze (Stu.), 1899; Mr. C.
A. Javne (Stu.), 1900; T. Jones (Stu.), 1903-4.
Leigh— Organized 1887.— :\Ir. J. Dunlap (Stu.), 1887; G.
Parrish (Lie), 1887-88; Mr. O. Ostrum (Stu.), 1888;
Revs. R. M. Travers, 1889-92; F. S. Perry, 1892;
A. G. Washington, 1893-94; J. Lange, 1895-99; J. F.
Smith, 1899-1905.
Lii'.RRTY Creek (Deweese) — Organized 1896. — Revs. P.
Lich. 1895-98: J. B. Happle. 1899-1900; W. F. Vogt.
1901-3 ; J. Smit, 1905 — .
Lincoln (First)— Organized 1866. — Revs. C. Little, 1868-
69; L. B. Fifield, 1870-72; S. R. Dimmock, 1873-75;
L. Gregory, 1875-99; Wni. Afanss, 1899-1903; J. E.
Tiittle, 1903 — .
Lincoln (Plymouth) — Organized 1887. — Revs. E. S. Rals-
ton, 1887-91; N. Plass, 1891-93; J. Doane, 1893-
1902; C. R. Hamlin, 1902-4; C. H. Rogers, 1904 — .
Lincoln (German) — Organized 1889. — Revs. H. H. Sal-
lenbach, 1875-86; J. B. Cimz, i88c^8i ; A. Trandt,
1888; J. Lich, i889-(:.7; C. E. Osthoff, 1898^1900;
G. L. Henkelmann, 1900-2; J. Lich, 1902 — .
Lincoln (Vine Street) — Organized 1890. — Mr. J. E.
Hunter (Stu.), 1890; Revs. H. S. Wannamaker, 1890-
93; A. F. Newell, 1893-99; M. A. Bullock, 1899 — .
Lincoln (Butler Avenue) — Organized 1895. — Revs. A. F.
Nev\-ell, 1895-99; O- ^^- Anderson, 1899-1900; Miss
L. A. Wild, 1901-5 ; C. W. I-'reston, 1905 — .
Lincoln (Swedish) — Organized 1895. — Revs. J. M. Till-
berg, 1893-96; J. Johnson, 1897-98; C. E. Peterson,
1899-1901 ; J. E. Swanson, 1902-4; A. Poison, 1905 — .
Lincoln (Zion)— Organized 1900. — Rev. S. H. Schwab,
190 1 — .
Lincoln (Salem) — Organized 1899. — ^^y- A. Suffa
1901 — .
LiNwooD — Organized 1873.- — Revs. A. Dresser, 1873-78
B. Beal, 188(^83; M. J. P. Thing, 1884-87; J. O
Tasker, 1887-92; H. C. Halbersleben, 1892-96; W. A
Davies, 1896-98; F. G. Appleton, 1898-1900; R. M
Sargent, 1901-2 ; Mrs. M. J. Dickenson, 1902 — .
Long Pine — Organized 1884. — Revs. N. L. Packard, 1884;
J. A. Milligan, 1884-86; S. I. Hanford, 1887-91 ; Wm.
Walters, 1892-93 ; J. S. VanAlstine, 1894-95 ; J. H.
.A.ndress, 1896; J. E. Storm, 1897-98; E. Booth, Jr.,
1899-1901 ; Wm. Haresnape, 1901-3 ; Mr. A. Mygatt
(Stu.), 1904; M. Weidm?'-". 1905 — .
312 COXGREGATIOXAL MEDUASKA
LoOiMis — Organized 1898. — Revs. G. M. Keniston, 1898-
1900; J. H. Embree, 1900-3; J. Croker, 1904; W. E.
Ilannan, 1905; C. ^I. Thomas, 1905 — .
]\Iadrid — Organized 1S89. — Revs. H. B. Ery, 1889-93; G.
W. Knapp, 1894-98; O. L. Anderson, 1898-99; J.
Croker, 1900-4; F. Barnard, 1905 — .
Maple Creek — Organized 1891. — Revs. C. B. Fellows,
1890-91 ; A. G. Washington, 1892; Y. O. Hellier, 1893;
H. U. Lyman, 1894-96; J. J. Klopp, 1898—.
McCooK — Organized 1884. — Revs. G. W. Dungan, 1882-
86; J. S. Kelsey, 1886-90; W. C. Stephenson, 1891-
93; H. L. Preston, 1894-97; W. J. Turner, 1898-1902;
F. W. Dean, 1902-4; G. A. Conrad, 1904; G. B.
Hawkes, 1905 — .
McCooK (German) — Organized 1S87. — Revs. Wm. Suess,
1887-89; H. Buettner, 1889-92; E. T. Bettex, 1892;
A. Hodel, 1893-96; W. F. Vogt, 1897-99; G. Essig,
1 899-1902; G. L. Henkelmann, 1902 — .
MiLFORD — Organized 1869. — Revs. T. N. Skinner, 1869-
71: H. A. French, 1872-83; S. G. Lamb, 1883-90; G.
S. Biscoe, 1890-91; R. M. Travers, 1892-94; G. A.
Monroe, 1895-1900; J. Jefferies, 1901-2; G. R. Mar-
tin, 1903 ; F. Wrigley, 1904-5.
MiNERSViLLE — Organized 1893. — Revs. A. Dresser, 1893-
95; J- L- Fisher, 1896-97; G. B. Spangler, 1898-1901 ;
J. Jefferies, 1902 — .
Monroe — Organized 1869. — Revs. J- B. Chase, 1868-70;
J. E. Elliot, 1870-73; C. C. Starbnck, 1875-79; J- 3'-
Dyas, 1880-82; H. C. Crawford, 1883; O. C. Todd,
1884-86; U. C. Bosworth, 1887-88; R. Killip, 1888-
89; R. W. Ganmion, 1890; G. B. Clark, 1891 ; H. A.
Shuman, 1892-98; W. A. Davies, 1900-1 ; C. M.
Lowe, 1902; W. F. Benjamin, 1903; G. O. Heide
(Bapt.), 190.:^ — .
TAni.KS 313
MuRNiNG Star (Ogalallaj — Organized i8y6.— T. Jones
(Stu.), 1903-4-
Ixfoi'LTON— Orjjatiized 1905. — Rev. J. C. Noyce, 1905 — .
MuMPKR— Organized 1901.— Mr. J. W. Ellis (Stu.), 1901 :
Rev. J. C. Noyce, 1901-3.
Napier (German) — Organized 1893. — Revs. J. Single,
1 898-190 1 ; H. J. Dietrick, 1901-93; H. Hess, 1903 — ,
Napier — Organized 1899. — Revs. W. A. Hensel, 1900-4;
J. T. Ellis, 1904-5.
Xaponee— Organized 1881.— Revs. W. Marshal, 1881-83;
A. N. Dean, 1884; Wm. Woolman, 1885-88; G. L.
Dickenson, 1889; S. A. Pettit, 1 890:^93 ; A. E. Ricker,
1894-95; W. S. Hills, 1896-98; H. C. Cleveland,
1900-2; W. C. Archer, 1902-3; T. Dyke, 1904; J. H.
Reitle, 1005 — .
Neligh — Organized 1875. — Revs. H. Griffiths, 1874-81;
J. Woodrnff, 1882; A. F. Marsh, 1882-87; J. W.
Davies, 1888-90; AV. J. Turner, 1891-93; J. T. Ellis,
1893-9)4; J- E. Bacon, 1894-1900; F. V. Moslander,
1900-3 ; V. F. Clark, 1903 — .
Niobrara^ — Organized 1905. — Rev. A. Frazier, 1905 — .
Newcastle— Organized 1884.— Revs. G. W. Mitchell,
188.^-85; Wm. J. Paske, 188(^88; J. Roberts, 1888-
98; G. FT. Rice, 1898-99; L McRae, 1900-2; G. W.
Schroeder, 1903-4 ; J. Roberts, 1905 — ■.
Newman Grove — Organized , 1900. — Revs. C. D. Gear-
hart, 1900-2 ; E. L. Wismer, 1903-4 ; H. L. Preston,
1905.
Noble (Indianola) — Organized 1899*. — Revs. L. A. Turner,
1900; J. C. Calhoun, 1900-2: N. H. Hawkins, 1904 — .
Norfolk (FirsF) — Organized 1870. — Revs. J. W. Kidder,
1870-7S; M. H.^Mea-1, 1878-81; ].'w. Laughlin
(Stu.), 1881; J. G. Spencer. 1882-84; J. J. Parker,
1885-1901 ; W. J. Turner, 1901 — .
314 eO.\GK!:GArH).\AL MCr.RASKA
NoKFuLK (Second) — Organized 1893. — Revs. A. Farns-
worth, 1893-94; J.' Jefferies, 1896-1901 ; F. Baker,
1901-2 : Wm. Haresnape, 1903 — .
Ogalalla — Organized 1884. — Revs. L. E. Brown, 1884-
85; J. A. Thome, 1886-^8; A. E. Ricker, 1888-91;
Mr. J. R. Danforth (Stu.), 1890; W. P. Peas, 1891-
93; W. S. Hampton, 1893-97; F. S. Perry, 1898; G.
W. Knapp, 1898-1902; J. Watson, 1902; C. W. Dun-
can, 1903-05.
OrJVE Branch (German) — Organized 2875. — Revs. Wm.
Suess, 1877-85; G. Scheuerle, 1885-86; J. Morach,
1887-95 : Wm. Fritzemeier, 1895 ; Wm. Suess, 1896 — .
Omaha (First) — Organized 1856. — Revs. R. Gaylord,
1855-64; W. W^ Rose, 1865-67; E. S. Palmer, 1867-
69'; A. F. Sherrill, 1869-88; J. T. Duryea, 1888-95;
F. A. Warfield, 1896-98; H. C. Herring, 1898—.
Ojntaha (St. T^.Tary's Avenue) — Organized iS83.^Revs. W.
Scott, 1883-91; S. W. Butler, 1892-99; C. S. Sargent,
1900-1 ; R. Yost, 1902-5 ; C. O. Baird, 1905 — .
Omaha (Plymouth) — Organized 1885. — Revs. G. S. Pel-
ton, 1883-86; A. E. Penniman, 1886-88; A. H. Thain,
1889-94; J.. A. Fisher, 1894; H. S. MacAyeal, 1895-99;
F. A. Hatch. 1900-3; A. J. Folsom, 1904 — .
Omaha (Saratoga) — Organized 1886. — Revs. J. A. Milli-
gan, 1887-88; F. S. Forbes, 1888; H. N. Smith, 1889-
90; G. A. Conrad, 1891-93; E. L. Ely, 1894-96; L. S.
Hand, 1896-1900; F. E. Henry, 1900-4; B. F. Diffen-
bacher, 1904 — .
Omaha (German)— Organized 1885.— Rev. F. H. W.
Bruechert, 1885.
Omaha (Cherry Hill)— Organized 1886.— Revs. J. A. Mil-
ligan, 1887-91 ; W. A. Lipe, 1891 ; E. L. Ely, 1894-96;
L. S. Hand, 1896-1900; T. A. Williams, 1900-1 ; P.
A. Sharp, 1901-3 ; H. L. Mills. 1903-4; W. D. King,
1905—.
TABLKS • 315
Omaha (iiillsidc) — Organized \^^:. — Revs. H. C. Crane,
1886-90; H. H. Morse, 1890; A. H. Ross, 1891 ; G. J.
Powell, 1892-95; J. Flook, 1895-1900; H. G. Croker,
1902; W. F. Berger, 1903; H. L. Mills, 1904 — .
Omaha (Park Vale)— Organized 1887.— Revs. M. L. Holt,
1887-90; A. Torbet, 1890; W. J. Paske, 1891-93; W.
H. LeBar, 1895-96; F. FI. Anderson, 1897-1900; T.
A. Williams, 1900-1 ; P. A. Sharp, 1901-2 ; H. L.
Mills, 1903-4; W. D. King, 1905 — .
