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Evangelical. Association of
North America. Kansas
Fifty years in the Kansas
Conference, 1864-1914
Bishop J. Long
FIFTY YEARS
IN THE
Kansas Conference
1864-1914
A Record of the Origin and Development
of the Work of the
Evangelical Association
In the territory covered by the
KANSAS CONFERENCE
PRESS OF EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION, CLEVELAND, OHIO
C. HAUSEB, PUBLISHER.
I
INTRODUCTORY
The deeds and experiences of the early path-finders in that
particular field which now comprises the Kansas Conference form
a volume in the history of those sturdy pioneers which continues
to increase in interest as the years pass by. Theirs was the work
which forms the foundation upon which succeeding generations
have been enabled to build an abiding structure.
How we wish we knew more about their feelings and what
they did when face to face with the arduous task confronting
them. Here and there we catch a glimpse of the primitive con-
ditions existing among the early settlers as they occupied their
humble cabins, equipped with home-made furniture, as they broke
up the virgin soil and planted the seed from which they antici-
pated a crop, only to be frequently disappointed in the harvest
because of drought and grasshoppers. We see the lonely circuit-
rider traveling from place to place on his long and oft-times
dangerous journeys. He is seeking to find the scattered members
of the Evangelical Association who have emigrated to the western
country in quest of a home, that he may bring to them the con-
solation of the gospel. We also see him offer the Bread of Life to
those who are yet strangers to the household of faith, and in
many instances deep in sin and dissipation, only to have them
many times refuse to hear and obey the gospel message.
These were some of the hardships and privations endured by
the intrepid heroes of the cross. But on the other hand there was
also the enjoyment of typical frontier fellowship and pioneer
sympathy. We see the missionaries persistently battering the
bulwarks of sin and unrighteousness until the walls are broken
down and gospel light streams into the hitherto benighted soul,
creating unbounded joy in the heart of the servant of God as
well as in the new convert. Now a class of praying Christians
is formed, prayer-meetings are being held, the family-altar is
erected, and regular services are conducted in the absence of the
pastor who could only visit his little flock every two, three, or
perhaps four weeks to preach to them. Great was the joy when
the "preacher" would come to fill his appointment, and encourage
the little band, which was sometimes severely tried and even per-
secuted, but now through the ministry of their shepherd again
cheered and encouraged to press on.
Our hearts have been touched, and our sympathy aroused,
by what we have seen of the pioneer preacher and his heroic
1
INTRODUCTORY
flock, and we long to know more about the interesting story as
we proceed, but, alas! we are doomed to a measure of disap-
pointment, since our store of information fails to give us all we
desire to know, and we wonder what the culmination of the nar-
rative might have been.
The founders of our Conference were great history-makers,
but not history-writers. They abounded in service, but took
neither time nor interest in recording their deeds, and now, since
they have gone to their heavenly reward, we have only a meager
record of their experience in blazing the way through the primi-
tive forest, or erecting landmarks on the wild prairie, where they
traveled and labored. Many times, when brought in touch with
some thrilling event in their labors, we are constrained to exclaim :
"Oh, what a pity that we cannot find out more about this inter-
esting occurrence."
In early days the local records were very imperfectly kept
at best. The books were usually small in size, and, when filled
with records, were either lost or destroyed, hence it has become
impossible to obtain a reliable account of the beginning and de-
velopment of many works in the Conference. From some none at
all. Several fields of labor have preserved their records intact,
and have furnished the committee valuable and reliable informa-
tion. This has been highly appreciated by the committee which
has done its best in collecting data under existing conditions.
An effort has been made to procure a brief account of each
local work in the conference, but in many cases the pastor, who
was appealed to for this information, reported : "It is impossible
to find the old records and the data which I send you are, I fear,
not altogether reliable, but I have done the best I could." Some-
times data were procured from a surviving veteran who depended
on memory only. While this information has been highly appre-
ciated by the committee, still, we are aware of the fact, that mem-
ory alone, as, a rule, is very unreliable, especially when the occur-
rence is so far in the past. When possible, such information was
compared with the written Conference records, and necessary
corrections made accordingly, and where this could not be done
the information was accepted as given.
The committee is under great obligation to the pastors serv-
ing the various fields of labor for their assistance in securing the
material at hand. In nearly every instance they responded as best
they could considering the meager source of information many
of them had at their command. Without their co-operation this
project could not have been carried out.
2
INTRODUCTORY
Furthermore the committee would express its appreciation
to the various brethren who so kindly responded to the request
made for reminiscences of their experience in the Kansas Con-
ference during the early period of her history. We regret that
not all who were asked to contribute responded. Some hesitated
because of extreme modesty, as it seems, who might have fur-
nished interesting and valuable incidents from their early ex-
perience in the ministry in Kansas.
On various occasions Conference ordered the collection of
historical data at a time when it would have been much easier to
gather the facts than at this late date when nearly all of the early
ministers are gone, and have left no written journals behind from
which facts might be gleaned. Unfortunately the matter was
neglected, or the material gathered lost, so that when the commit-
tee began its work it had to begin empty-handed. Fortunately
access was granted to the old files of the Christliche Botschafter,
and Evangelical Messenger, in the Publishing House at Cleveland,
Ohio, from which much valuable information was procured re-
garding the period between 1858, when the first missionaries
were sent to Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and the organiza-
tion of the Kansas Conference in 1865. We are indebted to our
Publishing Agent at Cleveland, Ohio, for permitting us to copy
such data from the files kept there as were of interest and value
to the committee.
The idea of printing the Appointments in double-column
form in smaller type, as well as the tabulated form for recording
the names of deceased ministers, was suggested by the "Evan-
gelical Landmarks."
At the Conference session in 1878 the brethren C. Berner
and J. Wuerth were appointed a committee to gather data and
compile the history of the Kansas Conference. However, it seems
there was nothing done in that direction by the committee ap-
pointed. Perhaps the brethren did not realize how interesting
the early history of the pioneers of the Conference would be to
the coming generations. Also because of many other duties, this
matter was laid aside and neglected, until finally the pen was laid
down for the last time, the lips were sealed, the eyes closed in
death, while we are left without the heritage we now wish we
might possess.
Again, in 1896, Conference appointed a committee consisting
of J. Wuerth, J. H. Tobias and C. Linge as "Conference His-
torians," with instructions to write the history of the Kansas
Conference. P. Schuman, the Conference secretary, was later
3
INTRODUCTORY
added to the committee. In due time this committee submitted
a brief sketch of the origin of the work in Kansas, Missouri and
Nebraska, and the organization of the Kansas Conference, which
was spread on the records of Conference. The report consisted
of about 1,500 words, and was published in the printed journal
of 1899. This seems to be all the material gathered and pre-
served, and the committee ceased from its labors. Nothing fur-
ther was done in the matter till 1910, when H. Mattill was added
to the committee with instructions to procure the history of the
Conference prior to 1888. Unfortunately the physical condition
of Bro. Mattill was such that he could not devote his attention to
the project, and the matter was again deferred. Still the com-
mittee realized that further delay only intensified the difficulties
already prevailing and repeatedly urged the importance of not
waiting longer. Conference coinciding with this view, again, in
1913, urged that the matter receive attention, so that the history
of the beginning of the work in Kansas might be preserved. The
committee was strengthened at this time by the addition of M. C.
Platz.
This committee met in the home of Rev. J. H. Tobias, 2614
Park Ave., Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 3, 1913, and organized by
electing J. H. Tobias president, and M. C. Platz secretary. On this
occasion M. C. Platz submitted preliminary work done by him
during the summer, which met the approval of the committee,
and he was instructed to proceed along the line begun, securing
all the historical material possible before the next session of An-
nual Conference. In compliance with these instructions the sec-
retary continued the work, and at the Conference session, held at
Newton, Kansas, in March, 1914, the committee reported manu-
script prepared to the extent of about 60,000 words, covering the
first 20 years of the Conference organization, including seven
years preceding. A specimen of the work done was submitted
to and approved by Conference, and the committee requested to
proceed with its work and as far as possible prepare the manu-
script covering the first 50 years of the Conference history ac-
cording to the plan adopted by the committee, which provided for
a condensed form, yet sufficiently elaborate as not to destroy the
connection of the historical narrative, having the same ready to
submit to Conference at its next session.
C. L. Sorg and C. F. Kliphardt were added to the historical
committee at this time, to assist in the work ordered by Con-
ference.
INTRODUCTORY
During the ensuing Conference year the secretary continued
his work, and at the next session of Conference, held at Leaven-
worth, Kansas, March, 1915, submitted the following report:
"Your committee desires to report that the instructions given
by Conference a year ago have been carried out, and the manu-
script for the first Fifty Years' History of the Kansas Conference
up to the session of 1914 has been prepared and corrected relative
to data and arrangement of plan by the sub-committee, composed
of C. L. Sorg and C. F. Kliphardt.
"The plan adopted provides for a record of the ministry of
the Conference : when and where licensed to preach, reception in
Conference, advancement to orders of deacon and elder, retire-
ment from active work, and relation assumed, whether local,
supernumerary, superannuated, or remaining in the itinerancy
without appointment. Also the granting of credentials, with-
drawn, expelled, or died. A brief biographical sketch of the de-
ceased ministers of the Conference is given, and in addition to
this a complete list of appointments of the ministers from the
first missionaries sent to the West, in 1858, to the Conference
session held March, 1914, according to the records at hand.
"The time, place, chairman and secretary of each Confer-
ence session is indicated from the beginning to the spring of
1914, embracing such items and events contained in the Con-
ference journal as seemed of interest and value to the history.
This includes the election of presiding elders, Conference trustees,
statistical secretary, Conference treasurer, trustee to North-West-
ern College and Theological Seminary, delegate to the Board of
Missions, delegates to General Conference, etc. Also the names
of lay-delegates to Annual and General Conferences.
"The change of boundary is indicated annually, by which
means the formation of districts and fields of labor and their
various changes, can be followed. The condensed statistics of
each year is given and the work of the Conference Missionary
Society, with its officers, is noted.
"A short sketch of nearly every local work in the Conference
existing at present is given, based on the information which could
be obtained, though, in some instances very brief, and in some
respects not fully reliable.
"A number of interesting reminiscences from the older
brethren in the Conference have been inserted, which, we believe,
will be read with interest. Recognition is given to the origin and
development of the Woman's Missionary Society, and the Young
People's Alliance in the Conference, and, as far as possible, the
5
INTRODUCTORY
time of the organization, with the name of the first president is
given. Also the cost of new churches, with the time and person
dedicating them, wherever possible.
"With this report the committee leaves the matter in the
hands of Conference for further instructions concerning the dis-
position of the manuscript in hand."
In response to this report Conference took the following
action : "Historical committee reported, and upon motion Con-
ference ordered the manuscript published in book form, also
the continuation of the committee, to which were referred all
matters pertaining to its publication. Resolved, also, that we
hereby express our thanks and appreciation to the historical com-
mittee, and especially the secretary, M. C. Platz, for their untir-
ing labors in regard to the history which they are compiling."
After repeated sessions of the sub-committee to prove and
correct the manuscript, the work has finally been carried to com-
pletion. No claim is made to any literary merit, nor perfection
in construction, but strenuous efforts were made to make the con-
tents as reliable as circumstances and material at hand would
admit.
We now submit the work with the earnest desire and prayer
that hereby the sacred memory of the fathers who hazarded their
lives as pioneers for the gospel may be perpetuated, the origin and
development of the Conference through the first half century of
her history may be preserved, and loyalty to Christ and the
Church be cultivated among the present and future generations.
COMMITTEE,
M. C. Platz,
Secretary.
1857
BEGINNINGS
Kansas was organized as a territory in 1854, and became
the scene of violent contests on the question of slavery between
settlers of Northern and Southern affiliations. After much con-
troversy between opposing parties to make Kansas a free or slave
state, it was admitted to the Union on Jan. 29, 1861, under the
Wyandotte Constitution, prohibiting slavery. During these days
of agitation many were emigrating to the Territory of Kansas in
search of a home which the Government offered on liberal terms
under the homestead law.
However, the hardships and privations were such as to ex-
clude all ease and luxury. Many and thrilling were the experi-
ences those early pioneers made when they came west to find
their fortunes. Poverty was great, and privations intense. Most
of the early settlers paid a dear price for the homes they secured,
and well deserve the comfort which may have come to them in
later life because of the increased value of their homesteads.
Among the early settlers were also some families of the
Evangelical Association from the Eastern States, who came west
to find homes. They were of the best and bravest type of early
pioneers. They were people who came to stay, and did stay,
through storm and sunshine, through flood and drought. Neither
failure of crops nor grasshoppers could force them to retreat.
That was the character of the material the Kansas Conference
used in laying the foundation for her operations in the cause of
the Great Master and the Evangelical Association. This strain
of loyalty and heroism has been handed down to their posterity
and accounts for the splendid progress made and victories
'achieved during the past half century, in spite of the most dis-
couraging circumstances, which made ultimate success seem al-
most impossible.
The Evangelical pioneers were among the most unselfish and
courageous people to be found. The one desire they had in con-
nection with finding a home for their families was, to also have
the church of their choice located in the new country to which
they had come. With this end in view many appeals were made
to the church, through the Evangelical Messenger and the Christ-
liche Botschafter from the scattered members of the church in
Kansas and Missouri. Repeatedly those papers called atten-
tion to the great need and the opportunity in the far West. How-
7
1857
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
ever, for a long time those appeals for various reasons remained
unanswered.
In the first place, suitable men for this kind of work were
limited, and, wherever found, they were in demand at home.
Secondly, funds for this kind of work were not available. Most
of the Conferences were taxed to their limit with work and de-
mands for missionary money at home. Then, also, the constitution
of the Missionary Society made no provision for supporting mis-
sion work of this kind. The Conference sending out men must
make provision for their support. In addition to this some of the
older and stronger Conferences were not in sympathy with mis-
sion work in Kansas and were not willing to render assistance in
taking up and carrying on work in the West.
The aggressive Illinois Conference, which was noted for her
missionary spirit, located two missions in the West as early as
the spring of 1857, one in Kansas and one in Nebraska, but did
not supply them till the following spring, when the following
action was taken at the session held at Spring Creek, Stephenson
County, 111., April 21, 1858 : "Resolved, That Kansas Mission shall
be supplied with two and Nebraska Mission with one preacher."
George Fleischer and C. Berner were stationed on Kansas Mis-
sion, and J. F. Schreiber on Nebraska Mission. Both missions
belonged to Iowa District of the Illinois Conference, of which
William Kolb was presiding elder.
The circumstance which at this time gave new impetus to
the missionary project in the West, was a private letter written
to Rev. T. G. Clewell, editor of the Evangelical Messenger, by
Jonas G. Ettinger from Leavenworth, Kansas Territory, which
the editor took the liberty to publish in the Messenger of Jan. 8,
1858. This letter created such a stir and enthusiasm for mission
work in the West that action was taken in the matter by several
of the conferences at the spring session of this year. We here
produce Brother Ettinger's letter as it appeared in the Messenger :
J. G. ETTINGER
Keystone Farm, Leavenworth, K. T., Dec. 9, 1857.
Rev. and Dear Sir: —
"Our son, C. H. W. Ettinger, subscribed for the first volume
of the Evangelical Messenger and continued until the last num-
ber of last year (1856), when we resolved to emigrate to the far
West, but not knowing at the time where we should locate, he
8
1857
BEGINNINGS
discontinued. Being now permanently located three miles west
from the city of Leavenworth, K. T., and all of us wishing to
read the Messenger again, I send the subscription price for one
year, beginning with the ensuing year.
"We live in a delightful country and have 160 acres of as
good land as can be desired. Myself, wife and children (three in
number) enjoy good health. My dear friend, here would be a
good field for missionaries of the gospel, for whom I have already
written to the Rev. Adams of the East Pennsylvania Conference,
who is in charge of Lancaster Circuit. It is true the Methodists,
both North and South, have preaching in the city, but we cannot
feel at home as we could in our own society. Remember me and
mine at the throne of grace. Jonas G. Ettinger."
To this appeal the editor of the Messenger wrote the follow-
ing editorial: "Here, brethren, is another Macedonian call. Why
can we not have a mission in Kansas, or in any of the Western
States? Calls upon calls are coming, and we are turning a deaf
ear to them all. Are we to leave this matter rest until these fields
are occupied, we, as a church, are excluded, and then, with ten
times the expense and trouble, commence the work when the
auspicious moment is passed?"
After inviting a free and open discussion of the matter in the
columns of the Messenger, he alludes to a previously discussed
plan for a "Frontier Mission" or a "Frontier Department," which
resulted in nothing but discussion. He further suggests the idea
that each Conference send out one or two missionaries to Kan-
sas, and each Conference stand good for the support of its man,
and these men form a "Mission Conference" at once, and let them
work for one year till General Conference meets and recognizes
them as a sister Conference.
Bishop Long, in an able and earnest communication to the
Messenger of Feb. 4, 1858, calls attention to the needed change
in the constitution of the Missionary Society, so that the Board
of Missions or an Executive Committee may be authorized to dis-
burse the funds of the society in the interest of frontier work, but,
in the meantime, he endorses the plan of the editor of the Mes-
senger as a "temporary arrangement" only.
In the Messenger of Feb. 18, 1858, the editor makes what he
calls a "final appeal" before the spring Conferences open, for a
mission in Kansas. He devotes two and a half columns of the
Messenger to the importance of acting in the matter without de-
9
1858
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
lay. He pleads that it may receive proper attention at the various
Conference sessions. He also commends the interest manifested
from various sources throughout the church in the project, and
calls attention that now is the time to act.
The editor of the Christliche Botschafter, Rev. C. G. Koch,
also urged the matter of taking forward steps in spite of some
difficulties in the way, feeling assured that things will work out
satisfactorily in the end. The matter should not be longer de-
layed. In the Botschafter of Jan. 16, 1858, an earnest appeal is
also made for Kansas in a lengthy communication by one who signs
himself a "Friend of Missions." He, too, considers this the op-
portune time and urges no further delay, since this will mean only
loss to the church.
At this time there appeared in the Evangelical Messenger a
correspondence from E. C. Duth of Greenston, Mo., in which he
urges the Conference to send missionaries to Missouri, as well as
Kansas. He pleads for men who can preach English and German,
stating that many of our people have already drifted into other
churches, while others are anxiously waiting for the Evangelical
Association to send preachers to them, assuring them of success in
their undertaking.
JAMES EPLEY
The Messenger of March 4, 1858, contains a letter from
James Epley, Franklin, Douglas County, K. T. This letter, writ-
ten Feb. 9, 1858, is as follows :
"Bro. Clewell: — I am truly thankful to see that you have
taken it in hand to call the attention of our church to the im-
portance of establishing a mission in Kansas. I hope and pray
they will take it into serious consideration. Oh, what a field
there is open for our church in this territory! There are large
settlements of Germans here, both foreign and native born, who
are destitute of preaching and preachers, and if our church does
not send us preachers this coming spring we will lose ground on all
sides. Here is, I think, the most favorable point at present for
western church extension.
"I assure you, brother, the inhabitants of Kansas are inter-
ested in building it up in the right way, and if we only had 8 or
10 preachers of our church who can exercise in English and Ger-
man, I think their efforts would be crowned with abundant suc-
cess. A few of them, at least, should be able to preach in English.
10
1858
BEGINNINGS
Please, brethren, keep on urging the Eastern Conferences to bear
the West in mind. It is, indeed, a great pity that our church could
not send us a few men last spring and give our church an oppor-
tunity to build up with her sister churches in this beautiful coun-
try. Whatever is done, let it be done soon. James Epley."
These few communications, culled from the many appeals
received by our editors, indicate how desirous the first settlers
were for the church of their choice. These appeals, supplemented
by the earnest words from the editors of our church papers, as
well as letters of approval and encouragement from various parts
of the church, had a wholesome effect on most of the Annual Con-
ferences which were held during the spring months of 1858.
The East Pennsylvania Conference, the oldest and strongest,
was the first on the program to hold its session. The Conference
met at W^eisport, Pa., Feb. 24, 1858, but for some reason was not
favorably impressed with the missionary project for the West,
nor affected by the many earnest appeals for help which had been
made. The following resolution, passed at her session, shows her
attitude toward the projected mission in Kansas: "The Kansas
question, or the forming of a mission Conference in Kansas, is
considered a very unsafe and venturous step, not feasible under
the present existing circumstances."
The West Pennsylvania, Conference was held a few weeks
later, March 11, 1858, when the following action was taken:
"Resolved, That we establish a mission in Kansas, and, Whereas,
J. Dunlap and S. Wolf, being requested by this Conference to
serve as missionaries in said territory, have consented, therefore
Resolved, That they be appointed as missionaries to Kansas, and
that they be given one year to get ready to enter their field of
labor."
The peculiar procedure of these two Conferences called forth
the following editorial in the Botschafter of April 10, 1858: "We
regret that the East Pennsylvania Conference has done nothing
for Kansas, since she possesses both men and means to render
assistance. We are far behind the urging conditions of the times
in these matters. It is beautiful to sing : ' Kirche Christi, breite,
breite deine Grenzen weit hinaus,' but if we will not even venture
to our present borders, there is little hope that we will go beyond
in our missionary operations.
"The West Pennsylvania Conference, at least, showed a dispo-
sition to do something for Kansas. She appointed two of her men
11
1858
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
to Kansas and then assigned them to fields of labor at home in
Pennsylvania. That looks queer! Our missionaries hold they
have one year's time to prepare for their new work. May the old
maxim: 'Was lange wahrt geht ofters zu nichts' (What waiteth
long ofttimes comes to naught) not be realized in reference to the
proposed mission work in Kansas."
The Evangelical Messenger also severely criticised the con-
duct of the East Pennsylvania Conference in failing to do any-
thing for Kansas because she considered it an "unsafe and ven-
turous step."
J. DUNLAP
An intimation of insincerity in the action of the West Penn-
sylvania Conference, in sending two men to Kansas, and then giv-
ing them appointments at home, from the editor of the Evangeli-
cal Messenger, brought forth the following explanation from J.
Dunlap, one of the appointed missionaries: "You seem not to
understand why Brother Wolf and myself were given one year's
time to prepare for our labors in the far-off field. By way of
explanation I would say, therefore, that I have always been a
warm friend of frontier missions, believing that our labors and
our money would pay better, both for the cause of God and the
church in the new territory, than in the older settled parts of our
country.
"I was in favor, therefore, of the Kansas enterprise, but lit-
tle did I think that I would be called upon to go there, for having
served but one year in the office I hold (presiding elder), I had
accordingly made my arrangements for a full term. But being
requested to go to Kansas, Brother Wolf would only consent to go
in case I would. Therefore I could not refuse. But if I go, I want
my temporal affairs so arranged that I will have no further trouble
on that account. To do this I believe will require the greater part
of a year, although it will not monopolize my time to such an ex-
tent as to prevent me from doing anything else. But not wishing
to be idle during our leisure time we took a home appointment
meanwhile, believing we could arrange our matters and attend to
them besides. But you and the friends of the missions may rest
assured, that if Providence permit, I will go there if no one
else does." Suffice it to say, neither he nor his colleague entered
upon their labors in Kansas.
12
1858
BEGINNINGS
The Illinois Conference, which was held April 21, 1858, sup-
plied the missions they located the previous year in Kansas and
Nebraska by sending G. Fleischer and C. Berner to Kansas, and
J. F. Schreiber to Nebraska. These three brethren entered upon
their fields of labor as soon as possible after the session.
The New York Conference, held at Buffalo, N. Y., April 21,
1858, heartily approved of the Kansas mission project, but re-
gretted very much not to be able to send a missionary because of
the lack of a suitable man who would be available, and also be-
cause of lack of missionary funds wherewith to support a man in
the field
The Ohio Conference was next to hold its session, which oc-
curred May 12, 1858, in the Salem Church, Marion County, Ohio.
The following action was taken: "Resolved, That we locate two
missions in the West, one in Kansas, and one in North-west Mis-
souri. Further, Resolved, That it be made the duty of each
preacher to collect as much as possible on his field of labor for
these missions." M. J. Miller was sent to Kansas, and Philip
Porr to Missouri.
The Pittsburg Conference, which was held March 24, 1858,
resolved to locate a mission in Kansas and supply it as soon as
they could. This was done in 1866, when J. G. Pfeifer came to
the Kansas Conference.
Thus the initial step was taken and the work in Kansas be-
gun. We will follow with intense interest the progress and de-
velopment of the work through many adversities, hardships and
trials. Soon the appointed missionaries assume their duties and
move to the far West to take up the work assigned them. In the
spring of 1858 the brethren Schreiber and C. Berner turn their
faces westward and travel from Illinois through Iowa to Nebraska
and Kansas. The following letter, written by J. F. Schreiber at
Council Bluffs, Iowa, Sept. 27, 1858, contains a graphic descrip-
tion of their trip.
J. F. SCHREIBER
"Dear Bro. Koch: — The trip which I made with Bro. Berner,
missionary to Kansas, was, as may well be expected, connected
with hardships, exertion and danger. The Lord, however, who
protects his own, was with us on our journey and protected us.
Our motto was: 'Forward.' How enchanted we were, after we
reached Iowa's last heights from which we could see the Missouri
13
1858
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
valley spread out before us ! The scene was romantic and glorious.
How inviting the borders of Nebraska welcomed us through the
rays of the setting sun!
"Arriving in Council Bluffs, we were received by friends, and
we at once began to inquire about the German people. We also
held service on Sunday. We found that the Germans were mostly
very ungodly. The first place I visited was St. Mary's, on the
Iowa side of the line, which contains about 100 to 125 families.
This village is about four or five years old and has never had a
religious service in English or German. I visited them three
times, but found no reception. Possibly a door may open later.
"On June 28, 1858, I for the first time stepped on Nebraska
soil. Nebraska, the great prairie territory, contains some of the
best land that can be found; has good water, and a healthy cli-
mate. The country along the Missouri River is especially beau-
tiful. It is completely scattered over with Germans. My sphere
of activity is quite extended, and I have my designated places for
preaching. I could find considerable more to do if the work were
not too scattered for me to serve alone.
"My beginning was tolerably hard. Every beginning is hard,
especially for a preacher in a new country where he must begin
friendless and brotherless. The moral condition of the people is
depraved, as well among the Germans as the English. Sin and
vice of all kind are at home. The region is like a field of death
where Satan is constantly harvesting. A child of God is driven to
ask in astonishment, 'Where will this end?' Our meetings up to
this time have been rather small, for which the fever is, to a great
extent, responsible. I am in most instances well received. Al-
most everywhere I find open doors and friends who receive me, if
not royally, yet heartily.
"On the 20th of September I attended a camp-meeting, held
by the English Methodists. I felt at once that I was among God's
children. The preachers were of the right type, some of them
seemed to be genuine pioneers. The members seemed to be joined
together in love. I came among them as a lonely sheep, but I
went on my journey feeling strengthened, and rejoiced with the
thought in my heart : When shall we, too, be able to hold camp-
meeting in Nebraska?"
While Bro. Schreiber labored in Nebraska, his colleagues, Geo.
Fleischer and C. Berner, traveled southward into Kansas and
found a landing place in Douglas County, in the vicinity of Frank-
14
1858
BEGINNINGS
lin, a small town about four miles south-east of Lawrence. Here
were located the families of James Epley, F. Eppert and Peter
Brecheisen, who had been members of the Evangelical Association
in the East. Here they began operations. From this place Bro.
Fleischer sent the following correspondence to the Botschafter
under date of July 4, 1858 :
G. FLEISCHER
"Dear Bro. Koch: — I hereby inform you that we have at least
a small beginning in Kansas. We have a class here at Franklin
of eight members. Bro. J. Epley and H. Eggert are the officers.
Up to this time I could not devote proper attention to the work.
In the first place I had to build a cabin, since there was no build-
ing to rent, and rents are high. Small houses, poorly constructed,
command from $15.00 to $20.00 per month. In addition to this
the streams were so high that it was difficult to travel. My cabin
is now finished, and the weather is favorable so that I shall now
apply myself to the work and see what God will do for us.
"It will require courage, determination and self-denial be-
cause the devil is loose here in all quarters. It is not advisable
to buy a good horse, for it will be stolen. I and my family are
well and have courage to carry on the Lord's work in Kansas. I
have neither heard nor seen anything of my colleague, Bro. Ber-
ber. I suppose he has been detained by high water."
From the foregoing we see that Bro. Fleischer organized the
first class in Kansas at Franklin, prior to July 4, 1858, before his
colleague, Bro. Berner, had arrived, and before the brethren Mil-
ler and Porr of the Ohio Conference started upon their trip west.
We next turn our attention to the missionaries sent by the
Ohio Conference, as they assume their labors in the Western ter-
ritory. The following letter, written by Bro. Miller from his
home in Canton, Ohio, will be of interest to the reader. It bears
the date of July 10, 1858 :
M. J. MILLER
"To the Readers of the Messenger: —
"You have learned that Kansas has of late very much engaged
the attention of the church. The Ohio Conference, at her session
last week, after due consideration, esteemed Missouri on a level
with Kansas, hence resolved to establish a mission in the north-
eastern part of Kansas, and one in the north-western part of
15
1858
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Missouri, which were to be supplied with two preachers, who
should extend their labors to both territories, or limit them to
either one, wherever, according to their judgment, their labors will
meet with the best results.
"Since Bro. Porr and I are appointed missionaries to that
vast and promising field of labor, we shall be strangers and pil-
grims away from home, separated from our fathers, mothers,
brothers and sisters, not dwelling as before in the amicable taber-
nacles of our thickly settled eight Conferences, where we might
enjoy the presence and assistance of our venerable bishops, pre-
siding elders, and others of the ministry, at quarterly meetings,
camp-meetings, and other occasions, we beg an interest in your
prayers for us and the mission.
"The brethren missionaries of the Illinois Conference, G.
Fleischer and C. Berner, would oblige us very much if they would
give us information of their residence in the territory of Kansas,
and where they think we of Ohio should land and cast our nets."
About the time of the foregoing correspondence of Brother
Miller, while he was in the act of preparing to enter upon his
duties as missionary to Kansas, a letter appeared in the Evangeli-
cal Messenger, written by Mrs. Sarah Packard of Humboldt, Kan-
sas, bearing the date of June 19, 1858, in which she made an ear-
nest appeal for missionaries in Kansas, and more particularly at
the place of her residence. The letter reads as follows:
MRS. SARAH PACKARD
"Dear Editor: — As nothing has yet appeared from this place
I myself will attempt to write. This is a beautiful country.
There are different kinds of land, the high, the middle, and the
low, or prairie. A richer soil cannot be found anywhere, and the
climate, as far as I know is healthy. When we came here last fall
there were but a few small huts put up, but there are now 15
houses, 4 stores, 2 saw-mills, and one grist-mill. There are ever so
many more houses to be built as soon as the workmen can find
time to put them up. The town company gives lots to all who
put up houses on them, and there are 250 lots yet to be given away
among such as will improve them. The stage is to run regularly
from Lawrence to this place and back by July 1st, and the railroad
company is making preparations for a railroad to run north and
south, making a station here. We have all the most necessary
conveniences to supply our temporal wants, but that one thing,.
16
1858
BEGINNINGS
the most needful of all. The all-important requisite to make us
happy and contented is still wanting. We are in great need of
our Evangelical ministers.
"The people are gathering in here from nearly all nations, but
about one-third of them are Germans, and these have never since
they are here (and some of them have been here a year) heard a
gospel sermon preached, simply because they have had no oppor-
tunity. I trust, however, this may not be the case much longer.
There are quite a number of members here of other denomina-
tions, and a great many have warm feelings for our church, caused
by reading the Messenger. This paper is sometimes entirely worn
out by being handled.
"The inquiry here is, 'What does the Messenger say about
sending preachers here?' When they read or are told what has
been done they say, 'If they would only come now!' Let not the
cry of sheep here be much longer heard for shepherds to come and
feed their hungry souls with the plain gospel truth."
Surely the field was white to harvest, but no laborers to go
forth into the field to garner the sheaves. How sad to hear those
plaintive appeals and the church not able to respond by sending
many workers. We must wait a while longer and continue in
supplication till help comes.
August 12, 1858, the first- letter from Bro. Miller appeared
in the Messenger after he had reached his field of labor at Leaven-
worth, Kansas. We quote the following:
M. J. MILLER
"Dear Bro. Cleivell: — I am happy to inform you and the
readers of the Messenger that I am now in the territory of Kan-
sas. Taking the cars at Canton, Ohio, Monday morning, Aug. 3,
1858, I arrived at Leavenworth at 10 :00 on the evening of Aug. 9,
being on the way eight days. While on the Missouri River we
were in great danger. Our boat ran on a snag which broke a large
hole through the floor in the aisle between the barber-shop and
the cabin. A terrible alarm was created among the passengers,
women and children, crying out, 'What is the matter? Has the
boiler bursted?' All this took place at a time when dancing and
card-playing were going on in full sway. Twice also the boat was
grounded in the middle of the stream, and we were delayed for
18 to 20 hours. It was a tedious trip, with a troop of wicked men
and women around us.
17
1858
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
"The first night in Leavenworth I lodged in a boarding-house
with a man who came from New York. The next morning I took
a walk through the city. The first German I met told me there
were 3,000 Germans in the city. I succeeded in finding Brother
Ettinger, who lives about four miles from the city, and in his
home I am writing this letter. They live in one of the most beauti-
ful parts of the country and received and entertained me in the
best possible manner. They take the Evangelical Messenger, and
you cannot imagine how happy I was upon finding such a family
here, and meet with the Messenger, too.
"In Leavenworth I found three members of our church and
others who have been such, but profess no worthiness of being
such now. I may succeed in getting a preaching place there,
though it is doubtful. The city has a population of 10,000. The
buildings are nearly all new, most of them having been put up
within the last two years. If my health is spared I shall travel
south-west next week to Lawrence and Franklin, and try and
meet Brother Fleischer. Of Brother Porr, my colleague. I have
heard nothing. He left Ohio five weeks before I did, and intended
to meet me in Leavenworth. Where he is I do not know."
Bro. Miller left his family in Ohio with relatives, because of
the politically disturbed condition in Kansas at the time, and
made the trip alone. He writes that "Kansas needs not only a
free constitution to liberate her slaves, but a free gospel to liberate
her sinners."
M. J. MILLER
In a later correspondence, Sept. 15, 1858, Brother Miller
again writes :
"Dear Editor: — I am, as you know, in Kansas, and I hope the
Messenger will keep its columns supplied with Kansas missionary
matter. Its readers must also be reminded of the expense of the
Kansas and Missouri missionaries. Provision there is none raised
yet in the territory of any account, and the river has fallen so
that no boats come up from St. Louis, and the crops having failed
in Missouri, causes the prices to rise here, which will continue,
no doubt, to the close of the year.
"With regard to my missionary labors, I have nothing very
encouraging to write yet. I made out to get a school-house to
preach in, and preached to a small number of 10 or 13 hearers on
the morning of Sept. 5. In the afternoon we held a good little
18
1858
BEGINNINGS
prayer-meeting-, which was the first Evangelical prayer-meeting
held in the city.
"I will continue to preach here, though the school-house is too
far at one end of the city to get the people out. The Methodist
Church, South, I could have to preach in, but at an unfavorable
hour on the Sabbath. I have also preached twice in the German
Methodist Church, which was dedicated three weeks ago. I have
made visits to the west, north, and south, but have discovered no
encouraging prospects. Twelve miles west, in the vicinity of
Easton, I met a thickly settled neighborhood, but the people are
Catholics and skeptical Lutherans, who will have neither preacher
nor priest. Seven miles north of this city is the town of Kickapoo.
The English people there have a preacher, and the few Germans
want none. They have plenty of lager beer.
"In Kansas City I found a great many Germans, and no Ger-
man preachers among them, but a Catholic priest. In this city I
have the promise of a large hall to preach in, and will go there in a
few weeks and make arrangements to preach on a Sabbath. I also
left an appointment at Wiener, a town on the Missouri River,
eight miles south of this city, which will, however, I have heard,
fall through, because the house which was expected cannot be had.
I made a visit also to Franklin and Lawrence to see Brother
Fleischer, but he was away to Humboldt, so I did not see him.
His family is quite well and in good spirits to live for Christ's
cause in Kansas. They told me that Bro. Fleischer, too, was well
and laboring with courage to promote God's Kingdom. He had at
that time a few appointments for regular preaching. Ho has a
fine field of labor, in the paradise of Kansas, but he lives in a
cabin, indeed, as he says: 'The red men might shoot through it
and not make a hole in it.'
"The country between Leavenworth and Lawrence, a distance
of 35 miles, is all settled by Indians yet I am told, however, that
they will soon sell out. Missionary operations in the country are
a very difficult and discouraging enterprise here, because the few
settlers that are in the territory are so scattered that you cannot
get them together if you would for service. Then, also, they are
so wild and degraded that they do not desire the gospel. It ap-
pears that all the lovers of strife, and wars, and bloodshed, of all
the states emigrated here to this territory, or else they became so
since they are here."
19
1858
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
The foregoing communication of Brother Miller was written
soon after he arrived in Kansas, and indicates his early impres-
sion of the territory and her people, who certainly needed the
transforming power and influence of the gospel, whether they de-
sired it or not.
The hardships and privations of those sturdy pioneer mis-
sionaries, and the courage and fortitude with which they met
and endured them, certainly entitles them to a place in the Roll
of Honor of the Heroes of the Cross. Many of their severe trials
are not recorded here below, but rather in the book of God's re-
membrance, who will repay his faithful servants for what they
have done. Here and there the curtain is lifted sufficiently for us
to catch a glimpse of the scenes on the stage of their activity, as
the following thrilling letter from G. Fleischer, who at the time
was living at Franklin, shows. This letter was dated Oct. 30,
1858, and appeared in the Christliche Botschafter.
G. FLEISCHER
"Dear Brother Koch: —
"Both Bro. Berner and I have had a pretty gloomy year up
to this time. Brother Berner could hardly reach his destination
on account of high water and bad roads. His horse also got lame,
and he had to wait a long time on the road. As soon as I arrived
here and got my things in order I purchased an Indian pony, be-
cause I did not have enough money to buy a better horse, and
started on a trip south, but was compelled to return on account
of swollen streams. As soon as possible, then, I made a trip to
Humboldt, about 90 miles from here, where I found one member,
Sister Packard, who heartily rejoiced when she learned that I
was a preacher of the Evangelical Association.
"There are many Germans here who are desirous for the
Word of God. I could not preach to them, however, because it
rained heavily on Sunday, and most of the German people live in
the country. I left an appointment for three weeks later, but
could not fill it at the appointed time because as soon as I re-
turned home I contracted the climatic fever, which developed into
typhoid. This sickness, with the medicine I took, prostrated me
so that I have not yet recovered. As soon as possible I hitched
my pony to an old buggy which my neighbor loaned me for the
occasion, and started for Humboldt. The first night I had to sleep
on the prairie because I missed the right road. I would not have
20
1858
BEGINNINGS
minded that so much if I had been well, and the mosquitoes had
not swarmed around me by the thousands, and the wolves had not
howled so terribly, for when I opened my satchel I found that my
thoughtful wife had carefully wrapped up a nice piece of meat and
some bread so that I need not starve. I was afraid the night air
would bring back my fever, and also the wolves might attack
my little pony. I had nothing with me to defend myself except
an old stone mason hammer which I was carrying for another
brother. After placing the hammer where I could conveniently
get it, and having provided for my pony, I put on my overcoat
and doubled up in the buggy, fighting mosquitoes till 2 :00 o'clock
in the morning, when I fell asleep and rested till daylight. I then
continued my journey to Humboldt where I remained over two
Sundays. The first Sunday there were 12 to 14 Germans present,
and we had a good meeting. The second Sunday there were about
20 persons present. The people seemed touched and tears flowed
freely.
"Most of the people came to me after the service and ex-
pressed their joy because they had the opportunity of hearing a
German sermon. The prospect for God's work is good here. I had
intended to move here, but when I returned home I found my two
children sick with the fever, and later my wife took it also. We
had to abandon the idea of moving to Humboldt.
"During my sickness my colleague, Brother Berner, made a
trip west to near Fort Riley, where he found a large settlement of
Germans, who, as it appears, border on brutality itself. The dear
brother had a hard time of it. On his trip there he got the fever
and had to sleep on the prairie all night, having nothing to eat
from morning till the next day at noon, when he received a little
corn bread and milk. He then got a high fever, lay up stairs in a
house on a little straw where he almost perished, with no one to
minister to him. Though he earnestly plead for a little water to
drink, no one seemed humane enough to respond to his appeal,
and he had to wait till he was able to arise and get a drink for
himself. He had an appointment for Sunday, but got the fever
again and could not preach, but started home in this wretched
condition, and again spent the night on the prairie. Receiving
another attack of the fever, he got lost on the prairie, and became
unconscious. When he regained consciousness he was completely
exhausted, and knew not where to go. He says he resigned him-
self to his fate and let the pony walk wlrlcher it would. Led by
21
1858
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
the hand of Providence, the pony walked to a beautiful spring of
water, where Brother Berner slaked his thirst and was refreshed,
after which he felt some better, so that he could think and per-
ceive in what direction he must go.
"At last he came to a house where he had been before. The
people received him gladly, and ministered to him kindly until he
could continue his journey to Brother Eggert's, where he had his
home. We have much to pass through, but, thank God, we have
courage and are hopeful."
The home alluded to in the foregoing was located near
Wabaunsee, and the inhuman wretch was expecting Brother Berner
to die, in which event he would take possession of his beautiful
horse, which he coveted.
In January, 1859, the brethren Fleischer and Berner reported
that they were traveling over 8 to 10 counties, and were able to
fill their appointments only every three to four weeks. They re-
ported many open doors and many appeals for preaching, which
they must ignore because their hands were full of work. They
pled for more men, for young men who are willing to go where
God and the church needs them.
Philip Porr, who came to Missouri in the spring of 1858, for
the first time sends a report of his labors to the Botschafter in
the following brief communication which appeared December,
1858:
PHILIP PORR
"Dear Bro. Koch : —
"My long journey overland from Ohio to Missouri was safely
made, although the roads were bad at places. I should be glad to
submit a better report concerning the progress of the work, but
the husbandman must plow and sow in hope. There are a good
many Germans on the Missouri side of the river. The most of
them are unconverted. Unbelief and intemperance has degraded
the people. I have found a few families who were formerly mem-
bers of the Evangelical Association who have received me very
kindly."
The members referred to in the foregoing communication
were the brothers Henry, Jacob and Daniel Kunkel, of Oregon,
Mo., who had moved there from the East. Bro. Porr was sent
to north-western Missouri by the Ohio Conference, with the priv-
ilege of laboring where he found the most promising openings.
22
1859
BEGINNINGS
Consequently he did not confine his labors to Holt, Buchanan and
Andrew Counties, Mo., but crossed the Missouri River, and
preached in the vicinity of Hiawatha and Four Miles, near where
Bern, Kansas, is now located.
During the summer of 1858 a family by the name of J. A.
Schmidt, accompanied by Wolfgang Frohmader, moved from Fond
du Lac, Wis., and settled six miles west of Holton, Jackson Co.,
Kans. Reading in the Botschafter that a missionary was located
at Franklin, Kans., Brother Schmidt at once wrote to Brother
Berner and asked him to visit them. In less than eight days Bra.
Berner arrived. Great was the joy in meeting a preacher. After
gathering together all the Germans in the community, Brother
Berner preached for them on the text, Acts 10: 33: "Now there-
fore we are all here present before God, to hear all things that
are commanded thee of God." Bro. Berner could not visit them
often because of the distance and abundance of work, and Brother
Porr later served the appointment.
The Conference year 1858-1859 is rapidly drawing to a close.
The missionaries made many experiences, some joyful, some not
so joyful. It was a year of breaking of virgin soil, and the sowing
of gospel seed. There were not many visible results, and yet the
small band of pioneers labored on undaunted, although some of
them endured a great deal of sickness which hindered them in
their activities. One of them, -who was quite a writer, says : "All
desire to write leaves a man when he is afflicted with the ague
and fever." Brother M. J. Miller writes, Feb. 12, 1859, just be-
fore the spring Conferences were held, as follows in the Bot-
schafter :
M. J. MILLER
"When I first came to Leavenworth and saw the sad condition
of the people in reference to religion, and at the same time the
gloomy prospect of carrying on the work with success, I shed
tears over the situation. The prospect has since changed for the
better, and God has added his blessings to the work. My faith
and courage that God will gather societies here have been strength-
ened.
"I have at present three appointments, and one Sunday-
school. The first appointment, in Leavenworth, is of great im-
portance. Although the congregation consists of only 8 to 15 per-
sons, we have a class of seven members, and our Sunday-school has
23
1859
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
increased from 8 to 17 scholars in three Sundays. For preaching
and Sunday-school we have a school-house at the corner of Dela-
ware and 3rd Street, for which we pay $1.50 per Sunday. This
is the best we can do. Rents are high.
"Leavenworth is the principal city in the West. We should
have a church here. What will the brethren in the East give for
the first church in Kansas?
"Atchison, the next town to Leavenworth, lies 25 miles up the
river. There are many Germans there, and I am informed there
has been no German preacher there yet. That is my second ap-
pointment.
"My third appointment is Monrovia, 30 miles north-west of
here, in Atchison County. Three former members of the Evan-
gelical Association live there, namely, the brethren Hartman, Ep-
erly and Blank, who moved there from Illinois. This point is not
of great importance. The English Methodists are there, and the
people can all understand English.
"I intend to take up three more appointments — Sommers,
Grasshopper and Falls. Traveling over the wide prairie is often
difficult and lonesome. Frequently one mires in the mud, and
gets confused, and lost by the many branches of the road. We
should do more for Kansas. Twenty preachers could find plenty
to do. Before long we will have the ninth — Kansas Conference."
This hopeful confidence was expressed at a time when there
were but four preachers in Kansas and Missouri.
ILLINOIS CONFERENCE
The following appointments were made at the Illinois Con-
ference for the Iowa District in the spring of 1859'.
Wm. Strasberger, P. E.
Grandview, R. Dubs. Independence, Wm. Kolb.
North Bend, J. W. Mohr. Waterloo, H. Kleinsorge.
Marion, John Schneider. Greencastle, John Miller, Jr., and sup-
Muscatine, Jacob Keiper. ply.
Maquoketa and Dubuque, John Kurtz Nebraska Mission, J. F. Schreiber.
and E. Freden. Kansas Mission, C. Berner.
It might be observed that at this session of the Ilinois Con-
ference, G. Fleischer accepted an appointment on Rock Run Cir-
cuit, Stephenson Co., Illinois, thus reducing the number of mis-
sionaries in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska to four, instead of five
as the previous year. The brethren Miller and Porr, who still were
24
1859
BEGINNINGS
members of the Ohio Conference, continued in the work the same
as last year.
Not many reports were received from the missionaries during
the year 1859-1860, however, the brethren were pushing the work
energetically like the year before. The work was gradually being
organized, and the principal points strengthened. Concerning
the work of the year, Brother Berner writes near the close of the
Conference year, on April 14, 1860, as follows:
C. BERNER
"Dear Brother Koch : —
"I feel constrained to write a brief report of the work in
Kansas. With inward fears I assumed the work nearly two years
ago. Being a stranger everywhere, I began in the name of the
Lord to find preaching places, and then to preach, even though it
was in weakness, trusting God to bless the seed sown. To his
glory I can say, the Lord was with us, and especially in the last
Conference year.
"During the winter I held a number of meetings of several
days' duration, which were crowned with success and blessings.
The first was held at Two Way Creek, 12 miles south of Franklin,
where we formed a class last year (1859) with 14 members,
nearly all new converts. We held two meetings at Deer Creek, 12
miles west of Franklin. Here was, until recently, a very dark
community, where no one seemed to know anything about con-
version. One brother remarked in his testimony: 'When I came
here there was nothing but robbing, murdering, drinking, card-
playing, stealing, swearing, and sinful abominations. Thank God,
it is difFerent now.' We now have a class there with 18 members.
Oh, how happy those dear people are because of the work God has
done for them! Oh, what blessed seasons we enjoyed! Hallelu-
jah! God has done great things for us. To him be all the glory.
"We also held a meeting in Franklin of 14 days' duration, to
which we invited the brethren and sisters of the other appoint-
ments. Friday, when the meeting was to begin, was a stormy
day, and threatened rain. I thought, now the friends cannot come
from the other appointments, but, thank God, on Saturday the
weather was beautiful, and the friends gathered from all direc-
tions to enjoy the blessings at Franklin.
"Oh, what a blessed time we enjoyed! God's children were
revived and sinners were saved. On Sunday we baptized two
25
1860
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
adults, and about 40 German communicants gathered at the Lord's
table to partake of the Sacrament. In the afternoon we held a
testimony-meeting. Oh, what we were permitted to hear, see, and
feel! One sister cried out: 'Hallelujah, that God sent German
preachers to Kansas.' A brother who was recently converted,
said: To go 100 miles to attend such a meeting would not be too
far.' Eight persons united with the church, and now we have 16
members at this place.
"The fourth class is located 10 miles east of Franklin and con-
sists of 7 members. 1
"The fifth class was organized by Brother Porr at an ap-
pointment at Holton, which I recently turned over to him.
"A sixth appointment can be organized 80 miles south of
Franklin, 2 where the friends hold prayer-meeting regularly. I
might add much more, but my correspondence is too long already."
In January, 1860, M. J. Miller gives a brief resume of the
work in the Botschafter as follows :
M. J. MILLER
"Brother Porr was well when here four weeks ago. It is
cold and dry at present. Times are hard, labor and money scarce.
The poor classes are suffering. How many people there are here
who possess nothing but uncultivated land, a cold house, poor
clothes to wear, and corn bread to eat. In many instances one can-
not keep warm in bed because of lack of bedding. The worst of all
is the worldly-mindedness, and the political quarreling. I know of
no religious revival in all the land, and I am acquainted extensively.
We hope times will change soon. We hope the Wyandotte consti-
tution, adopted at the recent election, will be ratified by Congress,
and Kansas admitted as a free state into the Union, and then
things will quiet down.
"I am preaching here in town. 3 We cannot rent a building
for less than $20.00 to $40.00 per month, and we cannot afford
that. If we had a church we might expect to do well, for when
we had the use of the first building our Sunday-school numbered
from 30 to 40 scholars. At my country appointments I have from
15 to 40 in attendance, which is as well as can be expected in a
radius of from 6 to 12 miles, and that is called a big settlement.
'This point was later called Captain's Creek and still later Clearfield.
2 Humboldt, Kansas.
''Leavenworth.
26
1860
BEGINNINGS
"In Monrovia, where I preach, there are 20 to 25 families in
the town. Of these about one-third are German. Up to this time
I can report no conversions at any of my appointments. I have
attentive hearers whose hearts have been touched, but they prefer
to remain as they are, it seems. In all I have seven members on
my charge. Several have moved away.
"Brother Porr is now in Western Kansas, and has four 4 ap-
pointments according to his report when he was here. Brother
Berner has many appointments. He has taken up the best Ger-
man region in Kansas. He also has quite a few members from the
East who are very helpful to him. Oh, if we only had more old
members scattered here they would be a great help to us in gaining
entrance and building up. We still have courage."
The Conference year of 1859-1860 had now drawn to a close,
and while the visible success was not so great, still there was sub-
stantial progress made, and the mission work in Kansas was estab-
lished more firmly. Some conversions had taken place, especially
were the results at Franklin very gratifying.
ILLINOIS CONFERENCE
In the month of April, 1860, the Illinois Conference met at
Plainfield, on which occasion the Iowa Conference was organized
pursuant to the action of General Conference held the previous
year. All mission work of the Evangelical Association west of the
Mississippi River was formed into the Iowa Conference. This
embraced all the work in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and
Missouri. The brethren Miller and Porr received their credentials
from the Ohio Conference one month later, May, 1860, and united
with the Iowa Conference.
The new Conference was arranged in two districts, and the
preachers stationed as follows :
Iowa District—S. Dickover, P. E. Kansas District— L. Eberhardt, P. E.
Grandview, J. F. Schreiber.
Maquoketa and Dubuque, J. Himmel Greencastle (Iowa), Chas. Tobias,
and W. Uber. Fort Des Moines (Iowa), A. Stroh-
Independence, W.' Kolb and C. Tim- ^ T , me , ier - . , TT TT1 .
mer Nebraska (Neb.), H. Klemsorge.
Waterloo, H. Hintze. T ^ ran 1 kl i n . ^ans.), C Berner.
Muscatine, J. Keiper. Humboldt, (Kansas), R. Dubs.
'Holton, Hiawatha, Four Mile and St. George.
27
1860
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
The brethren M. J. Miller and P. Porr, having not yet united
with the new Conference, because the Ohio Conference did not
meet till the month of May, the Iowa Conference did not assign
these two brethren to fields of labor; however, M. J. Miller con-
tinued his activities at Leavenworth, and Philip Porr seems to
have served Holton Mission.
R. DUBS
The work for the new year was taken up by the brethren
with courage and enthusiasm. R. Dubs, the newly appointed mis-
sionary to Kansas, made his trip from Northern Illinois to South-
ern Kansas with horse and buggy. He describes his trip as fol-
lows:
"I traveled from Northern Illinois to Southern Kansas with
horse and buggy through South-eastern Iowa and Missouri. At
that time Missouri was a slave state, and in a condition of high
excitement. The outbreak of the Civil War was at hand. I could
relate many exciting adventures of my trip through Missouri.
Not far from Leavenworth I crossed the Missouri River, from
there I traveled through the Delaware Indian Reservation, then
the Fox and Sac, and, later, the Ottawa Reservation. From the
chief of the latter tribe I received great courtesy and hospitality.
"I finally reached Humboldt, where we had only seven mem-
bers ; as far as I could learn there were no others in this part of
South-eastern Kansas. These were Rudolph Orth and family, with
whom I was acquainted in Germany, Brother Ernst, a single man,
and Brother Lintner and his two sisters. Before the news reached
them through the church papers that a Humboldt mission was
formed, I was with them.
"My salary for that year amounted to $125.00, besides trav-
eling expenses, but no allowance was made for board or horse
feed.
"My presiding elder could not visit the work in Kansas the
first year on account of circumstances, but came the second year
as far as Leavenworth, and held several Quarterly Conferences,
but again failed to reach Humboldt. One of these Conferences
licensed F. Delfelder to preach, who was the first preacher to re-
ceive license in Kansas."
The year 1860 was an eventful year in the history of Kansas
as well as the Kansas Conference. This year is known as the
28
First Church Built in Kansas, at Humboldt
1860
BEGINNINGS
great "Famine Year" in Kansas. A severe drought had visited
the entire territory, causing intense suffering. Streams dried up
so that there was no flowing water, the earth was so parched that
all vegetation died, and absolute destitution reigned far and near.
R. Dubs reports that the Neosho River at Humboldt contained
water only in the deepest holes in the bed of the river. Man and
beast suffered intensely until relief came. His horse became so
emaciated and weak that he had to assist the poor animal to its
feet.
Food was scarce, so that corn-bread and milk was a dainty.
He had only six members on his work, but hearing of another
family he tried repeatedly to find them, but in vain. This family,
named Ott, had moved from Des Plaines, 111., and settled on the
upper Verdegris River, where they had pre-empted a beautiful
homestead. We will let Brother Dubs relate this episode in his
own words:
"I will never forget when one evening, from an elevation, I
saw in the distance a log-house with smoke curling out of the
chimney. My heart beat with joy, for to lodge again on the
prairie for the night, with an empty stomach, was not so desirable.
As I approached the house, Father and Mother Ott and the children
came to the door and stood before my horse. I remained in the
saddle while father Ott removed his stocking-cap from his head
and, pleasantly looking me in the face, said : 'Who are you ?' I re-
plied: 'Guess who I am.' The oldest daughter, a young lady who
had worked in Burlingame, 30 miles from where they lived, re-
marked: 'Oh, you are Mr. Davis from Burlingame.' 'No,' I re-
plied, 'try again.' But they could not imagine who the stranger
might be, when I said: 'I am Brother Dubs.' Upon this Father
Ott threw his arms around the neck of my horse and wept for joy.
His wife also wept, while the children did not know what to think
about the event. For two years those aged people had not en-
joyed the privilege of speaking German to any one outside of their
own family, and they were not able to speak the English lan-
guage. •
"I remained with them several days. We held all-day meet-
ings, and although my congregation consisted of only one family, it
was a delight to preach to them."
During the severe famine R. Dubs and other missionaries
made frequent appeals through our church papers for aid. These
29
1860
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
appeals met with ready response, and a great deal of aid was sent
to Brother Dubs for distribution among the needy. He was over
three hundred miles from any railroad; however, he had no diffi-
culty in getting the provisions hauled, since he would pay them
for their services with supplies. He writes that several miles
from Humboldt he had a log-cabin which he used for a supply-
house, from which he made systematic distributions twice a week.
Brother Dubs also received considerable cash which he ap-
plied where it was needed and would in his judgment do the
most good. There being a great many able-bodied men who if given
a chance could and would work in return for what they received,
the pastor conceived the idea of building a church, with labor in
exchange for provisions and clothing which he distributed.
The city council gladly gave him several lots, and a Mr.
Thurston, an attorney at Humboldt, who owned a large amount
of timber and a saw-mill, offered him all the logs he needed gratis,
with only sufficient amount of pay to cover the expense of saw-
ing the logs into lumber. Stone-masons and carpenters who were
being supported by him from the charity fund were given employ-
ment, and before the Conference year came to a close the church-
building was enclosed, but not finished.
At this time there were no members living in Humboldt.
This was the first church-building in the Kansas Conference, and
is still in use (1914). During the war the building was captured
by the Rebels, and was held by them for a short time, when the
Union troops dislodged them and made it their headquarters.
August 12, 1860, Brother M. J. Miller again furnished a re-
port for the Botschafter as follows :
M. J. MILLER
"R. Dubs reports in a letter I became very sick with the
fever and cannot get rid of it. I have four appointments, but
cannot serve them because I am too sick. I cannot even visit
Brother Berner. I will submit to my lot as best I can. It is much
drier here than at your place. It is distressing. There is no corn
here. Not even grass. I never saw anything like this.
"From Brother Berner I have heard, that he, too, suffers
much with fever this summer.
"Brother Porr is well according to the latest accounts. There
is a physical and spiritual drought all over Kansas. The drought
and the financial stringency block business, and affect labor. To
30
1861
BEGINNINGS
this is added the politically restless condition. All of these things
affect the progress of the Lord's cause.
"In September we will have Brother Eberhardt, our presid-
ing elder, with us. How we long to see the dear brother again.
For the first time he is coming to Kansas, and we shall be privi-
leged to hold counsel with a presiding elder."
With these reports the year 1860 draws to a close with the
war-clouds hanging thick and heavy over the country, leaving
their baneful effect also upon the work of the missionaries.
The year 1861 opens with several correspondences from the
missionaries on the field, from which we append the following ex-
tracts.
R. DUBS
The first is from a letter written by R. Dubs, stationed at
Humboldt, which he sent to the Evangelical Messenger, under date
of Jan. 17, 1861, in which he writes :
"It may not be unwelcome to the readers of the Messenger
to hear further of the distress in Kansas, as also concerning the
manner and extent of relief that has already been offered. In the
first place I wish to return my sincere thanks to those who have
so nobly responded with their contributions to my appeal. I am
requested to return thanks, a thousand thanks, in the name of the
sufferers who received them, for the Christian sympathy in our
need, with the assurance that we shall earnestly implore our heav-
enly Father to bless each contributor in soul and body. If only
the givers could see the joy of the starving people when I men-
tioned to them the receipt of various contributions. Weeping for
joy re-echoes in the cabins of the poor, for the Lord does indeed
send us relief."
M. J. MILLER
The following is taken from a letter written by M. J. Miller,
missionary at Leavenworth, Kansas, March 7, 1861, for the Evan-
gelical Messenger:
"Yesterday the cannon were fired merrily for joy on the re-
ception of the telegraphic news from Washington that Kansas
was admitted as a free state into the Union. Thank God for the
hard-fought and long-sought-for admission. Kansas now looks
for a better state of things, both in the political and moral condi-
tion of the country.
31
1861
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
"Many political devils are now being put away. I believe re-
ligion will soon prosper more readily than ever before in Kansas.
I now have six appointments besides Leavenworth, where I have
all the attendance that can be expected. Many in the country are
destitute of clothing so they cannot attend church. It is not pru-
dent for us missionaries to remain out among the people longer
than just to fill our appointments unless we can take a contribu-
tion with us to help the needy. Provisions and feed are so scare
that people are burdened with cares as to what they shall eat and
wear.
"Our presiding elder has not been with us yet, and it is
doubtful whether he will come this year. He writes to me that he
is unwell. Oh, I hope and pray to God that he may get well and
come to visit us and inspect the work in Kansas. We want one of
the higher officials to speak from experience about Kansas at our
session of Conference next May. Now we want a separate presid-
ing elder district in Kansas for next year. There is work enough
for a presiding elder here. The whole state of Kansas lies open
for him to travel, spy out the country, visit and preach. We must
have something more and better in our arrangement and operation
out here to encourage and aid the good and extensive work be-
gun."
Under date of March 12, 1861, M. J. Miller again writes:
"Dear Brother Hammer: — I received two drafts from you last
week for $64.00 to distribute among the needy. I bought a load
of flour and meal for the needy in the small town of Delaware
and vicinity. I preached in said town last Sabbath and was re-
quested with tears by the suffering members there to tender their
thanks to the contributors in the East. Springlike weather is now
here for several days."
L. EBERHART
The following extracts are taken from a letter written by the
presiding elder, L. Eberhart, from Leavenworth, Kansas, to the
Evangelical Messenger, April 8, 1861. This was the first time a
presiding elder visited the mission work in Kansas, and vividly
points out the impressions he received. He writes as follows:
"Dear Editor: — I am now, and have been for several weeks,
in 'suffering Kansas.' The far-famed dramatic country of mod-
ern history, the country which has of late elicited such a warm
and general support from our friends in the interior and Eastern
32
1861
BEGINNINGS
States. Many thanks are due them for the truly Christian spirit
which they have manifested.
"I arrived in Leavenworth on the 26th of March on the
'Spread Eagle' (on the Missouri River) from Omaha, a distance
of 300 miles, by water. I found Brother Miller and family in
good health, and preached on the same evening to quite a respecta-
ble little congregation. It is highly necessary for our church to
take immediate steps in building a house of worship for our young
society here.
"This city is the great depot of Kansas ; it is to Kansas what
Philadelphia is to Pennsylvania. Now is perhaps the most favor-
able time for such a step, as lots, material, and labor are cheap.
The day I arrived here it was cold, and snow was falling, but the
weather soon changed. You can hardly believe how the people are
rejoicing now over the recent abundant showers of rain which
have fallen. The country is beginning to look up and the people
are getting calm ; they are living in expectation of a rich crop this
year. Much wheat has been sown, and everything is coming on
fine and wears a life-like face.
"I met many friends during my short stay in Kansas, ancl
was not a little rejoiced to enjoy the company of the brethren mis-
sionaries M. J. Miller, C. Berner, and R. Dubs. Sorry that cir-
cumstances were such that I did not get to see Brother Porr. He
however is well. The missionaries have been under rather trying
circumstances, but still they are standing to their posts. There is
a wide field open in Kansas for missionary work, and, if possible,
we should take up several new missions and form the work into a
separate presiding elder district. As it is now, comprising parts
of Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas, the district being in
length over 600 miles, and in width 200 miles, reaching north
nearly to Dakota Territory, it might almost be called the endless
district."
M. J. MILLER
Near the close of the Conference year, Brother M. J. Miller
sent the following report of his mission to Rev. R. Yeakel from
Leavenworth, Kansas, under date of April 24, 1861 :
"Dear Bro. Yeakel: — I will herewith submit my last report of
this mission for this year, and, perhaps, my last one for the coun-
try. In general, conditions have become more favorable to the
missionary cause in Kansas. The political affairs have been quite
33
1861
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
settled, and everything moves along harmoniously. I have ten
appointments for preaching. Four of them English, and six Ger-
man. In general, the attendance and attention to the Word is
very good. Better than I have witnessed on older circuits in the
East. I held two protracted meetings. One in the city, partly
in Market Hall, and partly in an old house out in the suburbs of
the city. The membership was greatly revived, and six promi-
nent persons connected themselves with the church. Five of them
heads of respectable families. Oh, how soul-cheering it is to see
the sowing of almost three years spring up into promising fruit
for eternity. God prosper the little flock at Leavenworth."
1861
IOWA CONFERENCE
The first session of the Iowa Conference was held at Grand-
view, Iowa, May 29, 1861, with Bishop W. W. Orwig as chairman.
At this session Joseph Rasskopf received his ordination as deacon
and C. Berner his ordination as elder.
The matter of building a church at Leavenworth met the ap-
proval of Conference, and confidence in the membership of the
church at large was expressed to the effect that they would aid the
project in a similar way in which they rendered assistance to the
famine-stricken people in the West the previous year. In this
respect they were not disappointed, for many contributions were
given by friends in the East to build the first Evangelical church
in Leavenworth in response to appeals made through the church
papers, as well as through private letters and solicitations of the
pastor and presiding elder. The church was successfully erected
during the Conference year, and became an important factor in
the development of missionary activities in and around Leaven-
worth.
The Iowa Conference at this time also ordered that the pre-
siding elder of Kansas District shall be considered a missionary;
this meant, that while there was not sufficient work to engage his
entire time in superintending the various appointments, he might
take charge of a work, or take up new missionary territory.
L. Eberhardt, who had served as presiding elder, and once vis-
ited the works in Kansas, resigned his office, and M. J. Miller was
elected in his place and assigned to Kansas District.
34
1861
BEGINNINGS
The following appointments were supplied by the' Iowa Con-
ference at her first session, and since it comprises the work in
Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri, and concerns the missionaries
sent to that territory, we give the appointments in full :
Iowa District — S. Dickover, P. E. New Ulm, C. Lahr and A. Nierens.
Grandview, J. F. Schreiber. B1 "e Earth, John Schmidt.
Muscatine and Davenport, C. Berner. Le Sueur, H. E. Linse.
North Bend, Wm. Kolb. Cannon River, G. von Eschen.
Marion, Jacob Keiper. Preston, John Hammetter and L. Se-
Green Castle and Des Moines, Joseph der.
Bossert. Winona, Wm. Stegner.
Cedar Falls, H. Hintze and C. Tim- Buffalo, L. von Wald and Chr. Brill.
mer.
Maquoketa >and Independence, D. N.
Lang and C. Sanders. Kansas District — M. J. Miller, P. E.
Dubuque, H. Lageschulte.
_. . r T ^ „ Leavenworth, R. Dubs.
Minnesota District— Israel Kuter, P. Lawrence and Humboldt, J. Rasskopf
^- and Fred Berner.
St. Paul and Crow River, A. Ragatz Holton, Wm. Uber.
and Fred Emde. Council Bluffs, Henry Kleinsorge.
Rev. F. Berner, who was assigned to Lawrence and Hum-
boldt, with J. Rasskopf, received license to preach on probation,
and served his first year in the ministry in Kansas. In the Con-
ference proceedings no mention is made of Philip Porr, who labored
in Kansas and Missouri, as one of the first missionaries sent to
the West by the Ohio Conference in 1858. A remarkable feature
in connection with the appointments at this time is the fact that
all but one of the original missionaries to Kansas were transferred
to other points outside of Kansas and Missouri, or had retired
from the West altogether.
The year 1861 was crowded with events incident to the be-
ginning of the Civil War. Business was at a standstill, and prog-
ress along all lines of enterprise impeded. The minds of the peo-
ple were wrought up to a high state of excitement, while every-
thing was in a condition of uncertainty and fear. The war-clouds
had gathered and were ready to break with fury upon the nation,
which for a long time had been troubled with dissension and dis-
turbance.
Although the mission work was hindered, yet the missionaries
— like heroes — remained upon their post of duty in spite of dis-
couragement and danger. Our people, as well as the preachers,
were in danger of loss of property and life. Indeed some of them
were victims of the notorious bushwhackers who murdered them
in cold blood and robbed them of their possessions.
35
1861
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
M. J. MILLER
The following communication was sent to the Botschafter
by M. J. Miller, Sept. 21, 1861 :
"Dear Bro. Koch: —
"The war is now just 150 miles from our door (referring to
Leavenworth, where he resided. — Ed.). Many have gone to the
war, others are left behind in great anxiety. Kansas feels the
shock. Yet the work of the Lord is moving along better than we
feared.
"We have held two camp-meetings. One at Holton and the
other on Lawrence Mission. Each had four tents, 30 members, 5
preachers, with an attendance of about 100 persons. All the min-
isters of the district were present except Bro. Kleinsorge, who
lives 200 miles away. The meetings were good, and several souls
were saved. It was refreshing to see the few friends erect their
tents of wagon-covers and poles to hold the first camp-meeting in
the great, thinly-settled, wild Kansas.
"This was a great refreshing for us preachers who were de-
prived of these privileges for three years. R. Dubs preached a
missionary sermon, and $65.00 was subscribed for missions, which
was good considering the circumstances. In addition to this one
brother will give half a cow, and another a steer, all of which is
not included in the foregoing amount."
Of the two camp-meetings alluded to in Brother Miller's cor-
respondence, the first was held west of Holton, on the land of a
man named Meyers, who was a member of the church, and lived
near Circleville.
The meeting began Aug. 29, 1861. The preachers present
were : M. J. Miller, P. E., R. Dubs from Leavenworth, J. Rasskopf
and F. Berner from Lawrence and Humboldt, and W. Uber from
Holton. Among the converts at this meeting was the wife of John
Stous, who united with the church and became a faithful worker
to the time of her death, in 1896. Among the first converts at
Holton, the previous year, under the labors of P. Porr and M. J.
Miller, were the families of M. Fernkopf, Wm. Strohwig, Weis,
Hess and others who held their services at the home of Brother
Hess, about four miles west of Holton, until the appointment was
moved to town and the services held in the old court-house till the
first church was built in 1870.
36
1861
BEGINNINGS
In 1861 M. J. Miller held the first communion service at Hol-
ton in the home of Andrew Riederer. A Sunday-school was started
immediately after the organization of the society in the latter
part of 1859, or the beginning of 1860, and was held for a while
at the home of a Mr. Woolheater, west of Holton. The school
started with an attendance of 15 to 16 children, who met to learn
to read German.
This year the church at Leavenworth was built during the
pastorate of R. Dubs. The structure was built of brick and was
used for many years as a place for worship until replaced by a
more modern building in 1912. The first three sessions of the
Kansas Conference were held in this building.
The missionaries in Kansas at this time were subject to many
severe trials and hardships incident to the Civil War and its bane-
ful effect upon temporal and spiritual conditions.
F. BERNER
The following letter, written by F. Berner from Humboldt,
indicates the difficulties and dangers to which the brethren were
exposed. The letter was written Nov. 9, 1861, during the first
year of Brother Berner's ministry, which was certainly a severe
trial of his faith and courage.
"On October 14 I drove from Owl Creek to Humboldt to get
my horse shod and have some repair work done on my buggy.
Upon learning that I could not get my buggy before the next day
I left my baggage in town, borrowed a saddle and rode to the
country to make some visits.
"Several hours after leaving town I and the family, with
whom I was visiting, heard a noise in the direction of town, 2V2
miles away. It was about 6 :00 o'clock in the evening. Shortly
after that we learned that the secessionists had invaded the town,
300 or 400 in number, over the resistance of the home guard, and
were destroying the city. We could see the smoke and flames
ascend, which were reducing the town to ashes. All that I had,
except my horse, was in town. My first thought was to save my horse
from the marauders by hiding him behind a shock of corn, and then
absenting myself some distance I fell upon my knees and prayed God
for protection. The night was illumined by the flames of the burning
town. We could hear the roaring of the fire and the crashing of the
buildings as they succumbed to the raging elements.
37
1862
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
"At 10:30 P. M. the miscreants left the town after they had
gratified their destructive lust and had pillaged all they could.
They passed by close where I was concealed, and also where my
horse was hid, but fortunately did not discover us, for I was pray-
ing to God for protection, and he wonderfully saved us all, includ-
ing the family where I was staying.
"I returned to the destroyed town the next morning, but what
a sight ! Nearly the whole town lay in ashes and ruin, parents and
children were left homeless. One mother carried her little child
upon her arms with absolutely no clothing upon its body. Every-
thing was plundered and burned. I stood there perplexed, but
not despaired. My possessions were all gone except my horse.
No buggy, no harness, no saddle, no money. Part of my clothes
which were left in my satchel were gone. I did not know how to
proceed on my journey. One consolation yet remained, that was,
my Saviour. Our church, and the English church in town, were
spared. They wanted to burn the church, but for some reason
did not do so."
The troubled condition of the people and the many discour-
agements of the ministers undoubtedly account for the limited
correspondence during the year. Not much information can be
obtained concerning this period beyond the fact that the members
were few and scattered, the work abundant, the difficulties numer-
ous, and the discouragements great. Yet those men of faith and
perseverance held on and conquered. Today we look back with
amazement at their valor and faith in God which finally resulted
in victory.
1862
IOWA CONFERENCE
A glance at the appointments of the Iowa Conference of 1862
gives us anything but an inspiring view of the work in Kansas.
We again append the appointments of the Iowa Conference in full,
held at Grandview, Iowa, May 8, 1862, with Bishop Jos. Long,
chairman :
Iowa District — S. Dickover, P. E. Maquoketa, A. Strohmeier.
Muscatine, C. Berner.
Grand View, J. F. Schreiber. Independence, C. Sanders and H. Hol-
North Bend, H. J. Bowman. drige.
Marion, H. Hintze. Green Castle, Jos. Bossert.
Cedar Falls, J. Keiper. Des Moines, H. Kleinsorge.
Dubuque, H. Lageschulte. Benton and Lama, D. N. Long.
38
1862
BEGINNINGS
Minnesota District, J. Kuter, P. E. Frontenac, G. von Eschen.
Cannon River, J. Hammetter. Decoroh, C. Lahr.
Preston, Wm. Sterner. Painesville, F. Ende.
Buffalo, H. E. Linse.
Le Sueur, J. Schmitt. Kansas District — M. J. Miller P E
St. Paul, L. von Wald.
New Ulm, L. Seder and H. Bunse. Leavenworth, M. J. Miller.
Crow River, O. Ragatz and A. Nie- Lawrence and Humboldt, J. Rasskopf.
„ T . rens Holton, W. Uber and Chas. Tobias.
Winona, Chris. Brill. Council Bluffs, F. Berner.
From the appointments we see that the work has rather re-
ceded than expanded. The vast territory, which but a few years
ago seemed so white unto harvest, and for which the missionaries
prayed so earnestly for more laborers, has, in a measure, at least,
been deserted. Lawrence and Humboldt have been restricted to
but one man. The presiding elder has been assigned to a local
work, and after four years of missionary activity there are but
four missionaries in Kansas and Missouri. All this in spite of
the fact that an appeal had been made to the church two years
prior for 15 to 20 men. Besides this, only one of the original
missionaries to Kansas and Missouri is found in that territory,
the rest being sent by the Iowa Conference to points in Iowa and
Minnesota, while other men from that Conference were assigned
to the appointments in Kansas and Missouri.
R. Dubs was called to Plainfield, Illinois, to take charge of the
agency of Plainfield College, thu's severing his connection with the
Iowa Conference and the mission work in the West. In spite of
all these discouragements, and the troubled condition of the coun-
try at large, the workers continued their labors faithfully, look-
ing to God for success. The heavenly Father graciously watched
over the tender plant in arid soil, and in due time sent refreshing
showers to revive and develop the same.
Here the motto of Kansas: "Ad astra per aspera," was liter-
ally realized through the earnest devotion of the missionaries, the
co-operation of the scattered members over the vast territory, and,
above all, the blessings of the Most High. The highest mountains
of difficulty were scaled, and the banner of the Evangelical Asso-
ciation planted to abide.
M. J. MILLER
During the past year Rev. M. J. Miller, presiding elder, made
a trip East, in accordance with a Conference resolution to collect
funds for the church-building at Leavenworth. Concerning this
39
1862
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
trip he wrote the following report for the Evangelical Messenger,
dated Feb. 19, 1862:
"I went east as far as Ohio and Pennsylvania to collect for our
Leavenworth church. The preachers were favorable to my cause
wherever I came, for which they have my thanks. I had good
success in collecting, considering the condition of the country.
The whole amount I got subscribed is $1,677.27, of which amount
$1,300.00 was paid cash. I found the church under roof when
I got home, and we have the prospects that we can finish it soon.
It is built of brick, 32x45 feet, and has a choice location."
We regret the scarcity of historical material for the year
1862-1863. Evidently the early missionaries were busy making
history, but did not take time nor pains to write it. In addition
to this, we must also remember that they were not seeking the
glory of men, but rather the glory of God, and many of them were
governed by the principle that the right hand should not know
what the left hand does. The idea was foreign to them to speak
or write about what they had accomplished or endured, lest it
might be construed as self-glory. Today we regret very much,
that we are not in possession of the history of their experiences
during those years of toil and hardship.
M. J. MILLER
Only one correspondence could be obtained after the Confer-
ence session in 1862, and that appeared in the Evangelical Mes-
senger of October 11, 1862, from the pen of M. J. Miller, and con-
tains a brief report of the work on his district. He writes as fol-
lows :
"Dear Brother Yeakel: — Peace be with you and all friends
of the mission cause. You will know that at the last session of
the Iowa Conference, in addition to the Kansas District, Leaven-
woth Mission was also assigned to me. This is a large and import-
ant field, and because I lived on Leavenworth Mission four years,
of which time I served the mission three years, it seemed very
hard for me to serve the same in connection with the district, but,
thank God, that the dark clouds which were hanging over me last
spring have disappeared. To the glory of God we have better
times here in Kansas than I ever expected to see during this Con-
ference year.
40
1862
BEGINNINGS
"Two camp-meetings have been held on the district during
the summer. The first was held on the Holton work. Ten or
twelve seekers came forward, and most of them were converted.
Upon the first invitation seekers came forward. An old father
arose and said : 'Come, my sons, let's seek salvation.' The father,
the three sons and the mother were happily converted. There
were 6 tents, and 30 members present. About 100 to 200 persons
attended the meetings.
"The second camp-meeting was held on Lawrence Mission.
At this meeting 8 seekers came forward, and 4 professed conver-
sion. It was a meeting richly blessed of God. There were here
also 6 tents, 30 members present, and from 100 to 200 persons in
attendance."
Another correspondence appeared in the Botschafter of May
2, 1863, just prior to the Conference session, from the pen of
M. J. Miller, presiding elder, in which he gives a further report
of the work on his district. He writes as follows :
"Dear Bro. Yeakel: — The work of the Lord in Kansas is
progessing nicely. We need two or three more ministers on the
Kansas District. I hope the Conference at the coming session
will be able to appoint two or three additional ministers to Kan-
sas. In regard to support, will say we can support that many more
without an increase of missionary appropriation. The people in
Kansas support well. All help, whether converted or uncon-
verted. To show what an interest the people generally take in
our work, I give you the amount of what some of the appointments
paid for the mission cause: Coal Creek, $42.00; Leavenworth,
with 24 members, $100.00; Holton, with 48 members, $120.00.
Upon the whole, $3.00 per member.
"I think Kansas District should be organized into a Confer-
ence. This state has a great future, and so has our church. Now
is the time to push the work. We could accomplish more for the
Lord and the church if we were a separate Conference. It is too
far for the missionaries in Kansas to go up to Iowa to attend Con-
ference session. It takes time and money to do so. I earnestly
plead for the organization of a Kansas Conference."
IOWA CONFERENCE
May 7, 1863, the Iowa Conference met at Lisbon, Iowa, where
the following appointments were made:
41
1863
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Iowa District — S. Dickover, P. E. Le Sueur, John Schmidt.
Grand View Circuit, H. Lageschulte. Faribault, J Rasskopf
North Bend Circuit, H. J. Bowman. Coon River, C Brill and E. Baumen.
Marion Circuit, J. Bossert. Hutchinson, W. Giese
Cedar Falls and Ft. Dodge, J. Keiper Frontenac G von Eschen.
and Ed Wise Lansing, C. Lahr.
Dubuque, A.' Stroh'meier. Menomonee F Ende.
Maquoketa, C. Sanders. Winona, W. Giess.
Washington, D. N. Long. T , „. , . , ,, T ,,.„ „ „
Independence, S. W. McKesson and Kansas District— M. J. Miller, P. E.
L. H. Gehman. Leavenworth, C. Berner.
Lawrence, J. F. Schreiber.
Minnesota District-J. Kuter, P. E. Humboldt, to be supplied (P. Fricker).
' Holton, C. Tobias.
Cannon River, John Hammetter. Arago, W. Uber.
Preston, W. Stegner. Council Bluffs, Iowa, F. Berner.
Buffalo, H. E. Linse. Des Moines, Iowa, H. Kleinsorge.
St. Paul, L. von Wald. Green Castle, H. Holdridge.
C. BERNER
Again there is a break in the historical narrative until late
in the summer, when the following correspondence appears in the
Botschafter from the pen of C. Berner, dated Aug. 1st, 1863:
Leavenworth, Kans.
"Dear Brother: — May God's blessings be with you. To the
praise of God I can say the good Lord has been with us. Under
the protection of God we arrived in Leavenworth safe and in good
health. We were kindly received by the dear friends. For two
weeks Brother and Sister Henne gave us a home with them. May
God reward them for their great kindness.
"We certainly have a great task before us. The mission is
important. I feel the great responsibility upon me and our church
in this city. The work in Kansas is of great importance for us as
a church. The need for the gospel is great. Our aim is to press
forward and gain more ground. Yes, press forward as a church
clear out to Oregon and California. I ask God's dear children and
friends of our work to pray for us. We certainly need your
prayers."
Aside from the foregoing communication there is absolute silence
concerning the activity of the brethren and the development of the
work. How interesting it would be to know more about the six
brethren who labored in Kansas and Nebraska during the year.
However, their deeds are recorded in a book whose seal is not
broken to our view as yet.
42
1864
BEGINNINGS
IOWA CONFERENCE
The Iowa Conference met in session at Dubuque, Iowa, May
13, 1864, with Bishop J. Long, chairman, when the division of the
Iowa Conference took place, and the Kansas Conference was
formed according to action taken by General Conference, held the
previous autumn at Buffalo, N. Y., on which occasion the organi-
zation of the Kansas, Canada, and Michigan Conferences was or-
dered.
The following items are taken from the records of the Iowa
Conference at that time:
"Resolved, That a Kansas Conference be organized."
"Resolved, That the Kansas Conference consist of one dis-
trict."
"Whereas, The brethren J. F. Schreiber, P. Fricker and C.
Tobias of the Kansas District are absent from this Conference
because of the heavy traveling expense, therefore Resolved, That
their action is justifiable, and they are excused."
The following boundaries were formed:
a. There shall a new mission be taken up in North-western
Missouri and be called Rockport Mission.
b. There shall a new mission be taken up in Western Kan-
sas, to be called West Kansas Mission.
P. Fricker was received into the itinerancy, and it was re-
solved that the Kansas Conference shall meet in First Annual Ses-
sion at Leavenworth, Kansas, May 12, 1865.
KANSAS CONFERENCE
The new Conference started out with the following appoint-
ments and preachers assigned at Dubuque, Iowa, May, 1864:
Kansas District — M. J. Miller, P. E.
Leavenworth and Lawrence, J. F. Arago and Rock Port, C. Berner and
Schreiber. J. Scherer.
Humboldt, P. Fricker. West Kansas Mission, to be supplied.
Holton, S. W. McKesson.
Thus the Kansas Conference, which was destined to make
history, was launched. The work was great, the laborers few, the
territory immense. Railroads were unknown. Wagon roads were
in poor condition, with bridgeless streams. Settlements were far
43
1864
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
apart, and accommodations limited. In addition to this the coun-
try was in the throes of the Civil War, with life and property in
danger. The notorious "bushwhackers" were on the alert to kill
and destroy. Many were the victims of those hidden fiends, among
them some of our own Evangelical people. None were safe from
those demons in human form.
There were 50 appointments at this time, with a membership
of scarcely 100. R. Yeakel, our church historian, says, speaking
of the Kansas Conference: "Probably no Conference among us
began so small."
The little band of missionaries had faith in God, and were
men of great courage. Their work was God's work. The visible
blessing of God rested upon their labors, and their efforts were
not in vain.
Although the pioneer missionary could not spend much of his
time in his study preparing "great sermons," yet he preached great
sermons, for he received his message from God, rather than from
books and magazines. He did not know so much about the news
of the day, and politics, but he did know much about prayer, about
God, and his Word. He also knew how to lay a good foundation
for future generations to build upon.
The early missionaries labored among a people whose circum-
stances were in keeping with the conditions of the country and the
times. One of the old pioneer preachers gives the following de-
scription of the situation : "The people were poor and could not
render much substantial aid. Their houses were not large nor
expensive. They usually consisted of kitchen, dining-room, sit-
ting-room, parlor and bedroom, all in one apartment. In spite of
this crowded condition the man of God was always a welcome
guest, and was considered a blessing to the home."
The pioneer missionary's equipment was very simple, consist-
ing usually of a horse and saddle (sometimes a buggy), a Bible,
hymn-book, discipline, and a few other books of a devotional char-
acter, which he would study while en route from one appointment
to another, or when he could arrange to be at home a few days.
He would travel as much as 300 miles in making one round over
his mission or circuit. One mission extended from St. Joseph, Mo.,
to Fremont County, Iowa, a distance of 150 miles, while West
Kansas had no border save the Pacific Ocean.
44
1864
BEGINNINGS
D. R. ZELLNER
Another of the veterans, D. R. Zellner, writes :
"My mission necessitated me to travel 270 miles in making-
one round over my work. I had to preach from two to four times
between Sundays, frequently traveling 25 to 40 miles a day for a
protracted season. I would eat my lunch, consisting of a few
crackers, on the prairie at a distance of 10 to 15 miles from the
nearest house.
"Sometimes I had a bed to sleep in, sometimes I had none.
Sometimes I slept on a bed prepared on the stone pavement in
the house which was used for a floor. Our breakfast usually con-
sisted of corn-bread and sorghum, after which came a horseback
ride of 25 miles before dinner."
The same writer continues:
"Those were days of hardship, but days of joy and victory.
I had a happy time. The Lord was with me in the saddle, in the
homes of the people, in the prayer-meetings and in the preaching
services. I could shout the praise of God as I went from one ap-
pointment to another. When we commenced our protracted meet-
ings we expected immediate results and were disappointed if we
did not realize them. The people were usually ready to receive
the truth, and conversions invariably followed, with persecutions
and opposition."
J. F. SCHREIBER
Of J. F. Schreiber it is related that he, on one occasion, stopped
at a cabin to stay all night. This cabin was occupied by a bachelor
who was a very rough man. Supper was finally prepared, which
consisted of meat, which was apparently fish. After supper the
host asked his guest how he liked his supper of corn-bread and
fish. Brother Schreiber responded that it was very good, but he
was inquisitive to know how he came in possession of fish at that
place, whereupon the man remarked that the meat he ate was not
fish, but rattlesnake.
On another occasion Brother Schreiber inquired at a home
if he might stop all night, but found the house crowded with peo-
ple. The gentleman remarked that although they had no room
to keep him there, he could find room for him at a neighbor's house
where the people were away, providing he were not afraid to stay
alone. Brother Schreiber said it would make no difference, so he
45
1864
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
was taken to the house and conducted to a room in which there
were two beds, neither of which had been arranged since last
used. His host remarked: "My brother died here today, and his
wife and children are staying with me. Just sleep in either bed.
Good-night!" Brother Schreiber afterward remarked laconically:
"If I had only known in which of the two beds the man died !"
Many of the hardships, trials and tears of those early mission-
aries are not recorded, save in the book of God's remembrance,
who alone can reward those earnest, faithful worthies. The ten-
der little plant they started with prayers and consecration has be-
come a mighty tree, under whose branches many souls have found
a resting-place, and shelter in the time of storm. Many, through
the ministry of the Kansas Conference, have been won for the
higher life in Christ, achieved victory in death, and a triumphant
entrance into the kingdom of glory.
From her ranks have gone forth missionaries to the foreign
field, while others have been called to various fields of activity at
home.
P. FRICKER
During the year 1863 Philip Fricker reinforced the small
number of missionaries in the Kansas Conference by coming from
New York and taking up the work in the newly organized Con-
ference. He was stationed on Humboldt Mission, where he ren-
dered efficient service.
He encountered difficulty in finding a house in which to move
his family, but finally succeeded in finding a log-cabin at the Owl
Creek appointment, which he was permitted to occupy by the con-
sent of the lady whose husband was serving in the army. This
man was not favorably disposed toward the church and her minis-
ters, and upon learning that a preacher was occupying his house
he immediately notified Brother Fricker to vacate the house or he
would shoot him the first chance he got. This was not very en-
couraging news for the new preacher who had moved all the way
from New York to take up work in the State of Kansas. This man
was engaged in the shooting business and Brother Fricker consid-
ered it wisdom to move out of the house.
Twice the family of Brother Fricker was warned to flee from
the approach of "bushwhackers," but in each instance the Lord
turned the destroyers into another direction before they reached
the home, and protected his servant from evil.
46
1864
. BEGINNINGS
Brother Fricker was also summoned by an officer of the United
States to report at Iola, to enlist in the army. He took leave from
his family while his wife was sick in bed, surrounded by her help-
less children, perhaps never to see them again. He hastened on
to Iola to answer to his country's call, but again the Lord gra-
ciously intervened, and Brother Fricker was excused and permit-
ted to return home. Great was the joy of the family when in the
evening of the same day his little son, looking out of the
window, saw him and ran to his mamma's bedside, exclaiming:
"Oh, papa is coming, papa is coming!"
Mother Fricker related the foregoing incident in later years
with deep emotion as she remarked her husband had been given
back to her, as it were, from the dead in a very dark hour of her
life.
J. J. ESHER
During this year Bishop J. J. Esher, who had been elected to the
episcopacy the preceding year, visited the work in Kansas, and
preached at the following points :
July 29, 1864, Lueck's appointment. Aug. 3, 1864, Deer Creek.
July 31, 1864, Holton. Aug. 4, 1864, Franklin.
July 31, 1864, Coal Creek. Aug. 5, 1864, Captains Creek.
Aug. 1, 1864, Monrovia (Camp Creek) . Aug. 7, 1864, Leavenworth.
Aug. 2, 1864, Leavenworth.
S. W. MC KESSON
There are no further records of the development of the work
available for the remaining portion of the year until Feb. 8, 1865,
when the Messenger brought the following correspondence from
S. W. McKesson from Holton, Kansas :
"This mission is very large, embracing eight counties, and
you may imagine there are some lonesome travels over these bleak
prairies in hunting up the stray sheep of Israel, who are almost
starving for the want of spiritual food. But, thank God! our
feeble efforts have not been in vain. I held three protracted
meetings, of which two were crowned with conversions. In Hol-
ton I held one, and nine persons were happily converted to God.
One was held at Marysville, a place noted for its wickedness, as if
it were the outskirts of hell. Here we met with opposition. The
devil tried to break up the meeting by sending a mob of his fol-
lowers with pistols and clubs to the place of worship, but, thank
47
1864
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
God! their wicked designs were overruled by Divine Providence.
There were several seekers and one conversion. I thank God that
I can report twelve accessions to the church, of whom eleven were
newly converted. May the Lord keep them faithful. I intend
to hold two more protracted meetings this winter. I feel encour-
aged, knowing that our labor is not in vain."
M. J. MILLER
In April, 1865, M. J. Miller, presiding elder, wrote the fol-
lowing appeal, "Come Over and Help Us," for the Messenger:
"The Kansas Conference must have at least three more
preachers this coming Conference session, in order to supply her
fields of labor, and we should take up one or two new missions and
supply them by all means. One of our number (Brother Scherer)
has left us and is preaching for the Congregational Church in
Muscatine, Iowa. The Board of Missions has granted us an ap-
propriation for two or three additional men, and hence we are
on safe ground. If we cannot get the needed number of preachers
to supply at least the old field our work must necessarily suffer
loss, and the little band of ministers and members of this young
Conference will be greatly disappointed and discouraged. We
must hold fast what we have gained, and extend our borders and
increase our numbers. Who will come over and help us? 'The
King's business requireth haste.' Conference will meet the 26th
of May. Lord, send laborers into thy vineyard !"
48
Evangelical Church at Leavenworth, Kansas, in which the
First Conference Session was Held
THIS CHURCH IS REPLACED BY A BEAUTIFUL NEW CHURCH
1865
EXTENDING THE BORDERS.
FIRST SESSION
The first session of the Kansas Conference was held in Leav-
enworth, Kansas, in the brick church on North Sixth St., begin-
ning May 26, 1865, with Bishop Joseph Long as chairman.
C. Berner was appointed secretary, and held this position, with
the exception of three years, till 1888, when, on account of failing
health, he was compelled to sever his connection with the Kansas
Conference. Rev. J. G. Pfeifer from the Pittsburg Conference
was present as a visitor, and was received as an advisory member.
The following year he united with the Conference, and for many
years was an important factor in the organization.
J. Scherer, who, the previous year, cast his lot with the
brethren in Kansas, was deposed from the ministry because of
disorderly conduct and unfaithfulness to his office as minister.
H. Haas received license to preach on probation and was re-
ceived into the itinerancy, also George Washington Bugh was re-
ceived as a probationer from the Free Methodist Church.
Joseph Rasskopf was received from the Iowa Conference as
an itinerant preacher, S. W. McKesson received his elder's orders,
and P. Fricker deacon's orders.
J. F. Schreiber was elected presiding elder in the Kansas
Conference.
The following brethren were chosen examiners for the junior
preachers, thus constituting the first Board of Examiners: Theol-
ogy and Discipline, the presiding bishop; Church History, C. Ber-
ner; Profane History, J. F. Schreiber; Grammar, M. J. Miller.
M. J. Miller, one of the first missionaries to Kansas in 1858,
who had labored since that time in the territory, serving four years
as presiding elder, asked Conference for his credentials. The breth-
ren earnestly plead with him to remain, but he preferred to go to
the Iowa Conference. His credentials were granted, and his activ-
ities ceased in the Conference which he helped to organize, and in
which he rendered such valuable service for seven years.
MISSIONARY SOCIETY
Bishop Long and M. J. Miller were appointed a committee to
purchase a Conference Record, and a book in which to record the
minutes of the Missionary Society. These books are still in pos-
session of the Conference, and contain much valuable information.
49
1865
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
FINANCE PLAN
The following finance plan was adopted, which was in har-
mony with the custom of the times:
1. The missionaries shall receive full salary, and in addition
$25.00 table expense for serving a country work, and $30.00 if
serving a city appointment.
2. Cheap traveling and moving expenses, with necessary
house rent shall be allowed.
3. In order to render an accurate account to the Conference,
every preacher shall enter into a book all cash reecipts, and the
cash value of all donations.
A committee was appointed to audit the preacher's traveling
and moving expenses, which later reported that the accounts of
the brethren were found satisfactory.
A Conference Missionary Society was organized, however the
names of the officers cannot be found in the records.
BOUNDARIES
The following boundary changes were made at this time :
a. The west end of Holton Mission was detached and formed
into a new mission and called Big Blue Mission.
b. The appointments Camp Creek and Coal Creek were
taken from Leavenworth Mission, and the Four Mile and North
Fork from Onaga Mission, and attached to Holton Mission, the
same to be served by two preachers.
c. Kansas City and surrounding country was taken up as a
new mission and called Kansas City Mission; the same was ordered
supplied with a preacher, if possible.
This appointment was more properly old Westport, where
there had been a work started previously with a splendid prospect
for a permanent future, but which, during the Civil War, was dis-
sipated and finally abandoned.
The following appointments were made at this first session
of the Kansas Conference by Bishop Long:
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — J.F. Schreiber, P. E.
Leavenworth, Joseph Rasskopf. Big Blue, G. W. Bugh.
Lawrence, Philip Fricker. Arago, C. Berner.
Humboldt, Charles Tobias. Rockport, Mo., H. Haas.
Holton, S. W. McKesson. Kansas City, to be supplied.
50
First Kansas Conference Picture.
1865
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
The number of preachers was increased from 6 to 8 since the
former session of the Iowa Conference, where the Kansas Confer-
ence was launched. The brethren Rasskopf, Tobias, Bugh and
Haas have been added to the ministerial force, while the brethren
Miller and Scherer left her ranks.
STATISTICS
The following statistics were reported : Conversions, 23 ; ac-
cessions, 63 ; membership, 176 ; itinerants, 7 ; churches, 3 ; value,
$6,400.00; parsonages, 3; value, $1,100.00; Sunday-schools, 2;
officers and teachers, 16; scholars, 54.
This is the first statistical report from the work in Kansas
and shows what has been accomplished during seven years of
hard work. No doubt the results would have been far greater had
it not been for the effects of the Civil War, which not only para-
lyzed business and finances, but also missionary operations. What
a pity that we have no record of the experiences of the early pio-
neers and missionaries during those years of struggles and dis-
couragements.
The Conference made some encouraging progress during the
past year since her organization and the centralization of her
efforts on her exclusive territory.
Prior to this time the work in Holt County, Missouri, was
begun through the Kunkle brothers, who moved to that section
of the country, settling in the community of Nickels Grove, north-
east of Oregon, Holt Co., also in Richardson County, Nebraska, in
the vicinity of Arago. The three churches indicated in the statis-
tics were located at Humboldt, Leavenworth, and Arago.
NEMAHA CIRCUIT
The work in Richardson County, Neb., was started through a
Pennsylvania German family named Herbster, who located near
Arago about 1862, and opened their home to the Evangelical
preachers who traveled through that section of country. The set-
tlers were mostly Catholics and Freethinkers. The people lived
without spiritual concern or instruction. Some who had been
reared under more favorable circumstances felt their destitute
condition and were known to frequently shed tears over the wicked
state of the people, and no one to preach to them the Word of
God.
51
1865
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
At a wedding held near Arago in 1861 an ex-pastor of a
nominal church officiated, using for a text from which he at-
tempted to preach a sermon : "Be fruitful and multiply." After
the wedding ceremony he urged the bride to engage in duck and
geese raising as a means for making money, but had no counsel
for establishing a Christian home in that new and wicked coun-
try. This young couple was later converted through the instru-
mentality of the Evangelical preachers, and alluded to the pastor
mentioned as a man destitute of saving grace, or even the theory
of salvation. Such was the spiritual status in that community
when the Evangelical preachers began their labors there in 1862.
Probably in the year 1863 a church was built in Arago where
services were held. In 1863 the Kaiser and Meier families moved
into Richardson County from the State of Illinois, and settled quite
a distance south and west of Arago. In 1866 they were joined
by the Daeschner family, likewise from Illinois. The church at
Arago was now too far distant for those families to worship there
and the work at Arago had never gained a very strong foothold,
so the church and parsonage were sold, and five years later a
church was built 6 miles east of Falls City, which was named Zion
Church, and became the center of a large Evangelical community.
In this church the Annual Conference was held on several occa-
sions in later years.
From the Zion congregation several other societies developed,
namely, Preston, Tabor, and Falls City. Also quite a number of
ministers went out from this society to preach the gospel. Among
them were Wm. Meier, who for many years labored successfully
in the Conference, then later moved to Texas and preached there for
a number of years; H. Koepsel, Wm. Daeschner, Wm. Heiser, A.
Ernst and M. Walter.
A camp-meeting was held as early as 1868, which has been
repeated annually ever since. At one of those camp-meetings, in
1870, a drunken mob of half-breed Indians caused a disturbance,
during which one of the ministers, John Beck, received a pistol-
shot in his arm, which caused a painful but not dangerous wound.
The rowdies dispersed after the shooting, and no further disturb-
ance was experienced. Steps were taken to arrest them, but the
officers were either afraid or disinclined to do so, and nothing
further was done in the matter.
Adjoining the Zion Church is the old cemetery, where many
of the loyal fathers and mothers lie buried, while their children
52
1866
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
and children's children meet from Sabbath to Sabbath to wor-
ship the God who so wonderfully saved and helped their parents
during- the years of their trials and victories.
1866
SECOND SESSION
The second session of Conference was also held at Leaven-
worth, Kansas, beginning March 30, 1866, with the junior bishop,
J. J. Esher, as chairman.
John Wuerth, for many years later a prominent leader in the
Conference, received license as preacher on probation, and ac-
cording to the custom of that time, was received into the itine-
rancy. Brother Wuerth had, however, preached part of the previ-
ous year under appointment of the presiding elder.
Rev. S. W. McKesson, desiring to visit friends in the East,
was granted permission to do so, however his absence from his
field of labor was not to exceed six weeks.
Rev. J. G. Pfeifer, who was present at the former Conference
session as a visitor, now presented his credentials from the Pitts-
burg Conference, and was received as a member of the Kansas
Conference. For many years Brother Pfeifer rendered valuable
service as one of her foremost leaders, holding various offices of
trust.
It was resolved to build a church on Big Blue Mission, if pos-
sible, and a committee was appointed to proceed with the project,
provided that sufficient money could be secured so that not more
than $200.00 would be required from outside sources.
J. Rasskopf found it necessary to step out of the active ranks
of the Conference, taking a local relation.
An important action was taken at this session in reference to
secret societies, which was agitating the Conference and church.
The following resolution was adopted: "Inasmuch as secret oath-
bound societies, such as Freemasons and kindred orders, are dan-
gerous for the state, and injurious to the church, contrary to the
spirit of Christ and the gospel, and we must perceive with deep
regret that this evil has crept into our Evangelical Association,
and even into our ministry, therefore Resolved, That we will not
give our vote to receive any member of the Freemasons or kin-
53
1866
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
dred orders into the ministry, nor to advance to a higher office in
the church any minister who belongs to any of the aforesaid or-
ders."
BOUNDARIES
Camp Creek and Coal Creek appointments were taken from
Holton Mission, and in connection with Atchison formed into a
new mission, called Atchison Mission, while Four Miles and North-
fork were taken from Holton Mission and added to Onaga Mission.
Macon County, Mo., and the adjoining counties were taken
up as a new mission and called Macon Mission. Rockport Mission
was changed to Oregon Mission.
MISSIONARY SOCIETY
The Missionary Society held its annual meeting, at which it
was reported that $17.00 had been collected for missions during
the year. The society was reorganized by electing J. F. Schreiber,
president; P. Fricker, vice-president; H. Haas, secretary, and Jo-
sep Rasskopf, treasurer. Bishop Esher was elected delegate to
the Board of Missions. He also preached a very helpful sermon
on the cause of missions on Sunday evening of Conference, and
secured pledges for missions.
STATISTICS
The statistics for the year were reported as follows : Conver-
sions, 34; accessions, 84; membership, 250; churches, 3; parson-
ages, 3 ; value of churches, $8,600.00 ; value of parsonages,
$1,900.00; itinerants, 9; local preachers, 2; Sunday-schools, 4;
teachers and officers, 29 ; scholars, 130 ; catechumens, 36 ; cate-
chetical classes, 8.
The statistics show an encouraging increase for the past year.
Increase of members, 74 ; conversions, 11 ; itinerants, 2 ; Sunday-
schools, 2; scholars, 76.
The highest salary paid the past year was $548.25 to a min-
ister, his wife and six children. The lowest salary was $143.00,
paid to a single man. The amount of salary was not determined
by a preacher's ministerial standing or orders, but rather by his
family relations, each member of the family receiving a certain
amount of support. In addition to this each adult member of the
family received an allowance of $31.25 per year, for what was
called "table expense," and each child $6.25 for the same purpose.
54
1867
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
The following assignments were made for the ensuing year:
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — J. F. Schreiber, P. E.
Leavenworth, C. Berner. Big Blue, G. W. Bugh.
Lawrence, P. Fricker. Arago, S. W. McKesson.
Humboldt, Chas. Tobias. Oregon, Henry Haas.
Holton, J. Wuerth and supply. Macon, J. G. Pfeifer.
Atchison, Christian Timmer.
No reference is made to Kansas City Mission, which was cre-
ated a year ago, but not supplied at the time.
The seven brethren appointed the previous year had labored
faithfully and not in vain. New appointments were taken up, and
the old ones more firmly established in most instances. During
the previous year (1864) Brother McKesson, who served Big
Blue Circuit, began to preach at Swede Creek in Riley Co., Kan-
sas, in the homes of Fred Toburen, Adolph Toburen, and Wm.
Myers. These appointments were served every three to four
weeks as circumstances permitted. During the past Conference
year G. W. Bugh followed the same order in serving the appoint-
ments, and the foundation was laid for one of the strongest and
most permanent works in the Conference among the German peo-
ple of that community.
In Missouri and Nebraska, the work developed satisfactorily,
as the statistics of this session show. The works were large, and
the appointments numerous, so that a great deal of traveling was
necessary by the missionaries. Ofttimes the roads were hard to
travel, and the streams had no bridges, so that traveling was not
only difficult but dangerous, yet in spite of these and many other
hindrances these intrepid heroes continued their activities.
1867
THIRD SESSION
The third session of Conference was held at Leavenworth,
Kansas, beginning March 28, 1867. Bishop J. Long, who held the
first session, was chairman and conducted the business of Confer-
ence for the last time. C. Berner was again appointed secretary.
At this session Chas. Tobias was tried for insubordination and
neglect of duty, for which he was deposed from the ministry.
55
1867
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
The following brethren were licensed to preach on probation:
Wm. Folgate, H. Mattill, and D. R. Zellner, the two latter preach-
ing many years in the Conference, while H. Mattill served a num-
ber of years as presiding elder, and later as junior publisher in
the Publishing House at Cleveland, Ohio. H. Mattill was also re-
ceived into the itinerancy.
J. Wuerth, G. W. Bugh, Henry Haas, and Christian Timmer
received deacons' orders, and Philip Flicker, elder's orders.
Oregon was divided at this time, the western portion retain-
ing the name Oregon Mission, and the eastern part called Grand
River Mission.
Nickels Grove, Holt Co., Missouri, was chosen as the place to
hold the next session of Conference.
The time for the next General Conference being near at hand,
J. F. Schreiber was elected delegate, and C. Berner alternate to the
same.
It was ordered that one-half of the church at Arago should
be sold, if possible, and the proceeds applied to pay off the indebt-
edness, the surplus, if any, should be used to complete the church
building.
It was also resolved that a district house shall be built at Hol-
ton, Kansas, if possible, however not more than $100.00 indebted-
ness shall be incurred. A committee, consisting of J. F. Schreiber,
the pastor at Holton, and Peter Riederer, was appointed to super-
intend the project. It was further ordered that J. F. Schreiber,
presiding elder, shall be stricken from the list of missionaries,
with the understanding that for this year he shall receive out of the
missionary treasury $100.00 for rent, this $100.00 shall apply to
the new district house, and Brother Schreiber shall collect the
amount he expends for rent up to the time he can occupy the house
from the district.
FINANCE PLAN
The finance plan was changed to the effect that a preacher
serving a city shall in the future receive $40.00 per year table
expense.
The salary for the past year amounted to $125.00 for a single
man, with $31.25 additional table expense. A married man re-
ceived twice that amount, and for each child in the family an
additional $25.00, with $6.25 table expense.
56
1867
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
MISSIONARY SOCIETY
The Missionary Society reported the amount of $35.70 raised
for missions the past year. In addition to this Atchison Mission
contributed $12.50, which brought the total up to $48.20. The
contribution from Atchison Mission is the first contribution re-
ported outside of the society, which up to this time was supported
exclusively by the preachers of the Conference.
At the reorganization of the society J. F. Schreiber was
again elected president, Philip Fricker vice-president, H. Haas
secretary, and C. Berner treasurer. On Conference Sunday even-
ing J. G. Pfeifer preached a missionary sermon on which occasion
a cash collection amounting to $20.21 was received and pledges
amounting to $110.00 secured.
J. G. Pfeifer was elected delegate to the Board of Missions,
thus becoming the first elected delegate from the membership of
the Conference to the Board of Missions.
STATISTICS
The following statistics were reported for the past year:
Conversions, 118; accessions, 204; membership, 412; preachers,
9; local preachers, 2; Sunday-schools, 7; teachers and officers,
47 ; scholars, 201 ; churches, 3 ; parsonages, 4.
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — /. F. Schreiber, P. E.
Leavenworth, C. Berner. Atchison, C. Timmer and H. Mattill.
Lawrence, D. Zellner under C. Berner. Arago, S. W. McKesson.
Humboldt, H. Haas. Oregon, John Wuerth.
Holton, P. Fricker. Macon, J. G. Pfeifer.
Big Blue, Wm. Folgate under P. Grand River, G. W. Bugh.
Fricker.
The labors of the brethren were marked with signal success
during the past year, as may be seen from the statistics. Espe-
cially encouraging were the number of conversions and accessions.
MACON
During the year the first organization was effected in East-
ern Missouri. Brother J. G. Pfeifer, who was assigned to Macon
Mission at the previous Conference session, located his family at
Bloomington, a small village in Macon Co., where he began opera-
tions. He organized a class with the following ten members : Sol-
omon Geist and wife, Jacob Laumeister and wife, John Zeiner and
wife, and John Hess and wife, including the pastor and wife.
57
1867
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
A brick church in the village was owned by the Presbyterian
and the Methodist Church, South. The Methodist brethren de-
sired to sell their interest in the church, so the Evangelical Asso-
ciation bought the same. Later the Presbyterians also sold their
interest to the Evangelical brethren, who thus became the sole
owners of the building, and had a place for worship which was
completely under their control. In later years the brick building
was replaced by a frame structure.
At the time Brother Pfeifer was developing the work at
Bloomington, he also took up an appointment near Bethel, Shelby
Co., Missouri, where he organized a class the next year with the
following charter members: Rev. Christian Stauffer and wife,
Philip Christman and wife, Michael Fey and wife, Ferdinand Wes-
ter and wife, Jacob Wise, Fredricke Schnaufer, Henry Schnaufer,
and John C. Bower. This class worshiped in the Short School
House till 1870. They then rented a hall in Bethel, where they
held their services for nine years when they built the Zion Church,
three miles west of Bethel. Here they organized the first Evan-
gelical Sunday-school in Shelby County. From this congregation
several young men entered the gospel ministry, namely: W.
A. Schutte, deceased, of the Illinois Conference ; C. W. Stauffer, de-
ceased, and E. F. Boehringer.
NICKELS GROVE
The beginning of the work in Holt County, Mo., dates back
to the first missionary operations in the State of Missouri, when
Philip Porr, sent to Missouri in 1858 by the Ohio Conference,
preached in the vicinity of Oregon. David Kunkle was probably
the first member of the Evangelical Association in the State of
Missouri. He settled one mile east of Oregon, where he lived for
forty years. In his home the pioneer preachers found a hearty
welcome and ready assistance in their work of planting the banner
of the Evangelical Association. There is an absence of historical
data for several years, which is very much regretted, however,
in 1865, we find the families of Ulrich Bucher and Adam Rung,
who moved from the State of Indiana, locating near Oregon, fol-
lowed one year later by the families Joseph Anselman and Daniel
Zachman from the State of Ohio. These families located in the
vicinity of Nickels Grove. In 1865 Rev. H. Haas was assigned
to Rockport Mission, which embraced all the work there was at
the time in Missouri. In the winter of 1866 he held a protracted
58
1867
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
meeting in the Nickels Grove school-house, assisted by Rev. C.
Timmer, who was serving Atchison Mission in Kansas. This
meeting resulted in the conversion of eight or ten persons who
were added to the little band.
In the spring of 1867 Rev. J. Wuerth was appointed to the
work, and served it for two years. About this time the first class
was organized with Adam Rung as class-leader and Joseph Ansel-
man, exhorter.
The first Quarterly Conference was held May 25, 1867, in the
home of Father Anselman by Rev. J. F. Schreiber, presiding elder.
During the summer of this year the first Evangelical camp-meet-
ing was held in the county, in charge of Rev. J. F. Schreiber.
This meeting was blessed with many conversions and the advance-
ment of the society in general.
The following winter Brother Wuerth began a meeting in the
Nickels Grove schoolhouse, but soon the attendance became so large
that the house could not accommodate the people, and the meet-
ing was moved to a Baptist church in the community, where it
was continued four weeks, resulting in about thirty conversions.
After four weeks the meeting was moved to the Kunkle factory,
half a mile east of Oregon, and continued there for another four
weeks, during which time thirty-five souls were saved and added
to the church.
In 1868 a brick church, 36x46 feet, was built at a cost of
$3,200.00 at the same place where the present Nickels Grove
Church stands. This was the first Evangelical church-building in
Holt County.
Small as the beginning was, the membership had increased
to 75 by the close of the Conference year 1868. From this society,
which may be called the mother church of the Evangelical Asso-
ciation in Holt County, members have gone into other parts of
the county, and formed the nucleus for other societies.
The Kansas Conference held her session twice in the Nickels
Grove Church. The first time in 1868, and the second time in
1872. Six young men were recommended to the ministry of the
gospel by this congregation, of whom are J. H. Kiplinger, H. E.
Bower, and F. W. Voegelein who later was sent by the Board of
Missions to Japan as missionary.
From this society developed the Oregon and Mound City works.
59
1868
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
FOURTH SESSION
March 26, 1868, the members of the Conference met at Nick-
els Grove, Holt County, Missouri, to hold their fourth session.
Bishop Esher was present as chairman and appointed C. Berner
secretary.
In addition to the usual committees a committee on statistics
was appointed for the first time, the committee consisting of C.
Berner, P. Fricker and H. Haas.
Charges were preferred against G. W. Bugh for neglect of
duty and immoral conduct, whereupon the following action was
taken by Conference: "Resolved, That the chairman shall admin-
ister a severe reprimand to Brother Bugh for his misdeeds, and
that he shall be placed on probation for one year. In case he prom-
ises amends he shall receive an appointment for the coming year
under another brother."
C. W. Comstock was licensed to preach on probation, and Wm.
Folgate, C. W. Comstock, and Wm. Lingelbach were received into
the itinerancy.
The presiding elder reported a deficit of $67.00 in his salary
under the new arrangement adopted a year ago, whereupon Con-
ference ordered that each minister shall take up a collection on his
field of labor during the year to make up the deficit. The sur-
plus to be applied to the new district house erected during the
year. In addition to this a collection was ordered taken on each
field of labor to liquidate the indebtedness on the newly erected
district house at Holton, Kansas. The presiding elder shall be
authorized to collect wherever he can for said purpose.
TEMPERANCE
On recommendation of the chairman, and in harmony with
church sentiment, a temperance pamphlet, published by A. A. Wel-
ler, was ordered circulated throughout the Conference.
A committee was appointed which was authorized to sell and
transfer the church and parsonage property located at Arago.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
The following action in the interest of the children and young
people was taken, the first of the kind recorded in the history of
the Conference: "In view of the emphatic command of our Sav-
iour, 'Feed my lambs,' we would impress upon every member of
60
1868
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
the Conference, and every one interested in the youth, which is
the future hope of the church: First, that wherever possible,
Sunday-schools shall be established, but especially that catecheti-
cal classes shall be formed and religious instruction imparted.
This should be done as well in the Sunday-school as in private.
Also our young people should be supplied with sound literature, to
which our excellent Sunday-school books are so well adapted, and
they should be universally distributed."
BOUNDARIES
Leavenworth and Atchison were ordered served together and
supplied with two preachers.
The appointments Nemaha and Spring Creek were taken from
Onaga Mission, and together, with the surrounding country, formed
into a new English mission, to be known as Nemaha Mission. If
possible, this should be supplied. This was the first action taken
by Conference in reference to the English language, of which we
can find any record.
It was ordered that Onaga Mission should extend west to Lin-
coln City and Blue Springs. A new mission was located west of
Topeka, Kansas, which was called West Kansas Mission.
NORTH-WESTERN COLLEGE
At this time recognition was taken of North-Western Col-
lege in response to a letter addressed to the Conference by the
agent of the school.
The finances of the past year were very encouraging, so that
all the missionaries were paid out in full.
MISSIONARY SOCIETY
The amount of $382.95 was raised for missions during the
past year. Of this amount $52.75 was raised by two auxiliaries
which existed at this time. Bishop Esher preached the mission-
ary sermon, on which occasion a cash collection amounting to
$16.00 was received, and $203.00 was secured on subscription for
the ensuing year.
J. F. Schreiber was again elected president of the Missionary
Society, J. G. Pfeifer vice-president, H. Haas secretary, and C.
Berner treasurer.
61
1868
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
STATISTICS
The following statistics were reported at this Conference ses-
sion : Conversions, 193 ; accessions, 243 ; membership, 607 ; itin-
erants, 12; churches, 4; parsonages, 5; Sunday-schools, 13; offi-
cers and teachers, 91 ; scholars, 305.
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — J. F. Schreiber, P. E.
Leavenworth and Atchison, C. Berner Onaga, Wm. Lingelbach under the
and G. W. Bugh. presiding elder.
Lawrence, S. W. McKesson. Nemaha, C. W. Comstock.
Humboldt, H. Haas. Oregon, J. Wuerth and H. Mattill.
Big Blue, Wm. Folgate. Grand River, J. G. Pfeifer.
Holton, P. Fricker. Macon, Christian Timmer.
West Kansas Mission, to be supplied.
The statistics of the past year indicate a marked increase all
along the line of church activities. The Sunday-school member-
ship was raised from 201 to 305, and the church membership from
412 to 607.
YATES CENTER
During the past year H. Haas, who served Humboldt Mission,
held a meeting in the home of August Lauber on Owl Creek, east
of Yates Center, since there was no school-house accessible in which
to hold services. An extensive awakening took place, and many
souls were converted, after which a class was organized with the
following members: August Lauber and wife, Wm. Stockebrand
and wife, Ernst Stockebrand and wife, Herman Fuhlhage and wife,
August Toedman and wife, Maria Stockebrand, Theresa Stocke-
brand, Ernst Kluckhuhn, and Herman Toedman, who later entered
the ministry of the Kansas Conference, and for many years was
in the active work. C. F. Harder was chosen class-leader, and E.
Kluckhuhn and Ernst Stockebrand stewards.
Brother August Lauber was elected Sunday-school superin-
tendent, in which capacity he served 37 years in succession.
This appointment was originally called Owl Creek Class be-
cause of the creek by that name, along which most of the members
lived. The name "New Jerusalem People" was given to the little
band of young converts by the non-Christian people, who were not
favorably inclined toward them, saying that whoever went up the
creek among them would have to become converted. This was cer-
tainly not a grievous stigma, but rather an enviable reputation for
the little flock who lived "farther up" and were engaged in their
62
1868
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Father's business. These veterans of the cross and charter mem-
bers of the Evangelical Association in Allen County, Kansas, were
industrious and stalwart pioneers, accustomed to hardships, and
found great comfort and strength in their religion. They were
loyal to the church and her interests. They inculcated those prin-
ciples into their children, thus endeavoring not only to accumu-
late earthly possessions in the new country, to which they had em-
igrated. They succeeded in doing this to quite an extent, but,
more than that, in also bringing up their children for Christ and
the church. It was an inspiration to see parents and children meet
at the family-altar, the prayer-meeting, the Sunday-school and the
preaching-service, the parents praying with and for their children,
until they saw them led to the Saviour, and then rejoice with them
unspeakably, proving that they believed with all their hearts in the
one whom they professed, and that they indeed had found and pos-
sessed the "pearl of great price."
From this loyal mother congregation two equally loyal daugh-
ters emanated, namely, Turkey Creek and Cedar Creek.
In 1882 Conference ordered that all the appointments west of
Defiance should be taken from Humboldt Circuit and formed into
a new circuit, which should be called Yates Center Circuit. It has
not often occurred that a work has started self-supporting, as was
the case with Yates Center Circuit. A church was built in Yates
Center in 1885, at a cost of' $2,050.00, which was dedicated by
Bishop T. Bowman.
WINSTON
In the year 1866 five families moved from Ohio to Winston, Mo.,
where they settled and established homes. They were true Evan-
gelical families who longed for the church of their choice to wor-
ship in. This privilege was granted them when the following year
(1867) J. F. Schreiber came in contact with them and organized
a class with 11 members as follows: Ephraim Kuhns and wife,
Henry Coons and wife, Jonathan Burgert and wife, John Helden-
brand and wife, Mike Young and wife, and Fannie Stecker.
Ephraim Kuhns was elected class-leader, and Mike Young ex-
horter. At first the services were held in a grove during the sum-
mer months, and, later, in the old Castor school-house. In 1880 a
church was built in town, which has been used ever since. Several
ministers have gone out from this society to bring the glad tid-
ings of the gospel to their fellow-men, namely, S. A. Burgert of
63
1868
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
the Kansas Conference, who became the first missionary to Okla-
homa, and I. H. Hauptfuehrer of the Illinois Conference. Also the
former wife of F. C. Neitz, who accompanied her husband as a
missionary to Japan, and from there was called to her eternal
home.
DEER CREEK
During the past year a church was built at Deer Creek, Doug-
las County, Kans., with D. R. Zellner as pastor, and C. Berner,
preacher-in-charge. The building was made of stone and is listed
in the Conference statistics at a value of $2,000.00. It was the
fourth church-building in the Conference. No record is at hand
concerning the dedication of the same. The building is still used
for church purposes (1914).
FOUR MILE
In 1859 Philip Porr, missionary in Missouri, crossed over into
Kansas and preached in Brown, Doniphan, and Nemaha Counties.
He went west as far as a point called Four Mile near the Kansas
and Nebraska state-line in Nemaha County, Kans., where lived
the families of Christ. Blauer, Jacob Spring, Christ. Lehman,
Henry Ott, Fred Lehman and Katharine Lehman. Those were
early settlers with whom the pioneer preacher stopped, and to
whom he preached the gospel of salvation, with as many others as
would attend the services held in cabins, and during the summer
months under shady trees. The people were poor in this world's
goods, and in most instances the missionary still poorer. Brother
Uber, coming to the home of Jacob Spring one cold winter day
with scarcely enough clothing to keep him from suffering with the
severe weather, was supplied with the necessary articles of clothing
from his scanty supply of furnishings. Among other things Sister
Spring gave him a pair of heavy wool socks which she herself had
knitted, since she discovered that those he was wearing would not
protect his feet from cold while in the saddle. This gift was highly
appreciated by the itinerant, who was compelled to travel every
day, regardless of weather conditions, in order to reach his many
scattered appointments.
The missionaries kept up an appointment at Four Mile for
several years, preaching as regularly as time and conditions would
permit till 1867, Philip Fricker, who was serving Holton Mission,
organized a class, of which Henry Ott was elected class-leader,
and Fred Lehman exhorter. For some reason, as it appears, there
64
1868
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
was no Sunday-school organized at this time, which was usually
done at once where a class was organized. In this instance, how-
ever, the records show that a Sunday-school was organized 9 years
later, in 1876, with Christ. Lehman elected superintendent.
In this year, 1876, a church was also built by the little band
of workers, in which they now held their services and Sunday-
school. There is no record of the cost of the building, nor when
or by whom dedicated.
Some years later the work started in the town of Bern, as afi
outgrowth of the Four Mile society, which naturally developed
into the leading congregation.
GLASGOW
During the past year, 1867, J. G. Pfeifer, who served Macon
Mission in Eastern Missouri, found entrance in Glasgow, a town
on the Missouri River in Saline County. Brother Pfeifer was fol-
lowed by C. Timmer the ensuing year, who served the work one
year, when the appointments Glasgow and Frankfort were taken
from Macon Mission, and, with the surrounding country, formed
into Glasgow Mission. This work was supplied with M. Alsbach
who entered the Conference that spring. During the pastorate ol
Brother Alsbach a class was organized with the following mem-
bers: Otto Nuhn and wife, Margaret Ruffel, Mary Beier, John
Nuhn and wife, Mary Becker and Baltzer Ruffel and wife.
For several years the little class worshiped and developed the
work as best they could, when, in 1872, they erected a church-
building at a cost of $1,900.00, which was dedicated by J. G.
Pfeifer, presiding elder of the Missouri District. The original
board of trustees were Otto Nuhn, Baltzer Ruffel and John Nuhn.
The following year a Sunday-school was organized with Otto
Nuhn, superintendent, and Baltzer Ruffel, secretary and treasurer.
For many years Glasgow was one of the most important
charges in Eastern Missouri, and the members were among the
most loyal and devoted in the church.
In 1870 Glasgow and Frankfort appointments were again
attached to Macon Mission and supplied with B. Hoffman, who
served the work for two years.
FIFTH SESSION
Conference met this year in the Methodist Episcopal Church
in Oregon, Mo., March 18, 1869, to hold her fifth session. Bishop
65
1869
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Esher again presided and appointed H. Haas secretary. C. Ber-
ner was appointed to report the proceedings to the Botschafter
and Wm. Lingelbach to the Messenger.
It was resolved that at the examination of ministers only
preachers who have traveled and ordained local elders shall be
present, and that this rule shall be added to the business rules of
the Conference to govern future sessions.
The brethren H. Haas, J. Wuerth, and C. Timmer received
elders' orders, and H. Mattill, J. Beck, and Wm. Folgate, deacons'
orders.
Conrad Emmel and Edward J. Troyer received license to
preach on probation, while J. Beck, E. J. Troyer and Michael Als-
bach were received into the itinerancy.
G. W. Bugh, located on account of physical infirmity, and C.
Comstock received credentials.
BOUNDARIES
The following extensive report on boundaries was adopted:
a. Lawrence Mission shall be changed to a circuit.
b. Atchison Mission shall be discontinued.
c. Camp Creek and Independence Creek appointments shall
be added to Leavenworth Mission.
d. Coal Creek and Grasshopper Creek appointments shall be
added to Holton, and the latter be changed to a circuit.
e. The appointments Hiawatha and Wolf River, also the ap-
pointments Carson and Four Mile, shall be taken from Holton and
added to Arago Mission, and the name Arago Mission shall be
changed to Nemaha Mission, and supplied with two preachers.
f . Oregon Mission shall be divided. The appointments Platte
River and St. Joseph, with the surrounding country, shall be con-
stituted a circuit, and called St. Joseph Circuit.
g. Glasgow and New Frankfort shall be taken from Macon
Mission, and, with the surrounding country, form a new mission,
to be known as Glasgow Mission.
h. The Conference shall be divided into two districts, the
Missouri River forming the dividing line. The districts shall be
called Kansas District and Missouri District.
C. Berner and J. G. Pfeifer were elected presiding elders, and
stationed on the Kansas and the Missouri Districts respectively.
66
1869
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
It was ordered that in the future the fields of labor shall be
independent of one another regarding the matter of preachers'
salary, and the same finance regulation which obtains among the
missionaries shall also apply to the circuit preachers and the pre-
siding elders. It was also made the duty of the presiding elders
to extend their activities outside of their districts and enter as
many doors as possible during the year for the advancement of the
gospel, and the extension of the Conference. With this end in
view an appropriation of $100.00 was made for each presiding
elder for traveling expenses.
SOLOMON NEITZ
The damaging agitation of Solomon Neitz, a member of the
East Pennsylvania Conference, was felt even in the small Kansas
Conference, as seen by the following action :
"Resolved, That we consider the brazen accusations made
against our bishops in his article, published in the Christliche Bot-
sclmfter, under the heading, 'Sporadisches,' as reproachful and
slanderous. We hold our bishops in high esteem and love, feeling
confident that they have up to this time served the church with de-
votion and self-sacrifice. We deeply deplore that said article has
not only grieved our bishops, but our entire church has been
maligned thereby."
EVANGELISCHE MAGAZIN
Conference also expressed her appreciation of the timely pub-
lication of Das Evangelische Magazin, which was created by the
recent General Conference. A hearty "Godspeed" was expressed
to the editor.
Rev. E. E. Evans of the Michigan Conference was received as
a member of this Conference.
MISSIONS
The amount of $370.25 was reported collected for missions
during the past year, while the amount of $1,686.00 was appro-
priated for the ensuing year. The above amount of $370.25 raised
for missions was contributed by the auxiliaries of the Conference,
aside from the amount paid by the preachers.
The following officers were elected for the Missionary Society
for the coming year : J. F. Schreiber, president ; J. Wuerth, vice-
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1869
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
president ; H. Haas, secretary, and J. G. Pf eifer, treasurer. Bishop
Esher was elected delegate to the Board of Missions.
STATISTICS
The statistics for the past year are as follows: Conversions,
186. Of this number 60 conversions are reported from Oregon
Mission, and 28 from Lawrence. Accessions, 228. Of this number
72 are reported from Oregon Mission, and 36 from Lawrence.
Membership, 696; itinerants, 14; local preachers, 6; churches, 5;
parsonages, 5 ; Sunday-schools, 15 ; officers and teachers, 123 ;
scholars, 421 ; Botschafters, 221 ; Messengers, 85.
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — C. Berner, P. E.
Lawrence, S. W. McKesson. Missouri District-J. G. Pf eifer, P. E.
Holton, J. F. Schreiber. St. Joseph, John Wuerth.
Leavenworth, H. Haas. Oregon, John Beck.
Humboldt, Wm. Lingelbach. Grand River, Wm. Folgate.
West Kansas, H. Mattill. Macon, C. Timmer.
Big Blue, E. J. Troyer. Glasgow, M. Alsbach.
Nemaha, P. Fricker and supply.
PLATTE RIVER
The past Conference year brings us in touch with the begin-
ning of the work on Platte River Circuit, Andrew County, Mo.
Early in the sixties a number of German families settled in An-
drew County, in the vicinity where at present Cosby is located,
about 13 miles north-east of St. Joseph.
These German people were left without a spiritual shepherd,
though they had a desire for spiritual instruction. This was not
usually the case among the early settlers, who, in most instances,
were a rough and irreligious class of people. Prompted by a de-
sire for religious service, they appealed to Lutheran preachers in
St. Joseph to come and preach to them, offering them conveyance
back and forth if they would but come. Their appeal, however,
was in vain, and they were told it was neither worth while nor
necessary, since they could attend service in St. Joseph. So they
were left without spiritual counselors.
Soon after the Conference session of 1868, H. Mattill, who
was stationed with J. Wuerth on Oregon Mission, came into the
community of those Germans. Visiting in the home of H. Sanders,
and praying with the family, he received permission to preach for
them. He arranged an appointment for his colleague, Brother
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1869
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Wuerth, who arrived in due time and preached to a large congre-
gation in the old Concord Church. The sermon, which was de-
livered in the power of the Spirit, made such a favorable impres-
sion upon the people that they could hardly wait till Brother
Wuerth should return again to preach.
After the first sermon in the church the meetings were held
in different homes in the community. Everybody cheerfully opened
their doors to the missionaries, who came to show them the way
of life. During the summer months the meetings were held in a
grove until autumn, when they were changed to the home of
Father Thies, where they were held during the winter. A won-
derful awakening took place during, the year and many were con-
verted. The beginning of the awakening was brought about by
several families who attended a camp-meeting at Nickels Grove,
Holt County, Mo., during the summer, and were converted. They
returned home and started the revival fire at home which continued
to burn throughout the winter. During the winter months a re-
vival meeting was held in the house of Father Thies, where many
were gloriously saved and united with the church. About 40 per-
sons were received into the church, representing 17 or 18 families.
At the session of Conference this spring, 1869, the appoint-
ments Platte River and St. Joseph were formed into St. Joseph
Circuit, of which Platte River was practically the entire body.
Platte River was the second work in the conference which enjoyed
the distinction of starting on a self-supporting basis. Yates Cen-
ter preceded Platte River by one year. Steps were taken at once
to build a church, and the project was carried out one year later,
when on the 26th of July, 1869, Rev. J. G. Pfeifer, the presiding
elder, dedicated a new church, which had been built upon a site
donated to the society by Father Thies, including sufficient ground
for a parsonage and cemetery near the church. The church-
building was erected at a cost of $800.00, not counting donated
labor.
A Sunday-school was organized July 28, 1869, with Rev. J.
Wuerth as superintendent, Henry Sanders, assistant superintend-
ent, Wm. Garbe, secretary, and Henry Bunse, librarian. The en-
rollment numbered 30 scholars and 7 teachers.
NEMAHA
During the past year the Zion Church was built west of
Arago on Nemaha Mission, in the vicinity where the families
69
1869
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Daeschner, Kaiser and Meier had moved from Illinois, and the
work had become well established. In later years Conference held
numerous sessions in this church.
H. MATTILL
The following experiences are related by Rev. H. Mattill at
the time of his service on West Kansas Mission, when the country
was new and the people mostly rough and irreligious.
The summer of 1869 was a very wet season, which made
it difficult to save the harvest, while much of the wheat went to
waste. On a certain Sunday morning the sky was clear, and the
prospects fair for a fine day, so that the threshing-machine was
set in motion. About 11 :00 o'clock a cloud arose, and in a short
time the rain was pouring down upon the threshing crew. The
farmer got very angry because of this, and began to defy God in a
most blasphemous manner, challenging the Almighty in the follow-
ing words: "You blockhead up there, if I had you here I would
pummel you." Instantly a bolt of lightning struck the blasphemer
dead. His brother became enraged at this and began to curse God
most vehemently, when his horses became frightened, ran away
and killed him also. This was another demonstration of the truth
that "God is not mocked."
Another example of human depravity on the one hand, but
firm Christianity on the other hand, is given in the following :
Mr. B. was a true Christian, who followed his Saviour faith-
fully, though it required both grace and grit to do so. Mr. B. had
raised a heavy wheat crop, which was ready for the threshing-
machine. The proprietor of the threshing-machine notified him
that he would thresh his wheat the following Sunday. Mr. B. re-
marked that he could not thresh for him on Sunday. This angered
the party who desired to do the work, and he told him that he
would thresh on Sunday or not at all. Mr. B. remained firm, and
his wheat crop went unthreshed, since they boycotted him, and
there was no other machine to be procured.
Brother Mattill had occasion to cross Chapman Creek, which
had no bridge; the water being high, he was uncertain about at-
tempting to ford the stream. A Catholic Irishman, who lived near
the ford and was familiar with conditions, advised Brother Mattill
to cross over the creek. Heeding the advice, he drove into the
water, but soon saw his mistake. The ponies began to swim, but
the buggy got into the swift current of the stream ; it was thrown
70
1869
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
over, and the contents carried away. Brother Mattill succeeded
in swimming to the shore from whence he came, and the ponies
swam to the opposite side of the stream. The buggy, which became
detached from the horses, lodged in a mass of drift-wood, and was
later recovered. The young itinerant had to walk to Brother N.
Schmutz' home, a distance of eight miles, where he received help
to recover his ponies and buggy the following day. Those ex-
periences did more than break the monotony of life; they pointed
to the loving care of a heavenly Father, who is concerned for his
own, and will not fail nor forsake them.
HIAWATHA STATION
The first missionary of the Evangelical Association, of whom
any trace can be found, was Peter Porr. He came from the Ohio
Conference, and found a hospitable stopping-place at the home of
Frederick Hauber, four and one-half miles south-east of Hiawatha.
His visits came about monthly for two or three years. The Civil
War, however, made the filling of the appointments difficult, and
often impossible. On June 14, 1860, Brother Porr baptized the
Hauber children.
Porr was followed by Wm. Uber about 1861, of whom, how-
ever, little can be ascertained, and he, in turn, by C. Tobias. A
German Sunday-school was organized in the Moser school-house
about 1864, with Charles Bedker superintendent, and Frederick
Hauber assistant.
The society was organized in 1868 by C. Berner, and Charles
Bedker was chosen class-leader. The charter members were : Fred-
erick Hauber, Catharine Hauber, Chas. Bedker and wife, John
Hoffman, John Maglott and wife, and Mrs. Jacob Meisenheimer.
Previous to this time there had been a German Methodist appoint-
ment at the school-house ; their members, however, being few, they
joined with the newly formed class.
Under the ministry of the various brethren the work devel-
oped until in 1881 a church-building 30x50 feet was erected in
Hiawatha during the pastorate of Rev. J. Kurtz. This was dedi-
cated in March, 1882, by Bishop R. Dubs. In the fall of this year
a parsonage was built on the property adjoining the church.
In 1885 a very successful revival was held during the pastorate
of C. F. Erffmeyer, which is described by Brother Erffmeyer in
the following words:
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1870
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
"During the fall and winter I conducted three revival meet-
ings. The first one was at Prairie Springs, and continued four
weeks. The second was at Bellevue, and also continued four weeks.
At each of these meetings God's children were revived, souls saved
and the church strengthened. On Dec. 9 we began in Hiawatha,
and continued till Feb. 14. During this meeting of over two
months' duration we had meeting usually twice a day. The inter-
est and power grew as the days went by. Our people entered into
the work heartily from the beginning. People from other churches
came, and soon were working side by side with the Evangelicals.
The church was filled to overflowing at nearly every evening serv-
ice. The Baptist and Methodist pastors suggested that the meet-
ing be made a union meeting, and taken to the opera-house. I
hesitated to do this, and suggested that instead they hold meet-
ings in their churches simultaneous with ours. This was done,
and soon the revival fire was kindled in their churches, too. There
were in all over one hundred conversions in the meetings, and fifty-
seven united with the Evangelical Association. The spirit of this
revival reached out into the surrounding towns and communities,
and started revivals there."
In 1886 a Woman's Missionary Society was organized by C. F.
Erffmeyer, of which Mrs. J. M. Lepley became the first president.
On Aug. 12, 1892, the Conference Branch of the Woman's Mis-
sionary Society was organized at Hiawatha. The Young People's
Alliance was organized by Rev. J. K. Young, Oct. 13, 1891, with
Arnold Moser president. In later years the work suffered heavy
losses through death and removals, but at present, 1914* the Lord
is graciously reviving his work again.
1870
SIXTH SESSION
In the spring of 1870 Conference met in the Evangelical
church at Deer Creek, Douglas Co., Kansas, on the 24th day of
March. This time there was no bishop present on account of the
death of Bishop Long, which occurred during the past year, leav-
ing all the episcopal work resting upon Bishop Esher, who was
not able to hold all the Conferences himself.
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1870
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
The secretary of the Conference, C. Berner, opened the ses-
sion, after which J. G. Pfeifer was elected chairman, who ap-
pointed C. Berner secretary.
A memorial committee was appointed at the opening of Con-
ference, consisting of J. F. Schreiber and H. Haas, to draft suitable
resolutions concerning the death of Bishop Long.
The following brethren received license to preach on proba-
tion : F. W. Voegelein, S. Schneider, C. Linge, and H. Koepsel.
And the following were received into the itinerancy: Conrad
Emmel, F. W. Voegelein, Herman Koepsel, and C. Linge. Wm.
Lingelbach received deacon's orders.
Belshazzer Hoffman from the Indiana Conference was re-
ceived into the Conference on condition that he procure credentials
from his former Conference.
BISHOP J. LONG
The following memorial was adopted relative to Bishop Long's
death : "Inasmuch as it has pleased the Lord to call our esteemed
and worthy father, Bishop Long, after a blessed, but also difficult
day's labor to his heavenly reward and rest, therefore Resolved,
That his departure causes us deep sorrow, and we keenly feel the
loss sustained and the vacancy caused by his death, but console
ourselves with the thought that he is at rest. God gave us this
extraordinary man, anointed to the work of the church, and spared
him so many years for usefulness. He was especially gifted with
rare talents. His clear, anointed sermons, his business ability, his
affection and faithfulness, as well as his concern for the whole
church, will abide in our memory. We will pray God to help us
to emulate his example."
Bishop Long was held in high esteem by the ministers of the
Kansas Conference, having twice presided at her annual sessions,
where he endeared himself to the brethren. He was the first bishop
to visit the work in Kansas, and presided at her first session.
BOUNDARIES
Kansas District
a. Spring Creek, Hiawatha, and Wolf River appointments
shall be taken from Nemaha Mission, and in connection with Camp
Creek, and Independence Creek appointments of Leavenworth
Mission, constitute a new mission, to be called Wolf River Mis-
sion.
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1870
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
b. Leavenworth and Wyandotte shall be served together.
c. Nemaha Mission shall be served by two preachers.
d. West Kansas Mission shall be supplied with two
preachers.
e. Lawrence Mission shall be supplied with two preachers, if
possible.
f. Holton shall be supplied with two preachers, if possible.
Missouri District
a. Steiner and Schneider appointments shall be taken from
Oregon Circuit, and with the surrounding country shall consti-
tute a new mission, to be known as Hamburg Mission. Oregon
Circuit and Hamburg Mission shall be served together, however
the finances shall be kept separate.
b. Grand River shall be served by two preachers.
c. Frankfort and Glasgow appointments shall be taken from
Glasgow Mission and added to Macon Mission, and the remainder
of Glasgow Mission shall be called Warrensburg Mission.
EDUCATION
The annually recurring action of Conference relative to edu-
cation, the Sunday-school and catechetical instruction, indicates
the great stress the founders laid on proper early education. Re-
peatedly the ministry and the laity were urged to carefully look
after the best interest of the children, instructing them in relig-
ious knowledge, and leading them early to conversion. To this end
intense activity is urged in the organization and maintenance of
Sunday-schools, and catechetical classes, as well as the dissemina-
tion of good religious literature. In this respect the fathers laid
a good foundation which is worthy of emulation in all ages.
The absence of C. Timmer at the Conference session without
an excuse, or even the presentation of his report for the year, was
severely criticised, and his presiding elder was instructed to in-
form him of the disapproval.
At this time an auxiliary of the Sunday-school and Tract
Society was organized, which became a permanent branch of Con-
ference and her business transactions.
MISSIONS
There were three missionary auxiliaries reported which raised
$167.00. The ministers' contributions amounted to $60.00. From
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1870
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
other sources $199.00, making a total for the year of $426.00.
The officers elected for the following- year were: J. F. Schreiber,
president; H. Haas, vice-president; J. Wuerth, secretary, and
J. G. Pfeifer, treasurer.
Bishop Esher was again chosen delegate to the Board of
Missions.
Conference appropriated the amount of $2,000.00 for mis-
sions for the ensuing year.
STATISTICS
Statistics reported at this Conference were: Conversions,
175 ; accessions, 284 ; itinerants, 15 ; local preachers, 6 ; mem-
bership, 907; churches, 6; parsonages, 5.
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — C. Berner, P. E.
Leavenworth, J. Beck. Missotiri District — J. G. Pfeifer, P. E.
Lawrence, H. Haas and supply. , T u t i. irr n.
Holton, J. F. Schreiber and F. W. St. Joseph John Wuerth.
Voeeelein Oregon and Hamburg, S. W. McKes-
Humboldt, Wm. Lingelbach. r s ° n p a . nd H -J Coep ^ el ; , A r
Wolf River, Conrad Emmel Gran £ Rlver > Wm " Fo] ^ atc and C '
Nemaha, P. Fricker and supply. • ,, lr U? e -
Big Blue, E. J. Troyer undeK Mat- «£**£ «£ a A " isba ch.
West Kansas, H. Mattill.
WARRENSBURG
During the past year Brother Alsbach, who was serving Glas-
gow Mission, traveled south-west through Johnson County, and
came to Warrensburg, where he found several German families,
Burkhart, Kemmerly, Smith, Scheidenberger, and Volmer,
the latter coming from Indiana, the former from the State of Ohio.
Brother Alsbach organized a class and preached for them as often
as he could, because of his numerous appointments. The members
met for prayer-meeting every Sunday when the preacher could not
be with them. The preaching services were usually held in the
Scheidenberger home in Warrensburg, and sometimes in the Vol-
mer home. At this Conference Brother Alsbach became the pas-
tor of the new Warrensburg Mission. In 1873 the little society
purchased a small brick church on Gay Street from the Presbyte-
rians, which was used for many years to worship in.
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1870
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
WILLOW SPRINGS
Willow Springs Class was organized in 1869, by Rev. S. W.
McKesson, who served Lawrence Mission, and preached at this
point. The charter members were: Rev. D. R. Zellner and wife,
M. Heffner and wife, Carl Woerner and wife, Christian Long and
wife, J. C. Pippert and wife, Mrs. Fager and Mrs. G. Sehrle.
J. C. Pippert was elected class-leader of the little band. Three
years later a church was built during the labors of J. Wuerth.
C. LINGE
One of the early pioneers in Missouri gives a vivid descrip-
tion of missionary work in those days when people were living in
straightened circumstances and were first met by the early circuit-
riders. He writes as follows:
"The people were mostly clever and accommodating. Liberal
with what they possessed and hospitable, however, in many in-
stances their surroundings were neither attractive nor sanitary.
Many times, after traveling all day on horse-back, I would stop
for the night and be given a bed which was already occupied by in-
numerable bed-bugs, which have been aptly described as the 'pesti-
lence which walketh in darkness.' This invariably meant a night
of combat and bloodshed, with little comfort or rest for the
preacher.
"In many instances the house was a mere log-cabin, consist-
ing of one apartment only, and this occupied by parents and a
number of children, so that the guest would naturally feel that he
was an intruder, were it not for the hearty welcome accorded him
by the host and hostess.
"On one occasion a man invited me to take dinner with him,
which I gladly consented to do. The bill of fare consisted of corn-
meal stirred up with water and salt, and baked in an oven; in
addition to this there was sorghum on the table, and a little
bacon, which was either borrowed or solicited for the occasion from
a neighbor. Dinner being over, I asked permission to pray with
the family, which privilege was granted. During prayer a family
pig invaded the dining-room without invitation, and quite a dis-
turbance ensued. One of the lads not being impressed with the
spirit of devotion, started to dislodge the intruder, but hog-fashion
the invader started in the wrong direction, and in passing through
under the table upset the table with what was left of the dinner,
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1871
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
at the same time striking the chair upon which I had placed the
Bible before we kneeled to pray. Not satisfied with that extent
of confusion, in his careless rush he struck the preacher and
threw him to the floor, terminating the prayer very abruptly.
When order was again restored the host deplored the episode very
much and remarked in a tone of disapproval: 'That dirty hog!'
"Tobacco was used almost universally by men and women.
It was not unusual to see father's pipe lying in the tobacco-box
under the stove (provided he was not using the pipe), and moth-
er's pipe in her tobacco-box on the work-table, where she would
have it convenient. The walls of the room were usually dark
from the results of incessant tobacco-smoke, and everything in the
house was permeated with the offensive odor. At times the smoke
would be so dense in the room that it was difficult to breathe.
"Many times I would travel all day, eating my dinner, which
usually consisted of a can of oysters and a few crackers, on the
prairie, while my pony would graze during the noon-hour. At
night I would sometimes sleep on a dirt or stone floor as the case
might be, with a little hay or straw for a mattress. In winter
time I would almost freeze on my long trips. Frequently I would
travel from five to ten miles before the people along the road would
rise. Sometimes my horse, which was black in color, would be
white with frost. I would be necessitated to make those long
trips in order to reach my next appointment on time. I often
froze my ears, nose, fingers and toes.
"Some of our work required a distance of 275 miles to make
a single round over the work, which contained from 18 to 23 ap-
pointments. The fifth year of my ministry I received $175.00
salary."
From the foregoing we get some idea of what those early pio-
neers experienced in laying the foundation of the Evangelical
Association in the Kansas Conference.
1871
SEVENTH SESSION
The seventh session of Conference was held near Cosby, An-
drew County, Mo., about 13 miles north-east of St. Joseph, Mo.,
beginning March 23, 1871. Bishop J. J. Esher, arriving too late
to open the session, this was done by the secretary, after which
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1871
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
J. G. Pfeifer was elected chairman pro tern. C. Berner was ap-
pointed secretary.
During the examination of the ministers regarding their
moral character, charges were preferred against H. Haas by his
presiding elder for unbrotherly conduct toward his colleague, J.
Schesser, also for neglect of duty, and living in strife with his
wife. In the investigation he was found guilty of all the charges,
however, his colleague was not without blame. The brethren were
requested to promise amends for the future, and Brother Haas was
admonished to live in peace with his wife.
Complaints were brought against Rev. S. W. McKesson for
making careless remarks regarding the doctrine of soul-sleeping,
as also against one of the Articles of Faith of the church. Con-
ference requested the chairman to earnestly admonish Brother
McKesson to be more discrete in his remarks in the future, and
hereafter defend our Articles of Faith.
Licenses to preach were granted to John Emmel, J. H. Kip-
linger, Wm. Luttman, Jacob Gehring, and Ferdinand Harder.
John Schesser was received on a recommendation from
the brethren Umbach and Rotharmel of the Canada Conference
on condition that he later present his credentials from the said
body.
The brethren C. Emmel and E. J. Troyer received deacons'
orders, and H. Mattill, John Beck, and Wm. Folgate elders' orders.
J. Schesser, John Emmel, and Ferdinand Harder were re-
ceived into the itinerancy.
Again Conference made extensive boundary changes, which
was hardly avoidable in those days while she was in her early
stages of development, and local conditions were constantly under-
going changes. The transitory conditions of the early settlers,
the aggressive spirit of the ministry, the numerous calls for serv-
ice, through which new doors were constantly opening to the mis-
sionaries, all contributed to the necessity of making frequent
changes in arranging and supplying the works. The following
changes were made at this time :
BOUNDARIES
Kansas District
a. Wamego appointment shall be served with Holton Circuit.
b. Stranger appointment shall be taken from Holton Circuit
and added to Big Stranger Mission.
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1871
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
c. Nemaha Mission shall be changed to a circuit.
d. Big Stranger shall be taken up as a mission.
e. Big Stranger and Leavenworth shall be served together
and supplied with two preachers.
f. A new mission shall be taken up in Sedgwick Co., Kans.,
to be called Arkansas River Mission.
g. Wyandotte and Kansas City, Mo., shall be taken up as a
mission and added to Missouri District.
Missouri District
a. St. Joseph shall be taken up as a mission.
b. Warrensburg Mission shall be extended southward and
be called Cedar County Mission.
c. Hannibal shall be taken up as a mission.
d. St. Joseph Circuit shall be called Platte River Circuit.
J. G. Pfeifer and C. Berner were elected delegates to Gen-
eral Conference, and J. F. Schreiber alternate.
MISSIONS
The receipts for missions the past year from the fields of
labor amounted to $631.85, this in connection with what was se-
cured on subscription at the former Conference session, brought
the total amount to $1,303.75. This was the largest amount raised
in any one year hitherto, and is certainly a magnificent achieve-
ment. Of the foregoing amount $152.00 was contributed by the
preachers.
The amount of $1,970.00 was appropriated for the ensuing
year.
The statistics show a healthy growth of the Conference at
this time.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 165; accessions, 324; membership, 1,125; itin-
erant preachers, 19 ; local preachers, 11 ; churches, 8 ; parson-
ages, 5 ; Sunday-schools, 21 ; officers and teachers, 158 ; scholars,
608; Botschafters, 402; Messengers, 94.
For the first time in the history of the Conference the mem-
bership reached and passed the 1,000 mark.
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1871
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — C. Berner, P. E. Missouri District — J. G. Pfeifer, P. K.
Leavenworth, J. Beck. Platte River, J. F. Schreiber.
Big Stranger, J. Schesser. St. Joseph, F. W. Voegelein.
Holton, Wm. Lingelbach and Edward Oregon, S. W. McKesson.
Troyer. Hamburg, H. Koepsel.
Nemaha, H. Haas. Grand River, M. Alsbach and CL
Wolf River, C. Emmel. Linge.
Big Blue, P. Fricker. Macon, B. Hoffman.
West Kansas, to be supplied. Hannibal, to be supplied.
Lawrence, J. Wuerth. Wyandotte and Kansas City, to be
Humboldt, H. Mattill and John Em- supplied.
mel. Cedar County, Wm. Folgate.
Arkansas River, Ferdinand Harder.
ALIDA MISSION
Rev. H. Mattill, while serving the West Kansas Mission the
past year, came into the vicinity of Alida, Riley Co., Kansas, and
preached in the home of N. Schmutz during the summer. He
preached there every four to six weeks, and during the summer
prevailed on Brother Schmutz and his wife to attend a camp-
meeting held at Holton, Kans., where they were awakened and
became the first members at Alida. Brother Schmutz was under
conviction before he went to the camp-meeting at Holton, but
lacked courage to take a public stand for Christ at home, where he
was known. Hence decided to go to the camp-meeting that he
might be converted there. He was unable to find peace in his
way, but had to return home, where he was converted among
those who knew him. Philip Fricker followed Brother Mattill
as pastor in the spring of 1871, but on account of failing health
preached only two or three times, and then had to give up the
work. He was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Meier of Rulo, Neb., Ne-
maha Circuit, who served the work till the following spring, when
he moved to Alida as the third pastor of the work.
The first Quarterly Conference was held in July, 1872, by
C. Berner, presiding elder. At this time a class was organized
with the following nine members: N. Schmutz and wife, C.
Buchel and wife, John Ehrsam, Geo. Stamm, Samuel Stamm, and
Moritz Sprecher. Three of these brethren later entered the min-
istry.
F. Harder assisted Brother Meier in a revival during the
winter of 1872, at which time a goodly number of souls was saved
and added to the church. From that time on annual camp-meet-
ings or tabernacle-meetings were held regularly, resulting in glo-
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1871
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
rious seasons of refreshing and the conversion of many a life of
sin to Christ. There were some mighty demonstrations of Divine
power during those meetings in the early years of the work.
Five Botschafters and several Magazins were received during
the year 1870, which were distributed among the members from
the little log-cabin of Brother Schmutz. How eagerly those sturdy
settlers scanned the pages of those periodicals, hardly being able
to wait till the next issue appeared to inform them what was
transpiring in the world elsewhere, and also bringing them that
soul-food for which the Botschafter has always been noted.
EUDORA
In 1871 Rev. J. Wuerth, who was serving Lawrence Circuit,
organized a class in the village of Eudora, Douglas Co., Kansas,
with the following members : Peter Neis and wife, Fred Neis and
wife, Father Meyer and wife, Father Ott and wife, Brother Ernst
and wife, and Brother Yost and wife.
Peter Neis was elected class-leader, and Father Meyers ex-
horter. - A church was also built during this year, and Eudora
became one of the important congregations of the Conference.
SWEDE CREEK
As early as 1864 Rev. S. W. McKesson preached in the com*
munity of Swede Creek, usually preaching in the homes of Fred-
erick Toburen, Adolph Toburen, and Wm. Meyers, every three to
four weeks. In 1865 Wm. Bugh was assigned to the work and
carried it on according to the plan of his predecessor. He in turn
was succeeded by Wm. Folgate in 1867. He served Big Blue Mis-
sion, to which Swede Creek appointment belonged, for two years,
when he was succeeded in 1869 by E. J. Troyer.
The first Quarterly Conference record obtainable is dated
Oct. 22, 1870, with C. Berner as presiding elder, and H. Mattill
as preacher-in-charge. This conference was held in the home of
J. Leusler in Washington Co., with J. Woehler and F. Toburen as
representatives from Swede Creek Class. The appointments
Hope, Swede Brothers, Swede Creek, and Blue Springs were rep-
resented in this Quarterly Conference, which seems to have been
the first held on Big Blue Mission.
The second Quarterly Conference was held March 4, 1871, in
the Swede Creek school-house, with C. Berner presiding elder and.
H. Mattill preacher-in-charge.
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1871
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Among the first converts at Swede Creek were the families
of Herman Toburen, Adolph Toburen, Frederick Toburen, and C.
Johnsmeier.
A class was organized in 1869 ( ?) under the pastorate of
Rev. E. J. Troyer with the following members : Friedrich Woh-
ler, Louise Wohler, Friedrich Toburen, Louise Toburen, Adolph
Toburen, Charlotte Toburen, Herman Toburen, Engel Toburen,
Friedrich Meisemeier, Louise Meisemeier, Rinehart Roebke, Au-
gusta Roebke, Heinrich Sondker, Christian Sondker, Peter Teisen,
Catharine Teisen.
The officials were: F. Woehler, class-leader; P. Teisen, ex-
horter and steward.
A Sunday-school was organized as early as 1871, with P.
Teisen, superintendent. We regret that we cannot obtain the en-
rollment of the school, which has always been noted for its loyalty
and thorough work.
At this time the Sunday-school and preaching-services were
held in a school-house. Later, in 1876, during the pastorate of
Wm. Meier, a church-building was erected, which was dedicated
by the presiding elder, J. G. Pfeifer.
The first camp-meeting was held at Swede Creek in 1877, on
the farm of F. Toburen, in charge of J. Wuerth, presiding elder,
and Wm. Meier, pastor. These camp-meetings were carried on
annually without intermission, and with remarkable results in the
way of conversions of sinners and the sanctification of believers.
In later years this congregation contributed to the ministry a
number of promising young men who became a blessing to the
Conference and church.
HOLTON
During the past year the first church at Holton was built at
the corner of Third Street and Pennsylvania Ave., with J. F.
Schreiber and W. F. Voegelein as pastors. This building was one
of the early structures in the Conference, built of wood, 40x30
feet in dimensions, and valued at $3,200.00, including the lots, ac-
cording to the statistics of Conference.
This church was used by the congregation as a place of wor-
ship for 24 years, and was the scene of many glorious demonstra-
tions of Divine power in the salvation of souls and the quickening
of God's children. Annual Conference sessions were held in the
same, and the first annual convention of the Young People's Alli-
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1872
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
ance was held here when the initial steps were taken to organize a
Conference Branch of the Young People's Alliance. In 1894 the
building was replaced by a larger and more commodious one.
HANNOVER, KANSAS
As early as 1862 Rev. Wm. Uber, who was serving Holton
Mission, traveled west and north as far as Washington County,
preaching the gospel wherever he found opportunity. At this
time he found entrance in the town of Hannover, where he took
up an appointment. The work was, however, not organized till
about 1870 by Rev. J. Schesser. The charter-members were: Ja-
cob Werner and wife, Jacob Gundelfinger and wife, Bartley Wer-
ner and wife, August Heil and wife, and Mrs. Luebke. J. Werner
was elected class-leader and Bartley Werner exhorter. A Sunday-
school was also organized at this time and Jacob Werner elected
superintendent.
1872
EIGHTH SESSION
The eighth session of Conference was held in the Nickels
Grove Church, Oregon Circuit, Holt Co., Missouri, beginning
Thursday morning, March 18, 1872. Bishop R. Yeakel was pres-
ent for the first time and conducted the business of Conference.
J. Wuerth was appointed secretary. For the second time the
names of the statistical committee are given, which was composed
of the brethren Wm. Lingelbach, M. Alsbach and H. Mattill.
W. Meier, L. Wenger, Wm. Heiser and K. P. Condray re-
ceived license to preach on probation.
F. W. Voegelein, H. Koepsel and C. Linge received deacons'
orders, and Wm. Lingelbach elder's orders.
The brethren L. Wenger, Wm. Meier and J. H. Kiplinger were
received into the itinerancy.
Rev. S. W. McKesson, one of the charter-members of the Con-
ference, on account of family circumstances, was necessitated to
change his place of residence, and asked for his credentials to the
Iowa Conference.
The following brethren were advised to accept work under
supervision of the presiding elder, provided their service would
be needed : E. Evans, D. R. Zellner, K. P. Condray, J. Seltzer, W.
Heiser and A. Rex.
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1872
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
BOUNDARIES
Kansas District
a. Humboldt Mission shall be changed to a circuit, and
Americus appointment shall be served with Humboldt. The cir-
cuit to be supplied with two preachers.
b. Wolf River Mission shall be changed to a circuit.
c. Wamego appointment shall be taken from Holton Circuit
and added to Western Kansas Mission and be called Wamego Mis-
sion, the same to be supplied with two preachers.
d. Jewell City and vicinity shall be made a new mission, to
be called Jewell Mission and be supplied with two preachers.
Missouri District
a. Glasgow appointment shall be taken from Macon Mission
and formed into a new mission, to be called Glasgow Mission.
b. A new mission shall be formed in Morgan County and be
called Morgan Mission.
c. A new mission shall be located in Jasper Co., Mo., and be
called Jasper Mission.
d. St. Joseph and Hannibal Missions shall be discontinued.
Action was taken at this session of Conference to take a col-
lection on each field of labor for the support of superannuated
preachers, widows and orphans of deceased ministers of the Con-
ference.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
The Committee on Sunday-school and Catechetical Instruc-
tion recommended that wherever possible week-day schools should
be established, in charge of the church. Also that the superin-
tendents and officers should procure our guide-book for Sunday-
school workers and use the same in conducting our Sunday-schools,
and, further, that as far as possible a Sunday-school convention
should be held on the districts of the Conference.
MISSIONS
Six missionary auxiliaries were reported which raised $343.95
during the past year. The various fields of labor contributed
$200.26, and from other sources $365.65, making a total of $913.86.
The ministers' subscriptions amounted to $150.00.
The amount of $2,330.00 was appropriated for the coming
year.
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1872
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Bishop R. Yeakel was chosen delegate to the Board of Mis-
sions and Bishop Esher alternate. This plan was adopted and
practiced for a number of years as a measure of economy to save
traveling expenses of a delegate from Conference.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year for
the Missionary Society: President, J. G. Pfeifer; Vice-President,
J. F. Schreiber; Secretary, J. Wuerth; Treasurer, H. Haas.
STATISTICS
Following are the statistics for the past year: Conversions,
179; accessions, 320; membership, 1,317; itinerants, 21; local
preachers, 15; churches, 11; parsonages, 8; Sunday-schools, 24;
officers and teachers, 211; scholars, 761; Botschafters, 373; Mes-
sengers, 85; Magazins, 44; Epistles, 11.
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — C. Berner, P. E. Arkansas River Mission, to be sup-
Lawrence Circuit, J. Wuerth. plled -
Humboldt Circuit, Wm. Lingelbach
and J. Emmel. Missouri District — J. G. Pfeifer, P. E.
Holton Circuit, B. Hoffman.
Wolf River Circuit, C. Emmel. Oregon Circuit, E. J. Troyer.
Nemaha Circuit, H. Haas and supply. Platte River Circuit, J. F. Schreiber.
Leavenworth Mission, John Beck. Grand River Mission, M. Alsbach and
Big Blue Mission, P. Fricker and J. K. P. Condray under the presid-
Schesser. ing elder.
Wamego Mission, W. Meier and F.- Macon Mission, H. Koepsel.
Harder. Glasgow Mission, H. Mattill.
Big Stranger, C. Linge. Wyandotte Mission, F. W. Voegelein.
Jewell Mission, L. Wenger and sup- Cedar Mission, Wm. Folgate.
ply. Morgan Mission, to be supplied.
A number of new missions were formed at this session, which
indicates the missionary spirit of the Conference and her desire
to reach out and extend her borders. Usually scattered members
were found by the itinerating missionaries, who visited, and, if
possible, preached to them, inviting the neighbors to attend
the services. If the way opened for a regular appointment such
arrangements were made, and one more appointment was added
to the list, which, in some instances, was quite long already. New
missions were located, which, in some instances, proved success-
ful, in other cases they were later abandoned for more promising
points.
ST. JOSEPH, MO.
In the spring of 1871 Conference located a mission in St.
Joseph, Mo., and supplied the same with Rev. F. W. Voegelein,
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1872
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
who found the field hard to cultivate, and associated with many
difficulties. He could hardly find a place in which to hold serv-
ices, and it seemed impossible to achieve results, in consequence
the mission was abandoned the following spring". Nothing further
was done to carry on the work until 1877, when Rev. E. J. Troyer,
serving Platte River Circuit, received an invitation to preach in
the city. In compliance with this invitation he preached there for
the first time Oct. 28, 1877, but found the same difficulty existing
which obtained six years prior, namely, the lack of a suitable place
in which to hold services. On Nov. 5, 1877, the presiding elder,
Rev. J. G. Pfeifer, preached in the home of Felix Rose from Ps.
121 : 7, Rev. E. J. Troyer also being present. Four persons united
with the church, making a membership of six as follows: Felix
Rose and wife, D. Whitman and wife, and C. F. Fick and wife.
Although only few in number, the little band had a mind to do
great things for the Lord, so at this meeting a lot was purchased
at the corner of Lafayette and 11th Streets for $700.00, upon
which a church-building, 24x34 feet in dimensions, was built at
a cost of $646.53. This church was dedicated by the presiding
elder, J. G. Pfeifer, Jan. 6, 1878.
At the following Conference session, held in March, 1878, a
mission was again located in St. Joseph and supplied with E. J.
Troyer, who reported at the end of the Conference year a mem-
bership of 18, and a Sunday-school numbering 40 members.
C. F. Fick was the first class-leader ; W. H. Cramer, exhorter,
and F. Rose, D. Whitman and C. Fick, trustees. A Sunday-school
was organized at this time, with Rev. E. J. Troyer as superintend-
ent and W. H. Cramer, secretary.
This young society started upon its career of prosperity,
though beginning on a small scale. In 1881 we find the congre-
gation disposing of its property and relocating at a more suitable
place, at the same time building a larger church better adapted
to the needs of the congregation.
JEWELL CITY
In the year 1870 the families W. H. Cameron and John Worick
moved from Stephenson Co., Ills., to Jewell Co., Kansas, settling
in the vicinity where later Jewell City was located. One month
later, May, 1870, D. J. Matter and C. E. Plowman from the same
place followed, locating in the same community in Kansas. In the
autumn of the same year the families of Samuel Cameron, Peter
86
1872
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Henninger, Wm. Windecker and G. C. Crist were added to the
colony. At this time there was no railroad nearer than Water-
ville in Marshall Co., whence all provisions, and, to quite an extent,
all building material, had to be hauled by wagon. This was con-
nected with danger and hardships, especially during the winter
season, when frequently the freighters were caught in a blizzard
without any protection save such as their wagons would afford.
That men and horses suffered, and barely escaped freezing to
death, was the experience of those pioneers of the Western prairies.