Paisley (Unadilla) — Organized 1892. — Revs. Thos Bell,
1893-96; D. K. Miller, 1897-1900; H. W. Cope,
1900-2 ; C. L. Myers, 1903 ; C. E. Buck (M.E.), 1904 — .
Palisade — Organized 1889. — Revs. \Vm. Woolman, 1889-
90; J. H. Beitel, 1891-^4; T. C. Moffatt, 1894-97; H.
C. Halbersleben, 1904 — .
Park (Elgin) — Organized 1885. — Revs. FL Griffiths,
1885-87; B. F. Pearson, 1888-91 ; A. C. Tueber, 1891-
92; C. D. Thompson, 1893-95; C. H. Kershaw, 1896-
97: W. Debenham, 1898; O. E. Ticknor, 1899-1900;
J. Roberts, 1901-5.
Petersburg — Organized i8()4. — Revs. T. Griffiths, 1895-
97; S. Eveland, 1898; J. Roberts, 1898-1901 ; R. M.
Travers, 1901-3 ; J. M. Kokjer, 1903-5.
Pickrell— Organized 1886.— Revs. H. Bates, 1885-87; H.
C. Halbersleben, 1888-89; G. J. Battey, 1891-93; F. G.
McHenry, 1893-96; E. E. Sprague, 1898; Geo. Scott,
1899-1900; H. Langley, 1902; J. S. Medlin (M. E.),
. 1903; R. E. Pogue (M. E.), 1904-5.
Pii.-.RCE— Organized 1883.— Mr. J. W. Brooks (Stn.), 1882;
Revs. E. P. Dada. 1884-85; D. J. Baldwin, 1886-88;
W. J. Paske, 188S-91 ; A. G. Brande, 1891-95; C. D.
Gearhart, 1896-1900 ; G. E. Taylor, 1900 — .
Pine Camf— Organized 1905.— Mr. Albert Mygatt (Stu.),
1905—.
3l6 CONGKEGATIONAL XlilJKASKA
PlainviI'W — Organized 1903. — Rev. J- J- Parker, 1903 — .
Plymouth ist. — Organized 1872. — Revs. H. Bates, 1872-
7^; J. Winslow, 1878; E. E. Webber, 1880; S. C.
Dean, 1882-85; D. E. Hathaway, 1886; E. Cressman,
1S88; L. B. Wharton, 1889; J. Cooper, 1890; J. B. Doo-
Httle, 1893; G. J. Battey, 1895-97; A. L. Brown, 1898;
J. A. Jones, 1898-1900; G. R. Martin, 1900-1 ; J. E.
Storm, 1902-4; A. W. Xevill, 1904 — .
Princeton (German) — Organized 1875. — Revs. G.
Scheiierle, 1S84-86; J. ^lorach, i887-c)7; R. Hilker-
baeumer, 1 897-1 903 ; F. Gafert, .1904 — .
Ravenna— Organized 1886.— :\Ir. Barstow (Stu.), 1886;
Revs. R. :\I. Travers, 1886-88; C. B. Taylor, 1888-89;
Wm. Haynes, 1889-90; J. B. Gilbert, 1891-92; T. W.
Cole, 1893-^94; F. W. Peas, 1895-99; C. J. Sage, 1899-
1901 ; A. C. Townsend, 1901-3 ; S. H. Buell, 1903 — .
Ri:d Cloud — Organized 1874. — Revs. A. Maxwell, 1874-
79; Geo. Bent, 1879-82; O. C. Todd, 1882-84; J. G.
Aikman, 1885-86; M. C. Butler, 1886-88; C. E. Tag-
gart, 1889-91; E. L. Ely, 1891-94; H. O. Spellman,
1894-95; O. E. Ticknor, 1896-98; F. W. Dean. 1898-
1902; W. Hauptman, 1902-3; G. H. Rice, 1904 — .
Reno— Organized 1891.— Air. :M. A\'. Williams (Stu.).
1890; Revs. J. B. Brown. 1890-95; E. E. Preston.
1896-98; G. J. Battey. 1899-1900; J. B. Brown.
1901-2; J. H. Euibree, 1903 — .
Rising City — Organized 1875. — ^^^'- E. T. Lee (Stu.),
1881; Revs. J. E. Storm. 1883-85; J. C. Otis, 1887;
W. P. Peas, 1887^1; F. C. Cockran, 1891-94; C. J.
Sage, 1894-97; J. L. Fisher, 1898-1900; H. A. Shu-
man, 1900-2; F. G. Appleton, 1903-4; T. Jones (Stu.).
1904-5.
Riverton — Organized iS-j.—Rcvs. S. X. Grout. 1875-79;
J. M. Strong. 1879-82; O. C. Todd, 1882-83; F. Bar-
TAIU.KS 317
bcr, 1883-86; W. S. Hampton, 1886-88; I). W. Coin-
stock, 1889; J. W. Hadden, 1890; F. Lawson, 1891-94;
S. Williams, 1894-1905.
RoKRCY — Organized 1893. — Revs. J. Doane, 1893-1900;
Miss L. A. Wild, 1901-2.
RosEFiELD (Trenton) — Organized 1890. — Revs. C. E.
Campbell, 1898; G. E. Lincoln, 1899-1900; G. T.
Noyce, 1904 — .
1867-1902; F. Frazier, 1902 — .
Sargent — Organized 1893. — Revs. J. F. Smith, 1893-95;
C. E. Howard, 1897-1900; B. H. Jones, 1900-1 ; J. H.
and Mrs. Heiser, 1901-2; S. A. Van Ltiven, 1904 — .
ScRinNER — Organized 1871. — Revs. W. Bruce, 1869-77;
A. L. Seward, .1878-79; A. Doremus, 1879-S0; M. B.
Flarrison, 1881 — .
Seneca — Organized 1904. — Mrs. C. W. Preston (Lie),
1904-5-
SE^^-ARD— Organized 1887. — Revs. A. M. Darley, 1887;
J. A. Dobson, 1888-90; G. A. Ray, 1891-92; C. B.
Carlisle, 1893-94; T. W. C. Cheeseman, 1896-97;
E. C. Burhans, 1898-1900; F. W. Leavitt, 1903 — .
Shickley — Organized 1887. — Revs. J. G. Robertson, 1887;
C. H. Eaton, 1887; E. L. Ely, 1889-91 ; F. Fox, 1891 ;
E. Martin, 1892; G. J. Battey, 1893-95; W. R. Griffith,
1897; A. L. Squire, 1898; W. A. Alcorn, 1899-1901 ;
E. W. Altvater, 1901-2 ; C. L. Flammond, 1903 — .
Silver Creek — Organized 1874. — Revs. C. C. Starbuck,
- 1878; J. P. Dyas, i88c^82; M. H. Mead, 1883-85;
J. Roberts, 188^88; W. H. Houston, 1888-89; Mr.
E. L. Marsh (Stu.), 1889; H. C. Halbersleben, 1890-
92; I. T. Gardner, 1892; N. E. Gardner, 1893-94; Mr.
W. B. Allis (Stu.), 1890; Mrs. E. B. Perkins, 1895-
31^ CONGREGATIONAL NEJiUASKA
97; W. S. Hampton, 1898-1900; W. A. Davis, 1901-2 ;
N. E. Gardner, 1903-4; G. W. Mitchell, 1905 — .
South Platte (Doniphan) — Organized 1894. — Revs. C.
H. Huestis, 1899-1901 ; J. L. Cross (Stii.), W. A.
Alcorn, 1902-4; R. Jones, 1904 — .
Spencer — Organized 1891. — Revs. W. Loney, 1893-95;
W. A. Hensel, 1896; G. Wadsworth, 1897-99; G. R.
IMartin. 1899-1900; F. Pile, 1901-2; W. J. Isaacs,
1903—.
SPRrNGFrELD — Organized 1878.— Revs. J. B. Gilbert, 1882-
85; E. P. Dada, 1886-89; M. J. P. Thing, 1889-91;
W. Radford, 1891-94; J. E. Storm, 1894-97; E. Cress-
man, 1897-1900; J. Foster, 1901-2; H. M. Triplett,
1902 — .
Springview — Organized 1887. — Revs. J. E. Power, 1887-
89; Mr. J. D. Hoffman (Stu.), 1889; J. W. Hadden,
1891-93; J. S. Van Alstine, 1894-95; S. Eveland, 1896;
J. Kokjer, 1897-1900; W. A. Hensel, 1900; Wm.
Haresnape, 1901-2 ; E, B. Sikes, 1904 — .
Stanton — Organized 1870. — Revs. J. W. Kidder, 1870-78;
M. H. Mead, 1878-82; J. W. Laughlin (Stu.), 1881 ;
W. B. Dada, 1882-86; T. Kent, 1887; F. D. Green,
1888-89; C. B. Fellows, 1889-92; A. G. Washington,
1892-93; F. O. Hellier, 1893-94; H. M. Lyman, 1894-
96; J. J. Klopp, 1898—.
Steele City — Organized 1872. — Revs. S. C. Dean, 1872-
82; E. Cressman, 1882-86; H. J. Alacomber, 1887-88;
E. Durant, 1889-91; D. W. Comstock, 1891-92; Z. K.
Heinzman, 1893-94; H. H. Avery, 1894-1902; E.
Cressman, 1901-4 ; A. W. Nevill, 1904 — .
Stockham (German) — Organized i884.^Revs. G. Grob,
1888-90; M. Trieber, 1890-91; J. Bruse, 1893-94; R.
Hilkerbaeumer, 1894-97; G. Essig, 1898; G. Grob,
1899—.
TABLES 319
Stockville — Organized 1890. — Mr. H. F. Gilt (Stu.)
1888; Revs. A. C. Bartlett, 1893-97; A. G. Axtell,
1900-3 ; J. E. Craig-, 1903 — .
Strang— Organized 1886.— Revs. G. Taylor, 1886; J. G.
Robertson, 1887; C. H. Eaton, 188/; E. L. Ely, 1889-
91; F. Fox, 1891; E. Martin, 1892; G. J. Battey,
1893-95; W. R. Griffiths, 1897; A. L. Squire, 1898;
W. A. Alcorn, 1899-1902; D. E. Thomas (Stu.), 1903;
M. J. Millard, 1904—.
Superior (German) — Organized 1893. — Revs. F. Bren-
necke, 1894-96; P. Lich, iSc)/'-<:)8 ; J. B. Happel, 1899-
1901 ; W. F. Vogt, 1 90 1.
Sutton — Organized 1872. — Revs. D. B. Perry, 1872; C. H.
Hibbard, 1873; J. Gray, 1874-77; C. F. Graves, 1878-
80; Geo. Scott, 1881-83; E. H. Baker, 1883-86; H. B.
Fry, 1887-88; F. C. Cockran, 1889-91; J. Flook, 1892-
95; F. D. Jackson, 1896-97; J. B. Losey, 1898-1902;
T. A. Dungan, 1903 — .
Sutton (German) — Organized 1880. — Revs. E. Jose,
188(^83; H. Bentz, 1884-87; M. Treiber, 1888-91;
J. H. Schlechter, 1892; J. Bruse, 1893; R. Hilker-
baeumer, 1894-97; G. Essig, 1897-99; G. Grob, 1899 — •
Syracuse — Organized 1871. — Revs. J. Hall, 1875-76; J. M.
1\ Chessington, 1877-78; H. S. Thompson, 1879-81;
M. F. Piatt, 1881; E. H. Ashman, 1882-86; E. H.
• Baker, 1886-87; P- St. Clair, 1888-89 ; G. F. McHenry,
1889-91; C. W. Anthony, 1892-93; E. V. Gardner,
1894-98; J. Foster, 1899-1900; F. F. Lewis, 1901-4;
F. E. Henry, 1904 — .
Taylor — Organized 1893. — Revs. D. F. Bright, 1893-96;
J. Poeton, 1896-99; E. L. Wismer, 1899-1900; S.
Deakin, 1901-4; T. Evans, 1904 — .