In the fall of 1870 a Methodist preacher by the name of West
came up from Clyde, Kansas, and preached for those frontiersmen
on a Friday evening in a little grocery store. The congregation
was not large, and most of the men had revolvers and bowie-
knives strapped to their bodies. The people sat on the counter of
the store, and on store-boxes, and whatever they could find to sit
on, while others remained standing as they listened to the sermon.
At the close of that meeting D. J. Matter suggested that they
hold prayer-meetings on Sunday forenoons in the future. This
suggestion was accepted, and on the following Sunday morning
a prayer-meeting was held in the home of Father Cameron, the
same being led by W. H. Cameron. Only members of the Evan-
gelical Association were present, however, on this occasion. These
prayer-meetings were kept up- regularly till May, 1871, when a
union Sunday-school was organized, and a disreputable preacher
of another denomination began to preach on Sunday mornings
and crowded out the prayer-meetings.
In June, 1871, Rev. Wm. Meier, a minister of the Evangeli-
cal Association, who was stationed on Big Blue Circuit, visited
the members in Jewell County and preached for them in the Ger-
man language, which was quite a drawback because some of the
people present could not understand German. In consequence of
this the attendance at service was smaller than it would have been
if the services had been English.
Brother Meier and his colleagues, F. Harder and Wm. Heiser t
preached every few weeks in German till the spring of 1872, when
shortly before Conference the presiding elder, Rev. C. Berner,
in company with Brother Meier, held communion service and or-
ganized a class with the following 14 members: Thomas Berry,
Wm. H. Cameron, Samuel Cameron, Amelia Cameron, B. Cameron,
S. S. Sills, Sarah Sills, Florence Sills, C. E. Plowman, Susan Plow-
man, W. Windecker, John Worick, D. J. Matter, Christian Matter.,
87
1872
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Thomas Berry was elected class-leader, W. H. Cameron ex-
horter, and D. J. Matter, steward.
At the Conference, held in Holt Co., Mo., in the spring of
1872, the following action was taken: "Jewell City and vicinity
shall be taken up as a new mission, and, if possible, supplied with
two preachers."
Rev. L. Wenger was the first minister to serve the new mis-
sion, and, as it appears, was necessitated to serve the work alone,
since he received no assistant for the year.
The young society soon made an effort to build a church in
which undertaking they were successful, and on Nov. 15, 1874,
a neat little church, 24x36 feet, was dedicated to the service of
God by the presiding elder, Rev. J. G. Pfeifer. The building cost
about $1,200.00, and the lumber was hauled with teams and wag-
ons from Clyde and Clay Center, Kansas.
For ten years this church afforded a place for worship until
it became inadequate, when it was replaced by a better and larger
one in 1884.
In 1884 the first camp-meeting was held under the direction
of J. G. Pfeifer, beginning Sept. 8, 1884. This meeting was
crowned with success and resulted in much good to the young
congregation and mission.
An Evangelical Sunday-school was organized in 1874, which
was the first denominational Sunday-school in Jewell County. D.
J. Matter was elected superintendent, and J. W. Berry, secretary.
The enrollment was about 25 with a lively interest in the school
from the beginning.
Jewell congregation enjoys the distinction of laying the first
corner-stone for a church in the Kansas Conference. We here ap-
pend a copy of the history of the congregation at that time, as it
was deposited in the corner-stone:
"Jewell City Mission of the Evangelical Association, Kansas
Conference, was located March 21, 1872. Rev. L. Wenger was
assigned to the mission as preacher-in-charge. The meetings were
held in Brother W. H. Cameron's log-cabin, and in the grove. The
class numbered 14 members as follows:" We omit the names
here, since they are given in the foregoing as charter-members.
The corner-stone was laid by Rev. J. G. Pfeifer at the time he
held his first Quarterly Conference at the beginning of his term
of office on the district, June 28-29, 1873.
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1873
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
The building committee was composed of T. J. Berry, Sr.,
W. H. Cameron, D. J. Matter, C. E. Plowman, and the pastor, Rev.
L. Wenger.
The presiding elder appointed the following brethren as a
board of trustees: T. J. Berry, Sr., W. H. Cameron, Dr. G. S.
Crist, C. E. Plowman, and D. J. Matter.
H. MATTILL
The frontier settlers were frequently very rough and ungodly
people, who cared nothing for God or righteousness. In 1870
when H. Mattill was serving West Kansas Mission, opposition
was so strong against him and his work, that, at a so-called union
Sunday-school picnic, held on the Fourth of July, near Alida, Kan-
sas, a number of enemies, members of a German church, under
the leadership of a blacksmith in the neighborhood, laid plans to
mob Brother Mattill by hanging him upon his return the next
time to fill his appointment. Mr. N. Schmutz, who was a friend
to Brother Mattill, but not yet converted, met Brother Mattill in
Junction City the day before his next appointment, and apprised
him of the threat and plans of his enemies. Brother Mattill, who
was not so easily frightened, jovially remarked: "The rope by
which I am to hang is not yet made, and if you will receive me in
your home I shall come out and preach the gospel to those who will
come out to hear me." Permission was granted, and he filled his
appointment without any one interfering or harming him.
Several years later, when Brother Mattill served the Kansas
District as presiding elder, he and his wife occupied up-stair rooms
in Brother Schmutz' home, while Sister Mattill taught a term of
public school in the community, having for her pupils children of
those parents who planned to hang Brother Mattill several years
prior. Thus God again manifested his ruling power over the evil
designs of wicked men.
1873
NINTH SESSION
This spring Conference met at Holton, Kansas, on March 20,
1873, to hold her ninth session. Bishop Esher, who was assigned
to hold the same, could not be present before the second day, and
was necessitated to leave before Conference closed, so J. G. Pfeifer
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1873
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
was elected chairman pro tern. J. Wuerth was appointed secre-
tary.
Over a day was consumed in investigating charges against
several brethren. Eight distinct bills of charges were preferred
against the brethren concerned, which seemed to indicate that
the "accuser of the brethren" had been unusually active and suc-
cessful during the year. While the character of the accusations
were not such as to depose from the ministry or exclude from the
church, yet the situation was annoying and detrimental to the
cause of the Redeemer, which they were endeavoring to promote,
but, on the other hand, indicated the stress laid upon honesty,
truthfulness and manliness in the ministry, and at the same time
points out the extreme exercise of church discipline practiced in
those days.
On account of failing health, John Beck was necessitated to
ask for his credentials and change his residence. His request was
granted after Conference expressed her regrets at the step he was
compelled to take, and assuring him of her prayers for speedy re-
covery.
J. Schesser also received credentials.
W. Lutman, H. Toedman and Jacob McQuillen were licensed
to preach on probation, and Wm. Heiser was received into the
itinerancy.
The brethren Wm. Meier, F. Harder and J. Emmel received
deacons' orders, E. J. Troyer and C. Emmel elders' orders.
J. G. Pfeifer, J. F. Schreiber, J. Wuerth and C. Berner were
elected candidates for the presiding eldership, and from among
those candidates J. G. Pfeifer and J. Wuerth were elected presid-
ing elders and stationed on the Kansas and Missouri Districts re-
spectively.
BOUNDARIES
Kansas District
a. Leavenworth and Big Stranger Missions shall be served
together and supplied with one minister.
b. Atchison shall be taken up as a mission and served with
Wolf River Circuit.
c. The appointments Hiawatha and Spring Creek shall be
taken from Wolf River Circuit and added to Nemaha Circuit.
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1873
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
d. Americus appointment shall be taken from Humboldt Cir-
cuit, and with the surrounding country constitute a new mission
to be called Americus Mission.
e. Swan Creek appointment shall be taken from Big Blue
Mission, and with the vicinity form a new mission, to be called
Swan Creek Mission.
f. Blue Springs shall be served with Big Blue Mission.
Missouri District
a. Grand River Mission shall be divided, the northern part
consisting of Denver, Grand City, Ringold, Weismiller and Mt.
Vernon appointments, shall constitute a new mission, to be called
Worth County Mission. The southern portion shall be called
Shoal Creek Mission.
b. Cedar County Mission shall be called Osage Mission and
be supplied with two preachers.
c. Humboldt Mission shall be transferred from Kansas Dis-
trict to Missouri District.
MISSIONS
The Missionary Society reported an encouraging increase of
auxiliaries, bringing the number to eighteen, which raised the
commendable sum of $743.75 for missions the past year. The total
raised for missions by the Conference was $1,140.61. It was or-
dered that wherever possible auxiliaries should be organized dur-
ing the coming year.
J. Wuerth was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the following officers were elected for the Missionary Society:
J. G. Pf eifer, president ; J. F. Schreiber, vice-president ; C. Emmel,
secretary, and H. Haas, treasurer.
The amount of $2,325.00 was appropriated by the Confer-
ence for missions the ensuing year.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 160; accessions, 332; membership, 1,423; itin-
erant preachers, 25; local preachers, 12; churches, 14; parson-
ages, 9 ; Sunday-schools, 29 ; officers and teachers, 255 ; scholars,
726; catechetical classes, 17; catechumens, 152; Botscliafters,
473 ; Messengers, 136 ; Magazins, 92 ; Living Epistles, 12.
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1873
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — /. G. Pfeifer, P. E. Missouri District — J. Wuerth, P. E.
Holton, C. Emmel. Oregon, E. J. Troyer.
Lawrence, J. F. Schreiber. Platte River, H. Koepsel.
Wolf River and Atchison, H. Haas. Worth County, C. Linge.
Leavenworth and Big Stranger, F. W. Shoal Creek, M. Alsbach.
Voegelein. Macon, F. Harder.
Nemaha, C. Berner. Glasgow, H. Mattill.
Big Blue, P. Fricker. Osage, Win. Folgate and J. Emmel.
Swan Creek, W. Heiser. Morgan, W. Lutmann.
Wamego, W. Meier and supply. Jasper, to be supplied.
Jewell, L. Wenger and J. Schesser. Humboldt, B. Hoffman.
Americus, J. H. Kiplinger. Wyandotte, Wm. Lingelbach.
Arkansas River, to be supplied.
ALIDA
During the past year a Sunday-school was organized at the
Alida appointment, where Rev. Wm. Meier was preaching, and
the following officers were elected: Nichlaus Schmutz, superin-
tendent; John Ehrsam, assistant superintendent; Geo. Stamm,
secretary, and Samuel Finger, treasurer. The school was held
in the home of Brother Schmutz for a time, but changed to a
school-house, where it was conducted till a church was built in
1882.
DERBY
At the seventh session of the Kansas Conference, held in
1871, a mission was located in South-Central Kansas, in Sedge-
wick County, which was called Arkansas River Mission, and sup-
plied with F. Harder as its first missionary. The two following
years the work was left unsupplied. In 1874 it was changed
to Wichita Mission and supplied with Rev. H. Toedman.
This mission comprised appointments south of Wichita, along
the Arkansas River, at Derby and Antelope Creek, west of Udall,
where members of the Evangelical Association had located and
were waiting for the church of their choice. Among those lo-
cated at Antelope Creek were the families: Shoup, Troutwine,
Anderson and others. At Derby were the families: Adam
Glazer, John Glazer, Philip Peoples, John Kriebiel, C. Mohr, John
Yergler, Dan. Glazer and Philip Yergler.
There seems to be no record of the organization of the work
at either place. The work at Antelope was abandoned during the
latter part of the "nineties" because many of our people moved
from the community. At Derby the work prospered, and in or
about 1886 a church was built which was used for many years
by the congregation as a place for worship.
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1873
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
A Sunday-school was organized at an early period in the his-
tory of the work, however none of the records can be found. The
school prospered and has had some very successful workers con-
nected with it.
HIAWATHA CIRCUIT
Some of the appointments of Hiawatha Circuit are associated
with the early ministry and history of the Conference. Many of
the pioneer missionaries traveled through the counties Brown,
Doniphan and Nemaha, preaching wherever they found open
doors. Those appointments were frequently shifted from one field
of labor to another by change of boundaries, so that it is difficult
to follow them in their transitions.
The class at Carson appointment, later called Bethel, was
organized in 1872 by Rev. P. Fricker, who served the Big Blue
Circuit at that time. Among the charter-members were Brother
Joss and wife, Adam Schauer and Mrs. Neifler, Philip Weiss and
Louis Kessler. The Neifler and Joss families came from Leaven-
worth, Kans., where they were members of the Evangelical Asso-
ciation. Brother Schauer was the first class-leader.
A Sunday-school was organized in 1872, with Philip Weiss
as superintendent, and Louis Kessler, secretary.
A church was built in 1895 at a cost of $1,300.00, and was
dedicated by Bishop T. Bowman.
The Lone Star, now Victory Class, was not organized till
1886.
F. T. HARDER
Brother F. T. Harder relates his experience of early days in
the Kansas Conference as follows:
"I was licensed to preach at the Conference session held at
Platte River, Mo., in 1871, and was stationed on Wichita Mission,
which had just been formed that spring. I was the first Evangeli-
cal missionary to preach in the territory of the new mission com-
prising Harvey, Sedgwick, Butler, and Cowley Counties. The
principal towns I visited on my itineraries were: Newton, Hal-
stead, Eldorado, Augusta, Wichita, Winfield, and Arkansas City.
I traveled over this section of country when it was new and
sparsely settled. The settlers were poor and possessed very lim-
ited accommodations, which naturally associated missionary work
with many hardships and great privations.
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1873
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
"I had only four members of the Evangelical Association on
my large mission field, namely: Brother and Sister Yergler, and
Brother and Sister Thoman, with their families. These families
lived on the Arkansas River, about 14 miles south of Wichita,
near where later Derby was located. Like all early settlers, they
were poor, and having but recently moved there could not do much
in the way of entertaining visitors. Brother Yergler and family
lived in a small board cabin, and when I tarried with them over
night I would sleep in the wagon-shed in company with their son.
Brother Thoman and family occupied a small log-cabin, and when
staying with them I would sleep in an out-door shed adjoining
the stable. This was the average condition of the early settlers
in those regions in the early seventies.
"Not far from Augusta, on the Little Walnut River, lived two
bachelors named Litzke. When visiting them on one occasion I in-
quired whether they could keep me all night. They replied that
they were poor and had no bed, both of them slept on the floor, and
had nothing to eat but bread, and coffee to drink, but, if I were
willing to put up with their accommodations, I would be v/elcome
to such as they had. I remained with them that night, and many
times afterward. They were both converted later, united with
the church, got married and established Christian homes which
became great factors for good in the community.
"There were no roads at this time, only here and there a
faint trail, which was easily lost. Usually the nearest cut across
the prairies was taken to reach a desired point. Sometimes the
lonely itinerant would get lost, not knowing whither to go for
help save to the One who knows all things, and can help the hum-
ble when in trouble. Prayer would be resorted to, and one feature
about prayer under those conditions was that no one would dis-
turb the worshiper in his devotions.
"The streams were frequently a menace to the traveler.
Bridges were, of course, unknown, neither were there any ferries
to convey one across the waters. At times the streams were swol-
len so that fording was exceedingly dangerous, and the mission-
ary would make thrilling adventures. On one occasion while I
was attempting to cross the Walnut River, my horse plunged so
deep into the water that I was submerged and thoroughly soaked
in my bath. I turned my horse loose till I could look after my
effects, when, lo! the unruly pony, chilled by the waters, scam-
pered away to the timber, leaving me alone in my plight. On still
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1873
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
another occasion I was returning from a camp-meeting held at
Yates Center, Kansas, when I had to ford a stream which was
raging. I used every precaution to protect myself and saddle-
bags, but finally the water became so deep and the current so swift
that I likely should have drowned if help had not providentially
arrived just in time to save my life. I had some paper money
of 10-cent and 15-cent denomination with me, which was com-
pletely soaked with water and packed together so that I had great
difficulty to separate the pieces and dry them in the sun before
I could pursue my journey. At this same ford I lost a horse a few
years later, while my wife and little daughter had a narrow
escape from drowning. The foregoing are only two of the many
baths received while crossing bridgeless streams.
"I was endeavoring to find a German settlement which I
heard was located on Pan Creek; when I finally found the place
I was disappointed. I discovered that the settlement consisted of
two German men who took up claims, and neither one had yet re-
turned to live there. Fortunately I found the cabin of a bachelor
who kindly consented to keep me all night. He laid some old
clothing and rags on the floor for my bed which was the best he
could do, and which was equally as good as the one he occupied.
The next morning I rose early and started on my journey with-
out breakfast. The preceding day I had very little to eat, save
some sand-hill plums which I gathered along the road, which also
served for breakfast this morning. About noon I became very
ill and could go no farther. I secured my horse, placed the sad-
dle on the ground for a pillow and lay down to rest. I attempted
to rise several times, but was too dizzy to proceed on my jour-
ney. I thus lay on the prairie till toward evening, when the sun
was not so hot, when I mounted my horse and let him walk whither
he would. Just before dark I stopped before a little sod-house
occupied by a Swede family, who received me kindly and cared
for me till I was able to pursue my journey.
"Returning from one of my itineraries I found Brother Tho-
man away from home, having gone 80 to 100 miles to buy provi-
sions for his family. Sister Thoman said they had nothing more
than a little corn-meal to eat, and their supplies must be re-
plenished.
"We usually held our services in private houses. Sometimes
out-doors during summer. We had no churches. Indeed I cannot
recall ever preaching in a school-house on Wichita Mission. Even
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1874
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
school-houses were few in those days. The first service I held on
Wichita Mission was held under a large tree at the home of
Brother Yergler. A barrel covered with a cloth served as pulpit.
"As nearly as I can recall I had no church-building to preach
in the first ten years of my ministry. Services were held in private
houses, school-houses, and in some instances court-houses. In Clinton,
Mo., I preached and conducted Sunday-school for a whole year in the
court-house. In Emporia, Kansas, I preached in the court-house
once or several times. I think I was the first preacher of the
Evangelical Association to preach in Emporia. Brother J. F.
Barthel, who lived there, entertained me while in their midst."
1874
TENTH SESSION
Conference met in the Zion Church, Nemaha Circuit, near
Rulo, Richardson County, Neb., March 19, 1874, to hold her tenth
session, with Bishop J. J. Esher as chairman. C. Berner was ap-
pointed secretary.
Jacob Gehring had his license as local preacher revoked, and
Henry Hostig, also a local preacher, surrendered his license.
B. Hoffman withdrew from the church during the year, as
also did H. Allaman, a local preacher.
Wm. Folgate located on account of family circumstances,,
and Wm. Lingelbach received credentials from the Conference.
In both cases the brethren were loth to let their co-workers go and
gave them beautiful testimonies of esteem, expressing deep re-
gret at the thought of separation from them, all the more so be-
cause their services were so much needed in the Conference.
G. Marks received license to preach, and the brethren J. H.
Kiplinger and L. Wenger received deacons' orders. F. W. Voege-
lein, H. Koepsel, and C. Linge elders' orders.
E. E. Condo, of the Illinois Conference, was received into
this Conference, and H. Toedman into the itinerancy.
TEMPERANCE
For the first time, as far as can be ascertained from the rec-
ords of the Conference, a temperance committee was appointed
to draft resolutions and report to Conference. The committee,
composed of E. E. Condo, F. W. Voegelein, and J. Emmel, in due
time presented the following report, which was adopted :
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1874
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
"Inasmuch as we are convinced of the moral, social, and po-
litical evil of strong drink, therefore Resolved, That we, as a
Conference, will use our influence to banish intemperance from
our land, and especially from the territory of our Conference.
"Furthermore, that we consider the 'civil damage law' as
timely and proper, and since the same is now pending in the Leg-
islatures of Kansas and Missouri, we will pledge ourselves to sup-
port the measure by our vote and influence.
"Resolved, That we feel grateful to God for the Women's Cru-
sade, which has created such commendable enthusiasm in favor
of the temperance cause. We believe they are doing a good work
for humanity and society, and we wish them God's blessings in
their undertaking, and all the more so because their sex is made
to suffer especially through the results of intemperance."
Many of the statistics being handed in by the brethren in a
very imperfect, not to say careless manner, the Committee on Sta-
tistics was instructed to compare the present statistics with those
of the preceding year, and where they find discrepancy they shall
return them to the brethren concerned for correction.
FINANCE PLAN
The following finance plan was adopted at this time: The
salary of a single probationer shall be $175.00 per year. For a
married probationer, $200.00.
An ordained single man was entitled to $250.00 per year, and
a married ordained man should have $500.00.
The presiding elders were to have the salary of an ordained
man with a moderate amount additional for traveling expenses.
APPEAL FOR MISSIONS
The following passionate appeal was issued to the ministers
and laity of the Conference:
"Since we, as a Conference, must again keenly feel our ina-
bility to enter the field already so ripe to harvest, because of the
lack of workers to send forth, and since our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ has directed us to ask the Lord of the harvest to send
forth laborers into the field, therefore Resolved, That the minis-
ters shall preach a sermon on this subject on Pentecost Sunday,
and appeal to the members of their congregations, to make the
call of men to the ministry, and their enduement with Pentecostal
spirit and power, the subject of prayer on that occasion. Also
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1874
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
that we urge our people to continue in secret prayer at the family
altar and in the public congregation to this end. Further we
urge our society officials to carefully carry out this resolution."
BOUNDARIES
Kansas District
a. Big Stranger Mission shall be discontinued and the ap-
pointments shall be added to Leavenworth Mission.
b. Arkansas River Mission shall be called Wichita Mission.
c. Wamego Mission shall be called Junction Mission.
d. Soldier appointment shall be taken from Holton Circuit
and transferred to Junction Mission.
Missouri District
a. Osage Mission shall be divided as follows: Warrensburg,
Holden, Windsor and vicinity shall constitute a new mission, to
be called Warrensburg Mission.
Black Oak, Point, Centerville, White Hall, and the vicinity of
Ft. Scott shall form a mission, to be called Cedar Mission.
b. Shoal Creek Mission shall be divided as follows : Winston,
Grindstone, and Trenton shall be taken from Shoal Creek and
added to Worth County Mission, which shall be changed to Grand
Circuit.
Long Gap, Lexington, Moses Class, and vicinity shall consti-
tute Shoal Mission.
c. Morgan, and Hamburg Mission shall be served with Ore-
gon Circuit.
d. The vicinity of Puelsville, where the brethren Schottel
have moved, shall be served with Platte River Circiut.
e. Jasper Mission shall be called Carthage Mission.
MISSIONS
The Missionary Society reported 13 new auxiliaries formed
during the past year, bringing the number of auxiliaries to 31.
The amount of $1,623.34 was raised for missions in the Con-
ference. J. G. Pfeifer was elected president of the society, C.
Berner, vice-president, C. Emmel, secretary, and J. F. Schreiber,
treasurer.
J. G. Pfeifer was elected delegate to the Board of Missions.
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1874
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STATISTICS
Conversions, 319; accessions, 446; membership, 1,694; itin-
erant preachers, 23 ; local preachers, 10 ; churches, 16 ; parson-
ages, 9 ; Sunday-schools, 34 ; officers and teachers, 276 ; scholars,
973; Botschafters, 471; Messengers, 137; Magazins, 165.
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — J. G. Pfeifer, P. E. Missouri District — J. Wuerth, P. E.
Holton, C. Emmel. Oregon, E. J. Troyer.
Lawrence, J. F. Schreiber. Platte River, H. Koepsel.
Nemaha, C. Berner. Grand River, C. Linge.
Wolf River and Atchison, Philip Humboldt, D. R. Zellner.
Fricker. Kansas City and Wyandotte, to be
Leavenworth, F. W. Voegelein. supplied.
Big Blue, J. Emmel. Glasgow, H. Mattill.
Junction, W. Meier and G. Marks. Macon, M. Alsbach.
Swan Creek, Wm. Heiser. Carthage and Cedar Creek, E. E. Con-
Jewell, L. Wenger. do and J. McQuillen.
Americus, J. H. Kiplinger. Shoal Creek, Henry Cover.
Wichita, H. Toedman. Warrensburg, F. Harder.
Morgan, to be supplied.
CONCORDIA
In 1873 Rev. L. Wenger, who at the time was serving Jewell
Mission, preached at various points in the adjoining counties
where he had regular appointments. In the year indicated he
organized a class in Cloud County, Kansas, where three brothers,
Frederick, Charles and Gottlieb Huscher, and their families lived.
Fred Huscher was elected class-leader of the little class. The
families named were staunch Christians and loyal church-mem-
bers. They passed through many pioneer experiences in early
years on the frontier when crops failed and times were hard,
however they prevailed, and after 21 years of perseverance, in
1894, succeeded in building a church at a cost of $1,600.00.
A Sunday-school was organized, in 1878, with Gottlieb
Huscher as superintendent. The influence of the Sunday-school,
in connection with the home-training, went far to mould the char-
acter and lives of their children, so that in later years, at least,
two young men, sons of Evangelical families, entered the ranks
of the ministry and became useful ministers of the gospel, to which
they dedicated themselves.
WASHINGTON
In 1873 Rev. P. Fricker, serving Big Blue Circuit, extended
his activities to Washington County, Kansas, and took up an ap-
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1874
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
pointment at the Star school-house, 8 miles south-west of Wash-
ington. A local preacher by the name of J. Leusler, living at this
point, was instrumental in starting the work here, and became
one of the charter-members of the same. The society was organ-
ized this year by Brother Fricker with the following families:
Rev. J. Leusler, Jacob Horfer, John Horfer, Martin Horfer, H.
Meyer, Sr., Henry Meyer, Jr., and Jacob Benninger. Rev. John
Leusler was elected class-leader. A Sunday-school was also
started, with John Horfer, superintendent.
About 1876 Rev. C. Brandt began preaching in the town of
Washington, and in 1880, or 1881, Rev. D. R. Zellner organized a
class with the following members: Henry Bickel, Henry Meyer,
Sr., W. M. Polter and wife, M. P. Weldy, and Rev. D. R. Zellner,
wife, and son, Edward. H. Bickel was chosen class-leader, and
also superintendent of the Sunday-school, which was organized
at the time the society was started.
In 1881 a church was built during the pastorate of D. R. Zell-
ner at a cost of $1,568.07, with W. M. Polter, M. P. Weldy and
Henry Bickel trustees. The church was dedicated by the presid-
ing elder, J. Wuerth.
CLEARFIELD (CAPTAINS CREEK)
Clearfield, which was formerly known as Captains Creek ap-
pointment, was a part of the old Franklin Mission, which enjoys
the distinction of having the first organized society in the Kan-
sas Conference. When Rev. George Fleisher, one of the first mis-
sionaries sent to the Territory of Kansas, in 1858, by the Illinois
Conference, assumed his labors, he began operations in Douglas
County, Kansas, in the vicinity of a small town called Franklin.
Here he organized the first class of the Evangelical Association
in Kansas during the early part of the summer of 1858. This
class was composed of eight members, of which J. Epley and H.
Eggert were the officers.
Subsequent to this a class was organized at Captains Creek
with the following charter-members : Father Brecheisen and
wife, Brother Brecheisen and wife, Father Meeder and wife, B.
Kramer and wife, G. Hauser and wife, J. Sturm and wife, and J.
Seltzer and wife. Brother Meeder was elected class-leader, and
B. Kramer, exhorter.
This was an encouraging beginning and developed into a
prosperous congregation, being for many years one of the strong-
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1875
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
est and most influential societies in the Conference. Here was
held one of the first two camp-meetings in Kansas during the sum-
mer of 1861, with four tents on the ground and an attendance
of about 100 persons. There were 30 members, and five preach-
ers present. The camp-meetings have been continued at this
point every year since without omission. Wonderful demonstra-
tions of Divine power were witnessed on these annual occasions.
Sinners were rescued from the stronghold of Satan, and led into
the kingdom of light and grace. God's people were led into the
experience of holiness, and the church was quickened and estab-
lished.
A church-building was erected in 1880, in which Conference
held her annual session in 1882, and again in 1895. At an early
date a Sunday-school was established, which was maintained
through the years. The date of organization, as well as the first
officers of the school, cannot be ascertained.
In the cemetery near the church lie buried many of the
fathers and mothers of pioneer days, who left to their children the
precious gift of a godly life, and, although they have ceased from
their labors, their works do follow them. Many of those sainted
heroes of the cross are held in sacred remembrance by those who
had a personal acquaintance with them. Here also lie buried the
earthly remains of the sainted Moses Dissinger, who, in his time,
was known throughout the length and breadth of the church.
1875
ELEVENTH SESSION
The eleventh session of Conference was held in the Deer
Creek Church, on Lawrence Circuit, Douglas County, Kansas, be-
ginning March 18, 1875, with Bishop Reuben Yeakel in the chair.
C. Berner was appointed secretary.
Charges were brought against H. Haas, who had been a
member of Conference since 1865, at one time secretary of Con-
ference, besides holding other places of trust in the Conference,
and Missionary Society, for "slandering the stationing commit-
tee," declaring that the devil had stationed him at the former
session. He was also charged with making false accusations
against said committee, as well as sowing the seed of dissension
and discontent through correspondence which he carried on with
members on his former field of labor.
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1875
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
The foregoing charges were supplemented by another set of
accusations of a similar character from another brother, covering
practically the same ground. The charges were investigated, the
accused found guilty and deposed from the ministry.
John Emmel was compelled to leave his field of labor during
the year on account of sickness, but upon his request was permit-
ted to remain in the itinerancy another year without an appoint-
ment.
Carl Buchel, Stephen Weber, and John Bower received license
to preach on probation.
The brethren Wm. Heiser and D. R. Zellner received deacons'
orders, and Wm. Meier and Ferdinand Harder elders' orders.
The following brethren were received into the itinerancy:
Carl Ehrhart of the Ohio Conference, D. R. Zellner, Geo. Marks,
Carl Waehlte, Carl Buchel and John Bower.
BOUNDARIES
The Conference territory was arranged in three districts as
follows : Jewell, Osborne, Junction, Americus, and Wichita shall
be taken from the Kansas District, and in connection with Hum-
boldt, Carthage, and Cedar Mission from Missouri District shall
constitute a new district, which shall be called South-west Dis-
trict.
Kansas District shall be changed to Holton District.
The following changes of boundaries were made on the dis-
tricts :
Kansas District
a. The appointments Swede Creek and Fancy Creek of Big
Blue Mission, and Red Vermillion and Rock of Junction Mission,
in connection with Frankfort and Baety, shall constitute Big Blue
Circuit.
b. The western part of Big Blue Mission, Leuslers, and
Bettchers, with Hanover and Blue Springs, shall form a new mis-
sion, to be called Hanover Mission.
c. Osborne, Kill Creek, and Twelve Mile, shall be taken
from Jewell and form Osborne Mission.
d. Soldier appointment shall be taken from Junction and be
added to Holton.
e. An English appointment shall be taken up east of Hia-
watha, in the vicinity where Brother Loose lives, and be served
with Wolf River.
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1875
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
f. The Ellerman appointment shall be taken from Leaven-
worth Mission, and be added to Wolf River Circuit.
g. Wyandotte shall be served with Leavenworth Mission.
Missouri District
a. Hamburg appointment shall be taken from Oregon Cir-
cuit, and with the surrounding country form Hamburg Mission.
b. Sloans Point, Green Castle, and Spring Creek shall be
taken from Macon Mission, and with the Sheridan community
form Sheridan Mission.
c. Clinton, in Henry County, with the appointment Black
Oak, shall constitute Clinton Mission.
d. Ft. Scott and vicinity shall be served with Cedar Mission.
e. Morgan County Mission shall be discontinued.
f. Wyandotte Mission shall be added to Holton District.
H. Mattill was elected presiding elder and stationed on the
new South-west District.
The brethren J. G. Pfeifer and J. Wuerth were elected dele-
gates to General Conference, and H. Mattill alternate.
Conference proceeded to vote on the 29 recommendations to
General Conference, of which 16 received the required number of
votes.
At this time recommendations were frequently voted upon
by the Annual Conferences before they were submitted to the
General Conference. If they failed to receive the required sup-
port from the lower Conference they did not reach the higher body,
and, hence, did not consume the valuable time of the legislative
body of the church. In later years it became customary for Gen-
eral Conference to take the initiative in almost all cases where
recommendations are submitted.
TEMPERANCE
Strong temperance resolutions were again adopted, and Rev.
E. E. Condo was appointed to represent this body at the Western
Temperance Convention, his expenses to be defrayed by the Con-
ference.
For the first time in the history of this organization a repre-
sentative of North- Western College visited this body in the inter-
est of the school, whereupon the following resolution was adopted :
"Since Brother Wm. Huelster, agent of North-Western College,
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1875
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
visited our Conference in the interest of the college, we rejoice
to hear of the prosperity of the institution, and wish it God's
blessing in the future, we, however, do not deem it expedient in
our present condition and finaicial strain to enter the college
compact."
J. F. Schreiber was elected Conference treasurer for the en-
suing year.
MISSIONS
The missionary offering for the past year for home work
amounted to $1,984.09, with 13 new auxiliaries organized during
the year. A commendable missionary spirit has been developed,
which is manifest by the increase of auxiliaries, as well as the
splendid amount of missionary contributions reported in the mis-
sionary meeting of the society.
J. G. Pfeifer was again elected delegate to the Board of
Missions. The officers elected by the society for the ensuing
year were: J. G. Pfeifer, president; J. Wuerth, vice-president;
C. Emmel, secretary, and J. F. Schreiber, treasurer.
The amount of $2,915.00 was appropriated for missions for
the ensuing year.
The following statistics indicate an encouraging condition
in the development of the work.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 209; accessions, 480; membership, 1,876; itin-
erant preachers, 27; local preachers, 10; churches, 16; parson-
ages, 10; Sunday-schools, 39 ; officers and teachers, 316; scholars,
1,159; catechetical classes, 15; catechumens, 176.
For the first time the Sunday-schools have reached and passed
the 1,000 enrollment mark, with a splendid increase of 433 mem-
bers recorded for the past year.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. G. Pfeifer. P. E. Missouri District — J. Wuerth, P. E.
Holton, C. Emmel. Oregon, J. H. Kiplinger.
Lawrence, J. F. Schreiber. Platte River, H. Koepsel.
Nemaha, C. Berner. Grand River, E. J. Troyer.
Wolf River, P. Fricker. Glasgow, C. Woelte.
Leavenworth and Wyandotte, F. W. Macon, C. Stauffer, under presiding
Voegelein. Sheridan, M. Alsbach. elder.
Big Blue, Wm. Meier. Hamburg, F. Stecher, under presiding
Hannover, H. Toedman. Clinton, F. Harder. elder.
Swan Creek, Wm. Heiser. Shoal Creek, to be supplied.
Warrensburg, C. Ehrhardt.
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1875
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
South-west District — H. Mattill, P. E. Jewell, C. Linge.
Americus, L. Wenger.
Humboldt, G. Marks. Wichita, C. Buchel.
Junction, D. R. Zellner. Carthage, E. E. Condo.
Osborne, John Cover. Cedar, to be supplied.
The increase in membership, as well as the rapid growth of
the Sunday-school, and the division of the Conference into three
presiding elder districts, speaks well for the development of the
work in the past year, and the promising outlook for the future.
OSBORNE
In 1872 a neighborhood Sunday-school was started in the
vicinity known as Kill Creek, in Osborne County, Kansas, and
conducted as a union Sunday-school by the people of the com-
munity.
Two years later, 1874, Rev. L. Wenger, serving Jewell Mis-
sion, extended his itinerary west through Osborne County, and
preached at various points, including Twelve Mile Creek and
Kill Creek. Among the early settlers at the latter place were the
families, Crist Bliehm, J. Guyer, Jacob Wismar, Geo. Beck, and
others, who received Brother Wenger and united with the Evan-
gelical Association, becoming faithful workers and pillars of the
church.
During the pastorate of- Brother Wenger a great awakening
took place in the community which resulted in the conversion of
many souls. The revival fires spread till people came for many
miles, some in ox-carts, to attend the services. The Holy Spirit
was working mightily, and many were brought under conviction,
and yielded their hearts to Christ. This revival was spoken of for
many years as a wonderful awakening among the frontiersmen by
those who were present and saw the manifestations of God's
power.
The precise time of the organization of the society cannot be
ascertained, nor is it known who the first officers were. The Sun-
day-school was later converted into a denominational school, and
has been continued as such for many years, although the names
of the original officers are not known at this time.
The first church was built in 1877, during the pastorate of
J. Bower, and dedicated by Rev. H. Mattill, presiding elder.
In 1878 the work was served in connection with Cawker
Mission by the brethren C. Linge and A. J. Voegelein. The con-
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1875
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
solidation of the two works necessitated a great deal of traveling.
The work had 23 appointments, which required from 330 to 350
miles to complete one round over the work. During this year the
brethren built a small house and dug a cellar and a well for a
parsonage. This, in addition to their pulpit and pastoral work,
prevented monotony and indolence.
The second church was built during the pastorate of J. H.
Kiplinger in 1900. During this year there were two churches
built on the circuit.
F. W. VOEGELEIN
Brother F. W. Voegelein records his "early experience" in the
Kansas Conference in the following interesting words:
"Having received a recommendation from the Nickels Grove
Class, near Oregon, Mo., the presiding elder of the Missouri Dis-
trict, J. G. Pfeifer, requested me to enter the work at once. He
said he was in need of a man in Glasgow, Mo., and on Glasgow
Mission, which extended from Glasgow to Versailes in Morgan
County, Mo., to Warrensburg and Holden, from there to Frank-
fort, and then to Glasgow. This was indeed a "big" field to which
had been appointed Rev. M. Alsbach at the Conference session in
1869. As the field was too large for the aged brother who lived
in Holden, Mo., it was the presiding elder's wish that I reside at
Glasgow and serve as assistant to Father Alsbach. I was to de-
vote considerable of my time to making a real beginning there. I
was appointed to this work Oct. 1, 1869.
"The only members of our church at that time in Glasgow
were Brother and Sister Nuhn, with whom I made my home. In
November of this year I assisted Brother Alsbach in a revival
meeting in Morgan County, where about 35 conversions took
place. This was my first experience in this kind of work. I
made several rounds on the work with some interesting experi-
ences. But according to instruction I paid special attention to
Glasgow. I was permitted to use the city hall there as a preach-
ing place on Sunday. I started a little Sunday-school and opened
preaching service with six persons in attendance. After preach-
ing there several Sundays one man was happily converted, and
thereafter others came and were converted until in all we had
nine converts and organized the first class in Glasgow. This took
place in the months of January and February, 1870.
106
1875
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
"In March of this year I attended Conference at Deer Creek,
where I received license and was sent as assistant to J. F. Schrei-
ber on Holton Circuit in Kansas. On this field I served one year
during which time (1870) the first church was built in Holton,
and that winter we had a good revival in the new church. We
also had a goodly number of conversions at some of the other
eight appointments on the work.
"In 1871 I was sent to St. Joseph, Mo., where we had —
nothing! No place in which to hold services, nor one member to
hold services with. I rented a hall at my own expense and started
a Sunday-school, in which we soon gathered about 30 scholars,
but having no funds, and no local assistance, the presiding elder
concluded to transfer me from St. Joseph to the proposed Kansas
City Mission during the year. On the Kansas side, then called
Wyandotte, we had a few members, one of whom owned a hall in
which I could hold services. In January, 1872, we had ten con-
versions there and organized a class. I was expected to gain en-
trance into Kansas City, Mo. In these 'good old times' Conference
never thought of allowing anything for hall rent, etc., in new
places. I tried hard to find a place 'free of rent' in that city, but
failed. Then I undertook to preach on the streets. I arranged
with a store-keeper at the corner of 12th and Grand Ave. to stand
on a box to sing and preach. A few of our people from Wyandotte
came over and assisted us in singing every Sunday afternoon.
This took place in the latter part of summer and autumn of 1872.
"By this means we met with some people who showed a favor-
able disposition to hear the gospel. Sometimes I had a very large
attendance at these street-meetings. In the autumn, when the
weather became too cool for out-door meetings, we were fortunate
enough to find a Cumberland Presbyterian church where I was
kindly permitted to preach on Sunday afternoon. This was the
real beginning of our work in Kansas City. I very much regret-
ted that in the following spring I was transferred to Leavenworth.
This was in the spring of 1873, and I served Leavenworth three
years, which was the limit at that time.
"In the spring of 1876 the Conference was held at Leaven-
worth, and on this occasion I took my farewell from the brethren
of the Kansas Conference with no little regret, for I loved the
brethren and the work, but our General Executive Committee of
the Board of Missions had appointed me to San Francisco, Cal."
107
1876
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
TWELFTH SESSION
Conference met March 23, 1876, at Leavenworth, Kansas, to-
hold her twelfth session. Bishop R. Dubs, one of the newly
elected bishops, presided. C. Berner was again appointed secre-
tary. J- Wuerth, P. Fricker and F. W. Voegelein were appointed
a committee to prepare resolutions regarding the Centennial Ju-
bilee of our nation.
John Emmel located on account of failing health, and E. E-
Condo received credentials.
F. C. Stecher of the Ohio Conference was received as a pro-
bationer.
The following brethren were received from other Confer-
ences: J. Dengel and S. Schwartz from the Illinois Conference,
Rev. Johnson from Iowa, G. F. Yeager, Central Pennsylvania, S.
Werner, Pittsburg, and W. Wonder from Ohio. The latter with
the understanding that he present his credentials at the next
session.
G. Marks received deacon's orders, and J. H. Kiplinger and
L. Wenger elders' orders.
The brethren G. F. Yager, W. Folgate and C. F. Stecher were
received into the itinerancy.
BOUNDARIES
Again extensive boundary changes were made as follows:
Holton District
a. Hiawatha shall be taken from Wolf River and added to
Nemaha Circuit.
b. Blue Springs appointment shall be taken from Hanover
Mission and added to Swan Creek Mission, the remaining portion
of Hanover with the appointments Clay Center and Mill Creek of
Junction Mission shall be served with Big Blue Circuit.
c. The appointments Red Vermillion, Rock Creek, Frankfort
and Baety shall be taken from Big Blue Circuit and with the ap-
pointments Louisville, Wamego and Vermillion of Junction Mis-
sion shall form a new mission to be called Red Vermillion.
Missouri Distinct
a. The appointments Winston and Grindstone shall be taken
from Grand Circuit and be added to Platte River Circuit. The re-
maining portion of Grand Circuit, with the appointment Mt*
Pleasant of Platte River, shall constitute Denver Mission.
108
1876
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
b. Macon Mission shall be changed to a circuit.
c. Oregon Circuit shall be called Nickel's Grove Circuit.
d. Nickel's Grove Circuit and Hamburg Mission shall be
served together, but the finances shall be kept separate.
e. Wyandotte Mission shall be discontinued.
Southwest District.
a. Elk Creek and Labette shall be taken from Humboldt
Circuit and in connection with Parsons and vicinity constitute
Parsons Mission.
b. A new mission shall be located in the vicinity of Ellin-
wood, Barton County, and be called Ellinwood Mission.
c. Ft. Scott shall be taken from Cedar Mission and added
to Parsons Mission, and Cedar Mission shall be discontinued.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
The following action was taken relative to the Sunday-school
work : 'We urge that the purpose of the Sunday-school, namely,
leading the youth to Christ, be not lost sight of. The Sunday-
school should not be the work of a few persons, but of the whole
congregation. Here all should unite their consecrated powers and
efforts, and because of this, let us ministers apply all our energies
to carry on the Sunday-school "work. We will endeavor to enlist
not only the appointed leaders in this work, but the entire mem-
bership. We urge our preachers, wherever possible, to organize
Sunday-schools and catechetical classes."
F. W. VOEGELEIN
Brother F. W. Voegelein was during the year appointed mis-
sionary to San Francisco, Cal., by the Board of Missions, and was
thus necessitated to sever his connection with his mother Confer-
ence, in consequence of which the following action was taken:
"Inasmuch as the Executive Committee of the Board of Mis-
sions has appointed F. W. Voegelein, a minister of the Kansas
Conference, as missionary to San Francisco, California, there-
fore
"Resolved, That we can only regretfully submit to the inev-
itable, and deplore our loss deeply. We are of the opinion that
we stand in need of the service of our beloved brother as much as
any other place.
109
1876
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
"Further Resolved, That since Brother Voegelein leaves us,
we wish him and his family God's richest blessings and protection
on their journey, that we will pray to God that he may labor with
the greatest degree of success in his important work of saving
souls.
"We hereby grant him an honorable dismissal and a hearty
recommendation to the Pacific Conference."
CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
This year being the centennial anniversary of our national
independence, Conference passed the following resolution regard-
ing this fact:
"We are mindful that our merciful God, the Ruler of nations,
and the Director of their destinies, has led and kept this glorious
Republic for one hundred years since its beginning, through dan-
gers within and without, blessing our land with wealth and pros-
perity, and granting us liberty of faith so that we could extend
our borders from the shores of the Atlantic to the Pacific. We
are, therefore, of the opinion that our Church has great reason to
express her loyalty by participating with our citizens in the jubi-
lee celebration on the Fourth of July next. Therefore Resolved:
"1st. That in harmony with the order of General Confer-
ence, we, as preachers and members, will assemble at the places
designated by the proper authority to take part in the jubilee
celebration.
"2nd. That we will pray God to protect us and ward off the
evils of Sabbath desecration and corruption which have pene-
trated the highest government circles. This terrible evil must be
counteracted if we would perpetuate our glorious Republic.
"3rd. That during the year, in keeping with the order of
General Conference, a thanksgiving service shall be held in each
of our societies in the United States, in which service themes re-
garding the founding and preservation of the Republic shall be
made the subject of consideration and thanksgiving.
"The offerings received at this thanksgiving service shall be
used to aid some poor young man, who is an applicant for the
ministry, in educating himself for work in the Kansas Confer-
ence."
The following program was prepared as an order of exercise :
(a) Opening exercise with song and prayer, (b) Reading of
Scripture and the Declaration of Independence, (c) Song, (d)
110
1876
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
A short appropriate address. (e) Song and collection. The
preachers shall procure and use this program.
Conference resolved that in the future the matter of adjust-
ing preacher's salary shall be referred to the pastor and board of
stewards.
UNION BIBLICAL INSTITUTE
Rev. S. Dickover, agent of the Union Biblical Institute,
directed a letter to Conference relative to the appointment of one
of the Bishops as Principal of the Institute. Conference ex-
pressed her willingness to accede to this request.
H. HAAS
Rev. H. Haas, who was tried and deposed from the ministry
at the former Conference session, appealed to General Conference,
which was held during the year, for justice, on the assumption that
he could not be present at the time of his trial on account of family
circumstances.
Upon this ground the verdict was set aside, and the Kansas
Conference was instructed to proceed with the investigation of his
charges in his presence. The accused, however, again failed to
appear for trial, but in the meantime united with the Methodist
Church South, so that without further ceremony he was declared
"withdrawn from the Church under charges."
MISSIONS
This year the amount raised for missions was $1,721.13. Bishop
Dubs was elected to the Board of Missions, and the Society reor-
ganized by electing H. Mattill president, M. Alsbach vice-president,
J. Wuerth secretary, and J. F. Schreiber treasurer.
The amount of $2,930.00 was appropriated for missions for
the ensuing year.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 284; accessions, 561; membership, 2,156; itin-
erant preachers, 26; local preachers, 12; churches, 16; parson-
ages, 10 ; Sunday-schools, 45 ; officers and teachers, 364 ; scholars,
1,219; catechetical classes, 16; catechumens, 155; Botschafters,
417 ; Messengers, 119 ; Magazins, 187 ; Living Epistles, 24.
Ill
1877
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. G. Pfeifer, P. E. Warrensburg and Clinton, C. Ehr-
Holton, H. Koepsel. „, hardt.
Lawrence, P. Fricker and supply. Glasgow F. Stecher.
Nemaha, J. F. Schreiber and C. Shoal Mission, Wm. Folgate.
Woehlte. Denver, F. Harder.
Wolf River and Atchison, C. Berner. .
Big Blue and Hannover, W. Meier. South-west District— H. Mattill, P. E.
Leavenworth, August Fuessle. __ ,
Red Vermillion, C. Buchel. Humboldt, C. Emmel.
Swan Creek, W. Wonder. Junction, D. R Zellner.
Osborne, W. Heiser and John Bower.
Missouri District — /. Wuerth, P. E. Jewell, C. Linge.
Nickels Grove and Hamburg, J. H. Wichita, to be supplied.
Kiplinger and R. Stahli. Americus, L. Wenger.
Platte River, E. J. Troyer. Carthage, G. F. Yager.
Bloomington and Sheridan, M. Als- Parsons, J. G. Marks.
bach and supply. Ellinwood, to be supplied.
VASSAR
In 1875 Rev. J. F. Schreiber was serving Lawrence Circuit.
He extended his labors west into Osage County, in the vicinity of
Vassar, where he found members of the Evangelical Association,
for whom he preached. The same year he organized a class with
the following members: Brother Kersten and wife, Brother Ul-
rich and wife, Brother Storbeck and wife, Henry Schindle and
wife, Henry Brecheisen and wife, Ed Brecheisen and wife, and
Mother Pittker. Over this little band of Evangelicals Henry Schin-
dle was placed as the first class-leader, and Ed. Brecheisen ex-
horter. They labored faithfully, holding their services in school-
houses until they were able to build a church in 1891.
1877
THIRTEENTH SESSION
This year Conference was held in the Nickel's Grove Church,
Oregon Circuit, Holt County, Mo., beginning March 22, 1877, with
Bishop Esher as chairman, who appointed C. Berner secretary.
Charges were preferred against Rev. C. Woehlte for entering
into matrimony during his probationary period, which was a viola-
tion of the Church Discipline. As a penalty for his transgression
he was continued on probation for another year, with the under-
standing that his financial claim shall not be affected thereby.
Charges were also preferred against C. F. Stecher for breach
of promise. The accused was found guilty of the charge and was
112
1877
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
severely reprimanded for trifling with a matter of such sacred
import. He was given an opportunity to promise Conference that
he would redeem his pledge concerning the engagement, in which
event his official promotion in Conference should not be impeded.
If he refuses to do this he could not be retained in the ministry.
If the other party refuses to resume the engagement, then the
accused shall be released from further obligations in the matter.
G. F. Yager deserted his field of labor during the year, and
G. Marks located on account of family circumstances.
L. Lutz received license to preach, and J. Dreisbach was re-
ceived as a preacher on probation.
The brethren, John Bower, C. Buchel, C. F. Stecher, received
deacons' orders, and Wm. Heiser and D. R. Zellner elders' orders.
E. Evans, John Emmel and R. Stahli were received into the
itinerancy.
The terms of J. G. Pfeifer and J. Wuerth as presiding elders
had expired and the two brethren were re-elected and stationed on
the Missouri and Holton Districts respectively.
It was reported that the amount of $60.55 was raised in the
collections at the centennial jubilee meetings, held during the past
year. It was ordered that the amount be placed in the hands of
the Conference treasurer, and by him loaned out on interest with
good security.
GRASSHOPPERS
During the years 1875-1876 the country was afflicted and laid
waste by a siege of drought and grasshoppers, so that many peo-
ple were brought to destitution. A call for aid was made through
the Church papers, and in response to these appeals considerable
relief was sent to the ministers from friends in the East.
Brother Pfeifer had charge of the distribution of the relief
fund in the Conference, and rendered valuable assistance to many
who were in need and dependent on charity. Many who lived
in Kansas during those trying times still hold in sacred remem-
brance the help they received from such who were more fortu-
nately situated in other parts of the country and were able and
willing to extend a helping hand to their afflicted brethren.
Even in such visitations, on the one hand, and commendable
deeds of mercy on the other hand, the enemy of all good, would,
if possible, by the spirit of malignity and slander, defeat the purest
motives of charity.
113
1877
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Among those receiving aid was a certain man who appealed
to Brother Pfeifer for help in his distress and received $10.00
from the relief fund. This gentleman being an honest and able-
bodied man, insisted on giving labor in return for the $10.00 re-
received. In keeping with his request he was permitted to work
on the district house at Holton, Kansas, which was under con-
struction at the time. This arrangement was perfectly satisfactory
to all parties concerned.
PETER DOKLER
Shortly after this there appeared an article in one of the Ger-
man daily papers, written by one named Peter Dokler, who lived
in Holton, Kansas, condemning Brother Pfeifer, and declaring
that he was using the charity fund for selfish purposes, and that
Brother Pfeifer, after being exposed, had found it necessary to
flee from Holton in great haste and confusion. Brother Pfeifer
had just prior to Conference moved his family to Missouri on his
farm and continued to serve his district as before. This libelous
charge was also circulated by said Peter Dokler in a pamphlet
which he distributed. This unprincipled character had formerly
been a member of the Evangelical Association and had now found
a method by which he might give vent to his bitter hatred.
Conference thoroughly investigated the matter in reference
to the reports, as well as Brother Pfeifer's accounts, and found
everything in perfect order, thus exonerating him of the libelous
attack made upon his character. Brother Pfeifer's accounts showed
that the amount of $1,975.48 had been received for the relief fund,
of which amount $1,656.50 was disbursed among the needy, leav-
ing a balance in the treasury of $318.98. The presiding elders
were requested to distribute the balance among the needy preach-
ers and laity of the Conference.
Some of the ministers were severely criticised by Conference
for failing to look after the missionary money and other collec-
tions as they should, in consequence of which some of the stronger
works fell short in their contributions. The delinquents were urged
to attend to these important matters more carefully, and in case of
a repetition of failure in discharging their duty they would be re-
ported to Conference. It was also ordered that where there are
still no missionary auxiliaries organized the matter of organization
shall be attended to during the first three months of the ensuing
114
1877
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Conference year, and the presiding elders shall see to it that these
instructions are carried out.
C. Emmel was re-elected Conference treasurer. He reported
$370.50 in the Conference treasury, independent of the $60.55
jubilee fund. He was instructed to loan the amount out at 8 per
cent interest with good security. Up to this time there were no
Conference claimants, as the ministers and their families were
hitherto spared the invasion of death.
The pastor of Swan Creek was authorized to collect on Holton
District for a new church at Blue Springs.
CONFERENCE INCORPORATED
It was ordered that Conference should be incorporated accord-
ing to the laws of Kansas. The following trustees were elected:
John Wuerth, H. Koepsel, Wm. Meier, A. Fuessle and P. Fricker.
The incorporation act was attended to according to order of
Conference, and the charter issued by the Secretary of State of
Kansas was placed on file with the Conference trustees.
BOUNDARIES
Missouri District.
a. Winston and Grindstone appointments shall be taken from
Platte River Circuit and be added to Shoal Mission and be called
Winston Mission.
b. Hamburg Mission shall be left unsupplied this year.
Southivest District
a. The two appointments in Osage County shall be taken
from Lawrence Circuit and addded to Americus Mission.
b. The appointments in Marion County shall be taken from
Americus Mission and be added to Junction Mission.
c. Osborne Circuit shall be divided. All the German ap-
pointments shall be taken from Osborne Circuit and form a new
mission which shall be called Cawker Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount of $1,608.27 was raised for missions in the Kan-
sas Conference the past year. Of this amount $355.00 was con-
tributed by the ministers. The amount raised the past year was
$113.76 less than the former, and $375.72 less than the second
115
1877
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
year previous. This condition was doubtless due to the failure of
crops.
H. Mattill was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the following officers were elected for the Missionary Society: H.
Mattill, president ; J. Wuerth, secretary, and J. F. Schreiber, treas-
urer.
The amount of $3,525.00 was appropriated for the work the
coming year.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 245; accessions, 412; membership, 2,183; itine-
rant preachers, 28; local preachers, 12; churches, 19; parsonages,
11 ; Sunday-schools, 45 ; officers and teachers, 445 ; scholars, 1,573 ;
catechetical classes, 14 ; catechumens, 121 ; Botschafters, 515 ; Mes-
sengers, 140; Magazins, 204; Epistles, 36.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — John Wuerth, P. E. Warrensburg, C. Ehrhardt and sup-
ply.
Holton, H. Koepsel. Clinton Mission, .
Lawrence, P. Fricker. Glasgow, J. Schmidli.
Wolf River, C. Berner. Winston, J. H. Kiplinger.
Nemaha, J. F. Schreiber and J. Dreis- Denver, Wm. Folgate.
bach. Hamburg, to be supplied.
Big Blue, Wm. Meier and Carl Bu-
chel. South-west District— H. Mattill, P. E.
Leavenworth, A. Fuessle. TT .,,.„»■,
Red Vermillion, D. R. Zellner. Humboldt, C. Emmel.
Swan Creek, W. Wonder and D. F. Parsons, C. Woehlte.
Honstedt. Amencus, John Emmel.
Carthage, to be supplied.
Missouri District— J. G. Pfeifer, P. E. Wichita, to be supplied.
Junction, L. Wenger and R. Stahli.
Nickels Grove, E. Evans. Jewell, C. Linge.
Platte River, E. J. Troyer. Cawker, W. Heiser and Crist. Geiser.
Bloomington, C. F. Stecher. Osborne, J. Bower.
Sheridan, M. Alsbach. Ellinwood, to be supplied.
YATES CENTER (TURKEY CREEK)
In 1876 Rev. C. Emmel, who was serving Humboldt, of which
Yates Center was an appointment, held a revival meeting about
10 miles north-west of Yates Center on Turkey Creek, where was
a large settlement of German people who were thrifty farmers,
formally religious, but without knowledge of experimental re-
lion, having been reared in the State Church of Germany. In this
community Brother Emmel began his meeting in the home of
"Uncle" Carl Weide, who was a very influential man among his
116
1877
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
neighbors and countrymen. A mighty awakening soon followed
and among the first converts was "Uncle Carl." No sooner had
he found peace in the Saviour when he became a mighty mission-
ary among his friends, leading many to Christ, among others his
brother Gottlieb, who was a deeply pious, but reserved man. These
two brothers became the founders of a strong congregation at Tur-
key Creek, which for many years was a rival of the congregation
in town.
Uncle Carl Weide believed in and enjoyed a religion which
made soul and body happy. He was in his element at camp-meet-
ings, revival meetings and quarterly meetings, where he could
tell about his Saviour's love and power. He would often leap for
joy and praise God aloud when testifying in the congregation.
Not only in the public service would he get unspeakably happy
talking religion, but also in his home. On one occasion his pastor
and presiding elder called at his home, and while his companion
was engaged preparing dinner he began to relate his conversion,
and the beginning of the work in his home and community. He
stepped across the room and pointed to a dent in the door casing
about three feet from the floor, saying: "Here is where I struck
with my heel the night the Lord saved me." As he went on tell-
ing what great things the Lord had done for him he became so
happy that he began to leap over the floor and praise God for his
goodness and mercy. His wife, hearing the noise, came to the
door, looked in, and then went about her work as if nothing unusual
had happened. Indeed this was no unusual occurrence for "Uncle
Carl" and his family. The influence of the two brothers named was
strong in the community and church, so that when the Lord called
them to their reward, the world, and in particular Turkey Creek,
lost two good and useful men.
Quite a number were converted in Brother Emmel's meeting,
after which he organized a class of ten members as follows : Carl
Weide and wife, Gottlieb Weide and wife, Henry Weide, Fritz
Weide, Anna Weide, Carl Weide, Rose Weide and Willie Weide.
In 1892 a commodious country church was built during the
pastorate of C. Brandt, which, in later years, became a Bethel for
many souls. Glorious seasons of grace were experienced at her
altars, and many souls were born into the Kingdom of God while
God's people were praying and singing songs of redeeming love.
The annual camp-meeting was a season never to be forgotten by
those who were present. These meetings were held in later years
117
1877
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
in connection with the other appointments on the Yates Center
work. Often the altar service would continue till after midnight,
while parents would kneel at the altar with their children, pray-
ing with them, embracing them, and encouraging them to look to
Jesus and trust him for salvation. Then when the glorious mo-
ment came that faith took hold of the promise, the joy of parents
and children knew no bounds. Salvation was taught and believed
to be the pearl of great price, and the one thing needful. Though
the farm work was laid aside for a week at a busy time of the
year, yet the Christians felt it was not connected with loss, but
rather infinite gain to them.
Invariably the climax of the meeting was reached after re-
peated groups of prayer-meetings in the adjoining grove, where
frequently seekers were taken for prayer and brought back to
the camp rejoicing in a newly found Saviour.
From this congregation ministers and ministers' wives have
gone out to labor in the vineyard of the Master, and devote their
powers to work in the Kansas Conference.
Some of the sons and daughters of this congregation moved
farther west in the county and established a congregation at Cedar
Creek, where later a church was built and the work established.
A thriving Sunday-school has been maintained at Turkey
Creek from the beginning of the work, although the names of the
first officers are not at hand.
ALDEN
In 1876 a mission was located in the vicinity of Ellinwood, in
Barton County, Kansas, named Ellinwood Mission. This field
was left unsupplied for two years, when Wilson was taken from
Cawker Mission and added to Ellinwood and the name changed
to Rice Mission. Peter Schumann came from Dayton, Ohio, to
take up work in Kansas and was assigned to this place in the spring
of 1878. A few years prior to this Rev. S. Swartz moved from
Ohio to Rice County, Kansas, and preached at various places over
the country.
Rev. Schumann organized the first class in the home of Bro.
Reimer in 1878. There is no record of the charter members or
officers of the class.
In 1879 J. H. Tobias succeeded Brother Schumann with C. W.
Snyder for his colleague. Brother Tobias served the work one
year and writes as follows: "I preached my first sermon on April
118
1878
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
the 10, 1879, in a school house near where Alden now stands. In
the fall of 1879 I preached the first time in Lincoln County in a
dugout not far from where Rosette is now located. I traveled
and preached in six counties as follows : Rice, McPherson, Pawnee,
Russell, Lincoln and Ellsworth.
Brother L. Wenger, my presiding elder, held my first quarterly
meeting in Brother Davis' sod house. We had 20 Quarterly Con-
ference members present. Some came 40-60 miles. Brother Davis
lived in the vicinity of where Alden now is located. I received 140
members into the church this year, had 14 appointments and a
600 mile drive in making one round over the work. I sometimes
drove 60 miles in a day and held services at night."
There is no record of the organization of the Sunday-school
or of the first officers.
DENNIS
The historical data of Dennis Mission are meager, and what
we have is not fully reliable. In the year 1876 Conference took
the following action: "Elk Creek and Labette appointments shall
be taken from Humboldt Circuit and in connection with Parsons
and vicinity constitute Parsons Mission." The same was supplied
by Rev. G. A. Marks. This was evidently the beginning of the
work around Dennis, although the dates of organization are want-
ing. The first members of which a record can be found are : Mrs.
Wm. Webb, Mrs. Dienst, Geo. Dienst, Wm. Dick, John Carson,
Mrs. Cleveland, Sam Rickard, Dan Maury, David Markley, W. W.
Blake.
There is no record of the first officers. The church was built
about 1885 during the pastorate of J. W. Reiser.
1878
FOURTEENTH SESSION
The fourteenth session of Conference was held at Willow
Springs, Douglass County, Kansas, beginning March 21, 1878,
with Bishop Thomas Bowman as chairman for the first time. C.
Berner was again appointed secretary.
J. G. Marks withdrew from the Church during the year, and
Wm. Folgate and C. Buchel located on account of family circum-
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1878
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
stances, while M. Alsbach and John Bower were necessitated to
locate on account of physical disability.
Philip Fricker, one of the charter members of the Confer-
ence, was compelled, on account of failing health, to withdraw
from the active work for the present time. A suitable resolution
was passed expressing regret at the stand Brother Fricker was
necessitated to take, and assuring him of the interest and prayers
of Conference for his speedy restoration and return to the work.
J. F. Yager and A. Fuessle received credentials, the latter to
the Illinois Conference.
The following brethren received license to preach : Fred Scha-
fer, C. F. Erffmeyer, P. Schumann, A. J. Voegelein and J. M.
Dreisbach.
H. S. Bower of the Central Pennsylvania Conference and J.
S. Seip of the Erie Conference were received.
R. Stahli and C. Wohlte received deacons' orders, and John
Emmel elder's orders.
The following brethren were received into the itinerancy:
H. S. Bower, C. Geiser, Fr. Schafer, C. F. Erffmeyer, Albert
Voegelein and D. F. Honstedt. John Kurtz was also received into
the itinerancy with the understanding that he present his creden-
tials to his presiding elder.
The Conference Trustees reported that in accord with the
instructions given a year ago Conference had been incorporated
in harmony with the laws of Kansas. Since the trustees were
elected for a period of one year only, it was ordered that they
should be elected in the following order : one for five years, one for
four years, one for three years, one for two years, and one for one
year. The following brethren were elected in the above order:
J. Wuerth, H. Mattill, J. F. Schreiber, C. Berner and Wm. Meier.
It was ordered that all societies not yet incorporated should
do so during the coming year and be reported at the next Con-
ference session. It was made the duty of the presiding elders to
look after the deeds of the local church property on their respec-
tive districts whether they comply with our disciplinary require-
ments, and where this is not the case the matter shall be at-
tended to and reported to the next session of Conference.
The brethren C. Berner and J. Wuerth were appointed a com-
mittee to compile a history of the Kansas Conference.
Up to this time the Chairman was considered the examiner
of junior preachers in theology, but now provisions were made for
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1878
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
an alternate examiner, whose duty it was to examine the written
sermon of the young minister. Brother H. Mattill was chosen as
such alternate.
It was ordered that each preacher pay 25 cents for repairs
on the district house at Holton, Kansas.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Blue Springs shall be taken from Swan Creek and be called
Blue Springs Mission.
b. Lawrence Circuit shall be supplied with two preachers
and the city of Lawrence shall be taken up without delay.
Missouri District
a. St. Joseph shall be taken up as a mission and supplied.
b. Kansas City shall be taken up as a mission and supplied.
c. Hamburg Mission shall be discontinued.
Southwest District
a. Wilson shall be taken from Cawker Mission and added
to Ellinwood Mission, the same to be called Rice County Mission.
b. Offerle and vicinity shall be taken up and called Offerle
Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount of $2,030.50 was raised for missions the past
year. This was $422.00 in excess of last year, but in spite of the
commendable increase of missionary offerings there was a deficit
of $257.50 reported to Conference. The preachers this year con-
tributed $433.00. The amount appropriated was $3,600.00. Bishop
T. Bowman was elected delegate to the Board of Missions.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 210; Accessions, 463; membership, 2,382; itine-
rant preachers, 32 ; local preachers, 16 ; churches, 22 ; parsonages,
13; Sunday-schools, 48; officers and teachers, 471; scholars, 1,660;
Botschafters, 519; Messengers, 184; Magazins, 237; Epistles, 34.
121
1878
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. Wuerth, P. E. Warrensburg and Clinton, H. Koepsel
and supply.
Holton, W. Meier. St. Joseph, E. J. Troyer.
Nemaha, J. F. Schreiber and Fr. Sha- Kansas City, J. Kurtz.
fer. Sheridan, to be supplied.
Wolf River, C. Berner. Winston, John Kiplinger.
Big Blue, Wm. Heiser. Denver, C. Geiser.
Hanover, C. Brandt. „ ., . _. . . . „ „, .,.,, n „
Lawrence Circuit, C. Emmel and C. South-west District— H. Mattill, P. E.
Stahli. Humboldt, C. Woehlte.
Leavenworth, J. S. Seip. Parsons, H. Toedman.
Red Vermillion, D. R. Zellner. Americus, John Emmel and supply.
Blue Springs, W. Wonder. Junction, L. Wenger and C. F. Erff-
Swan Creek, D. F. Honstedt. meyer.
Jewell City, H. S. Bower.
Missouri District— J. G. Pfeifer, P. E. Osborne and Cawker, C. Linge and A.
J. Voegelem.
Nickels Grove, E. Evans. Rice County, P. Schumann.
Platte River, C. Ehrhardt. Wichita, F. Harder.
Bloomington, C. F. Stecher. Carthage, J. M. Dreisbach.
Glasgow, J. Schmidli. Offerle, to be supplied.
KANSAS CITY, MO.
A mission was again located in Kansas City and supplied with
John Kurtz. As early as 1858 M. J. Miller, missionary at Leaven-
worth, made a visit to Kansas City, of which he wrote as follows:
"In Kansas City I found a great many Germans, and no German
preachers among them, but a Catholic priest. In this city I have
the promise of a large hall to preach in, and will go there in a few
weeks and make arrangements to preach on a Sabbath." There
is no record to show to what extent missionary work was pro-
jected at that time, however the work was to some extent devel-
oped in the community, which was later known as Westport. The
indications promised fair for a permanent and successful work,
but during the years of the Civil War these prospects were de-
stroyed and the work abandoned. In 1865, at the first session of
the Kansas Conference, a mission was located in Kansas City,
hoping thereby to redeem the work by gathering what fragments
could be found. The new mission was not supplied, and a year
later no mention is made of the project in the Conference records,
thus indicating that the enterprise met with disappointment and
failure.
Nothing further was done for Kansas City until the spring
of 1871, when the following action was taken: "Wyandotte and
Kansas City, Mo., shall be taken up as a mission and be added
to Missouri District." Again the work was left unsupplied, but
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1878
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
the following year F. W. Voegelein was assigned to the place, who
was succeeded a year later by Wm. Lingelbach. In 1874 the mis-
sion was again left unsupplied, and in 1875 joined to Leavenworth
Mission when the two works were served by F. W. Voegelein. In
1876 it was discontinued, and the field abandoned until at this
session of Conference. Brother Kurtz, upon his arrival in the city,
found eight members of the Evangelical Association. He preached
his first sermon in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on 14th
St., between Oak and Locust.
For a while he preached there on Sunday afternoons, but
later rented a hall on Grand Ave., between 17th and 18th Streets.
He organized a Sunday-school and preached regularly every Sun-
day morning and evening. During the year a number of families
of the Evangelical Association moved into the city, and in Octo-
ber of the same year he organized the first society of the Evan-
gelical Association in Kansas City with 35 members, of which Bro.
Lotz became class-leader.
During this year a lot was purchased between 14th and 15th
Streets, on Oak St., for the sum of $700.00. Conference, at her
following session in 1879, authorized the young society to build
a church on the lot purchased, at the same time opening the entire
Conference district for the solicitation of funds.
Rev. H. Mattill was pastor at the time, and on the 14th of
September had the church ready for dedication, which function
was performed by Bishop J. J. Esher. The mission enjoyed a
prosperous year. More than 100 members were added to the
church, and a thrifty Sunday-school organized.
In 1883 Jackson County Mission was changed to Brooklyn
Mission, and the following year Forest Ave. Mission was located
in the eastern part of Kansas City. This was short-lived. A
church was built which was later destroyed by a tornado. The
mission, not prospering sufficiently to warrant its continuation,
was abandoned in 1887. In 1898 Oak St. Mission was changed to
Kansas City English Mission, which was later changed to Mersing-
ton Heights. In 1885 Brooklyn Mission was changed to Highland
Ave., and, later, to Park Ave.
PETER SCHUMANN
Peter Schumann was licensed at this Conference and assigned
to Rice Mission on the big Southwest District. He having lived
his life in the city met with many new and interesting experiences
123
1878
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
in the West as a frontier circuit rider. Some of these were pleas-
ant, others unpleasant, but all of them instructive. He writes
as follows :
"I was necessitated to travel 35 miles against a blizzard from
the Northwest one day. I was advised by those who were familiar
with the condition of the weather, not to undertake the trip, as
I would probably freeze to death on the road. I felt, however, that
I should go and hence ventured on my journey. I had not gone
far till the tempter approached me, suggesting that I might just
as well be sitting in a comfortable office room in the East where
I came from, if I had not yielded to preach the Gospel in this West-
ern country. I might be surrounded with congenial companions
instead of being exposed to this severe storm on the wide prairie,
not knowing but what I would lose my life many miles from home,
and would probably never again see my family.
"The cold was so intense that I could not remain in my buggy
more than ten minutes at a time. Then I would dismount and walk
to keep from freezing. At this juncture Satan tried to make me
doubt my call to the ministry, and that I had made a great mis-
take in giving up an occupation of comparative ease in the East
in exchange for a life of hardships and privation in a country where
probably no one cared very much whether I were dead or alive. In
this struggle I recalled the wonderful grace of God in receiving me
as his child, and adopting me into his family, as well as his
gentle, loving call to the ministry of the Gospel, when suddenly
the power of God swept into my soul, and though the blizzard was
raging without and I was exposed to the freezing elements, my
soul was kindled and I felt that I could cheerfully go to the utter-
most parts of the earth to preach Christ, because he had done so
much for me. My faith was increased, an unseen power seized
me so that I could praise God aloud. Satan was put to flight
with all the hosts of hell, and I was victor through Jesus Christ
my Saviour. I completed my journey and reached my destination
safely to the surprise of the friends who had no thought that I
would venture on the trip. I have often thought of this experience
as a miracle next to my conversion. Praise His name for ever-
more."
Brother Schumann traveled over five counties in serving his
work, namely Rice, Barton, Ellsworth, Lincoln and Pawnee. In
spite of his long and arduous trips, which were ofttimes connected
with danger, as well as suffering, he found some cheering features
124
1879
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
connected with his pioneer experience. He writes that on one
occasion he came to a home as a stranger and found the house
occupied by two families who had been members of the Evan-
gelical Association in Illinois. When they learned that Brother
Schumann was a preacher of their church they praised God and
wept for joy as they remarked: "For a whole year we have
prayed that our preachers might visit us, and now our prayer has
been answered." It is needless to say the joy was mutual. At
this place he held his first protracted meeing in Kansas, and among
the converts of that meeting was a family who later sent one of
their sons to the Gospel ministry.
In some of the communities where Brother Schumann preached
he found German people who had not heard a sermon in their lan-
guage for six years. So great was the joy of those people that in
many instances they would drive ten to twelve miles to hear a
German sermon. He was requested to baptize children and admin-
ister the Lord's Supper to the parents, and so great was the appre-
ciation of the people that it added immeasurably to the encour-
agement of the itinerant who was often severely tried and discour-
aged.
On a Sunday afternoon he entered a home where he found
a number of women collected from the neighborhood whose con-
versation betrayed an absence of refinement and religious instinct.
Upon leaving the home he felt he ought to pray with them, but
lacked courage to ask for permission to do so. After leaving the
house his conscience severely reproved him for his weakness, while
Satan was at hand to even magnify his short-coming. Only after
dismounting from his horse by the wayside and agonizing in prayer
did he again obtain peace of mind and the comforting assurance
of God's presence.
1879
FIFTEENTH SESSION
This year Conference met in the Zion Church, Nemaha Cir-
cuit, Richardson County, Nebraska, March 20, 1879, to hold her
fifteenth session with Bishop J. J. Esher in the chair. C. Ber-
ner was again appointed secretary.
The brethren Wm. Wonder and C. F. Stecher located on ac-
count of bodily infirmities, while P. Fricker and E. Evans were
reported as partially disabled for active service.
125
1879
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
C. Berner and C. Emmel, two of the veterans of the Confer-
ence, the former one of the first missionaries sent to Kansas, were
permitted to remain in the itinerancy without appointment.
C. Buchel and Simon Swartz received credentials, the latter
had his papers placed into the hands of his presiding elder until
it were ascertained whether he had already withdrawn from the
church.
Aaron Yoder, Wm. Daeschner, L. C. Schnacke and H. Linder
received license to preach.
S. B. Brown and Louis Snyder were received from the East
Pennsylvania Conference.
C. Geiser, H. Toedman, D. F. Honstedt, H. Linder and John
Dreisbach received deacons' orders and C. F. Stecher elder's orders.
L. Wenger was elected presiding elder and stationed on South-
west District.
J. Wuerth, H. Mattill, L. Wenger and J. G. Pfeifer were
elected delegates to General Conference, and C. Berner and J. F.
Schreiber alternates.
Wm. Meier was elected Conference trustee for five years.
As far as the records show, the Ways and Means Committee
reported this year for the first time. The first part of their report
refers to the building of a church in Kansas City, Mo.: "Re-
solved, That a new church shall be built in Kansas City, Mo., the
coming year on the lots purchased for this purpose at 1418 Oak
St., the cost not to exceed $3,300.00. A committee composed of
the presiding elder of Missouri District, the pastors of Kansas
City and Leavenworth, and Brother H. Wenger of Kansas City,
shall superintend the construction."
It was further ordered that the Conference District shall
be open for a solicitor for said purpose, and that subscriptions
shall be taken on two annual payments.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Lawrence shall be taken up as a new mission and be
served with Lawrence Circuit.
Missouri District
a. New Frankfort shall be served with two preachers.
b. Warrensburg and Clinton Mission shall be extended into
Morgan County.
126
1879
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Southwest District
a. The appointments in Marion County shall be taken from
Junction Mission and formed into a new mission, to be called
Marion Mission.
b. The appointments in Osage County and Neosho Rapids
shall be taken from Americus Mission and formed into a new
mission, to be called Osage Mission.
c. Junction Mission shall be called Dickinson Mission.
d. Huscher appointments shall be taken from Jewell Mis-
sion and be added to Hanover Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount of $2,306.00 was raised for missions, of which
amount the ministers contributed $328.00, the appropriations for
the coming year amounting to $4,025.00.
H. Mattill was elected delegate to the Board of Missions.
The Missionary Society was reorganized by electing H. Mat-
till president, J. Wuerth secretary, and J. F. Schreiber treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 240 ; accessions, 709 ; membership, 2,646 ; itine-
rant preachers, 37; local preachers, 15; churches, 24; parsonages,
18; Sunday-schools, 52; officers -and teachers, 504; scholars, 1,900;
Botschafters, 578 ; Messengers, 296 ; Magazins, 277 ; Epistles, 30.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. Wuerth, P. E. Emporia, J. Bower.
Holton, W. Meier. Denver, C. Geiser.
Nemaha, S. B. Brown and L. C. St - Joseph, C. Woehlte.
Schnake. Kansas City, H. Mattill.
Lawrence Circuit and Mission, Wm. Sheridan, H. Linder.
Big Blue and ' Hanover, Wm. Heiser South-west District— L. Wenger, P. E.
and C. Brandt.
Wolf River, J. F. Schreiber. Humboldt, E. J. Troyer.
Leavenworth, J. Kurtz. Dickinson, P. Schumann.
Red Vermillion, D. R. Zellner. Marion, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Blue Springs, S. H. Dunkelberger. Jewell, Edwin Bower (temporary).
Swan Creek, R. Stahli. Osborne, D. F. Honstedt.
. _. . _ _, _, .„ _ _ Cawker, H. Toedman.
Missouri District— J. G. Pfeifer, P. E. Ri ce , to be supplied and C. W. Snyder.
Nickels Grove, J. S. Seip. Cfferle, Louis Snyder.
Platte_ River, C. Ehrhardt. Wichita, Wm. Riemke.
Bloomington, C. Linge. Americus, H. S. Bower.
Glasgow and Frankfort, J. Schmidli. Osage, F. Harder.
Warrensburg and Clinton, H. Koepsel Carthage, John Dreisbach and supply.
and F. Shafer. Parsons, A. J. Voegelein.
127
1879
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
NEWTON
As early as 1868 a mission was located along the western
border of the missionary operations in Kansas and was named
" West Kansas Mission," which, however, was left unsupplied the
first year. The following year it was supplied with H. Mattill,
who traveled over a vast territory in that part of the state, preach-
ing the Gospel wherever he found opportunity. In 1871 West Kan-
sas Mission was again left unsupplied, and in 1872 Wamego ap-
pointment was taken from Holton Circuit, added to the mission
and the name changed to Wamego Mission, which was supplied
with W. Meier and F. Harder.
In 1874 the name was changed to Junction Mission and the
work carried on under that name until 1879, when the appoint-
ments in Marion County were taken off, formed into Marion Mis-
sion and supplied with C. F. Erffmeyer. During this Conference
year Brother Erffmeyer, with his presiding elder, L. Wenger,
visited Newton to investigate the situation and, if possible, to
organize a society. Prior to this F. Harder, who had served
Wichita Mission the preceding year, visited Newton and preached
for several members living there. Also H. Mattill, presiding elder,
visited the place and preached.
Brother Erffmeyer writes: "In April, 1879, I visited Newton
as pastor of Marion Mission, and found the following members
living there: J. G. Kaufman and wife, H. Burgener and wife and
J. G. Hoefs. I took up an appointment and served it regularly,
organizing a class June 16, 1879, with the above charter mem-
bers. Soon after the organization of the class the erection of a
church 30x50 feet was begun, which was dedicated by Bishop
J. J. Esher Sept. 29, 1879. During the year several persons were
converted, who united with the church, so that at the following
Conference session we could report 11 members and Newton Mis-
sion was formed. A Sunday-school was started at once with
80 scholars. Brother J. G. Kaufman was the first class-leader, and
H. Burgener exhorter and steward of the little class.
The year 1882 marked a period of severe trials for the young
and weak society. During a district ministerial convention held
in the church the building was demolished by a tornado while
Rev. E. J. Troyer was preaching to a house full of people. Fort-
unately no one was killed, nor even severely injured, although
the building was completely wrecked. This seemed nothing short
of a miracle of God's protecting care.
128
1879
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
With the aid of an insurance policy amounting to $1,000.00,
besides help from the church at large, in response to an appeal
published in the church papers, and additional help from the cit-
izens of Newton, the church was replaced by another building
erected upon the foundation of the old one. The cost of this
building was $1,500.00, and was dedicated July 15, 1883, by Prof.
W. F. Heidner of North-Western College. In 1882 Newton Mis-
sion and Marion were served together, but permanently separated
the following year.
During the financial boom, which struck Kansas in 1886-
1887, the city of Newton, desiring to extend Main Street south,
offered in exchange for our church property, which was located at
the foot of Main Street, two lots and a good six room house at
the corner of Old Main and First Streets. The congregation re-
moved the church building to the new site, where for many years
it rendered valuable service until in 1912 it was replaced by a larger
and more commodious one.
CANADA STATION
A class was organized in the village of Canada, Marion Co.,
Kansas, by Rev. L. Wenger in the month of October, 1878. The
class numbered 12 members and chose for their leader John Sie-
bert. C. F. W. Bluhm was elected exhorter. During the year
1878 L. Wenger and C. F. Erffmeyer, while serving Junction,
preached occasionally at Canada, principally on week days. This
practice was continued during the year when in the fall the class
was organized.
The following year Marion Mission was formed and C. F.
Erffmeyer assigned to the new charge. L. Wenger was elected
presiding elder and placed on Southwest District. During this
year a very successful revival was held at Canada, in which the
pastor was assisted by the presiding elder. The meeting resulted
in about 15 conversions, mostly heads of families, who also united
with the church.
Steps were now taken to build a church and the project was
carried out the following year during the pastorate of L. Schnei-
der. A trustee board was elected, consisting of Isaac Good, John
Siebert, C. F. W. Bluhm, Henry Siebert and Valentine Jacobs.
The church was built of stone and dedicated in November, 1880,
by Bishop R. Dubs.