Thedford — Organized 1899. — ^1^. E-. W. Ellis (Stu.),
1899; Revs. G. H. Rice, 1900; C. W. Preston, 1900-5.
320 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
T.i.Mr.i:ii Creek ( \\'olbach) — Organized 1897. — Revs. W.
F. Essig-, 1898; G. Henkelmann, 1899; F. A. Stoelting,
1900; J. B. Happel, 1901-2.
Trenton— Organized 1886.— Revs. G. W. Rich, 1886-87;
U. C. Bosworth, 1S88-90; J. H. Beitel, 1891-94; O. A.
I'almer, 1894; D. Donaldson, 1895; D. F. Bright, 1896-
97; G. E. Lincohi, 1899-1901 ; A. G. Axtell, 1902-4;
G. T. Noyce, 1904 — .
Turkey Creek "(German) Friend — Organized 1894. —
Revs. P. Lich, 1893; G. Essig, 1896-97; G. L. Brake-
meycr, i8()8: \\\ F. Vogt, 1904-5.
U[.YSSE.s — Organized 1877. — Revs. S. Barrows, 1876-82 ;
J. F. Roberts, 1882; E. T. Lee (Stu.), 1882; J. E.
Storm, 1883-85; J. F. Otis, 1886-87; W. S. Hills,
1888-90; O. A. Palmer, 1892-94; B. F. Diffenbacher,
i8()4-97; H. A. Shuman, 1898-1900; W. S. Hampton,
1901-5 ; .\. J. Fitt, T905 — .
Urt?ana — Organized 1884. — Rev. R. S. Pierce, 1884 — .
Venango — Organized 1888. — Revs. \\'. S. Hampton, 1889-
92; G. \V. Knapp, 1894-98; J. Croker, 1900-4; F.
Barnard, 1905.
Verdon— Organized 1868.— Revs. \\'. S. Hills, 18ST-84;
^r. H. Mead, 1885-87; J. T. Hull, 1887; C. W. Preston,
. 1888-92; D. L. Hillard, 1892-93; J. L. Fisher, 1894-
96; W. T. P^aacs. 1896-1900; I. AIcRae, 1903-4; Ji.
F. Boiin, 1904 — .
Wattoo — Organized 1871. — Revs. J. F. Clarkson, 1874; W.
B. Atkinson, 1897; J. Gray, 1896-81; E. E. Webber,
1882; H. M. Goodell, 1884; A. A. Cressman. 1886-92;
J. G. Lange. 1892-95; W. H. Brearley, 1896; S. Wood,
1897; J, B. Stocking, 1 899-1903 : R. W. Burton,
1904-5.
TABLES 321
W ALi Aci-:— Oro^anized 1888. — Revs. H. B. Fry, 1889-91;
(i. S. Biscoe, 1891-94; C. T. Murphy, 1894-98; I. Mc-
Rae, 1898-1900; J. L. l^'ishcr, 1900-1 ; A. W. Nevill,
1902-4; F. W. (larduer, 1904 — .
\\a\i:rlv— Organized 1876.— Revs. M. F. Piatt, iSyC^yH;
F. Cressman. 1879-81; R. Campbell, 1881-84; G. W.
Richards. 1884; G. S. Biscoe, 1885-90; C. E. Enlovv,
1891; I. L. Lowe, 1895-97; A. A. Cressman, 1898-99;
O. L. Anderson, 1900; C. H. Hnestis, 1902-5; T.
Jones, 1905 — .
\Va\'i-:rly (Swedish) — -Organized 1904. — Rev. J. E.
SwaiTson, 1904 — .
Weeping Water — Organized i860. — Revs. F. Alley, i86r)-
69; S. Barrows, 1870-73; J. B. Chase, 1874-78; C. F.
Graves, 1880; G. Hindley, 1883; C. S. Harrison,
1893-7: S. L Hanford, 1898 — .
W'liSCOTT (Comstock) — Organized 1889. — Revs. H. Hitch-
cock, 1890; M. J. P. Thing! 1891^3; J. F. Smith,
1893-96; C. E. Howard, 1897-1900; B. H. Jones, 1900;
J. H. and ^^Trs. Helser, 1901-3 ; S. A. Van Lnven,
1904 ; J. PL Kraemer. 1905 — .
A\'i:sT Cedar Valley (Elgin) — Organized 1874. — Revs.
H. Griffith, 1874-83; D. E. French (Stu.), 1884; J. A.
:Milligan. 1884; H. H. Avery, 1884; H. Houlding, 1885;
S. Pearson, 1887-89: PL O. Spellman (Stu.), 1889;
A. C. Trieber, 1891 ; C. D. Thompson, 1893-95 ; C. H.
Kershaw, 1896-0)7; J. Roberts, 1901-5.
We.st Hamilton (Doniphan) — Organized 1878. — Revs.
Wm. AVoolman. 1876-77; T. Pugh, 1879-80; Wm.
Woolman, 1882; P C. Hugh, 1883-85; J. H. Embree,
1885-90; E. Cressman, 1891-95; R. M. Travers, 1896-
98: C. PL Huestis, 1899-1901 ; W. A. Alcorn. 1902-4;
R. Jones, 1904 — .
21
322 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
West Point — Organized 1878. — Revs. Geo. Scott, 1878-
81; J. Oakey, 1881-85; <^^- C. Hall, 188(^87; C. H.
Huestis, 1888-90; Wm. Haynes, 1890; S. Pearson,
1891-99; F. W. Leavitt, 1 899-1 903 ; C. A. Gleason,
1903-5-
WiLtox— C,)roanized 1886.— Revs. J. W. liadden, 1886-
88; Mr. C. M. Severance (Stu.), 1888; W. S. Hamp-
ton, 1888-89; ^- H. Huestis, 1890-92; W. P. Peas,
1893-94; S. 1. linger, 1895-96; O. E. Ticknor, 1897-
98; W. H. Le Bar, 1899-1900; G. T. Noyce, 1901-4;
G. I. Reeves, 1905 — .
WiLLOWDALE (Plainvicw) — Organized 1881. — Revs. G.
T. Noyce, 1895-1901 ; W. 1. Isaacs, 1901-3 ; C. M.
Thomas, 1903-5.
WiSNF.R— Organized 1880.— Revs. Geo. Scott, 1878-81 ; J.
Oakey, 1881-84; C^- C. Hall, 1885-86; G. A\ . Brown-
john, 1887-90; D. .L. Hillard, 1890-92; P. H. Hines,
1893-95; J- Foster, 1896; A. W. Ayers, 1897-1902;
F. Baker, 1902; Geo. .Scott, 1903 — .
Wymore — Organized 1882. — Revs. C. E. Harwood, 1882-
84; G. A. Coleman. 1884; J. V. Dimon, 1885-90; W. S.
Woolworth, 1890; J. A. Milligan, 1891; J. V. Willis,
1892; S. F. Wilson, 1893^)4; W. S. Hills, 1895: T. C.
Moffatt. 1897; W. F. Berger, 1903-4: R. M. Travcrs,
1904—.
York — Organized 1872. — Revs. C. S. Harrison, 1873-75;
H. Herrick, 1875; C. S. Harrison, 1876-82; C. H. Mc-
intosh, 1882-83: H. S. Harrison, 1884-86; R. S. Lind-
sey. 1887-89: E. R. Leeper. i889-c;2; R. T. Cross.
1893-1903; W. H. Medlar, 1903 — .
323
IX
At.l'[IAl!KTICAL LIST OF ALL MINISTERS WORKING IN THE
STATE
The figures represent the pastors.
F'or correct showing of length and number of pastorates
see Table VIII.
The pastorates still continuing are marked with a — .
Abbott, Rev. Amos Fairfield, 1878-79.
Abernethy, Rev. H. C. ... Fairmont, 1878-87.
Adams, Rev. A. D Kearney, 1878-80.
Aikman, Rev. J. G Red Cloud, 1883.
Alcorn, Rev. Wm. A Shickley, 1899-1902,
Doniphan, 1902-04.
Alley, Rev. F Weeping Water, 1866-67,
Ord, 1867, Plattsmouth, 1869-71,
Crete and Wilber, 1873.
Dorchester, 1878.
Altvater, Rev. Ernest W. . Shickley, 1901, Grafton, 1903.
Anderson, Rev. Charles .. Gloversville, 1896.
Bloomfield, 1S98, Addison, 1899.
Anderson, Rev. O. L Grant, 1899.
Lincoln Butler Avenue, 1899.
Waverly, 1900-02.
Anderson, Rev. Samuel .. Germantown, 1902.
Andress, Rev. J. H Grafton, 1894-96,
Long Pine, 1896,
Avoca, 1 899-1901,
Chadron, 1901 — .
Anthony. Rev. Charles W.
Evangelical Association. Syracuse, 1892-94.
324 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Appleton, Rev. Fayette G.Linwood, 1898, Arlington, 1899,
Arcadia, 1900, Rising City, 1903.
Archer, Rev. Win. C Xaponee, 1902-03.
Arnold, Rev. John Osborn (Ger.), 1886-88.
A.rmstrong-^ Rev. J -Vlbion, 1878.
Ashmun, Rev. E. H Syracuse, 1882-86,
Beatrice. 1 886-88.
Askin, Rev. John Kearney, 1885-93.
Atkinson, Rev. \V. B Wahoo, 1876.
Avery, Rev. Holly H Keya Paha divide, 1884.
Steele City, 1 894-190 1.
Axtell, Rev. .Vrchie G. . . . Enstis and Stockville, 1900,
Trenton, 1902, Blair, 1904 — .
Ayars, Rev. T. H Kearney, 1880-82,
David City, 1883-86.
Ayers, Rev. Alfred W. ... Arlington, 1889-92,
David City, 1892-96,
Omaha Pilgrim, 1896-97.
Wisner. 1 898-1902.
Bacon, Rev. J. F Xeligh, 1895-99.
Baker, Rev. Arid A Burwell, 1892.
B>aker, Rev. Henry Rolfe. Crawford, 1892.
Baker, Rev. E. H Sutton, 1883,
Bradshaw, 1888-89,
Grafton, 1889, Clay Center, 1890.
Baker, Rev. Franklin. . . . Wisner, 1902.
Baldwin, Rev. David J... Pierce, i88rv-88.
Bandy, Rev. Paul S Ft. Calhoun, 1899,
Fairfield to 1902.
Barber, Rev. Frank W.. . Cambridge, 1883, Riverton, 18S2.
.Moline, 1886.
Barnard, Rev. Fred Grant. 1905,
^Madrid and Venango, 1905 — .
Barron. Rev. John W. . . . Creighton, 1890.
TABLES 325
Barrows, Rev. S Weeping Water, 1870-74,
Osceola, 1874-79, Ulysses, 1882.
J3artlett, Rev. Albert X. . . Stockville, 1800-93.
Baskerville, Rev. Mark. . .Aurora, 1888-91.
Bates, Rev. Henry Fiymouth ist, 1872-82,
Pickrell, 1885.
Batty, Rev. George J Cortland, 1890,
Shickley, Strang, Bruning, 1893,
Harbine, 1895,
(irand Island, 1898,
Hemingford, 1899,
Farnam, 1900.
liayne, Rev. Thomas. . . . Columbus, 1876-78.
Beal, Rev. Byron Butler Co. ist, 1880,
Cedar Rapids and
Linv.'ood, 1884.
Bear, Rev. S. A. (M. E.) .Brunswick, 1894-95.
Beaver, Rev. C. H Fairmont, 1899-05.
Beitle, Rev. Julius H Palisade, Trenton, 1891,
Hayes Co. ist, 1892,
Eureka, 1898,
S. S. and P. Missionary,
Naponee, 1905 — .
Bell, Rev. Thomas Palmyra, 1871, Paisley, 1893.