129
1879
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
In 1884 Canada Mission was changed to a station and sup-
plied with J. Kramer. During his pastorate the first camp-meeting
was held in the cottonwood grove of John Siebert. This was a glo-
rious meeting and many souls were saved. The camp-meetings
were continued annually for many years, resulting in some re-
markable demonstrations of Divine grace and power. Many souls
were converted, and many of God's people experienced the grace
of entire sanctification, carrying the fire of holiness out to other
fields of labor, so that many today recall the blessed seasons ex-
perienced in the cottonwood grove north of Canada. The success
of those meetings was largely due to the zeal of the presiding
elder, J. H. Tobias, and Father Kramer, the pastor. The latter
realized a triumphant departure from this world, and an abundant
entrance into the glory world above, just at the close of his sec-
ond camp-meeting on the work. Father Kramer was a man of
much prayer and strong faith.
With the beginning of the work at Canada a Sunday-school
was started as early as the month of May, 1878, with Father
Kannengieser as superintendent. The school was started with an
enrollment of about 25 scholars and was held in the Canada school
house just north of the village, until the church was built. Canada
must be numbered among the first Woman's Missionary Societies
organized in the Conference. As early as 1886 an auxiliary was
formed, with Mrs. Charles Siebert as the first president. In 1892
a Young People's Alliance was organized by Rev. J. Kurtz, of
which John Brand was chosen president.
FRANKFORT, MO.
The work at Frankfort seems to have started simultaneously
with the work at Glasgow, of which it was a part, through the
labors of Rev. J. G. Pfeifer, who, at the time, was serving Macon
Mission, although there is no record of an organization prior to
1878, when J. Schmidli held a very successful revival at Frank-
fort, in which a number of German Presbyterians were led to
conversion and united with the church.
The Presbyterians alluded to owned a church building, but
were left without a pastor, and were practically abandoned, so
they decided to transfer their church property to the Evangeli-
cal Association and accept Brother Schmidli as their pastor. The
families thus uniting were Peter Kaul, Henry Gabb, Charles Thier-
felder, Gustave Thierfelder, Martin Lentz and Jacob Rieder.
130
1880
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
In 1882 a Sunday-school was started, with Jacob Rieder su-
perintendent, and Gus. Thierfelder secretary. Brother Schmidli
served the work three years when, in 1880, he was succeeded by
L. C. Schnacke. Frankfort has been a reliable work for many
years, composed of loyal church members, who stand by the inter-
ests of the church.
1880
SIXTEENTH SESSION
Conference convened March 18, 1880, in Salem Church, Platte
River Circuit, Andrew County, Mo., to hold her sixteenth session,
with Bishop R. Dubs in the chair. C. Berner was again appointed
secretary.
Wm. Folgate and F. Stecher, two local preachers, were ex-
pelled from the church.
C. Emmel and J. Bower located on account of family circum-
stances, and R. Stahli reported unable for full service.
S. 0. Musselman, G. W. Wolfart, S. Weber and C. Woehlte re-
ceived credentials, the latter being necessitated by failing health
to move to the Pacific coast. Suitable resolutions were passed by
Conference relative to Brother .Woehlte, who had rendered effi-
cient service in the past, and who was now reluctantly given up. A
hearty Godspeed was given him by the brethren.
G. E. Dienst, M. F. Shupe and E. A. Bruner were licensed
to preach on probation.
The following brethren were received into the itineramry: M.
Dissinger, A. W. Kramer, J. H. Tobias, C. W. Snyder, S. H. Dun-
kelberger, C. H. Linder.
C. F. Erffmeyer, A. J. Voegelein, P. Schuman, S. H. Dunkel-
berger and C. Brandt received deacons' orders, and C. Woehlte
elder's orders.
EXAMINATION
At this session of Conference a more rigid system of exam-
ining junior preachers in their Conference studies was adopted.
In the past the chairman of Conference examined all the young
ministers in theology, while some one appointed by the Confer-
ence examined them in each of the other branches. The brethren
to be examined were all in one class, thus making the work both
131
1880
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
difficult and unsatisfactory. Now the Course of Study prescribed
by General Conference was adopted and the junior preachers were
arranged in classes according to their rank, first year, second year,
third year, and fourth year. Each class had a separate set of
examiners in the various branches, who were elected from the
members of Conference. The following rules were adopted:
a. Every junior preacher shall procure the books prescribed
in the "Course of Study" and study them.
b. He must be present at the time appointed for examination.
c. The Board of Examiners shall make a report to Confer-
ence of the results of the examination.
d. The following rules for grading shall be observed: 100
perfect, 75 very good, 60 good, 50 fair. An average of 55 shall
be necessary to pass.
The following branches were included in the examination :
Theology and Discipline, History of the Evangelical Association,
Church history, Profane history, English grammar, German gram-
mar.
Conference appointed a committee to superintend the build-
ing of a church at Zion appointment, Dickinson Mission. A spe-
cial appropriation was ordered, and the pastor of St. Joseph was
authorized to collect on Platte River Circuit, to pay an indebted-
ness of $625.00 resting upon their church.
At the General Conference, held the previous year,, Blue
Springs was transferred to the Des Moines Conference.
The treasurer of the Missionary Society was instructed to
govern himself in paying appropriations so that if a deficit oc-
curs the same can be deducted from the appropriation of each
brother pro rata.
BOUNDARIES
The following boundary changes were made:
Holton District
a. The appointments Spring Creek, Maglott's, McCauley's
and Prairie Springs shall be taken from Nemaha Circuit, and with
the appointments of Wolf River Circuit form a new circuit, to be
called Hiawatha Circuit.
b. The appointments Lower Independence, Camp Creek and
Ellerman's shall be served with Atchison Mission.
132
1880
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Missouri District
a. Winsor shall be taken from Warrensburg and added to
Clinton Mission.
b. As soon as Parsons can be supplied with two preachers
Lauers' appointment shall be taken from Humboldt and added to
Parsons.
c. Emporia Mission in Missouri shall be called Winston
Mission.
Southwest District
a. Osborne and Cawker Missions shall be served together.
b. Salina and vicinity shall be served with Dickinson Mis-
sion for the present.
c. The appointments Great Bend and Pawnee Rock shall be
taken from Rice Mission and added to Offerle Mission.
d. Newton shall be taken from Marion Mission and form a
new mission to be called Newton Mission.
e. The missions Wichita, Parsons and Carthage shall be
supplied with two preachers if possible.
f. A new mission shall be located in Rooks County called
Stockton Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount of $2,260.00 was raised for missions during the
past year, of which amount $325.80 was contributed by the preach-
ers. $3,220.00 was appropriated for the ensuing year.
H. Mattill was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the board of officers was re-elected.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 500; accessions, 1,009; membership, 3,087; itin-
erant preachers, 41 ; local preachers, 24 ; churches, 30 ; parsonages,
20 ; Sunday-schools, 63 ; officers and teachers, 605 ; scholars, 2,429 ;
Botschafters, 631 ; Messengers, 283 ; Epistles, 31.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. Wuerth, P. E. Big Blue, W. Heiser.
Nemaha, S. B. Brown. Leavenworth, J. Kurtz.
Hiawatha, P. Fricker. Atchison, J. F. Schreiber.
Holton, W. Meier. Hanover, D. R. Zellner.
Lawrence Circuit and Mission, Wm. Re d Vermillion, H. S. Bower and C.
Daeschner. Geiser.
133
1880
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE .
South-west District — L. Wenger, P. E.
Missouri District — J. G. Pfeifer, P. E. Humboldt, E. J. Troyer.
Dickinson, P. Schumann.
Nickels Grove, C. Linge. Marion, L. Snyder.
Platte River, J. Schmidli. Newton, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Bloomington, C. H. Linder. Jewell. A. W. Kramer.
St. Joseph, C. Berner. Osborne and Cawker, D. F. Honstedt
Kansas City, H. Mattill. and C. Brandt.
Clinton, H. Koepsel. Rice, A. Yoder and C. W. Snyder.
Warrensburg, F. Shafer under H. Offerle, to be supplied.
Koepsel. Wichita, H. Toedman.
Glasgow and Frankfort, C. Ehrhardt Americus, J. M. Dreisbach.
and L. C. Schnake. Osage, F. Harder.
Winston, S. H. Dunkelberger. Parsons, A. J. Voegelein and supply.
Denver, R. Stahli. Stockton, to be supplied.
Sheridan, to be supplied. Salina, to be supplied.
Carthage, J. H. Tobias and E. A. Bruner.
The year just closed has been a most successful one in the
way of conversions and accessions. Five hundred souls were re-
ported saved and 1,009 identified themselves with the church, of
which number 809 were reported as newly received. The member-
ship has been raised over the three thousand mark. Rice and
Carthage Missions each reported 80 conversions, and Lawrence
Circuit, 75. Lawrence Circuit reported 111 accessions, Rice 141,
and Carthage 60.
SHELBY (EBENEZER CLASS)
Shelby Mission (or Bloomington, as it was called at this time)
was served by C. Linge the past year. During the year a class was
organized in Shelby County between Bloomington and Bethel, by
Brother C. Stauffer, a local preacher, who lived near the Bethel
appointment. This was called Ebenezer class. Brother Stauffer
had preached for the people there in the past and now effected
an organization with the following charter members : John
Schwade and wife, Henry Leutcherding and wife, Sophia Wilke,
Henry Wilke, Richard Dove, S. Rawson and wife, George Farber
and wife, and Rosa Farber. The same year the people decided
to build a union church in the community which was dedicated
by Bishop Dubs. Four denominations united in this project, each
denomination using the church one Sunday in the month. This
building was destroyed by fire in 1894, when the Evangelical
Association built a church of their own which was dedicated by
Bishop J. J. Esher, Nov. 11, 1894, as the Ebenezer Church.
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1880
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
OFFERLE
Offerle Mission was founded in 1878, but was not supplied
until one year later when L. Snyder was assigned to the work
and organized a society with the following members: S. S. Ott
and wife, Edward Ott and wife, Edwin E. Offerle, Wm. Snyder,
Lida Snyder, Mary Snyder, and Rev. Louis Snyder, the pastor.
The presiding elder, L. Wenger, visited the work several
times during the year, but the official board was not organized into
a Quarterly Conference. There was an almost entire failure of
crops in that part of the state this year and the country was
poverty-stricken. Brother Snyder labored for a whole year with-
out any apparent success. On account of the prevailing conditions
the mission was left unsupplied until 1881, when it was served
from Rice Mission, and the following year again left unsupplied.
In 1883 Rev. A. Yockel was assigned to the work and reorgan-
ized the class with the following members: Lawrence Offerle and
wife, Edwin Offerle and wife, E. T. Ott and wife, Mary Offerle,
Minerva Offerle, Amanda Offerle, Oscar Offerle, Fred Stegeman,
Albert Jucker, Rev. Yockel and wife, Fred Herman and wife,
Daniel Knaus, Francis Summers, Catharine Summers, and Wm.
Snyder and wife.
Through the generosity of Lawrence Offerle a hall was built
and furnished for a place of- worship, and a Sunday-school was
started at once. This hall was used for three years. The first
church was built in 1886, at a cost of $1,100.00, and dedicated by
Rev. H. Mattill.
There was also a class organized in Hodgeman County at this
time with the following members: Justus Schuck, Mary Schuck,
Minnie Schuck, August Hoppe, Antille Hoppe, Caroline Hoppe,
Catharine Selig, and John Selig. This class was abandoned during
the years when people emigrated from Western Kansas because
of failure of crops. Many fond hopes were doomed to disappoint-
ment in the early years on the enchanting prairies of Western
Kansas. Again and again the attempt was made to settle those
beautiful homesteads, only to be driven back by hot winds and
crop failure, so that many became discouraged and deserted the
country while others persevered and gradually saw the arid acres
changed to fertile fields of golden grain.
The little class at Offerle struggled heroically against all dis-
couragements, led on by that intrepid pioneer, Lawrence Offerle,
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1880
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
who loyally stood by his country and church when everything
tended to discouragement. For many years Brother Offerle held
the church work from disbanding, always insisting that there was
a great future for the country, and the church must not forsake
them in the days of small things. His body, with that of his faith-
ful companion, lies buried in the Offerle cemetery, where they both
await the final summons on the resurrection morn.
J. H. TOBIAS
The following account, related by Rev. J. H. Tobias, concern-
ing his experiences in Western Kansas about this time, gives the
reader a glimpse of what those pioneers passed through. Brother
Tobias writes:
"The night of April 17, 1879, I arrived in Sterling, Kansas,
to take charge of Rice Mission, which was assigned to me by Con-
ference this spring. The next morning I started with my grip
in hand to walk to Pleasant Valley, known as the Michigan ap-
pointment, nine miles west of Sterling.
"I preached my first sermon on Sunday morning, April 19th,
in a school house where now the town of Alden is located. My
first trip was made on foot, 25 miles north to Prospect appoint-
ment, then north 10 miles further to Plum Creek appointment.
From there I went northwest 25 miles to Wilson, my next appoint-
ment, from there 60 miles southwest to Pawnee Rock, and then
back to Pleasant Valley, 45 miles. This completed my first round
on the new field of labor.
"I bought a small pony weighing about 750 pounds and had
my buggy shipped from Illinois, so that I was now ready for busi-
ness. On my first trip I attempted to cross Plum Creek, not
knowing how deep the water was. My horse went under, and
the buggy followed, but we got through finally, although I was
thoroughly drenched.
"During the year the work expanded so that at one time I
had 18 appointments, which I served every four weeks. At the
end of the year I had 14 appointments, with nine organized classes.
It now required 400 miles driving to make one round over the
work. In ten months I drove 4,800 miles. Our members came
from all parts of the church in the East and took up claims in
this Western country, building sod houses, dugouts, with here and
there, where rock was available, a stone house.
136
1880
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
"It sometimes required a drive of 50-60 miles to find a family
which we had been requested to look after by some friend in the
East. Sometimes the joy created in those whom the preacher found
would abundantly reward him for all the labor and hardships en-
dured in locating their place of residence. They were ofttimes poor,
homesick and discouraged, longing for comfort and fellowship.
Food, fuel and clothing were ofttimes scant. Many times I ate
a meal prepared with cow chips for fuel, when wood and even corn
stalks could not be obtained.
"One day I drove 50 miles to visit a family from Minnesota
which I had been requested to find. When I met them and in-
formed them who I was, they almost carried me off my feet for
joy. The brother said: 'Well, you will preach for us this even-
ing?' I replied: 'Certainly, and you may invite some of your
neighbors in,' not knowing that it was seven miles to the nearest
neighbor. I preached to the man and his wife that evening, choos-
ing for my text the 23rd Psalm. We had a glorious meeting.
When bed time came the furniture was carried out doors and a
box 2V2 feet wide and about 5 feet long was carried in and filled
with carpet. An old-fashioned feather bed was placed on top of
the carpet, with a white spread and pillow, and the bed was com-
plete. Before morning I was pretty well settled down in the box
which was standing in the doorway because the house, 8x10 feet,
was too small to contain two 'beds. The next morning I started
home, feeling that the life of an Evangelical preacher was worth
living because it enabled one to help his fellow-man. Then I also
remembered my Saviour who had no place to lay down his head.
I often visited homes in which there was no furniture save such
as was nailed together from rough lumber.
"On one occasion I came to a dugout where one of our fam-
ilies lived who had moved there from Michigan and were trying
to hold their claim. I observed all the bedding and clothing out
on the grass to dry. There had been a heavy rain and hail during
the night, and upon inquiring I learned that they had gotten 18
inches of water into their dugout. The woman was alone with
four small children, the baby only six weeks old. When I asked
her where her husband was she replied that he had gone further
east to find work as they were nearly out of funds with which to
buy provisions. 'But,' I remarked, 'what will you do here all
alone if another storm should come? You will certainly perish.'
While the tears trickled down her cheeks she replied: 'If I die
137
1880
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
here I have a home in heaven.' I was not a little inspired by that
mother's courage and faith in God, and left that dugout more than
ever determined to look after the poor families scattered over
those wide prairies.
"A 60 mile drive in one day, with an evening service thrown
in for good measure, was a frequent occurrence. One day I drove
80 miles and conducted a funeral service. Of course I did not
complete the task between sunrise and sunset.
"I consider this year, the first on Rice Mission, the best year
in my ministry. I received 143 members into the church, and
would gladly have been returned for the second year, but Con-
ference determined otherwise. My salary this year amounted to
$350.00, and from this amount I paid $8.00 per month rent."
HUMBOLDT MISSION (GOLDEN VALLEY APPOINTMENT)
Prior to 1879 the families of Godfrey Laury, Obed Kerr and
Dreibelbis moved from the State of Pennsylvania, where they had
been members of the Evangelical Association, to Allen Co., Kan-
sas, and settled in the vicinity of Golden Valley, east of Humboldt.
Here E. J. Troyer, then serving Humboldt Mission, preached for
them. A class was organized. Godfrey Laury was chosen class-
leader, and Obed Kerr exhorter. A Sunday-school was also or-
ganized with Brother Laury superintendent and Brother Kerr as-
sistant.
There are no early records of the society available, but at the
Conference held in 1886 all the appointments east of Humboldt
were taken from Humboldt Mission and formed into Golden Val-
ley Mission. This was continued until 1891, when it was again
consolidated with the former work. A very pretty and substantial
church was erected later and Golden Valley became for many
years a prominent appointment of the Humboldt work.
(CENTER RIDGE APPOINTMENT)
In 1883 E. J. Troyer, serving his second term on Humboldt
Mission, began to preach occasionally to several Evangelical fam-
ilies living in the vicinity of Center Ridge, southwest of Hum-
boldt, holding services in private houses as circumstances per-
mitted. The following year H. Koepsel filled the appointment
from Yates Center, who in turn was succeeded in the spring
of 1885 by P. Schumann from Yates Center. Brother Schumann
138
1881
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
organized a class in the cabin of Frederick Stauffer with the fol-
lowing families. Brother Timms, Stephen Roeder, Brother Wilts-
man, Jacob Stauffer, Fred Stauffer, W. S. Martin, Robert Stauf-
fer, Israel Bucannon, and George Nickols.
In the spring of 1886 Center Ridge appointment was taken
from Yates Center and added to Humboldt Mission, with which
it has been united ever since. During this year the work was
served by Rev. A. Ernst, who preached in a school house, where
the services were continued until 1893. A church was built during
the pastorate of J. S. Miller. This building was dedicated Dec. 17,
1893, by Rev. S. P. Spreng, from Cleveland, Ohio, then editor of
the "Evangelical Messenger."
A Union Sunday-school had been held for several years, but
was changed to a denominational school when the church was
built. Mrs. Ida Stauffer was elected superintendent and served
in that capacity for eight years. In 1906 a Woman's Missionary
Society was organized during the pastorate of J. M. Fricker.
1881
SEVENTEENTH SESSION
This session was held at Holton, Kansas, beginning March
31, 1881. Bishop R. Dubs again being present, C. Berner was
appointed secretary.
A letter from R. Stahli, who was appointed to Southern Cali-
fornia as missionary during the past year, was read, after which
his credentials were granted.
The brethren T. W. Serf, G. W. Edgar, Martin Grabenstein
and A. Brunner received license to preach.
S. Weber, who received credentials a year ago, returned them
and was reinstated in the Conference, also Samuel Werner was
received as an elder from the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The brethren L. C. Schnacke, Wm. Daeschner, E. A. Bruner
received deacons' orders, and C. Geiser, John Dreisbach, D. F.
Honstedt, J. H. Tobias, H. Toedman and R. Stahli elders' orders.
E. A. Bruner and Wm. Daeschner were received into the itin-
erancy.
H. Mattill and S. B. Brown were elected presiding elders and
the districts assigned as follows : Holton District, L. Wenger ; Mis-
139
1881
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
souri District, H. Mattill; Southwest District, S. B. Brown. Later
Brother Brown resigned as presiding elder and Philip Fricker was
elected to fill the vacancy.
C. Berner was elected Conference trustee for five years, and
S. B. Brown for four years.
The following was adopted relative to the language question :
"In view of the necessity of our preachers being able to preach
in English and German, therefore resolved, that we require our
candidates for the ministry to study both languages, and prepare
for examination in both English and German."
ST. JOSEPH
The society of St. Joseph, Mo., was allowed to purchase a lot
more suitably located than their present site, and erect a new and
better adapted church building. To this end a commitee was ap-
pointed, composed of the Bishop in charge of the Kansas Confer-
ence, the presiding elder of the Missouri District, the pastor of St.
Joseph, the preacher in charge of Platte River Circuit, with the
lay brethren C. Vick and E. Ernst of the St. Joseph society, to
superintend the project. The committee was also authorized to
build a parsonage if they considered it feasible. The church
building should not cost more than $2,500.00, and the pastor of
St. Joseph was appointed to collect for said purpose.
The pastor of Newton was authorized to collect on Southwest
District for the debt resting on the church at that place.
C. Berner was elected Conference treasurer for the ensuing
year.
The Conference secretary, with his assistant, J. Schmidli, and
P. Schumann and H. Mattill, associate members, were appointed
a committee to arrange for the publication of a Conference jour-
nal a year hence. This was the first step taken by the Confer-
ence in this direction, but did not materialize until 1888, when
the first Conference journal was issued, which has been continued
every year since.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Wolf River appointment shall be taken from Hiawatha
Circuit and be added to Atchison Mission.
b. Four Mile shall be taken from Nemaha Circuit and added
to Hiawatha Circuit.
140
1881
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Southwest District
Huscher shall be taken from Hanover Mission and added to
Jewell Mission.
b. Big Medicine and Lost Creek shall be taken from Osborne
Mission, and with the appointments Fair Haven and Philipsburg
be added to Stockton Mission.
c. Osborne and Cowper Missions shall form a circuit and be
called Osborne Circuit.
d. Fairview, Solomon, Steins and Bennington appointments
shall be taken from Dickinson Mission and form Salina Mission.
e. Wilson, Cedron, Becks, Venango, and Russell shall be
taken from Rice Mission and form Wilson Mission.
f. Sepo shall be taken from Hanover Mission and be added
to Jewell Mission.
g. Lawrence and Red Vermillion Missions shall be served
each with two preachers and the appropriations be equally di-
vided.
MISSIONS
The amount of $2,055.44 was raised for missions the past year
and $3,975.00 appropriated for the ensuing year.
H. Mattill was again elected delegate to the Board of Mis-
sions and the following officers elected for the Missionary Society :
J. Wuerth, president; H. Mattill, secretary; and Wm. Meier, treas-
urer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 358; accessions, 753; membership, 3,245; itine-
rant preachers, 40; local preachers, 32; churches, 33; parsonages,
21; Sunday-schools, 63; officers and teachers, 626; scholars, 2,606;
catechetical classes, 30; catechumens, 308; Botschafters, 687;
Messengers, 324; Magazins, 319; Epistles, 44.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District— L. Wenger, P. E. Missouri District— H. Mattill, P. E.
xt i. t n t>* -e Nickels Grove, C. Linge.
Nemaha, J G. Pfeifer. Platte Ri w Mei( f r
Hiawatha, J Kurtz. Bloomington, C. H. Linder.
Holton, J. Wuerth. _ gt Jo * h c Berner
Lawrence M. Dissinger and W. Kangas ^ g> B Brown
Daeschner. Winston, S. W. Snyder.
Big Blue, J F • Schreiber. Glasgow and Frankfort, L. C.
Leavenworth, J. Schmidh. Schnacke
Red Vermillion, H. S. Bower and C. Warrensb ^ gj H . Koepsel.
reiser. Clinton, C. Ehrhardt.
Hanover, D. R. Zellner. Denver, Fr. Shafer.
Atchison, C. Brandt. Sheridan, to be supplied.
141
1881
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
South-west District — Philip Fricker, Wilson, D. F. Honstedt.
P. E. Rice and Offerle, P. H. Rischel and
S. H. Dunkelberger.
Humboldt, E. J. Troyer and E. A. Wichita, H. Toedman.
Bruner. Newton, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Osborne and Stockton, T. W. Serf and Marion, L. Snyder.
A. Brunner. Americus, J. M. Dreisbach.
Jewell, A. W. Kramer. Osage, F. Harder.
Dickinson, W. Heiser. Parsons, A. J. Voegelein.
Salina, P. Schumann. Carthage, J. H. Tobias.
LEONARDVILLE
In 1880 Rev. Wm. Heiser served Big Blue Circuit. In his
travels he formed the acquaintance of Christian Hoch, living two
miles south of Leonardville, Kansas, who invited him to preach
in his home. Brother Heiser accepted the invitation and preached
twice in Brother Hoch's house, baptizing two of his children in
connection with the first service. After the second service the
meetings were held regularly every two weeks in the Leonardville
school house. The blessings of God attended the preaching of
Brother Heiser, and soon several German Presbyterian families
were awakened and converted, who also united with the church
and were organized into a class by Brother Heiser. The follow-
ing persons became charter members of the new class: Martin
Gravenstein and wife, Reinde Nanninga, Gelke Nanninga, Lucas
Buss, Marie Buss, Gerald Buss, D. Buss, Jacob Benninga, Gretye
Benninga. These young converts were subject to ridicule and
persecution from their former pastor and associates, who were
opposed to experimental religion, however they remained firm in
their faith and experience.
In 1881 Rev. J. F. Schreiber succeeded Brother Heiser as
pastor and served the work for three years, during which time
the work was established and souls added to the church. In 1884
Wm. Heiser was again assigned to the work, when steps were taken
to build a church. March 5, 1884, a meeting was held in the home
of Garrelt Nanninga, in charge of J. Wuerth, P. E., when it was
decided to build a church and $700.00, was secured for the pur-
pose at once. March 11, the following brethren were elected trus-
tees: Garelt Nanninga, Henry Dierolph, Jacob Benninga, Jurgen
Nanninga. Rev. W. Heiser, Garelt Nanninga and M. Graven-
stein were elected a building committee. A lot was secured from
Mrs. Thompson and a church 28x44 ft. was erected at a cost
of $2,121.00 and dedicated as the Zion Church of the Evangeli-
cal Association. During the time the building was under con-
142
1881
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
struction the beloved pastor met with an accident which terminated
his useful career upon earth. While engaged in his ministerial
work his team of horses became frightened, ran away, throwing
him out of the buggy, by which he received fatal injury. Sud-
denly this dear brother was taken from his life work which seemed
so far from being finished, and left his flock bowed in sorrow
without a shepherd. Brother E. E. Evans took charge of the
work and served the same until Conference session in March,
1885.
In 1885 Leonardville was taken from Big Blue Circuit and
formed into a mission, which was supplied with T. R. Nanninga
as pastor. About this time a Sunday-school was organized with
Derk Buss as superintendent, however Father Nanninga and Fa-
ther Buss used to gather the children for Bible study long before
this time. German school was also conducted by those brethren
for their children. In this year a class was also organized at Mill
Creek. The following year one was organized with 11 members
in Manhattan, which was, however, discontinued three years later.
J. H. TOBIAS
The following interesting and inspiring incident is related
hy Rev. J. H. Tobias: "I attended my first camp-meeting in Kan-
sas at Alida in the summer of 1879. This was a blessed meeting.
On Monday morning, the last day of the meeting, a sister testified
.as follows : This will be a happy day for me, my husband will be
converted.' Her husband was not present at the time as he had
not yet returned from his lodging place. This sister and her
husband had come 40 miles to attend the camp-meeting. The
forenoon and afternoon services closed with no sign of conviction
upon the husband for whom the wife had been praying so much
and so earnestly. Just a little before sunset several ministers were
conversing when I saw this man coming out of a thicket of under-
brush with a beaming countenance almost running toward us,
saying: "I am converted!" I asked him when he got converted,
and he answered, "Just now, down there in the brush." He then
went on to explain : "This afternoon, at the close of the meeting,
a great fear came upon me all at once. I got frightened and started
to leave the camp ground. When I got into the brush yonder I
fell down and could not get up any more. Then I began to pray
to God for forgiveness of my many sins. God heard my prayer
and saved me. Glory! glory! I am saved." An old-fashioned
143
1881
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
camp-meeting- shout followed this scene. Now the secret of it all
was revealed. His wife spent all of Sunday night under a tree
back of the tent until four o'clock in the morning in prayer for the
conversion of her husband, until she got the assurance from God
that her prayer would be answered and her husband converted that
day, hence she arose in the meeting that morning stating so pos-
itively that he would be saved today.
"This man was addicted to the use of strong drink, and his
wife prevailed upon him to take her to the camp-meeting, but
back of it all was the design to get him converted. So she held
on to God in prayer like Jacob of old until she got the answer.
The next day they went home a happy family."
Brother Tobias was the great camp-meeting enthusiast of
the Conference and had a variety of experiences along the line of
soul saving. Many of those meetings were seasons of wonderful
power and victory which resulted in great demonstrations of God's
grace.
A great part of the summer was spent in holding camp-meet-
ings when Brother Tobias was serving in the office of presiding
elder. These services would sometimes last until late in the night,
and in some instances even all night, when God's power came down
upon the meetings and the "Durchbruch" occurred. Sometimes
the meetings would reach such a stage that they were beyond
human control, and God's people would stand still and behold
the salvation of the Lord. While the altar was filled with seek-
ers who were praying for pardon, the shout of the young convert,
mingled with the notes of triumph from the lips of the Chris-
tians, often struck conviction to the heart of sinners who came
to the meetings out of curiosity, sometimes to scoff. Cold formal-
ism and ecclesiasticism were not spared on those occasions, and
many lost what religion they supposed they had, after which they
were in a proper attitude to get something better. The positive
and fearless method of Brother Tobias in conducting his meet-
ings added much to his success and results. Endowed with a
strong body, a voice which could be heard in the far distance
even when holding out-door meetings, an optimistic disposition,
a great degree of magnetism, coupled with a strong faith in the
doctrine of full salvation, and a consecrated heart and life, emi-
nently fitted him for this particular line of work in which he was
very successful.
The following is a description of his first camp-meeting:
144
1881
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
"My first camp-meeting, held on my own work, was on Car-
thage Mission in 1880. In making preparations for the meeting I
appointed a committee on arrangements. I instructed the com-
mittee to make an altar or, as it was called, a 'mourners' bench.'
One member of the committee objected, saying there will be no
mourners' bench arranged. When I returned and found the same
missing I called the committee together and told them we could
not hold an Evangelical camp-meeting without an altar, and in-
sisted that the same be made. This brother, who had erected
a tent for himself, threatened to remove his tent and go home.
His good wife prevailed on him to remain. The second day of
the meeting he was sitting in front of his tent which was near
the altar, when the invitation was given for seekers to come for-
ward. Conviction fell upon him, he cried out, 'I am lost,' and
rushed to the altar. He was the first one to be converted at the
despised bench which he refused to make for the meeting. Three
families came sixty miles in wagons and tented at this meeting.
Many souls were converted, and what was best of all, many of
the church members got saved."
C. BRANDT
Brother C. Brandt, who served Hanover Mission in 1880, re-
lates the following of his many .experiences :
"I served this mission under Wm. Heiser, who also had charge
of Big Blue Circuit, and lived in Washington in a log cabin with
two small rooms. The first time the presiding elder came to visit
me he bumped his head against the joists overhead, when I gently
reminded him that while tarrying among us he must look after
those things which are above and remain humble. On July 27, I
started on my first trip to find and visit the village of Haddam
in the north part of Washington County, where I heard there
were a number of German families. I missed the right road and
got lost among the hills. When night set in I was a wanderer
indeed, not knowing whither to go. At last I succeeded in find-
ing a small dugout where I called for information, but could not
get an answer. I concluded, however, that I would go no farther,
so dismounting I staked my pony out for the night. When I went
to the dugout again I heard some one within. I called, and a man
came to the door. After telling him who I was and what had
happened to me, he received me cordially and assured me that I
could stay with him all night.
145
1881
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
"Entering his door I discovered an odor which was exceed-
ingly offensive, and when he lighted a lamp I was shocked. Be-
fore me stood a man with blood-shot eyes, long, greasy hair hang-
ing down over his shoulders, his face covered with heavy black
untrimmed beard, and his body clad in rags and filth. Every-
thing in the house, the bed included, compared with his personal
appearance. I could not make up my mind to tarry at this place
all night, but what to do? He now proceeded to make corn frit-
ters for my supper, but the odor of the rancid lard used in the
baking turned my stomach, and I excused myself from eating on
the ground that I was not hungry. But now I was confronted by
another proposition. I felt certain that the bed was preoccupied
by the "pestilence that walketh in darkness," and dreaded the
thought of exposing myself to the mighty force. At last my host
consented that I might sleep in a straw stack near the house if
I preferred. During the night a heavy rain came up which drove
me to the fateful dugout after all, and I spent the rest of the
night in deadly combat with the innumerable host in the under-
ground region. The next morning the remaining corn cakes were
served for breakfast, but I again I tried to convince my host that
my appetite had not yet returned. So after a conversation with
him about his personal salvation, reading out of my Bible to him,
and praying, I proceeded on my way to Hacldam. I soon reached
this place and found a German blacksmith who kindly received
me while his good wife prepared me a dinner which tasted exceed-
ingly fine after a fast of thirty hours. Here I took up an appoint-
ment, and in a short time six persons were converted ; among the
number was my former host of the dugout.
"On September 27, my quarterly meeting was to be held in
the Leusler school house, south of Washington. Both my presid-
ing elder and my preacher in charge were detained at home on
account of sickness, so that the preaching devolved upon me. On
Saturday afternoon, while preaching, my attention was attracted
by a man in the congregation who was unusually attentive to the
Word. After the service I extended to him my hand and asked
him who he was, when he laughed aloud and said: 'Don't you
know Charly B. any more?' Indeed he was my dugout host, but
what a change ! His hair was cut, his beard trimmed, his face
washed, his clothes cleaned, so that I did not know him any
more. Soap and water accomplished on the outside what the
grace of God had effected on the inside, and the man was clean."
146
1881
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
"On October 10, 1879, I passed a school house about 4.00 P. M.
when the children were starting home from school. Observing
that some of them spoke German, I inquired after their name,
and invited them into the buggy to take them home. Arriving, the
mother was not a little surprised to see a stranger accompanying
her children, but when she learned that I was a minister of the
Gospel she received me very cordially. In a short time her hus-
band returned from his work in the field, and he, too, seemed
pleased to meet me. After supper we determined to visit another
German family in the neighborhood, consisting of parents and two
grownup sons. They also seemed glad for a pastoral call. In a
short time the table was cleared and a game of cards was begun,
in which I was invited to participate. I excused myself on the
ground that I could not play cards, when the gentleman of the
house told how their pastor in Germany excelled in card playing.
'Oh, yes,' I remarked, 'but not all the pastors in Germany could play
cards, and I am one of that class.' Thereupon wine was brought and
offered. In order to not rudely offend them I took a little of the
wine in a glass and filled the same with water as I drank it, re-
marking that wine makes people raging. After they had finished
playing cards I spoke to them about their salvation. To this my
friend retorted that he was an unbeliever, and man had no soul,
besides, the Bible was only a collection of lies. I turned to him
and demanded that he prove his assertion, or retract his state-
ment, as I would not remain with him over night unless he did,
since he had called my heavenly Father a liar. When he saw my
Bible from which I read he declared that it was an Evangelical
Bible, and not a Lutheran Bible, but when I showed him the name
of Dr. M. Luther on the fly leaf he yielded the point and apologized.
"I then read further to them while they listened attentively,
and also prayed with them. Later I preached in the home of those
card-players and found them ready to receive the truth.
"In this same neighborhood I found a family which had the
small-pox. Seven children were already buried in the garden,
while the parents and two smaller surviving children were down
with the disease. I cleaned up the rooms in which they were,
rearranged their beds, gave them something to eat, after which
I read to them out of the Bible and prayed with them. I then
went to the neighbors and entreated them to look after the afflicted
family, as my duties called me on my way. They recovered from
their sickness and were later converted."
147
1882
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
1882
EIGHTEENTH SESSION
March 16, 1882, Conference met at Captain Creek, Douglas
County, Kansas, to hold her 18th session. Bishop T. Bowman pre-
sided and appointed C. Berner secretary. Ex-Bishop R. Yeakel
was present in the capacity of agent for Union Biblical Institute
and North-Western College.
P. H. Rischel, J. S. Seip and S. Weber withdrew from the
church during the year.
S. B. Brown had credentials voted him, and the brethren J.
Kurtz, C. Ehrhardt, C. Linge, E. J. Troyer and A. W. Kramer
were reported as in part physically disabled for active work. L.
Schneider died during the year.
M. L. Wahlte received license to preach. H. R. Price and M.
W. Weaver were enrolled as local preachers, having moved into
the bounds of the Conference.
E. Evans and A. Brunner were received into the itinerancy.
The following brethren received elders' orders: Peter Schu-
mann, C. F. Erffmeyer, S. H. Dunkelberger, A. J. Voegelein and C.
Brandt.
NORTH-WESTERN COLLEGE
Action was taken to enter into the North-Western College
compact with the understanding that Conference be spared from
the visit of a collector for said institution until such a time as the
financial condition would permit, and, further, that she would not
obligate herself for any of the old indebtedness of the school. A
collection was ordered taken, however, on the various fields for the
institution. L. C. Schnacke was then elected trustee of North-
Western College, becoming the first representative of the Confer-
ence to said institutions.
Since a limited fund had been in the hands of Conference since
1876 to assist such young men who wish to educate themselves
in North-Western College or Union Biblical Institute for work in
the Kansas Conference, this was placed into the hands of a com-
mittee of three, appointed by the Chair, who should disburse the
same on the following plan : The money shall be loaned for a lim-
ited time without interest, should, however, the money be de-
sired for a longer period of time, then a low per cent of interest
shall be charged which shall flow into the treasury of the fund and
be applied in the same way. Said committee shall report annually
148
1882
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
to the Conference. It was further resolved to bring this mat-
ter to the notice of the congregations and endeavor to increase
the fund through additional contributions. The following breth-
ren were appointed as committee: H. Mattill, C. Berner and Wm.
Meier.
H. Mattill was elected Conference trustee for five years and
J. G. Pfeifer for a period of three years.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. The appointments Camp Creek, Upper Independence and
Wolf River shall be taken from Atchison Mission and formed into
Wolf River Circuit.
Missouri District
a. The appointments north of the Jasper County line shall
be taken from Carthage Mission and formed into Virgil Mis-
sion. The remainder of the mission shall be called Carthage Cir-
cuit.
b. A new mission shall be located in Jackson County, Mo.,
which shall be called Jackson Mission.
Southwest District
a. Carthage Mission shall be transferred to Missouri Dis-
trict.
b. Humboldt shall be divided. The appointments west of De-
fiance shall be taken from Humboldt and formed into a new cir-
cuit which shall be called Yates Center Circuit. The remaining
appointments shall constitute Humboldt Circuit.
c. The appointments Egle and Emporia shall be taken from
Osage Mission and added to Americus Mission.
d. Osage, Peterton and Hartford shall be taken from Amer-
icus Mission and added to Osage Mission.
e. Mulberry of Salina Mission, and Steenbock appointment
of Rice Mission shall be added to Wilson Mission.
f. Salina and Dickinson Missions shall be served together.
g. The English appointments at Cedron shall be taken from
Wilson Mission and added to Osborne Circuit.
h. Newton and Marion shall be served together.
149
1882
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
MISSIONS
The amount of $2,101.90 was raised for missions in the Kan-
sas Conference the past year, and $4,920.00 was appropriated for
the ensuing year. H. Mattill was elected delegate to the Board
of Missions, and the Missionary Society reorganized by electing the
old Board to serve another year.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 551; accessions, 853; membership, 3,512; itine-
rant preachers, 39; local preachers, 35; churches, 36; parsonages,
21; Sunday-schools, 64; officers and teachers, 655; scholars, 2,993;
catechetical classes, 30; catechumens, 398; Botschafters, 720;
Messengers, 357 ; Magazins, 310 ; Epistles, 48. Total for missions,
$3,366.98.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — L. Wenger, P. E. Jackson, to be supplied.
** , t ^ td-p --p Warrensburg, C. W. Snyder.
Nemaha, J G Pfeifer. Clinton, C. Ehrhardt.
Lawrence, F Harder. Glasgow, P. Schumann.
g°lt°n> J- Wuerth. vi n Cit A j V oegelein.
Wolf River C B ™ ndt - Sheridan, to be supplied.
Hiawatha, L. C. Schnacke. ' *^
?i- g v? 1Ue, M- F; SC M ei n r =' ^o.^ South-west District-P. Fricker, P.
Atchison Mission, M. Dissinger. ^ '
Leavenworth, J. Schmidli.
Hanover, D. R. Zellner. Humboldt, H. Toedman.
Red Vermillion, W. Daeschner. Yates Center, H. Koepsel.
Marion and Newton, J. H. Kiplinger.
Missouri District— H. Mattill, P. E. Jewell, T. W. Serf.
Osborne, D. F. Honstedt.
Oregon, E. Evans. Parsons, C. Linge.
Platte River, W. Meier. Wichita, C. Geiser.
Bloomington, C. Linder. Rice. J. M. Dreisbach.
Carthage, J. H. Tobias. Dickinson and Salina, W. Heiser.
St. Jospeh, C. Berner. Americus, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Kansas City, J. Kurtz. Osage, S. H. Dunkelberger.
Denver, F. J. Shafer. Wilson, A. Brunner.
Winston, H. S. Bower. Offerle, to be supplied.
MEMORIAL
Lewis Snyder
Death for the first time invaded the ranks of the ministry
of the Conference, calling away Brother Lewis Snyder. Brother
Snyder came to Kansas from the East Pennsylvania Conference in
1879, and was stationed on Offerle Mission. The following year
he was assigned to Marion Mission, where he was serving his
second year when he was called from labor to reward. A me-
150
1882
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
morial service was held during the Conference session, on which
occasion Bishop Bowman, R. Yeakel, W. Yost and L. Wenger made
appropriate remarks to the memory of the departed brother. The
three former speakers had an intimate acquaintance with the de-
ceased before he entered the ranks of the Kansas Conference.
Brother Snyder was survived by a son who was serving in the
Conference at the time of the death of his father.
ST. JOSEPH
During the past year the church at St. Joseph proved to be
too small and inadequate for the rapidly growing city, so the
building was sold and a lot purchased at the corner of Lafayette
and 12th Streets for $450.00, on which a church and parsonage
were built. The church costing $2,460.00, and the parsonage
$1,335.00. The church was dedicated by Bishop J. J. Esher. C.
Berner was pastor. Even this location later proved to be unfortu-
nate, was a constant expense to the society and Conference for
street grading, paving, building retaining walls and the lowering
of the building site, so that in 1909 the congregation sold the prop-
erty and located at 16th and Locust Streets.
J. H. TOBIAS
During the past year Brother Tobias had a thrilling experi-
ence with the ruffian element on the Carthage work. This element
was not lacking in disposition to injure the cause of Christ, and
even his servants, in order to reach their end. A man whose ill-
will Brother Tobias incurred threatened to kill the preacher, and
sent word to him to this effect. The circuit rider was not to be
bluffed in this manner and served notice that he was ready to die
at any time on a week day or Sunday.
On a week day evening Brother Tobias held a meeting in the
Emmanuel Church. There were not many people out that even-
ing, but among those present was one man whom Brother Tobias
suspected as the one who threatened him. In passing out of the
church this man stood in the vestibule of the building but said
nothing to Brother Tobias as he passed out and left the church
in company with several brethren. He had not gone far when he
observed some one riding up behind him on a horse; he stepped
aside to let him pass when the rider struck him a severe blow
upon the head, throwing him to the ground. The miscreant, evi-
151
1882
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
dently thinking he had made good his threat, applied the spurs to
his horse and disappeared in the darkness. Brother Tobias rose
to his feet with the blood trickling down over his face and walked
a half mile to a home where he received attention. Undoubtedly
his injury would have been much worse had not his hat protected
him from the full force of the blow. Those were days when law
enforcement was lax, and outlaws and ruffians reigned in their
dominion of brute force.
On one occasion an official threw off his coat and wanted to
fight the presiding elder in Quarterly Conference because he dif-
fered with him in deciding a question relative to the business
matters. In some communities the fickleness of the people was
great, and the throng which would shout "Hosanna" at one time
might shout "Crucify him" shortly after if they became offended.
Stale eggs and even clubs were resorted to in order to execute
vengeance. Lack of proper training, educational facilities, and
Gospel enlightenment were at the bottom of those conditions.
C. BRANDT
"In 1880, while supplying Cawker Mision, which was served
in connection with Osborne Circuit, I had charge of the German
appointments and D. F. Honstedt the English appointment. I
had a class of 13 members who held their services in a dugout
school house five miles north of Downs at a point called Twelve
Mile. I found a cabin one mile north of the school house, the only
available building for my family, which was built of rough stone
and was infested with snakes and bedbugs. I paid $1.50 per month
rent, and my salary for the year was $175.00. At the close of the
year I had a charge which required 400 miles driving to complete
one round. I preached in Osborne, Smith, Philipps, Norton and
Rooks Counties, with a few German families scattered here and
there, who received the truth gladly.
"The streams being unbridged, I was frequently in danger of
losing my life in fording them. Once I was in peril on the ice
which began to break under my weight. The people were very
poor. Both they and we subsisted principally on corn meal, but
when the price for corn advanced to $1.00 per bushel we would
have suffered hunger if the government had not graciously sent in
aid. Our stock of clothing was reduced to two calico dresses a
piece for each of my three daughters and wife, which they wore
one for Sunday and one for week days. Here the tempter became
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1883
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
active to discourage me and I had determined to quit the work,
go East and engage in a secular pursuit. Before leaving the work
I determined to make one more round which should be final. Start-
ing on this last round, at Glen Elder, where I had an appointment,
I had occasion to go through Downs, where I called for mail at the
post-office and received a letter which I found, upon opening, con-
tained an order for $25.00 for my own use from a brother who
enclosed a note, stating that he felt constrained to send me the
amount. He read about the poverty in the West and believed that
we, too, were in need. He further stated that he had frequently
been in need, and the Lord had always come to the rescue, therefore
I should only continue upon my post of duty.
"I felt ashamed of my conduct and asked God to forgive me
for doubting as I proceeded to fill my appointments, but not in
the sense of making my final round. The matter of quitting the
ministry was now decided. The sender of the $25.00 was Brother
C. Berner, who himself had passed through many hardships in
frontier life."
"At this time a brother and his wife came to visit us, for
which we were very glad, but at the same time it placed us in
quite an embarrassing position. We could adjust ourselves to the
small apartments in the house during the day, but the matter of
lodging our guests was not so easily adjusted. We could not make
up our minds to subject them" to torture among the bedbugs and
the alarm of snakes, so in order to spare them this unpleasant
experience we arranged their bed out in the yard, and since the
weather was warm, this was much better for them and they en-
joyed a degree of rest which they would probably not have enjoyed
in the house."
1883
NINETEENTH SESSION
Conference met in the Zion Church at Canada, Marion Co.,
Kan., March 23, 1883, to hold her nineteenth session with Bishop
J. J. Esher as chairman, and C. Berner secretary.
Moses Dissinger and J. Dengel died during the year, S. Wer-
ner and R. W. Edger withdrew from the church.
Brother Wm. Meier, who for a number of years was a worthy
and successful member of Conference, received credentials, be-
153
1883
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
ing necessitated to move to the State of Texas on account of the
health conditions of his family. Conference regretted to give him
up, but under existing circumstances considered the step justifia-
ble and wished him Godspeed.
E. Evans was retained in the itinerancy a year without ap-
pointment, and C. F. Erffmeyer was partially unable to render
active service.
Franklin Lentz, Geo. Stamm and T. R. Nanninga received
license to preach, and L. Fierce was received from the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
A. Brunner and T. W. Serf received deacons' orders, and L.
C. Schnacke, W. Daeschner, F. J. Shafer and C. W. Snyder elders'
orders.
J. Wuerth was elected presiding elder and the districts were
supplied as follows : Holton District, J. Wuerth ; Missouri District,
H. Mattill; and Southwest District, P. Fricker.
The brethren J. Wuerth, H. Mattill, P. Fricker and J. G.
Pfeifer were elected delegates to General Conference, with J. Kurtz
and L. Wenger alternates.
S. H. Dunkelberger was appointed to compile the Sunday-
school statistics of the Conference, including the names of the
superintendents of the various schools, and forward them to the
General Secretary of the Kansas Sunday-School Association.
woman's missionary society
A communication was received from Cleveland, Ohio, in the
interest of the Woman's Missionary Society, which was just hav-
ing its start among the sisters in the East, and in which cause
they were very anxious to enlist the interest of the sisters through-
out the entire church. The following resolution was adopted by
Conference: "Resolved, That the communication from the Wom-
an's Missionary Society has been greatly appreciated, and we are
glad to learn about women's missionary auxiliaries as a method
to raise funds for the grand missionary cause, especially in the
heathen lands. May the blessings of God rest upon the mission
work and the activities of the auxiliaries. We will encourage our
societies in following the good example of the sisters in Cleveland,
and form auxiliaries wherever the pastors deem it feasible."
The following action was taken by Conference regarding one
of the ministers who rejected his appointment: "Since Brother
John Dreisbach accepted his appointment at the former session
154
1883
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
of Conference, but later neither moved upon it, nor served it,
whereby Rice Mission was unsupplied for three months, in con-
sequence of which the presiding elder was placed in an embar-
assing position, and the work neglected, therefore resolved, that
we emphatically disapprove the action of Brother Dreisbach, and
that he shall be placed on six months' probation, during which
time he shall perform no official functions." The brother faith-
fully complied with the injunction of Conference, and a year later
was reinvested with official authority.
The resolution of Conference a year ago relative to North-
western College concerning the solicitation of funds for this in-
stitution, was rescinded, thus leaving the matter optional with the
authorities of the school.
Since Brother C. F. Erffmeyer was unable to render active
service during the coming year, and not being able to follow any
other pursuit for an income, it was resolved that Conference ap-
propriate to him $200.00 out of the Conference treasury, and his
presiding elder and preacher in charge shall determine how much
additional shall be allowed for his support. This is the first rec-
ord of a claim upon the Conference treasury for support of a disa-
bled minister or his family, which is rather remarkable when
we consider the many hardships, exposures and privations preach-
ers were subject to through the eighteen years of the existence
of the Conference. Brother Erffmeyer's health improvd during
the last half of the year, so that he was able to resume work.
C. Berner was elected Conference treasurer.
A vote of thanks was given the secretaries for their service,
which is the first action of Conference of this kind recorded. No
doubt the faithful secretary who served in this capacity for eight-
een years, with only a few exceptions, deserved this expression
of appreciation.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Hanover shall be called Washington Mission.
Missouri District
a. Jackson Mission shall be called Brooklyn Ave., Kansas
City Mission.
b. Carthage and Virgil Missions shall be served together.
155
1883
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Southwest District
a. Parsons Mission shall be served with Humboldt Mission.
b. Defiance shall be taken from Humboldt Mission and added
to Yates Center Circuit.
c. Americus Mission shall be called Emporia Mission.
d. Cedron shall be taken from Osborne Circuit and added
to Wilson Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount of missionary money raised for the Kansas Con-
ference was $2,876.24, and the amount appropriated for the ensu-
ing year $5,350.
The officers elected for the Missionary Society were: H. Mat-
till, president; J. F. Schreiber, vice-president; P. Schumann, sec-
retary, and W. Meier, treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 269 ; accessions, 442 ; membership, 3409 ; itine-
rant preachers, 34; local preachers, 28; churches, 38; parsonages,
21 ; Sunday-schools, 68 ; officers and teachers, 663 ; scholars, 3,000 ;
catechetical classes, 24 ; catechumens, 278 ; Botschafters, 775 ; Mes-
sengers, 410; Magazins, 347; Epistles, 49. Total for missions,
$3,153.52.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. Wuerth, P. E.
Nemaha, J. G. Pfeifer.
Lawrence, F. Harder.
Hiawatha, L. C. Schnacke.
Holton, C. Emmel.
Wolf River and Atchison, D. R. Zell-
ner.
Big Blue, J. F. Schreiber
Leavenworth, C. Berner.
Red Vermillion, W. Daeschner.
Washington, H. Toedman and supply.
Missouri District — H. Mattill, P. E.
Oregon Circuit, J. H. Tobias.
Platte River, C. Brandt.
Bloomington and Sheridan, A. J. Voe-
gelein.
Carthage and Virgil, C. Lindner and
supply.
Denver, F. J. Shafer.
St. Joseph, L. Wenger.
Winston, H. S. Bower.
Glasgow, P. Schumann.
Kansas City, Oak St., J. Schmidli.
Kansas City, Brooklyn Ave., J. Kurtz.
Warrensburg, C. W. Snyder.
Clinton, C. Ehrhardt and supply.
South-west District — P. Fricker, P.
E.
Humboldt and Parsons, E. J. Troyer.
Yates Center, H. Koepsel.
Marion, J. H. Kiplinger.
Wichita, C. Geiser.
Rice, D. F. Honstedt.
Newton, G. E. Dienst.
Wilson, A. Brunner.
Emporia, C. Linge and T. R. Nan-
ninga.
Osage, S. H. Dunkelberger.
Jewell, T. W. Serf.
Osborne, G. Stamm.
Stockton, to be supplied.
Dickinson, W. Heiser.
Salina, to be supplied.
Offerle, A. Yokel.
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1883
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
MOSES DISSINGER
Moses Dissinger preached for many years in the state of
Pennsylvania, where he was licensed by the East Pennsylvania
Conference in 1853. The name of "Mose Dissinger" was known
as far as the Evangelical Association was known. He was a re-
markable man in his day and was fitted for the conditions of his
times. He was endowed with extraordinary physical strength,
which had been developed prior to his conversion along athletic
lines. He was fearless in disposition, original in style, and unique
in his makeup. His sermons were practical, original, and pointed,
usually delivered with considerable of the German Pennsylvania
dialect. He was brusque in his manner and a foe to flattery, often
he would carry his audience away in his sermons while conviction
struck the unsaved with such force that they would cry out with
a loud voice for mercy and pardon. He was feared by the rowdy
element, and in many instances he would stop in the midst of a ser-
mon long enough to expel a disturber from the house, after which
he would return to finish his discourse. In 1879 Brother Dissinger
united with the Kansas Conference and was assigned to Lawrence
Circuit with Wm. Daeschner. He later served two years on Law-
rence Circuit, and in 1882 was transferred to Atchison Mission.
Here he was laboring when the Lord of harvest called him from
labor to reward. At a memorial service, held during the Con-
ference session, Bishop J. J. Esher and S. L. Wiest, correspond-
ing secretary of the Missionary Society, both life-long acquaint-
ances of the deceased, made addresses concerning the life and works
of the departed co-worker.
J. DENGEL
Brother J. Dengel was received from the Illinois Conference
in 1876. He never entered the active work in the Kansas Con-
ference, but rendered willing service as a local preacher wherever
opportunity presented itself. Brother J. Kurtz paid a fitting trib-
ute at the memorial service held.
FANCY CREEK
During the year J. F. Schreiber organized the Fancy Creek
class on Swede Creek Circuit. Henry Sondker was elected class-
leader, Heinrich Oberhelman exhorter, and Wm. Klocke steward.
At the same time a Sunday-school was organized with F. Klocke
157
1884
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
superintendent, E. Oberhelman assistant superintendent and H.
Oberhelman secretary.
This has been a strong and loyal congregation for many years,
and from her folds several excellent young men have entered the
ranks of the Kansas Conference, who labored successfully in her
ministry. The daughter emulated the example of her mother in
developing a true missionary spirit, which has not been sur-
passed, if indeed equaled, by any work in the Conference.
EMPORIA, KANSAS
In 1881 F. Harder, serving Osage Mission, took up an appoint-
ment in Emporia and preached for the few Evangelical people
whom he found there. The following year C. F. Erffmeyer, sta-
tioned on Americus Mission, took charge of the appointment and
organized a class with the following members: J. F. Barthel and
wife, John Pantle and wife, Henry Miller and wife, and Henry
Becker. John Pantle was elected class-leader. At the same time
a Sunday-school was organized with Henry Becker as superin-
tendent. In 1885 a church was built during the pastorate of E. J.
Troyer, which was dedicated the same year by Bishop R. Dubs.
The Ebenezer class of Emporia Mission, located four and one-
half miles west of Olpe, was started in 1880 by J. M. Dreisbach,
while serving Americus Mission, but was organized by F. Harder
the following year, when serving Osage Mission. The charter
members were: Rev. Jacob Maurer and wife, Philip Horst and
wife, Henry Rice, Sr., and wife, Gottlieb Kitzenberger and wife,
and Henry Barret. Rev. J. Maurer was elected class-leader. The
same year a Sunday-school was organized with Gottlieb Kitzen-
berger as superintendent. A church was built in 1895, during the
pastorate of C. Meeder, at a cost of $1,300.00, which was dedicated
July 15, 1895 by M. C. Platz. This building was destroyed by
fire fourteen years later, during the pastorate of H. M. Schuer-
man, but rebuilt at once at a cost of $3,500.00, and dedicated by
Rev. C. E. Platz, presiding elder. From this congregation two
young men entered the ministry of the Kansas Conference.
1884
TWENTIETH SESSION
The twentieth session of Conference was held in the Zion
Church, Nemaha Circuit, Richardson County, Neb., beginning
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EXTENDING THE BORDERS
March 20, 1884, with Bishop R. Dubs, Chairman, and C. Berner,
Secretary.
C. Timmer of his own free will surrendered his license, T.
W. Serf received credentials, C. Erhardt was placed on the su-
perannuated list, and J. Kurtz and C. Linge were retained in the
itinerancy without appointment.
The following brethren received license to preach : August
Ernst, Madison Walter, Aaron Schweitzer and D. Swart.
G. Sorg was received from the Germany Conference with the
understanding that he present his credentials.
G. E. Dienst received deacon's orders and the brethren G. E.
Dienst, C. Emmel, A. Mattill and G. Sorg were received into the
itinerancy.
DISTRICTS DIVIDED
Southwest District was divided as follows: Emporia, Osage,
Humboldt, Yates Center, Parsons, Dickinson and Americus shall
be taken from Southwest District, and with Carthage and Virgil
from Missouri District, shall form a new district, to be called
Emporia District. The remaining portion of Southwest District
shall be called Newton District. Missouri District was changed
to Kansas City District.
J. H. Tobias was chosen presiding elder and the presiding
elders were stationed as follows : Holton District, J. Wuerth ; Kan-
sas District, H. Mattill; Emporia District, P. Fricker; and New-
ton District, J. H. Tobias.
Jewell City requested to be changed into a station, which
was done. Jewell thus stands recorded as the first station in the
Kansas Conference, followed immediately by Canada, which was
formed into a station at this same session.
A new feature was introduced at this time, which necessarily
was short lived. The fact that Conference was spared so many
years from claimants, the funds in that treasury had accrued to
quite an amount when the following action was taken: "Resolved,
that one-half of the preacher's traveling expenses this year to and
from Conference shall be paid out of the treasury. It is needless
to say that in a few years the surplus was consumed, and the
treasury drained sufficiently to swing back into the former cus-
tom. The experiment has not been tried since as in course of time
the Conference claimants required all the available funds from this
source.
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1884
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
The matter of dividing the Conference had been agitated from
certain sources for some time past and at this session the subject
received proper attention, however without success on the part
of those who favored the scheme.
The church building project at Emporia which was authorized
a year ago was reported as progressing. About $900.00 had been
secured in cash and subscriptions. The pastor of Emporia was
instructed to canvass those fields on Holton and Southwest Dis-
tricts which had not yet been canvassed.
The pastor of Rice Mission was authorized to collect on New-
ton District to the extent of $200.00 or $300.00 for the erection
of a church at the Zion appointment.
C. Berner was elected Conference treasurer, and E. J. Troyer
trustee for five years.
A committee was appointed to purchase a lot and build a new
church in the City of Atchison, where there seemed to be a prom-
ising opening.
The trustees of the Kansas City, 18th Street congregation,
were authorized to sell their church and build a new one.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Spring Creek, Lone Star and Four Mile shall be taken
from Hiawatha and with the surrounding country form a new
circuit to be called Spring Creek Circuit.
b. Nemaha Circuit shall be called Preston Circuit.
c. Coal Creek shall be taken from Holton Circuit and added
to Wolf River Circuit.
Kansas City District
a. A new mission shall be located in the north-eastern part
of Kansas City, Mo., which shall be known as Forest Avenue
Mission.
b. Denver shall be served with Platte River.
c. The appointments Americus, Peterson, and the new ap-
pointments north of Americus shall be taken from Emporia Mis-
sion and form Americus Mission.
Newton District
a. Canada shall be taken from Marion Mission and formed
into Canada Station.
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1884
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
b. Wichita Mission shall be divided. The eastern part of the
work shall be taken off and formed into Eldorado Mission.
c. Wichita Mission shall be called Derby Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount of $3,494.67 was raised for missions the past
year, and $4,400.00 was appropriated for the ensuing year. The
amount of $1,144.00 was appropriated out of the Conference treas-
ury for district and circuit work.
Bishop R. Dubs was elected delegate to the Board of Mis-
sions, and J. Schmidli treasurer of the Missionary Society.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 370; accessions, 704; membership, 3,755; itine-
rant preachers, 38; local preachers, 31; churches, 41; parsonages,
23; Sunday-schools, 65; officers and teachers, 649; scholars, 2,878;
catechetical classes, 23; catechumens, 357; Botschafters, 726;
Messengers, 417 ; Epistles, 41 ; total for missions, $3,812.17.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. Wuerth, P. E. Warrensburg, C. Brandt.
Preston, A. Yockel. Clinton, T. R. Nanninga.
Lawrence? F °Harder. Emporia District— P. Fricker, P. E.
Wolf River, C. Emmel. Alida, J. F. Schreiber.
Atchison, D. R. Zellner. Yates Center, H. Koepsel.
Big Blue, W. Heiser. Humboldt, C. H. Lindner.
Hiawatha, L. C. Schnacke. Carthage, S. H. Dunkelberger.
Spring Creek, W. Daeschner. Virgil, S. H. Dunkelberger.
Leavenworth, C. Berner. Osage, M. Walter.
Red Vermillion, Fr. Shafer. Burlington, W. Elmer.
Washington, H. Toedman. Parsons, J. W. Keiser.
Emporia, E. J. Troyer.
Kansas City District — H. Mattill, Americus, supplied by E. J. Troyer.
P.E.
Kansas City, Oak St., J. Schmidli. Newton District— J. H. Tobias, P. E,
Kansas City, Brooklyn Ave., A. J. Canada, J. Kramer.
Voegelein. Jewell, J. H. Kiplinger.
Kansas City, Forest Ave., to be sup- Osborne and Stockton, H. S. Bower,
plied. Rice, D. F. Honstedt.
St. Joseph, L. Wenger. Newton, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Oregon, C. W. Snyder. Derby, A. Brunner.
Platte River and Denver, J. G. Pfei- Eldorado, to be supplied.
fer and D. Swart. Marion, G. E. Dienst.
Bloomington, to be supplied. Wilson, A. Ernst.
Winston, to be supplied. Salina, to be supplied.
Sheridan and Glasgow, P. Schumann. Offerle, C. Geiser.
Wm. Meier and A. Mattill were under appointment in Texas.
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1884
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
LOST SPRINGS
During the past year Rev. J. H. Kiplinger, serving Marion
Mission, held a protracted meeting at Lost Springs, which re-
sulted in the conversion of a number of souls and the organiza-
tion of a class with the following members: M. F. Shupe and
wife, B. F. Shupe and wife, I. F. Shupe and wife, and Mrs. Lou-
raine Mastin. M. F. Shupe was elected class-leader and I. F.
Shupe exhorter. M. F. Shupe continued in the office of class-
leader until 1912, a period of 29 years.
The Shupe brothers moved from Ontario, Canada, to Lost
Springs, in 1879, only M. F. being a member of the Evangelical
Association at the time. Not long after locating at Lost Springs
Brother Shupe learned that Brother L. Wenger preached to a small
class at Lincolnville, five miles south of Lost Springs. Here
Brother Shupe attended services, often walking the distance to
worship with the brethren. During the meeting alluded to, Bro.
Shupe's brothers were converted and united with the church, form-
ing the nucleus of the new class at Lost Springs.
In 1881 a union Sunday-school was organized in the home of
B. F. Shupe, which was later held in the barn of his brother
Isaac, with M. F. Shupe as superintendent. This was continued
a union Sunday-school until the church was built in 1887, when
it was changed to a denominational school, and M. F. Shupe has
continued as superintendent to the present time (1914), a period
of 33 years. A church was built in 1887 at a cost of $1,300.00,
which was dedicated by J. H. Tobias, presiding elder, in the spring
of 1888. The following brethren composed the trustee board:
J. D. Weston, E. M. Nettrouer, B. F. Shupe, I. F. Shupe and A. M.
Nettrouer.
Originally Lost Springs belonged to Marion Mission, which
embraced the appointments: Marion, Youngstown, Lincolnville,
Tampa and Lost Springs. In the spring of 1899 Marion and
Youngstown were taken from Marion Mission, and with the ap-
pointments Maple Grove and Banner City from Dickinson Mis-
sion, formed into Lost Springs Mission, which in 1904 was changed
to a circuit. In the month of August, 1902, the church was de-
stroyed by a cyclone, but was immediately rebuilt through the
energetic labors of the pastor, S. A. Burgert.
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1884
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
ABILENE
During the years 1883 and 1884 the families Christian Schaal,
Isaac Lantz, and Israel Stark moved from the State of Illinois
to the vicinity of Abilene. The families C. Spahr, Jonathan Rom-
berger and Wm. Picking from Pennsylvania settled in the same
community at about the same time. In 1884 the families John
Landis, Sr., Cyrus Feigley and H. A. Snider came from Stark
County, Ohio, also settling at Abilene. J. F. Schreiber, serving
Alida Mission in 1884, learning about some members living near
Abilene, visited the place, got in touch with them, and preached
for them in a school house known as the Pike's school house,
three miles northeast of town. Later when the Ohio families
had moved into the community the services were held in a hall
rented for that purpose in Abilene, where also a Sunday-school was
promptly organized with C. Feigley as superintendent.
In 1886 the appointment was taken from Alida, added to
Salina Mission, and assigned to M. Manshardt, who served one
year. During this time the work was organized and a small
chapel purchased on Spruce St., between 4th and 5th, at a cost
of $1,300.00. This was all subscribed and paid by the charter
members except about $200 contributed by the business men of
town.
Brother Manshardt's activity was somewhat handicapped by
the language condition. Most of the people preferred the English,
and some could not understand and exercise in German, while
Brother Manshardt was not able to exercise in the English lan-
guage, but he was undaunted in his efforts to succeed in building
up the work. He secured the service of Rev. D. F. Honstedt in a
meeting during the winter, which resulted in the conversion of
quite a few young people who became active workers in the
church.
In the spring of 1887 Abilene was taken from Salina Mission,
formed into a separate mission and was supplied with M. C.
Platz, who served the work three years. During his first year an
extensive awakening took place in which some thirty souls were
converted and many united with the church. The chapel being
too small for the proper development of the society, steps were
taken toward building a new church. The hot winds, however,
destroyed the corn and all late crops, so the project had to be
postponed two years. In 1889 a church was built on the corner of
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1884
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
5th and Kuney Ave. at a cost of $4,041.00 and dedicated Sept.
29, 1889, by Bishop Thomas Bowman. Several years later the
old church building was moved on the church lot and arranged for
a parsonage.
In the winter of 1888 an awakening occurred at the North
Buckeye school house, five miles north of Abilene, by which the
whole community was stirred and 65 souls were converted. About
one-half of the converts united with the church in town and at
Buckeye. Others identified themselves with other churches. The
Buckeye appointment was kept up for some years, but was later
abandoned. From Abilene several young men entered the minis-
try who are laboring successfully in winning souls to Christ.
Most of the charter members have laid down the armor and
have entered into the rest of their heavenly Father while the bur-
den has fallen upon younger shoulders to carry on the work so
faithfully begun by their fathers. Abilene was for many years the
center for conventions upon the district, and many inspiring con-
vocations have been held there which radiated their influence for
good over the entire district.
J. H. TOBIAS
The following thrilling experience is related by J. H. Tobias,
who served the Oregon work the past year : "On Sunday afternoon,
June 18th, as I was on my way to the Ross Grove appointment,
Oregon Circuit, I had to cross Squaw Creek, which was swollen,
the water having been out of its banks the day before. I was
directed to this crossing, but did not know that there was a low
bridge across the channel, and even this washed out and tangled
timber washed in where the bridge had been. I drove into the
water when the ponies suddenly went under and could not rise
because of the timber in which they became entangled. I still
held the lines, hoping the ponies would get free and rise, but
instead of that I was drawn into the wheels of the buggy by the
current. I tried to loose myself, but the current was too swift
and strong for me. I felt that my end was at hand, my work
finished, and my last sermon preached, when suddenly the buggy
turned over and I was released. I struggled to the shore almost
exhausted, hardly realizing what had happened to me. I saw my
satchel, Bible, and hat, floating down stream, but felt grateful to
my heavenly Father that he spared my life for my family, and that
I might preach the Gospel a while longer. After recovering suffi-
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1884
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
cient strength I walked one and a half miles to Brother Smith's
home where I found sympathy and aid. I was drenched and cov-
ered with mud, with nothing saved but my life and the clothing
I wore. The kind people replaced my team in a short time, and
I was again fitted out to continue my labors among them, never
to forget God's mercy and the kindness of the dear friends."
Brother Tobias describes a revival meeting which he held at
the Benton appointment on Oregon Circuit while serving that
work, in the following words:
"In February, 1884, I held a revival meeting in the Benton
Church, which was accompanied with unusual conviction and
power, the altar being filled with seekers every night. One night,
after the services were closed, a large, portly woman shook her fist
before my face, exclaiming: 'You have preached my funeral ser-
mon for three nights, and I will not stand it any longer.' I saw
that she was angry and said nothing. I expected her to strike
me, however, she refrained. I saw the hand of God in it all. This
poor woman belonged to a church which did not believe in conver-
sion. Some of the leading members of her church were at the
altar, while others had been converted.
"Arrangements had been made before the meeting began for
a dance in the neighborhood, the wife of a brother-in-law of the
family where the dance was to be held came five miles to attend
the same, and when she drove into the yard the family were just
starting to the meeting. The visitor remarked : 'Is there not a
dance on the program at this place tonight?' 'Yes,' his friend
remarked, 'but no one will come. Everybody is going to the Evan-
gelical church to attend the meeting. We are going there our-
selves.' 'Well,' the visitor remarked, 'I came five miles through
the mud to attend the dance, and we expected to remain all night.'
'Very well,' his friend remarked, 'you can put your team into the
barn, and you can stay in the house, or you can get into the wagon
and go with us to church just as you like.' The visitors decided to
go along to church. That night both parties came to the altar for
prayer, the one having started for a dance and ending at the
mourners' bench, praying themselves into the Kingdom of God.
"Twenty-eight souls were converted during this meeting, after
which I preached three sermons on baptism, when all the converts
but one were baptized by sprinkling in a neighborhood where most
all had been believers in immersion. When the people asked me at
the beginning of the meeting to preach on the subject of water
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1884
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
baptism I told them when they were once converted then I would,
but prior to that would be too soon. I held four revival meetings
this year on my field of labor and nearly one hundred souls were
converted."
C. F. ERFFMEYER
Rev. C. F. Erffmeyer gives the following account of his early
ministry in the Kansas Conference :
"The first session of the Kansas Conference I attended was
held in our church at Willow Springs (now Worden), Douglas
County, Kansas, in the spring of 1878, with Bishop T. Bowman
as chairman. At that session I was licensed to preach, received
into the itinerancy and given my first charge. At that session
thirty-two ministers received appointments. According to the
statistics the membership of the Conference numbered less than
three thousand. My first appointment was Junction City Mission,
with L. Wenger for my senior colleague.
"This mission had eight preaching places, equally divided
as to English and German, two of them were in Riley County,
three in Dickinson, and three in Marion County. At first I trav-
eled the 'circuit' on horseback and later in the year in an open
buggy. To procure this outfit I was obliged to go considerably into
debt. My salary the first year was $125.00. In addition to this
I received cash presents from friends to the amount of $25.00.
I made my home with Brother Wenger at Junction City, but was
out among the people on the work more than two-thirds of the
time. The people always gave me a hearty welcome to their homes
and would never accept any pay. So with a small salary I fared
reasonably well.
"Sometimes, however, during my early ministry, I found my-
self without money. On a certain Saturday I wanted to cross
the Republican River at Wakefield by ferry to reach my Sunday
appointment in Riley County. The round trip fare over the river
was 35 cents. I had no money with which to pay the fare, so I
told the ferryman I had no money, but would pay on my return
trip if he would carry me across. He agreed to this and took both
me and my pony across the river. The next morning we had a
gracious service in the little school house, after which a stranger
from 'the East,' who was present, and took an active part in the
service, pressed a silver dollar into my hand, saying, 'God bless
you, my brother.' The next day, on my return trip, I paid the
ferryman.
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1884
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
''While serving the first year in the ministry, with Brother
Wenger, I was sent to Canada, in Marion County, to hold a
watchnight service, and with this service begin a protracted meet-
ing. The watchnight service began at eight o'clock, with the old
school house filled to its utmost capacity. I preached from the
text Ps. 90 : 10. After the sermon the ten converted people pre-
sent all took part in prayer and testimony, and still it was two
hours until midnight. I soon saw that in order to hold the people
until the New Year was ushered in I must preach again. I took
for my second text Gen. 3: 9, 'Where art thou?' and had unusual
liberty in preaching. Several brethren then spoke on the subject
of salvation, and all joined heartily in the singing. The Holy
Spirit was present, and wrought deep conviction upon the uncon-
verted, and this watchnight service was the beginning of a gra-
cious revival.
"On Friday of the following week Brother Wenger arrived
with H. Mattill, the presiding elder, to hold the quarterly meeting.
During his stay over Sunday Brother Mattill preached the Word
with great power. After Brother Mattill left, Brother Wenger
remained for the most of the week and preached the Word with
telling effect. The meeting continued until Jan. 28, and resulted
in seventeen conversions. Eighteen persons united with the church
at the closing service. The Christians rejoiced, the church was
strengthened, and the community blessed.
"At the Conference session in 1879, the appointments in Mar-
ion County were taken from Junction Mission and formed into
Marion Mission. I was assigned to this new mission, and in April
of this year, with Brother Wenger, the presiding elder, I visited
Newton in the interests of our church. We found five families
who were members of the Evangelical Association, for whom we
preached regularly and organized a class in the month of June.
Soon thereafter we decided to build a church. A trustee board
was chosen, and a building committee appointed. A subscription
was started, and in a few days about $1,000.00 was raised for the
project. The building was finished in five months, so that on
September 21, Bishop J. J. Esher dedicated the new edifice. The
following spring Newton Mission was founded and I was assigned
to the same as pastor. At the beginning of the year we had ten
members, and at the end of a two years' pastorate we had 41 mem-
bers, and a Sunday-school numbering more than a hundred.
"Early in the fall of 1882 there was a ministerial and Sun-
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1885
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
day-school convention held at Newton. Many were gathered there
from various points on the district, who, with the people of New-
ton, were assembled for the opening services on the evening of
Sept. 27, on which occasion Rev. E. J. Troyer was to preach. In
the midst of the sermon a tornado struck the building, demolishing
it, but fortunately killing no one, though several were slightly in-
jured, and many severely frightened. The preservation of the
lives of all present in the midst of such destruction seemed noth-
ing less than a miracle. An Episcopal church, a stone building,
standing about half a block from our church, was so badly injured
that it had to be torn down. The next morning a citizen of New-
ton, viewing the ruins, remarked : 'They were God's churches, now,
if God is almighty, why did he not protect his property?' An-
other bystander answered : 'God showed his power and love in pro-
tecting the people within the building, so that no one was seriously
hurt. This is indeed a mircale.' The first speaker made no fur-
ther reply.
"When I went to the ministerial and Sunday-school convention
at Newton I was just recovering from an attack of typhoid-
malaria. The drenching I received in connection with the storm
brought on a severe attack of lung fever. The fever brought me
so low that my good wife and friends despaired of my recovery. A
good brother minister, visiting me just at the time of the crisis,
of my sickness, felt so certain that I could not recover, that he
called on the undertaker in Emporia on his way home and made
arrangements for my burial, requesting him to keep himself in
readiness for a telegraphic summons from Americus, where I
lived. A little after midnight that date the fever passed the crisis
and the doctor declared the danger over. Shortly after this time
this physician was happily converted. At this writing God has
added thirty-two years to my life, for which I am moved to pro-
found gratitude to him for his mercy."
1885
TWENTY-FIRST SESSION
The twenty-first session of Conference was held at the Camp
Creek Church, on Atchison Circuit, Atchison County, Kansas, be-
ginning March 19, 1885, with Bishop Thomas Bowman as chair-
man, and C. Berner secretary.
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1885
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Wm. Heiser died during the year, and L. C. Schnacke was
reported as having withdrawn from the church, however, later, at
his request, credentials were voted him with the understanding
that the same shall remain in the hands of the secretary until it is
ascertained whether his accounts with the Publishing House and
Missionary Society had been satisfactorily settled.
The following brethren received license to preach: Edwin
Brown, George Wilson, M. C. Platz, C. W. Stauffer and J. K.
Young.
T. R. Nanninga, L. E. Becher, and J. W. Reiser received dea-
cons' orders, and A. Brunner and W. Elmer elders' orders.
W. F. Wolthausen and H. Rosenberger, local preachers, moved
within the bounds of Conference and were properly enrolled.
The brethren P. Fricker, C. Emmel, J. Kurtz and C. Linge
were retained in the itinerancy without appointment.
DISTRICT CHANGES
The Conference was changed from four to three districts as
follows :
a. Jewell, Downs, Osborne and Stockton shall be added to
Holton District.
b. Eudora, Deer Creek and Osage shall be added to Kansas
City District.
c. The remaining appointments on Newton and Emporia
Districts shall be called Newton District.
H. Mattill was elected presiding elder. The districts were
supplied as follows:
Holton District, H. Mattill; Kansas City District, J. Wuerth;
Newton District, J. H. Tobias.
H. Mattill was elected trustee of Northwestern College as suc-
cessor of L. C. Schnacke.
J. G. Pfeifer was elected Conference trustee for five years, and
C. Berner Conference treasurer.
The Conference trustees were requested to devise a plan by
which a fire insurance company might be organized in the Confer-
ence for insuring church property, and to submit the same to the
next session.
The Conference Secretary was instructed to procure a Con-
ference seal for future use.
The resolution of a year ago, pertaining to the payment of
one-half of the preacher's traveling expenses to and from Confer-
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1885
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
ence was complied with, but the plan changed for the future so
that only the expenses of a brother exceeding the amount of $5.00
should be paid out of the conference treasury.
D. R. Zellner reported that a new church had been built, and
a parsonage purchased, in Atchison during the past year in ac-
cordance with the resolution of a year ago, at a cost of $5,737.40.
The amount of $2,851.00 having been secured, left an indebtedness
of $2,886.63. It was ordered that the entire Conference district
should be open to a collector for the church and parsonage at
Atchison.
Numerous appeals for help were considered and disposed of
according to the best judgment and ability of Conference.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Deer Creek shall be taken from Lawrence Circuit and
formed into Deer Creek Mission, and the rest of Lawrence Circuit
shall be called Eudora Circuit.
b. Coal Creek appointment shall be taken from Wolf River
Circuit and added to Holton Circuit.
c. Leonardville shall be taken from Big Blue Circuit and
formed into Leonardville Mission.
d. The appointments Swede Creek and Fancy Creek shall be
called Big Blue Station.
Kansas City District
a. Brooklyn Ave. Mission in Kansas City shall be called
Highland Ave. Mission.
Newton District.
a. The appointments east of Osborne shall be taken from Os-
borne Circuit and formed into Downs Mission.
b. Stockton Mission shall be served with Osborne Circuit.
c. Peabody shall be served with Newton.
d. The country appointments shall be taken from Newton
and constitute Halstead Mission.
e. Earlton shall be taken from Parsons and added to Hum-
boldt Circuit.
f. Gross Creek shall be added to Red Vermillion Mission.
g. The English appointments shall be taken from Downs
Mission and added to Osborne Circuit.
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1885
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
MISSIONS
The amount of missionary money raised for the Kansas Con-
ference this year was $4,378.84, and the amount appropriated for
the ensuing year was $6,600.00. In addition to this $950.00 was
appropriated out of the Conference treasury for the support of
circuits and districts.
H. Mattill was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the old board of officers was elected for the Missionary Society.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 593; accessions, 730; membership, 3,822; itine-
rant preachers, 46; local preachers, 26; churches, 46; parsonages,
25 ; Sunday-schools, 72 ; officers and teachers, 730 ; scholars, 3,453 ;
Botschafters, 836; Messengers, 434; Magazins, 443; Epistles, 65;
total for missions, $5,908.77.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District— H. Mattill, P. E.
Holton Circuit, G. Sorg.
Wolf River, F. Harder.
Hiawatha, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Spring Creek, Wm. Daeschner.
Big Blue, E. Evans.
Osborne and Stockton, J. H. Kiplinger.
Preston, A. Yockel.
Jewell, G. E. Dienst.
Leavenworth, C. Berner.
Atchison, D. R. Zellner.
Red Vermillion, F. J. Shafer.
Leonardville, T. R. Nanninga under
presiding elder.
Washington, H. Toedman and supply.
Downs, J. Neuffer under presiding el-
der.
Kansas City District — J. Wuerth,
P. E.
Kansas City, Oak St., Samuel Miller.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., A. J.
Voegelein.
Kansas City, Forest Ave., C. W.
Stauffer under presiding elder.
St. Joseph, L. Wenger.
Deer Creek, W. F. Schuerman under
J. Schmidli.
Eudora, J. Schmidli.
Osage, M. Walter under presiding el-
der.
Warrensburg, C. Brandt.
Clinton, to be supplied.
Glasgow, W. Elmer under presiding
elder.
Winston, Edw. Brown.
Sheridan, to be supplied.
Platte River and Denver, J. G. Pfei-
fer.
Oregon, C. W. Snyder.
Bloomington, W. F. Wolthausen under
presiding elder.
Newton District — J. H. Tobias, P. E*
Canada Station, J. Kramer under pre-
siding elder.
Yates Center, P. Schumann.
Humboldt, C. Lindner.
Alida, J. F. Schreiber.
Carthage and Virgil, S. H. Dunkel-
berger.
Newton, H. Koepsel.
Halstead, M. C. Platz under presiding
elder.
Rice, A. W. Piatt and G. W. Beltz un-
der presiding elder.
Offerle, A. Ernst.
Wilson, H. S. Bower.
Salina, C. Geiser.
Emporia, E. J. Troyer.
Americus, L. E. Becher.
Burlington, .
Parsons, J. W. Keiser under presid-
ing elder.
Derby, A. Brunner.
Eldorado, J. K. Young under presid-
ing elder.
Marion, D. F. Honstedt.
Pueblo, A. E. Litz under presiding el-
der.
171
1885
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
MEMORIAL
The Conference was plunged into deep sorrow during the past
year by the apparently untimely death of Brother William Heiser,
which was brought about by his team running away, inflicting
fatal injury. Brother Heiser was licensed by the Kansas Confer-
ence in 1872, but, according to the records, did not accept an
appointment till the following year, when he entered the active
work and continued therein till the time of his death. He served
a number of works very acceptably. Although not endowed with
unusual talent, or having special educational equipment, he was
successful in winning souls for the Master, for which he had a
passion. He was one of the early path-finders in the Conference
and shunned no distance or hardship in order to advance the cause
of his Redeemer. His sudden death was a severe shock and a great
loss to both his family and the Conference, which so much stood
in need of his aid and counsel. A touching memorial service was
held on which occasion Bishop Bowman presided and the breth-
ren J. Wuerth and C. Berner made fitting remarks concerning
the life, work, and influence of the departed brother.
OREGON, MO.
The society in Oregon, Mo., was organized in 1884 with nine
members, as follows: Daniel Kunkle, Sr., and wife, Daniel Zach-
man and wife, Daniel Kunkle, Jr., Anna Rostock, Mollie Kunkle,
Elizabeth Schlotzerhauser, and Mary Vogan.
In 1895 a church was built in town, dedicated in January of
the following year. The membership of the congregation at the
time consisted of only seventeen persons.
CAMP-MEETINGS
Brother J. H. Tobias, who at this time was serving on New-
ton District as presiding elder, relates the following camp-meet-
ing experiences:
'The camp-meeting, held at Canada, Marion County, the past
year, was accompanied with great power and demonstration of the
Spirit.
"One man was so powerfully convicted of sin while at work in
the field that he went and told his wife to get ready to go with
him to the camp-meeting. When they reached the camp-ground the
husband left his wife in the wagon, and the team steanding in
172
1885
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
the road, while he, unconscious of his surroundings, ran to the
altar, calling out as he ran : 'Help me ! Help me ! I am lost !' His
old mother was one of the first to meet him as she threw her arms
around him, crying: 'My August! My August!' He fell down
at the altar where we all joined in prayer and soon he was glo-
riously saved.
"People coming on the camp-ground would frequently rush
to the altar for prayer without an invitation, and were happily con-
verted. One afternoon the request was made for the people to
spend a short time in secret prayer in the tents, or out in the grove,
as they might prefer, before the preaching service. When the
hour for preaching arrived there was no occasion or opportunity
for preaching, as the altar was filled with seekers. The altar
services sometimes continued from one service hour to another
without intermission, often continuing till late in the night, and
sometimes all night long."
"The first camp-meeting at Jewell City was held in the grove
of Thomas Berry, Sr., near town. On Saturday afternoon the en-
tire congregation went down before God in consecration when
wonderful power came upon the people and many were converted.
A heavy rain set in which continued over Sunday, but the work
continued in the tents and the homes."
An exceedingly interesting and blessed camp-meeting was
held at the Twelve Mile appointment on the Osborne work in the
summer of 1884, of which Brother Tobias writes : "On Sunday
night many fell to the ground under the power of God. One
woman was carried to a tent in a state of unconsciousness after
falling under the power of the Holy Spirit near the midnight hour.
After remaining in this condition for quite a while her friends be-
came concerned about her and resorted to remedies to resuscitate
her. I advised them to leave her undisturbed, since she was in
God's hands, and he would take care of her. She lay helpless and
speechless until four o'clock in the morning when she came from
under the spell with a shout that aroused the whole camp. We
did not need to call the people from their beds that morning. The
fire continued to burn all day long and the people continued to
praise God and shout till midnight. The notes of victory were
heard for miles.
"At nine o'clock in the morning when the services opened the
altar was again filled with seekers, and through the entire day
173
1885
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
until midnight the altar services never stopped. There was no
dinner prepared in any of the tents, and only a lunch was served
for supper. The day was spent in prayer. Such victory! It was
a veritable Pentecost. Some of the preachers present declared
they had never witnessed anything like it in the past. For 15 hours
without intermission the services continued. Eternity alone will
reveal the results of that day and that camp-meeting."
Brother Tobias also reports a ten days' meeting which he con-
ducted six miles southwest of Pueblo, Colo., on St. Charles River,
where A. E. Litz was preaching under direction of the Kansas
Conference. Brother Tobias writes:
"The third night of the meeting the Spirit' of God was mani-
fested and before I closed the service I remarked that I would
like to shake hands with all who wished to go to heaven. Among
those who came forward to give me the hand was an Indian cow-
boy. The next night when I gave an invitation for seekers to come
to the altar this same Indian came forward. Tears were rolling
down his cheeks as he remarked : 'Mister, I want to go to heaven.'
I asked him to kneel down at the altar while I kneeled at his side
and said: Tray to Jesus, and ask him to forgive your sins.' He
replied : 'I cannot pray. I never heard a prayer until I heard
you pray.' I now taught him how to pray when suddenly the
Holy Spirit came upon him, teaching him how to agonize in
prayer. I think I never saw any one wrestle in prayer more ear-
nestly than did this Indian penitent. Finally he became calm and
pleaded : 'Please, Father, oh, please, forgive Indian Charlie's sins.
Won't you please forgive my sins?' His pleading affected every one
in the house, and many were moved to tears. Gradually the trans-
forming change came over him, and his face shone with rapture.
He sprang to his feet and shouted : 'Hallelujah ! I am saved !' The
next evening when I came to the school house I met Indian Char-
lie with a smile on his face. I asked him how he felt, and he
answered : 'I never swore all day. This is the first time I did
not swear for a whole day. I got off my pony eighteen times today
and prayed that God would keep me from swearing. O glory, I
never said a cuss-word all day.' Charlie was baptized, united with
the church, lived a consistent life and died a very happy death
several years later."
174
1886
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
1886
TWENTY-SECOND SESSION
Conference met this year March 18, 1886, at Willow Springs,
Eudora Circuit, Douglas County, Kansas, to hold her twenty-second
session, with Bishop J. J. Esher as chairman and C. Berner secre-
tary.
Brother C. Ehrhardt died during the year, C. Geiser with-
drew from the church under charges, and J. G. Pfeifer was neces-
sitated to retire from the active work. Brother Pfeifer could not
attend Conference, but sent a letter in which he expressed his re-
gret in being unable to be present, as well as being compelled
on account of failing health to retire from the active ranks. In
recognition of his past faithful service and his present condition
the following touching resolution was adopted :
J. G. PFEIFER
"Inasmuch as our beloved Brother J. G. Pfeifer has been pre-
vented from attending this session of Conference, and informs us
through a letter that he is compelled to retire from the active
ministry, therefore Resolved, That we appreciate his faithful serv-
ice rendered in the past, since he has served the church as a min-
ister for thirty-five years, of which twenty were spent in the Kan-
sas Conference, and of these fifteen in the office of presiding elder.
We wish Brother Pfeifer and his companion God's richest bless-
ings and a peaceful evening of life. We assure him of our esteem,
and he shall ever linger in our memories as one of our worthy
fathers in Christ." Brother Pfeifer entered the Conference at
her first session, held at Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1865.
The brethren C. Linge, C. Berner, P. Fricker and E. J. Troyer
were retained in the itinerancy a year without appointment.
A. M. Dreisbach, a local preacher, received credentials.
The following candidates received license to preach : S. J.
Luehring, G. J. Schumacher, R. Brand, F. M. Peek, W. F. Schuer-
man and A. E. Flickinger.
S. Mueller, J. Neuffer, J. Kramer, M. C. Platz, W. F. Wolt-
hausen, J. K. Young, J. W. Keiser, A. W. Piatt, T. R. Nanninga
and E. Evans were received into the itinerancy.
The following brethren were received into the Conference :
S. Mueller and J. Neuffer from the Germany Conference, D. G.
Rinehold of the East Pennsylvania, A. W. Piatt of the Pittsburg
175
1886
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Conference, D. E. Hoover of the Indiana Conference, and H. W.
Hartman of the Iowa Conference.
W. F. Wolthausen and A. Mattill received deacons' orders,
and G. E. Dienst elder's orders.
J. G. Pfeifer and Mrs. C. Erhardt were recorded as confer-
ence claimants.
BISHOP ESHER
Special recognition was taken of Bishop Esher's official visit
to the Orient during the past year to inspect the mission work of
the church in Japan. This was the first visit of such a character
made by any of our Bishops to the work in the heathen world, and
was of the greatest importance to the interests of the church. On
this occasion the Bishop extended his journey through the Holy
Land and on his way home held the European Conferences. Ap-
propriate resolutions of gratitude and appreciation for the Bishop's
service were passed, and he was assured of the sympathy and
prayers of Conference. He was made the recipient of an autograph
album containing the autograph of each preacher of Conference
as a token of respect.
RACHEL HUDSON
Miss Rachel Hudson, one of our first missionaries to Japan,
in 1876, who was at home on furlough because of failing health,
addressed Conference in the interests of the work in which she had
been engaged, for the past ten years, in the foreign field. Her
remarks, coming from one of our own, as well as one of our first
missionaries in the Sunrise Kingdom, made a deep and favorable
impression on all who heard her.
CHURCH TROUBLE
Dark storm clouds had been gathering for a long time on the
horizon of the Evangelical Association, but were now increas-
ing in momentum at a rapid rate, threatening disaster to the
church. The low murmurings of years ago were now bursting
forth in violent controversies in the church papers, as well as
in local circles, threatening disruption and ruin to the ecclesiastical
body and all her institutions. Even in far-off Japan the disturb-
ing influence was felt, and the forces of disruption progressing.
It was largely due to this fact that an episcopal visit was made
to inspect the work in Japan during the past year.
176
1886
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Conference expressed her views of the situation in the fol-
lowing words: "Resolved, That we, as a Conference, approve the
wise action of the Executive Committee of the Missionary Society
concerning our work in Japan. We endorse the report made by
Bishop J. J. Esher and will pray that God may guide us in the
whole affair."
MISSIONARY DEFICIT
Both the treasury of the Missionary Society and of the Con-
ference showed a deficit in consequence of which the respective
treasurers were instructed to borrow money and pay their obli-
gations. It was also made the duty of each preacher to hold a
missionary meeting at each appointment on his work, not later than
the month of September or October, and to organize missionary
auxiliaries, also to hold missionary prayer-meetings in the various
congregations, and raise not less than $1.00 per member mis-
sionary money for the Kansas Conference during the coming year.
In case of failure to meet this requirement the delinquents shall
give reasons for their failure.
This drastic measure was introduced, not because of any finan-
cial stringency, but because some of the preachers had become
indifferent to the cause of missions and neglected the collection
of contributions while the splendid missionary spirit which once
characterized the Conference had, in a measure, vanished, and the
treasury felt the effect of this slackness.
The work of the Committee on Ways and Means was becom-
ing more difficult each year as numerous problems confronted
Conference, and the appeals for help from various fields of labor
were multiplying. This year Atchison asked for help to liquidate
a debt of $2,285.00. Leavenworth pled for help to repair her
church and parsonage. Newton appealed for a loan of $300.00
from the Conference treasury. Carthage, Dennis, and Parsons
asked for help, but the four latter were refused aid because of no
available funds.
The committee appointed a year ago to devise plans to organ-
ize a fire insurance company in the Conference submitted a consti-
tution which was adopted and ordered printed for distribution
among the membership during the coming year. An effort was
to be made to secure as many policy holders as possible, and then
complete the organization a year hence.
177
1886
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Rev. J. K. Young, fortunate enough to receive $25.00 more
salary than his legal allowance, was graciously permitted by Con-
ference to keep the surplus.
C. Berner was elected Conference treasurer, and E. Evans
was elected Conference trustee to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of J. G. Pfeifer.
G. E. DIENST
Since G. E. Dienst was appointed missionary to Japan by the
Board of Missions during the past year, and was preparing to
start for the foreign field during the coming summer, Conference
expressed her joy and gratification over the fact that for the sec-
ond time she had the honor of providing a missionary for Japan.
Brother F. W. Voegelein, who had been sent to Japan a few years
previous, was licensed by the Kansas Conference and served in
her bounds for several years before he went to California. A
hearty Godspeed and best wishes, with the assurance of ardent
prayers, accompanied Brother Dienst and his family to the Sun-
rise Kingdom.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Coal Creek shall be taken from Holton Circuit and added
to Wolf River Circuit and shall be called Atchison Circuit.
b. Downs shall be served with Osborne Circuit.
c. A new mission shall be located in Jewell County, Kansas,
to be called Jewell Mission.
Kansas City District
a. The appointments east of Humboldt shall be taken from
Humboldt and formed into Golden Valley Mission.
b. East Lynn shall be taken from Warrensburg Mission and
added to Clinton Mission.
Newton District
a. Center Ridge shall be taken from Yates Center and added
to Humboldt Circuit.
b. The appointments south of Emporia shall be taken from
Emporia Mission and added to Burlington Mission, which shall
be called Hartford Mission.
c. Miles shall be taken from Americus and added to Mar-
ion Mission, and the remaining portion of Americus shall be added
to Emporia Mission.
178
1886
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
d. Turkey Creek in Dickinson County shall be taken from
Alida, also Abilene appointment, and both added to Salina Mission.
e. All the appointments north of the Saline River shall be
taken from Wilson and formed into a new mission to be called
Lincoln Mission.
f. Ellinwood, Pawnee and Barnard shall be taken from Rice
Mission and formed into a new mission to be called Pawnee Rock
Mission.
g. Peabody shall be taken from Newton and formed into
Peabody Mission.
h. The appointments in Pratt County shall be taken from
Rice Mission and formed into Kingman Mission.
i. Hartland, Hamilton County, shall be taken up as a new
mission and be called Hartland Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount of $3,551.12 was raised for missions in the Con-
ference the past year and $6,850.00 was appropriated for the en-
suing year.
H. Mattill was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the Missionary Society re-elected the old board of officers for the
coming year.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 625; accessions, 1,167; membership, 4,422; itine-
rant preachers, 55; local preachers, 34; churches, 52; parsonages,
30; Sunday-schools, 83; officers and teachers, 830; scholars, 3,791;
catechetical classes, 17 ; catechumens, 271 ; Botschafters, 912 ; Mes-
sengers, 499 ; Epistles, 66 ; Magazins, 456.
The number of conversions in past year was the largest
in the history of the Conference for any one year, thus far. The
revival fires burned brightly over the Conference territory. Many
works reported 20 or more conversions, Hiawatha, Eldorado, Rice,
Marion, Humboldt and Yates Center each reported 40 or more
conversions.
The number of accessions was correspondingly high. The
visible blessing of God was resting upon the labors of the ministry
and laity of the church.
179
1886
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — H. Mattill, P. E. '
Holton Station, E. Evans.
Leavenworth, J. Neuffer.
Atchison, D. R. Zellner.
Atchison Circuit, F. Harder and R. R.
Brand.
Hiawatha, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Spring Creek, L. E. Becher.
Preston, A. Yockel and supply.
Big Blue, J. F. Schreiber.
Jewell Station, to be supplied (later
H. J. Bowman was assigned
there).
Jewell Mission, to be supplied.
Osborn and Downs, J. H. Kiplinger.
Stockton, F. M. Peek.
Washington, Wm. Daeschner.
Leonardville, T. R. Nanninga.
Red Vermillion, F. J. Shafer.
Kansas City District — J. Wnerth,
P. E.
Kansas City, Oak St., S. Mueller.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., A. J.
Voegelein.
Kansas City, Forest Ave., supplied
by two pastors of Kansas City.
Eudora, J. Schmidli.
Deer Creek, C. H. Lindner.
Osage, M. Walter.
St. Joseph, J. Kurtz.
Platte River, G. Sorg.
Oregon, L. Wenger.
Warrensburg, C. Brandt.
Clinton, W. Elmer.
Glasgow, S. J. Luehring.
"Winston, W. F. Schuerman.
Denver, J. Elmer.
Bloomington, W. F. Wolthausen.
Newton District — J. H. Tobias, P. E.
Newton, C. W. Snyder.
Halstead, M. C. Platz.
Canada Station, J. Kramer.
Peabody, D. E. Hoover.
Eldorado, J. K. Young.
Derby, H. S. Bower.
Rice, A. W. Piatt.
Pawnee Rock, to be supplied.
Offerle, H. Toedman.
Wilson, H. Koepsel.
Lincoln Center, G. J. Schumacher.
Salina, M. Manshardt.
Alida, H. W. Hartman.
Emporia, A. Brunner.
Hartford, S. H. Dunkelberger.
Humboldt, A. Ernst.
Golden Valley, A. E. Flickinger.
Parsons, D. G. Rinehold.
Carthage, J. W. Keiser.
Yates Center, P. Schumann.
Marion, D. F. Honstedt.
Kingman, E. Brown.
Hartland, C. W. Stauffer.
Pueblo, Colorado, A. E. Litz.
MEMORIAL
Rev. C. Ehrhardt
Again the death messenger summoned another of the veterans
to the ranks of the church triumphant. Brother C. Ehrhardt en-
tered Conference in the spring of 1875, coming from the Pittsburg
Conference, where he had been engaged in the active work since
1862. He was assigned to Warrensburg Mission, which he served
three years, when he was transferred to Platte River Circuit,
where he spent two years. In 1883 he was not able to accept an
appointment, and the following year he left the active ranks and
was placed on the superannuated list in which relation he con-
tinued until the time of his death, which occurred Nov. 6, 1885,
at the age of 48 years, 11 months and 3 days. Brother Ehrhardt
was a faithful and conscientious worker, a man of sterling char-
acter and uplifting influence. His service in the Conference was
of the highest character, having only the glory of God and the wel-
180
1886
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
fare of his fellow-man in view. A memorial service was held
during the Conference session, on which occasion his high stand-
ing and useful service were emphasized by the speakers. His body
is buried at Apoka, Florida, from where he was called to his
heavenly home.
HALSTEAD
As early as 1880 an appointment was taken up in the West
Emmet school house, seven miles west of Newton, by C. F. Erff»
meyer, pastor of Newton Mission. The following year he organ-
ized a class with 15 members as follows : Thomas Patterson and
wife, Wm. Dunkelberger and wife, M. Biersbach and wife, Maria
Shafer, Susie Shafer, Pearl Shafer, Harry Shafer, John McCaslin,
Joseph Wolfarth, George McArthur, David Bailsman and Nancy
Patterson.
During this time, Brother Erffmeyer preached at various
points in the vicinity, without, however, organizing classes. Among
the points at which he preached were Rapp's school house, eight
miles northwest of Newton, Johnson school house, a few miles
south of where Hesston is now located, and Sand Creek, nine miles
south of Newton, where Putnam is now located. He also preached
a few times in Halstead, but did not take up a regular appoint-
ment there.
During the year 1883 Rev. G. E. Dienst served Newton Mis-
sion for six months, when he took up an appointment 20 miles
northwest of Newton, in the Schlender school house, four miles
southwest of where Moundridge now stands. In this community
a colony had settled from Buffalo, and Ebenezer, New York, hav-
ing there belonged to the Evangelical Association. Brother Dienst
organized a class with the following families: Fred Schlender,
John Werner, Henry Kittell, John Hoffman, Adam Hoeman, M.
Frey, and Wm. Gick.
In 1885 Halstead was recorded as a mission for the first time.
It was served in connection with Newton Mission and supplied
with M. C. Platz, who served the work two years. During the
first year an extensive revival occurred at the West Emmet ap-
pointment, in which a number of heads of families were converted
and united with the church, so that at once steps were taken to
build a church in the community. By Conference time $900.00
had been secured on subscription and the following summer the
building was erected at a cost of $1,200.00, and dedicated by Rev.
181
1886
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
H. Mattill, Oct. 31, 1886. During the summer months an appoint-
ment was served at McPherson every two weeks on Sunday after-
noon, with an audience of 20-40. This appointment was suspended
when the winter revival meeting campaign approached on ac-
count of lack of time.
In order to fill the above appointment long and hard drives
were necessary. A twenty mile drive was made between the morn-
ing and afternoon services regularly. On Sunday, Sept. 20, 1885,
service was held in the Schlender school house in the morning, at
McPherson, 20 miles north, in the Presbyterian Church in the
afternoon, and at Conway, in the evening. At the latter place
there was no church building in the village, but the school house,
where the services were held, was crowded.
An appointment was taken up in Halstead in the summer of
1885. At first the meetings were held in the old Mennonite church,
which was used at the time for school purposes. Later the serv-
ices were changed from English to German, and the meetings held
in the rear upstairs room of Brother C. Kauth's store, where a
class was organized with the following members : Christian Kauth
and wife, Emma Kauth, Mother Hux, Katie Hux, Mrs. Mary Gru-
ler, and M. Bierschbach and wife. In 1886 Halstead was sepa-
rated from Newton.
The following experiences are related by the pastor during his
pastorate on Halstead Mission:
"The hardships incident to pioneer life had not altogether
disappeared at this time. The people were poor and lived in very
small houses, so that in many instances the children would sleep
in the stable or granary. Under these circumstances it was almost
impossible to think of furnishing a home for a young preacher.
Because of these conditions I was necessitated to move my trunk
four times during the first year of my pastorate in order that
this article might not become too burdensome to the family. I
would get to see my trunk about every two weeks, when I would
come around to exchange books and a few articles of clothing, and
then start out again on my round over the work which numbered
nine appointments.
In order to enjoy a summer luxury I rented a room in Hal-
stead a few months where I placed my trunk, while the kind friends
arranged a bed, table, lamp and chair for me. It was indeed a treat
to be able to live so royally at the end of a two weeks' round when
182
1886
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
I got home. But, alas! at the end of the second month I was
out of funds and barely succeeded in gathering enough money
with which to pay the rent due. I then had to give up my pleas-
ant resort in exchange for the life of an itinerant. To make
matters worse, a young fellow whom I had befriended by permit-
ting him to sleep in my room several nights when I was at home,
procured a key when I was away, entered the room and carried
away some of my clothing, which I, of course, needed myself.
I received only $150.00 salary the first year I preached, with which
I laid the foundation for future wealth.
In order to serve the appointments regularly on my mission,
which extended from the northern part of Sedgwick County on the
south to within a few miles of Saline County on the north, like the
forefathers I had to make some long drives. While holding a
protracted meeting at the Sand Creek appointment, nine miles
south of Newton, I did not wish to break into the interest of the
meeting, which was just at a crisis when the latter part of the
week arrived. So I held services on Saturday night, then on Sun-
day morning I drove 20 miles to the Schlender school house for
morning service, after dinner I went seven miles further with
another horse to the Frey school house for a three o'clock service,
and then back 27 miles to the Sand Creek appointment for the
evening. Of course I had no time to eat supper and when I reached
the school house it was so packed with people that I could hardly
find entrance. Now came a long, hard evening service, in which
the preacher must do the preaching, most of the singing and
praying, since this was a rural district and a very irreligious
neighborhood. We had a good many seekers at the altar, who must
have help. Late at night the meeting closed with a preacher so
tired that he refused to eat supper and spent an almost sleepless
night tossing with nervousness, caused by a little over-exertion.
I would frequently drive 40 miles on Sunday and preach two
to three times. The severest test during the year was the absence
of time and opportunity for study. During the summer months I
would occasionally, in order to be alone for meditation, drive to
some secluded spot, where I would stake out my pony while I
would spend the day in reading and study. Of course that meant
a fast for me, but it was such a treat to be alone for meditation
that I did not think much about eating dinner. I seldom spent
two nights in succession at the same place, for my work kept
me on the go. I would do most of my reading in the buggy, since
183
1887
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
the people would insist on visiting when I would enter the home.
I had a very gentle horse who would keep the road whether I ob-
served him or not, and would turn out for a passing team whether
I held the lines or not. If there were a horse heaven I am sure
my "Selim" would be found there.
1887
TWENTY-THIRD SESSION
March the 17th, 1887, Conference met at Jewell City, Kansas,
to hold her twenty-third session with Bishop R. Dubs in the chair
and C. Berner secretary for the twentieth time.
It was ordered in the future there should also be an English
record of Conference kept, and in accordance with this action
J. H. Kiplinger and C. F. Erffmeyer were chosen as English as-
sistants. An unusually large number of visiting brethren were
present, namely, W. Yost, Junior Publishing Agent, S. Heininger,
Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society, W. M. Stan-
ford, assistant editor of the "Evangelical Messenger," U. F. Swen-
gel, assistant editor of the English Sunday-school literature, L. W.
Anthony, presiding elder of the Platte River Conference, and F.
C. Yenny and M. Inhelder, of the Nebraska Conference.
M. Alsbach, W. Elmer, J. Kramer and Mrs. P. Schumann died
during the past year.
J. W. Lowe, G. W. Bugh, F. L. Fierce, F. Lantz and G. Wilson,
local preachers, withdrew from the church during the year. G.
W. Bugh was the only one who had served in the active ranks.
There is no reason assigned in the Conference records why so large
a number of local preachers should leave the ministry and church
in one year.
P. Flicker, E. Evans and C. Linge located on account of
physical infirmity.
H. Koepsel received credentials and C. Berner, E. J. Troyer,
J. H. Kiplinger, L. Wenger and J. W. Keiser were retained in the
itinerancy without appointment.
H. J. Bowman of the Ohio Conference, formerly editor of the
English Sunday-school literature, and M. W. Harris, a local elder
of the East Pennsylvania Conference, were received.
184
1887
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
E. Brown, C. W. Stauffer, A. Ernst, W. F. Schuerman, M. C.
Platz, J. K. Young', M. Walter and J. K. Elmer received deacons'
orders, and T. R. Nanninga and L. E. Becher elders' orders.
C. W. Stauffer, J. K. Elmer, M. Walter, G. J. Schumacher, S.
J. Luehring, F. M. Peek and L. E. Becher were received into the
itinerancy.
J. Wuerth was re-elected presiding elder, and the districts
were supplied as follows : Kansas City District, J. Wuerth ; Holton
District, H. Mattill; Newton District, J. H. Tobias.
The brethren J. Wuerth, C. Berner, H. Mattill, J. F. Schrei-
ber and J. H. Tobias were elected delegates to General Confer-
ence, to be held at Buffalo, N. Y., in October of this year.
Conference for the first time elected a statistical secretary,
the choice falling upon E. J. Troyer.
The publication of a little monthly missionary magazine, in
the interest of the Woman's Missionary Society of the Evangeli-
cal Association, called the "Missionary Messenger," was approved,
and Conference pledged herself to work for its circulation.
DISTRICT HOUSE
It was resolved to build a district house in Kansas City, Mo.,
on the lots of the Highland Avenue Church, for which the trustees
of the congregation would give a lease for 99 years. The building,
however, should not cost over $2,000.00.
H. Mattill was elected trustee of Northwestern College for
three years.
J. Wuerth was elected Conference trustee for five years, and
C. Berner Conference treasurer.
It was ordered that the Conference secretary and treasurer
C. Berner shall have his traveling expenses to and from Conference
paid, besides $10.00 extra for his service.
Again we find Conference wrestling with the numerous re-
quests coming before that body from needy congregations through
the hard-worked Ways and Means Committee. In some instances
limited assistance was rendered, while in other cases the requests
were refused because of lack of funds.
The presiding elders were appointed a committee to publish
a Conference journal, which, however, failed to materialize.
EXAMINATION
A Board of Examiners for junior preachers was founded on
the following plan:
185
1887
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
a. The Board shall annually elect a president, vice-president
and secretary.
b. The secretary shall keep an exact record of all the junior
classes, the individual members of the classes, and the examiners.
c. Each examiner shall report the standing of each member
of his class to the secretary.
d. The secretary shall submit to Conference a report of each
class, and this report shall be entered in the Conference journal.
e. The Board shall report any vacancy to Conference with a
recommendation of two candidates for each vacancy, from which
Conference shall elect one to fill the position.
f. The Board shall appoint an examiner for applicants for
the ministry.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Falls City shall be taken from Preston and constitute
Falls City Mission to be served with Preston.
b. Red Vermillion shall be called Westmoreland Mission.
c. Hartford Mission shall be called Americus Mission.
d. Osage Mission shall be consolidated with Deer Creek Mis-
sion.
Kansas City District
a. East Lynn appointment shall be taken from Clinton Mis-
sion and with adjoining territory form East Lynn Mission.
Newton District
a. Potwin shall be taken from Eldorado and added to Pea-
body.
b. Cambridge shall be taken from Derby and added to El-
dorado Mission.
c. Battle Hill shall be taken from Halstead and added to
Salina Mission.
d. Hartland Mission shall be called La Porte Mission.
e. Abilene shall be taken up as a mission.
f. A new mission shall be taken up in Gove County and be
called Gove Mission.
g. Pueblo Mission shall be discontinued.
DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
a. Carthage, Parsons, Humboldt, Golden Valley, and Yates
Center shall be taken from Newton District and be added to Kan-
sas City District. 186
1887
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
b. Emporia, Americus, and Hartford shall be taken from
Newton District, and with Osage and Deer Creek, be added to
Holton District.
c. Jewell City, Downs, Osborne and Stockton shall be taken
from Holton District, and be added to Newton District.
d. Emporia District shall be discontinued.
MISSIONS
The amount of $4,039.91 was raised for missions in the Kan-
sas Conference the past year, and $7,295.00 was appropriated for
the coming year. J. Wuerth was elected delegate to the Board of
Missions, and the Missionary Society was reorganized by electing
H. Mattill president, P. Schumann secretary, and J. Schmidli
treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 717; accessions, 1,286; membership, 4,878; itin-
erant preachers, 58 ; local preachers, 30 ; churches, 55 ; parsonages,
30; Sunday-schools, 86; officers and teachers, 839; scholars, 4,189;
catechetical classes, 22 ; catechumens, 390 ; Botschafters, 905 ; Mes-
sengers, 546; Magazins, 446; Epistles, 80; total for missions,
$6,951.70.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — H. Mattill, P. E. St. Joseph, J. Kurtz.
Leavenworth, J. Neuff er. Glasgow S. J. Luehring.
Atchison, C. Brandt. w- nv f r ' tobe supplied.
Washington, W. Daeschner and sup- Winston, W.F. Schuerman under pre-
plv. siding elder.
Leonardville, T. R. Nanninga. Golden Valley, C. Lindner.
Emporia, A. Brunner. .Parsons, A. E. Flickmger under pre-
Americus (Hartford), F. Shafer. „ siding elder.
Deer Creek, M. Walter. J^ L y nn > supplied by D. R. Zellner.
Westmoreland, R. R. Brand under Ludora, J Schmidli.
presiding elder. " re 5 i on ' A ' J - Voegelein.
Atchison Circuit, A. Yockel and Otto ^ Ia J tte *"ver, G. Sorg.
Rohrig lates Center, P. Schumann.
Holton Station, S. Mueller. Humboldt, A. Ernst under presiding
Preston and Falls City, F. Harder elder -
and J. Erich under presiding el- Carthage, M. W. Harris under pre-
der. siding elder.
Hiawatha, A. W. Piatt. Bloomington, H. Holzgrafe under pre-
Spring Creek, L. E. Becher. siding elder
Swede Creek, J. F. Schreiber. Warrensburg, D. R. Zellner.
Kansas City District — J. Wuerth, ,, , ^.
p. E. Newton District — J. H. Tobias, P. E.
Kansas City, Oak St., C. F. Erffmeyer. Newton, J. J. Kliphardt under presid-
Kansas City, Highland Ave., W. F. ing elder.
Wolthausen. Halstead, C. W. Snyder.
187
1887
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Marion, D. F. Honstedt and supply. La Porte (Hartland), S. H. Dunkel-
Salina, M. Manshardt under presid- berger.
ing elder. Rice, J. H. Keeler.
Abilene, M. C. Platz. Wilson, D. G. Rinehold.
Peabody, J. K. Young. Lincoln Center, G. J. Schumacher and
Eldorado, D. E. Hoover under presid- F. M. Peek.
ing elder. Stockton, to be served with Lincoln.
Derby, H. S. Bower. Gove County, to be supplied.
Kingman, E. Brown under presiding Downs and Osborne, J. H. Kiplinger.
elder. Jewell Station, H. J. Bowman.
Pawnee Rock, to be supplied. Canada Station, C. W. Stauffer.
Offerle, H. Toedman. Alida, H. W. Hartman.
MEMORIAL
Death demanded a heavy tribute the past year, calling from
our ranks three ministers and one minister's wife.
M. Alsbach
M. Alsbach entered the Conference in the spring of 1869 and
was assigned to Glasgow Mission, which he served one year when
he was transferred to Warrensburg. In 1878 he located on ac-
count of failing health and was not permitted to enter the active
ranks again. Brother Alsbach was a true father in Israel, in whom
the brethren had great confidence. He was a faithful worker, with
a desire to do all the good possible in the world and to glorify his
Maker and Redeemer. He rendered valuable service to the Con-
ference during the eight years of his activity in her ranks.
W. Elmer
Brother W. Elmer was called away as he was approaching the
prime of life, when the future seemed to hold so much in store for
him. He spent but three years in the service of the Conference.
Accepting an appointment in the spring of 1884, he was assigned
to Burlington Mission, where he served one year, after which he
was transferred to Glasgow, and the following year to Clinton,
where his brief ministerial career so early terminated.
John Kramer
Father John Kramer spent a series of years in the East Penn-
sylvania Conference, where he labored very successfully, leading
many souls to Christ and building up the church committed to his
care. In 1884 he transferred to the Kansas Conference and ac-
cepted Canada as his field of labor, which he served very acceptably
for a little over two years, when the Lord called him home.
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1887
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Brother Kramer was sound in doctrine and pure in life. With
him the doctrine of salvation from all sin had a deep meaning, and
with this theme he often lifted his congregations into the presence
of the living Saviour, while the living waters flowed bountifully
into the hearts of thirsty souls. He was a camp-meeting advocate,
and was permitted to pass from a camp-meeting held on his work
into the celestial city above, saved by the blood of the Lamb. On
the Sunday of his camp-meeting, though feeble in body, yet able
to look after the details of his meeting, no one supposing his end
so near, remarked to a company of brethren in the preacher's tent :
"Brethren, I believe my dying day will be the happiest of all my
life." Little did the brethren think before another week would pass
his testimony would be tried out. The following Saturday, as he
was passing away, he threw out his arm, exclaiming, "Let me go,"
as the friends were singing "Joyfully, joyfully, onward I go." His
life was an inspiration to young ministers, and by his fatherly
counsel he helped them to overcome many trials and discourage-
ments.
Mrs. P. Schumann
Sister Schumann, the wife of Rev. P. Schumann, was a re-
served and consecrated wife and mother. In 1878, when her hus-
band accepted his first appointment in the Kansas Conference,
and was sent to the Western frontier on Rice Mission, she accom-
panied him cheerfully and proved a true heroine during the years
of privation and hardship as a pioneer preacher's wife. She was a
true helpmeet to her companion and a tender mother to the little
flock of children committed to her care.
She shared the trials and victories of a minister's wife for
eight years when the Lord called her to the ranks of the redeemed
to reap the reward for faithful service and fellowship here below.
THE KANSAS BOOM
The year 1886 associates the history of Kansas with the sad
misfortune of an abnormal financial boom, which, a few years
later, left the state in a most deplorable and wretched condition,
affecting every part and phase of business enterprise, from which
it required many years to recover. During the year 1886 towns
sprang up in what had hitherto been desolate regions, which did
not warrant such procedure. Towns extended their borders in a
189
1887
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
fabulous manner. From villages grew towns, and from towns
cities in a very short time. Eastern capital poured into the state
by the millions, incited by real estate men, the railroads and the
newspapers, who seemed to vie with one another to create the
greatest degree of enthusiasm, not to say insanity. Real estate was
inflated from three to four times its real value, while factories
and industries were opened where there was no reasonable ground
for success.
Two years later the boom broke, and the reaction set in, which
condition was augmented by shortage of crops for several years,
creating want and poverty, and paralyzing business. Thousands
of people deserted the state, going elsewhere to find employment
and homes. Farms which had sold for $1,000.00 or even $1,500.00
could now be purchased for $300.00, but no one wanted to make
the investment even at those figures. Whole towns were so reduced
in population that more than half of the houses were vacant.
Many of the shops and factories built in the larger towns and
cities were never operated, the crash coming before work began,
in some instances before the machinery was installed.
It was during these years of inflated prosperity that thousands
of people occupied homesteads in Western Kansas, among them
many Evangelical families. Because of this missions were located
in the South and West during the past two years, as the Confer-
ence endeavored to keep in touch with her sons and daughters
who were flocking westward. This was undoubtedly the only
reasonable thing to do under the existing conditions, but when
the reaction set in it also seriously affected the interests of the
Conference. The appropriations had been increased materially
in order to comply with the demands, and now with a failure of
crops, and a shortage of finances, as well as a large exodus of peo-
ple from the state, the Conference, too, was brought face to face
with a crisis which crippled her enterprises for a number of years.
Only such as have passed through the dark years of affliction
which came upon the state, as well as the Conference, can appreci-
ate the prosperity which returned in later years to cheer and re-
ward the faithful perseverance of her tried patriots and loyal
church members.
CAMP-MEETING
J. H. Tobias reports in the following words a camp-meeting
held at Kill Creek, on Osborne Circuit, the past summer :
190
1887
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
"One afternoon the altar was filled with seekers when a re-
markable lull came over the meeting. I urged the Christian peo-
ple to pray for power. I asked for a few moments of silent
prayer for the penitents who must be converted this afternoon.
While the congregation was engaged in prayer a man rose in the
rear of the tabernacle and began to read from a Bible which he
held in his hand, endeavoring to disturb the meeting. I then called
upon the people to pray mightily to God for help, since the devil
was on the camp-ground with a Bible in his hands. Intense sup-
plication ascended to the throne of grace, while the souls at the
altar began to agonize in prayer, when suddenly the power of God
swept down upon the seekers as they sprang to their feet, shout-
ing, 'I am saved.' God's people began to leap for joy and praised
God with a loud voice, shouting: 'The devil is defeated.' The three
men sat mute as if petrified, not a word came from their lips.
Several of the brethren led them from the camp, advising them
not to return on such a mission again. These men were 'come-
outers' who came there for the purpose of disturbing the meeting,
propagating their cause, and confusing God's people."
"At the Rosette camp-meeting a lady was brought to the meet-
ing in a chair, being unable to walk save with crutches, and then
with difficulty. During the altar service she sat in the chair with
her crutches lying at her side, when suddenly she sprang to her
feet, shouting, 'I am healed.' She proved her testimony by the
fact that she leaped for joy in the presence of all in the meeting.
She never used her crutches again."
REV. M. MANSHARDT
Rev. M. Manshardt, who came to Kansas from the State of
Pennsylvania in the year 1885, and took up work in the western
part of the state, gives us the following thrilling account of his
experience as a pioneer preacher in the "eighties" :
"On New Year's Day I closed a protracted meeting which
was held in the home of Brother H. Steenbock in Ellsworth Co.,
Kansas. Brother and Sister Radke from Ellsworth attended the
meeting, and at its close I accompanied them to their home from
where I intended the following day (Friday) to travel to Wilson to
reach my Sunday appointment.
"On our way from Brother Steenbock's a blizzard broke in
upon us from the Northwest with considerable force. We reached
the home safely, however, not without considerable anxiety. That
191
1887
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
night I slept in an upstairs room which had a small window fac-
ing a steep bluff close to the house, which the next morning was
covered with snow. At 9 o'clock the next morning every one in
the house seemed to be sleeping, yet when I arose to go to the stable
to feed my pony, attempting to open the door I discovered that we
were buried in the snow. The family was soon up, and we were
shoveling our way to the stable to find and care for the stock.
"The stable was covered with snow, and the horses and cattle
were buried under the drifts. I found my black pony standing in
the snow up to his ears. The cattle which were left in the corral
could not be found at all. They were all buried in the drifts. All
day Saturday and Sunday we searched for them with poles, and
where we could locate one we would dig it out and supply it with
feed. We finally succeeded in finishing this task, and saving the
last one on the evening of the second day.
"By Monday the weather had moderated, but I was snow-
bound until Thursday, when I endeavored to pursue my course
to Wilson. With the greatest difficulty I succeeded in traveling
six miles through deep snow, leading my pony as I broke a path
for both of us. It was already dark when I reached the home of
Brother Andrew Kipp, where I stopped for the night. At 11:00
o'clock in the night we heard a loud rumbling noise in the North-
west, and soon discovered that it was the approach of another
blizzard, which was attended with severe temperature, so that
it was impossible to face it. For three days and nights this storm
continued during which man and beast suffered and in various in-
stances both perished. When we ventured to the stable to pro-
vide for the stock we found chickens and pigeons frozen to death,
and the cattle covered with ice and almost dead with cold.
"After several weeks of confinement we were reminded that
the supply of bread and flour was exhausted. We now endeavored
to reach our neighbors and either buy or borrow flour from them,
but found them unable to render any assistance ,so the next move
was to make a trip to town, through the deep snow on foot, to pur-
chase provisions. This was a long and tedious trip of six miles,
and of course we could not carry many supplies. After five weeks'
confinement with Brother Kipp I succeeded in getting to Wilson,
and from there to Rosettte, where I had my home with Brother A.
Schanz, since my family were yet in Pennsylvania. We were all
glad to meet again, as they were not a little concerned about my
safety during the severe weather."
192
1888
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
1888
TWENTY-FOURTH SESSION
Conference met at Hiawatha, Kan., March 15, 1888, to hold
her twenty-fourth session with Bishop J. J. Esher as chairman.
Peter Schumann, who, for a number of years had served as
assistant secretary, was appointed Conference secretary to succeed
C. Berner, who held the position for 20 years. C. F. Erffmeyer and
H. J. Bowman were appointed English assistants.
M. W. Harris died during the year. C. Berner, one of the
charter members of Conference, as well as one of the first mission-
aries sent to Kansas by the Illinois Conference in 1858, and for
many years a leader in the western branch of the church, serv-
ing as presiding elder, and representing the Conference in Gen-
eral Conference on various occasions, was compelled, on account
of failing health, to change his residence to a more congenial cli-
mate. He received his credentials to the California Conference,
whither he had planned to move. His farewell remarks to the
brethren were touching as he referred to the small beginning,
the splendid development, and the great possibilities of the Con-
ference, as also his regret over leaving the organization in which
he spent so many of the best years of his life. He would leave
the Kansas Conference, but he would never forget her, nor her
interests. He was assured of the sympathy and prayers of his
brethren in the step he was taking.
H. Mattill, who had been elected Junior Publishing Agent at
the recent General Conference, received credentials to the Erie
Conference.
The brethren H. J. Bowman, L. Wenger, D. R. Zellner, J. W-
Keiser, A. W. Piatt, C. W. Snyder and J. H. Kiplinger were re-
tained in the itinerancy without appointment.
The following candidates received license to preach: Ernst
Yaeck, A. Rodewald, M. J. Steinmetz, C. E. Platz, I. H. Haupt-
fuehrer, J. R. Nanninga, S. W. Harris, A. J. Engler and C. Meeder.
J. J. Kliphardt, from the Canada Conference, J. H. Vogt, from
the Pittsburg Conference, and J. H. Keeler, from the Michigan
Conference, were received.
The brethren R. R. Brand, M. Manshardt, G. J. Schumacher,
D. Swart, A. E. Flickinger, S. J. Luehring, Otto Rohrig, F. M.
Peek and D. E. Hoover received deacons' orders, and W. F. Wolt-
hausen elder's orders.
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1888
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
J. H. Keeler, J. J. Kliphardt, E. Brown, W. F. Schuerman,
R. R. Brand, M. Manshardt, D. Swart, A. E. Flickinger, Otto
Rohring, F. M. Peek and D. E. Hoover were received into the itin-
erancy.
J. H. Tobias, A. Brunner and J. F. Schreiber were elected
presiding elders and stationed as follows: Holton District, J. F.
Schreiber; Kansas City District, J. Wuerth; Emporia District,
A. Brunner; Abilene District, J. H. Tobias.
A. Brunner was elected Conference trustee for five years;
J. F. Schreiber for three years, and J. H. Tobias tw T o years.
A. Brunner was elected Conference treasurer and E. J. Troyer
statistical secretary.
The directors of the Fire Insurance Company reported that
they were able to secure but $34,000.00 worth of property to in-
sure, and since that was not sufficient to warrant success, the
project was dropped for the present.
Since H. Mattill was called to Cleveland, Ohio, during the
winter to assume his duty as Junior Publishing Agent, his district
in the Conference became vacant. Rev. A. Brunner was chosen
to serve the same until the spring session.
The Kansas City District House was completed during the year
at a cost of $2,437.60.
Again the duty was imposed with emphasis to raise at least
$1.00 missionary money per member for the Kansas Conference
during the coming year.
It was ordered that 500 German and 700 English Conference
journals should be published and sold for ten cents per copy. P.
Schumann and C. F. Erffmeyer were appointed as editors and pub-
lishers. This was the beginning of the published Conference jour-
nal and contained a brief sketch of the origin of the Kansas Con-
ference.
MISSIONARY DEFICIT
A deficit in the missionary treasury made it necessary to cut
the appropriations four per cent in order not to increase the mis-
sionary debt. A committee was also appointed to devise a plan
by which a similar condition might be avoided in the future.
NORTH-WESTERN COLLEGE
A recent law enacted in the State of Illinois made it unlaw-
ful for the trustees of colleges to be non-residents of the state. It
194
1888
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
therefore became necessary for Conference to choose another trus-
tee for North-Western College. H. Mattill, the present incumbent,
resigned, and Rev. Wm. Goessele, of the Illinois Conference, was
elected to represent the Kansas Conference in that institution.
BOUNDARIES
a. Conference was divided into four districts as follows:
Holton, Kansas City, Emporia, Abilene.
Holton District
a. Four Mile, Dreisbach, and Sabetha shall constitute Sabe-
tha Mission, and Spring Creek Circuit shall be discontinued.
Kansas City District
a. The city appointment of Oregon Circuit shall constitute
Oregon Mission, but shall be served with the circuit for the pres-
ent.
b. Clinton Mission shall be changed to Windsor Mission.
c. Bloomington Circuit shall be called Shelby Circuit.
d. Denver shall be served with Oregon Circuit for the pres-
ent.
Emporia District
a. Americus shall be added to Emporia.
b. Earlton shall be taken from Humboldt and added to Par-
sons.
c. The city of Carthage shall be taken up as a new mission
and be called Carthage Mission.
d. Halstead Mission shall be added to Newton Mission except
Christian and Halstead appointments.
Abilene District
a. Turkey Creek shall be taken from Salina Mission and
added to Marion Mission.
b. The appointments Christian and Halstead, of Halstead
Mission, shall be added to Salina Mission and be called McPher-
son Mission.
c. Big Medicine shall be added to Osborne, and Stockton
Mission shall be discontinued.
d. Hiawatha shall be changed to a station.
e. The appointment Norway shall be served with Jewell
Mission.
195
1888
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
f. Lone Star and Carson shall be taken from Spring Creek
Circuit, and in connection with Prairie Springs, and McCauley's
shall constitute Hiawatha Circuit.
The amount of $4,114.00 was raised the past year for mis-
sions in the Conference, and $7,680.00 was appropriated for the
coming year. J. Wuerth was elected delegate to the Board of
Missions, and the old board of officers were re-elected for the So-
ciety
J STATISTICS
Conversions, 775; accessions, 1,081; membership, 5,177; intin-
erant preachers, 55 ; local preachers, 36 ; churches, 61 ; parson-
ages, 33; Sunday-schools, 98; officers and teachers, 980; scholars,
4,832; catechetical classes, 36; catechumens, 163; Botschafters,
929 ; Messengers, 630 ; Magazins, 512 ; Epistles, 88 ; total for mis-
sions, $5,484.81.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. F. Schreiber,
P. E.
Holton Station, S. Mueller.
Leavenworth, J. J. Kliphardt.
Atchison Mission, C. Brandt.
Atchison Circuit, J. Schmidli and J.
R. Nanninga.
Preston, F. Harder.
Falls City, Otto Rohrig,
Sabetha, D. Swart.
Westmoreland, R. R. Brand.
Leonardville, H. W. Hartmann.
Swede Creek, G. Sorg.
Kansas City District — J. Wuerth,
P. E.
Kansas City, Oak St., C. F. Erffmeyer.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., W. F.
Wolthausen.
Eudora, P. Schumann.
Oregon Circuit, A. J. Voegelein.
Oregon Mission, M. J. Steinmetz.
Platte River, A. Yockel.
Shelby, L. Holzgrafe.
St. Joseph, John Kurtz.
Glasgow, J. Neuffer.
Warrensburg, S. Luehring.
East Lynn, to be supplied.
Deer Creek, F. J. Shafer.
Winston, D. G. Rinehold.
Windsor, J. K. Elmer.
Denver, to be supplied.
Emporia District — A. Brunner, P. E.
Emporia, L. Wenger and A. Rode-
wald.
Yates Center, T. R. Nanninga.
Humboldt, C. Meeder.
Golden Valley, E. J. Troyer.
Parsons, H. S. Bower.
Carthage Circuit, C. W. Snyder.
Carthage Mission, W. S. Harris.
Peabody, J. K. Young.
Eldorado, D. E. Hoover and C. Hart-
man.
Derby, M. Walter.
Newton, A. W. Piatt and C. E. Platz.
Rice, J. H. Keeler.
Kingman, S. H. Dunkelberger.
Pawnee Rock, B. J. Fehnel.
Offerle, E. Brown.
La Porte, to be supplied.
Abilene District — J. H. Tobias.
Alida, D. R. Zellner.
Marion, W. F. Schuerman and sup-
ply-
Canada, C. W. Stauffer.
McPherson, H. Toedman.
Wilson, L. E. Becher.
Lincoln Center, F. M. Peek and A. J.
Engler.
Osborne Circuit, C. Linge.
Downs Mission, C. Linge.
Gove, to be supplied.
Jewell Station, G. J. Schumacher.
Jewell Mission, to be supplied.
Washington, W. Daeschner and M.
Manshardt.
Clay Circuit, D. F. Honstedt.
Abilene, M. C. Platz.
Hiawatha, A. E. Flickinger.
Hiawatha Circuit, J. W. Keiser.
196
1888
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
MEMORIAL
M. W. Harris
Brother M. W. Harris entered the Conference a year ago and
was assigned to Carthage Circuit, where he had hardly taken up the
work when the Lord called him from his labors here below to the
realms above. He had hardly formed an acquaintance with his
co-workers and the members of his flock when he was taken away.
He came from the East Pennsylvania Conference the previous year,
where he held the relation of a local elder. Brother Harris was
an elderly man and left to the Conference a son, S. W. Harris,
who received license at this session, succeeding his father in the
work at Carthage.
JEWELL MISSION
Concordia, Calvary
The first missionaries to Calvary Church, Concordia Mission,
which was formerly Jewell Mission, were John Richards and
Brother Nye, who were appointed by C. W. Anthony, presiding
elder of the Platte River District, Des Moines Conference, in 1886.
In this year John Richards began to preach at Randall, Jewell
County, Paradise school house and Pleasant Valley school house.
He was succeeded in 1887 or 1888 by Rev. Nye. Two families,
Rev. Joseph Hout and Brother Dickey, moved from Story County,
Iowa, to Jewell County, Kansas, at this time; in consequence of
which the Des Moines Conference, sent those brethren to look after
their members in Kansas.
In 1886 the Kansas Conference located a mission in Jewell
County, but it was not supplied until 1889, when General Con-
ference had fixed the boundary line between the Kansas and
Platte River Conferences. G. A. Manshardt was the first minis-
ter assigned by the Kansas Conference in 1889, and the following
year Wayne Mission of the Platte River Conference was, by re-
quest, attached to Jewell Mission.
The class was organized in 1886 by John Richards with the
following members : Rev. J. Hout and wife, Bartley Hout and wife,
Thomas Lowe and wife, Mrs. Belle Blackburn, Joseph Blackburn,
Dolly Blackburn, Parker Moore and wife, Chas. Wilson and wife,
Peter Paton and wife, and Simon Slaughter and wife. Rev. J.
Hout was elected class-leader and Belle Blackburn exhorter. A
Sunday-school was organized with Fern Lowe superintendent.
197
1888
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
A church was built in 1898, during the pastorate of J. K.
Young, who was serving the work at that time in connection with
Jewell Station. The building cost $2,200.00, and was to be dedi-
cated in September of that year by S. P. Spreng, editor of the
"Evangelical Messenger," who arrived in due time, but in conse-
quence of a continuous rain was not able to hold one service, so
that several weeks later it was dedicated by Rev. J. H. Tobias,
presiding elder, as the Calvary Church of the Evangelical Asso-
ciation.
BERN
During the past year Rev. D. Swart, who was serving Sabetha
Mission, organized a class in the village of Bern, and the follow-
ing year Sabetha Mission was changed to Bern Mission. About
this time a Sunday-school was organized with J. M. Dreisbach
superintendent. Bern became the central point of the work, and
gradually assimilated the old time Four Mile Point, which was
one of the old landmarks in the Kansas Conference, having been
one of the early organizations.
In 1892, during the pastorate of I. H. Hauptfuehrer, a church
was built at a cost of $2,600.00 and dedicated by Bishop Wm.
Horn.
AMERICUS
In 1872, while serving Humboldt Mission, Wm. Lingelbach
traveled westward as far as Americus, in Lyon County, where he
found members of the Evangelical Association, whom he organ-
ized into a class with the following charter members : D. F. Tres-
sler and wife, M. F. Noll and wife, A. Tressler, Rebecca Tressler,
W. H. Flickinger and wife, Elizabeth Scherer and Jacob Durn. M.
F. Noll was chosen leader and D. F. Tressler exhorter of the new-
ly formed class.
Brother Lingelbach at first preached in the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, but, in 1874, the little band bought a building which
had been used for a drugstore, and after remodeling used it for
a place of worship. The first board of trustees was composed of
M. F. Noll, D. F. Tressler, Wm. Durn, Gottlieb Burkit and George
Wise. A Sunday-school was evidently started at the time of the
organization of the society, but no record is available of its early
history.
In 1902 the old church was removed and a larger and more
commodious one erected on the site during the pastorate of A. Solt.
198
1889
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
During this period the society experienced a season of prosperity,
and for a series of years very successful camp-meetings were held
north of Americus, where the greater portion of the membership
lived. Many souls were saved at those meetings, and the work
was strengthened in all its parts at the several appointments. In
later years a disastrous exodus took place, weakening the work
numerically and financially. On various occasions Americus ap-
pointment was transferred from one field of labor to another, at
one time assuming the name of Americus Mission, until 1888 it was
attached to Emporia Mission, of which it has since been a part.
1889
TWENTY-FIFTH SESSION
On March 28th, 1889, Conference convened at Yates Center,
Kansas, to hold her 25th session, with Bishop T. Bowman in the
chair. P. Schumann was appointed secretary.
J. C. Burton, a local preacher, was deposed from the minis-
try and expelled from the church, and Jesse Poe, also a local
preacher, withdrew from the church.
D. G. Rinehold received credentials on condition, and E. J.
Troyer and A. Yockel were placed on the supernumerary list, while
E. Evans and J. Hout were continued in that relation.
The brethren H. J. Bowman, J. H. Kiplinger and Otto Rohrig
were retained in the itinerancy without appointment.
B. H. Hobbs, J. S. Miller, D. W. Workings, G. A. Manshardt,
Chas. Bunse, Omer Butler, David Jones, C. S. Steinmetz and C. F.
Harder received license to preach on probation. To this list was
added the name of Brother Murakam, a candidate from the mission
in Japan. This was the first Japanese candidate licensed by the
Kansas Conference.
John Beck, who, years ago, had been a member of the Con-
ference, was again received as a local elder, and August Zoeller
was received from the German Methodist Church.
B. J. Fehnel and H. L. Holzgrafe were received into the itine-
rancy, and C. Linge and P. Fricker were reinstated.
Deacons' orders were voted to H. L. Holzgrafe and B. J. Feh-
nel, and elders' orders to J. K. Young, W. F. Schuerman, J. K.
199
1889
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Elmer, E. Brown, J. W. Keiser, C. W. Stauffer, M. C. Platz and
M. Walter.
E. J. Troyer was again elected statistical secretary, and also
Conference trustee for 5 years.
The publishers of the Conference journal reported a deficit
of $72.60 for the printing of the journals. This was ordered paid
out of the Conference treasury. It was also ordered that 500 Ger-
man and 500 English journals should be published this year, P.
Schumann and C. F. Erffmeyer again being editors and publishers
and each to receive $10.00 from the Conference treasury for their
work.
C. F. Erffmeyer and W. F. Wolthausen having purchased two
lots in Wyandotte, Kansas, upon which a chapel had been erected.
Conference accepted the same with the remaining indebtedness
and ordered the transfer made to the Conference trustees.
MISSION CHURCH DEBT
A heavy mission church debt resting on the Conference at
this time, the presiding elders of Holton and Kansas City Dis-
tricts and the pastors of Kansas City, Leavenworth, Atchison and
St. Joseph were appointed a committee to superintend mission
church debts. This committee was authorized to appoint two men
to canvass Holton and Kansas City Districts to raise money for
the liquidation of such indebtedness.
A committee was appointed to prepare a plan for the organ-
ization of a church extension society in the Conference, and to
report at the next annual session.
A number of the brethren were called to account because they
failed to raise the required $1.00 per member missionary money
the past year, but were excused after stating the reasons for their
failure. The rule was continued for the ensuing year.
BOUNDARIES
District Changes
a. Topeka shall be added to Emporia District.
b. Osage Mission and Eudora Circuit shall be taken from
Kansas City District and added to Holton District.
c. Carthage shall be taken from Emporia District and added
to Kansas City District.
200
1889
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Holto?i District
a. Luecks appointment and Horton shall be added to Sabetha
Mission and Sabetha Mission shall be called Bern Mission.
Kansas City District
a. Kansas City, Kansas (Wyandotte), shall be taken up as a
mission and be served in connection with Oak Street.
b. Topeka, Kansas, shall be taken up as a mission.
c. Deer Creek appointment shall be added to Eudora Circuit
and the remaining- appointments shall be called Osage Mission.
Emporia District
a. Cambridge shall be taken from Eldorado Mission and
with the surrounding country constitute Cambridge Mission.
b. Potwin shall be taken from Peabody and added to Eldo-
rado Mission.
c. The country appointments of Newton Mission with Chris-
tian and Halstead of McPherson Mission shall constitute Halstead
Circuit.
Abilene District
a. The appointments of Downs Mission shall be added to
Osborne Circuit and Downs Mission shall be discontinued.
MISSIONS
The amount of $5,435.94 was raised for missions the past
year and $8,050.00 was appropriated for the ensuing year. The
amount of $2,000.00 was received from the General Treasury.
From the Conference treasury there was appropriated $1,335.00,
not included in the above, of which $175.00 applied to Conference
claimants.
J. Wuerth was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the society was reorganized by electing H. Mattill president, P.
Schumann secretary and J. Schmidli treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 893; accessions, 986; membership, 5,549; itine-
rant preachers, 60 ; local preachers, 33 ; churches, 65 ; parsonages,
36; Sunday-schools, 105; officers and teachers, 1,106; scholars,
5,273; catechetical classes. 26; catechumens, 378; Botschafters,
201
1889
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
977; Messengers, 698; Magazins, 524; Epistles, 87; total for mis-
sions, $6,453.54.
For the first time the Sunday-schools have reached and passed
5,000 in the number of scholars, while the officers and teachers
run over 1,000 in number.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. F. Schreiber,
P. E.
Holton, S. Mueller.
Leavenworth, J. J. Kliphardt.
Atchison, C. Brandt.
Atchison Circuit, J. Schmidli and A.
Rodewald.
Preston and Falls City, J. Harder and
J. R. Nanninga.
Bern, D. Swart.
Westmoreland, R. R. Brand.
Leonardville, H. W. Hartman.
Swede Creek, G. Sorg.
Eudora, P. Schumann.
Osage, F. J. Shafer.
Kansas City District — A. Brunner,
P. E.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., W. F.
Wolthausen.
Kansas City, Oak St., C. F. Erffmeyer
and D. Jones.
Oregon, J. W. Keiser and J. S. Miller.
Platte River, J. Neuffer.
Shelby, L. Holzgrafe.
St. Joseph, A. Yockel.
Glasgow, C. E. Platz.
Warrensburg and East Lynn, S. J.
Luehring and C. S. Steinmetz.
Winston, Omer Butler.
Windsor, J. K. Elmer.
Carthage Circuit and Mission, D. E.
Hoover.
Denver, to be supplied.
Emporia District — J. Wuerth, P. E*
Emporia, A. J. Voegelein.
Yates Center, T. R. Nanninga.
Humboldt, Chas. Meeder.
Golden Valley, M. J. Steinmetz.
Parsons, H. S. Bower.
Peabody, A. W. Piatt.
Eldorado, B. J. Fehnel.
Cambridge, C. W. Snyder.
Derby, M. Walter.
Newton, J. K. Young.
Halstead, C. W. Stauffer.
Topeka, P. Fricker.
Rice, J. H. Keeler.
Kingman, S. H. Dunkelberger.
Ellinwood, H. Toedman.
Offerle, E. Brown.
La Porte, to be supplied.
Abilene District — J. H. Tobias, P. E.
Abilene, M. C. Platz.
Alida, D. R. Zellner.
Marion, W. F. Schuerman and B. H.
Hobbs.
Canada, John Kurtz.
McPherson, I. H. Hauptfuehrer.
Wilson, L. E. Becher.
Lincoln Center, F. M. Peek and C. H.
Hartman.
Osborne, W. Daeschner.
Gove, to be supplied.
Jewell, G. J. Schumacher.
Jewell Mission, G. A. Manshardt.
Washington, M. Manshardt and A. J.
Engler.
Clay, D. F. Honstedt.
Hiawatha Station, A. E. Flickinger.
Hiawatha Circuit, C. Linge.
FALLS CITY
Prior to 1887, several families who were members of the
Evangelical Association, most of them on the Preston charge,
moved to Falls City, where they located and requested the Evan-
gelical preachers to preach for them. In the spring of 1887 Falls
City appointment was taken from Preston to form Falls City Mis-
sion and supplied with F. Harder and J. Ehrich, who preached reg-
202
1889
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
ulaiiy every two weeks on Sunday afternoon. The charter mem-
bers were F. Hilgenfeld and family, Louis Hilgenfeld and family,
L. Wulf and family, Wm. Goldner and family, and Mrs. Louise
Plege.
A Sunday-school was organized at the time, but no record
of the officers is available. In 1892 a neat church was built on the
corner of Harlan and 19th Streets at a cost of $3,500.00, including
the lots, and dedicated by Bishop J. J. Esher. Much credit is
due to the Hilgenfeld brothers for the beginning and development
of the work in Falls City. Especially is this true of Frederick
Hilgenfeld, who contributed most liberally toward the erection
of both church and parsonage.
A Woman's Missionary Society was organized July 16, 1900,
with the following officers: Mrs. J. Schmidli, president; Mrs.
Schloeder, secretary; and Mrs. Voegelein, treasurer. Falls City
enjoys the distinction of having organized the first Young Ladies'
Missionary Society in the Conference. This occurred on Sunday
afternoon, Feb. 16, 1913, under the direction of Mrs. M. C. Platz.
Fifteen young ladies united as charter members and chose Miss
Mary Bickel as president and Sarah Fredrick, secretary. The
organization has developed into a strong factor for missions
among the young ladies of the congregation.
" TOPEKA
In the early summer of 1888, Rev. P. Fricker, who, at the
time, was not in the active work, was requested by several mem-
bers living in Topeka, to preach for them. Brother Fricker re-
sponded, feeling it was God's call to him, and he should obey. He
preached his first sermon in the home of Henry Meyers, on Polk
Street, taking for his text Rom. 1 : 16. There were ten or twelve
persons present. Brother Fricker continued to preach there dur-
ing the summer, holding services in various homes, and organized
a class in the month of August with the following members : Adam
Waidelich and wife, and two children, Jacob and Lydia, Henry
Diehl and wife, H. S. Pruesner and wife, J. Miller and wife.
Adam Waidelich was chosen class-leader, Henry Diehl ex-
horter, and H. S. Pruesner steward, C. Kaser and wife united
with the class the Sunday following its organization. In the
spring of 1889 Conference located a mission in Topeka, and sup-
plied the same with Rev. P. Fricker, who labored with encourag-
ing success, so that the membership was increased to 26 in num-
203
1890
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
ber during the year. A Sunday-school was organized immediate-
ly, the pastor serving as superintendent until the following year,
when A. Waidelich was elected to that office. There were 21 schol-
ars and 7 officers reported at the close of the year 1889, with an
average attendance of 17 for the year.
The first Quarterly Conference was held Dec. 29, 1889, with
Rev. J. Wuerth, presiding elder, as chairman, and Rev. Fricker,
pastor, as secretary. A. Waidelich, Henry Diehl and H. S. Prues-
ner were the lay members.
Prior to 1895 the services were held at various places in the
city, for a while in a hall on Topeka Ave. and 6th St., then in Lin-
coln Post Hall, and, later, in the opera house, 515 Kansas Ave.,
when, finally, a church was built on the corner of Monroe and
Fourth Streets, which was dedicated by Rev. A. Brunner, presid-
ing elder, July 28, 1895, Rev. S. Mueller being pastor. The lots
were purchased for $1,150.00, and the building erected at an
equal cost.
1890
TWENTY-SIXTH SESSION
Conference convened March 20, 1890, at Holton, Kansas, to
hold her 26th session with Bishop T. Bowman in the chair and
P. Schumann as secretary.
H. R. Price, a local elder, was expelled from the church, and
C. W. Snyder was placed on the list of local elders.
Since J. H. Kiplinger had lived in Cleveland, Tenn., for the
past two years, his credentials were issued to the Indiana Confer-
ence, to which the mission in Tennessee belonged. Otto Rohrig
also received credentials.
P. Fricker was placed on the supernumerary list, and the
brethren G. Sorg, L. Wenger, H. Toedman, H. J. Bowman, and
A. W. Piatt were retained in the itinerancy without appointment.
S. A. Burgert and J. M. Fricker received license to preach.
A. Mattill was received from the Texas Conference and I. C.
Patton from the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Deacons' orders were voted to A. J. Engler, G. A. Manshardt,
M. J. Steinmetz, C. H. Hartman, I. H. Hauptfuehrer, A. Rodewald,
204
1890
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
J. R. Nanninga, C. E. Platz and C. Meeder, and elders' orders to
M. Manshardt, R. R. Brand, S. J. Luehring, F. M. Peek, G. J.
Schumacher, D. E. Hoover and D. Swart. This is the largest class
ordained at any one time in the history of the Conference up to
this date.
A. J. Engler, G. A. Manshardt, M. J. Steinmetz, C. H. Hart-
man, I. H. Hauptfuehrer, A. Rodewald, J. R. Nanninga, C. E.
Platz, C. Meeder and E. A. Bruner were received into the itine-
rancy.
J. H. Tobias was elected Conference trustee for five years, and
E. J. Troyer statistical secretary for one year.
J. J. Kliphardt was elected trustee for North-Western Col-
lege for three years, the laws of Illinois having been changed to
again admit direct representation.
The rule to pay the preachers' traveling expenses to the An-
nual Conference in part or in full, which had been in force for
several years, was suspended for one year and never again ob-
served.
A petition from the congregation at Wayne, Kansas, signed
by N. D. Schoenholtz, E. McDonald and T. T. Nemburn, was pre-
sented, in which the request was made that Wayne might be united
with the Kansas Conference, since the Platte River Conference
had virtually severed her connection with them by her attitude
in the pending church difficulties. This request was granted, and
Wayne was added to Jewell Mission.
CHURCH EXTENSION
A church extension society was organized at this time in har-
mony with the action taken a year ago. A constitution was adopted
and about 100 members united by paying $1.00 each, and then
elected officers as follows : C. F. Erffmeyer, president ; J. J. Klip-
hardt, vice-president; W. F. Wolthausen, secretary; and J. F.
Schreiber, treasurer. This society was continued in the Conference
until finally merged in the general Church Extension Society after
that organization was effected by General Conference.
A new mission was located in the city of Hutchinson, Kansas,
a year ago, which met with encouraging success, so that Confer-
ence now authorized the purchase of a church building, which was
offered for $300.00, and the pastor was instructed to collect as
much as possible to cover the cost.
205
1890
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
FINANCE LAW
The following finance law was adopted at this time:
a. The salary of a single probationer shall be $200.00 and a
married probationer $225.00.
b. The salary of a single deacon shall be $300.00 and if mar-
ried $325.00.
c. The salary of a single elder shall be $450.00 and if mar-
ried $600.00.
d. The claim of a presiding elder shall be $650.00 with rent
and traveling expenses extra.
The following somewhat laconic resolution was passed by Con-
ference relative to the Missionary Treasurer:
''In reference to the condition of the Missionary Treasury
this committee reports the following: Having carefully considered
the delinquent condition of our missionary treasury we recommend
that each preacher shall put forth strenuous efforts during the
ensuing year to increase the missionary contributions on his field
of labor, and, in the meantime, having implicit confidence in the
ingenuity of our treasurer, we therefore recommend that our faith-
ful pilot steer the Conference through these financial straits."
This method seems to have been effectual as a "stay of execu-
tion," but did not relieve the Conference of the debt incurred,
which must be met definitely sometime in the future.
BOUNDARIES
Topeka shall be taken from Emporia District and be added
to Holton District.
Kansas City District
a. Shelby Circuit shall be changed to a mission.
b. Wyandotte Mission shall be called Kansas City, Kansas,
Mission.
Abilene District
a. All appointments west of Lincoln Center on Lincoln Mis-
sion shall be taken from Lincoln Mission and added to Wilson
Mission.
b. Woodruff and surrounding country in Philipps County
shall form a new mission to be called Northwest Mission.
c. Wayne shall be served with Jewell Mission.
206
1890
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
Emporia District
a. Guenther appointment of Emporia Mission shall be added
to Osage Mission.
b. Potwin and Centennial of Eldorado Mission shall be added
to Peabody Mission.
c. Zion and Rock Hill of Eldorado shall be added to Derby
and Derby shall be a circuit.
d. Bryant and Wing appointments of Eldorado shall be added
to Cambridge.
e. Parsons shall be served with Humboldt.
f. Hutchinson with the appointments Thanksgiving and
Brick school house shall form a new mission to be called Hutchinson
Mission.
g. Alden, Kleins, Smith and Enterprise shall constitute Al-
den Mission.
h. The Territory of Oklahoma and Cherokee strip shall form
a new mission.
MISSIONS
The deficit of the missionary treasury amounted to no less
than $953.17, which amount was gradually increasing each year.
Evidently steps must soon be taken to not only arrest the accumu-
lation of the debt, but to remove the mountain which is already
resting so heavily on the Conference, hindering the progress of
the work.
The amount received for the past year for Conference mis-
sions was $5420.50, and the amount appropriated for the coming
year was $8,155.00. J. Wuerth was elected delegate to the Board
of Missions. H. Mattill was elected president of the society; P.
Schumann secretary, and J. Schmidli treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 666; accessions, 1,026; membership, 5,701; itine-
rant preachers, 66; local preachers, 30; churches, 72; parsonages,
37; Sunday-schools, 106; officers and teachers, 1,145; scholars,
5,581 ; catechetical classes, 35 ; catechumens, 488 ; Botschafters,
886; Messengers, 712; Magazins, 585; Epistles, 91; total for mis-
sions, $7,597.06.
207
1890
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. F. Schreiber,
P. E.
Holton, F. Harder.
Leavenworth, J. J. Kliphardt. -
Atchison, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Atchison Circuit, J. Schmidli.
Falls City and Preston, S. Mueller
and A. Rodewald.
Bern, D. Swart.
Westmoreland, J. K. Elmer.
Leonardville, H. W. Hartman.
Swede Creek, M. Manshardt.
Eudora, P. Schumann.
Osage, C. Meeder.
Topeka, C. Brandt.
Kansas City District — A. B runner,
P. E.
Kansas City, Oak St., H. L. Holz-
grafe and David Jones.
Kansas City, Kansas, .
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. W.
Stauffer.
Oregon Circuit and Mission, J. W.
Keiser and J. R. Nanninga.
Platte River, J. Neuffer.
Shelby, J. Beck.
St. Joseph, W. F. Wolthausen.
Glasgow, C. E. Platz.
Warrensburg and East Lynn, S. J.
Luehring and C. S. Steinmetz.
Winston, Omer Butler.
Windsor, F. J. Shafer.
Carthage Circuit, H. S. Bower.
Carthage Mission, D. E. Hoover.
Denver, to be supplied.
Emporia District — John Wuerth,
P. E.
Emporia, A. J. Voegelein.
Yates Center, T. R. Nanninea.
Humboldt, B. J. Fehnel.
Golden Valley, M. J. Steinmetz.
Peabody, E. A. Brunner.
Cambridge, S. H. Dunkelberger.
Derby, L. E. Becher.
Newton, J. K. Young.
Halstead, M. Walter.
Hutchinson, J. H. Keeler.
Alden, J. S. Miller.
Ellinwood, E. Brown.
Offerle, J. Paulin.
Kingman, to be supplied.
La Porte, to be supplied.
Oklahoma, S. A. Burgert.
Abilene District— J. H. Tobias, P. E.
Abilene, G. J. Schumacher.
Alida, D. R. Zellner.
Marion, F. M. Peek and B. H. Hobbs.
Canada, J. Kurtz.
McPherson, I. H. Hauptfuehrer.
Wilson, W. F. Schuerman and A. J.
Engler.
Lincoln, C. H. Hartman.
Osborne, Wm. Daeschner.
Jewell, M. C. Platz.
Jewell Mission, G. A. Manshardt.
Washington, R. R. Brand and J. M.
Fricker.
Clay, D. F. Honstedt.
Hiawatha, C. Linge.
Hiawatha Circuit, A. E. Flickinger.
North-west, T. J. Fee.
Gove, to be supplied.
HUTCHINSON
The following report of the beginning of the work in Hutchin-
son, Kansas, is given by Rev. J. H. Keeler, the first pastor sent to
the charge in the spring of 1$90 :
1 I
On Tuesday evening, Feb. 18th, 1890, the first Evangelical
prayer-meeting was held in Hutchinson in the old -"Baptist church
on Sherman and East Streets. Seven persons were present, in-
cluding myself and wife. On Feb. 19, I purchased the church
building from G. W. Carpenter for $300.00, expecting that Con-
ference would ratify the purchase. On the evening of the 19th,
I preached for the first time in the building to twelve persons
from 2 Cor. 4:5. I then held a meeting for ten days when I had
208
1891
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
to close and go to Conference, which was held at Holton, Kansas,
On the 21st of March, Hutchinson was taken up as a mission in con-
nection with Thanksgiving class, nine miles north of Hutchinson,
which I had taken up last year while serving Rice Mission.
"On March 24th, when the Bishop read the appointments 1
was assigned to Hutchinson, and on April the 1st, I moved to 216
9th Ave., West Hutchinson. I preached three Sunday mornings
and evenings in the church which I bought and which purchase
Conference had ratified, but soon thought it advisable to purchase
a permanent location in another part of the city and move the
building there. This location was found at the corner of Jefferson
and 10th Streets, where I bought two lots from Mr. 0. 0. Woodard
for $500.00. The church was then moved and remodeled and made
almost new at a cost of $1,221.40. On June 15th we held our first
session of Sunday-school in it with 50 persons present, after which
I preached from Hab. 2 : 20.
"On Sunday, July 27th, 1890, we dedicated the church to the
service of God. During the month of June I held a revival meet-
ing, and on August 3rd I received 10 members into the church. In
February and March following I held another meeting, in which
many were converted and 31 persons united with the church. The
first official board was composed of the brethren D. M. Frey, class-
leader, G. Zent, exhorter, L. S. Welsh, Sunday-school superintend-
ent, and A. West, steward, and 'Rev. C. C. Bruner, local preacher.
"The following year, 1891, a Young People's Alliance was or-
ganized with Rev. J. H. Keeler, president, Adelia Gillett, secretary,
John Hopper, treasurer, and Sadie Keeler, organist. There were
16 active and 6 honorary members."
1891
TWENTY-SEVENTH SESSION
March 19th, 1891, Conference met at Canada, Marion County,
Kansas, to hold her twenty-seventh session with Bishop J. J.
Esher in the chair. P. Schumann was appointed secretary.
Rev. Murakami died during the year, and I. C. Patton, a
local preacher, withdrew from the church.
A. Yockel received credentials, and C. Linge, G. Sorg, A. Mat-
till and H. Toedman were retained in the itinerancy without ap-
pointment.
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1891
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
P. Fricker was placed on the superannuated list.
A. Solt, A. J. Spencer and Leo Schmidt received license to
preach.
In view of the action taken by the seditious element in the
church who instigated a pseudo-examination of Bishops Esher and
Bowman, declaring- them deposed from office, thus attempting to
deprive them of legal authority and place the church in a position
without Bishops, and since this movement had found some sym-
pathizers in the Conference, the Chairman declared that he could
not give an appointment to any minister who questioned his legal
standing in the episcopacy. In order to ascertain where each mem-
ber of the Conference stood on the above question each minster
had to express his opinion regarding the legality of the trial and
suspension of the Chairman, Bishop J. J. Esher. Each brother of
the Conference present expressed his conviction that the so-called
trial was illegal, except S. H. Dunkelberger, who, in consequence
of his position, was placed on the list of local elders. Several mem-
bers of Conference who were in sympathy with the disturbers in
the church were absent from the session, and later withdrew.
Credentials were voted to A. J. Voegelein, F. J. Shafer, A. J.
Engler, G. A. Manshardt, J. K. Elmer, S. J. Luehring, H. L. Holz-
grafe, E. J. Troyer, D. F. Honstedt and A. W. Piatt. The three
latter being absent their credentials were granted on condition
that they answer the foregoing questions satisfactorily. None of
the three brethren would admit the authority of the Chairman,
hence their credentials were withheld.
C. C. Bruner, an elder from the Free Methodist Church, and
F. W. Voegelein, missionary in Japan, were received. The latter
submitting his credentials from the California Conference, was
welcomed back to his home Conference after an absence of fifteen
years.
The following brethren received deacons' orders : J. M. Fricker,
B. H. Hobbs, J. S. Miller, C. S. Steinmetz and Omer Butler. They
were also received into the itinerancy. The brethren B. J. Fehnel
and E. A. Bruner received elders' orders.
J. J. Kliphardt was elected presiding elder and stationed on
Newton District.
The following brethren were chosen delegates to General Con-
ference, to be held at Indianapolis, Ind., in the month of October:
J. J. Kliphardt, J. F. Schreiber, A. Brunner, J. H. Tobias, J.
Wuerth, F. W. Voegelein and H. J. Bowman.
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1891
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
J. F. Schreiber was elected Conference trustee for five years,
and C. F. Erffmeyer to fill the unexpired term of E. J. Troyer.
M. C. Platz was elected statistical secretary.
The following plan was adopted whereby to increase the mis-
sionary contributions during the coming year: The presiding el-
ders were instructed to apportion the amount to be raised to the
various districts, and each presiding elder with one or two minis-
ters on his district appointed by him to distribute the apportion-
ment to the respective fields of labor ; in addition to this a commit-
tee was appointed consisting of J. Schmidli, J. H. Keeler and L.
Wenger to prepare a plan whereby to liquidate the deficit in the
missionary treasury. No record is left to indicate that anything
material was done in the matter. This was probably due to the
death of Brother Wenger early in the following Conference year.
Again the usual large number of requests for aid was brought
to Conference through the "Ways and Means" committee which,
as on former occasions, was unable to recommend in all cases the
help desired, much as it was inclined to do so. A heavy burden
of mission church debt was already pressing Conference.
The building of a church in Topeka, Kansas, was authorized
and a committee appointed to superintend the project, with the
instruction that the enterprise should be carried out if it could be
done without creating too heavy a debt.
The Church Extension Society reported that $156.90 had been
raised, and two churches had received help to the extent of $25.00
each.
The members of the Zion Church of Clay Circuit sent a peti-
tion to Conference, and the trustees of the society a telegram, to
the effect that they would not accept a minister sent them by the
Kansas Conference. For this conduct Conference declared that:
"We regard this action an offence against this Conference and re-
bellious in its character. The presiding elder and preacher in
charge are instructed to deal with this petition according to direc-
tion of our church Discipline."
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE
The following action was taken relative to the Young Peo-
ple's Alliance, which was in its infancy in the church:
"We look upon the Young People's Alliance as bringing within
the reach of our young people a means of attaining to better quali-
fications and a greater efficiency in the work of the Lord. Re-
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1891
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
solved, that wherever possible on our various fields of labor we
will endeavor to interest our young people therein and form such
Alliances to further the spiritual and intellectual interests of the
young people in our Zion, to bring them under the influence of the
church. Further, that we recommend the organization of a Con-
ference Branch of the Young People's Alliance as soon as a suffi-
cient number of local Alliances shall have been organized, and the
presiding elders shall be a committee to call a convention for the
purpose of organizing such a Branch Alliance at the time and place
they may deem best."
A few Alliances were organized in the Conference at this
time, however, only a very few, but the work received an impetus
and other local organizations were soon effected preparatory to a
Conference Branch.
BOUNDARIES
Emporia District shall be called Newton District.
Kansas City District
a. Warrensburg and Windsor shall be served together.
b. The Conference trustees shall be authorized to act in the
matter of the Kansas City, Kansas, church property as they deem
best.
Newton District
a. Golden Valley Mission shall be served with Humboldt
Circuit.
b. Parsons Mission shall be called Dennis Mission.
c. The appointments Pawnee Rock and Cottonwood shall be
taken from Ellinwood and added to Offerle.
d. LaPorte Mission shall be discontinued.
e. The presiding elder shall be authorized to sell the church
at LaPorte Mission.
Abilene District
a. Luecks appointment shall be added to Hiawatha Circuit.
b. All the appointments south of the Saline River on Wilson
Mission shall be added to Ellinwood Mission.
c. Long Grove shall be taken from Wilson and be added to
Lincoln.
d. Wilson Mission shall be called Rosette Mission.
e. Pleasant Valley shall be taken from Jewell Mission and
added to Jewell Station.
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1891
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f. The appointments near Concordia on Washington Mission
shall be added to Jewell Mission and called Concordia Mission.
g. Northwest Mission shall be served with Osborne Circuit,
h. Gove Mission shall be discontinued.
MISSIONS
The missionary contributions for the past year amounted to
$5,769.01, and the appropriations for the coming year $7,660.00.
A deficit of $1,149.33 was reported for the missionary treas-
ury. J. Wuerth was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the society was renewed by electing J. H. Tobias president, P. Schu-
mann secretary, and J. Schmidli treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 889 ; accessions, 1,073 ; membership, 5,923 ; itine-
rant preachers, 66 ; local preachers, 33 ; catechetical classes, 27 ;
catechumens, 433; churches, 73; parsonages, 37; Sunday-schools,
101; officers and teachers, 1,137; scholars, 6,383; Botschafters,
915; Messengers, 708; Magazins, 575; Epistles, 69; total for mis-
sions, $7,333.27.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. F. Schreiber,
P. E.
Holton, F. Harder.