Belknap. Rev. Lafayette. . Aten and Herrick, 1888.
Benjamin, Rev. W. E
(Bap.) Monroe, 1903-05.
Bennett, Rev. W. P Crete, 1884-96.
l^ennett. Rev. ]. H Avoca, 1901-04,
Clay Center, 1904 — .
Bent, Rev. George Red Cloud, 1879.
Benton, Rev. L. E Jalappa, Glenco,
Mapleville, 1875-76,
Beaver Crossing, 1878.
326 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Berger, Rev. W. Francis. . Wymore, 1903,
Omaha Hillside, 1903-04.
Bentz, Rev. H Friend (Ger.), 1884,
Grafton (Ger.), 1885.
Berry, Rev. Geo. R Aten, 1889-90, Addison, 1890.
Berry, Rev. Loren F Fremont, 1887-90.
Bettex, Rev. Edward T. . ALcCook (Ger.), 1892-93.
Bidwell, Rev. John P \rlington, 18S8. ,
r.isbee. Rev. C. G Fontanelle, 1866-67.
Instructor in School, 1870-75.
Supplying many of the smaller
churches for a number of yrs.
Bird, Rev. M. B \voca, 1905 — .
Biscoe, Rev. Geo. S Clarks, 1879-86, Waverly, 1886,
Milford, 1890, Wallace, 1891-94.
Bohn, Rev. H. F Verdon, 1904 — .
]^>osworth. Rev. Uriah C. .Genoa and Monroe, 1887,
Trenton, 1888, Bertrand, 1890.
liooth, Rev. Edwin, Jr... Long Pine, 1899,
I>loomfiekl, 1900-02,
David City, 1903,
I'catrice, 1904 — .
I'.rakemeyer. Rev. Gus-
tavus L Friend (Ger.), 1898-04,
Germantown, 1904 — .
l'>rande. Rev. Alfred G. .. Pierce. 1891.
Breareley, Rev. Wm. H..\\alioo, 1896.
Brennecke, Rev. Frederick
(Ger.) Superior and
Beaver Creek, 1894.
r.rereton. Rev. James E. . . Ashland. 1886-92,
Sec. for Doane College,
( ieneva, 1893-96.
Brett, Rev. Geo. Southwell, Grant, 1892-93.
327
Bright, Rev. D. Franklin.
Bross, Rev. H
Brown. Rev. Aniasa A...
Brown, Rev. Aurelian L. . .
Brown. Rev. H. E
Brownjohn, Rev. G. W.
P.rown, Rev. James M
Brown, Rev. J. B. . .
Brown, Rev. L. E. . .
Bruce, Rev. W
Bruechert, Rev. F. H.
Buettner, Rev. Henry
Bruse, Rev. John. . . .
W.
Buck, Rev. Charles E.
(AI. E.)
Buell, Rev. Seth A
Burhans, Rev. Paul C. . . .
Burling, Rev. Jas. P
Bullock, Rev. Motier A . .
Bunker, Rev. Fred R . . . .
Burt, Rev. J. S
Burton, Robert W
Butler. Rev. M. C
Taylor, 1893,
]*"air\iew (Trenton), 1896.
Crete, 1873-84, Chadron, 1885,
(Ten. Atiss. in N. W. Neb., 1886-
90, State Supt. of Home Mis-
sions, 1890 — .
Harvard, 1901,
Creighton, 1903 — .
Douglas, 1891, Howells, 1893,
Harbine, 1898, Irvington, 1899.
Talmage, 1901.
Ordained by Gen. Assn.,
Pastor Fontanelle, 1866-67.
Clarks, 1886, Wisner, 1887-90.
Butte. 1905 — .
Snake Creek, 1889,
Hyannis, 1890-95, Reno, 1902.
Ogalalla, 1884.
Glenco, 1876-78.
Omaha (Ger.), 1885—.
McCook (Ger.). 1889-92.
Stockham, 1893,
Sutton (Ger.), 1893-94.
Paisley, 1904 — .
Ravenna, 1903 — .
Seward, 1898.
Kearney, 1897.
Lincoln Vine St., 1899 — .
Fairmont, 1888-89.
Itinerant Licentiate.
Havelock, 1902, Wahoo, 1904 — .
Exeter, 1883-86,
Red Cloud, 1886.
32-8
CONGRIiGATIO XAL X EBKASK A
I'.r.tler, Rev. S. WriHit.
lUiss. Rev. William,
Calhoun, Rev. John S
(."amp, Rev. W. L. . . .
Campbell, Rev. C. E.
Campbell, Rev. Randolph
Carlisle, Rev. Charles B .
Carson, Rev. J. William.
Case, Rev. A. M
Chase, Rev. J. B
Cheesman, Rev. T. W. C
Chessington, Rev. G. F. AT
Clancy, Rev. \\'. P
Cleveland, Rev. H. C
Clark, Rev. Allen.
Clark. Rev. G. B.
Clark, Rev. O. C.
Clark, Rev. V. F.
Clarkson, Rev. J. F
Cockran, Rev. Pdorenzo C
Cockran, Rev. Warren..
Cofifman, Rev. Arthur W
Cole, Rev. Thomas W. . .
Omaha St. ]\lary's Ave., i8<j2-
lyoo.
I'^en-iont, iSyo-1902.
Bertrand, i(Sy9, Indianola, lyoo.
Kearney, 1878, Wheatland, 1878.
Fairview (Trenton), 1898,
Hurwell, 1899-1902.
Blair, 1878,
Waverly and
Pleasant Mew, 1881-85.
Seward, 1S93.
Ashland, 1903 — .
Blair, 1884-87.
Butler Co. i.st, 1868,
Fremont, 1869-72,
Fontanelle, 1873.
Seward, 1896, Ashland. 1898.
Syracuse, 1877.
Arlington, 1885.
Hyannis, 1898,
Xaponee, 1900-02.
, Nebraska City, 1887.
Monroe, 1891-92.
, Friend, 1883-85.
Davi<l City, i88&-<;2,
Holdrege, 1892-97,
Xelig^i, 1903—.
Wahoo, 1874.
Sutton, 1886, Rising City. 1891,
Greenwood, 1895.
, Fairmont, 1876-78.
. Bertrand, 1888-89.
. T'airmont, 1889, Ravenna, 1893,
Grand Island, 1894.
TABLES 329
Coleman, Rev. George A. . Wymore, 1884-85.
Collier, Rev. J. L Nebraska City, 1877-79.
Comstock, Rev. Davillo W.Grand Island, 1887,
Riverton, 1889, Burwell, 1890.
Connett, Rev. Allen W. . . liurwell, 1889, Fairfield, 1890.
Conrad, Rev. Geo. A Omaha Saratoga, 189 1,
]McCook, 1903-05.
Cooper, Rev. James Harbine and Plymouth, 1890-93.
Cope, Rev. H. W. (M. E.) Paisley (Unadilla), 1900-02.
Cowman, Rev. J. W Crete, 1901 — .
Craig, Rev. John E Farnam and Stockville, 1903 — .
Crane, Rev. H. C ( )maha Hillsid-e, 1887-90.
Crawford, Rev. C. H. . . . . Genoa and Monroe, 1883-84.
Crawford, Rev. M. A David City.
Crawford, Rev. Otis D ... Columbus, 1893-94.
Cressman, Rev. A. A.... Camp Creek, 1879,
Albion and Boone, 1880,
Wahoo, 1886, Fairmont, 1892,
Grafton, 1896-97,
Waverly, 1 898-1900,
Field S.ec. for Doane College,
Grand Island, 1901-04.
Cressman, Rev. E Waverly, 1879,
Steele City, i88t, Aurora, 1887,
Plymouth, 1888, Doniphan, 1891,
Dodge and Howells, 1897,
Springfield, 1898,
Steele City, 190T-04.
Cresswell, Rev. William
(Pres.) Ft. Calhoun, 190T.
Crocker, Rev. Herbert G. .Omaha Hillside, 1902-03.
Croker, Rev. John Grant, 1900,
Bertrand and Loomis, 1904.
Crofts, Rev. Geo. W Beatrice, 1892-1904.
22
330 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Crosby, Rev. Samuel B..Loomis, 1892, Eagle, 1893.
Cross, Rev. R. T York, 1893-1903.
Curry, Rev. David G Hay Springs, 1900-02.
Curtis, Rev. A. W Hastings, 1878,
David City, 1879.
Dada, Rev. E. P Pierce, 1884-86,
Springfield, 1886, Friend, 1889,
Hemingford, 1894-96.
Dada, Rev. W. B Stanton, 1882.
Davidson, Rev. Wm. E. . . Friend, 1887-88.
Davies, Rev. Arthur E. . . . Eustis, 1899-1900.
Davies, R.ev. George Xursery Hill, 1871.
Davies, Rev. W. A Brunsv/ick, 1893, Bladen, 1894,
Linwood, 1896,
Dodge, 1 897-1901,
2\Ionroe, 1900-02.
Davis, Rev. Joseph W Xeligh, 1888.
Darley, Rev. Alexander ^L, Seward, 1887-88.
Deakin, Rev. Samuel Hay Springs, 1888-93,
Cowles, 1893, Taylor, 1901,
Cowles, 1904 — .
Dean, Rev. Amos N Freewater, 1881,
Morning Star and Moline, 1881,
Naponee, 1884-85,
Cambridge, 1884-89,
Oxford. 1885, Talmage, 1889,
Eagle, 1890, Douglas, 1894,
Friend, 1895.
Dean. Rev. Benj. A Clarks. 1878.
Exeter and Grafton, 1879-83.
Dean, Rev. Edwin B South Bend, 1890.
Dean. Rev. F. W Red Cloud, 1898,
AlcCook, 1902-03.
TABLES
331
Dean, l^ev. S. C Jenkins Mills, 1872,
Steele City, 1874-82,
Plymouth, 1882,
South Bend, 1885-90.
Debenham, Rev. Walter
(Presbyterian) Park (Mentorville), 1898-99.
De Long, Rev. Thomas W. . Ainsvvorth, 1888-95.
Demorest, Rev. W. L Grand Island, 1888-89.
Denney, Rev. Wilson- Nebraska City, 1884,
Ashland, 1892-97.
Dickenson, Rev. Geo. L. . Alma, 1888, Naponee, 1889.
Dickenson, Rev. Airs. M. J., Linwood, 1902 — .
Dietrick, Rev. Henry J... Butte, Zion's, 1901, Hope, 1902.
Diffenbacher, Rev. B. F.. . .Mainland, 1877,
Sarpy Center, 1878,
Louisville, 1879-83,
Arlington, 1883,
Hay Springs and
Rushville, 1885-88,
Ulysses, 1894, Eagle, 1898,
Irvington, 1900-03,
Omaha Saratoga, 1904 — .
Dimmock, Rev. S. R Lincoln, 1873.
Dimon, Rev. J. V Wymore, 1885.
Dixon, Rev. J. J. A. T Irvington, 1871.
Doane, Rev. John Grand Island, 1889-93,
Lincoln Plymouth, 1 893-1902,
Fremont, 1902 — .
Dobson, Rev. John A. ... Seward, 1888.
Donaldson, Rev. David ... Trenton, 1895-96.
Doolittle, Rev. J. B Grafton, 1880-87,
Farnam, 1890-93,
Plarbine and Plymouth. 1893-95.
Doremus, Rev. Andrew. . .Glencoe, 1879.
332 CONGREGATIOXAL NEBRASKA
Dorsey, Rev. Geo. X Ilubbell and Chester, 1881.
Douglas, Rev. Clinton Albion, 1900-03.
Douglas, Rev. Thomas ... Fontanelle, 1870.
Douglas, Rev. T. O Franklin, 1902—.
Dresser, Rev. Amos Butler Co. ist, 1870,
Linwood, 1875, Indianola, 1879,
Guide Rock, 1885,
Camp Creek, 1886-96,
]\Iinersville,-i893,
Duncan. Rev. Calvin W . . Ogalalla, 1903,
Holdrege, 1905 — .
Dungan, Rev. Geo Indianola, 1882,
McCook, 1882-86.
Dungan, Rev. Thomas A.Sutton, 1903—.
Durrant, Rev. Edward. . . Steele City, 1889,
Alma and Blyville, 1891.
Duryea, Rev. Joseph T. . . Omaha ist, 1888-94.
Dyas, *Rev. J. P Silver Creek, 1879,
Genoa and Monroe, 1880-83.
Dyke, Rev. Thomas Naponee, 1904.
Aten and Crofton, 1905 — .
F,astman, Rev. W. F Osceola, 1882, Richmond, 1884,
Greeley, 1885, Rushville, 1886.
Eaton. Rev. Cyrus H Shickley, 1887.
Egerland, Rev. Franz Crete (Ger.), 1897-1902.
Ehnamani, Rev. Artemas. . Santee Agency, 1867-1902.
Elliott, Rev. John E Columbus, 1870-75.
Ellis, Rev. Jacob T Neligh, 1893-94.
Ellis, Rev. John T Dustin, 1903, Naper 1904,-
Campbell and Bladen, 1905 — .
Ely, Rev. Edward L Shickley, 1889-91,
Red Cloud, 1891,
Omaha Saratoga and
Cherry HiH, 1894-96.
333
Emljree, Rev. J. H Doniphan, 1885, Trumbull, 188
Loomis, 1900,
Bertrand, 1902-03,
Ilemingford, 1903-05,
Reno, 1905.
Emerson, Rev. C. H Creighton, 1871.
Emerson, Rev, F. E Osceola, 1886,
Enlow, Rev. Charles E. . . Greenwood, 1891,
Waverly, 1891,
Havelock, 1892-93.
Essig, Rev. Gotleib Friend (Ger.^), 1895,
Stockham (Ger.), 1897.
Hayes Co. ist, 1 899-1902.
Evans, Rev. H. M .Burwell," 1895,
Grand Island, 1896-97,
Cummings Park, 1904 — .
Evans, Rev. Thomas Brewster, 1900-04.
Taylor, 1904, Almeria, 1905 —
Eveland, Rev. Samuel. .-. .Ainsworth, 1895-98,
Springview, 1896,
Petersburg, 1898.
Falk, Rev. Theo Crete (Ger.), 1880.
Farnsworth, Rev. Arthur. Norfolk 2d, 1893,
Dodge and Howells, 1894-96,
Nebraska City, 1896.
Farwell, Rev. Asa Ashland, 1871.
Fellows, Rev. C. B Pilger and Stanton, 1889.
Fellows, Rev. Wm. W. . . . Fairmont, 1887-88.
Ferguson, Rev. Frank L. . Chadron, 1890.
Fifield, Rev. L. B Lincoln ist, 187(1^72,
Kearney, 1874-78.
Finch, Rev. J. B Nebraska City, 1865-67.
Fisher, Rev. James A. . . . Omaha Plymouth, 1894-95.
33+ CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Fisher, Rev. Jessie L Verdon, 1894,
Camp Creek, 1896-98,
Rising City, 1 898-1900,
Curtis and Wallace, 1900-02.
Fitch, Rev. Albert Irvington, 1874,
Central City, 1875,
Chapman, 1879.
Fitt, Rev. A. J Eagle, 1904, Ulysses, 1905—. '
Flock, Rev. Jacob Indianola, 1888-92,
Sutton, 1892-95,
Omaha Hillside, 1895,
Kearney, 1903 — .
Folsom, Rev. Arthur J. . . Alma, 1902,
Omaha Plymouth, 1904 — .
Forbs, Rev. Frank S Omaha Saratoga, 1888,
Nebraska City, 1889.
Forbs, Rev. W. H White Water,' 1883.
Foster, Rev. John Wisner, 1896, Cambridge, 1897
Syracuse, 1899,
Springfield, 1902.
Foster, Rev. Roswell Nebraska City, 1867.
Foster, Rev. W. C Nebraska City, 1869.
Fox, Rev. Frank Shickley, Strang, and
Bruning, 1891-92.
Francis, Rev. Silas F Fontanelle, 1857.
Frazier, Rev. Francis. ... Santee, 1902 — .
Frazier, Rev. Albert Niobrara, 1905 — .
French, Rev. D. E Arborville, 1903 — .
French, Rev. H. A Milford, 1872-83,
Creenwood, 1883-90,
Editor Nch. Congl. News — .
Frilzemcier, Rev. William. .Crete (Ger.), 1891,
Olive Branch, 1895-96.
Frv, Rev. Holland B Pilfer and Stanton, 1880.
335
Gafert, Rev. Fredrick. . .
Gammon, Rev. Robert W
Gardiner, Rev. G. A
Gardner, Rev. E. V
Gardner, Rev. F. W
Gardner, Rev. Isaac J . . . ,
Gardner, Rev. N. E
Gates, H.N
Gavlord, Rev. Reuben
Gearhart, Rev. Charles D,
Geer, Rev. Herman
Giddings, Rev. William . .
Gilbert, Rev. J. B
Gleason, Rev. Charles A. .
Goerlitz, Rev. G. Wolde-
man
Goodell, Rev. H. M
Princeton, (Ger.), 1904 — .
Monroe, 1890-91.
Eustis, 1904-05.
Syracuse, 1894,
Cirand Island, 1899.
Blair, 1899, Curtis, 1904,
Wallace, 1904 — .
Crawford, 1891,
Silver Creek, 1892-93.
Hemingford, 1886-90,
Silver Creek, 1893, Genoa, 1894.
Arborville, 1895-99,
Tiemingford, 1903,
Silver Creek, 1904.
Supt. Home Missions, 1874-80.
Omaha, 1857,
State Supt. li. M., 1864-70,
La Platte, 1870,
Deceased at Fontanellc,
Jan. 10, 1880.
Indianola, 1892, Pierce, 1896,
Newman's Grove, 1900,
Ains worth, 1902-05.
Bradshaw, 1887-88.
Cedar Bluffs; 1871.
Fontanelle, 1880,
Springfield, 1882,
Exeter, 1886-189 1,
Ravenna, 1891.
West Point, 1903-05,
Fairmont, 1905 — .
liastings (Ger.) and
Inland, 1894-95.
Blair, 1882, Wahoo, 1884-86.
336 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Goodell, Rev. J DeWitt, 1876-77.
Gordon, Rev. Thomas Nebraska City, 1876-77.
Graham, Rev. Robert N . . Ilavelock, 1901,
Bloomfield, 1903 — .
Addison, 1903.
Gregor}-, Rev. Lewis Lincoln ist, 1875-99.
Graves, Rev. C. F Sutton, 1878-80,
Weeping Water.
Grawe, Rev. J. F Wilber and Highland, 1881.
Gray, Rev. John Sutton, 1874-76, Wahoo, 1876,
Columbus, 1882,
Ainsworth, 1883,
Butte, 1898-1902.
Gray, Rev. R. Y Addison, 1898-99.
Green, Rev. Fred D Stanton, 1888-89.
Griffith, Rev. Harvey Clear Water, 1873, Neligh, 1875,
Much missionary work.
Griffiths, Rev. Thomas. .. Petersburg, 1895,
Geneva, 1897 — .
Griffiths, Rev. Wm. R Shickley, Strang, and
Bruning, 1897-98.
Grob, Rev. Gottfried Liland (Ger.), 1887,
Hastings, 1890, Sutton, 1899,
Sutton (Ger.), 1899 — ,
Stockham — .
Grob, Rev. John Inland (Ger.), 1886-87.
Grout, Rev. S. N Elmore, 1869-70,
Franklin Co. ist, 1874.
Grupe, Rev. Fred W Farnam, 1898,
Campbell and
Bladen, 1898-1900.
Hadden, Rev. J. W Alma, 1884, Free water, 1885,
Wilcox, 1886. MoHne, 1887,
Upland, 1888, Riverton, 1890,
Spring\aew, 1891, Out stations.
TABLES
337
Hadsel, Mr. W. T.
(M. E.) Hyannis and Bingham, 1905 — .
Haines, Rev. S. S -. Arborville, 1881-82, and
Randolph.
Halbersleben, Rev. H. C. . Highland, 1887,
Cortland, 1888-90,
Silver Creek, 1890,
Linwood, 1892, Irvington, 1896,
Exeter, 1899-1901,
Indianola, 1901-03,
Palisade, 1904 — .
Hall, Rev. E. J Precept, Stoughton,
Vailton, 1885.
Hall, Rev. George C Wisner, 1885, West Point, 1886,
Nebraska City, 1892-95.
Hall, Rev. James S3Taciise, 1874.
Hamlin, Rev. Christopher
R Lincoln Plymouth, 1902-04.
Hammond, Rev. Charles L.Grafton, and Shickley, 1903 — ,
Hampton, Rev. W. S Arborville, 1877,
Cambridge, 1880,
Franklin, 1882,
Riverton, 1886, Wilcox, 1888,
Grant, 1889, Ogalalla, 1894,
Brule, 1897, Silver Creek, 1898,
LHysses, 1901-04, Howells and
Dodge, 1905 — .
Hand, Rev. Leroy S Omaha Saratoga, 1896,
Arlington, 1900-02.
Hanford, Rev. S. I Long Pine, 1887, Aurora, 1891,
Weeping Water, 1898 — .
Hannan, Rev. W. E Dunning, 1905,
Eustis and Loomis, 1905 — .
2)jO CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Happel Rev. John 15 Superior, 1899,
Germantown, 1902-03,
Oittstations.
Hardcastle, Rev. Wm Cambridge, 1899-1903.
Hardy, Rev. James W. . . . Bloomfield and
Addison, 1891-92,
Aten, 1893-94.
Harrison, Rev. C. S York, 1876-82,
Franklin, 1884-91,
Weeping- Water, 1893-97,
Grafton, 1900, Clay Center, 1900.
Harrison, Rev. H. S Centerville, 1881, York, 1884.
Harrison, Rev. James. . . . North Bend, 1886.
Harrison, Rev. H. R Hastings, 1905 — .
Harrison, Rev. M. B Scribner, 1881 — .
Harsnape, Rev. Wm Long Pine, 1901,
Norfolk 2d, 1903 — .
Hart, Rev. William H Arborville, 1899-1900,
Friend, 1900-03.
Harwood, Rev. C. E Wymore, 1882,
Fairfield, 1884-89.
Haskin, Rev. Spencer C. . Clearwater, 1S90.
Hatch, Rev. Fredrick A.. Omaha Plymouth, 1900-04.
Hathaway, Rev. Daniel E. DeWitt, 1886,
Plymouth, 1886-88.
Haviland, Rev. B. F Hastings and Harvard, 1873.
Hauptman, Rev. William. Genoa, 1900-02,
Red Cloud, 1902-03,
Alma, 1904-05.
Hawkcs, Rev. G. B McCook, 1905—.
Hawkins, Rev. Newman H.Indianola and Noble, 1904 — .
Hayes, Rev. Edward L. . . Danbury, 1898.
Haynes, Rev. William. . . .Ravenna, 1889,
West Point, 1890,
Exeter, 1891-92,
339
Healcy, Rev. Sullivan
Scott
Healy, Rev. Frank D. ...
Heathcote, Rev. Arthur S. .
Heaton, Rev. I. E
Hdde, Rev. G. O. (Bap.). .
Hellier, Rev. Frank O . . . .
Hastings,' 1894-95.
Bcrtrand, 1895-99.
Bladen, 1897.
Fremont, 1856-59.
Monroe, 1904.
Maple Creek
(Stanton), 1893-94.
Sargent, 1902-04.
Steele City, 1893.
Grand Island, 1893.
Helser, Rev. Mrs. Mary A. ;
Heinzman, Rev. Z. K.
Henderson, Rev. J. H.