Leavenworth, D. R. Zellner.
Atchison, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Atchison Circuit, D. Swart.
Falls City, A. Rodewald.
Preston, S. Mueller.
Bern, I. Hauptfuehrer.
Westmoreland, J. M. Fricker.
Leonardville, J. Schmidli.
Swede Creek, M. Manshardt.
Eudora, T. R. Nanninga.
Osage, C. Meeder.
Topeka, J. Wuerth.
Kansas City District — A. Brunner,
P. E.
Kansas City, Oak St., H. J. Bowman.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. W.
Stauffer.
Oregon Circuit and Mission, J. W.
Keiser and supply.
Platte River, J. Neuffer.
Kansas City, Kans., to be supplied.
Shelby, J. Beck.
St. Joseph, W. F. Wolthausen.
Glasgow, C. E. Platz.
Warrensburg and Windsor, H. W.
Hartman.
East Lynn, C. S. Steinmetz.
Winston, H. E. Meyer.
Carthage Circuit, H. S. Bower.
Carthage Mission, D. E. Hoover.
Denver, to be supplied.
Newton District — J. J. Kliphardt,
P. E.
Emporia, P. Schumann.
Peabody, E. A. Bruner.
Newton, B. H. Hobbs.
Yates Center, C. Brandt.
Humboldt and Golden Valley, B. J.
Fehnel.
Dennis, M. J. Steinmetz.
Cambridge, S. A. Burgert.
Derby, L. E. Becher.
Halstead, M. Walter.
Hutchinson, J. H. Keeler.
Alden, J. S. Miller.
Ellinwood, E. Brown.
Offerle, J. Paulin.
Oklahoma, J. R. Nanninga.
Kingman, to be supplied.
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1891
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Abilene District — J. H. Tobias, P. E. Lincoln Center, C. H. Hartman.
Osborne and North-west, Wm.
Abilene, G. J. Schumacher. Daeschner.
Alida, A. Solt. Jewell, M. C. Platz.
Marion, F. M. Peek and D. Jones. Concordia, L. Wenger.
Canada, J. Kurtz. Washington, R. R. Brand.
McPherson, Omer Butler. Hiawatha Station, J. K. Young.
Rosette, W. F. Schuerman. Hiawatha Circuit, A. E. Flickinger.
OKLAHOMA
At the former session of Conference the need for mission
work in Oklahoma received recognition by locating a mission in
the territory.
When in the summer of 1889 the Government signal was given
declaring a large tract of land in the heart of Oklahoma open for
settlement large numbers of men and even women engaged in the
"run" for a homestead. Dangerous as this undertaking was, yet
thousands participated in the venture. Some were successful, oth-
ers were not. Some lost their lives in the mad rush for a claim.
No sooner had the successful one obtained his claim when he began
to make the necessary improvements.
Towns sprang up as by magic. Where only a few days be-
fore the jack rabbit and coj^ote held forth, there were now stores
of merchandise. Men came to do business and make money. Sod
houses soon dotted the prairie where the homesteader had driven
his stake to indicate his claim.
Almost invariably the people were very poor, with nothing
of this world's goods except perchance an emigrant wagon, a team
of horses, a few crude farm implements, and their families. That
there were no luxuries goes without saying, and when the virigin
soil refused to yield her returns for the labor performed because
of the scarcity of moisture, the poverty of the people became in-
tense indeed. Yet those early settlers, like the pioneers of Kan-
sas, were undaunted in their purpose, and many of them holding
on to their homesteads through adversity and privations were re-
warded in seeing the desert blossom and yield fruit.
Among the early settlers before and after the opening of the
"Cherokee Strip," which was a section of country extending across
the northern part of the territory, 62 miles in width, between the
original settlement in Oklahoma and the southern line of the State
of Kansas, were also members of the Evangelical Association from
Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and other states. In view of this fact,
and because others were moving into the territory, the Conference
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1891
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
located a mission there and appointed S. A. Burgert the first mis-
sionary to the new field. Brother Burgert was just licensed to
preach, and hence this was his first appointment, which was pio-
neer work in the full sense of the word. The new mission was at-
tached to Emporia District, with J. Wuerth as presiding elder.
Brother Burgert describes his interesting journey to Okla-
homa in the following words: "As soon as possible after Confer-
ence I left for Oklahoma Mission. Starting from McPherson, Kan-
sas, with horse and buggy, on Friday, April 11, 1890, I drove as far
as Moundridge, and on Saturday to Newton, where I spent Sun-
day with my presiding elder, Brother J. Wuerth. On Tuesday fol-
lowing I left Newton and on Thursday evening I arrived at Ar-
kansas City, my last stopping place in the State of Kansas.
"On Friday at 6:30 A. M. I left Arkansas City and at 9:30
P. M. reached Stillwater after driving a distance of 75 miles.
"I cannot describe my feelings when I left the state and drove
into the territory where there was no settlement. I drove for
miles and miles without seeing a human being. About 9:30 A. M.
I saw something red in the distance, but could not discern what it
was until I came nearer, when I discovered that it was beef hides
hung up on the stock yard fence, the flesh side out, to dry in the
sun. The Indians had received their rations from the Government
the day before and were now enjoying a feast.
"Here I saw my first Indians. I can't describe my feelings. I
was alone with the Indians, perhaps 20 miles from any white set-
tlement, for I was crossing the Cherokee Strip, which was re-
served by the Government for the Indians. As I drove on I saw
some Indian women sitting on the ground in front of their houses,
while the pigs and chickens were in the house."
Near Stillwater Brother Burgert found a family which had
formerly belonged to the Evangelical Association in Kansas, but
would now have nothing to do with the church. Hearing of some
Evangelical people 25 miles farther west, near Orlando, he started
to that place where he found the families H. Dierolf, Sr., and
August Meyer, both formerly from Leonardville, Kan., who re-
ceived him gladly and rejoiced to have an Evangelical preacher
with them.
Brother Burgert says further: "I will assure you I was glad
to find Evangelical people. It was now Saturday evening, about
4:00 o'clock, April 19th. The following day was my first Sunday
in Oklahoma. We held the first service of the Evangelical Asso-
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1891
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
ciation in Oklahoma in Brother Meyer's house. I took for my
text Matt. 14 : 22-32. There were 18 persons present in the sod
house, and we had a blessed meeting. God was in Oklahoma the
same as in Kansas."
On Tuesday, April 29th, 1890, the presiding elder, J. Wuerth,
arrived to visit the work and organize a class and Sunday-school.
Brother Wuerth preached on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
On Thursday, May 1st, the first class was organized, consisting
of H, Dierolf, Sr., class leader; Mrs. H. Dierolf, Henry Dierolf,
Jr., Catharine Dierolf, Elisa Dierolf, Maggie Kissinger, August
Meyer, Mrs. Lena Meyer, Rev. S. A. Burgert and Mrs. Mary Bur-
gert.
The presiding elder returned to Kansas after arranging the
work and giving them the encouraging promise that he would
make an appeal to the church through the "Botschafter" and
"Messenger" for aid in builiding a church, which was later done.
On Sunday, May 4th, Brother Burgert preached in the house of
H. Dierolf, where also the Sunday-school was held for a season,
when later it was held under the trees in the back yard of Brother
Dierolf's home.
Brother Burgert further writes: "On May 14, Mrs. Burgert
and the children arrived. I rented a small board house for them
which was 12x14 feet in dimensions. Here we lived until fall.
We moved three times this year, for houses, such as they were,
were hard to get."
During the summer the young missionary was engaged in
hunting up Evangelical people, and preaching wherever oppor-
tunity presented itself; in dugouts, log cabins, sod houses, stone
houses, and under the trees, to appreciative audiences. Some of
the people stated that they had not attended a religious service
for more than 20 years.
The following nine appointments were served regularly dur-
ing the year: Beaver Creek, two and one-half miles west of Or-
lando; Lyon Valley, eight miles east of Hennessey; Union school
house, nine miles south of Lyon Valley ; Cimarron, six miles east of
Dover; Dover (in the Rock Island depot) ; Cottonwood, south of
Downs; Clear Creek, ten miles southeast of Orlando; Stillwater,
and Orlando. There were Evangelical members at all of these
places.
Rev. C. F. Harder, a local preacher from Yates Center, Kan.,
made frequent trips to Orlando during the year and preached in
' 216
1891
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
German to the people, which was greatly appreciated by the Ger-
man people of the community.
The following incident is an example of pioneer experience in
Oklahoma as related by Brother Burgert: "One night my family
and I stayed at the home of one of our members who lived in a
sod house with a dirt roof. The roof was made by placing poles on
the walls of sod, reaching from one wall to the center ridge beam,
brush being thrown on these poles and then earth on the brush. We
retired after coming from church, weary, and were soon soundly
asleep. About midnight it began to rain, or rather to pour, and
kept it up until daylight. Soon the water began to come through
the roof of brush and earth. No more sleep. We arose, dressed
and sat on the bed with a quilt over our heads to keep the dirt off
our clothes, waiting for morning to come. The mother and two
daughters stood and held an umbrella over the lamp to keep it dry
lest it should be extinguished and we be left in darkness. There
was not a dry thing left in the house when daylight finally came,
but mud, and water, quite deep because the floor was a dirt floor.
They gave us the best they had." Many experiences of a similar
character could be related.
In September the presiding elder again visited the work and
on the 12th day of the month dispensed the Lord's Supper to a
band of devout worshipers. This was the first communion serv-
ice of the Evangelical Association in Oklahoma, and was held at
the Clear Creek appointment. At this time steps were taken to
build a church in Oklahoma. Work on a church building at Beaver
Creek, two and a half miles west of Orlando, was begun in October
of this year. The building was 16x24 feet in dimensions, and cost
$237.98. The furniture was all home made and much labor was
donated. Of this amount $206.53 was received in response to an
appeal made through the church papers by Brother Wuerth.
This church building was dedicated by Rev. S. Heininger, Cor-
responding Secretary of the Missionary Society, of Cleveland, Ohio,
Feb. 12, 1891.
At the time this building was being erected another one was
under construction at the Lyon Valley appointment, which was
dedicated only a few days later by Brother Heininger. The cost
of the Lyon Valley church was $273.25, exclusive of donated labor.
Of this amount $117.76 was contributed from outside sources
through an appeal in the church papers. The dimensions of this
building were 24x34 feet.
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1891
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
The Lyon Valley class was organized a little later than the one
at Orlando.
The following report was given by the pastor at the close of
his first year of service on Oklahoma Mission : "Nine regular ap-
pointments were served, two classes organized, two Sunday-schools
started with 20 officers and teachers, and 130 scholars. Two
churches were built free of debt. Three conversions are reported
and a total membership of 47. Seven dollars was raised for preach-
er's salary and $6.50 presiding elder's collections. The amount of
$5.00 was reported for missions.
"This was a year of hard work and many privations on the
part of the missionary and the people. The work has assumed a
promising aspect for the future."
ORLANDO, OKLAHOMA
Orlando formed the base of operations for mission work in the
territory of Oklahoma, being the first place visited by the first
missionary, S. A. Burgert, in the spring of 1890. The first service
was held at the home of Henry Dierolf, three miles west of town,
where also the first class was organized. During the summer
months the meetings were held in the yard of Brother Dierolf,
under the Black Jack trees, where also the Sunday-school was
held.
The first members were H. Dierolf, Sr., and wife, August
Meyer and wife, Carl Bolay and wife, F. Proehlocks and wife, and
Fred Mugler. H. Dierolf was elected class-leader of this little
band of Evangelicals in Oklahoma.
A little church was built in 1890 in the community west of
Orlando, which was dedicated by Rev. S. Heininger, Corresponding
Secretary of the Missionary Society, from Cleveland, Ohio. Great
was the joy of the pioneers when they owned their little church
in which they could meet for worship.
The little cemetery across the road was also theirs. Here lay
their dead, whose last resting places were often visited that the
memory of loved ones who had accompanied them to the new coun-
try might be retained. Alas ! that so soon some of them were taken
away, leaving the others to carry the burdens and sorrows alone.
But the grace of God is sufficient to comfort in sorrow's lone hour.
CUSTER, OKLAHOMA
Custer Mission was originally a part of Southwest Mission
and was begun in 1891, when J. R. Nanninga, pastor at Dover,
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1891
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
visited the Hamburger families south of Weatherford, Custer Co.,
and preached for them. He also organized a class with the fami-
lies indicated, namely Henry Hamburger, John Hamburger, and
Conrad Adler and wife. H. Hamburger was chosen class-leader,
and Conrad Adler exhorter. A Sunday-school was organized one
year later during the pastorate of H. W. Hartman.
OSCEOLA, OKLAHOMA
In 1892 a class was organized 40 miles north of Weather-
ford, near a country post-office called Osceola, whither several fam-
ilies had moved from Texas who were members of the Evangeli-
cal Association. The families who composed the first class were
Carl Horst, Sr., Karl Horst, Jr., and Ludwig Klein. Brother H.
W. Hartman was pastor. Ludwig Klein was chosen class-leader,
and a Sunday-school was started with Karl Horst, Sr., as super-
intendent. The following year, under the pastorate of J. Kurtz,
a small church was built, which, for many years, was used for
Sunday-school and preaching services. Many precious meetings
were held in the little room, prized so highly by those early settlers
in their great poverty.
Repeated crop failure has retarded the development of the
country and progress of church work in this particular part of
Oklahoma.
DOVER, OKLAHOMA
The work at Dover was begun by Rev. S. A. Burgert, who was
the pioneer missionary of the Evangelical Association in Okla-
homa. In the month of September, 1890, Rev. J. Wuerth, presid-
ing elder of Newton District, made his second visit to Oklahoma,
and on this occasion, in company with Brother Burgert, visited
Dover, where he preached for the first time in the village in the
Rock Island depot. During the week he also preached at Clear
Creek, Stillwater, Beaver Creek, Lyon Valley, Union school house,
Cimarron, and Fair View. These were all points where they found
isolated members of the church. Brother Burgert preached at a
point just east of Dover during the summer, but later a class
was organized in town with the following members: B. F. Mauk
and wife, David Clark and wife, D. X. Williams and wife, and
daughter Gertrude, Mrs. Henry Hill, Mrs. Robert Bolton and Mrs.
Henry Martin. B. F. Mauk was elected class-leader and was the
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1891
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
principal figure in church activities until the time of his death,
several years later.
Rev. Burgert was succeeded by J. R. Nanninga in 1891, who
organized a Sunday-school, of which D. X. Williams was superin-
tendent and Mrs. David Clark, assistant. A church was also
built during the year 1892, which was dedicated by Rev. H. J.
Bowman, who, at the time, was pastor of Oak Street Church,
Kansas City, Mo.
Brother J. R. Nanninga writes: "I arrived at Dover on the
18th of April, 1891, and at once proceeded to acquaint myself
with the work and the people. I changed the Jack Oak appoint-
ment, four miles east of Dover, to town, and held the services in
the Odd Fellows Hall the first year. The following year we built
the church, which was the first church building in Dover. I also
started the Pleasant Valley appointment, southwest of Orlando,
where I held a meeting in which 34 souls were converted.
"I also held a meeting at Lyon Valley appointment in 1892,
where the second church in Oklahoma was built. In this meeting
64 souls bowed at the altar, of whom many were converted. Many
of the people at this point lived here temporarily until the Chero-
kee Strip was opened, when they rushed into the new country for
homes, deserting this community in consequence, of which the
work suffered. In later years the point was abandoned and the
building sold."
In the spring of 1892 Dover was taken from Orlando Mission
and formed into a separate field of labor. This was not supplied at
Conference, but was cared for by Rev. J. R. Nanninga, in connec-
tion with Orlando. The following year it was supplied with H. E.
Bower.
In 1901 the church building was destroyed by fire, but at once
rebuilt under supervision of Rev. H. B. Vennum, who was pastor
at the time, at a cost of $1,500.00, and dedicated by Rev. J. H.
Tobias, presiding elder.
220
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
1892
TWENTY-EIGHTH SESSION
The 28th session of Conference was held at Coal Creek, four
miles north of Valley Falls, Jefferson County, Kansas, beginning
March 17, 1892, with Bishop S. C. Breyfogel as chairman for the
first time. P. Schumann was again appointed secretary.
At the opening of the session it was announced that death had
invaded the ranks during the past year, calling away two import-
ant workers, namely J. G. Pfeifer and L. Wenger, also John Leus-
ler, a local preacher.
J. Maurer withdrew from the church, and A. Yoder and C.
Apel moved from the bounds of the Conference.
S. H. Dunkelberger, J. B. Miller and J. R. Hashinger were
reported as having "irregularly withdrawn" from the church dur-
ing the year.
D. E. Hoover, having left his charge in a manner which Con-
ference could not justify, and not appearing at Conference this
spring, nor even sending his reports, was declared having with-
drawn from the church.
Wm. Daeschner received credentials to the Texas Conference,
whither he contemplated moving.
The brethren C. Linge, H. Toedman, C. E. Platz, J. W. Reiser
and G. Sorg were retained in the itinerancy without appointment.
H. E. Bower, P. G. Nuffer, W. R. Currier, John Brand, B. B.
Shore and H. B. Vennum were licensed to preach.
G. M. Brumm was received from the Methodist Episcopal
Church and placed on the list of local elders.
David Jones and S. A. Burgert received deacons' orders, and
with John Beck were admitted into the itinerancy, while A. Rode-
wald, I. H. Hauptfuehrer, C. E. Platz, J. R. Nanninga, C. Meeder,
M. J. Steinmetz, H. E. Meyer and C. H. Hartman received elders'
orders.
B. Hoffman who, in 1873, left the church, after dividing the
congregation at Holton, Kansas, in consequence of which the con-
gregation suffered for many years, sent a letter to Conference, ex-
pressing regret for his deeds of the past, asking to be again re-
instated. Conference offered to pardon freely, but deemed it un-
wise to reinstate him in the Conference body.
221
1892
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
A. Brunner, J. H. Tobias and C. F. Erffmeyer were elected
presiding elders, and stationed as follows : Holton District, A.
Brunner ; Kansas City District, J. H. Tobias ; Newton District, J. J.
Kliphardt; Abilene District, C. F. Erffmeyer.
J. Wuerth was elected Conference trustee for five years, and
M. C. Platz, statistical secretary for one year.
MISSION DEBT
Again the missionary treasurer was authorized to borrow
money sufficient to pay the appropriations. The debt continued
to increase so that a committee was appointed, consist-
ing of the treasurer J. Schmidli, M. C. Platz and C. W. Stauffer,
to provide a way by which the same might be liquidated. In due
time the following plan was submitted, which was also adopted :
"Inasmuch as a debt of $1,600.00 rests upon our missionary treas-
ury, therefore we would recommend that each preacher obligate
himself to raise 28 cents per member on his field of labor within
the first six months of the Conference year, for the liquidation
of said debt and send the amount to the treasurer of the mission-
ary society. Furthermore each preacher shall report as to how
nearly he has complied with the instructions given."
By the foregoing plan $1,115.26 was raised and paid on the
mission debt during the ensuing year, as reported at the follow-
ing session.
The committee appointed a year ago relative to the Topeka
church building project reported that they were unable to do any-
thing in the matter of building because of lack of funds. It was
decided to defer the matter of building for two years.
Atchison reported a church debt of $2,675.00 and asked Con-
ference to cancel a note for $800.00 which she held against it. The
request was granted and the note canceled.
Falls City built a church the past year at a cost of $3,500.00,
upon which there was still $1,200.00 unprovided for, and asked
for assistance. After commending the society for what she had
done the pastor was authorized to collect on Holton District for the
payment of the debt.
A committee was appointed to purchase Rev. J. H. Keeler's
interest in the Hutchinson church and transfer the property to
the Kansas Conference trustees.
222
1892
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Abilene reported that the old church building had been moved
on the present church lots and converted into a parsonage and
asked for annual appropriations until the debt should be paid.
A committee consisting of C. F. Erffmeyer, J. K. Young, C. W.
Stauffer and J. J. Kliphardt, was appointed to make provisions to
organize a Young People's Alliance Conference Branch, and hold
a convention during the year.
The following action was taken relative to the Woman's Mis-
sionary Society: "Resolved, That we plege our co-operation with
the sisters in organizing local auxiliaries, and also recommend the
organization of a Conference Branch of the Woman's Missionary
Society."
BOUNDARIES
District Changes
a. Hiawatha Circuit and Hiawatha Station shall be taken
from Abilene District and added to Holton District.
b. Swede Creek and Leonardville shall be transferred from
Holton to Abilene District.
Neivton District
a. Hennessey, Dover and Lyon Valley shall be taken from
Oklahoma Mission and formed into a new mission called Dover
Mission.
b. The remaining part of Oklahoma Mission shall be called
Orlando Mission.
c. Humboldt and Golden Valley Missions shall be consolidated
and called Humboldt and Golden Valley Mission.
d. Prairie Queen appointment shall be taken from Cambridge
Mission and added to Derby Circuit and the latter changed to a
mission.
e. Clay Circuit shall be changed to a mission.
MISSIONS
At the close of the session the mission debt amounted to
$1,456.39. During the past year $7,568.35 was raised for mis-
sions in the Kansas Conference, and $8,520.00 appropriated for the
ensuing year. Toward this the general treasury appropriated
$1,850.00.
J. Wuerth was elected delegate to the Board of Missions and
the following officers elected for the Conference Missionary So-
223
1892
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
ciety: A. Brunner, president; C. F. Erffbeyer, secretary, and J.
Schmidli, treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 471 ; accessions, 581 ; membership, 5,685 ; itine-
rant preachers, 59 ; local preachers, 28 ; Sunday-schools, 102 ; schol-
ars, 5,091; officers and teachers, 1,123; catechetical classes, 38
catechumens, 512; Young People's Alliances, 13; members, 323
churches, 77 ; parsonages, 40 ; Botschafters, 883 ; Messengers, 665
Magazins, 603; Epistles, 37; Epistles and Teachers, 37; total for
missions, $7,520.72.
/
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE
For the first time allusion is made in the statistics to the
work of the Young People's Alliance. 13 Alliances are reported
with a total membership of 323. A deep interest was mani-
fested in the work among the young people from the beginning
of this movement. Not only were over a dozen local Alliances
organized up to this time, but steps were taken to form the local
organizations into a Conference Branch in order to facilitate the
progress of the work, and to foster the spirit of unity among the
young people in the Conference and the church.
In line with the interest in the young people's movement,
greater activity was also aroused at this time in the Woman's
Missionary Society. Plans for the formation of the auxiliaries
which had thus far been organized within the bounds of the Con-
ference into a Conference Branch of the Woman's Missionary
Society were taken up. These auxiliaries had been carrying on a
local work for several years, having first been brought to the notice
of Conference at its session in 1883. The beginning of the work
was hard. There were many discouragements because of indiffer-
ence and even direct opposition on the part of some members of
the church. This was largely due to the conservatism which usu-
ally characterizes the introduction of new movements in ecclesias-
tical circles. However, the movement was born to prosper and
kindle with enthusiasm a church which would otherwise stagnate
and die. Both the Woman's Missionary Society and the Young
People's Alliance mark an epoch in the history of the church for
developing the latent powers of the young people and applying
them to service.
224
1892
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — A. Brunner, P. E.
Holton, F. Harder.
Leavenworth, D. R. Zellner.
Atchison, S. Mueller.
Atchison Circuit, D. Swart.
Falls City, A. Mattill.
Preston, P. Schumann.
Bern, I. H. Hauptfuehrer.
Westmoreland, J. M. Fricker.
Hiawatha Station, J. K. Young.
Hiawatha Circuit, F. M. Peek.
Eudora, T. R. Nanninga.
Osage, C. Meeder.
Topeka, J. Wuerth.
Kansas City District — J. H. Tobias,
P. E.
Kansas City, Oak St., H. J. Bowman.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. W.
Stauffer.
Kansas City, Kansas, to be supplied.
Oregon Circuit and Mission, M. Wal-
ter.
Platte River, J. F. Schreiber.
Shelby, A. Solt.
St. Joseph, J. Neuffer.
Glasgow, J. Beck.
Warrensburg and Windsor, H. W.
Hartman.
East Lynn, Omer Butler.
Winston, H. E. Meyers.
Carthage Circuit and Mission, D.
Jones.
Denver, to be supplied.
Newton District — J. J. Eliphardt, P. E.
Emporia, A. Rodewald.
Peabody, E. A. Bruner.
Newton, G. J. Schumacher.
Yates Center, C. Brandt.
Humboldt and Golden Valley, B. J.
Fehnel.
Dennis, M. J. Steinmetz.
Cambridge, B. H. Hobbs.
Derby, L. E. Becher and P. G. Nuf-
fer.
Halstead, W. F. Schuerman.
Hutchinson, J. H. Keeler.
Alden, J. S. Miller.
Ellinwood, E. Brown.
Offerle, S. A. Burgert.
Dover, Okla., to be supplied.
Orlando, Okla., J. R. Nanninga.
Kingman, to be supplied.
Abilene District — C. F. Erffmeyer, P. E.
Abilene, A. E. Flickinger.
Alida and Clay, J. Kurtz and H. B.
Vennum.
Marion, H. S. Bower and W. R. Cur-
rier.
Canada, W. F. Wolthausen.
McPherson, C. S. Steinmetz.
Rosette, C. H. Hartman.
Lincoln, C. C. Bruner.
Osborne, J. Paulin.
North-west, A. J. Spencer.
Jewell, M. C. Platz.
Concordia, H. E. Bower.
Washington, R. R. Brand.
Leonardville, J. Schmidli.
Swede Creek, M. Manshardt.
MEMORIAL
J. G. Pfeifer
Rev. J. G. Pfeifer entered the Kansas Conference at its sec-
ond session in 1866, at Leavenworth, Kansas, after having spent
a number of years in the active work in the Pittsburg Confer-
ence. For many years he was a leader in the Conference and
helped lay a good foundation for the Evangelical Association in
the Western territory.
During his ministry of 27 years in Kansas and Missouri he
served three terms as presiding elder, two terms on Missouri Dis-
trict, and one term on Kansas, later called Holton District. He
was elected delegate to General Conference in 1871, 1875, 1879
and 1883. He was the first delegate to the Board of Missions
225
1892
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
elected by Conference from her members, which occurred in 1867,
after which he was repeatedly chosen to this position.
He was affectionate and considerate in his relation to the
brethren whose esteem and confidence he held in a remarkable
degree. In his pulpit ministration he was sound, in strict harmony
with the Word of God and the doctrine of his church. His sermons
were clear and powerful, making deep and lasting impressions
upon his hearers. He spent his life for the church of his choice,
never shrinking from duty, though that duty might be ever so
unpleasant and difficult. His life was a blessing to many with
whom he came in contact, and his individuality was stamped
Upon the Conference in which he served for nearly three decades.
He passed away September 1, 1891, at his home near Bloom-
ington, Mo., at the age of 69 years, leaving an aged companion
and four children to sorrow over his departure, but ever to cher-
ish the memory of his godly life and influence. His body rests
in the little cemetery near Bloomington, where he awaits the
final summons when the Lord comes to make up his jewels.
Rev. L. Wenger
Rev. L. Wenger was born in the State of Pennsylvania in
1846. He was licensed to preach at the session held at Nickels
Grove, Holt County, Mo., under the chairmanship of Bishop R.
Yeakel in 1872, and stationed on Jewell Mission in Western Kan-
sas. He was the first pastor of Jewell appointed by Conference
after the same was constituted a mission. He served this work
three years, after which he was transferred to Americus Mission in
Lyon County, Kan. In 1879 he was chosen presiding elder and
stationed on Southwest District, which was composed almost ex-
clusively of frontier work. After serving his term on the dis-
trict he again entered the ranks of the pastorate and served St.
Joseph three years, when he was assigned to his last field of labor.
In 1879 he was also elected delegate to General Conference.
Brother Wenger was a devoted Christian and a minister of
the Gospel. He exemplified in his own life the doctrine he preached
to others and led many souls to Christ through his ministry. He
was blessed with unusual judgment and business ability which he
applied to his work. Through his death his brethren lost a wise
counselor and a conscientious co-worker.
While attending Conference at Canada, Kansas, in the month
of March, 1891, he sustained a hemorrhage of the lungs, which left
226
1893
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
him in a prostrated condition. The weather being stormy and cold
added to his affliction, and it was with difficulty that he was able
to leave the place of Conference. He still manifested the invinci-
ble spirit which characterized his whole life, and while his breth-
ren advised him to retire from active work for rest, he insisted
that his affliction was only temporary, and in a short time he
would be well again. He was thus assigned to Concordia Mis-
sion, but never reached his field of labor. With difficulty he reached
the home of his mother in Emporia, Kan., after Conference, where
he broke down completely and in a few weeks answered to the roll-
call above. His wish was granted. He died in the harness. Just
in the prime of life, at the age of 46 years, the Lord called his
servant up higher, for reasons known only to Himself. He left
a sorrowing companion, two sons, one daughter, a mother and
sister.
Rev. John Leusler
Rev. John Leusler was born in Hesse, Germany May 2, 1807.
Coming to America in 1831, he settled in the State of Pennsyl-
vania, where he was led to conversion through the labors of G.
Hummel, well-known throughout the church at that time. In
1852 he moved to Ohio, where, in 1869, he received license to
preach from the Ohio Conference. The same year he moved to
Kansas, and settled near Washington, where he continued to re-
side till the time of his death, Aug. 25, 1891.
Brother Luesler was never in the active work, however, he led
an active life in the service of his Master, and was always ready
to preach the Gospel wherever opportunity presented itself. He
frequently held protracted meetings and was successful in soul-
winning. He was largely instrumental in starting the work of the
Evangelical Association in and around Washington, where he lived.
1893
TWENTY-NINTH SESSION
Conference met March 16, 1893, at Swede Creek, Riley Co.,
Kan., to hold her 29th session. Bishop Wm. Horn, who, for the
first time, officiated at the Kansas Conference, failed to arrive
until the second afternoon of the session, in consequence of which
Rev. A. Brunner was chosen chairman pro tern. P. Schumann
was again appointed secretary.
227
1893
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
A. J. Spencer was called home the first day of the session on
account of sickness in his family, and J. M. Fricker was excused
for the same reason.
Rev. A. W. Berry, a local preacher, Mrs. Susanna Wenger,
Mrs. C. C. Bruner and Mrs. M. Walter died during the year.
B. B. Shore, C. W. Snyder and David Jones withdrew from
the church during the past year, the latter under charges. Rev.
J. A. Hetner was reported as having "irregularly withdrawn" from
the church.
W. H. Davis moved out of the bounds of Conference, and hence
his name was stricken from the list of preachers.
F. W. Voegelein and H. J. Bowman received credentials, the
former to the newly formed Japan Conference, and the latter to the
Des Moines Conference.
J. Kurtz, J. W. Keiser and D. R. Zellner were retained in the
itinerancy without appointment.
W. H. H. Isgrigg, J. F. Oyer, Robert Stauffer, John Nicode-
mus and Charles Schmidli received license to preach, and Joseph
Latimer was received as a local elder from the Wesleyan Metho-
dist Church.
A. Solt received deacon's orders, and B. H. Hobbs, J. S. Miller,
J. M. Fricker and C. S. Steinmetz elders' orders.
A. Brunner was elected Conference trustee for five years, J.
J. Kliphardt, trustee for North-Western College for three years,
and M. C. Platz, statistical secretary for one year.
The committee appointed a year ago relative to the Pawnee
Rock Church reported that the building was sold during the year
to the Christian Denomination for $500.00.
The missionary treasurer reported that the appropriations
were paid in full and the old debt reduced $1,200.00 by the 28
cents per member plan adopted a year ago. The amount of
$1,115.26 was raised on the plan and the debt which had burdened
the missionary treasury for years was now reduced to $220.05.
The brethren who failed to raise the amount of missionary
money required from them during the past year were given an
opportunity to state he reasons for their delinquency before Con-
ference. Some of the brethren seemed to furnish satisfactory rea-
sons for their failure, while others could not clear themselves of
apparent neglect. The rule of the former year that each minister
shall raise at least $1.00 per member missionary money during
228
1893
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
the year was renewed for the ensuing year, and the presiding
elders were urged to see to it that missionary meetings were held
at all appointments at a suitable time.
LANGUAGE
For some time the language question had been agitated on
some works where the transition from German to English was con-
sidered imperative, frequently resulting in contention, and injury
to the work. Because of this existing condition, which was rap-
idly growing acute, the following action was taken: "Inasmuch
as we are convinced that in congregations where the English lan-
guage should be introduced, great care should be exercised, and
all things connected with the matter carefully considered that it
may tend to the prosperity of the work, we believe that Confer-
ence should adopt measures by which this matter may be regu-
lated. Therefore resolved, that the presiding elder and preacher
in charge of such societies, where a change of language may seem
necessary, with three other preachers chosen by them, shall con-
stitute a committee to act in such cases during the year. If at
least one-half of the members of a society present a petition to
the preacher in charge for the introduction of English the matter
shall be referred to this committee, and the decision of the com-
mittee shall be binding until the next session of the Annual Con-
ference, which shall take action in the matter."
Atchison requested Conference to assume possession of their
church property and relieve them of the heavy financial obligation
which they were no longer able to carry. Conference, not being
prepared to comply with their request, appointed a committee to
take such action during the year as they might find necessary.
BOUNDARIES
District Changes
a. Leavenworth shall be taken from Holton District and
added to Kansas City District.
Kansas City District
a. Carthage Circuit and Carthage Mission shall be consoli-
dated and called Carthage Mission.
b. Windsor Mission shall be added to Warrensburg Mission.
229
1893
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
c. Denver Mission shall be added to Winston Mission.
d. Holden appointment shall be taken from Warrensburg
and added to East Lynn Mission.
Newton District
a. Enterprise appointment shall be taken from Alden Mission
and be added to Hutchinson Mission.
b. Alden and Ellinwood shall be consolidated.
c. Kingman Mission shall be consolidated with Hutchinson.
Abilene District
a. Wilson and Blood Creek shall be taken from Ellinwood
and added to Rosette Mission.
b. Randolph shall be taken from Swede Creek and be added
to Leonardville Mission.
c. Huscher shall be taken from Washington and be added to
Alida.
d. Reiter appointment shall be taken from Washington and
added to Concordia, the same to be called Wayne Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount raised for missions in the Kansas Conference
was $7,736.65, leaving a deficit of $220.25. The appropriations
for the ensuing year were $9,000.00, of which amount the general
treasury assured $2,000.00. J. Wuerth was elected delegate to the
Board of Missions, and the following officers were elected for the
Missionary Society: A. Brunner, president; C. F. Erffmeyer, sec-
retary; and J. Schmidli, treasurer.
The Church Extension Society reported $148.07 collected from
the various fields during the year, and $63.00 secured from mem-
bership dues.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 671; accessions, 697; membership, 5,661; itine-
rant preachers, 59 ; local preachers, 26 ; churches, 81 ; parsonages,
41 ; Sunday-schools, 100 ; officers and teachers, 1,133 ; scholars,
5,668 ; catechetical classes, 34 ; catechumens, 499 ; Young People's
Alliances, 29; members, 720; Botschafters, 872; Messengers, 697;
Magazins, 660; Epistles, 34; Epistles and Teachers, 45; total for
missions, $9,386.26.
230
1893
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — A. Brunner, P. E.
Holton, M. C. Platz.
Preston, P. Schumann.
Eudora, T. R. Nanninga.
Atchison Circuit, M. Manshardt and
supply.
Atchison Mission, S. Mueller.
Hiawatha Station, J. K. Young.
Hiawatha Circuit, F. M. Peek.
Topeka, J. Wuerth.
Falls City, A. Mattill.
Bern, I. H. Hauptfuehrer.
Osage, H. Toedman.
Westmoreland, P. G. Nuffer.
Kansas City District — J. H. Tobias,
P. E.
Kansas City, Oak St., J. H. Keeler.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. E.
Platz.
Leavenworth, C. W. Stauffer.
Oregon Circuit and Mission, M. Wal-
ter.
Platte River, J. F. Schreiber.
St. Joseph, J. Neuffer.
Shelby, A. Solt.
Glasgow, J. Beck.
Warrensburg, C. Meeder.
East Lynn, H. W. Hartman.
Winston, J. M. Fricker.
Carthage, H. E. Meyer.
Neivton District — ./. J. Kliphardt,
P. E.
Emporia, A. Rodewald.
Peabody, B. J. Fehnel.
Newton, G. J. Schumacher.
Yates Center, C. Brandt.
Humboldt and Golden Valley, J. S.
Miller and Omer Butler.
Cambridge, B. H. Hobbs.
Derby, R. R. Brand.
Halstead, W. F. Schuerman.
Hutchinson, E. Brown.
Alden and Ellinwood, D. Swart.
Offerle, S. A. Burgert.
Orlando, Okla., J. R. Nanninga.
Dover, Okla., H. E. Bower.
Abilene District — C. F. Erffmeyer,
P. E.
Abilene, A. E. Flickinger.
Alida, C. Linge.
Marion, H. S. Bower and W. R. Cur-
rier.
Canada, W. F. Wolthausen.
Mc. Pherson, C. S. Steinmetz.
Lincoln, M. J. Steinmetz.
Rosette, C. Schmidli.
Osborne, J. Paulin.
North-west, J. A. Spencer.
Jewell, E. A. Brunei-.
Wayne, C. H. Hartman.
Washington, L. E. Becher.
Leonardville, J. Schmidli.
Swede Creek, F. Harder.
Clay, H. B. Vennum.
MEMORIAL
A. W. Berry
Rev. A. W. Berry was born in the State of Pennsylvania in
the year 1839 and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Doug-
lass, at Concordia, Kan., 1892, aged 53 years.
Brother Berry was a local preacher, not having entered the
active ranks of the ministry in the Kansas Conference. He was
a member of the congregation at Topeka at the time of his death.
His wife preceded him some years.
Susanna Wenger
Susanna Schrack Wenger was born in Wayne County, Ohio,
in the year 1855. When but four years of age her parents moved
to Henry County, Ohio, where Susanna was converted at the age
231
1893
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
of 14 years and united with the Evangelical Association. In the
spring- of 1878 she accompanied her parents to Kansas and settled
in Cloud County, which was then frontier. Here she formed an
acquaintance with Rev. L. Wenger, the young missionary on Jewell
Mission, with whom she was later united in marriage.
Sister Wenger was a devoted Christian, a true helpmate to
her husband in his work, a tender mother in the home, and was
held in the highest esteem by all who knew her. For several years
she was in poor health, but persisted in endeavoring to perform
her duties as best she could. The death of her husband less than
a year prior to her death was a severe stroke to the patient suf-
ferer. She departed this life Jan. 6, 1893, at the age of 37 years,
11 months and 14 days, leaving one daughter and two sons to
mourn the loss of a faithful mother.
Mrs. C. C. Bruner
Mrs. C. C. Bruner was called from labor and earthly suffer-
ing to her heavenly reward during the past year, leaving her hus-
band and motherless children to tread the pathway of life de-
prived of her counsel and help. Sister Bruner was a positive
Christian character, enjoying the religion she professed and also
possessed, and was a great help to her husband in his ministerial
work.
Mrs. M. Walter
Mrs. M. Walter hailed from an Evangelical family where she
was early led to know Christ in the forgiveness of her sins, and
was brought up under religious influence. Becoming the wife of
Rev. M. Walter she was in full accord with him in his ministerial
calling. Her early departure was a severe loss to her sorrowing
husband and little children.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE CONVENTION
During the past year a Young People's Alliance convention
was held at Holton, Kan., and a Conference Branch organized.
Arrangements were made for a Branch convention, to be held
next year where the new work was to be more fully developed
and plans made for more aggressive efforts along the lines of
232
1894
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
young people's activity. At this time there were 29 Alliances,
with a membership of 720 reported, which was a most encourag-
ing increase for the year.
woman's missionary society convention
At a convention of the Woman's Missionary Society, held at
Hiawatha, Kan., Aug. 12, 1892, a Conference Branch was organ-
ized with the following officers: President, Mrs. H. J. Bowman;
Vice-President, Mrs. C. F. Erffmeyer; Recording Secretary, Miss
Lorena Matter; Treasurer, Mrs. C. W. Stauffer.
1894
THIRTIETH SESSION
The thirtieth session of Conference was held in the St. Paul
Church in the village of Preston, Neb., beginning March 15, 1894.
Bishop J. J. Esher presided and P. Schumann served as secretary.
Moses Byers, a local preacher, residing at Newton, Kansas,
died during the year, and C. Emmel, a local preacher, who, for a
number of years stood in the active ranks, withdrew from the
church.
John Nicodemus moved from the bounds of the Conference.
J. Kurtz and P. Fricker -were placed on the supernumerary
list at their request.
C. C. Brunei*, A. Litz, Omer Butler and T. J. Fee received
credentials.
H. E. Bower and W. F. Schuerman were retained in the itine-
rancy without appointment.
Adolph Kerston, T. H. Sutton, C. L. Manshardt and Benj.
Barthel received license to preach.
W. R. Currier, H. E. Bower, J. A. Spencer, H. B. Vennum
and P. G. Nuffer received deacons' orders and were admitted into
the itinerancy, while S. A. Burgert and Omer Butler received
elders' orders.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected Conference trustee for five years,
A. Brunner Conference treasurer for one year, and M. C. Platz
statistical secretary.
Through the "Ways and Means" committee came numerous
requests for aid, which were all the more perplexing because of
the destitute condition of the treasury of the Conference trustees.
233
1894
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
During the past year the mission church debts had increased to
such an extent that the situation was serious in the extreme. Be-
cause of this Conference adopted a plan by which 25 cents per
member should be collected annually on each field of labor until
the heavy burden be lifted. While this plan, when operative,
brought in considerable funds, yet, in the end it failed because so
much of the receipts were consumed in paying interest on the debt,
and at the same time new burdens were thrust upon Conference
by congregations which could not meet their obligations, and
finally other methods had to be resorted to in order to relieve the
situation.
A happy feature of this session of Conference was the re-
port of the missionary treasurer, which showed a balance of $97.29
in the treasury at the close of the year, after all the accounts were
settled. This was a cause for rejoicing since for years the prog-
ress of the work was handicapped because of lack of funds, and at
the same time so much of the missionary receipts had to be ex-
pended for the payment of interest on indebtedness.
Steps were taken to sell the Kansas City, Oak Street, church
property, and locate an English mission in a more suitable part
of the city. A committee was appointed to take the matter in
hand and act to the best of their judgment, reporting their find-
ings to the next session.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Bern Mission shall be changed to a circuit.
Newton District
a. Prairie Queen appointment shall be taken from Derby
Mission and be added to Cambridge Mission.
b. Derby Mission shall be changed to a circuit.
c. Alden and Ellinwood shall be consolidated and called Al-
den Circuit.
Kansas City District
a. Kansas City, Kansas, mission shall be discontinued and
the members transferred to Kansas City, Oak Street.
Abilene District
a. Huscher appointment shall be taken from Alida Circuit
and be added to Wayne Mission.
234
1894
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
b. Minneapolis and Bethel shall be taken from Lincoln and
added to Clay Mission.
c. Wilson and Sylvan Grove shall be taken from Rosette
Mission and added to Lincoln Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount raised for missions in the Kansas Conference
the past year was $7,704.57, and the appropriations for the ensu-
ing year $8,500.00. J. Wuerth was elected delegate to the Board
of Missions and the following officers elected for the Missionary
Society: A. Brunner, president; C. F. Erffmeyer, secretary; and
J. Schmidli, treasurer.
CHURCH EXTENSION
The Church Extension Society reported $558.57 collected dur-
ing the year and $296.00 expended, leaving a balance in the treas-
ury of $262.57. statistics
Conversions, 808; accessions, 800; membership, 5,613; itine-
rant preachers, 62; local preachers, 23; Sunday-schools, 101; offi-
cers and teachers, 1,164; scholars, 5,297; catechetical classes, 32
catechumens, 495; Young People's Alliances, 33; members, 888
churches, 86 ; parsonages, 40 ; Botschafters, 860 ; Messengers, 618
Magazins, 672 ; Epistles, 35 ; Epistle and Teacher, 52.
appointments
Holton District — A. Brunner, P. E. Shelby, M. Walter.
Holton, M. C. Platz. S asgow ', J ' M ^ F iSr ick J? r -
Preston, T. R. Nanninga. Warrensburg, C. Meeder.
Eudora, C Brandt. East Lynn, J. H. Keeler
Atchison Mission, J. Schmidli. Winston, I H Hauptfuehrer.
Atchison Circuit, M. Manshardt. Carthage. H. E. Meyer.
Hiawatha Circuit, J. K. Young. Neivton District— J. J. Kliphardt,
Hiawatha Station, F. M. Peek. p E
Topeka, S. Mueller. „ . . D " "
Falls City, A. Mattill. ^TT' £' ^T i
Bern, H. W. Hartman. Peabody, B J Fennel.
Osage, H. Toedman. Newton, J. W Keiser
Westmoreland, P. G. Nuffer. ^ ates K Center, F Harder
Humboldt and Golden Valley, J. S.
Kansas City District — J. H. Tobias, Miller.
P. E. Dennis, B. H. Hobbs.
Kansas City, Oak St., A. Solt. Cambridge, C. H. Hartman.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. E. Derby, R. R. Brand.
Platz. * Halstead, J. R. Nanninga.
Leavenworth, C. W. Stauffer. Hutchinson, E. Brown.
Oregon Circuit and Mission, A. E. Alden, D. Swart.
Flickinger. Offerle, S. A. Burgert.
Platte River, J. F. Schreiber. Orlando, Okl., J. Beck.
St. Joseph, J. Neuffer. Dover, Okla., J. F. Oyer.
235
1894
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Abilene District — C. F. Erffmeyer, Rosette, M. J. Steinmetz.
P. E. Osborne, C. Schmidli.
North-west, J. A. Spencer.
Abilene, C. S. Steinmetz. Jewell, G. J. Schumacher.
Alida, C. Linge. Wayne, E. A. Bruner.
Marion, H. S. Bower and J. Paulin. Washington, L. E. Becher.
Canada, W. F. Wolthausen. Leonardville, J. Wuerth.
McPherson, D. R. Zellner. Swede Creek, P. Schumann.
Wilson and Lincoln, W. R. Currier. Clay, H. B. Vennum.
INDUSTRY
In 1891-1892, Rev. A. Solt, who was serving Alida, under
direction of his presiding elder, J. H. Tobias, began to preach in
a hall over one of the stores in Industry, Kansas. At the time
a number of "Freethinkers," who lived in and around the little
village, became very much incensed at the audacity of the "sky
pilots" who ventured to disturb their long uninterrupted peace
by preaching the hated Gospel in their midst. In order to coun-
teract the influence of the Christian people and their efforts among
them they would enter the hall on Sunday morning before the peo-
ple gathered for Sunday-school and service, and scatter their poi-
sonous literature throughout the room, upon the stairway, and
around the building in order to catch as many of the unwary as
possible and poison the minds of the children and young people
into whose hands the leaflets might fall. In spite of this persistent
effort on the part of the enemy to oppose the work of the Lord,
the cause of Christ triumphed, and they gradually declined and
vanished.
A small class was organized in 1891 by A. Solt, composed
of the following members: M. R. Green and wife, Mrs. Jacob
Gibbs, Mrs. Hill, Miss Cora Hill and Miss Dora Hill. There is no
record available of the first officers of the organization.
A Sunday-school was organized at trJs time with M. R.
Green, superintendent.
In the spring of 1892 H. B. Vennum was assigned to Industry
who succeeded in building a church the following year at a cost
of $1,500.00. He also started a Young People's Alliance, which
later lapsed, but was reorganized in 1908 by Rev. C. J. Eiselein.
Unfortunately there is no record of the officers of the Young Peo-
ple's Alliance or of the Woman's Missionary Society, which was
organized in 1908 by Mrs. C. J. Eiselein.
The following bit of history, which describes the early status
of the community from a spiritual standpoint, is from the pen of
Rev. W. L. Zabel, pastor at Industry in 1914:
236
1895
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
"There were times when the Free Thinkers would hold public
meetings to interfere with the service held in the church, and to
propagate their teaching. On one occasion while Rev. J. A. Spen-
cer was pastor there, and was engaged in a meeting, these 'evil-
doers' secured a lecturer to speak in the hall while services were
being held in the church. Brother Spencer urged the people to
pray earnestly to God that he would frustrate the plans of the
enemy and bring to naught the endeavors of infidelity. That night
the lecturer was so confused that he could not deliver his lecture,
and went home ashamed of his effort and failure.
"There are only a few of those 'evil-doers' left today. One
of them died a glutton and was found after he was dead two days.
Another one who sought notoriety was hardly recognized in the
weekly paper when he died. Another one repented three months
before he died, and was saved as a brand plucked from the burn-
ing. Only two remain at the present time. One is a drunk-
ard, the other was a saloon-keeper in Industry during the days
of the joints, and is a heavy drinker, dying of paralysis, after be-
ing an invalid for thirteen years. Truly the way of the trans-
gressor is hard."
1895
THIRTY-FIRST SESSION
The 31st session of Conference was held at Clearfield (for-
merly Captain's Creek) , Douglas County, Kansas, beginning March
21, 1895, with Bishop S. C. Breyfogel chairman, and Peter Schu-
mann secretary.
H. B. McBride died during the year, and August Zoeller,
W. H. H. Isgrigg, J. E. Dreisbach and J. M. Hubbard withdrew
from the church, the latter two irregularly.
By request J. Kurtz and J. F. Schreiber were placed on the
superannuated list after many years of faithful service, the latter
having served in the active work since the beginning of mission-
ary operations in Kansas and Nebraska in 1858, having been a
charter member of Conference, and the first duly elected presid-
ing elder. The following deserved tribute was paid to him by the
Conference in which he offered up his life and talent:
"Inasmuch as our worthy Brother J. F. Schreiber found it
necessary during the year to withdraw from the active work be-
237
1895
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
cause of failing health, and his physical condition not permitting
him to remain in the ranks any longer, and since the dear brother
has served without interruption for 40 years among us as a godly
and useful servant of the Lord, experiencing great hardships and
poverty in the early years of the work, yet laboring on faithfully
in the saving of souls and building up the kingdom of Jesus Christ,
therefore resolved, that we regret that Brother Schreiber is com-
pelled to take this step, and that we wish him a happy and peace-
ful evening of life, and trusting he may be able to meet with us
from year to year in our Conference sessions."
J. Neuffer and J. W. Reiser were retained in the itinerancy
kithout appointment.
The brethren G. J. Harbes, C. F. Iwig, F. E. Smith and J. B.
Gresser received license to preach.
C. Schmidli received deacon's orders and A. Solt elder's or-
ders.
M. C. Platz was elected presiding elder and the following
district assignments were made: Holton District, A. Brunner;
Kansas City District, J. H. Tobias; Newton District, M. C. Platz;
Abilene District, C. F. Erffmeyer.
J. J. Kliphardt reported that the charter of Union Biblical
Institute had been so changed that the Kansas Conference had now
become a member of the compact and was entitled to representa-
tion on the trustee board, whereupon J. J. Kliphardt was elected
trustee of North-Western College and Union Biblical Institue for
three years.
J. H. Tobias was elected Conference trustee for five years,
A. Brunner Conference treasurer for one year and C. W. Stauffer
statistical secretary for one year.
The committee appointed a year previous to sell the Kansas
City Oak Street church and locate an English mission in another
part of the city reported that in view of the depreciation of real
estate value in the city the committee deemed it unwise to sell
the property at this time, and since the church attendance at Oak
St. had increased materially during the year, they deemed it best
not to change the mission at present.
INSURANCE COMPANY
An insurance company against loss by fire and storm was
organized at this time under the name of "The Mutual Benevolent
Aid Society." A constitution was adopted, and the following
238
1895
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
board of directors elected: C. F. Erffmeyer, A. Brunner, J. H.
Tobias, M. C. Platz, J. J. Kliphardt, J. Wuerth and M. Manshardt.
This society rendered valuable service in the Conference for many
years when through various modifications of the insurance laws
in the several states in which the Conference was doing work, it
became impossible to meet the requirements of the law, and the
society was necessitated to disband. Churches, parsonages and
personal property of ministers and their families could insure
on the mutual assessment plan.
The following brethren were elected delegtaes to General
Conference, to be held at Elgin, Illinois, in the month of October:
A. Brunner, J. H. Tobias, J. J. Kliphardt, C. F. Erffmever and
M. C. Platz.
A large number of fields failed to respond to the 25 cents per
member plan for church debts of the Kansas Conference, so that
action was taken to give the delinquents another opportunity to
raise their assessment and in case of a second failure they shall
be reported to the next Annual Conference.
Again a large number of appeals was made to Conference
for aid from needy friends of labor in order to relieve them from
the pressing debts resting upon their church property. Topeka
earnestly prayed for help in order to secure a church building, in
which to hold their regular services, as the hall they were using
was not only inadequate, but a detriment to the development of
the work. A committee was appointed with instructions to pro-
ceed with the erection of a church, the cost however not to exceed
$3,000.00.
The matter of mission church debts was becoming alarming.
It was evident that in the near future something must be done to
relieve the Conference of this oppressive burden which had be-
come one of the serious problems hampering the work on every
hand.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Coal Creek shall be taken from Atchison Circuit and
formed into Coal Creek Station. The rest of Atchison Circuit shall
be called Camp Creek Mission.
Kansas City District
a. Denver shall be taken from Winston Mission and added
to Platte River Circuit.
239
1895
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
b. Benton shall be taken from Oregon Circuit and added to
Oregon Mission.
c. Mound City shall be taken up and served with Oregon
Mission.
Newton District
a. Cambridge shall be added to Derby Circuit.
Abilene District
a. Bethel, Sugarville and Center shall be taken from Clay
Mission and added to Minneapolis Mission.
b. Banner City and Maple Grove shall be detached from
Marion and be joined to Abilene.
The following resolution was adopted relative to the Young
People's Alliance:
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE
Regarding the young people's organizations as a connecting
link between the church and Sunday-school we would say: Hail,
welcome, thou youthful hero; though young in years, yet your
borders have been extended. Therefore we would recommend
that in the several societies where there are as yet no organizations
such shall be effected as soon as possible.
MISSIONS
The amount of $7,212.27 was raised for Kansas Conference
missions, and $8,370.00 was appropriated for the ensuing year,
of which amount $800.00 was appropriated by the General Treas-
ury.
A. Brunner was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the following officers were elected for the coming year: A. Brun-
ner, president ; C. F. Erffmeyer, secretary ; and J. Schmidli, treas-
urer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 971; accessions, 1,071; membership, 5,936; itin-
erant preachers, 59; local preachers, 23; churches, 89; parson-
ages, 40; Sunday-schools, 109; officers and teachers, 1,234; schol-
ars, 6,402; catechetical classes, 30; catechumens, 462; Young Peo-
ple's Alliances, 42; members, 1,259; Botschafters, 848; Messen-
gers, 632; Magazins, 731; Epistles, 24; Epistle and Teacher, 61;
Missionary Messengers, 135; total for missions, $7,701.34.
240
1895
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — A. B runner, P. E.
Holton, J. J. Kliphardt.
Eudora, C. Brandt and C. F. Iwig.
Atchison, J. Schmidli.
Camp Creek, A. Rodewald.
Hiawatha Circuit, J. K. Young.
Hiawatha Station, C. H. Hartman
Topeka, S. Mueller.
Falls City, W. F. Wolthausen.
Bern, H. W. Hartman.
Preston, T. R. Nanninga.
Osage, H. Toedman.
Westmoreland, P. G. Nuffer.
Coal Creek, M. Manshardt.
Kansas City District — J. H. Tobias,
P. E.
Kansas City, Oak St., A. Solt.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. E.
Platz.
Leavenworth, C. W. Stauffer.
Oregon Circuit, A. E. Flickinger.
Oregon Mission, to be supplied.
Platte River. A. Mattill and supply.
St. Joseph, B. Barthell under presid-
ing elder.
Shelby, M. Walter.
Glasgow, J. M. Fricker.
Warrensburar, H. E. Bower.
East Lynn, J. H. Keeler.
Winston, I. H. Hauptfuehrer.
Carthage, to be supplied.
Xeivton District — M. C. Platz, P. E.
Emporia, C. Meeder.
Peabody, F. M. Peek.
Newton, H. E. Meyer.
Yates Center, F. Harder.
Humboldt and Golden Valley, J. S.
Miller.
Dennis, B. H. Hobbs.
Derby and Cambridge, R. R. Brand
and G. J. Harbes.
Halstead, J. R. Nanninga.
Hutchinson, E. Brown.
Alden, D. Swart.
Offerle. H. S. Bower.
Orlando, J. Beck and supply, F. E.
Smith.
Dover, J. F. Oyer.
Abilene District — C. F. Erffmeyer,
P. E.
Abilene, C. S. Steinmetz and F. Schu-
macher.
Alida, D. R. Zellner.
Marion, B. J. Fehnel.
Canada, C. Linge.
McPherson, W. F. Schuerman.
Wilson and Lincoln, W. R. Currier
and supply.
Rosette, M. J. Steinmetz.
Osborne, C. Schmidli.
North-west, S. A. Burgert.
Jewell, G. J. Schumacher.
Wayne, E. A. Bruner.
Washington, L. E. Becher.
Leonardville, J. Wuerth.
Swede Creek, P. Schumann.
Clay, A. J. Spencer.
Minneapolis, H. B. Vennum.
COAL CREEK STATION
Early in the sixties there located along the head of Coal Creek,
in Jefferson County, Kansas, about four miles north of where the
present church building stands, the families, Gottlieb Roll, Her-
man Cambach, Jacob Oxenbein and Jacob Weber, who had all
been members of the Evangelical Association in the East.
During the year 1864 M. J. Miller, presiding elder, living
at Leavenworth, came in touch with the settlers in Jefferson Co.,
and preached for them. Through his labors Kasper Abbuehl and
wife were led to conversion. They were the first fruits of the
Evangelical Association at Coal Creek, and for many years there-
after pillars of the church. Their home and service was always
at the disposal of her ministers. This was Brother Miller's last
241
1895
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
year of service in Kansas, and he was succeeded by S. W. McKes-
son in the spring of 1865, when Coal Creek was attached to Hol-
ton. Brother McKesson organized a class with the following
charter members : Rev. C. Emmel (local preacher) and wife, Chris-
tian Stauffer (local preacher) and wife, Herman Cambach and
wife, and Kasper Abbuehl and wife. To this number were added
later Jacob Oxenbein and wife, and John Weber and wife. Rev.
C. Emmel was chosen class-leader, and Rev. Christian Stauffer
exhorter.
The services were now held in the little brown school house
in the community, which was used for this purpose until 1882,
when the school district, whose board of directors were all staunch
Evangelicals, erected a large, beautiful and substantial stone
building, equipped with a belfry and large church bell, which was
to call the people of the community together for worship as well
as the children on week days for study. Although this build-
ing was considered large and adequate for church service for
many years to come, it became soon evident that such was not the
case, and the accommodation for 100 persons was not sufficient
for the numbers who desired to attend the meetings. Hence four
years later steps were taken to build a church under the supervi-
sion of Rev. C. Emmel, local preacher, while F. Harder and R.
R. Brand served the Atchison Circuit, to which Coal Creek ap-
pointment at the time belonged. The new church was dedicated
in June, 1886, by Rev. H. Mattill, presiding elder. A Sunday-
school was organized in 1866, of which Rev. C. Emmel was chosen
superintendent.
Coal Creek appointment was frequently transferred from one
field of labor to another during the earlier years of its history
until it finally became a self-supporting charge. Originally it be-
longed to Leavenworth Mission, but in 1865 was transferred to
Holton, in 1866 to Atchison Mission, and in 1869 back to Holton.
In 1884 it was attached to Wolf River Circuit, and in 1885 again
to Holton. In 1886 it was annexed to Atchison Circuit, where it re-
mained till 1895, when it became self-supporting as Coal Creek Sta-
tion.
A young people's organization was formed in 1887 by Rev. A.
Yockel before the Young People's Alliance was in existence. This
society was later merged into the Young People's Alliance move-
ment, and Coal Creek Young People's Alliance became one of the
first organizations of the kind in the Conference.
242
1896
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
CAMP CREEK
The early Evangelical missionaries found members of the
church scattered throughout Leavenworth and Atchison counties.
It appears that M. J. Miller, the first missionary in Leavenworth,
already came in touch with the pioneers at Camp Creek, as well as
at other points in the counties mentioned. Camp Creek was for-
merly identified with Monrovia.
At the first Conference session held, in 1865, we read the
rollowing: "Camp Creek appointment shall be taken from Leaven-
worth Mission and be added to Holton Mission." Prior to this
the brethren M. J. Miller, R. Dubs and J. F. Schreiber respectively
had served Leavenworth, and were no doubt the men who first min-
istered to the early settlers in this vicinity. This year the work
being added to Holton, it was served by S. W. McKesson. In the
spring of 1866 Atchison Mission was formed and Camp Creek ap-
pointment was added to the new mission, which was now given
to C. Timmer, who, during the year, organized a class, of which
John Schmidt was elected class-leader, and Rudolph Meyer ex-
horter. A Sunday-school was started at the time of the organiza-
tion, of which Ulrich Laufer was elected superintendent.
Though the beginning was small those early settlers experi-
enced great joy when the missionaries came to them in their soli-
tude and poverty to bring them the consolation of the Gospel of
peace, with which to satisfy their hungering souls. In 1883, dur-
ing the pastorate of D. R. Zellner, a neat country church was
built, which was dedicated by J. Wuerth, presiding elder, and in
which, two years later, the Annual Conference session was held.
A Young People's Alliance was organized in 1896, and a
Woman's Missionary Society in 1904. Mrs. George Volk was
chosen president of the latter. Camp Creek was for many years
one of the rural strongholds in the Conference, whose influence was
felt in every part of the Conference territory. It was formed into
a mission at the Conference session of 1895.
1896
THIRTY-SECOND SESSION
Conference met in the Platte River Church near Cosby, Mo.,
March 19, 1896, to hold her 32nd session with Bishop J. J. Esher
in the chair and P. Schumann secretary.
243
1896
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
M. J. Steinmetz and J. W. Keiser were retained in the itin-
erancy without appointment.
Sam'l Fricker, Geo. Yenser, F. F. Linden and Chas. Under-
koffler received license to preach.
Jacob Maurer was reinstated in the Conference as a local
elder.
J. F. Oyer received deacon's orders, and W. R. Currier, J. A.
Spencer, P. G. Nuffer and H. B. Vennum elders' orders.
F. P. Schumacher, J. H. Kiplinger and J. F. Oyer were re-
ceived into the itinerancy.
A. Brunner, J. J. Kliphardt and J. H. Tobias were elected
presiding elders. They were stationed as follows: Holton Dis-
trict, J. J. Kliphardt; Kansas City District, A. Brunner; Newton
District, M. C. Platz ; Abilene District, J. H. Tobias.
M. C. Platz was elected Conference trustee for five years,
C. W. Stauffer statistical secretary for one year, and A. Brunner
Conference treasurer for one year.
J. Wuerth, J. H. Tobias and C. Linge were appointed Con-
ference historians.
The Correspondence College and Reading Circle, recently in-
augurated in the church, received the endorsement of Conference,
with the assurance of co-operation in advancing the cause.
BOUNDARIES
Kansas City District
a. Mound City and Benton shall be taken from Oregon Mis-
sion and added to Oregon Circuit.
b. Nickel's Grove shall be taken from Oregon Circuit and
added to Oregon Mission.
c. The appointment on 28th Street, Kansas City, Mo., shall
be taken from Highland Avenue and form a new mission, to be
called Cherry Street Mission.
Neivton District
a. Enterprise, Hope and St. Paul appointments shall be taken
from Dover Mission and form Waukomis Mission.
b. The English appointments shall be taken from Orlando
Mission and be formed into Good Hope Mission.
c. Cambridge and Derby Missions shall be separated.
244
1896
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Abilene District
a. The appointments south of Abilene shall be taken from
Abilene Mission and added to Minneapolis Mission.
b. Swede Creek Circuit was changed to Swede Creek Station
by request of her Quarterly Conference.
MISSIONS
The amount of $6,707.48 was raised for missions in the Kan-
sas Conference the past year, and $8,000.00 appropriated for the
ensuing year. Of this amount $500.00 was allowed by the Gen-
eral Treasury. A deficit of $609.42 was reported in the mission-
ary treasury at the close of the year. A. Brunner was elected del-
egate to the Board of Missions, and the following brethren were
elected officers of the society: A. Brunner, president; C. F. ErfF-
meyer, secretary; and J. Schmidli, treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 1,003; accessions, 975; membership, 6,147; itin-
erant preachers, 65 ; local preachers, 25 ; churches, 93 ; parsonages,
40; Sunday-schools, 107; officers and teachers, 1,314; scholars,
6,386 ; catechetical classes, 29 ; catechumens, 447 ; Young People's
Alliances, 51; members, 1,514; Botschafters, 837; Messengers,
624 ; Epistles, 27 ; total for missions, $8,243.30.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. J. Kliphardt, Leavenworth, J. Schmidli.
P. E. Oregon Circuit, A. E. Flickinger.
Holton, C. W. Stauffer. Oregon Mission, J H .Kip linger.
PrestoA, T. R. Nanninga. ^ at T te Rl 7 er A ^ ^ at * lU and ^PP^
Eudora, C. Brandt and C. F. Iwig. ft. Joseph, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Atchison, J. Wuerth. Shelby, J M Fricker.
Camp Creek, A. Rodewald. w g ° W> K ir ^
Hiawatha Circuit, G. J. Schumacher. Warrensburg, H. E Bower.
Hiawatha Station, C. H. Hartman. East Lynn, C. S. Stemmetz.
Topeka, J. Neuffer. Winston, I H Hauptfuehrer.
Falls City, W. F. Wolthausen. Carthage, J. B. Gresser.
£ ern ' «' o V , alt ^;. Newton District— M. C. Platz, P. E.
Osasre, C. Schmidli. -c, ,-, ,, ,
Westmoreland, H. Toedman. g" 1 ? ^' £' 3%^
Coal Creek, P. G. Nuffer. Peabody, F. M. Peek.
Newton, D. Swart.
Kansas City District— A. Brunner, J ate l ?J? ter ',* F o I ^ rder <i7 n t a
a p it. ' Humboldt and Golden Valley, J. 8.
F - "" Miller.
Kansas City, Oak St., A. Solt. Dennis, B. H. Hobbs.
Kansas City, Cherry St., B. Barthel. Derby, H. E. Meyer.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., S. Muel- Cambridge, G. J. Harbes.
ler. Halstead, J. R. Nanninga,
245
1896
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Hutchinson, E. Brown. Canada, C. Linge.
Alden, R. R. Brand. McPherson, W. F. Schuerman.
Offerle, H. S. Bower. Wilson, F. P. Schumacher.
Orlando, Okla., J. Beck. Rosette, J. H. Keeler.
Dover, Okla., J. F. Oyer. Osborne, L. E. Becher.
Good Hope, F. E. Smith. North-west, S. A. Burgert.
Waukomis, F. F. Linden. Jewell, J. K. Young.
Wayne, E. A. Bruner.
Abilene District— J. H. Tobias, P. E. Washington, H. W. Hartman.
Leonardville, M. Manshardt.
Abilene, H. B. Vennum. Swede Creek, P. Schumann.
Alida, D. R. Zellner. Clay, J. A. Spencer.
Marion, B. J. Fehnel. Minneapolis, W. R. Currier.
MARION
In 1889 W. F. Schuerman and B. H. Hobbs were stationed on
Marion Mission, which comprised the appointments Lincolnville,
Lost Springs, and various country points. Up to this time there
was no appointment in the town of Marion, although members of
the Evangelical Association had located there and others con-
templated moving there. During the year the brethren Schuerman
and Hobbs occasionally preached in the Baptist Church in Marion
on Sunday afternoon to our people who already lived there. Later
a regular appointment was taken up and served by the brethren
and their successors, but an organization was not effected till
1835, when B. J. Fehnel served the work. The charter members
were the families of S. W. Pierce, C. E. Pierce and the children
of Valentine Jacobs. Of the newly formed little class, C. E. Pierce
was elected class-leader, and S. W. Pierce steward.
At the same time a Sunday-school was organized with C. E.
Pierce superintendent. It is unfortunate that the early records
have been lost, so that not more historical data can be secured.
A Young People's Alliance was organized in 1901, of which Mrs.
H. J. Buschlen was chosen president. The following year a Wom-
an's Missionary Society was started with Mrs. W. C. Johnson,
president.
In 1901 a church was built during the pastorate of W. C.
Johnson at a cost of $2,100.00, which was dedicated by D. Swart,
presiding elder. This was remodeled and enlarged in 1913, dur-
ing the pastorate of E. E. Erffmeyer, at an expense of $2,500.00,
and the building rededicated by Bishop S. P. Spreng.
The following account of the origin and development of the
work was furnished by E. E. Erffmeyer:
"Our Marion Society is constituted largely of members of our
church from surrounding points in the county. The Pierce fam-
246
Bishop S. P. Spreng.
Fiftieth Anniversary, Kansas Conference, Evangelical Association.
1914.
1896
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
ily from Youngstown, the Good, and Siebert families and others
from Canada, Kan. We owe our existence in Marion today largely
to the loyalty and perseverance of Father S. W. Pierce and his
family. Father and Mother Pierce and their children and grand-
children now constitute over one-third of the present member-
ship of 102.
"Before the building of the church under the leadership of
Rev. W. C. Johnson in 1901 our society worshiped wherever they
found a place. Beginning in the Baptist Church they worshiped
consecutively at the Methodist, the Free Methodist Church, and
a hall on Main Street. There was much opposition to our efforts
to establish ourselves in Marion on the part of some of the towns-
people, but our growth and standing in the community at the pres-
ent time is a vindication of our right to be here."
HOLTON
During recent years the congregation at Holton made com-
mendable progress. In the winter of 1891, during the pastorate of
F. Harder, the service of evangelist J. F. Grob was secured, who
was instrumental in leading a great many into the experience of
holiness, thus establishing them in the grace of God, and making
them more useful in the kingdom of Christ on earth. In 1894 the
society felt the need of a larger and more suitable church building
in which to properly develop. Hence the old building was sold
and removed and steps taken to erect a new building on the old
site. The membership at this time numbered 175 persons, who
were mostly in moderate circumstances, with some poor among
them. A failure of crops made the undertaking all the more haz-
ardous, however, possessed with a disposition to proceed, the way
soon opened and the project was carried to completion.
The building committee consisted of Wm. Strohwig, Rev. P.
Fricker, M. C. Platz, George Haag, Henry Schirmer and M. F.
Gabel. The entire cost of the building, with furniture, exclusive
of the hauling of materials, which was donated, was $6,884.75.
Every department of the congregation manifested a disposition
to work. Great was the joy of all when Bishop J. J. Esher ded-
icated the church free of debt Jan. 21, 1895.
LONE STAR, HIAWATHA CIRCUIT
Lone Star appointment (now Victory) was organized in 1886
by Rev. Wm. Daeschner. Matthew Schaible was the first class-
247
1896
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
leader, and Father Schmidt the first steward. A Sunday-school
was organized in 1890 and a Young People's Alliance in 1896.
A church was built in 1895 at a cost of $1,620.00, which was dedi-
cated by Rev. J. H. Tobias. This building was destroyed in 1903
by fire, caused by lightning, but was replaced by a new building
which was dedicated by C. F. Erffmeyer, presiding elder.
FIRST CAMP-MEETING IN OKLAHOMA
During the past year (August, 1895) the first camp-meeting
in Oklahoma was held in a grove near Dover. There were several
tents on the ground and two families, who came from the vicinity
of Waukomis, camped in wagons. The ministerial brethren pres-
ent were J. R. Nanninga of Halstead, Kans., J. Beck of Orlando,
Okla., J. F. Oyer, the pastor, and M. C. Platz, the presiding elder.
The meeting was annoyed a good deal and the results curtailed
by a local condition of a peculiar character. During the month
of May preceding the camp-meeting a train robbery had been com-
mitted at the railway station just a half mile away, while the night
train stopped there to take water. Suspicion rested upon a party
of that community, and during the summer months detectives
were gathering evidence to that effect. At the time of the be-
ginning of the meeting the officers attempted the arrest of the
suspect who was evidently on his guard, and after several shots
were exchanged the robber escaped through a back door from the
house in which he was hiding to a corn field and got away, how-
ever, not without being wounded. Excitement now ran high
throughout the community. A United States deputy was con-
stantly on or near the camp ground, which was made the head-
quarters for information. In addition to this the president of the
Anti-Horse Thief Association, who was one of our members and
principal workers, was in almost constant demand for consulta-
tion. On Sunday several young men brought the train robber's
horse, which he forsook when he fled, to the camp ground for ex-
hibition. All this tended to increase the intense excitement al-
ready existing, so that it was well nigh impossible to reach the
minds of the people with the Gospel.
All kinds of wild rumors were reported at the camp-meeting
headquarters to the effect that several desperadoes were at large
in the community and depredations were almost certain to be
perpetrated at most any time. Most of these rumors were un-
248
1897
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
doubtedly exaggerated, but it resulted in the people fearing to
go out at night so that we had but few in attendance at our even-
ing services. On Sunday afternoon the officers finally caught their
man, after chasing him several days, and lodged him in the jail
at Hennessey, where he later died from his wounds.
In addition to all this the pastor complained of feeling ill,
and remained at home so that we were deprived of his presence
and assistance. Although we did not accomplish what we desired,
yet the meeting was not in vain. Some visible results were
achieved, and the work of the church was established. Two fami-
lies, Richard Kretchmar and Cris. Brauser, came from the vicin-
ity of Waukomis to attend the meeting and were a great help. We
also made arrangements to have preaching in their respective com-
munities, five miles northeast of Waukomis, and seven miles west
of town, where the foundatioin was laid for Waukomis Mission,
which was organized the following year.
The next year another camp-meeting was held at the same
place under more favorable circumstances and with greater visible
results.
1897
THIRTY-THIRD SESSION
Conference held her 33rd. session at Yates Center, Kansas,
beginning March 18,1897, Bishop Wm. Horn, presiding, and P.
Schumann serving as secretary.
J. F. Schreiber and Christian Stauffer were called from labor
to reward during the past year.
S. Mueller was placed on the list of local elders and J. W.
Keiser on the supernumerary list.
J. F. Oyer and F. P. Schumacher received credentials, and
D. R. Zellner, H. S. Bower, John Beck and E. Brown were retained
in the itinerancy without appointment.
License to preach was granted to Chas. Eiselein, W. S. Hen-
ninger, G. W. Weidemeier and Sam'l Breithaupt.
The brethren B. Barthel, F. P. Schumacher, G. J. Harbes, F.
E. Smith and C. F. Iwig received deacons' orders, and H. E. Bower
and C. Schmidli elders' orders.
J. Wuerth was elected Conference trustee for five years, B. H.
Hobbs statistical secretary for one year, and A. Brunner Confer-
ence treasurer for one year.
249
1897
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
A deficit of $700.00 for the Conference Missionary Society was
reported, whereupon it was resolved, that an earnest effort should
be made to raise sufficient money through the Sunday-schools to
pay the deficit, by setting apart the collection on the first Sunday in
each month for said purpose in all our schools. This plan worked
most admirably and became a fixed custom in nearly all the schools.
By this means a large amount of missionary money annually flowed
into the treasury.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Deer Creek appointment shall be taken from Eudora Cir-
cuit and formed into a separate mission, to be called Deer Creek
Mission.
Kansas City District
a. Cherry Street Mission in Kansas City, Mo., shall be dis-
continued.
Newton District
a. Orlando and Good Hope Missions shall be served together,
also Dover and Waukomis Missions.
Abilene District
a. Alida Circuit and Clay Mission shall be served together.
b. The appointment Long Grove shall be taken from Lincoln
Mission and added to Wilson Mission, and Lincoln Mission shall
be discontinued.
c. Rosette and Wilson Missions shall be served together.
FINANCIAL STRINGENCY
A financial stringency existing at this time, compelled Con-
ference to retrench her activities because of lack of funds to carry
on the work. Some fields were discontinued, others were consoli-
dated, and still others left unsupplied, not because there was a
lack of men, or of open doors, but because there was not sufficient
money available to employ ail the men who applied for work.
The brunt of this misfortune fell upon the work in Western Kan-
sas and in Oklahoma, where doors had opened and whence re-
peated appeals came to the Conference for attention. Many golden
opportunities, which never returned, had to be turned away be-
cause of existing conditions.
250
1897
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
MISSIONS
The amount of $6,968.19 was collected for missions in the
Conference the past year, and $7,275.00 was appropriated for the
ensuing year. In addition to the deficit already existing in the
missionary treasury, the Board of Missions found it necessary,
because of similar conditions regarding her treasury, to cut off
all support to the Kansas Conference and make her self-support-
ing. Being thrown upon her own resources at such a critical
time, it called forth the best of her strength and vigor to meet
the issue. Undaunted by difficulties and discouragements, she
rose to the occasion and triumphed over every hindrance, so that
at the end of the following year the deficit was reduced to less
than $200.00, and finally wiped out completely.
A. Brunner was again elected delegate to the Board of Mis-
sions, and the following officers to the society were elected: A.
Brunner, president; C. F. Erffmeyer, secretary; and J. Schmidli,
treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 702; accessions, 805; membership, 6,233; itin-
erant preachers, 64 ; local preachers, 30 ; churches, 98 ; parsonages,
42; Sunday-schools, 110; officers and teachers, 1,310; scholars,
6,726; catechetical classes, 31; catechumens, 496; Young People's
Alliances, 52; members, l t 523; Botschafters, 826; Messengers,
634 ; Magazins, 543 ; Epistles, 21 ; total for missions, $10,892.70.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. J. Kliphardt, P. E. Leavenworth, J. Schmidli.
Holton, C. W. Stauffer. Oregon Circuit, A. E. Flickinger.
Preston, T. R. Nanninga. Oregon Mission, A. Solt.
Eudora, C. Brandt. Platte River, A. Mattill.
Deer Creek, C. F. Iwig. St. Joseph, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Atchison, J. Wuerth. Shelby, J. M. Fricker.
Camp Creek, A. Rodewald. Glasgow, B. Barthel.
Hiawatha Circuit, G. J. Schumacher. Warrensburg, H. E. Bower.
Hiawatha Station, I. H. Hauptfueh- East Lynn, C. S. Steinmstz and sup-
rer. ply-
Topeka, J. Neuffer. Winston, J. H. Kiplinger.
Falls City, W. F. Wolthausen. Carthage, J. B. Gresser.
Bern, M. Walter.
Osage, C. Schmidli. Newton District — M. C. Platz, P. E.
Westmoreland, H. Toedman. Emporia, C. Meeder.
Coal Creek, P. G. Nuffer. Peabody, F. M. Peek.
Kansas City District — A. Brunner, Yates Center F. Harder
P - E - Humboldt and Golden Valley, M. J.
Kansas City, Highland, C. E. Platz. Steinmetz.
Kansas City, Oak St., S. Breithaupt. Dennis, B. H. Hobbs.
251
1897
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Derby, H. E. Meyer. Marion, B. J. Fehnel.
Cambridge, F. E. Smith. Canada, C. Linge.
Halstead, J. S. Miller. McPherson, J. A. Spencer.
Hutchinson, H. B. Vennum. Rosette, J. H. Keeler.
Alden, R. R. Brand. Wilson, C. J. Eiselein.
Offerle, G. J. Harbes. Osborne, L. E. Becher.
Orlando and Good Hope, J. R. Nan- North-west, S. A. Burgert.
ninga. Jewell, J. K. Young.
Dover and Waukomis, F. F. Linden. Wayne, E. A. Bruner.
. . Washington, H. W. Hartman.
Abilene District— J. H. Tobias, P. E. Leonardville, M. Manshardt.
Abilene,C. H. Hartman. Swede Creek, P. Schumann.
Alida and Clay, W. F. Schuerman. Minneapolis, W. R. Currier.
MEMORIAL
J. F. Schreiber
At this time we are necessitated to record the death of an-
other pioneer and charter member who closed a long and exceed-
ingly useful life in the Kansas Conference.
J. F. Schreiber was born April 2nd, 1832, in Baden, Ger-
many. In 1847, when he was a lad of 15 years, his parents came
to America and located in Stephenson County, 111., where he was
led to conversion and united with the Evangelical Association.
In 1855 he was licensed to preach by the Illinois Confer-
ence, held at Northfield, Cook Co., 111., under the chairmanship
of Bishop Joseph Long. When in 1858 the call was made for
missionaries to Kansas and Nebraska, young Brother Schreiber
volunteered to go. He was assigned by the Illinois Conference as
missionary to Nebraska, whither he journeyed in company with
Brother C. Berner, who was at the same time assigned mission-
ary to Kansas.
Prior to the organization of the Kansas Conference in 1864
Brother Schreiber served principally in the State of Iowa under
the direction of the Iowa Conference, which was organized in
1860, but when in 1864 the Kansas Conference was organized at
Dubuque, Iowa, and the assignment made for the newly formed
Conference, J. F. Schreiber was stationed on Leavenworth and
Lawrence Missions in Kansas. The following year at the first ses-
sion he was elected presiding elder, thus becoming the first min-
ister elected to this office by the Kansas Conference. He was one
of the early leaders and wielded a strong influence in the forma-
tion of the organization, which continued throughout his long min-
istry of 37 years in the active work. During this time he served
the church and Conference in various offices. He served two terms
252
1897
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
as presiding elder, and as delegate to General Conference in 1867,
1887 and 1891, being also the first representative to General Con-
ference. He was the first president of the Conference Mission-
ary Society, which was formed at the first session in 1865. He
was deeply interested in the progress and development of Christ's
Kingdom. Wherever a trust was committed to him he performed
his duty conscientiously and faithfully.
In 1860 he was married to Maria Fisher in Jasper County,
Iowa, who proved a true helpmeet to him in his ministerial work.
She, with three sons and four daughters, survive him. On Sep-
tember 16, 1896, his pilgrimage ceased, his weary spirit took its
flight to higher realms, to be with the One who gave it, to whom
he had dedicated his life and powers. His body was laid away
in the cemetery at Leonardville, Riley County, Kan., to await the
resurrection call.
Christian Stauffer
Christian Stauffer was born in the State of Pennsylvania,
where he grew to manhood and was converted to Christ, after
which he united with the Evangelical Association. He received
license to preach the Gospel by the Pittsburg Conference in 1869.
After spending two years in the active work in this Conference
he moved to Eastern Missouri, within the bounds of the Kansas
Conference, in 1875, where he preached one year and then located.