Henklemann, Rev. Gus-
tavus L Timber Creek, 1899,
Lincoln (Ger.), 1900,
Hayes Co. ist (Ger.), 1902,
]\IcCook (Ger.), 1902 — .
Henry, Rev. F. Edmonds. Omaha Saratoga, 1900,
Syracuse, 1904 — .
Hensel, Rev. William A.. Spencer, 1896-98, Dustin, 1900,
Napier, 1903.
Flerbert, Rev. Joseph E. . . Ainsworth, 1883,
Huntington and Trumbull, 1886,
Grafton, 1887.
Herrick, Rev. H York, 1875.
Herring, Rev. H. C Omaha ist, i8q8— .
Hertel, Rev. Arthur York (Ger.),' 1888.
Hess, Rev. Henry Niobrara, 1898,
Hope (Ger.), 1899-1902,
Butte (Ger.), 1903 — .
Heustis. Rev. H. C Cortland, 1884,'
Bertrand, 1886-88,
West Paint, 1888,
Freewater, 1890, Exeter, 1892,
Doniphan, 1899- 1902,
Waverly, 1902-05.
340 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Hibbard, Rev. Charles. . . . Exeter and Sutton, 1873,
Fairmont, 1874.
Hicks, Rev. George C. . . . Avoca, 1891.
High, Rev. Jedd A Arborville, 1892-95.
Hilkerbaumer, Rev. R.... Guide Rock (Ger.), 1889,
Beaver Creek, 1893,
Nelson, 1894,
Hallam, 1897-1903.
Many Outstations.
Hill, Rev. E. C. W Talmage, and
.Camp Creek, 1883-86.
Hilliard, Rev. D. C Avoca, 1889.
Hills, Rev. William S. ... Council, 1872, Aurora, 1S73,
Seeley, 1875, Grafton, 1878,
Richardson Co. ist and 2d and
Verdon, 1881-85,
Eagle, 1886-88, Ulysses, 1888,
Wymore, 1895, Alma and
Naponee, 1896.
Hindly, Rev. Geo Nebraska City, 1881-84,
Weeping Water, 1883-93.
Hines, Rev. P. H Dodge, 1891, Howells, 1892,
Wisner, 1893, Geneva, 1896-97.
Hinman, Rev. Herbert J- .Clarks and Genoa, 1879,
David City, 1900-02.
Hitchcock, Rev. Howard. Arcadia, 1889.
Hobein, Rev. Edward L. . Hallam (Ger.), 1903 — .
Hodel, Rev. Abram Culbertson (Ger.), 1890,
McCook, 1893.
Hoffman, Rev. John H. . . Kearney, 1893-94.
Holt. Rev. M. L Knox Co. ist, 1880,
Plain view, 1881,
Omaha Park View, 1887-90.
Holton, H. F. (Stu.) Bertrand, 1904—.
341
Homsaker, Rev. David S.Ft. Calhoun, 1898-99.
Hopkins, Rev. William H.Aurora, 1898-1901.
Houlding, Rev. H Gloversville and
West Cedar Valley, 1885.
House, Rev. J. T Greenwood, 1894-95.
Houston, Rev. Warren H.Macon, 1886,
Silver Creek, 1888,
Bladen, 1889-91,
Arcadia, 1898-1900.
Houstoii, Rev. Albert S. . . Indianola, 1895-97.
Howard, Rev. Charles E. . Sargent, 1897, Dodge, 1900,
Fairview, 1901-02.
Hughs, Rev. I. C Doniphan, 1883-85.
Hurlbert, Rev. E. B Fontanelle, 1858,
Irvington, 1865,
Papillion, 1866-68.
Hull, Rev. G. H Fairfield, 1899.
Hull, Rev. Irving T DeWitt and Talmage, 1889.
Humphrey, Rev. C. C....Camp Creek, 1871,
Osceola, 1873, Albion, 1874-78.
Hunt, Rev. T. C Hastings, 1901-04.
Hunt, Rev. W. S Columbus. 1890, Harvard, 1904.
Hulbert, Rev. J. M Flag Butte. 1890.
Iden, Rev. Alpheus J Addison and Crofton, 1903-04,
Genoa, 1905 — .
Irvine, Rev. Alexander F.Omaha Pilgrim, 1894-96.
Isaacs, Rev. William J...Verdon, 1896-1903,
Spencer, 1903 — .
Jackson, Rev. Frank D. . . Sutton, 1896,
Omaha Pilgrim, 1897-1900.
James, Rev. David R Cambridge, 1895.
James, Rev. George W. . . Creighton, 1894-1900.
342 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Jeft'eries, Rev. John Crawford, 1893-96,
Norfolk, 2(1, 1896,
Camp Creek, 1902 — .
Johnson, Rev.. Jonas Lincoln Swedish, 1898.
Johnson, Rev. Samuel W.Richmond, Belknap, and
Dustin, 1 889-1 890.
Jones, Rev. Burton H. . . . Hyannis, 1897-98,
Hay Springs, 1 898-1900,
Sargent, 1900-02.
Jones, Rev. D. J DeWitt, 1877-78.
Jones, Rev. J. V Carroll, 1905—.
Jones, Rev. T. A Richardson Co. ist and
Elmore, 1873-74.
Jones, Rev. John A Harbine, 1899.
Jones, Rev. L. H Fontanelle, 1864-68,
Lone Tree, 1872.
Jones, Rev. Samuel Carroll (Welsh), 1891-1901.
Jones, Rev. Thomas Brule, 1903-04,
Rising City, 1905,
Waverly, 1905 — .
Jones, Rev. Richard West Hamilton,
Doniphan and
South Platte, 1905 — .
lose. Rev. Emanuel Scott Precinct, 1876,
Friend (Ger.), 1883.
Kelsey, Rev. Joel S McCook, 1886.
Keniston, Rev. Geo. N... Keystone and
Loomis, 1898-99,
Kenniston, Rev. O. V.... Dustin, 1899-1900.
Kent. Rev. Thomas Knox Co. ist, 1884, Pilger and
Stanton. 1887-88.
Kerr, Rev. Joseph Bertrand, 1892-93.
Kershaw, Rev. C. H Park and Mentorville and
West Cedar Valley, 1896.
TABLES 343
Kidder, Rev. Josiah Arlington, 1893.
Kidder, Rev. T- W Norfolk and Stanton, 1870-78.
Oakdale, 1878.
Killip, Rev. Robert Genoa, 1889-90.
King. Rev. J. C Bethel, Newcastle and
Martinsburg, 1883-86.
King, Rev. Willet D Hyannis, 1903, Cherry Hill and
Park Vale Omaha, 1905 — .
Klopp, Rev. John J Stanton and
Maple Creek, 1898—.
Knapp, Rev. George W.. Grant, 1894-98, Ogalalla, 1898,
Hay Springs, 1902 — .
Knowles, Rev. David Salt Creek, 1869,
Greenwood, 1879-83.
Kokjer, Rev. Jordan M. . .Springview, 1897, Cowles. 1901,
Petersburg, 1903-05,
Brunswick, 1905 — ■.
Kraemer, Rev. Julius H. .Center, and Wescott and
Comstock, 1905 — .
Lamb, Rev. G. S Alilford, 1883-90.
Lange, Rev. John G Wahoc, 1892, Leigh, 1895-99.
Langley, Rev. Harry Pickrell, 1902.
Lansborough, Rev. J. F..Holdrege, 1904-05.
Larkins, Rev. James W. . . Blair, 1901-03.
Lavv^son, Rev. Francis. . . . Riverton, 1891.
Leavitt, Rev. William Ashland, 1878-86.
Leavitt, Rev. Fred W. . . .West Point, 1899-1903.
Seward, 1903 — .
LeBar, Rev. William H. . . Omaha Park Vale, 1895,
Wilcox, 1899,
Hiland Center, 1905,
Cortland, 1904-05.
Leeper, Rev. Edward R..York, 1889-92.
344
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Lewis, Rev. F. F Holdrege, 1 898-1901,
Syracuse, 1901-04.
Lewis, Rev. E. M..... ... 1864.
Lewis, Rev. Thomas G. . . Pleasant Ridge, 1887.
Libby, Rev. Edward H. . . Cumminsville, 1886-1902.
Lich, Rev. John Friend and Grafton (Ger.),
1885-89,
Lincoln (Ger.), 1902 — .
Lich, Rev. Peter Friend (Ger.), 1892,
Deshler, 1895,
Superior, 1897-99.
Lincoln, Rev. George E.. Trenton, 1899.
Lindsay, Rev. Robert S..York, 1887-89.
Linskea, Rev. J. B Wilber, 1880.
Little, Rev. Charles Lincoln ist, 1868-69.
Lipe, Rev. W. A Omaha Cherry Hill, 1891.
Loney, Rev. Wesley { Cli.
of Disc) Butte and Spencer, 1893.
Losey, Rev. John B Sutton, 1898.
Lowe, Rev. C. Marshall. . Genoa and Monroe, 1902-04,
Wattsville, 1902-02.
Lowes, Rev. J. E Cedar Creek and
Boone Co. ist., 1872.
Lyman, Rev. Henry Mar-
tin . . . Stanton and
Maple Creek, 1894.
Macomber, Rev. Hiram,
Maile, Rev. John
Manss, Rev. William H,
Manwell, Rev. B. T. . .
Marsh, Rev. A. F
Steele City, 1887. '
State vSupt. Home Missions,
1884-89.
Lincoln ist, 1898-1903.
Plattsmouth, 1871.
New England Valley, 1882,
Neligh, 1882.
TABLES ' 345
Marsh, Rev. L. J Grand Island, 1904 — .
Marshall, Rev. William. .. Alma and Naponee, 1881.
Martin, Rev. Edwin Shickley, 1892,
Addison, 1893-96.
Martin, Rev. George R. . . Spencer, 1899, Harbine, 1900,
Arborville, 1902,
Milford, 1903-04.
Martinis, Rev. A Cowles and
Wheatland, 1884-85.
Mason, Rev. James W. . . . Danbury, 1905 — .
Mason, Rev. L. T. ...... . Camp Creek, 1881.
Maxwell, Rev. A Fairmont, 1872, Aurora, 1873,
Red Cloud, 1874,
Wheatland, 1878,
Loup City, 1880.
May, Rev. Jacob Culbertson, 1888-89.
May, Rev. Thomas F. .... Campbell, 1904 — .
MacAyeal, Rev. Howard S. Cambridge, 1889-95,
Omaha Plymouth, 1895.
McDougall, Rev. Geo. L. . Bloomfield, 1903.
McHenry, Rev. Feargus .. Syracuse, 1889, Cortland, 1893.
McHenr3% Rev. Geo. F. . . Burwell, 1888.
Mcintosh, Rev. C. H York, 1882-84.
McKinney, Rev. James E.Havelock, 1897.
McLeary, Rev. Owen L. , Clearwater and
Gloversville, 1893.
McLean, Rev. Thomas D.Blair, 1893-94.
McRae, Rev. Isaac Wallace, 1898,
Newcastle, 1900-02,
V^erdon, 1903, Havelock, 1904 —
Mead, Rev. M. H Norfolk, 1878, Stanton and
Silver Creek, 1883-85.
Verdon, 1885.
Medlar, Rev. William H. .York, 1903 — .
23
346
CONGRIiGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Medlin, Rev. 7. S. (M. E
Menzi, Rev. Ernest U.
Merrill, Rev. C. W. . .
Merrill, Rev. Elijah W
Merrill, Rev. O. W. ..
Myers, Rev. L. L
Miles, Rev. M. N
^lillarcl Rev. Martin J
Miller, Rev. Albert C.
Milligan, Rev. J. A . . .
Mills, Rev. Herbert L.
Mitchell, Rev. G. W. .
Moffatt, Rev. T. Clemence.
Mollen1:)eck, Rev. B . . .
Monroe, Rev. Geo. A,
Morach, Rev. Jacob.
Morlev, Rev. John. .