Brother Stauffer was ever ready to do all in his power to extend
the kingdom of his Master and was instrumental in laying the
foundation and building up the cause of the Evangelical Asso-
ciation in Shelby County, Mo., where he resided. In addition to
his own service he gave to the ministry and the Kansas Confer-
ence one of his sons, C. W. Stauffer, who up to the time of his
death, a few years later, was a useful and influential member of
that body.
WAUKOMIS, OKLAHOMA
During the year 1895 the revival fires burned brightly on
Dover Mission, and their influence was carried to distant points.
The work was extended across the borders of the "Cherokee Strip"
into Garfield County, in the neighborhood of Waukomis, and Drum-
mond. Appointments were taken up at Rock Creek school house,
south-east of Waukomis; Enterprise school house, seven miles
west of Waukomis ; and another point at a school house, four miles
north-east of Waukomis, near the home of Richard Kretchmar.
253
1897
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
The following spring, 1896, these appointments were taken from
Dover Mission and formed into Waukomis, which was supplied
by F. F. Linden.
The following members constituted the Enterprise class:
Chris. Brauser and wife, John Brown, H. Seba, Henry Wiens,
August Mueller, Wm. Mueller and Peter Wiens.
A Sunday-school was started at once, and shortly afterward
the little band built a small chapel in which to hold their services.
This chapel was replaced by a handsome little church in 1904,
during the pastorate of H. Steenbock, at a cost of about $800.00,
beside most of the labor and some material, which was donated.
This house was dedicated during the summer of 1904 by M. C.
Platz, presiding elder. A Young People's Alliance was organized
in 1899 by Rev. H. Toedman. This was composed of five char-
ter members, and seems to have been discontinued. It was reor-
ganized in 1914, during the pastorate of J. Haber, with 14 mem-
bers, and Wm. Rothenberg chosen president.
The class north-east of Waukomis was called the St. Paul
society and consisted of R. Kretchmar and wife, Ferdinand Kretch-
mar, Emma Kretchmar, Mary Hartman and William Messner.
This little band met in a school house to hold their Sunday-school
and services. In 1904, during the pastorate of H. W. Hartman,
after being reinforced by additional members of the Evangelical
Association, they purchased a church building in Waukomis from
the Congregational denomination. After some changes and repairs
had been made this was dedicated by J. H. Tobias, presiding elder.
The rear of this church was fitted up for a residence and for sev-
eral years was used for a parsonage until 1904, when a parsonage
was bought in the town for $800.00, after which the entire church
was thrown open for services. A Young People's Alliance was or-
ganized in 1905, and Huldah Daeschner chosen president. This
organization continued until 1911, when it disbanded.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE
The development of the Young People's Alliance movement
in the Conference has been very satisfactory. From the begin-
ning there has been manifested a commendable enthusiasm, es-
pecially among the young people, and several local Alliances were
organized as soon as the movement was launched in the church.
As early as 1891 Conference urged the organization of local Alli-
ances, and also recommended the organization of a Conference
254
1897
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Branch. To this end the presiding elders were constituted a com-
mittee to call a convention for the purpose of organizing- a Branch
as soon as they deemed it prudent to do so.
Already a few local Young People's Alliances were organized,
although the number and names of such can not be ascertained at
this time with any degree of certainty. No definite steps were
taken during the following year, but at the next session of Con-
ference, held at Coal Creek, Jefferson Co., Kans., March, 1892, a
committee was appointed, consisting of Rev. C. F. Erffmeyer, Rev.
J. K. Young, Rev. C. W. Stauffer and Rev. J. J. Kliphardt, to make
the necessary arrangements for such an organization. In com-
pliance with these instructions a convention was held at Holton,
Kans., in the month of June, and a Conference Branch of the
Young People's Alliance organized, with the following officers:
C. F. Erffmeyer, president; J. K. Young, vice-president; C. W.
Stauffer, recording secretary ; Miss Lena Lindner, corresponding
secretary; and Mr. Frank Daeschner, treasurer. At this time
there were 13 local Alliances in the Conference, with a total mem-
bership of 323.
From the time the Conference Branch was organized annual
conventions were held regularly. At first these assemblies were
held on various fields of labor, and always attended by some gen-
eral officer of the Young People's Alliance, or other outside talent,
until 1897, when action was taken by the Annual Conference rel-
ative to a plan submitted by the Executive Committee, which pro-
vided for a six days' meeting, to be held on the convention and
camp-meeting plan during the month of August. The forenoon
was to be used mostly for devotional services, the afternoon for
convention work and class drill, and the evening for evangelistic
services. The plan was approved by Conference, and general par-
ticipation was urged.
The first assembly on the proposed plan was held in Forest
Park, Atchison, in the month of August. A large number of tents
were pitched, and the attendance was good throughout. Several
souls were saved in the evangelistic meetings, and the work of the
Alliance received new impetus. For several years the conventions
were held in Forest Park, when, later, they were transferred to
Garfield Park, Topeka, and, still later, to Soden Park, Emporia.
From the beginning the Woman's Missionary Society held
its annual conventions in connection with the Young People's Al-
liance, so that it was a joint meeting, which gave a variety to the
255
1897
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
services and instilled the missionary spirit into the convention, and
disseminated missionary intelligence throughout the entire Con-
ference.
The Young People's Alliance has been a mighty factor in
joining the young people together in their service for Christ and
the church and for developing the individual Christian character.
WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY
As early as 1883 a communication was directed to Confer-
ence by the promoters of the Woman's Missionary Society move-
ment, which, at this time, was yet in its infancy in the church.
In response to this communication the following action was taken
by Conference : "Resolved, that the communication from the Wom-
an's Missionary Society has been greatly appreciated, and we are
glad to learn about the Woman's Missionary Auxiliaries as a
method to raise funds for the missionary cause, especially in
heathen lands. May the blessings of God rest upon the mission
work and the activity of the auxiliaries. We will encourage our
societies in following the good example of the sisters in Cleve-
land, 0., and form auxiliaries wherever the pastors deem it feasi-
ble to do so."
This marks the beginning of the Woman's Missionary Society
movement in the Kansas Conference. For a number of years,
however, the work seems to have received little attention, although
here and there local auxiliaries were organized. In 1892 the fol-
lowing action was taken : "Resolved, that we pledge ourselves to
co-operate with the sisters in organizing local auxiliaries, and also
recommend the organization of a Conference Branch of the Wom-
an's Missionary Society."
No statistics are available of the work at this time, so it is
not possible to record how many local auxiliaries there were. The
extreme conservatism on the part of many of the ministers and
laymen of the church, which, at times, led to positive opposition
and discouragement of the movement, accounts for the slow prog-
ress made in the early years of its development.
During the ensuing year a convention was held at Hiawatha,
Kans., and on the 12th of August, 1892, a Conference Branch of
the Woman's Missionary Society was organized with the follow-
ing officers : Mrs. H. J. Bowman, president ; Mrs. C. F. Erffmeyer,
vice-president; Mrs. A. Moser, recording secretary, Miss Lorena
Matter, corresponding secretary ; and Mrs. C. W. Stauffer, treasurer.
256
1898
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
From the beginning of its organization the Branch held reg-
ular annual conventions jointly with the Young People's Alliance.
The work from now on began to grow more rapidly as prejudice
gradually subsided and missionary intelligence was disseminated.
The Woman's Missionary Society has been the means of fostering
a missionary spirit which has penetrated every part of the church,
instilling new life and vigor in many congregations which had
been indifferent, not only to the cause of missions, but to their
own local interests.
The numerous small contributions given by willing hands and
hearts aggregated to commendable sums of money, but this feature
is insignificant compared with the knowledge received of the
great need of the world at home, and in the foreign field, which
resulted in a new vision of woman's possibility and responsibility,
thus widening the horizon of her personal experience. This, in
turn, proved a means of quickening the spiritual life in many con-
gregations.
1898
THIRTY-FOURTH SESSION
March 17, 1898, Conference convened at Holton, Kans., to
hold her 34th session, with Bishop Thomas Bowman in the chair,
and P. Schumann, secretary.
S. Mueller withdrew from the church during the year. Cre-
dentials were voted to J. H. Keeler and A. E. Flickinger.
J. Beck, R. R. Brand, E. A. Bruner, H. E. Bower and P. G.
Nuffer were retained in the itinerancy without appointment.
License to preach was issued to R. C. Herod, Richard Thomas,
and Chas. Keeler.
0. Radinsky was received from the Platte River Conference,
T. J. Cox from the Methodist Protestant Church, and G. A. Mans-
hardt from the Oregon Conference.
F. F. Linden and J. B. Gresser received deacons' orders, and
F. F. Linden was received into the itinerancy.
A. Brunner was elected Conference trustee for five years, J.
J. Kliphardt trustee of North-Western College and Union Biblical
Institute for three years, B. H. Hobbs statistical secretary for one
year, and A. Brunner, Conference treasurer.
257
1898
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
The Conference trustee board announced the fact that the
liabilities of Conference amounted to more than $9,000.00, where-
upon it was ordered that the ten cent per member plan should
be continued for the ensuing year by the envelope system.
A proposition was submitted to Conference by Mr. M. Heckel
of St. Joseph, Mo., in which he offered to transfer the Heckel
Benevolent Home of that city to the Kansas Conference, to be
maintained as a charitable institution. If the financial require-
ments could not be met the property should revert to the present
owner. Conference accepted the offer and appointed a board of
directors, consisting of four ministers and three laymen. It was
further ordered that each preacher receiving an appointment shall
pay one per cent of his salary toward the support of a superin-
tendent of the Home.
During the past year the Newton congregation purchased a
house and moved it on the west end of their lots which they now
offered to the district for $700.00, the real value being estimated
at $1,000.00. Conference accepted the offer and ordered the trans-
fer made, and also authorized the presiding elder of Newton Dis-
trict to collect on his district to pay for the same.
The president of the Conference Branch of the Young Peo-
ple's Alliance reported the convention held in Forest Park, Atchi-
son, Kans., last August, a success, and announced that another
would be held at the same place in connection with the Woman's
Missionary Society, beginning Aug. 9, 1898.
BOUNDARIES
Abilene District
a. Rosette and Wilson Missions shall be consolidated and
called Lucas Mission.
b. Zion and Throop appointments shall be taken from Wayne
Mission and added to Washington Mission, which shall be changed
to a circuit.
c. Concordia and Huscher shall be served together and be
called Concordia Mission.
Newton District
a. Earlton appointment shall be taken from Dennis Mission
and be added to Humboldt Mission.
258
1898
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
b. Sand Creek appointment shall be taken from Halstead
Circuit and be added to Newton Mission.
Kansas City District
a. It is the opinion of the committee that the results of Oak
Street Mission, Kansas City, Mo., do not warrant a continuation
of the work at that place. Therefore the Conference trustees, the
presiding elder of Kansas City District, and the pastors in Kansas
City shall be a committee authorized to sell the property and take
steps toward locating a new mission in a more favorable part of
the city, to be called Kansas City English Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount of $7,596.53 was collected for Kansas Confer-
ence Missions the past year. Of this amount $722.29 was raised
by the Sunday-schools to liquidate the deficit. After paying out
all the appropriations there was still a deficit of $151.02 left. The
appropriations for the ensuing year amounted to $7,500.00.
A. Brunner was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the following officers elected for the ensuing year: A. Brunner,
president; C. F. Erffmeyer, secretary; and J. Schmidli, treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 579 ; accessions, 593 ; membership, 6,268 ; itin-
erant preachers, 63 ; local preachers, 35 ; churches, 90 ; parsonages,
44; Sunday-schools, 111; scholars, 6,675; officers and teachers,
1,362; Young People's Alliances, 51; members, 1,380; catechetical
classes, 39; catechumens, 632; Botschafters, 823; Messengers,
689; Magazins, 702; Epistles, 18; Missionary Messengers, 181;
total for missions, $10,566.28.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. J. Kliphardt, Bern, M. Walter.
P. E. Osage, C. Schmidli.
td <- wt t? mui+^„„. Qn Westmoreland, H. S. Bower.
Preston, W. F Wolthausen. Coal Creek p Q Nuffer
Eudora, A. Rodewald. Holt c ' w Stau ffer.
Deer Creek, C. F. Iwig.
Atchison, J Wuerth Kansas City District— A. Brunner,
Camp Creek, D. R. Zellner. P E
Hiawatha Circuit, G. J. Schumacher.
Hiawatha Station, I. H. Hauptfueh- Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. E.
rer. Platz.
Topeka, J. Neuffer. Kansas City, English Mission, G. A.
Falls City, C. Brandt. Manshardt.
259
1898
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Leavenworth, J. Schmidli. Cambridge, E. Brown.
St. Joseph, C. F. Erffmeyer. Halstead, J. S. Miller.
St. Joseph Mission Home, supervision Hutchinson, H. B. Vennum.
of C. F. Erffmeyer. Alden, F. F. Linden.
Platte River, T. R. Nanninga and S. Offerle, G. J. Harbes.
Breithaupt. Orlando and Good Hope, J. R. Nan-
Oregon Circuit and Mission, A. Solt ninga.
and F. E. Smith. Waukomis, H. Toedman.
Glasgow, B. Barthel. Dover, C. J. Eiselein.
East Lynn, C. S. Steinmetz and sup-
ply. Abilene District — J. H. Tobias, P. E.
Shelby, L E. Becher. Abilene, C. H. Hartman.
Warrensburg, J. W. Reiser. AHd ^ Q w p Schuerman<
Winston, W. R. Currier. M rf B j $ h ,
Carthage, to be supplied. Canadsl, A Mattin
Nekton Districts. C. Plat,, P. E. *£?&. BufgerTandsupply.
Emporia, C. Meeder. Osborne, H. Steenbock.
Peabody, B. H. Hobbs. North-west, Chas. Underkoffler.
Newton, D. Swart. Jewell, J. K. Young.
Yates Center, P. Schumann. Concordia, J. H. Kiplinger.
Humboldt and Golden Valley, M. J. Washington, H. W. Hartman.
Steinmetz and Chas. Keeler. Leonardville, M. Manshardt.
Dennis, J. M. Fricker. Swede Creek, C. Linge.
Derby, H. E. Meyer. Minneapolis, F. M. Peek.
A TRAMP PRESIDING ELDER
The following experience, which occurred in Oklahoma, and is
related by the presiding elder of Newton District, shows how a
little variety, which is the spice of life, serves as a wholesome
tonic, and breaks up monotony, which is sometimes painful, and
always dull.
The trip from Dover, Hennessey, or Waukomis, to Orlando,
was usually made overland, since there were no railroads across
the country at that time (1896). Sometimes the presiding elder
would be conveyed to Marshall, a half-way point, where he would
be turned over to the pastor of the other charge, who would con-
vey him to his destination. On this particular occasion heavy
rains made it unsafe to venture on the overland trip, hence it
was determined to undertake the journey by rail, which necessi-
tated traveling via El Reno and Oklahoma City.
The young pastor at Waukomis being in need of money to
complete his traveling outfit, was accommodated by the presiding
elder, who loaned him what money he thought he could spare
above the amount required for his railroad ticket to his next ap-
pointment. Upon reaching El Reno he discovered that the coun-
try was flooded. The depot from which he was to leave was sur-
rounded by water, and in all probability there would be no train
260
1898
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
east to Oklahoma City for two or three days, as considerable track
had been washed out. His only way of escape was to turn back to
Hennessey and try to get through on the hack line from there the
next day. However, the loss of time and extra traveling expense
soon exhausted his funds and calamity stared him in the face.
He determined to get out of his dilemma as best he could, since
he was among strangers, and in those days even friends could
scarcely aid one another financially. He had sufficient money
to reach the half-way point, Marshall, when he found his treas-
ury depleted. The evening of the second day was now approach-
ing, and although not "far from home," yet he was too far for
comfort. By tramping several miles he might reach the home
of an acquaintance where he would find lodging for the night and
could arrange for the completion of his journey the next day.
Before starting on his tramp he consumed the last sandwich of a
lot which a kind brother had given him the previous day, and
upon which he had been subsisting since he started on his trip, in
order to keep down expenses. The pleasant walk of several miles
would not have been so bad under the halo of a beautiful Okla-
homa sunset, but when he had walked about half the distance he
stood before a bridgeless stream which he was not prepared to
encounter.
The channel was narrow but too deep to comfortably cross
with heavy grip and overcoat. After some planning, some hard
work, and considerable perspiring, he succeeded in lugging a heavy
limb of a tree which he found at some distance across a wire fence
to the place which he selected as the spot for crossing his Jordan.
With considerable over-exertion he succeeded in raising the heavy
timber on one end and after steadying it with his hands throw
it across the channel, and now had a pontoon over which to cross
that he might reach his goal. Late in the evening he reached his
coveted wayside inn, where he was exceedingly glad to meet famil-
iar faces. He did not tell all about his experiences the past two
days, since he wanted to "save his face" in Chinese style. Though
weary and considerably daubed with mud his host took him in,
gave him water to wash, supper to eat, and a good bed to sleep in,
so that the next day he completed his journey with great honor,
and the people did not find out that their presiding elder had
actually been forced, for a short time, to take the part of a tramp.
Similar experiences were made frequently by the mission-
aries who lived and labored in that new country. A presiding
261
1899
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
elder might well endure a few slight hardships once in a while
when he made his rounds over the work, and not complain, when
he thought of the faithful brethren and their families who sacri-
ficed themselves daily for the cause of the Master, and the church,
and immortal souls.
1899
THIRTY-FIFTH SESSION
The 35th session of Conference was held at Leonardville, Kan.,
beginning March 16, 1899, with Bishop S. C. Breyfogel in the chair
and P. Schumann, secretary.
P. Fricker and M. Grafenstein died during the year.
By request J. Beck was placed on the list of superannuates
and R. R. Brand on the list of local elders.
C. S. Steinmetz, M. J. Steinmetz, F. F. Linden and G. J.
Harbes were retained in the itinerancy without appointment.
F. U. Moyer and Rodman Winters received license to preach.
S. Breithaupt and C. J. Eiselein received deacons' orders, and
F. E. Smith, C. F. Iwig and B. Barthel elders' orders. The breth-
ren C. J. Eiselein, S. Breithaupt and J. W. Keiser were received
into the itinerancy.
M. C. Platz was re-elected presiding elder, and the district
assignments were made as follows: Holton District, J. J. Klip-
hardt; Kansas City District, M. C. Platz; Newton District, A.
Brunner; Abilene District, J. H. Tobias.
The following delegates were elected to General Conference:
A. Brunner, J. J. Kliphardt, M. C. Platz, J. H. Tobias, C. F. Erff-
meyer and J. Wuerth.
It was again made obligatory on each preacher receiving an
appointment to pay one per cent of his salary toward the support
of a superintendent for the Heckel Home. By this method $247.62
was raised last year.
Steps were taken to build a new district house for Holton
District. To this end a committee was appointed to sell the old
property and select a place for the new one.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected Conference trustee for five years,
B. H. Hobbs statistical secretary for one year, and A. Brunner
Conference treasurer for one year.
262
1899
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Conference ordered the purchase of a five-room house ad-
joining the church in Topeka from A. Brunner for a parsonage
for the consideration of $800.00.
During the past year Rev. George Johnson, Treasurer of
North-Western College and Union Biblical Institute, canvassed
the Conference in the interest of said institutions, and secured over
$10,000.00.
The Kansas City, Oak Street Church, property, not having
been sold during the past year, the committee was continued with
the same instructions given a year ago.
Another Young People's Alliance assembly was announced
to be held in Forest Park, Atchison, Kansas, August 8-14, 1899,
to which the ministers of Conference pledged their support.
BOUNDARIES
Kansas City District
a. Grand River appointment shall be taken from Warrens-
burg Mission and be added to East Lynn Mission.
b. An English mission shall be located in St. Joseph, Mo.,
under the supervision of the pastor of St. Joseph.
Abilene District
a. Marion and Youngstown shall be taken from Marion Mis-
sion and be added to Canada Station.
b. Maple Grove and Banner City appointments shall be taken
from Minneapolis Mission and added to Marion Mission, the same
to be called Lost Springs Mission.
c. Powheta and Bonacord appointments shall be taken from
Minneapolis Mission and be added to Abilene.
d. Long Grove shall be taken from Lucas Mission and added
to Minneapolis Mission.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 415; accessions, 490; membership, 6,188; itin-
erant preachers, 64; local preachers, 35; churches, 93; parson-
ages, 45; Sunday-schools, 112; teachers and officers, 1,344; Schol-
ars, 7,022; Young People's Alliances, 58; members, 1,482; cate-
chetical classes, 40; catechumens, 748; Botschafters, 797; Mes-
sengers, 692 ; Magazins, 571 ; Epistles, 22 ; total for missions,
$9,933.55.
263
1899
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
MISSIONS
The old board of officers were re-elected and A. Brunner was
elected delegate to the Board of Misions. The amount of $6,986.47
was raised for missions, and $7,175.00 appropriated for the com-
ing year.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — J. J. Kliphardt,
P. E.
Holton, C. W. Stauffer.
Preston, W. F. Wolthausen.
Eudora, A. Rodewald.
Deer Creek, P. G. Nuffer.
Atchison, C. F. Iwig.
Camp Creek, C. Meeder.
Hiawatha Station, G. J. Schumacher.
Hiawatha Circuit, I. H. Hauptfueh-
rer.
Topeka, J. Neuffer.
Falls City, C. Brandt.
Bern, M. Walter.
Osage, D. R. Zellner.
Westmoreland, H. S. Bower.
Coal Creek, C. Schmidli.
Kansas City District — M. C. Platz,
P. E.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. E.
Platz.
Kansas City, English Mission, G. A.
Manshardt.
Leavenworth, J. Schmidli.
St. Joseph, C. F. Erffmeyer.
Platte River, T. R. Nanninga.
Oregon Circuit, F. E. Smith.
Oregon Mission, J. W. Keiser.
Glasgow, B. Barthel.
East Lynn, F. M. Peek and J. B.
Gresser.
Shelby, L. E. Becher and supply.
Wavrensburg, S. Breithaupt.
Winston, W. R. Currier.
Carthage, E. Brown.
Newton District — A. Brunner, P. E.
Peabody, B. H. Hobbs.
Newton, H. E. Bower.
Yates Center, P. Schumann.
Humboldt and Golden Valley, A. Solt.
Dennis, J. M. Fricker.
Derby, H. E. Meyer.
Cambridge, C. J. Eiselein.
Halstead, J. S. Miller.
Hutchinson, H. B. Vennum.
Alden, S. A. Burgert.
Offerle, C. Underkoffler.
Orlando and Good Hope, J. R. Nan-
ninga.
Dover and Waukomis, H. Toedman.
Emporia, H. W. Hartman.
Abilene District — J. H. Tobias, P. E.
Abilene, D. Swart.
Alida and Clay, B. J. Fehnel.
Lost Springs, to be supplied.
Canada, A. Mattill and G. W. Weide-
meier.
McPherson, J. A. Spencer.
Lucas, C. H. Hartman and Geo. Yen-
ser.
Osborne, H. Steenbock.
North-west, to be supplied.
Jewell, J. K. Young.
Concordia, J. H. Kiplinger.
Washington, W. F. Schuerman.
Leonardville, M. Manshardt.
Swede Creek, C. Linge.
Minneapolis, R. Winters.
MEMORIAL
Rev. P. Fricker
Rev. Philip Fricker, another one of the pioneers, was called
from labor to reward during the past year from his home at Hol-
ton, Kans., where he had lived in retirement for several years.
In 1863 Brother Fricker came from New York and joined the
little band of missionaries in Kansas. He was assigned to Hum-
boldt Mission, which had been left unsupplieid at the previous
264
1899
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
session of the Iowa Conference. The following spring, 1864, when
the Kansas Conference was formed at Dubuque, Iowa, Brother
Fricker was received into the itinerancy and stationed on Hum-
boldt Mission, in the newly formed Conference. He served the
following fields in turn : Humboldt, Lawrence, Holton. Nemaha,
Big Blue, Atchison, Wolf River and Lawrence.
In 1878 he was compelled to withdraw from the active work
temporarily, but in 1880 again resumed the active service and
was stationed on Hiawatha charge, which he served one year
wiien he was elected presiding elder and placed on the great South-
west District. After serving one term on the district he was re-
tained in the itinerancy without appointment for two successive
years, after which he located in 1887 on account of bodily infirm-
ity. In 1889 he again entered the work and was assigned to To-
peka, which had just been taken up as a new mission. After
serving this charge one year he was placed on the list of super-
annuates.
He died in 1898, after spending 35 years in the Gospel min-
istry, during which he led many souls to Christ. Brother Fricker
was a faithful, unassuming, earnest preacher of the Gospel mes-
sage, sound in doctrine, clear in exposition, and faithful in his
pulpit ministration. He was powerful in stature, commanding
in appearance, and cheerful in disposition, which added much to
his success. His life was a benediction to many, especially to his
own family, which consisted of four sons and four daughters, all
of whom, with his devoted companion, survive him. One of his
sons, John M., has served in the active ministry of the Kansas
Conference for many years. His body was laid away in the Hol-
ton Cemetery, where later the body of his faithful life companion,
who, for so many years, shared life's burdens and joys as a preach-
er's wife, was placed at his side, both to await the coming of the
Lord.
LUCAS
Lucas Mission was originally identified with Rice Mission,
later Wilson Mission, still later Lincoln Mission, then Rosette
Mission, and, finally, in 1898, named Lucas Mission. Rice Mis-
sion was established by Conference in the spring of 1878, and
supplied with Rev. P. Schumann, who served the work one year
when he was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Tobias and C. W. Snyder.
At this time Rice Mission extended into six counties, namely, Rice,
McPherson, Pawnee, Russell, Lincoln and Ellsworth.
265
1900
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
In the fall of 1879 Brother Tobias preached his first ser-
mon in Lincoln County, near where Rosette is now located. In
later years the ministers preached near Minneapolis, in Ottawa
County, Yorktcwn, Cedron, Rosette, Sylvan Grove, Amherst, Lin-
coln and Lucas. The early records seem to be lost or destroyed, so
that it is not possible to obtain much reliable information concern-
ing the organization of the work at the various points. There
are no records of the organization of the Sunday-schools, Young
People's Alliances, and Woman's Missionary Societies.
About 1886 a parsonage was built at Rosette, and in 1893
another was erected at Lucas.
The work in Lucas was organized about 1886, or two years
before the name of the mission was changed to Lucas. A church
was built in 1891, the trustee board consisting of Brother Harris,
D. Carbiner, A. C. Carson and Brother Russell.
A church was built at Rosette in 1900, and the following
brethren composed the trustee board at that place : M. Hower,
H. Steenbock, Sr., H. Hower, H. Hinkson and Q. Roth.
At Amherst a church was built in 1905, which was dedicated
by Rev. J. H. Tobias, Feb. 16, 1906. At this place the trustee
board was composed of the brethren : J. E. Bean, Z. W. Beatty and
H. N. King.
1900
THIRTY-SIXTH SESSION
The thirty-sixth session of Conference was held at Jewell
City, Kans., beginning March 15, 1900, with Bishop Wm. Horn as
chairman and P. Schumann, secretary.
J. Paulin, J. Latimer and Mrs. C. Schmidli died during the
year.
Geo. Yenser had his license revoked, and R. C. Herod with-
drew from the church.
F. Harder received credentials to the Oregon Conference, after
having served without intermission in the Kansas Conference since
1871.
C. W. Stauffer, on account of failing health, was placed on
the supernumerary list, and J. Neuffer was retained in the itin-
erancy without appointment.
266
1900
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
The brethren J. S. Stamm, W. C. Johnson, M. W. Plettner,
John Haber, J. Hoerman, Louis Hanne, J. H. Parmer, F. M. Mans-
hardt and C. L. Sorg received license. Deacons' orders were
granted C. S. Underkoffler and Hans Steenbock, who were also
received into the itinerancy.
W. Morga and E. J. Williams were admitted to the Con-
ference, the latter from the United Brethren Church.
C. F. Erffmeyer, A. Brunner and J. H. Tobias were elected
presiding elders and stationed as follows: Holton District, C. F.
Erffmeyer; Kansas City District, M. C. Platz; Newton District,
J. H. Tobias; Abilene District, A. Brunner.
J. H. Tobias was elected Conference treasurer for five years,
B. H. Hobbs statistical secretary for one year, and A. Brunner
Conference treasurer.
The Heckel Benevolent Home proposition was referred to a
special committee composed of J. Schmidli, A. Mattill, G. J. Schu-
macher, A. Solt and M. Manshardt, which, after due consideration,
recommended to Conference that the property be transferred back
to the former owner, Mr. M. Heckel.
MISSION CHURCH DEBT
The mission church debt for a number of years pressed the
Conference so hard that the situation demanded adjustment, in
order that the constantly accruing burden might not finally check
the progress of the work. Although for several years the 10
cents per member plan was kept up, and through this channel con-
siderable money flowed into the treasury, yet it was practically
consumed in paying interest on the heavy debt, the principal rather
increasing and the burden becoming heavier as the years went
by. In order to relieve the Conference of the $13,000.00 debt al-
ready existing, and avoid a repetition of a similar experience, the
following action was taken :
a. No minister shall be permitted to proceed with his peo-
ple to build a church or parsonage unless the necessary funds are
secured without incurring a debt.
b. A mission church debt fund was started immediately
among the preachers who pledged $1,250.00 for the project.
c. Rev. A. Solt was appointed by the Conference trustee
board as solicitor to canvass the entire Conference during the
year and raise the amount necessary to liquidate the entire in-
debtedness.
267
1900
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
This project was successfully carried out and by the next
session the debt was removed.
BOUNDARIES
Kansas City District
a. Carthage, being an unfruitful field, shall be left unsup-
plied and steps taken to dispose of the church property.
b. Earlton shall be taken from Humboldt and Golden Val-
ley and be added to Dennis Mission.
Abilene District
a. Leonardville Mission shall be changed to a station.
b. Clay Mission shall be called Industry Mission.
CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
This being the one hundredth anniversary of the Evangeli-
cal Association, a centennial service was arranged for Sunday
afternoon of the Conference session, on which occasion Bishop
W. Horn spoke on the subject, "The Strengthening and Develop-
ment of the Church"; A. Brunner on the subject, "History of the
Kansas Conference," and M. C. Platz on "Early Times and Men
of the Kansas Conference."
MISSIONS
The past year $7,841.59 was raised for missions for the Kan-
sas Conference, and $7,105.00 appropriated for the coming year.
A. Brunner was elected president of the Missionary Society, C.
F. Erffmeyer, secretary, and J. Schmiclli, treasurer. Brother
Schmidli declining to serve any longer in the office he had filled
for so many years, Rev. W. F. Wolthausen was elected to fill the
vacancy. A. Brunner was elected delegate to the Board of Mis-
sions.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 563 ; accessions, 600 ; membership, 6,081 ; itin-
erant preachers, 66 ; local preachers, 36 ; churches, 94 ; parson-
ages, 48; Sunday-schools, 105; teachers and officers, 1,310; schol-
ars, 6,559 ; Young People's Alliances, 52 ; members, 1,419 ; cate-
chetical classes, 32; catechumens, 564; Botschafters, 796; Mes-
sengers, 700; Magazins, 559; Missionary Messengers, 174; Mis-
sicnsbote, 126; total for missions, $10,640.36.
268
1900
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — C. F. Erffmeyer,
P. E.
Holton, J. J. Kliphardt.
Preston, W. F. Wolthausen.
Eudora, B. Barthel.
Deer Creek, P. G. Nuffer.
Atchison, C. F. Iwig.
Camp Creek, C. Meeder.
Hiawatha Station, G. J. Schumacher.
Hiawatha Circuit, I. H. Hauptfueh-
rer.
Topeka, C. Brandt.
Falls City, J. Schmidli.
Bern, J. W. Keiser.
Osage, L. E. Becher.
Westmoreland, H. S. Bower and M.
W. Plettner.
Coal Creek, L. Hanne.
Kansas City District — M. C. Platz.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. E.
Platz.
Kansas City, English Mission, G. A.
Manshardt.
Leavenworth, J. Wuerth.
St. Joseph, M. Manshardt.
Platte River, T. R. Nanninga.
Oregon Circuit, F. E. Smith.
Oregon Mission, H. E. Meyer.
Glasgow, C. Schmidli.
East Lynn, F. M. Peek.
Shelby, J. B. Gresser and J. S.
Stamm.
Warrensburg, S. Breithaupt.
Winston, W. R. Currier.
Carthage, to be supplied.
Newton District — J. H. Tobias, P. E.
Newton, H. E. Bower.
Emporia, J. S. Miller.
Peabody, B. H. Hobbs.
Yates Center, P. Schumann.
Humboldt and Golden Valley, M. Wal-
ter.
Dennis, J. M. Fricker.
Derby, M. J. Steinmetz.
Cambridge, C. J. Eiselein.
Halstead, B. J. Fehnel.
Hutchinson, H. B. Vennum.
Alden, S. A. Burgert.
Offerle, F. M. Manshardt.
Orlando, Oklahoma and Good Hope,
J. R. Nanninga.
Dover and Waukomis, Okla., H. W.
Hartman.
Abilene District — A. Brunner, P. E.
Abilene, J. K. Young.
Swede Creek, C. Linge.
Leonardville, A. Rodewald.
Jewell, D. Swart.
Canada and Marion, F. F. Linden and
W. C. Johnson.
Alida, H. Steenbock.
Washington and Concordia, W. F.
Schuerman and C. Underkoffler.
Lucas, C. H. Hartman and J. H. Par-
mer.
Lost Springs, E. J. Williams.
McPherson, J. A. Spencer.
Osborne, J. H. Kiplinger.
Industry, E. A. Bruner.
Minneapolis, R. Winters.
MEMORIAL
J. Paulin
John Paulin spent the greater part of his ministry in the
Michigan Conference, where he preached many years before he
moved West. He came to the Kansas Conference in the spring
of 1890 and was assigned to Offerle Mission, which he served two
years. After this he was compelled by advanced age and infirmity
to retire from active service. Brother Paulin was a willing worker
and found it a trying ordeal to be compelled to lay down the work.
He enjoyed nothing more than the activities of the evangelical
ministry. He possessed a cheerful disposition and enjoyed the
Christ he preached. He died at an advanced age in his home at
Newton, Kansas, leaving an aged companion, besides children, to
mourn the loss of husband and father.
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FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
THIRTY-SEVENTH SESSION
Conference met in her 37th session in the Swede Creek
Church, Riley County, Kansas, March 21, 1901. Bishop J. J.
Esher, who was to hold the Conference, was absent on account
of sickness, so the Secretary, P. Schumann, opened the Confer-
ence, after which A. Brunner was chosen Chairman pro tern until
Bishop Horn arrived and presided. P. Schumann was again ap-
pointed secretary.
C. W. Stauffer and Mrs. C. Meeder died during the past
year.
E. Brown was placed on the list of local elders, and creden-
tials were voted to E. J. Williams and C. S. Steinmetz.
The brethren F. E. Smith, D. R. Zellner, H. Toedman, A.
Mattill, J. Neuffer, J. H. Kiplinger, W. R. Currier and C. Schmidli
were retained in the itinerancy without appointment.
R. 0. Callahan, Gottlieb Layer and George Schrenk received
license to preach.
The following brethren were received into the Conference:
W. C. Frey, a local elder from the Illinois Conference, F. C. Dis-
singer, and elder in the itinerancy from the Texas Conference, and
S. H. Dunkelberger from the United Evangelical Church.
J. B. Gresser was received into the itinerancy.
Deacon's orders were granted F. U. Moyer, and elders' orders,
F. F. Linden, S. Breithaupt and C. J. Eiselein.
M. C. Platz was elected Conference trustee for five years,
J. J. Kliphardt trustee of North-Western College and Union Bibli-
cal Institute for three years, B. H. Hobbs, statistical secretary
for one year, and A. Brunner, Conference treasurer for one year.
A telegram of sympathy was sent to Bishop J. J. Esher at his
home in Chicago, where he was evidently approaching the end of
his long and useful career in the church.
A new district house was built at Holton, Kansas, during the
year, at a cost of $1,702.65, which was reported paid in full.
During the past summer a very successful Young People's
Alliance and Woman's Missionary Society convention was held
at Forest Park, Atchison, Kan., and arrangements were being made
to hold another one at the same place, beginning Aug. 13, 1901.
These annual assemblies have been growing since their beginning
in interest, attendance, and results.
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1901
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
MISSION CHURCH DEBT
Rev. A. Solt, who was appointed to canvass the Conference in
the interest of the mission church debt, was eminently successful
in raising sufficient money to liquidate the entire debt and clear
the Conference of the menacing incumbrance. The amount of
$1,399.90 was secured by the solicitor. Conference voted a trib-
ute of thanks to Brother Solt for his faithful service rendered, and
to the laity of the Conference for their loyalty and liberality.
BOUNDARIES
Kansas City District
a. Holden shall be taken from East Lynn and be added to
Warrensburg Mission.
Newton District
a. Emporia Mission shall be changed to a station.
b. Weatherford shall be taken from Orlando Mission and
with the surrounding territory constitute Southwest Oklahoma
Mission.
c. Waukomis Mission shall be supplied with two preachers
and work shall be taken up in Blain, Dewey, and Day Counties,
Oklahoma.
Abilene District
a. The appointments Marion and Youngstown shall be taken
from Canada and be formed into Marion Mission.
b. Concordia and Minneapolis Missions shall be consolidated
and be called Concordia and Minneapolis Mission.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 607; accessions, 668; membership, 6,145; itin-
erant preachers, 67 ; local preachers, 39 ; churches, 99 ; parson-
ages, 46; Sunday-schools, 104; officers and teachers, 1,324; schol-
ars, 7,067; Young People's Alliances, 58; members, 1,602; cate-
chetical classes, 36; catechumens, 637; Botschafters, 785; Messen-
gers, 635; Magazins, 556; Missionary Messengers, 204; Mis3ions-
bote, 153 ; total for missions, $10,508.78.
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FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
MISSIONS
The amount of $8,511.88 was raised for missions in the Kan-
sas Conference the past year, and $7,750.00 appropriated for the
ensuing year. A. Brunner was elected delegate to the Board of
Missions and the old board of officers was re-elected.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — C. F. Erffmeyer,
P. E.
Holton, J. J. Kliphardt.
Preston, W. F. Wolthausen.
Eudora, B. Barthel.
Deer Creek, P. G. Nuffer.
Atchison, P. Schumann.
Camp Creek, L. E. Becher.
Hiawatha Station, G. J. Schumacher.
Hiawatha Circuit, J. S. Miller and
supply.
Topeka, C. Brandt.
Falls City, J. Schmidli.
Bern, G. A. Manshardt.
Osage, J. R. Nanninga.
Westmoreland, H. S. Bower.
Coal Creek, Louis Hanne.
Kansas City District — M. C. Platz,
P. E.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. F.
Iwig.
Kansas City, English Mission, T. J.
Cox.
Leavenworth, J. Wuerth.
St. Joseph, M. Manshardt.
Platte River, C. Meeder.
Oregon Circuit, I. H. Hauptfuehrer.
Oregon Mission, H. E. Meyer.
Glasgow, J. S. Stamm.
Shelby, J. B. Gresser.
Warrensburg and East Lynn, S.
Breithaupt and R. O. Callahan.
Winston, J. W. Keiser.
Carthage, B. H. Hobbs.
Newton District — J. H. Tobias, P. E.
Newton, C. E. Platz.
Emporia, A. Solt.
Peabody, H. E. Bower.
Yates Center, T. R. Nanninga.
Humboldt and Golden Valley, M. Wal-
ter and supply.
Dennis, F. M. Peek.
Derby, M. J. Steinmetz.
Cambridge, J. M. Fricker.
Halstead, F. C. Dissinger and F. U.
Moyer.
Hutchinson, F. M. Manshardt.
Alden, B. J. Fehnel.
Offerle, J. H. Parmer.
Orlando, W. C. Frey.
Waukomis, to be supplied by John
Hoerman.
Good Hope, C. J. Eiselein.
Dover, H. B. Vennum.
South-west Mission, H. W. Hartman.
Abilene District — A. Brunner, P. E.
Abilene, J. K. Young.
Swede Creek, C. Linge.
Leonardville, A. Rodewald.
Jewell City, D. Swart.
Canada, F. F. Linden.
Marion, W. C. Johnson.
Alida, H. Steenbock.
Washington, W. F. Schuerman.
Concordia and Minneapolis, C. Under-
koffler.
Lucas, J. A. Spencer.
Lost Springs, S. A. Burgert.
McPherson, C. H. Hartman.
Osborne, M. W. Plettner.
Industry, E. A. Bruner.
MEMORIAL
C. W. Stanffer
Rev. C. W. Stauffer was born May 2, 1863, at Pittsburg, Pa.
His parents being earnest Christians and members of the Evan-
gelical Association, Wesley enjoyed the advantage of an early
Christian training, which means so much for a young man in
272
1901
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
forming a character for Christ and the church. He was led to
conversion in early life and was instructed in religion as well as
the doctrines of the Evangelical Association. Feeling the call to
the ministry of. the Gospel, he presented himself for admission
to the Kansas Conference at the session held at Camp Creek
Church, Atchison County, Kans., in March, 1885, presided over by
Bishop T. Bowman. Here he received license and was sent to
Forest Avenue Mission, Kansas City, Mo., where he served one
year, after whicih he was assigned to Hartland Mission, in the
western part of Kansas, in Hamilton County. This, too, was a
new mission, like his former charge. He was the first missionary
sent to this extreme western point. After serving Hartland Mis-
sion he was transferred to Canada Station, in Marion County,
Kansas. After two years' service at Canada he was sent to Hal-
stead Mission.
Brother Stauffer was a man of God, devoted to his work and
conscientious in all his dealings. Reserved, but pleasing in his
manners, he made friends wherever he went. He gained and held
the highest confidence of his brethren in the ministry, so that he
had before himself a promising future in the ministry as well as
the Conference, when the Lord called him away in the very prime
of life. For over a year he suffered intense pain at times, but
bore it all with the greatest degree of patience and resignation,
knowing that his redemption was drawing near. During his min-
istry of fifteen years he served the Conference as statistical sec-
retary two years, also as Conference Branch president of the
Young People's Alliance, in which he was deeply interested from
the beginning of the w T ork in the Conference.
March 29, 1887, he was married to Margaret Kraft of Bethel,
Shelby County, Mo., with whom he lived in happy wedlock thirteen
years. This union was blessed with four sons and one daughter,
who, with their mother, survive him.
His end came April 12, 1900, when his Master promoted him
from a state of suffering to a home of perpetual health and sun-
shine, at the age of 36 years, 11 months and 10 days. After a
service, held in the church at Holton, Kansas, conducted by J. J.
Kliphardt, and attended by numerous ministerial brethren, the re-
mains were taken to his old home in Shelby County, Mo., and laid
to rest near the grave of his father, Rev. C. Stauffer, who had pre-
ceded him to the home above by a few years. At the burial Rev.
W. A. Schutte, of the Illinois Conference, M. C. Platz, presiding
273
1901
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
elder of Kansas City District, a former Conference class-mate of
the deceased, and J. B. Gresser officiated.
Mrs. C. Meeder
Mrs. C. Meeder, the wife of Rev. C. Meeder, pastor of Camp
Creek Mission, suddenly passed from time to eternity during the
past year, leaving a sorrowing husband and several small children
deprived of a mother's care and counsel. Sister Meeder was a de-
voted companion to her husband, both in the home and the church
where she was so much needed. She was in poor health during the
last year, but still endeavored to discharge her household duties as
best she could, although under great difficulty. The deepest sym-
pathy was felt by all for the family and relatives in their sorrow.
F. M. PEEK
The following interesting reminiscence from the pen of Bro.
F. M. Peek, one of the first ministers to push to the extreme west-
ern part of the State of Kansas as a pioneer preacher, throws fur-
ther light on the condition of the country and the people who braved
the hardships of frontier life at a time when the Western coun-
try did not bloom as a rose, nor did the people plow with motor
power, and travel in automobiles. Brother Peek writes as follows :
"My first experience at an Annual Conference was at Willow
Springs (now Worden), Kansas, in the month of March, 1886. I
was licensed by Bishop J. J. Esher and stationed on Stockton Mis-
sion in Western Kansas. During the summer I made three jour-
neys into Graham and Norton Counties, once going as far as Raw-
lins County to visit and preach to relatives of the sainted Bishop
J. Long. Dugouts and sod houses were the order, many of them
having but one room. Yet the missionary was a welcome guest
and shared their hospitality free of cost. When bed time came
the one, or, perhaps, two beds that stood in as many corners of the
room would surrender their surplus clothing, from which addi-
tional beds were made on the floor. The guest would be invited
to occupy one of the beds while the family withdrew to the yard.
Later the father would return, extinguish the light, and the rest
of the family would quietly retire for the night. Sometimes mem-
bers of the family would sleep in the stable or granary even in
winter when the weather was extremely cold. This was a time
of accommodating one's self to circumstances.
274
1901
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
"The year following I traveled Lincoln Mission with Rev. G.
J. Schumacher, he living at Rosette, in Lincoln County, and I at
Lindsey, in Ottawa County, fifty miles apart. Our first quarterly
meeting was held at Rosette. The Friday the meeting was to be-
gin I, in company with three brethren, started early in the morn-
ing, and by noon reached Lincoln Center, where we ate dinner. We
had not gone far after dinner when we were overtaken by a heavy
thunder storm from which we sought refuge in a barn along the
road. After the rain had subsided we pursued our journey and
soon came to a place where it was necessary to ford a creek three
times within a short distance. There were several buggies in our
company by this time, and while we did not consider the fords
dangerous, yet it was necessary to keep well in the road in order
to get through safely. One of our ponies was lame and did not
like to enter the water, and, deviating from the road slightly, a
wheel struck a hole, whereupon the ponies refused to pull and the
water flowed over the rear end of the spring wagon, carrying away
our valises which we captured just in time to save them. In the
meantime I took off my shoes, rolled up my trousers boy fashion,
sprang into the water and lifted the wheel out of its lodging place,
after which the ponies drew the wagon out of the water. While
this was transpiring the buggy ahead of us got caught in the cur-
rent and was in the act of turning over when I ran to its assistance
and saved it from upsetting. As it was leaving the water a sack
floated out of the buggy, which I attempted to catch, and in doing
so lost my foothold and fell into the water up to my chin; fortu-
nately it was a warm evening, and at nine o'clock we reached the
parsonage, where Sister Schumacher supplied me with some of
Brother Schumacher's clothing until mine were dry. What I had on
was wet, but what I had in the valise was still wetter. In spite
of our exciting trip we had a blessed quarterly meeting, and felt
grateful to God for his presence and protection in danger.
"At the Amherst appointment on this mission we had one of
the most blessed revivals I was ever permitted to engage in. One
young man who was penitent refused to go home at the close of the
evening service and remained until three o'clock the next morning.
He told the friends : 'You may go home, but I must stay here,' and
stay he did. When the fire fell he was not the only one that was
blessed, and glorified God. That was a wonderful night, never to
be forgotten by those who were present. Fruits of that revival are
275
1902
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
still abounding, though many years have passed by, and some have
been garnered in the Father's house above.
"I also made an experience of another kind in the same com-
munity: While visiting, attended by my family, we called at a
home when the father approaching the buggy said: 'Mr. Peek,
your room is preferable to your company here.' I remarked that I
did not intend to intrude, when he replied : 'That is what you are
doing when you come here ; you had better be going.' As we drove
out of the yard our little child said : Tapa, what's the matter with
that man? Don't he love Jesus?' The mother and two sons be-
longed to our church and were very much grieved over the conduct
of the father.
"Through all the trying experiences of the twenty-nine years
past, through the joys and the sorrows, the sunshine and shadow,
the Lord has most graciously saved and kept us. He is able to save
to the uttermost. When I review the past my heart is moved with
gratitude as I consider how wondrously the Lord has helped us
hitherto."
1902
THIRTY-EIGHTH SESSION
The 38th session of Conference was held at Hiawatha, Kan.,
beginning March 20, 1902, with Bishop Thomas Bowman in the
chair and P. Schumann secretary.
Bishop J. J. Esher, H. E. Meyer, Solomon Reep and B. F.
Wacle, the latter two local preachers, died during the year.
R. 0. Callahan withdrew from the church.
D. R. Zellner, J. H. Kiplinger and J. Wuerth were placed on
the list of superannuates, and J. Neuffer on the list of super-
numeraries.
W. R. Currier, C. Schmidli and F. E. Smith were retained in the
itinerancy without appointment.
J. B. Gresser received credentials to the Ohio Conference.
License was issued to W. H. Manshardt, E. F. Boehr-nger
and C. J. Zager.
C. S. Steinmetz was received as an elder in the itinerancy.
W. J. Schmalle accepted an appointment from Conference,
but later refused to serve it.
276
1902
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Deacons' orders were granted to W. C. Johnson, L. Hanne,
J. H. Parmer, G. W. Weidemeier, J. S. Stamm and W. M. Plettner,
and elders' orders to H. Steenbock and C. Underkoffler.
J. J. Kliphardt was elected Conference trustee for five years,
B. H. Hobbs, statistical secretary for one year, and A. Brunner,
Conference treasurer for one year.
In response to a letter received from Mrs. E. M. Spreng, presi-
dent of the Woman's Missionary Society, Conference expressed
appreciation of the work done and pledged herself to assist in
realizing the motto : "A Woman's Missionary Society in every con-
gregation, and every woman a member."
Brother J. Hoerrman, a probationer, broke down in health
during the year and had to give up his work. This dear brother
never recovered from an attack of paralysis, which made him a
cripple for life, terminating his ministerial career at the very be-
ginning. How deep are the mysteries of God and his ways past
finding out!
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. The appointments Granada, Schumacher and Johnson, of
Hiawatha Circuit, and Victory, of Bern Circuit, shall form Gra-
nada Mission.
Kansas City District
a. A new mission shall be located in South St. Joseph and be
called South St. Joseph Mission.
Neivton District
a. Hesston shall be taken from Halstead Circuit and with
the surrounding country shall constitute Hesston Mission.
b. Guthrie, Okla., shall be taken from Orlando Mission and
form Guthrie Mission.
c. Woods, Woodward and Day Counties, Okla., shall consti-
tute a new mission, to be called Woodward Mission.
d. Okeena and Okarchie appointments shall be taken from
Waukomis and formed into Okeena Mission.
e. Alden Circuit shall be changed to Alden Mission.
Abilene District
a. A new mission shall be located in Colorado Springs, Colo.,
to be called Colorado Springs Mission.
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1902
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
b. A new mission shall be located at Ordway, Colo., to be
called Ordway Mission.
MISSIONS
The missionary contributions for the year amounted to
$9,371.44, and the appropriations $9,620.00. A. Brunner was
elected delegate to the Board of Missions and the old board of
officers were re-elected for the coming year.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 877; accessions, 975; membership, 6,460; itin-
erant preachers, 62; local preachers, 37; churches, 109; parson-
ages, 48; Sunday-schools, 107; officers and teachers, 1,303; schol-
are, 7,214; Young People's Alliances, 60; members, 1,660; cate-
chetical classes, 37; catechumens, 613; Botschafters, 799; Mes-
sengers, 656; Magazins, 486; Missionary Messengers, 259; Mis-
sionsbote, 167; Evangelical Heralds, 321; Bundesbote, 75; total
for missions, $10,501.72.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — C. F. Erffmeyer,
P. E.
Holton, J. J. Kliphardt.
Preston, C. Linge.
Eudora, B. Barthel.
Deer Creek, P. G. Nuffer.
Atchison, P. Schumann.
Camp Creek, L. E. Becher.
Hiawatha Station, G. J. Schumacher.
Hiawatha Circuit, J. S. Miller.
Topeka, C. Brandt.
Falls City, J. Schmidli.
Bern and Granada, G. A. Manshardt
and G. W. Weidemeier.
Vassar, J. R. Nanninga.
Westmoreland, J. M. Dreisbach.
Coal Creek, Louis Hanne.
Kansas City District — M. C. Platz,
P. E.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., W. F.
Wolthausen.
Kansas City, English Mission, T. J.
Cox.
Leavenworth, W. J. Schmalle, later D.
R. Zellner.
St. Joseph, M. Mansardt.
South St. Joseph, to be supplied.
Platte River, C. Meeder.
Oregon Circuit, I. H. Hauptfuehrer.
Oregon Mission, H. E. Bower.
Glasgow, J. S. Stamm.
Shelby, W. H. Manshardt.
Warrensburg, S. Breithaupt.
East Lynn, H. S. Bower.
Winston, J. W. Keiser.
Carthage, B. H. Hobbs.
Newton District — J. H. Tobias, P. E.
Newton, C. E. Platz.
Emporia, A. Solt.
Peabody, C. H. Hartman.
Yates Center, T. R. Nanninga.
Humboldt and Golden Valley, M. Wal-
ter.
Dennis, F. M. Peek.
Derby, M. J. Steinmetz.
Cambridge, J. M. Fricker.
Halstead, F. C. Dissinger.
Hesston, F. U. Moyer.
Hutchinson, F. M. Manshardt.
Alden, B. J. Fehnel.
Offerle, J. H. Parmer.
Orlando, W. C. Frey.
Waukomis, H. Steenbock.
Good Hope, to be supplied.
Dover, H. B. Vennum.
Guthrie, to be supplied from Orlando.
South-west Oklahoma, J. Kurtz.
Okeena, H. W. Hartman.
Woodward, to be supplied.
278
1902
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Abilene District — A. Brunner, P. E. Concordia and Minneapolis, C. Under-
Abilene, J. K. Young. koffler.
Swede Creek, C. F. Twig. Lucas, J. A. Spencer.
Leonardville, A. Rodewald. McPherson, C. J. Eiselein.
Jewell, D. Swart. Osborne, M. W. Plettner.
Canada and Marion, F. F. Linden and Industry, E. A. Bruner.
W. C. Johnson. Lost Springs, S. A. Burgert.
Alida, to be supplied. Colorado Springs, C. S. Steinmetz.
Washington, W. F. Schuerman. Ordway, Colo., C. S. Steinmetz.
MEMORIAL
Bishop J. J. Esher
The following was spread on the records of Conference re-
garding the death of Bishop Esher: "During the past year it has
pleased the Lord, in whose hands are the issues of life, to remove
one of our chief overseers, Bishop J. J. Esher, from time to eter-
nity, and inasmuch as the sainted Bishop was held in high esteem
by the members of the Kansas Conference, over which he repeat-
edly presided, therefore Resolved, That we highly appreciate his
wise counsel given us, for by it he, being dead, yet speaketh."
Bishop Esher was the second Bishop to preside at the ses-
sions of the Conference. His first service in this capacity was
in 1866, at the second session of the Conference, which was held
at Leavenworth, Kansas, after which he presided at her sessions
in 1868, 1869, 1871, 1873, 1874, 1877, 1879, 1883, 1886, 1888, 1891,
1894, 1896. He served as chairman fourteen times and was on the
program for the fifteenth time in 1901, but was prevented because
of the illness which terminated his life, April 16, 1901, at the age
of 78 years. No other Bishop visited the work in Kansas so often,
and presided so frequently at her Conference sessions. He was a
father in counsel, and a giant in leadership.
Rev. H. E. Meyer
Rev. H. E. Meyer was born in Crawford County, Ohio, May
20, 1864. He was licensed to preach by the Indiana Conference
in 1886, and received deacon's orders in 1888. In the spring of
1891 he came to Kansas. The following fields were served by him :
Winston Mission, two years ; Carthage Mission, two years ; Newton
Mission, one year; Derby, four years; and Oregon, his last field,
two years.
Brother Meyer was an earnest and energetic minister, who
extended his activities beyond the confines of his pulpit and con-
gregation into the realms of civic affairs. He was a strong ad-
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1902
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
vocate of prohibition, and aided the temperance movement with
public addresses in the rural districts, as well as with his pen in the
newspapers. He was enjoying the best of health and was engaged
in finishing up his year's work preparatory to Conference till just
a few days before his death. He contracted a cold which was not
alarming at first, but developed into tonsilitis and blood poison,
and before many of his own people and townsmen knew that he
was indisposed, he was dead. His departure coming so suddenly,
was all the more a shock for his family, his congregation and his
fellow citizens, by whom he was held in high esteem.
He was called away in the prime of life, March 4, 1902, at the
age of 38 years, 4 months and 28 days, after having spent 15
years in the Gospel ministry. March 8, 1887, he was married to
Adella Adair, to which union there were born one son and three
daughters, who, with the mother, survive a gentle and loving hus-
band and father. His body was laid away in the Oregon Ceme-
tery, to await the call of the Lord when he comes.
Rev. Solomon Reep
The following memorial was spread on the records of Con-
ference relative to Father Reep: "During the year the Head of
the Church gathered unto himself our beloved brother and father,
Solomon Reep, who, for a long series of years, has been a faithful
local minister, and for several years lived in the bounds of our
Conference. He was always joyful in the service of his Master,
and always cheerfully responded to every call to duty. We have
lost in him a man of God. The Lord comfort his aged compan-
ion, who is waiting for the summons of the Lord." Brother Reep
moved from the bounds of the Iowa Conference to Kansas sev-
eral years prior to his death, and was held in high esteem both
in Iowa and Kansas for his spirit and devotion and cheerfulness.
He made the world brighter wherever he went. Those who knew
him best loved him most.
Rev. B. F. Wade
Rev. B. F. Wade was licensed to preach in the Michigan Con-
ference, where he spent most of his life and service. He moved
to Newton, Kansas, a few years before his death, and became a
member of the Kansas Conference in local relations. His health
being impaired by age and infirmity, he could not render much ser-
vice, but was willing to do what he could. His labors and suf-
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1902
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
fering are ended, and he is at rest. He left an aged compan-
ion, two sons and four daughters to mourn for one who loved
them sincerely. They may, by the help of God, meet him in a
better world, in which there will be neither sickness nor death.
SOUTH ST. JOSEPH MISSION
South St. Joseph Mission was started under peculiar circum-
stances, inasmuch as there was not a member of the Evangelical
Association in the community at the time the work was begun,
hence no nucleus to work or build around' During the year 1900
the packing industry of South St. Joseph expanded on a large
scale, furnishing labor for a large number of employees who nat-
urally settled in the new town additions, which had just been
thrown upon the market for homes, and were rapidly being bought
and many new houses erected.
Brother 0. F. Hanne, of the St. Joseph congregation, was
operating: a grocery store in the city, and hence made numerous
business trips to South St. Joseph. He was impressed with the
religious destitution of the new community, and, what was even
worse, the shocking indifference on the part of the people who
w r ere settling there. His heart being touched by what he saw,
he mentioned the matter to his pastor, M. Manshardt, and his
presiding elder, who shortly after Conference, in the spring of
1891, visited the work in St. Joseph. After investigating the
matter carefully the three agreed that something should be done,
and whatever was to be undertaken must be done soon, since open
doors of such a character do not remain open very long. How-
ever, Conference just having been held, there would now be no
way of holding counsel, nor receiving financial aid from it, so
there seemed to be an effectual barrier in the way.
A house to house canvass was made, and the fact ascertained
that very few people attended church or cared very much about
Sunday-school, or church services. On one well settled block there
was only one family which attended church, and that family
was Catholic. This canvass was made by the pastor, M. Mans-
hardt, and the presiding elder, M. C. Platz, who felt that surely
something should be done for these people who were living like
heathen. A meeting was held that evening in the parsonage in
St. Joseph, which was attended by O. F. Hanne, M. Manshardt,
John Manshardt, Fred Marti, Milton Erffmeyer and M. C. Platz.
They finally resolved to purchase lots and build a little chapel
281
1902
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
in which to hold a mission Sunday-school, since there was not a
building available to rent for that purpose. A stock company was
organized and two lots were purchased at the corner of Pryor
and Hyde Park Ave., and a small chapel built thereon. The lots
cost $400.00.
On June 30, 1901, the chapel was dedicated and a Sunday-
school organized, with O. F. Hanne, superintendent; E. J. Feitz,
assistant; Jacob Yoss, secretary; and Fred Marti, treasurer. The
officers were all members of the city congregation, since there was
no one as yet available for officers in South St. Joseph.
The presiding elder appointed W. H. Manshardt pastor for
the remaining portion of the Conference year, with instructions
to preach regularly in the chapel and superintend the mission.
On Jan. 8, 1902, a Young People's Alliance was organized,
and Miss Sadie Russell chosen president.
At the Conference session held March, 1902, E. F. Boehringer
was assigned to the work, becoming the first pastor sent by Confer-
ence to South St. Joseph. Brother Boehringer organized the con-
gregation during the month of June with seven charter members.
P. E. Suess was elected class-leader, R. Wilson, exhorter, and E.
F. Boehringer, Sunday-school superintendent. The pastor says:
"These were days of experiences. I delighted in the work, but
met with many discouragements. One afternoon I made six vis-
its and received but one invitation to enter the home, while at two
places the door was slammed before my face, and I was turned
away."
The total cost of lots and building with furniture was $905.59,
not counting the time and labor donated by Brother Manshardt,
who had the supervision of the structure in hand. The stock com-
pany now offered the property to Conference for just what it cost
them in cash. Conference approved the action of the committee,
thanking the brethren for their interest in the work, and their
activity in starting the Sunday-school and preaching service, how-
ever, not being able to purchase the property at present, they re-
quested the committee to rent the same to them for a year, which
was done.
On May the 15th, 1906, the Conference trustees purchased
the property from the stock company for $900.00, and steps were
taken to replace the building with a larger and better church,
which was accomplished during the year through the energetic
labors of the pastor, A. Mattill, who spared no effort to succeed.
282
1903
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
He was finally permitted to see his labors crowned in the comple-
tion of a handsome church, which was dedicated by C. F. Erff-
meyer, presiding elder of the district. The building completed cost
$4,563.92, leaving an indebtedness of only $103.44. At the begin-
ning of the Conference year, 1906, the membership of the con-
gregation was about 30.
1903
THIRTY-NINTH SESSION
This session of Conference was held at Holton, Kan., beginning
March 19, 1903, with Bishop S. C. Breyfogel in the chair, and P.
Schumann, secretary.
F. M. Manshardt withdrew from the church during the year,
and F. E. Smith, at his request, was placed on the list of local
elders.
B. J. Fehnel and G. Sorg were placed on the supernumerary
list, the former on account of sickness.
Credentials were granted to W. C. Frey, W. R. Currier, R. R.
Brand and C. Schmidli.
The brethren H. S. Bower, J. S. Stamm, J. W. Keiser and B.
H. Hobbs were retained in the itinerancy without appointment.
D. R. Zellner was reinstated in the itinerancy.
License to preach was granted to Wm. Russell, Wm. Pittker
and E. J. Feitz.
C. L. Sorg received deacon's orders, and was received into
the itinerancy, while F. U. Moyer received elder's orders.
Wm. Daeschner returned from the Texas Conference and was
received into his home Conference again.
A. Brunner was elected Conference trustee for five years,
B. H. Hobbs statistician for one year, and A. Brunner Conference
treasurer.
M. C. Platz was elected presiding elder. The districts were
supplied as follows: Holton District, C. F. Erffmeyer; Kansas
City District, A. Brunner; Newton District, M. C. Platz; Abilene
District, J. H. Tobias.
The following brethren were elected delegates to General Con-
ference : C. F. Erffmeyer, A. Brunner, M. C. Platz, J. J. Kliphardt,
J. H. Tobias, and J. Schmidli.
The following request was sent to General Conference: "In-
asmuch as our mission work in Oklahoma and Colorado, in order
283
1903
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
to properly develop, needs to be supported with more money than
the Kansas Conference is able to appropriate for said field, there-
fore Resolved, That we respectfully petition General Conference
to assist us in a manner that body may deem best." In response
to this appeal General Conference ordered the Board of Missions
shall make an annual appropriation to the Kansas Conference for
the mission work carried on by her in Colorado and Oklahoma.
FINANCE PLAN
The standard for preachers' salary was revised as follows
and recommended to the respective Quarterly Conferences for
consideration :
For presiding elder, $650.00; ordained elder, married, $600,
single, $450; ordained deacon, married, $375.00; single, $350.00;
probationer, married, $300.00; single, $250.00.
BOUNDARIES
The following extensive change of boundaries was made at
this time, the greatest number of changes made for some years.
District Changes
a. Eudora Circuit shall be taken from Holton District and
added to Kansas City District.
Holton District
a. Wolf River appointment shall be taken from Camp Creek
Mission and be added to Hiawatha Circuit.
b. Powhattan shall be taken from Hiawatha Circuit and be
added to Granada Mission.
c. Atchison and Camp Creek shall be served together.
Kansas City District
a. Holden shall be taken from Warrensburg and with the
appointments Zion and Magnolia of East Lynn Mission constitute
Holden Mission, and East Lynn Mission shall be discontinued.
b. Emmanuel appointment of Carthage Mission shall be
added to Dennis Mission, and Carthage Mission shall be discon-
Neivton District.
a. Zion appointment shall be taken from Halstead Circuit
and added to Hesston Mission, which shall be changed to Hess-
ton Circuit. 00/1
284
1903
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
b. Halstead Circuit shall be changed to Halsteacl Mission.
c. Okeena Mission shall be added to Woodward Mission.
d. Sweetwater shall be taken from Southwest, Oklahoma,
Mission, and form Sweetwater Mission.
e. Good Hope and Orlando Missions shall be consolidated and
called Orlando Circuit.
Abilene District
a. Osborne Circuit shall be changed to Osborne Mission.
MISSIONS
During the past year $9,205.02 was raised for missions in the
Conference, and $9,770.60 appropriated for the coming year. A
deficit of $395.25 was reported in the missionary treasury, which
was liquidated by each preacher who served a work the past year,
paying a certain pro rata. A. Brunner was again elected dele-
gate to the Board of Missions, and the old board of officers was
re-elected.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 583; accessions, 712; membership, 6,563; itin-
erant preachers, 66 ; local preachers, 39 ; churches, 100 ; parson-
ages, 49; Sunday-schools, 106; officers and teachers, 1,378; schol-
ars, 7,425; Young People's Alliances, 63; members, 1,687; cate-
chetical classes, 43 ; catechumens, 628 ; Botschafters, 720 ; Messen-
gers, 695 ; Magazins, 514 ; Missionary Messengers, 264 ; Missions-
bote, 158 ; Heralds, 374 ; Bundesbote, 74 ; total for missions,
$11,069.09.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — C. F. Erffmeyer,
P. E.
Holton, J. J. Kliphardt.
Preston, C. Linge.
Deer Creek, M. Walter.
Atchison and Camp Creek, P. Schu-
mann.
Hiawatha Station, J. S. Miller.
Hiawatha Circuit, G. J. Schumacher.
Topeka, C. Brandt.
Falls City, J. Schmidli.
Bern, G. A. Manshardt.
Granada, to be supplied.
Vassar, J. R. Nanninga.
Westmoreland, to be supplied.
Coal Creek, L. Hanne.
Kansas City District — A. Brunner,
P. E.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., W.
Wolthausen.
Kansas City, English Mission, T.
Cox.
Eudora, B. Barthel.
Leavenworth, C. E. Platz.
St. Joseph, M. Manshardt.
South St. Joseph, E. F. Boehringer.
Platte River, C. Meeder.
Oregon Circuit, S. Breithaupt.
Oregon Mission, H. E. Bower.
Glasgow, D. R. Zellner.
Shelby, I. H. Hauptfuehrer.
Warrensburg, F. F. Linden.
Holden, C. S. Underkoffler.
Winston, L. E. Becher.
F.
285
1903
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Newton District — M. C. Platz, P. E. Sweetwater, J. Kurtz.
Newton, J. K. Young. Woodward, to be supplied.
PeXdy,' C.' H^Hartman. Abile ™ District. H. Tobias, P. E.
Yates Center, T. R. Nanninga. Abilene, F. C. Dissinger.
Humboldt and Golden Valley, J. M. Swede Creek, C. F. Iwig.
Fricker. Leonardville, A. Rodewald.
Dennis, F. M. Peek. Jewell, D. Swart.
Derby, M. J. Steinmetz. Canada, P. G. Nuffer.
Cambridge, Wm. Russell. Marion, F. W. Moyer.
Halstead, Wm. Daeschner. Alida, W. F. Schuerman.
Hesston, C. L. Sorg. Washington, M. W. Plettner.
Hutchinson, E. J. Feitz. Concordia and Minneapolis, to be sup-
Alden, W. C. Johnson. plied.
Offerle, to be supplied, later I. B. Lucas, J. A. Spencer.
Miller. McPherson, C. J. Eiselein.
Orlando and Guthrie, Wm. Pittker. Osborne, S. A. Burgert.
Waukomis, H. Steenbock. Industry, E. A. Bruner.
Dover, H. B. Vennum. Lost Springs, J. H. Parmer.
South-west Oklahoma, H. W. Hart- Colorado Springs, C. S. Steinmetz.
man. Ordway, Colo., to be supplied.
MEMORIAL
Rev. Christian Berncr
Rev. Christian Berner was born Nov. 20, 1828, in Rothen-
berg, Cannstadt, Wuerttemberg. In 1850 he was led to conversion
through the labors of Gustave Werner in Germany. In 1853 he
came to New York City, where he united with the Evangelical
Association. Later he moved to Kankakee, 111., and in 1856 was
licensed to preach by the Illinois Conference, which assigned him
to Dubuque Circuit, Iowa District, under charge of H. Lageschulte.
He served two years very acceptably on this charge when, in
1858, he responded to the call for missionaries to Kansas. Dur-
ing his first year in the territory of Kansas he labored in Douglas
County. In 1859 the Illinois Conference stationed him on Kan-
sas Mission, and in 1860 the Iowa Conference, which had in the
meantime been organized, stationed him on Franklin Mission,
Kansas, which was the same work in Douglas County. In 1861
the Iowa Conference stationed him on Muskatine and Davenport
Mission, in Iowa, where he served two years, when, in 1863, he
was sent to Leavenworth, Kansas, and the following year to Ore-
gon and Rockport Mission, in Missouri. At the first session of the
Kansas Conference he was stationed on Arago Mission, in Rich-
ardson County, Neb. In 1866 he was sent to Leavenworth, which
he served three years, after which he was elected presiding eider,
and stationed on Kansas District. He served this district four
years, when he again resumed the pastorate, in which he con-
286
1903
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
tinned until failing health compelled him to retire from the active
work.
In 1888 he severed his connection with the Kansas Confer-
ence, and moved to California, to regain health. He succeeded in
this to such an extent that he entered the ranks of the Californiia
Conference, and served Santa Ana Mission five years, when he was
elected presiding elder and served in that capacity for four years,
after which he served pastorates at Bardsdale, Fresno and Ontario.
Age and physical condition now made it necessary for him to
retire from the active work for the last time. He was married
to Louise Bubuck in 1859, with whom he lived in happy wedlock
for 35 years, his companion preceding him in death eight years.
To this union were born seven children, of whom two sons and one
daughter survive him. He entered into the rest of his Lord on
Jan. 6, 1903, at the age of 74 years, 1 month and 13 days.
Brother Berner was one of the founders of the Kansas Con-
ference, and for many years a leader in the same. For 20 years he
was secretary of the Conference. In 1871 and 1887 he was dele-
gate to General Conference, and later represented the California
Conference in that body. He endured many hardships and pri-
vations in the pioneer days as a path-finder, spared no pains and
evaded no duty, in order to lay a good foundation upon which his
successors might build. Through his labors and influence he con-
tinues to live in the Kansas 'Conference. He labored faithfully,
he conquered, and now enjoys the final fruits of a life well spent.
ORDWAY, COLORADO
During the year 1901 Rev. A. Brunner, presiding elder of
Abilene District, received an urgent call from members of the
Evangelical Association, living at Ordway, Col., to visit and preach
for them. Brother Brunner complied with their request, and
while in their midst a petition was signed by the members living
there, requesting the Kansas Conference to locate a mission at
Ordway and send them a preacher. In compliance with this re-
quest a mission was located, and supplied the first year with C. S.
Steinmetz.
The charter members of the young society were : John Helms,
Augusta Helms, Fred Helms, Tillie Helms, John Helms, Jr., Willie
Helms, Charles Helms, John Schutz, Mary Schutz, Emma Schutz,
Laura Schutz, Willie Schutz, Paulina Schutz, Wm. Schutz, George
Schutz, Mary Schutz, John Schutz, Geo. Trabant, Lena Trabant,
287
1903
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Fred Tieman, Simon Zinn, Augusta Zinn, Reuben Zinn, Clara Zinn
and Cora Zinn.
John Schutz was the first class-leader and Simon Zinn ex-
horter. A Sunday-school was organized simultaneously with the
organization of the society, of which Fred Tieman was the super-
intendent.
A church was built during the pastorate of S. J. Luehring
in 1903 at a cost of $1,500.00, which was dedicated the same year
by Bishop Wm. Horn. This building was enlarged in 1907 at an
additional cost of $3,520.00. The same year a parsonage was
erected at a cost of $1,780.00. The foregoing improvements were
made during the pastorate of C. S. Steinmetz.
In 1906 a Young People's Alliance was organized with Geo.
Trabant president, and a Woman's Missionary Society in 1912
with Minnie Hassler president.
During the years 1910-1912 quite a number of members from
Emporia Circuit, Kansas, moved to Ordway, also several from
Oklahoma, thus strengthening the work numerically and finan-
cially.
COLORADO SPRINGS
Numerous families from various points in Missouri and Kan-
sas, having moved to Colorado Springs prior to 1902, they like-
wise appealed to the Kansas Conference for recognition and serv-
ice. Because of this earnest appeal a mission was located at Colo-
rado Springs at the Conference session held at Hiawatha, Kans.,
in the spring of 1902, and C. S. Steinmetz assigned to the new
mission in connection with the newly formed mission at Ordway.
Brother Steinmetz organized a class with 23 members as early as
March 30, 1902, in the home of R. F. Shepard, S. Cascade Street.
The first year services were held in a tent which was tempo-
rarily arranged for that purpose at 209 Rio Grand St. At the
close of the first year the membership reached 39 in numbers, with
a good prospect for other additions. Charles Hagenmeyer was
the first class-leader and J. F. Parrill exhorter. A Sunday-school
was organized during the first year, which numbered 53 members
before its close.
A Young People's Alliance was organized in 1903 with 30
members, also a Woman's Missionary Society, but no record of the
officers can be found.
288
1903
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
In 1903 a church was built at a cost of $1,356.59, and dedi-
cated by Bishop Wm. Horn. A parsonage was built in 1907 at a
cost of $2,500.00. For several years the mission was supported
by the Conference Branch of the Young People's Alliance as its
special charge.
GRANADA MISSION
Granada Mission is composed of several of the oldest appoint-
ments in the Conference. These appointments were frequently
shifted from one field of labor to another until 1902, when they
were formed into Granada Mission. The mission consists of the
appointments Powhattan, Zion and Victory.
Povjhattan
The beginning of the work at Powhattan dates back as far
as 1859, when M. J. Miller, P. Porr and Wm. Uber traveled through
these regions and preached for the people. In 1861 Wm. Uber,
who was serving Holton Mission, organized a class of which the
following were the charter members : Daniel Lueck, Sr., and wife,
with their sons, Daniel, Jr., Henry and Ferdinand, Sophia Lueck,
Frederick Mell and Louise Mell. Daniel Lueck, Sr., was chosen
class-leader.
A Sunday-school was started in 1866, which was changed to
a Union school in 1888. About 1885 a Union church building was
erected with the Methodist Episcopal people, and this relation
has been continued ever since.
Zion Class
Preaching was begun at the Zion appointment about 1875
by Wm. Meier, who was serving Big Blue Circuit at the time.
About 1877 a class was organized by Rev. C. Buchel, with the
following members : S. Bauer and wife, G. Lodholz and wife, with
their daughters, Mary, Ann, Christina, Rosa and Sophia, A. Voile
and wife, Fred Heiseman and wife, and the Feger family. A.
Voile was chosen class leader, G. Lodholz exhorter, and S. Bauer
steward.
A Sunday-school was organized by Rev. F. Schafer in 1885,
and P. J. Gurtler elected superintendent.
289
1904
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
In 1912 a Young People's Alliance was started with Lydia
Seip as president.
During the pastorate of F. J. Schafer a church building was
erected in 1889 at a cost of $800.00 and dedicated by C. F. Erff-
meyer. The trustee board was composed of G. Lodholz, P. G.
Gurtler and G. A. Segenhagen.
Victory Class
About 1888 Rev. D. Swart from Sebetha Mission began to
preach at the Victory appointment south of Bern and later a class
was organized there with the members: Adam Klager and fam-
ily, Geo. Curfman, B. H. Hobbs, Grace Hobbs, Mrs. Seitz and
Theodore Sprague. The dates of the organization of the society
and Sunday-school are not available.
A Young People's Alliance was organized in 1907 with C. B.
Clifton president.
In 1894 a church was built during the pastorate of H. W.
Hartman, which was dedicated by M. C. Platz from Holton.
1904
FORTIETH SESSION
Thursday, March 17, 1904, Conference convened at Bern,
Nemaha County, Kans., to hold her 40th session with Bishop Wm.
Horn in the chair and P. Schumann secretary.
B. J. Fehnel, Madison Walter, Mrs. Dora Ehrhart and Mrs.
D. Swart died during the year.
R. Winters, S. H. Dunkelberger and F. F. Linden withdrew
from the church.
W. F. Schuerman was, at his request, placed on the super-
numerary list.
The brethren G. W. Weidemeier, J. S. Stamm, F. C. Dis-
inger, J. H. Parmer, J. H. Tobias, J. W. Keiser, H. B. Vennum
and L. E. Becher were retained in the itinerancy without appoint-
ment.
C. F. Kliphardt, S. F. Hilgenfeld, G. F. Barthel, I. B. Miller
and H. Huscher received license to preach.
W. H. Manshardt received deacon's orders and was admitted
into the itinerancy, and the brethren L. Hanne, J. H. Parmer,
M. W. Plettner and W. C. Johnson received elders' orders.
290
1904
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
D. F. Honstedt returned to the Conference from the United
Evangelical Church, and was admitted into the itinerancy.
The brethren A. Brunner, C. F. Erffmeyer and D. Swart were
elected presiding elders and stationed as follows: Holton Dis-
trict, A. Brunner; Kansas City District, C. F. Erffmeyer; Newton
District, M. C. Platz ; Abilene District, D. Swart.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected trustee of North-Western Col-
lege and Union Biblical Institute for three years, also Conference
trustee for five years, B. H. Hobbs statistical secretary for one
year, and A. Brunner Conference treasurer for one year.
The Kansas City, Oak Street Church, was sold during the
year to Ludwig Stoltzing of Kansas City, and the sale ratified
by Conference.
During the year a church was built at Colorado Springs at a
cost of $3,729.01.
A committee was appointed, composed of the presiding elder
of Kansas City District, the pastor of Highland Avenue congre-
gation, the local trustee board of the Highland Avenue congrega-
tion, and the conference trustee board, which was authorized to
sell the Highland Avenue church property and purchase the Olivet
Congregational church building at the corner of 19th and Wood-
land Ave. The project was fortunately not carried out. Several
years later the colored population settled in that part of the city,
crowding out all the white inhabitants, so that the change would
have been disastrous to our church interests.
At this session the endowment plan for North-Western Col-
lege was presented, and, after due consideration, favorably acted
upon. The amount of $17,129.43 was apportioned to the Kansas
Conference as her share of the endowment obligation. The an-
nual interest amounting to $685.17 was all that would be required
at the present time. To meet the annual interest payment 11 cents
per member was levied on each work in the Conference, and the
second Sunday in the month of October was designated as Edu-
cational Sunday in harmony with an action of General Confer-
ence
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Bern Circuit shall be changed to Bern Mission.
Kansas City District
a. Warrensburg and Holden Missions shall be served to-
gether. 291
1904
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Newton District
a. Derby appointment shall be taken from Derby Circuit
and formed into a separate mission.
b. The appointments Zion and Emanuel of Derby Circuit
and Wing of Cambridge Mission shall constitute Butler Circuit,
and Derby Circuit shall be discontinued.
c. Cambridge appointment shall be attached to Dennis Mis-
sion and Cambridge Mission shall be discontinued.
d. Osceola shall be taken from Southwest, Okla., Mission,
and added to Sweetwater Mission.
e. Hamburger and Bellville of Southwest Oklahoma Mission
shall, with the surrounding country, constitute Weatherford Mis-
sion, and Southwest Mission shall be discontinued.
Abilene District
a. Concordia and Minneapolis Mission shall be served with
Washington Circuit.
b. Alida Station shall be changed to Alida Mission.
c. Mayday shall be taken from Swede Creek, and Winkler
from Leonardville, and together constitute Fancy Creek Mission.
d. Canada Station shall be changed to a mission.
MISSIONS
During the past year $9,909.44 was raised for missions in
the Conference, and $10,500.00 was appropriated for the coming
year, of which amount $1,300.00 shall be received from the Gen-
eral Treasury of the Missionary Society for work in Oklahoma
and Colorado. A. Brunner was again elected delegate to the Board
of Missions, and the following officers were elected for the ensuing
year: A. Brunner, president; C. F. Erffmeyer, secretary, and W.
F. Wolthausen, treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 499 ; accessions, 664 ; membership, 6,436 ; itin-
erant preachers, 65; local preachers, 36; churches, 101; parson-
ages, 48; Sunday-schools, 111; officers and teachers, 1,374; schol-
ars, 7,620; Young People's Alliances, 67; members, 1,727; Wom-
an's Missionary Societies, 28; members, 477; catechetical classes,
49 ; catechumens, 576 ; Botschaf ters, 789 ; Messengers, 746 ; Maga-
zins, 527; Missionary Messengers, 327; Missionsbote, 193; Her-
alds, 422 ; Bundesbote, 76 ; total for missions, $14,729.18.
292
1904
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — A. Brunner, P. E.
Holton, C. E. Platz.
Preston, C. Linge.
Deer Creek, E. F. Boehringer.
Atchison, D. R. Zellner.
Camp Creek, A. Rodewald.
Hiawatha Station, J. S. Miller.
Hiawatha Circuit, G. J. Schumacher.
Topeka, P. Schumann.
Falls City, M. Manshardt.
Bern, G. A. Manshardt.
Granada, D. F. Honstedt.
Vassar, J. R. Nanninga.
Westmoreland, H. S. Bower.
Coal Creek, C. F. Kliphardt.
Kansas City District — C. F. Erffmey
er, P. E.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., W. F.
Wolthausen.
Kansas City, English, to be supplied.
Eudora, C. Meeder.
Leavenworth, J. J. Kliphardt.
St. Joseph, J. Schmidli.
South St. Joseph, to be supplied.
Platte River, L. Hanne.
Oregon Circuit, S. Breithaupt.
Oregon Mission, H. E. Bower.
Glasgow, W. H. Manshardt.
Shelby, I. H. Hauptfuehrer.
Warrensburg and Holden, B. H.
Hobbs.
Winston, C. Underkoffler.