) I'ickrell, 1903-04.
. Curtis, 1900-01.
. State Snpt. of Home Missions,
1880-84.
. Pleasant View, 1883.
. State Supt. of Home Missions,
1870-74.
. Paisley, 1903-04.
. Calla, 1870.
.De Witt, 1902, Strang and
Benning, 1904 — .
. Dodge, 1902-04.
. Ainsworth, 1884-86,
Long Pine, 1886-87,
Omaha, Saratoga and
Cherry Plill, 1887-8S,
Wymore, 1891-92.
. Omaha Cherry Hill, 1903,
Hillside, 1904 — .
.Juniata, 1882 (Stu. 3 Mo.),
Bethel, 1884, Newcastle, 1S85,
Dustin, 1886, Avoca, 1887,
Arborville, 1888-92,
Franklin, 1892-02,
Clarks, 1905 — , Silver Creek.
Hayes Center and
Palisade, 1894,
Wymore, 1897- 1903.
Fairmont (Ger.), 1873.
Milford, 1895,
Columbus, 1900- — .
Olive Branch, 1887,
Hallam, 1893-97:
Avoca. 1884-87, Victoria, 1887.
TABLES 347
Morse, Rev. Henry H.... Omaha Hillside, 1890-91.
Morse, Rev. M. W Crete, 1896-1901.
Morse, Rev. Robert C. . . . Fairfield, 1889-1890.
Moslander, Rev. Frank-
lin V Neligh, 1900-03.
Mounts, Rev. S. A Upland, 1892, Campbell, 1893.
Murphy, Rev. Charles J.. Wallace, 1894-98.
Mygatt, Mr. Albert. . . : . . Bassett, 1904—,
Pine Camp, 1905 — .
Nelson, Rev. J. W Hastings, 1 898-1902.
Neuman, Rev. L Friend (Ger.), 1889-91.
Neuman, Rev. Isaac Beaver Creek (Ger.), 1888-89.
Newell, Rev. A. F Lincoln Vine St., 1893-99.
Nevill, Rev. Alfred W.
(Friend) Wallace, 1902-04, Harbine,
Plymouth and
Steele City, 1904 — .
Nichols, Rev. Joseph
(M. E.) Calhoun, 1894.
Norcross, Rev. L. P Osceola, 1879-82.
Norval, Rev. W. O Vailton, 1888.
Noyce, Rev. Geo. T Irvington, 1893-94,
Brunswick, 1895, Wilcox,
Hildreth, Trenton, 1901-04,
Fairview, 1904 — .
Noyce, Rev. Joseph C. . . . Cleiuen, 1902, Mumper. 1901-03,
Brewster, 1904-05,
]\Ioulton, 1905 — .
Oakey, Rev. James West Point and Wisner. 1881,
David City, 1886-88.
Osgood, Rev. Robert S. . . Harvard, 189S-99.
Otis, Rev. A. J Bradshaw, 1889.
Otis, Rev. Jonathan T Ulysses and Rising. 1886,
348
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Osthott, Rev. E. C
Oxley, Rev. Charles G.
Packard, Rev. N. L
Page, Rev. B. G
Page, Rev. H. P
Page, Rev. W. D
Palmer, Rev. E. S
Palmer, Rev. Oscar A.
Parish, Rev. Geo. R. . .
Parker, Rev. J. J
Paske, Rev. William J-
Pavne, Rev. W. B . . . .
Paxton, Rev. R. F. . . ,
Pearson, Rev. B. F. . . ,
Pearson. Rev. Samuel.
Peas, Rev. Frank W.
Peas, Rev. W. P
frvington, 1887-93.
• Lincoln (Ger.), 1898-1900.
. Corliand, 1904-04.
. Ainsworth, 1884,
Gen. 2yliss., 1904 — .
. Dorchester, 1873,
Friendville, 1875-78.
. .Harvard, 1877, Exeter. 1878.
. . Cowles, 1885, Guide Rock, 1886,
Curtis, 1888.
. . Omaha, 1867.
. . Ulysses, 1892, Trenton, 1894-95.
. . Leigh and Howells, 1887,
Harvard, 1888-89.
. . Norfolk, 1885-01,
Kearney, 1901-02,
Plainview, 1903 — .
. . Newcastle, 1886, Pierce, 188S
Omaha Park Place, 1891.
• • Friend, 1897,
Arborville, 1900-02,
Exeter, 1902 — .
• • Ainsworth, 1905 — .
. . Gloversville, 1888.
• • Bethel and Martinsburg. 1886,
Oxford, 1887, Dodge and
Howells, 1888^1,
West Point, 1891.
. .Albion, 1892-95,
Ravenna, 1895. Alma, 1899-1902.
. . Rising City, Irvington, 1890,
Ogalalla, 1891, Freewater, 1893,
Wilcox and Hildreth, 1894,
Hay Springs, 1894-98.
TAIJLKS 349
rV'lton, Rev. Geo. S Omaha 3d, 1883.
iV'niiinian, Alfred B Omaha 3d, 1887.
I'erkins, Rev. Mrs. E. B. . Clarks, 1893, Silver Creek, 1895,
Clay Center, 1S96-99,
Clarks, 1899-1904.
I'erkins, Rev. Geo. B Blair, 1894.
Perry, Rev. D. B Aurora, 1872, Called to
Doane Col, 1872;
Perry, Rev. Frank S I-eigh, 1892-93, Brule and
Ogalalla, 1898.
Peterson, Rev. C. E Lincoln (Swedish), 1898-1902.
Pettit, Rev. Samuel A . . . . Naponee, 1890, Moline, 1891,
Clearwater, 1892,
Gloversville, 1892-93.
Phipps. Rev. Wm. C Wescott, 1897.
Pierce, Rev. Robert Phelps (Welsh), 1884,
Urbana, 1884—.
Pile, Rev. Francis Spencer, 1901,
Campbell, 1903-04.
Plass, Rev. Norman Lincoln Plymouth, 1893.
Piatt, Rev. PL D Cowles, 1888-93, Alma, 1905-—
Piatt, Rev. M. F Weeping Water, 1865,
Hastings, 1874-76,
Waverly, 1876, Juniata, 1879,
Rock Creek, 1880,
Syracuse, 1882,
Greenwood, 1883,
Beatrice, 1884.
Poeton, Rev. Josiah Taylor, 1896-99.
Poison, Rev. August Lincoln Swedish, 1905 — .
Porter, Rev. George Fremont, 1875-78.
Pogue, Rev. R. E. (M. E.) Pickrell, 1904-05.
Pound', Rev. E. H Crawford, 1889-91.
Powell, Rev. F. S Hastings, 1892.
350
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Powell, Rev. Gregory J. . . . Chadron, i8S6,
Omaha Hillside, 1892-95.
I'ower, Rev. John Springview, Blair, 1889-93,
Kearney, 1894.
Pratt, Rev. A. P. Camp Creek, 1873.
Preston, Rev. B. C Eagle, 1889-90.
Preston, Rev. C. W \'erdon, 1888,
Curtis, 1892-1900,
Thedford, 1900,
Lincoln Butler Ave., 1905 — .
Preston, Rev. ^Nlrs. C. W. . Eustis, 1897-99,
Dtmning, 1900-03,
Lincoln Butler Ave., 1905 — .
Preston, Rev. Elmer E. . . Hemingford, 1896,
Hyannis, 1896-97.
Preston, Rev. H. L McCook, 1894-96,
Newman Grove, 1905.
Preston, Rev. Joseph P. . . Irvington, 1881,
Creighton, 1887-90.
Price, Rev. John Elmore, 1858.
Pugh, Rev. Thomas Jalappa, 1870-73,
Fairfield, 1873-78,
Indianola, 1878-79.
Ouarder, Rev. Paul O. B.Hastings (Ger.), 1892-93.
Radford, Rev. Walter. ... Springfield, 1891-94.
Ralston, Rev. Edward S.. Lincoln Plymouth. 1887-91.
Ramser, Rev. Jacob Plighland (Ger.), 1888.
Ratzell, J. Perry Crawford, 1903,
Cambridge, 1904 — .
Rawson, Rev. Greggs H. .Irvington, 1904 — .
Ray, Rev. Geo. A Seward, 1891.
Reichardt, Rev. Frederick. Friend (Ger.), 1891-92.
Reeves, Rev. G. I Hildreth and Wilcox, 1905—.
TABLES 35 [
Rice, Rev. Guy H Newcastle, 1898-1900,
Thedford, 1900,
Arlington, 1902-03,
Red Cloud, 1904 — , and
Indian Creek.
Rice, Rev. O. V Columbus, 1884-89,
Harvard, 1889.
Richards, Rev. George W. Stratton, 1886-89.
Richards, Rev. Emanuel. . Sutton, 1885.
Richardson, Rev. Charles
H Geneva, 1895.
Ricker, Rev. A. E Ogalalla, 1888, Alma, 1891-95,
Chadron, 1895, Aurora, 1901 — .
Richert, Rev. Cornelius. .. Germantown, 1891.
Rig'gs, Rev. Alfred L. . . . Santee Agency for many years — .
Rindell, Rev. Gilbert T. . . Arlington, 1904 — .
Robberts, Rev. J. F Ulysses and Newlands, 1882-83.
Roberts, Rev. John Silver Creek, 1886,
Newcastle, 1888,
Petersburg and Park, 1901,
Newcastle and
Daily Branch, 1905 — .
Rockwell, Rev. J. H Palmyra, 1873.
Rogers, Rev. Alonzo Blair, 1887.
Rogers, Rev. A. J Columbus, 1894,
Harvard, 1899-1901.
Rogers, Rev. C. H Lincoln Plymouth, 1904 — .
Rogers, Clarence J Creighton, 1900.
Rohring, Rev. Otto /Vlliance (Ger.), 1900 — .
Rominger, Rev. H. V. . . . Crawford, 1896-99.
Rose, Rev. A. H Omaha Hillside, 1891^)2.
Rose, Rev. L. P Hastings, 1895.
Rose, Rev. W. W Omaha, 1865-67.
Roser, Rev. Theodore Inland, 1883.
352 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Rundus, Rev. John Wilber, Bethlehem, 1892.
Ruring, Rev. Victor H. . . David City, 1905 — .
Sage, Rev. Charles J Rising City 1898-99,
Ravenna, 1 899-1 902.
Sallenbach, Rev. H. H Lincoln (Ger.), 1877.
Sargent, Rev. Clarence S. Omaha St. Mary's Ave. .190C-02.
Sargent, Rev. Robert M. . Linwood, 1901-02.
Sarkeys, Rev. Elias S Addison and Eloomfield, 1896-98.
Schaerer, Rev. John Crete (Ger.), 1884.
Schaufield, Rev. Paul AI. . Nelson and Deshler, 1894.
Sch.euerle, Rev. G Emanuel (Ger.), 1884-85,
Olive Branch, 1885.
Schlechter, Rev. Jacob Sutton (Ger.), 1892.
Schroeder, Rev. Geo. W. . Newcastle, 1903-04.
Schwab, Rev. S. Herman. Lincoln Zion (Ger.), 1901 — .
Schvvimle}^ Rev. William
A David City, 1897-1900.
Scott, Rev. George ^^>st Point, 1878-81,
Sutton, 1 88 1,
Cortland, 1890-1903,
Wisner, 1903 — .
Scott, Rev. Willard. .' . . .Omaha St. Mary's Ave., 1883.
Seccombe, Rev. Charles. . Alonroe and Grand Island, 1875.
Seward, Rev. A. L Glencoe, 1878, Aurora, 1880.
Sharpe, Rev. Perry A. . . . Omaha Cherry Hill, 1902-^3,
Friend, 1903 — .
Sharrett, Rev. James Friend, 1888-89.
Sherman, Rev. E. L Columbus, 1878-81,
Fairfield, 1891-96.
Sherman, Rev. Newton. . . Bloomfield, 1904 — .
Sherril, Rev. A. F Omaha ist, 1869-188S.
Shull, Rev. Gilbert L. . . . CraAvford, 1901 — .
Show, Rev. A. B Waco, 1885.
TABLES 353
Sliuman, Rev. Henry A. . Ulysses, i8(j8, Rising City, kjoo.
Burwell, 1902, Arcadia, 1903 — .
Shunian, Rev. S. H Monroe, 1892.
Sikes, Rev. Eric B Springview, 1905 — .
Single, Rev. John Butte Zion (Ckr.), 1898- 1902.
Skinner, Rev. J. H Mascott, 1897.
Skinner, Rev. T. N Milford, 1869-70,
Dorchester, 1872-73.
Sniitt, Rev. John Inland* (Ger.), and
Liberty Creek, 1904 — .
Smith, Rev. David O Campbell, 1886-80.
Smith, Rev. E. F Juniata, 1877.
Smith, Rev. Edwin S Beatrice, 1888-92
Smith, Rev. Howard N. . . Omaha Saratoga, 1889 -c)i.
Smith, Rev. J. A Avoca, 1888.
Smith, Rev. J. Franklin. . Sargent, 1893,
Arcadia, 1895-98,
Leigh, 1899-05.
Smith, Rev. J. P Fontanelle, 1868-70.
Smith, Rev. L. Adams Stratton, 1889.
Smock, Rev. W. D Schuyler, 1883.
Snow, Rev. Beecher O. ..Bladen, 1891,
Upland, 1892-93,
Irvington, 1894-96,
Fairfield, 1896.
Snyder, Rev. Henry C Bertrand, 1893.
Southworth, Rev. Edv/ard. Harvard, 1883,
Clay Center, 1886-88.
Spangler, Rev. George B.Camp Creek, 1898-1902.
Spellman, Rev. Henry O.Red Cloud, 1894.
Sprague, Rev. Elmer E. . Farnam, 1893,
Cortland, 1898-99.
Spencer, Rev. J. G Irvington. 1875. Norfolk, 1882.
Sperry, Rev. W. S Blair,^ 1868.
354 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Sparrow, Rev. J. P Knox Co. ist, 1882-84.
Lakeside, 1885-87.
Squire, Rev. A. L Burwell, 1894-95,
Holdrege, 1897,
Shickley, 1898-99.
Stahl, Rev. Carl D Crete (Ger.), 1902-04
Stahner, Rev. H. C Crete (Ger.), 1905—.
Starbiick, Rev. C. C Columbus and Monroe, 1877,
St. Clair, Rev. Peter Osceola, 1883-86,
Rushville, 1887.
Syracuse, 1888-89.
Stephenson, Rev. Wm.
D. J Lakeside, 1887,
Clearwater, 1889-90.
McCook, 1 89 1.
Stewart, Rev. J. D Hastings, 1879-83,
Supt. of State S. S. work
from 1 883- 1 905 — .
Stocking, Rev. James B..Wahoo, 1898-1902,
Burwell, 1903 — .
Stoelting, Rev. F. A Timber Creek, 1900-01.
Storm, Rev. J. E Rising and Ulysses, 1883,
Arborville, 1885, Clarks, 1890.
DeWitt, 1 89 1, Springfield, 1894,
Long Pine, 1897,
Clay Center, 1899,
Hyannis, 1900, Harbine and
Plymouth, 1902,
DeWitt, 1904-05.
Stoughton, Rev. Lewis H.Albion, 1895-1900.
Strong, Rev. J. M Inavale, 1879.
Franklin, 1880-82.
Strong, Rev. Sidney Friend, 1885-87.
Stubbins, Rev. W. H Burwell, 1883.
355
Stuecklin, Rev. G. F Inland (Ger.), 1884.
Siiffa, Rev. Andrew Lincoln Salem (Ger.), lyoi-
Suess, Rev. William Buda Flat, 1875,
Culbertson, 1S85,
McCook (Ger.), 1889,
Olive Branch, 1896 — .
Swanson, Rev. John E... Lincoln Swedish, 1902-04,
Waverly Swedish, 1904 — .
Switzer, Rev. Miss A, E. Hoklrege, 1902-04.
Swing, Rev. A. F Fremont, 1878-87.
Taggart, Rev. Charles E. . Red Cloud, 1889-91.
Tangeman, Rev. Gottlob D. Grant, 1893, DeWitt, 1894,
Fairmont, 1896-99.
Tasker, Rev. Joseph O. .
. Linwood, 1887-92.
Taylor, Rev. C. B
. Ravenna, 188&-89.
Taylor, Rev. E. C
. In State, 1866, Ord, 1867,
Letter to Iowa, 1869.
Taylor, Rev. George E. .
. Harvard, 1880^83,
Clay Center, 1883-86,
Indianola, 1886-88,
Pierce, 1900 — .
Taylor, Rev. Glen A....
. Strang and Geneva, 1886-87.
Taylor, Rev. J. G
. Nebraska City, 1872-76.
Terrell, Rev. C. W
. Genoa, 1890-92,
Clarks, 1892-93.
Thain, Rev. A. R
. Omaha Plymouth, 1889.
Thiel, Rev. P. J
.Hastings (Ger.), 1904 — .
Thing, Rev. Milo J. P. . .
. Butler 1st and
Linwood, 1884-87,
Springfield, 1889,
Arcadia, 1801-95.
Thomas, Rev. Charles M
. Brunswick, 1903
Loomis and Eustis, 1905 — .
356 COXGUEGATIOXAL NEBRASKA
Thompson, Rev. Carl D. . Clearwater, 1891-92,
Park (Mentorville), 1893.
Thompson, Rev. H. S Syracuse, 1879.
Thompson, Rev. J. C. . . . Nebraska City, 1879.
Thome, Rev. James A Ogalalla, 1886, Grant, 1887,
Clarks, 1888-90.
Ticknor, Rev. Owen E. . . Eustis, 1894, Hyannis, 1895-96,
Red Cloud. 1806,
Freewater and ^^'ilcox, 1897,
Park, 1899.
Tillbery, Rev. John M. . . . Linwood Swedish, 1896-97.
Tingley, Rev. M Blair, 1870-77.
Todd, Rev. Q. C Red Cloud and Riverton, 1882,
Monroe and Genoa, 1884.
Torbet, Rev. Albert Omaha Park Place, 1890-91.
Townsend. Rev. Ardiur C. Crawford, 1899-01,
Ravenna, 1901, Albion, 1903 — .
Traudt, Rev. -\dam Lincoln (Ger.), 1888-89.
Traverse, Rev. R. M Ravenna, 1887-88,
Leigh, 1888-92, Milford, 1892,
Alma, 1895, Doniphan, 1899,
DeWitt, 1 899-1902,
Petersburg, 1902,
Clay Center, 1902,
Wymore, 1903-04.
Treiber, Rev. Alichael Sutton (Ger.), 1888,
Stockham and Sutton, 1890.
Triplet, Rev. H. M Ainsworth, 1898-1902,
Springfield, 1902 — .
Tucker, Rev. John F Eagle, 1888-89.
Tueben, Rev. A. C Park, 1891.
Turner, Rev. L. A Plymouth and Kilpatrick, 1895,
Indianola, 1897-1900.
TABLES 357
Turner, Rev. W. J Mbion, 1887, Neligh, 1891-93,
McCook, 1 898-1902,
Norfolk, 1902—.
Tiittle, Rev. John E Lincoln ist, 1903—-
Uber, Rev. William Received 1867.
Unger, Rev. Samuel L. . . Hildreth, 1895.
VanAlstine, Rev. Sylvester. Genoa, 1892-94,
Long- Pine.
VanLuven, Rev. Sanford
A Sargent and Comstock, 1904 — .
Vietz, Rev. C. F Crete (Ger.), 1875-76.
Yogt. Rev. William F Culbertson (Ger.), 1897,
McCook, 1897-99,
Beaver Creek, 1901,
Friend (Ger.), 1903-05.
Wadsworth, Rev. George. Spencer, 1898.
Wainwright, Rev. Geo. W.Blair, 188(^82,
Representative of A. B. S.
from 1882 nearly 20 years.
Walker, Rev. Cornelius C. Burwell, 1891-92.
Waller, Rev. Theodore. .. Fontanelle, 1857.
Walters. Rev. William Hastings, 1886-92,
Long Pine, 1892.
Wannamaker, Rev. H. S.Geneva, 1887-90,
Lincoln Vine St., 1890-93.
Warfield, Rev. Frank A. . Omaha ist, 1896-98.
Wark, Rev. W. O Harvard, 1892-93.
Warwick, Rev. Andrew. . Glencoe, 1872.
Washington, Rev. Alonzo
G Maple Creek, 1892,
Leigh, 1893.
Watson, Rev. Jonathan. . . Ogalalla, 1902-03.
358 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Webber, Rev. Berthold L.Clay Center, 1894-95.
Webber, Rev. E. E DeWitt, i88c^S2,
Wahoo, 1882-84.
Weeden, Rev. William. .. Beatrice, 1884-86.
West, Rev. Parley B Butte, 1902-04.
Wiedenhoeft, Rev. . Wil-
liam Hemingf ord and
Nonpareil, 1890.
Wiedmann, Rev. P Crete (Ger.), 1881-84,
Emanuel, 1885,
Beaver Creek, 1887-88.
Weidman, Rev. Milo Long Pine, 1905 — .
Wharton, Rev. Lawrence
B. (Bap.) Omaha Plymouth, 1889.
Williams, Rev. R. R Fairfield, 1878,
Clay Center, 1887-90.
Williams, Rev. Samuel. .. Riverton, 1 894-1905.
Williams, Rev. Thistle A . Omaha Cherry Hill, 1900-02.
Williams, Rev. William T. Dustin, 1890, Aten, 1895,
Blyville, 1896,
Crofton to 1903.
Wild, Rev. Laura A Lincoln Butler Ave., 1901-05,
Doan€ Professorship,
Crete, Neb., 1905 — .
Willis, Rev. J. Vincent... New Hope, 1892,
Wymore, 1892-93.
Wilson, Rev. Samuel F. . . New Hope, 1893,
Wymore, 181)3.
Wilson, Rev. Henry Hastings, 1883-85.
Winslow, Rev. Jacob Hastings, 1876-78.
DeWitt, 1878-80.
Friend, 1880, Bradshaw, 1883.
Wisnier, Rev. Ernest L. . . Taylor, 1899-1901,
Newman Grove, 1903-04.
TAHLES 359
Wood, Rev. Samuel Havelock, 1893-97,
Wahoo, 1898.
Woolman, Rev. W Aurora, 1876-78,
Bradshaw, 1880, T'.Iayflowcr,
Prairie Home, West
Hamilton, 1S82, Naponee, 1885,
Moline and Farnam, 1886-87,
Palisade, 1889-91.
\Voohvorth, Rev. William
S Wymore, 1890.
Woth, Rev. Friedrick Germantown, 1891-99.
Wright, Rev. Garvin H.. . Fairfield, 1903 — .
Wrigley, Rev. Francis Milford, 1904-05.
Wuerrschmidt, Rev. C. W. Hastings (Ger.), 1895-1904.
Wycoff, Rev. Edwin D. . . Omaha Pilgrim, 1900.
Yost, Rev. Robert Omaha St. Mary's Ave., 1902-05
Youngs, Rev. J. W Arborville, 1882.
Zercher, Rev. Henry J.... Geneva, 1890-93.
Tables VHI and IX present the history of each church
and each minister in their ecclesiastical relations. We can
only hope that they are approximately correct. Church
scribes were not always particular in reporting the changes
of pastorates with the proper dates. We have found at
times the printed minutes at fault. In such a number of
names and dates we can not hope that we have made no
mistakes, but these tables have been prepared with much
labor and painstaking, and we trust they will prove to be
of permanent and real value to the churches. Where appar-
ent discrepancies occur Table VIII may be considered as
the standard authoritv.
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