Newton District— M. C. Platz, P. E.
Newton, J. K. Young.
Emporia, A. Solt.
Peabody, H. Huscher.
Yates Center, T. R. Nanninga.
Humboldt, J. M. Fricker.
Dennis, Wm. Russell.
Derby, M. J. Steinmetz.
Butler, F. M. Peek.
Halstead, Wm. Daeschner.
Hesston, C. L. Sorg.
Hutchinson, to be supplied.
Alden, W. C. Johnson.
Offerle, I. B. Miller.
Orlando, W. Pittker.
Waukomis, H. Steenbock.
Dover, F. H. Draeger.
Weatherford, H. W. Hartman.
Sweetwater, J. Haber.
Woodward, to be supplied.
Abilene District — D. Swart, P. E.
Abilene, J. A. Spencer.
Swede Creek, C. F. Iwig.
Leonardville, C. Brandt.
Jewell, B. Barthel.
Canada, P. G. Nuffer.
Marion, F. U. Moyer.
Alida, W. F. Schuerman.
Washington and Concordia, M. W.
Plettner and E. J. Feitz.
Lucas, E. A. Bruner.
McPherson, C. J. Eiselein.
Osborne, S. A. Burgert.
Industry, C. H. Hartman.
Lost Springs, J. H. Parmer.
Colorado Springs, C. S. Steinmetz.
Ordway, S. J. Luehring.
Fancy Creek, to be supplied.
MEMORIAL
Rev. Madison Walter
Rev. M. Walter was born in Somerset County, Pa., July 6th,
1857. When a young man he came to Richardson County, Neb.,
where he became acquainted with the Evangelical Association and
her people, by whom he was led to conversion and union with the
church. In the spring of 1884 he entered the ministry at the Con-
ference session, held in his home church on the Nemaha Circuit,
in Richardson County, Neb., under the chairmanship of Bishop
R. Dubs. He served successively on the following fields: Osage
Mission, Deer Creek, Derby, Halstead, Oregon, Shelby, Bern, Hum-
boldt and Deer Creek for the second time. After less than a year's
work here he was called home on Feb. 19, 1904.
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FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Brother Walter was united in marriage with Christina Hoffer
Oct. 6, 1881. To this union were born five children, after which
the faithful companion and mother was called away from her fam-
ily through death in 1892. He was later married to Elizabeth
Balzer. who survives him. To this union four children were born.
For 20 years Brother Walter was permitted to labor in the Gos-
pel ministry in the Kansas Conference, during which time he was
instrumental in leading many souls to Christ and building up
God's people in the most holy faith. He was permitted to preach
a little less than one year on Deer Creek Mission, when the Lord
called him away to give him the reward for faithful service. His
body was laid away in the old Evangelical Cemetery at the Deer
Creek Church in Douglas County, Kansas.
Rev. B. J. Fehnel
Rev. B. J. Fehnel was born in the State of Pennsylvania,
where he was converted and united with the Evangelical Associa-
tion. Feeling the call to the ministry, he yielded, and was licensed
in the State of Pennsylvania, after which he came to the Kansas
Conference in the spring of 1888, and was stationed on Pawnee
Rock Mission, in Western Kansas. The following spring he re-
ceived deacon's orders and was received into the itinerancy. He
was now sent to Eldorado Mission, and the following year to Hum-
boldt, where he served three years. In 1893 he was transferred
to Peabody Mission, after which he served Marion, Alida and
Clay, Halstead and Alden. Here his health gave way, and he was
compelled to give up the work. Brother Fehnel was a consecrated
man, a diligent worker, positive in his views and preaching, and
careful in his life. He led many souls to Christ through his min-
istry of sixteen years, dying at the early age of 49 years, on May
5th, 1904, at his home in Halstead, Kansas.
Mrs. Dora Ehrhardt
Mrs. Dora Ehrhardt, nee Neuman, was born in Germany, Nov.
10, 1836. She was the wife of Rev. Chas. Ehrhardt, who preceded
her in death nearly 20 years ago. She was married to him at
Cleveland, Ohio, in 1858. Her wedded life was a happy one. Four
children were born to her who mourn the loss of an excellent
mother, to whom no sacrifice was too great. In the spring of
1862 her husband was licensed by the Pittsburg Conference. In
1875 they moved west, her husband taking up work in the Kansas
294
1904
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Conference. She shared the trials, hardships and privations of
pioneer days in the work of the ministry, but was always patient,
and hopeful, believing that He who called her and her husband
to the Gospel ministry would care for them, and sustain them by
His grace. She was held in the highest esteem by all who were
acquainted with her. She sweetly fell asleep in Jesus at the home
of her daughter, Mrs. George Scheidenberger, at Holden, Mo., May
15, 1903, at the age of 66 years, 7 months and 5 days.
Mrs. D. Swart
Mrs. D. Swart, daughter of Rev. J. M. Dreisbach, was born
in the State of Ohio, March 24, 1868, moving with her parents to
Kansas when quite young. She was led into the Christian ex-
perience when young in years, and united with the Evangelical
Association. October the 10th, 1888, she was united in marriage
to Rev. D. Swart, of the Kansas Conference, with whom she shared
the experiences of an Evangelical preacher for fifteen years, dur-
ing which time she, with her husband, lived on various fields of
labor. Four daughters were given her, of whom she was exceed-
ingly proud, and spared no means to look after their welfare.
She was a true companion and helpmate to her husband in his
work in the ministry. Her end came so soon, for at the age of
35 years she was called from her home and labors to that home
above where her Saviour lives and reigns, and where He says his
servant shall be also. She leaves husband and four daughters to
remember her love and tender care for them.
SWEETWATER MISSION
In 1903 John Kurtz, an old time path-finder, a superannuated
minister of the Kansas Conference, already past 70 years of age,
requested his presiding elder to send him as far out on the fron-
tier as possible, whereupon he was sent to Weatherford in Custer
County. Here the intrepid hero heard that there were members
of the Evangelical Association living 70 miles farther west, near
the Texas line, on Sweetwater Creek. He determined to visit
them and soon had a little class organized, consisting of Fred
Bohnenblust and wife, John Fourrier and wife, and Carl Fox and
wife. During the year 1903 Father Kurtz served the work from
Weatherford, Hamburger and Osceola, which points were about
equally 70 miles distant. The following year he moved to Sweet-
295
1904
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
water and took up an 80 acre claim on which he built a dugout,
where he continued to live while serving his little flock.
The first officials were Fred Bohnenblust, class-leader; Carl
Fox, Sunday-school superintendent, and Fred Bohnenblust, secre-
tary. The Sunday-school was organized in 1903.
Through the perseverance of the pastor and the co-operation
of his little band of members, who were loyal to the church, but
very limited in finances, a church was built in 1904. The build-
ing was completed at a cost of about $600.00, which was paid in
part by voluntary contributions donated by friends of the mission
in the north and east. This was the first rural church in Roger
Mills County, and was a worthy monument to the memory of the
veteran pastor, Rev. J. Kurtz. It was dedicated by M. C. Platz,
presiding elder of the district.
A Woman's Missionary Society was organized in 1904 with
the following members: Mrs. R. Suppe, Mrs. Fred Bohnenblust,
Mrs. J. Fourrier, Mrs. Metzner and Mrs. John Steenbock.
In 1909 a Young People's Alliance was organized with eleven
members and the following officers: Rev. Wm. Daeschner, pres-
ident; Esther Suppe, secretary; and Philip Yesser, treasurer.
SHELBY
Leslie Chapel
During the past year Leslie Chapel was organized during the
pastorate of Rev. I. H. Hauptfuehrer, with a membership of 27.
A church was built the same year, which was dedicated by Rev.
C. F. Erffmeyer in the month of May, 1904.
Ebenezer Class
The church building erected in 1894 at the Ebenezer appoint-
ment was destroyed by fire in 1909, but immediately rebuilt by
the energetic people of the congregation and community, under
the pastorate of Rev. Wm. Russell. This was dedicated by Rev.
D. Swart, presiding elder of the district, Feb. 25, 1910.
BUTLER CIRCUIT
The principal appointments of Butler Circuit were originally
connected with Wichita Mission in 1880, and later Derby Mission
and Circuit, until 1904, when Zion and Emanuel appointments
were taken from Derby, and in connection with the Wing
appointment of Cambridge Mission, formed into Butler Circuit.
296
1904
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
The early history dates back to the year 1879, or perhaps ear-
lier, when the families of Fred Unger, Sr., and Geo. Weber lo-
cated about five miles south-east of Eldorado, Butler County,
Kan., and Wm. Litzke, ten miles south of these brethren. Occa-
sionally the minister from Derby, which was 40 miles west of
there, would preach for those families, but not regularly. About
this time F. F. Bartells moved from Americus, Kans., where he
was connected with the Evangelical Association, to Eldorado, and
got acquainted with the scattered families living in Butler County.
Brother Bartells sent to Cleveland, got some Sunday-school song
books and literature, and started a Sunday-school in the Weber
and Unger neighborhood, of which he was elected superintendent,
and Geo. Weber assistant superintendent. This school seemed to
meet with favor in the community and considerable interest was
manifested. At this time, 1880, Brother H. Toedman, who was
serving Wichita Mission, began to preach regularly at this point,
and during the fall of this year a protracted meeting was held at
the Weber appointment, which resulted in the conversion of quite
a number of souls and the organization of a class of which F. F.
Bartells became class-leader, and Geo. Weber exhorter. Unfortu-
nately many of the converts were only renters and hence transi-
tory; they soon changed location and a new class of people came
in their place, which prevented the appointment gaining stability.
However, in spite of this drawback, the work advanced, and in
later years, during the pastorate of H. E. Meyer, a neat church
was erected and dedicated as the Emanuel Church of the Evan-
gelical Association.
Inspired by the revival effort put forth at this place, Sister
Wm. Litzke, who was a zealous worker in the cause of her Re-
deemer, requested the pastor to hold a meeting in her neighbor-
hood, ten miles south of Emanuel. She also urged the Christian
friends of Emanuel to come over and help them in a meeting.
This was done with the result that a number were converted and
a class organized in the Litzke community, where later the Zion
Church was built, which was the first Evangelical church building
in Butler County.
In the eastern part of the county, near Leon, lived the Semisch
family, who entreated the co-operation of the Christian people at
the two appointments named, to hold a meeting in their communi-
ty in the Prairie Queen school house. Here a third class was or-
ganized, and, later, during the pastorate of M. J. Steinmetz, a
297
1905
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
beautiful church erected, which was dedicated as the Bethel
Church.
The work on Butler Circuit was of a rural character, which
always implies a heavy giving off of membership to city and other
charges, but prevents local development on a large scale. Yet
many souls are saved, and a vast amount of good is accomplished.
1905
FORTY-FIRST SESSION
Conference met March 16, 1905, at Yates Center, Kansas, to
hold her 41st session with Bishop Thomas Bowman in the chair
and P. Schumann, secretary.
H. Cover, a local preacher, and Mrs. C. Meeder, died during
the past year.
G. A. Manshardt and T. J. Cox received credentials.
H. B. Vennum, at his request, was placed on the list of super-
annuates, and J. H. Kiplinger on the list of supernumeraries.
M. J. Steinmetz, L. E. Becher and P. G. Nuffer were retained
in the itinerancy without appointment.
The brethren L. A. Branson, C. B. Willming, Ezra Evans, E.
S. Spangler, C. F. Hartman and Roy Mathews received license.
E. J. Feitz, E. F. Boehringer, Wm. Russell, John Haber, Wm.
Pittker and C. F. Harder received deacons' orders and were, with
the exception of the last named, received into the itinerancy. C.
L. Sorg and J. S. Stamm received elders' orders.
F. H. Draeger was received from the Minnesotat Conference
and H. M. Schuerman from the Wisconsin Conference, both as
elders in the itinerancy.
J. H. Tobias was elected Conference trustee for five years, B.
H. Hobbs statistical secretary for one year, and A. Brunner Con-
ference treasurer for one year.
The Young People's Alliance, through its annual Branch con-
vention, sent a request to Conference to assign them a special mis-
sion for support as the Young People's Alliance Mission. Their
request was adopted and has been continued ever since.
Rev. D. Swart purchased a house in Abilene, Kansas, during
the past year, which he now offered to Conference for a district
house for the consideration of $1,600.00. His offer was accepted,
298
1905
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
and the presiding elder of Abilene District was instructed to col-
lect the amount on the district.
The brethren C. F. Erffmeyer and W. F. Wolthausen offered
to transfer to the trustees of the Kansas Conference a lot 67x157
feet on the corner of Mersington and 25th Streets in Kansas City,
Mo. Also a chapel 24x40 feet, erected at a cost of $781.25. Con-
ference accepted the offer and instructed the Conference trustees
to pay for the same out of the proceeds of the old Oak Street
Church property.
BOUNDARIES
Holton Dstrict
a. Mina appointment shall be taken from Westmoreland Mis-
sion and added to Granada Mission.
Kansas City District
a. Willow Springs shall be taken from Eudora Circuit and
added to Deer Creek Mission on Holton District.
b. Benton shall be taken from Oregon Circuit and added to
Oregon Mission.
c. Oregon Circuit shall be changed to Mound City Circuit.
Neivton District
a. A new mission shall be located in Tulsa, Indian Territory,
to be called Tulsa Mission.
MISSIONS
During the past year $9,682.67 was raised for Kansas Con-
ference missions, and $11,010.00 appropriated for the next year.
Toward this sum the General Treasury appropriated $1,300.00.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the former officers were re-elected for the society for the ensuing
year.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 504 ; accessions, 610 ; membership, 6,309 ; itin-
erant preachers, 63 ; local preachers, 34 ; churches, 101 ; parson-
ages, 51; Sunday-schools, 113; officers and teachers, 1,301; schol-
ars, 7,492; Young People's Alliances, 71; members, 2,038; Wom-
an's Missionary Society, 37; members, 634; catechetical classes,
41; catechumens, 617; Botschafters, 782; Messengers, 774; Maga-
zins, 528; Missionary Messengers, 353; Missionsbote, 203; Her-
alds, 439 ; Bundesbote, 95 ; total for missions, $16,243.16.
299
1905
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — A. Brunner, P. E.
Holton, C. E. Platz.
Preston, J. R. Nanninga.
Hiawatha Circuit, A. Solt.
Hiawatha Station, J. S. Miller.
Coal Creek, Geo. Schrenk.
Atchison, D. R. Zellner.
Topeka, P. Schumann.
Falls City, M. Manshardt.
Granada, L. A. Branson.
Bern, H. E. Bower.
Deer Creek and Vassar, H. Steenbock
and E. F. Boehringer.
Westmoreland, H. S. Bower.
Camp Creek, A. Rodewald.
Kansas City District — C. F. Erff-
meyer, P. E.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. Linge.
Kansas City, English, S. Breithaupt.
Eudora, C. Meeder.
Leavenworth, J. J. Kliphardt.
St. Joseph, J. Schmidli.
South St. Joseph, D. F. Honstedt.
Platte River, L. Hanne.
Mound City, G. W. Weidemeier.
Oregon Mission, B. H. Hobbs.
Glasgow, W. H. Manshardt.
Shelby, I. H. Hauptfuehrer.
Warrensburg and Holden, E. J. Feitz.
Winston, C. Underkoffler.
Newton District — M. C. Platz, P. E.
Newton, J. K. Young.
Emporia, H. M. Schuerman.
Yates Center, W. F. Wolthausen.
Humboldt, J. M. Fricker.
Dennis, Wm. Russell.
Derby, C. J. Eiselein.
Butler and Peabody, F. M. Peek and
Ezra Evans.
Halstead, T. R. Nanninga.
Hesston, C. L. Sorg.
Hutchinson, J. A. Spencer.
Alden, W. C. Johnson.
Offerle, I. B. Miller.
Orlando, Wm. Pittker.
Waukomis, Wm. Daeschner.
Dover, F. H. Draeger.
Weatherford, H. W. Hartman.
Sweetwater, J. Haber.
Woodward, to be supplied.
Tulsa, to be supplied.
Abilene District — D. Swart. P. E.
Abilene, J. H. Tobias.
Swede Creek, C. F. Iwig.
Leonardville, C. Brandt.
Jewell, B. Barthel.
Canada, C. F. Kliphardt.
Marion, F. U. Moyer.
Alida, H. Huscher.
Washington and Fancy Creek, M. W.
Plettner and F. C. Dissinger.
Concordia, G. J. Schumacher.
Lucas, E. A. Bruner.
McPherson, S. A. Burgert.
Osborne, C. H. Hartman.
Industry, J. W. Keiser.
Lost Springs, J. H. Parmer.
Colorado Springs, C. S. Steinmetz.
Ordway, to be supplied.
MEMORIAL
Rev. H. Cover
Rev. H. Cover came to the Kansas Conference as a local
preacher prior to 1886. He never entered the active work, but
was ever ready to render assistance to the cause wherever oppor-
tunity presented itself. He died during the past year at an ad-
vanced age, after spending a life in the cause of his Redeemer.
Mrs. C. Meeder
Again death invaded the home of our brother and co-worker,
C. Meeder, during the year, talking away a faithful companion,
and plunging the home in sorrow. Sister Meeder was a noble
Christian woman, with excellent ability, which she placed at the
300
1905
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
disposal of her Heavenly Father for service in his cause. Her life
and influence reached out as a benediction to all with whom she
came in contact.
WEATHERFORD
Weatherford Mission originally embraced the appointments
Hamburger, nine miles south of Weatherford ; and Osceola, 40
miles north-west of Weatherford, with all intermediate points.
During the year 1904 an appointment was taken up in the town
of Weatherford by Rev. H. W. Hartman and a class organized with
five members, consisting of August Kaiser's family, who immi-
grated from the State of Minnesota, settling one mile north of
Weatherford. A Sunday-school was organized at the time with
August Kaiser, superintendent. Preaching services were held in a
small church of the Methodist South denomination, when not in
use by them. Thus the society began on a very small scale indeed,
but the loyal charter members held on and were soon reinforced
by others who identified themselves with the little band. Brother
Hartman was succeeded by J. Haber in 1906, who, during the sum-
mer, held a grove meeting near the town, at which several souls
were saved, and the work became better known.
In 1909 a neat church was erected during the pastorate of J.
Haber at a cost of $3,000.00, and was dedicated by C. E. Platz,
presiding elder of Newton District. A Young People's Alliance
was organized in 1911, with the following officers: Mrs. L. E.
Becher, president; Beulah Harrouf, vice-president; A. B. Becher,
secretary, and Almon Kaiser, treasurer. A Woman's Missionary
Society was organized in 1912, with Mrs. L. E. Becher, president;
Mrs. E. E. Meyer, vice-president; and Mrs. Almon Kaiser, secre-
tary.
MOUND CITY CIRCUIT
Mound City Circuit was formerly called Oregon Circuit, until
1905, when the name was changed by Conference. The principal
appointments were Ebenezer, Calvary and Benton. Later an ap-
pointment was taken up in town which was subsequently formed
into a mission and served in connection with the circuit. This ac-
tion was taken in 1906, but the city work never developed suffi-
ciently to separate it from the circuit. The following data con-
cerning the beginning and development of the various appoint-
ments have been obtained :
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1905
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Ebenezer Class
As early as 1869 John Beck, then serving Oregon Mission,
began to preach in the community where the Ebenezer church now
stands. The following year, 1870, S. W. McKesson organized a
class with the following charter members : Henry Smith and wife,
Wm. Smith and wife, Peter Werle and wife, Charles Anselman
and wife, John Berger, John Bucher and Lydia Dunkelberger.
Most of the parties named had been members of the Evangelical
Association in the East. The class developed and on various occa-
sions successful revivals were held in which many souls were
saved.
In 1884, during the pastorate of C. W. Snyder, a neat coun-
try church was built at a cost of $2,000.00, and dedicated by Bishop
T. Bowman. A Sunday-school was organized in 1877, which was
placed in charge of Charles Anselman as the first superintend-
ent. During the pastorate of A. J. Voegelein in 1887 a Wom-
an's Missionary Society was organized with Mrs. A. J. Voegelein
as president.
Calvary Class
In 1876 J. H. Kiplinger took up an appointment north and
east of Ebenezer, where he preached regularly, and where, two
years later, E. Evans organized a class, of which the first mem-
bers were: Charles Allen, Herman Allen, N. Anderson and wife.
This exceedingly small class was placed in charge of N. Anderson,
as the first class-leader. In 1895 a church building was erected
during the pastorate of A. E. Flickinger. This cost $1,400.00, and
was dedicated by Rev. S. P. Spreng, of Cleveland, Ohio, then edi-
tor of the "Evangelical Messenger." The same year that the
church was built a Sunday-school was also organized with Henry
Allen as superintendent. A Woman's Missionary Society was
started in 1901, with Anna Wells as president. In 1914 a Young
People's Alliance was organized by Rev. A. F. Rice, with A. Shaw
as president.
Benton Class
Rev. E. Evans was the path-finder in this community. In
1882 he organized a class with the following charter members:
Charles Noris and wife, Hans King and wife, Minnie King, Eddie
King, Fannie Noris, Gilbert Murry, Judd Kelly, Wm. Fields, Wash-
ington Hutton, A. Morgan and wife, and Brother Manifee. Bro.
302
1906
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Manifee was elected class-leader and Sunday-school superintend-
ent. A church was built in 1882, at a cost of $1,500.00, and dedi-
cated by Bishop T. Bowman.
1906
FORTY-SECOND SESSION
The 42nd session of Conference was held in the Coal Creek
Church, Jefferson County, Kans., beginning March the 15th, 1906,
with Bishop S. C. Breyfogel in the chair and P. Schumann sec-
retary.
J. M. Dreisbach died during the year, also Ida Linge, daugh-
ter of Rev. C. Linge, and Minnie, daughter of Rev. M. W. Plettner.
H. B. Vennum and W. D. Morga withdrew from the church.
L. A. Branson returned his license.
The following brethren were retained in the itinerancy with-
out appointment : D. F. Honstedt, I. H. Hauptfuehrer, C. J. Eise-
lein and E. A. Bruner.
Credentials were issued to J. S. Stamm.
L. E. Becher was placed in the superannuate relation.
The brethren E. W. Petticord, August Hoch, E. E. Erffmeyer,
Andrew Hoerrman and C. E. Huscher received license to preach.
J. E. Moyer, a local probationer of the Indiana Conference,
was received, also S. E. Meyer of the California Conference on
condition that he present his credentials to his presiding elder.
A. Mattill was taken from the supernumerary list and placed
in active service.
H. Mattill, who, for 16 years, had been absent from the Con-
ference, during which time he served as a general church official
at Cleveland, Ohio, in the capacity of assistant book agent in the
Publishing House, was received into the Conference with a hearty
welcome, and the ardent wish that his health might be fully re-
stored.
Deacons' orders were granted to C. F. Kliphardt, George
Schrenk, H. Huscher and I. B. Miller, who were also received into
the itinerancy, while W. H. Manshardt and G. W. Weidemeier re-
ceived elders' orders.
M. C. Platz was re-elected Conference trustee for five years,
B. H. Hobbs, statistical secretary, and A. Solt, Conference treas-
urer.
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1906
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
During the past year the church and parsonage at Peabody
were sold for $1,192.50. The whole work at Peabody, which had
been carried on since 1886, never prospered, and in late years quite
a few of the members moved away, discouraging the remaining
ones, so that, by mutual consent, the work was abandoned and the
property sold.
The Conference trustees, with the pastors of South St. Joseph
and St. Joseph Missions, were authorized to purchase lots and
build a church in South St. Joseph, providing they deem it ad-
visable. The Kansas City and Holton Districts were opened for
solicitation for funds.
Miss Edna Erffmeyer, under appointment as missionary to
Japan, was present and addressed Conference relative to her call
and future work. She was listened to with interest and assured
of the prayers of Conference in her mission to the heathen world.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Worden shall be taken from Deer Creek and constitute
Worden Mission.
Kansas City District
a. Mound City appointment shall be taken from Mound City
Circuit and form Mound City Mission, and shall be served with the
circuit.
b. Kansas City English Mission shall be known as Kansas
City Mersington Heights.
Newton District
a. Potwin shall be taken from Peabody Mission and with
Zion appointment of Butler Circuit constitute Butler Mission.
b. Peabody Mission shall be discontinued.
c. Cambridge shall be taken from Dennis Mission and added
to Derby Mission.
d. Osceola and Foss in Oklahoma shall be taken from Sweet-
water Mission and added to Weatherford Mission.
e. The appointments Caddo, Sicklers, Lookeba, East Lynn,
Swan and Fern shall be taken from Weatherford Mission and
form Caddo Mission.
f . Woodward Mission shall be called Blackwell Mission.
304
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DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
g. The Emanuel appointment of Dennis Mission, formerly
Carthage, shall be abandoned.
h. Offerle Mission shall be changed to a circuit.
Abilene District
a. Calvary shall be taken from Jewell and added to Con-
cordia.
MISSIONS
During the past year $11,861.95 was raised for missions in
the Kansas Conference and $12,350.00 appropriated. The Gen-
eral Treasury appropriated $1,500.00 for the work in Oklahoma
and Colorado. C. F. Erffmeyer was elected delegate to the Board
of Missions, and the former board of officers were re-elected.
STATISTICS
Conversioins, 542; accessions, 847; membership, 6,487; itin-
erant preachers, 67 ; local preachers, 36 ; churches, 100 ; parson-
ages, 51; Sunday-schools, 110; officers and teachers, 1,332; schol-
ars, 7,292; Young People's Alliances, 71; members, 1,950; Wom-
an's Missionary Societies, 40; members, 797; catechetical classes,
38; catechumens, 585; Botschafters, 800; Messengers, 873; Maga-
zins, 492; Missionary Messengers, 404; Missionsbote, 218; Her-
alds, 500; Bundesbote, 85; total for missions, $18,694.05.
For the first time in the History of the Conference the num-
ber of Messengers exceeded the number of Botschafters. This
was not due to a decrease in the number of subscribers to the Bot-
schafter, but rather to the increase of the English language in the
Conference.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — A. Brunner, P. E.
Holton, C. E. Platz.
Preston, J. R. Nanninga.
Hiawatha Station, J. S. Miller.
Hiawatha Circuit, A. Solt.
Coal Creek, Geo. Schrenk.
Atchison, D. R. Zellner.
Topeka, P. Schumann.
Falls City, M. Manshardt.
Granada, C. E. Huscher.
Bern, H. E. Bower.
Deer Creek, E. F. Boehringer.
Vassar, H. Steenbock.
Westmoreland, H. S. Bower.
Camp Creek, A. Rodewald.
Worden, P. G. Nuffer.
305
Kansas City District — C. F. Erff-
meyer, P. E.
Kansas City, Highland Ave., C. Linge.
Kansas City, Mersington Heights, S.
Breithaupt.
Eudora, J. J. Kliphardt.
Leavenworth, C. F. Iwig.
St. Joseph, J. Schmidli.
South St. Joseph, A. Mattill.
Platte River, L. Hanne.
Mound City Circuit and Mission, G.
W. Weidemeier.
Oregon, B. H. Hobbs.
Glasgow, W. H. Manshardt.
Shelby, S. E. Meyer.
Warrensburg and Holden, E. J. Feitz.
Winston, C. Underkoffler.
1906
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Newton District — M. C. Platz, P. E. Blackwell, to be supplied.
Tulsa, H. W. Hartman.
Newton, J. K. Young.
Emporia, H. M. Schuerman. A&itewe District— D. Swart, P. E.
Yates Center, W. F. Wolthausen. Abilene, J. H. Tobias.
Humboldt, J. M. Fricker. Swede Creek, T. R. Nanninga.
Dennis, Wm, Russell. hraa- Leonardville, C. Brandt.
Derby, F. M. Peek. Jewell, B. Barthel.
Butler Circuit, M. J. Steinmetz. Canada, C. F. Kliphardt.
Butler Mission, E. S. Evans. Marion, F. U. Moyer.
Halstead, C. Meeder. Alida, H. Huscher.
Hesston, C. L. Sorg. r -Washington and Fancy Creek, F. C.
Hutchinson, J. A. Spencer. Dissinger and A. Hoerman.
Alden, W. C. Johnson. Concordia, G. J. Schumacher.
Offerle, I. B. Miller. j / Lucas, J. H. Parmer.
Orlando, to be supplied — Q. B. Roth. McPherson, S. A. Burgert.
Waukomis, Geo. Barthel. , Osborne, C. H. Hartman.
Dover, F. H. Draeger Industry J. W. Keiser.
Caddo, Wm. Pittker. i Lost Springs, Emory W. Petticord.
Weatherford, John Haber. Coloi'ado Srpings, M. W. Plettner.
Sweetwater, Wm. Daeschner. >, Ordway, C. S. Steinmetz.
MEMORIAL
/. M. Dreisbach
J. M. Dreisbach was born in Seneca County, Ohio, Jan. 6,
1843. He was a son of Rev. A. E. Dreisbach, and grandson of
Rev. J. Dreisbach, one of the noted early ministers of the Evan-
gelical Association. Brother Dreisbach was converted at the age
of fourteen years, and united with the Evangelical Association.
He was married to Miss Sarah Wonder in 1864, with whom he
shared life's joys and experiences until June, 1901, when she was
called from his side by death. In 1868 he moved to Kansas with
his family and settled in Nemaha County, near Bern.
In 1877 he was licensed by the Kansas Conference, and was
stationed on Nemaha Circuit, in Richardson County, Neb., with
J. F. Schreiber. He served the following charges: Nemaha Cir-
cuit, 1 year ; Carthage, 2 years ; Americus, 2 years, and West-
moreland, 2 years. He reports that during this short ministry
he was instrumental in leading over 400 souls to Christ. He was
serving his local class as leader at the time of his death. In 1902
he was married to Mrs. Mary Grosenbacher. To this union was
born one child, and to the former union three children.
On Oct. 3, 1905, he fell gently asleep in Jesus in his home at
Bern, Kans., at the age of 62 years, 8 months and 27 days. Short-
ly before his death he called upon his family to kneel at his bed-
side, while in broken sentences he asked God's blessing upon them.
306
1906
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Ida hinge
Miss Ida Linge, the oldest daughter of Rev. and Mrs. C. Linge,
grew to young womanhood in the home of an Evangelical preacher
where she enjoyed every blessing of a Christian family. She gave
her heart to Christ when young and led a Christian life among
her associates. Being possessed with a cheerful disposition, she
readily made friends wherever she went. She was called to her
heavenly home so early in the morning of life, when just bloom-
ing out into young womanhood with so much promise for a long
and useful career. We cannot understand why the Master should
take her away so soon, but He, who doeth all things well, hath
need for her in that better world above.
Minnie Plettner
Little Minnie was the eldest child of Rev. and Mrs. M. W.
Plettner, and was carried home to the bosom of the Shepherd dur-
ing the time that Conference was in session. Though the home
has been plunged into sorrow, and darkness has settled down upon
the family circle, yet a ray of light bursts through the clouds, for
Jesus has only taken little Minnie home to be with Himself.
WORDEN MISSION
Worden was originally a part of Lawrence Mission, which
contained the first organized class in the Kansas Conference, even
before the Conference was organized. For many years it was
known as the Willow Springs appointment of Lawrence Circuit,
and enjoys the distinction of having entertained the Annual Con-
ference sessions in 1886. The class was organized by S. W. McKes-
son in 1859, with the following charter members: Charles War-
ner and wife, Rev. D. R. Zellner and wife, Conrad Pippert and
wife, Daniel Heffner and wife, Mother Pippert, Mother Fager and
C. Long and wife. D. R. Zellner was the first class-leader, and
Charles Warner the first exhorter of the newly formed class. In
1872 the little congregation, with John Wuerth as pastor, under-
took to build a church. The building cost $1,300.00, and was dedi-
cated the following year by Brother Wuerth, who, in the meantime,
had been elected presiding elder and stationed on Missouri Dis-
trict. A Sunday-school was organized in 1874, and placed in charge
of Conrad Pippert as superintendent.
307
1906
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
In the spring of 1885 Lawrence Circuit was changed to Eudo-
ra Circuit. Willow Springs appointment continued a part of Eudo-
ra Circuit until 1906, when it was detached and formed into
Worden Mission. P. G. Nuffer was assigned to the work and
served it four years. At the formation of the mission in 1906
Frank Lutz was superintendent of the Sunday-school, which was
organized in 1859. Mrs. J. Breithaupt was elected president of
the Young People's Alliance, which was organized in 1900, during
the pastorate of B. Barthel. A beautiful parsonage was built in
1906, at a cost of $1,750.00, and the following year the church was
remodeled at an expense of $2,650.00. A Woman's Missionary
Society was organized in 1909, of which Mrs. John Breithaupt
was chosen president.
MOUNDRIDGE
Moundridge congregation is a development of the former New
York, and, later, Christian society, which was organized in 1883
by Rev. G. E. Dienst when serving Newton Mission.
At first services were held in the old Schlender school house,
which was a primitive building located three miles south and one
mile west of Christian post-office. A few years later a commodious
school house took the place of the original building and furnished
a convenient place for worship.
In 1892 the little society built a handsome church on the F.
Schlender, Sr., farm, one mile south, and one and a half miles west
of Christian. In this house the congregation worshiped until
1905, when it was moved to Moundridge, which, in the meantime,
absorbed the little village of Christian, becoming the business and
residence center for the community. The new town was founded
after the railroad was built, and is located one mile north of the
old town site. The expense for moving and repairing the church
amounted to $606.46. The reopening took place Dec. 31, 1905, by
M. C. Platz, presiding elder, and T. R. Nanninga, pastor. The
trustees at the time were : John Hoffman, Wm. Gick, P. D. Frantz,
Fred Schlender, Sr., and H. C. Vogt.
In 1913, during the pastorate of Quin. B. Roth, the building
was completely remodeled at a cost of $808.20. The work has
enjoyed a great degree of prosperity and for several years has con-
templated becoming self-supporting.
308
1907
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
FORTY-THIRD SESSION
March 21, 1907, Conference convened in the Zion Church,
Preston Station, Richardson County, Neb., to hold her 43rd ses-
sion. Bishop Wm. Horn presided, and P. Schumann served as
secretary.
The following brethren were retained in the itinerancy with-
out appointment: H. Huscher, C. J. Eiselein, E. S. Evans, I. H.
Hauptfuehrer, E. A. Bruner, D. F. Honstedt, M. J. Steinmetz and
C. Underkoffler.
H. W. Hartman was placed on the list of local elders.
Q. B. Roth, S. Beese, Fred J. Schadt and Geo. Landis re-
ceived license to preach.
S. I. Zechiel of the Indiana Conference, and J. B. Gresser, a
deacon of the Ohio Conference, were received.
Deacon's orders were granted to Ezra Evans, and elders' or-
ders to Wm. Pittker, J. Haber, E. F. Boehringer, E. J. Feitz and
Wm. Russell.
J. J. Kliphardt was elected Conference trustee for five years,
C. F. Erffmeyer trustee of North-Western College and Union Bib-
lical Institute for three years, B. H. Hobbs statistical secretary for
one year, and A. Solt Conference treasurer for one year.
C. E. Platz was elected presiding elder. The districts were
supplied as follows: Holton District, A. Brunner; Kansas City
District, C. F. Erffmeyer; Newton District, C. E. Platz; Abilene
District, D. Swart.
The following brethren were elected delegates to General Con-
ference: A. Brunner, C. F. Erffmeyer, D. Swart, M. C. Platz, C.
E. Platz, J. H. Tobias. Frank Daeschner was elected lay delegate,
being the first lay delegate to General Conference elected by the
Kansas Conference.
The presiding elder of Kansas City District was authorized
to canvass the district for funds to build a new district house.
Because of the rapid transition from the German langauge to
the English in the Conference, and the fact that quite a few of the
brethren could not understand the German language, it was ordered
that in the future the official records shall be kept in English in-
stead of German, as heretofore.
S. Breithaupt, the president of the Conference Branch of the
Young People's Alliance, reported that the next annual conven-
tion would be held in Garfield Park, Topeka, instead of Forest
309
1907
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Park, Atchison, where it had been held since the beginning of the
general assembly plan in 1897. The convention for this year was
announced to begin Aug. 6.
ANNA KAM MERER
Miss Anna Kammerer, missionary in Japan, who was at home
on furlough, was invited to address Conference on the subject of
our mission work in the Orient. She gave a very interesting talk
about her experience in Japan. This was highly appreciated and
enjoyed by the Conference.
BOUNDARIES
Kansas City District
a. The name of Highland Avenue Mission, Kansas City, shall
be changed to Park Avenue Mission.
b. Magnolia appointment of Holden Mission shall be added
to Warrensburg Mission and Holden Mission shall be discontinued.
Newton District
a. Blackwell Mission shall be called Guyman Mission.
b. Belview shall be taken from Weatherford and added to
Caddo Mission.
Abilene District
a. Washington shall be changed to a mission.
b. The name of Fancy Creek shall be changed to Mayday
Mission.
MISSIONS
The amount of $14,006.57 was raised for missions in the Kan-
sas Conference the past year, and $13,520.00 appropriated for the
ensuing year. C. F. Erffmeyer was elected delegate to the Board
of Missions, and the following officers elected for the society for
the ensuing year: A. Brunner, president; H. E. Bower, secretary;
and W. F. Wolthausen, treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 621 ; accessions, 669 ; membership, 6,443 ; itin-
erant preachers, 69 ; local preachers, 31 ; churches, 101 ; parson-
ages, 55; Sunday-schools, 109; Sunday-school officers and teach-
ers, 1,321; scholars, 7,616; Young People's Alliances, 73; members,
2,196; Woman's Missionary Societies, 44; members, 872; cate-
310
1907
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
chetical classes, 36 ; catechumens, 556 ; Messengers, 899 ; Botschaf-
ters, 776 Magazins, 506 ; Missionary Messengers, 319 ; Missions-
bote, 210; Heralds, 445; Bundesbote, 87; total for missions,
$19,370.32.
APPOINTMENTS
Holt on District — A. Brunner, P. E.'
Holton, M. C. Platz.
Preston, J. R. Nanninga.
Hiawatha Station, W. C. Johnson.
Hiawatha Circuit, A. Solt.
Coal Creek, Geo. Schrenk.
Atchison, D. R. Zellner.
Topeka, C. L. Sorg.
Falls City, M. Manshardt.
Granada, C. E. Huscher.
Bern, H. E. Bower.
Deer Creek, E. F. Boehringer.
Vassar, H. Steenbock.
Westmoreland, H. S. Bower.
Camp Creek, A. Rodewald.
Worden, P. G. Nuffer.
Kansas City District — C. F. Erff-
meyer, P. E.
Kansas City, Park Ave., C. Linge.
Kansas City, Mersington Heights, S.
Breithaupt.
Eudora, J. J. Kliphardt.
Leavenworth, C. F. Iwig.
St. Joseph, J. Schmidli.
South St. Joseph, A. Mattill.
Platte River, L. Hanne and supply. .
Mound City Circuit and Mission, J.
K. Young.
Oregon, B. H. Hobbs.
Glasgow, W. H. Manshardt and C. J.
Zager.
Shelby, Wm. Pittker.
Warrensburg, E. J. Feitz.
Winston, G. W. Weidemeier.
Newton District— C. E. Platz, P. E.
Newton, S. I. Zechiel.
Emporia, H. M. Schuerman.
fei Yates Center, W. F. Wolthausen.
Humboldt, A. Hoerman.
•' Dennis, Wm. Russell.
, Derby, F. M. Peek.
• Butler Circuit, Aug. Hoch.
Butler Mission, to be supplied.
Halstead, C. Meeder.
Hesston, J. S. Miller.
Hutchinson, J. A. Spencer.
Alden, F. U. Moyer.
Offerle, I. B. Miller.
Orlando, Quin B. Roth.
Waukomis, F. H. Draeger.
Dover, Geo Barthel.
Weatherford and Caddo, J. Haber and
supply.
Sweetwater, Wm. Daeschner.
Guyman, J. B. Gresser.
Tulsa, to be supplied.
Abilene District — D. Swart, P. E.
Abilene, J. H. Tobias.
Swede Creek, T. R. Nanninga.
Leonardville, C. Brandt.
Jewell, B. Barthel.
Canada, C. F. Kliphardt.
Marion, Geo. Landis.
Alida, J. M. Fricker.
Washington, F. C. Dissinger and sup-
ply-
Mayday, P. Schumann.
Concordia, G. J. Schumacher.
Lucas, J. H. Parmer.
McPherson, S. A. Burgert.
Osborne, C. H. Hartman.
Industry, J. W. Keiser.
Lost Springs, E. W. Petticord and S.
E. Meyer.
Colorado Srpings, M. W. Plettner.
Ordway, C. S. Steinmetz.
MEMORIAL
The following preachers' homes were visited by the death an-
gel during the past year and a member of the family called away :
The family of Wm. Daeschner was deprived of their daugh-
ter May, who was a young lady of estimable character ; the family
of Geo. Schrenk, of their little son Elmer; the family of C. F.
Iwig, of their eldest son Charles, and the family of C. Brandt,
of their daughter Anna, who was married to Louis Schwindt.
311
1907
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
MERSINGTON HEIGHTS, KANSAS CITY
Mersington Heights is the development of the old Oak Street
Church, which was started in 1878, when Conference assigned J.
Kurtz as missionary to Kansas City. Repeatedly the work had
been started in Kansas City and as often abandoned.
Brother Kurtz, upon his arrival in the city, found eight mem-
bers of the Evangelical Association. He preached his first ser-
mon in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on 14th Street, be-
tween Oak and Locust. For a while he preached there on Sun-
day afternoon, but soon rented a hall on Grand Avenue between
17th and 18th Streets. Here he organized a Sunday-school and
preached regularly every Sunday morning and evening. In the
month of October he organized the first society in Kansas City,
with 35 members, over which Brother Lotz was placed as class-
leader. During this Conference year a lot was purchased between
14th and 15th, on Oak Street, for the consideration of $700.00,
and the following year a brick church was built upon the same.
The Conference was canvassed for funds to pay for the building,
which was modern for that time. H. Mattill was pastor, and
Bishop J. J. Esher conducted the dedicatory service. This was a
prosperous year for the young society, and more than 100 mem-
bers were added to the church.
For a number of years the work prospered, then stagnation
set in, followed by retrogression, which finally made it necessary
to abandon the place for holding services. The mission was trans-
ferred in 1904 to a rented hall at the corner of 15th and Agnes
Streets, where the work was continued for two years. In 1906
lots were purchased at 25th and Mersington Ave., where a brick
church was erected at a cost of $8,000.00, which was paid prin-
cipally from the proceeds of the sale of the Oak Street property.
The new church was dedicated by Bishop T. Bowman, and bid fair
to become a prosperous congregation, when, in 1912, the building
caught fire and was destroyed. This was a severe loss to the weak
congregation, which had not yet fully paid the indebtedness rest-
ing on the former church and parsonage. Steps were taken at once
to replace the building destroyed by a larger and more convenient
one, which was also dedicated by Bishop Thomas Bowman. An
aggressive Sunday-school, Young People's Alliance and Woman's
Missionary Society have been maintained for many years, which
have been the means of great good.
312
1908
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
1908
FORTY-FOURTH SESSION
Conference met at Holton, Kans., March 18, 1908, with Bishop
Thomas Bowman in the chair, and J. K. Young, secretary.
On account of the action taken relative to conducting the Con-
ference records in the English language in the future, it became
necessary to appoint a secretary who could record the proceed-
ings in English. Brother Schumann, who, for 20 years, in a most
efficient and satisfactory manner, had served as Conference sec-
retary, was now excused from the labors he had so long pursued.
After receiving the unanimous recognition of Conference for his
faithful service, he was assured of her sincere appreciation and
lasting gratitude.
Credentials were granted to D. F. Honstedt, who returned to
the United Evangelical Church.
The following brethren were retained in the itinerancy with-
out appointment: J. S. Miller, C. Underkoffler, M. W. Plettner,
D. R. Zellner, W. H. Manshardt, H. Huscher and I. H. Huptfuehrer.
E. A. Bruner was placed on the list of local elders, and J. W.
Reiser on the list of supernumerary preachers.
L. M. Nanninga and 0. L. Lister received license to preach.
Deacons' orders were granted to A. Hoerrman, G. F. Barthel,
E. W. Petticord, C. J. Zager and A. Hoch, who were also received
into the itinerancy. S. E. Meyer received ordination as a local
deacon.
The brethren Geo. Schrenk, C. F. Kliphardt and I. B. Miller
received elders' orders.
H. A. Schneider was received from the New York Confer-
ence, and E. E. Meyer from the Indiana Conference, both as local
elders.
D. Swart, W. F. Wolthausen and A. Solt were elected presid-
ing elders and stationed as follows: Holton District, W. F. Wolt-
hausen; Kansas City District, D. Swart; Newton District, C. E.
Platz, and Abilene District, A. Solt.
A. Brunner was elected Conference trustee for five years; B.
H. Hobbs, statistical secretary, for one year, and A. Solt, Confer-
ence treasurer, for one year.
For the first time in the history of the Kansas Conference the
matter of a Conference evangelist received attention, and after
due consideration J. H. Tobias received the appointment.
313
1908
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
A new district house was built in Kansas City at 2512 Mer-
sington Ave. at a cost of $2,615.00. The proceeds of the old dis-
trict house at 1829 Highland Ave. were applied and the balance
collected on the district.
Steps were taken to locate a mission in Kansas City among
the Italians, and to this end a committee consisting of the presid-
ing elder of Kansas City District, and the pastors of Kansas City
was appointed to act in the matter.
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Bern shall be made a station.
Kansas City District
a. The appointments Shindler, Clair and Minor shall be
taken from Platte River Circuit and formed into Clair Mission.
Newton District
a. Golden Valley shall be taken from Humboldt and added
to Dennis Mission.
b. Alden shall be changed into a circuit.
c. Pleasant Valley and Ellinwood appointments of Alden
shall constitute Ellinwood Mission.
d. Caddo Mission and Tulsa Mission shall be discontinued.
Abilene District
a. Zion and Throop appointments shall be taken from Wash-
ington Mission and form Throop Mission.
MISSIONS
The missionary receipts for the Conference the past year
amounted to $15,432.92, and $15,075.00 was appropriated for the
coming year. A. Brunner was elected delegate to the Board of
Missions, and the old board of officers of the society were re-
elected.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 718 ; accessions, 830 ; membership, 6,756 ; itin-
erant preachers, 75; local preachers, 34; churches, 113; parson-
ages, 55; Sunday-schools, 110; officers and teachers, 1,430; schol-
ars, 7,963 ; Young People's Alliances, 71 ; members, 2,133 ; Woman's
314
1908
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Missionary Societies, 48; members, 1,034; catechetical classes, 41;
catechumens, 672; Botschafter, 774; Messengers, 949; Magazins,
513; Missionary Messengers, 575; Missionsbote, 241; Heralds,
463 ; Bundesbote, 80 ; total for misions, $20,779.97.
APPOINTMENTS
Holt on District — W. F. Wolthausen,
P. E.
Holton, M. C. Platz.
Preston, J. R. Nanninga.
Hiawatha Station, W. C. Johnson.
Hiawatha Circuit, Geo. Schrenk.
Coal Creek, J. H. Kiplinger.
Atchison, C. Linge.
Topeka, C. L. Sorg.
Falls City, P. Schumann.
Granada, H. S. Bower.
Bern, H. E. Bower..
Deer Creek, H. Steenbock.
Westmoreland, to be supplied.
Vassar, Fred J. Schadt.
Camp Creek, L. Hanne.
Worden, P. G. Nuffer.
Kansas City District — D. Swart, P. E.
Kansas City, Park Ave., J. Schmidli.
Kansas City, Mersington Heights, C.
F. Erffmeyer.
Eudora, J. J. Kliphardt.
Leavenworth, C. F. Iwig.
St. Joseph, B. Barthel.
South St. Joseph, A. Mattill.
Platte River and Clair, Wm. Pittker
and supply.
Mound City Circuit and Mission, J.
K. Young and supply.
Oregon, E. F. Boehringer.
Glasgow and Frankfort, C. J. Zager
and supply.
Shelby, E. S. Spangler.
Warrensburg, E. J. Feitz.
Winston, G. W. Weidemeier.
Newton District — C. E. Platz, P. E.
Newton, S. I. Zechiel.
Emporia, H. M. Schuerman.
Yates Center, A. Brunner.
Woodson, A. Rodewald.
Humboldt, A. Hoerrman.
Dennis, S. Beese.
Derby, I. B. Miller.
Butler Circuit, Aug. Hoch.
Butler Mission, Wm. Russell.
Halstead, C. Meeder.
Hesston, M. J. Steinmetz.
Hutchinson, J. A. Spencer.
Alden, F. U. Moyer.
Ellinwood, F. M. Peek.
Offerle, Q. B. Roth.
Orlando, L. E. Becher.
Waukomis, F. H. Draeger.
Dover, G. F. Barthel.
Weatherford, J. Haber.
Sweetwater, Wm. Daeschner.
Guyman, J. B. Gresser.
Abilene District — A. Solt, P. E.
Abilene, B. H. Hobbs.
Swede Creek, T. R. Nanninga.
Leonardville, M. Manshardt.
Jewell, S. Breithaupt.
Canada, C. F. Kliphardt.
Marion, G. W. Landis.
Alida, J. M. Fricker.
Washington, F. C. Dissinger.
Throop, E. S. Evans.
Mayday, C. Brandt.
Concordia, G. J. Schumacher.
Lucas, J. H. Parmer.
McPherson, S. A. Burgert.
Osborne, C. H. Hartman.
Industry, C. J. Eiselein.
Lost Springs, E. W. Petticord.
Colorado, H. A. Schneider.
Ordway, C. S. Steinmetz.
MEMORIAL
The home of Brother and Sister B. Barthel was invaded by
death during the past year, and their oldest daughter was trans-
ferred to the floral site above, whither Jesus gathered her unto
himself. Although the parents mourn the loss of their little dar-
ling, yet they have this assurance, she is at home, and they may
meet her again bye-and-bye.
315
1908
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
PARK AVENUE, KANSAS CITY
Park Avenue Mission is one of the later transferred mission-
ary enterprises in Kansas City. In 1882 this mission was founded
under the name "Jackson County Mission," but was left unsup-
plied. Whether it was supplied during the year is not stated,
neither who the first members were, nor where the services were
held.
The following year Jackson County Mission was changed to
Brooklyn Avenue Mission, Kansas City, and was supplied with
J. Kurtz, the pioneer of Oak Street or Mersington Heights Mis-
sion. Again we are lacking all information except that A. J.
Voegelein served the work in 1884 and 1885. At the session held
in 1885 the name was changed from Brooklyn Avenue Mission to
Highland Avenue Mission, which name was continued for many
years. In 1884 the young mission was authorized by Conference
to sell its church and build a new one. This was done, and in
connection with the parsonage, later on the same lot adjoin-
ing the church, a district house was built. This double building
was used for many years as parsonage and district house until
the entire property was sold in 1906. A Sunday-school was started
in an early stage of the organization and continued to the present
time with increasing interest and development. Also a Young
People's Alliance was organized in the early history of this insti-
tution in the church and has always maintained a high degree of
efficiency. The Woman's Missionary Society has existed for many
years, and is in a prosperous condition.
About 1905 the negro population began to encroach upon the
territory of the congregation, gradually crowding out many of the
white people so that a successful development of the church was
threatened. Because of this the congregation placed its property
on the market and in 1907 purchased lots at 25th and Park Ave.,
where they erected a handsome stone building at a cost of $16,000.
This property was paid from the proceeds of the sale of the old
Highland Church property, and the balance raised by the congre-
gation, with a little aid rendered by friends outside of the society.
Bishop Wm. Horn dedicated the new church, which has since been
improved to the extent of $3,000.00, and now provides a beautiful
place of worship in a prosperous part of the residence district of
the city.
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1909
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
1909
FORTY-FIFTH SESSION
The 45th session of Conference was held at Jewell, Kans.,
beginning March 18, 1909, with Bishop Horn chairman and J. K.
Young secretary.
J. Kurtz, Mrs. P. Fricker, Mrs. Isabelle Hout and a child of
S. Beese died during the year.
R. Thomas, a local probationer, surrendered his license.
Credentials were issued to W. H. Manshardt, I. H. Haupt-
fuehrer, C. Underkoffler and S. I. Zechiel.
The following brethren were retained in the itinerancy with-
out appointment : D. R. Zellner, C. Linge and H. Mattill.
P. Schumann, at his own request, was placed on the superan-
nuated list.
License to preach was granted to E. H. Wendland, F. W.
Wendland, E. L. Schuerman, Theodore Wilvert, A. F. Rice and
W. F. Wilson.
A. B. Ralls was received as a local elder from the Free Metho-
dist Church, and with H. A. Schneider, admitted into the itin-
erancy.
The brethren S. Beese, G. W. Landis, Q. B. Roth, E. S.
Spangler and E. E. Erffmeyer received deacons' orders, and were
admitted into the itinerancy, while E. S. Evans received elder's
orders.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected Conference trustee for five years,
B. H. Hobbs statistical secretary for one year, and A. Solt Confer-
ence treasurer for one year.
A church extension board was elected, consisting of the fol-
lowing brethren: W. F. Wolthausen, D. Swart, C. E. Platz, A.
Solt, M. F. Shupe, M. C. Platz and C. F. Erffmeyer.
FINANCE LAW
The following resolution was adopted relative to the mat-
ter of preachers' salary, and the present finance law :
"Inasmuch as the salary of our ministers should be increased,
especially in the case of probationers and deacons, therefore re-
solved, that the claim of a probationer shall be raised to $350.00,
and the claim of a deacon to $400.00. 2. The claim of a probationer
or deacon, who has graduated from one or both of our educational
institutions at Naperville, 111., shall be $100.00 more than the pre-
317
1909
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
ceding cases. 3. That the claim of a pastor serving a work in a
larger city shall be $50.00 to $100.00 higher than under the old
rule, according to the agreement of the presiding elder and the
Quarterly Conference. 4. That the rules governing rent, moving
expenses, etc., shall remain in force as in the past.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
For some years the need had been felt for more aggressive
work along the lines of Sunday-school activities. To this end
the idea of having a Conference Field Secretary had been dis-
cussed frequently in the Sunday-school and Young People's con-
ventions. Finally this requirement was met in the action of Con-
ference appointing Brother J. A. Werner, a layman from Alden,
Kansas, as Conference Field Secretary for the Sunday-school and
Young People's Alliance. This brother kindly consented to give
as much of his time and service to the work as possible aside from
his business, without financial remuneration, beyond the amount
of actual expense in carrying on the work. The wisdom of this
move was soon apparent in the new impetus given the work in
these two institutions.
layman's brotherhood
The Layman's Brotherhood of the Kansas Conference was or-
ganized at this time. The purpose of the organization was set
forth in the following expression of the brotherhood itself:
"The purpose of this organization is to further the social re-
lations, intensify the spiritual interests, and concentrate the ef-
forts of the laymen of our Conference, so as to bring about greater
results in the Kingdom of God within and through our own Con-
ference and church."
A temporary organization was effected, ofter which Frank
Daeschner was elected president and Otto Hanne secretary. After
singing "Blest be the tie that binds," M. F. Gabel led in prayer,
whereupon the chairman stated the purpose of the meeting, and
called upon several brethren to give short talks on the following
subjects:
1. "The Benefit of Lay Representation for Closer Social
Fellowship," M. F. Shupe.
2. "The Layman and the Church," C. W. Newby.
3. "Church Finances," D. J. Matter.
4. "War Stories," S. M. Spangler.
318
1909
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
5. "Salvation from Sin as Experienced in My Own Life,"
J. W. Fletcher.
This short and soul-inspiring service was immensely enjoyed
by those present. Thus the organization of the Layman's Brother-
hood of the Kansas Conference was launched on its life mission
to accomplish much good in time to come.
ITALIAN MISSION
During the past year an Italian Mission was located in Kan-
sas City, Mo., at 507 East 8th Street. A Sunday-school was
opened on Sunday, July 26, 1908, which, during the first six
months, reached an enrollment of 100, with an average attend-
ance of 45. The average attendance at prayer-meeting was 11,
and at the Sunday evening service 12. The prospect was reported
very promising, with Miss L. A. Heyman, missionary, and Miss
Minnie Bach, deaconess, under the supervision of the committee
appointed by Conference the year previous.
BOUNDARIES
Kansas City District
A new mission shall be established in Lawrence, Kansas.
Neivton District
a. Golden Valley and Salem shall be taken from Dennis
Mission and added to Humboldt Mission.
b. Zion appointment on Butler Mission shall be added to
Butler Circuit and Butler Mission shall be discontinued.
c. A new mission shall be located in Hutchinson, Kans., and
be called Grandview Mission.
Abilene District
a. Burdick appointment shall be taken from Lost Springs
and formed into Burdick Mission.
b. Lost Springs Mission shall be changed to Lost Springs
Circuit.
c. Osborne Mission shall be changed to a circuit.
319
1909
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
MISSIONS
A. Brunner was elected delegate to the Board of Misisons,
and the following officers were elected for the Conference Mis-
sionary Society: Pres., A. Brunner; Sec, C. F. Kliphardt; Treas.,
H. E. Bower. The amount of $15,826.13 was raised for missions
in the Conference the past year, and $16,500.00 was appropriated
for the ensuing year.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 767; accessions, 850; membership, 6,992; itin-
erant preachers, 77 ; local preachers, 35 ; churches, 106 ; parson-
ages, 56; Sunday-schools, 111; officers and teachers, 1,474; schol-
ars, 8,407; Young People's Alliances, 78; members, 2,303; Wom-
an's Missionary Societies, 53 ; members, 1,131 ; catechetical classes,
47 ; catechumens, 662 ; Messengers, 973 ; Botschafters, 739 ; Maga-
zins, 494; Missionary Messengers, 602; Missionsbote, 205; Her-
alds, 520 ; Bundesbote, 80 ; total for missions, $22,919.60.
LAY REPRESENTATION
For the first time in the history of the church and of the con-
ference lay representation was admitted to the Annual Conference.
At the former General Conference, held in October, 1907, the
question of Lay Representation was submitted to the various An-
nual Conferences to admit, or reject, for themselves. Kansas Con-
ference had voted favorably on the question at her former session,
and during the past year the delegates to Annual Conference were
elected from the various districts according to the provisions of
the Discipline. The following lay delegates were elected for the
remaining part of the quadrennium : Holton District : M. F. Gabel,
Frank Daeschner, C, Kaser, J. Denkinger; Kansas City District:
H. W. Bunse, J. W. Stauffer, L. Stoltzing, O. F. Hanne; Newton
District: C. W. Newby, G. W. Fletcher, S. M. Spangler, E. J.
Boland; Abilene District: M. F. Shupe, C. E. Pierce, P. E. Som-
mers, D. J. Matter.
The delegates were all present at the session of Conference
except the brethren J. W. Stauffer, E. J. Boland and P. E. Som-
mers.
W. A. Johnson took the vacant seat of P. E. Sommers, and
Uriah Spangler, alternate, the place of E. J. Boland.
320
1909
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — W. F. Wolthausen,
P. E.
Holton, M. C. Platz.
Preston, A. Mattill.
Hiawatha Station, W. C. Johnson.
Hiawatha Circuit, Geo. Schrenk.
Coal Creek, J. H. Kiplinger.
Atchison, E. E. Erffmeyer.
Topeka, C. L. Sorg.
Falls City. J. R. Nanninga.
Granada, F. M. Peek.
Bern, M. W. Plettner.
Deer Creek, H. Steenbock.
Westmoreland, H. S. Bower.
Vassar, F. J. Schadt.
Camp Creek, L. Hanne.
Worden, P. G. Nuffer.
Kansas City District — D. Stuart, P. E.
Kansas City, Park Ave., J. Schmidli.
Kansas City, Mersington, C. F. Erff-
meyer.
Eudora, J. J. Kliphardt.
Leavenworth, C. F. Iwig.
St. Joseph, B. Barthel.
South St. Joseph, H. E. Bower.
Platte River, Wm. Pittker.
Clair, R. B. Rail.
Mound City Circuit and Mission, J.
K. Young.
Oregon, E. F. Boehringer.
Glasgow, C. J. Zager.
Shelby, Wm. Russell.
Warrensburg, C. H. Hartman.
Winston, G. W. Weidemeier.
Lawrence, E. J. Feitz.
Conference Evangelist, J. H. Tobias.
Newton District— C. E. Platz, P. E.
Newton, S. Beese.
Emporia, H. M. Schuerman and sup-
ply-
Yates Center, A. Brunner.
Woodson, A. Rodewald.
Humboldt, F. H. Draeger.
Dennis, J. H. Parmer.
Derby, I. B. Miller.
Butler, H. Huscher.
Halstead, C. Meeder.
Hesston, M. J. Steinmetz.
Hutchinson, J. A. Spencer.
Hutchinson Grandview, J. S. Miller.
Alden, F. U. Moyer.
Ellinwood, to be supplied.
Offerle, Q. B. Roth.
Orlando, L. E. Becher.
Waukomis, A. Hoch.
Dover, G. F. Barthel.
Weatherford, J. Haber.
Sweetwater, E. L. Schuerman.
Guyman, J. B. Gresser.
Abilene District — A. Solt, P. E.
Abilene, B. H. Hobbs.
Swede Creek, T. R. Nanninga.
Leonardville, M. Manshardt.
Jewell, S. Breithaupt.
Canada, C. F. Kliphardt.
Marion, G. W. Landis.
Alida, J. M. Fricker.
Washington, E. H. Wendland.
Throop, E. S. Evans.
Mayday, to be supplied.
Concordia, G. J. Schumacher.
Lucas, F. C. Dissinger.
McPherson, S. A. Burgert.
Osborne, A. Hoerrman.
Industry, C. J. Eiselein.
Lost Springs, E. W. Petticord.
Burdick, E. S. Spangler.
Colorado Springs, H. A. Schneider.
Ordway, C. S. Steinmetz.
MEMORIAL
John Kurtz
Father John Kurtz was for many years an untiring worker
in the Conference. He came to Kansas from the Illinois Confer-
ence in 1876, was received into this Conference and stationed at
Kansas City, where a new mission had just been located. The fol-
lowing year he was assigned to Leavenworth, at which place he
labored two years when he was transferred to Hiawatha.
He was a fearless exponent of the Gospel truth, a typical
pioneer path-finder. No self-denial was too great for him to prac-
321
1909
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
tice, no work too hard for him to perform, and no hardship too
severe for him to endure for the Gospel, which was the all-
absorbing theme of his preaching. He was strong in the faith,
positive in his preaching, and confident in the power of the Gospel
of Jesus Christ to overcome the opposition of the adversary. When
age and infirmity had set in he still longed to be active in the work,
and asked for the privilege of taking up work on the frontier,
where he longed to close his career. He spent the last years of
his ministry on Sweetwater Mission, in Roger Mills County,
Okla., where, in the year 1900, he built the first church of the
Evangelical Association and the first rural church in that county.
This building stands as a monument to his persevering faith and
zeal under trying circumstances. When the little church was ded-
icated, Father Kurtz rejoiced exceedingly. He was compelled to
give up the work the following year because of failing health and
advanced age. When finally necessitated to give up his life of soli-
tude in Oklahoma and repair to the home of his son in Baldwin,
Kansas, he did so reluctantly, and only yielded after feeling con-
vinced that it was the will of his Heavenly Father. The evening
of life came for this intrepid servant of God after a long and use-
ful career, in which he became a blessing to many souls whom he
directed to the Lamb of God.
Mrs. Jolianna F richer
Mother Fricker was the widow of the late Rev. P. Fricker,
who was called from labor to reward ten years ago. For 40 years
she shared the lot of an Evangelical preacher's life, when that life
was especially associated with many hardships and privations
characteristic of pioneer days. The burden of the household du-
ties rested especially upon her as her husband devoted his time
and attention to his ministerial work. She labored willingly and
cheerfully for her Master, and her dying testimony was : "The Lord
has always been so good to us all along the way." She passed
away at the ripe age of 85 years. Her work was well done, and
her memory is blessed.
5. Beese
From the home of Brother and Sister S. Beese the Lord took
unto himself their five-year-old child, which had been such a com-
fort and cheer to the parents, but of which they are now de-
prived for a while. Though His leadings are ofttimes mysterious,
yet His purpose is always glorious.
322
1909
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
CLAIR MISSION
Clair Mission was formed by the union of the Shindler, Clair
and Minor appointments of the Platte River Circuit in the spring
of 1908, and supplied by Rev. Wm. Pittker in connection with
Platte River Circuit. The three classes joined together gave a
membership of 30 persons with which to begin the work. Chas.
Vogel was elected class-leader and Howard Hall, exhorter. A
Sunday-school was organized during the month of November,
1907, with an enrollment of 35, of which Elmer Vogel was elected
superintendent. A Young People's Alliance was organized Dec.
17, 1908, with an enrollment of 25 members, and Harry Hall as
president. The newly established society immediately took steps
toward a church building, which was erected during the winter
of 1908 at a cost of $3,700.00, and dedicated by C. F. Erffmeyer,
presiding elder. The first board of trustees was composed of Wm.
Vogel, Ferd. Shindler and Howard Hall.
HUTCHINSON, GRANDVIEW
Brother J. S. Miller writes as follows concerning the begin-
ning of the work at Grandview :
"In the year 1908 I gathered a few Christian people together
in the vicinity of Grandview, Hutchinson, for divine worship. Our
services were held in a very small chapel in which a union or-
ganization had previously held meeting. In the fall of 1908 I
held a revival meeting in the chapel which was greatly blessed
of God, and on the 7th of February, 1909, a class was organized
with 19 members. I found a few of the trustees of the original
organization scattered over the city, who, in a meeting called for
the purpose, transferred the property to the newly created trus-
tee board of the Evangelical Association. A Sunday-school was
organized Jan. 1, 1909, and the work carried on regularly. The
Annual Conference in March, 1909, accepted the work and lo-
cated Grandview Mission, assigning J. S. Miller as the first mis-
sionary. The first officials were: J. W. Smith, Ernest Stewart,
Fred Betts, Mrs. E. Clemence and John C. Johns." In 1911 a
church was built upon the lots donated by Lewis H. Falley. This
building was moved from the Pleasant Valley appointment south
of Ellinwood, rebuilt at a cost of $600.00, and dedicated free of
debt. A Young People's Alliance was started Dec. 23, 1913, with
Mrs. B. B. Wright, president; Mrs. Geo. Davis, secretary, and
323
1910
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Esther Miller, treasurer. In 1912 a Woman's Missionary Society
was organized in the month of May, of which Mrs. J. S. Miller
was elected president; Mrs. J. R. Howell, secretary, and Mrs.
Melissa Raymond, treasurer.
1910
FORTY-SIXTH SESSION
March 17, 1910, Conference met at Yates Center, Kans., to
hold her 46th session. Bishop S. P. Spreng was present for the
first time as chairman, and J. K. Young was again appointed sec-
retary.
S. Fricker and S. E. Meyers, having moved from the borders
of the Conference, were stricken from the list of ministers
Credentials were issued to C. H. Hartman, S. F. Hilgenfeld
and R. B. Rail.
C. Linge and E. W. Petticord were retained in the itinerancy
without appointment.
Leroy Zabel, Geo. Gick, L. G. Weide, W. J. Huscher, J. R.
Hoch and A. E. Butler were licensed to preach.
F. J. Schadt and S. F. Hilgenfeld were advanced to deacons'
orders and received into the itinerancy, and A. Hoerrman, A. Hoch,
G. F. Barthel, C. J. Zager and E. W. Petticord received elders'
orders.
W. Daeschner, L. E. Becher and W. F. Schuerman were placed
on the effective list.
Anthony Linge was received from the Texas Conference and
placed on the list of local elders.
J. H. Tobias was elected Conference trustee for five years,
C. F. Erffmeyer, trustee of North-Western College and Union
Biblical Institute for three years ; B. H. Hobbs, statistical secretary
for one year, and A. Solt, Conference treasurer for one year.
A layman's conference was held at the Evangelical Church,
Topeka, Kans., in the month of February, in connection with the
Laymen's Missionary Convention, held in that city, on which occa-
sion it was resolved to hold a convention within the bounds of the
Conference during the coming year, to be known as the "Lay-
man's Missionary Movement Convention of the Kansas Confer-
ence." The time and place for holding the same was referred to
a committee of the Layman's Brotherhood and the presiding elders.
324
1910
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
FINANCE LAW
Again the Finance Law governing the salary of preachers was
revised as follows:
For single probationer, $400.00; for married probationer,
$500.00; for single deacon, $500.00; for married deacon, $600.00,
with $100.00 additional for graduates from North-Western Col-
lege and Theological Seminary; for ordained elders from $700.00
to $1,000.00, as circumstances may permit; for presiding elders,
$1000.00 and traveling expenses. The foregoing plan was sub-
mitted by D. J. Matter, a lay delegate, and adopted by Conference.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The following action was taken relative to the Kansas State
Historical Society:
"The Kansas Historical Society shall be furnished with such
copies of the printed Conference Journals which it may be lack-
ing, and be put upon our mailing list, and the Historical Commit-
tee of our Conference be continued, with H. Mattill added, to fur-
nish said Society with a history of our work in Kansas previous
to the year 1888."
ITALIAN MISSION
The Italian Mission in Kansas City reported satisfactory prog-
ress. Its location has been changed to 617 East Fifth Street. The
supervision of the mission has also been transferrred from the
Conference to the General Mission Board, thus bringing it more
directly into touch with the work of the Woman's Missionary So-
ciety.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
The following expression was given to the work of the Sun-
day-schools in the Conference: "Resolved, That we will endeavor
to introduce and maintain in all our Sunday-schools: a. A Cradle
Roll Department; b. A Home Department; c. A Teacher-Training
Class ; d. Organized Classes ; e. Decision Day." In building churches
in the future the matter of Sunday-school conveniences should be
considered and adequate accommodations be provided as far as pos-
sible. The services of Bro. J. A. Werner, appointed Field Secretary
for the Sunday-school and Young People's Alliance a year ago,
proved very satisfactory and were highly commended by Confer-
ence. The office then instituted was continued, and Bro. Werner re-
325
1910
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
tained for another year. There was a marked increase in the mem-
bership enrollment during the past year, while the work had hardly
been properly started as yet.
BOUNDARIES
Abilene District
a. Lucas Mission shall be changed to Lucas Circuit.
Kansas City District
a. Oregon Mission shall be changed to Oregon Circuit.
Neiuton District
a. Ellinwood Mission shall be discontinued.
J. H. Tobias submitted a very encouraging report of his work
as Conference evangelist the past year. He was continued in the
same work for another year.
MISSIONS
The past year the sum of $16,284.97 was raised for missions
in the Conference, and $15,875.00 was appropriated for the en-
suing year. The General Missionary Society appropriated $1,600
for the work in Colorado and Oklahoma. A. Brunner was again
elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and the old board of
officers was re-elected.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 733 ; accessions, 657 ; membership, 7,081 ; itin-
erant preachers, 77 ; local preachers, 38 ; churches, 108 ; parson-
ages, 54; Sunday-schools, 112; officers and teachers, 1,420; schol-
ars, 9,266; Young People's Alliances, 79; members, 2,301; Wom-
an's Missionary Societies, 56; members, 1,170; catechetical classes,
40 ; catechumens, 532 ; Botschafters, 694 ; Messengers, 1,021 ; Ma-
gazins, 478 ; Missionary Messengers, 361 ; Missionsbote, 239 ; Her-
alds, 543; Bundesbote, 112; total for missions, $25,693.81. For the
first time the membership of the church has reached and passed
the 7,000 mark and the "Evangelical Messenger" subscriber list
the 1,000 mark.
NORTH-WESTERN COLLEGE
During the past two years Rev. F. W. Umbreit, financial agent
of North-Western College and the Theological Seminary, canvassed
326
1910
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WOPwK
the Conference in the interest of the Conference appointment of
the Endowment Fund, amounting to $17,129.43. This was success
fully raised.
APPOINTMENTS
Holton District — W. F. Wolthausen,
P. E.
Atchison, to be supplied.
Bern, M. W. Plettner.
Camp Creek, to be supplied.
Coal Creek, E. F. Boehringer.
Deer Creek, H. Steenbock.
Falls City, J. R. Nanninga.
Granada, F. M. Peek.
Hiawatha Station, W. C. Johnson.
Hiawatha Circuit, Geo. Schrenk.
Holton, M. C. Platz.
Preston, A. Mattill.
Topeka, C. L. Sorg.
Vassar, F. J. Schadt.
Worden, L. Hanne.
Westmoreland, H. S. Bower.
Abilene District — A. Solt, P. E.
Abilene, B. H. Hobbs.
Agate, Colo., 0. L. Lister.
Alida, C. F. Kliphardt.
Burdick, W. F. Schuerman.
Canada, C. Meeder.
Colorado Springs, H. A. Schneider.
Concordia, Anthony Linge.
Industry, C. J. Eiselein.
Jewell, S. Breithaupt.
Leonardville, M. Manshardt.
Lost Springs, G. J. Schumacher.
Lucas, F. C. Dissinger.
Marion, G. W. Landis.
Mayday, Wm. Daeschner.
McPherson, to be supplied.
Ordway. Colo., C. S. Steinmetz.
Osborne, A. Hoerrman.
Swede Creek, T. R. Nanninga.
Throop, E. S. Evans.
Washington, E. H. Wendland.
Kansas City District — D. Swart,
P. E.
Clair, to be supplied. .
Eudora, J. J. Kliphardt.
Glasgow, C. J. Zager.
Kansas City, Park Ave., J. Schmidli.
Kansas City, Mersington Ave., C. F.
Erffmeyer.
Leavenworth, C. F. Iwig.
Lawrence, F. U. Moyer.
Mound City, J. K. Young.
Oregon, G. W. Weidemeier.
Platte River, H. M. Schuerman.
Shelby, Wm. Russell.
South St. Joseph, H. E. Bower.
St. Joseph, B. Barthel.
Warrensburg, S. A. Burgert.
Winston, W. Pittker.
Newton District— C. E. Platz, P. E.
Alden, E. J. Feitz.
Butler, H. Huscher and supply.
Dennis, J. H. Parmer.
Derby, I. B. Miller.
Dover, G. F. Barthel.
Emporia, P. G. Nuffer.
Guyman, J. B. Gresser.
Halstead, J. M. Fricker.
Hesston, J. A. Spencer.
Humboldt, F. H. Draeger.
Hutchinson, M. J. Steinmetz.
Hutchinson, Grandview, J. S. Miller.
Newton, S. Beese.
Offerle, Q. B. Roth.
Orlando, L. E. Becher.
Sweetwater, E. L. Schuerman.
Weatherford, J. Haber.
Waukomis, A. Hoch.
Woodson, A. Rodewald.
Yates Center, A. Brunner.
LAY DELEGATES
Holton District: M. F. Gabel, F. Daeschner, J. Schmidli, Jr.,
Mel. Hefty; Abilene District: P. E. Sommers, D. J. Matter; Kan-
sas City District: J. Schalker, L. Stoltzing, 0. F. Hanne; Newton
District: L. V. Miller, G. W. Fletcher, S. M. Spangler.
327
1910
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
MEMORIAL
Mrs. H. Mattill
Mrs. Emma Mattill, daughter of Jacob and Susanna Frey-
hofer, was born at Seymore, Indiana, May 4, 1849. Through the
labors of the early German Methodist preachers she was led to
conversion at the early age of 11 years. When but 14 years old
she was deprived of her mother and was compelled to assume the
household duties of the family. In 1864 the family moved to
Fancy Creek Valley, near Randolph, Kansas, where she fitted her-
self for the profession of school teacher, in which capacity she
was eminently successful.
In 1874 she was married to Rev. H. Mattill, then preaching at
Glasgow, Mo. She soon demonstrated her fiteness for her new
calling and the following year when her husband was chosen pre-
siding elder and stationed on Southwest District she again showed
her courage and devotion both to the work and her husband.
Though often Brother Mattill would be away from home for four
or five weeks at a time, she would tell him, "I am praying for you
while you are gone."
In 1887 they were called to Cleveland, Ohio, where she spent
16 years of her life as the wife of an agent of the Publishing
House. Here she was especially active in the work of the Wom-
an's Missionary Society, which was then in its infancy. For a
series of years she was the general treasurer of this organization.
It was during this period her faith and courage were put to a
crucial test when her husband, away from home at the time, was
suddenly stricken down by disease, and for weeks his life lay in
the balance, with little hope for his recovery. When, later, she
was compelleld to lead a life of retirement, to minister to her af-
flicted husband during the months of his convalescence, she re-
tained the same beautiful spirit of patience and resignation to the
will of her heavenly Father.
Finally during the closing months of her earthly career, when
battling with the last enemy, her beautiful character shone out in
sriking brilliance and grandeur. Her spiritual preparation having
long ere this been made, she now tenderly arranged for the com-
fort of her dear ones, whom she must soon leave, but for whose
welfare she was ever concerned. When every detail was attended
to she calmly awaited the coming of her Saviour and remarked:
"'Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly," and when He seemed to tarry
328
1910
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
she exclaimed, "Oh, why does He not come to take me home?" In
the last days of her waiting she had enlarged visions of His glory
and expressed the same in the following words: "A throng of my
dear departed ones and friends have gathered on the other shore to
meet me, and beyond that, my home prepared for me. Glory!
Glory!"
On March 31, 1909, she passed away in the triumph of the
faith she had lived. Her last words were: "The Lord is with me,
all is well." An impressive funeral service was held at Leaven-
worth, Kansas, April 2, on which occasion Rev. J. Wuerth preached
from 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8, after which the body was conveyed to Den-
ver, Mo., where it was tenderly laid away.
LAWRENCE MISSION
During the year 1908 Rev. J. Wuerth, who then lived in Law-
rence, preached for the scattered members of the Evangelical As-
sociation in and around the city. The work developed sufficiently
under the labors of Brother Wuerth, so that in the spring of 1909
Conference located a mission there and supplied it with E. J.
Feitz.
Brother Feitz at once proceeded to organize a class of 26 mem-
bers, of which Rev. J. Wuerth was elected class-leader and Rev.
J. Rasskopf exhorter. A Sunday-school was organized with J.
Houk superintendent. This was done at a Christmas entertain-
ment in the month of December, 1908. The following Sunday
morning the first session was held with 18-20 children present.
The first Quarterly Conference was held June 5, 1909, with
Rev. J. Wuerth, Rev. P. Schumann, Rev. J. Rasskopf, J. Houk,
W. F. Fleisher, W. F. Zeebs, Rev. E. J. Feitz, pastor, and Rev. D.
Swart, presiding elder, in attendance. A church building was
bought from the Swedish Lutheran denomination, which was used
until 1911, when it was remodeled and dedicated by Prof. S. L.
Umbach from Naperville, 111., on Sept. 3, 1911. The amount
paid for the property was $1,100.00.
A Young People's Alliance was organized Dec. 10, 1909, with
15 charter members. Miss Dessie Meyer was elected president,
and J. E. Schumann vice-president.
As early as 1879 Conference ordered the organization of a
mission in the city of Lawrence. This, it seems, did not material-
ize, or if started, it failed to prosper, so that, at this time, the work
was undertaken with new vigor in the University town.
329
1910
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
MAYDAY
Mayday Mission is a development of Swede Creek Circuit,
and is composed of two appointments. Star school house, also
called Mayday, was taken up in 1903 by C. F. Iwig, pastor at
Swede Creek. Brother Iwig organized a class at this place in the
beginning of 1903, with 16 members, of which Ernst Oberhelman
was chosen class-leader, and Fred Kniemeyer, exhorter. A Sun-
day-school was also organized, with Ernst Oberhelman, superin-
tendent.
The Bethany appointment is located 10 miles north-west of
Randolph, Kan., near the Peach Creek school house. A union
Sunday-school was organized at this point by Emil Wendland in
April, 1908. At the same time Rev. Wm. Daeschner took charge
of the work as a mission for the Evangelical Association, preach-
ing here and in the Star school house near Mayday. During De-
cember, 1909, and January, 1910, a very successful revival was
held at Peach Grove, at the close of which a class was organized
by Brother Daeschner with 17 members. L. W. Waldraven was
chosen class-leader and Anthony Sump, exhorter. L. W. Wald-
raven was also elected superintendent of the Sunday-school, which
was started in 1908.
A Young People's Alliance was organized at Peach Grove in
1910, with Emil Wendland, president, and a Woman's Missionary
Society, May 3, 1912, with Mrs. Ada Smith, president. In 1911,
L. G. Weide was assigned to the work, but cculd not assume charge
till the close of school in June, during which time J. J. Kliphardt
served the work from Swede Creek.
In the spring of 1912 the class decided to build a church and
elected a building committee, consisting of the brethren: L. G.
Weide, Anthony Sump, George Specht, A. J. Waldraven and L. W.
Waldraven. The building was successfully completed, and is a
very neat country church. The cost was $3,500.00. It was dedi-
cated on Jan. 12, 1913, by G. J. Schumacher, as the Bethany Church
of the Evangelical Association. At this time the class numbered
22 members, and the Sunday-school had an enrollment of 80.
The brethren Anthony Sump, George Specht, L. W. Wald-
raven, Ulrich Grobe and Roy Pollock composed the first board of
trustees.
330
1911
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
1911
FORTY-SEVENTH SESSION
Conference met March 16, 1911, in the Park Avenue Church,
Kansas City, Mo., to hold her 47th annual session with Bishop
S. C. Breyfogel in the chair and J. K. Young, secretary.
J. Hout died during the year, and W. T. Wilson, a local pro-
bationer, irregularly withdrew from the church.
J. Schmidli
Rev. J. Schmidli, who since 1877 was connected with the Kan-
sas Coference, having spent 46 years uninterruptedly in the min-
istry of the Evangelical Association, of which 12 years were de-
voted to pioneer work in Switzerland before he emigrated to
America, was necessitated, on account of age and failing health,
to take a superannuated relation. His farewell remarks to the
Conference were very touching and made a deep impression upon
the brethren, many of whom had been co-workers with Brother
Schmidli for many years.
M. Manshardt
Also Father Manshardt, another faithful member of Confer-
ence, who entered her ranks in 1886, and since that time spent his
life and energy in the ministry of the Gospel, in which he rendered
valuable service, was compelled to withdraw from the active serv-
ice and enter the superannuated relation. For both brethren Con-
ference passed suitable resolutions, assuring them of the highest
appreciation for service rendered, and wishing them God's choic-
est blessings during the evening of life.
The brethren F. U. Moyer and C. Linge were placed on the
supernumerary list.
The following brethren were retained in the itinerancy with-
out appointment: H. Steenbock, E. S. Evans, E. L. Schuerman,
G. J. Schumacher.
Benjamin Scheurer, C. E. Glaze, H. Wiens and J. Sands re-
ceived license to preach on probation.
The brethren E. L. Schuerman and L. M. Nanninga were ad-
vanced to deacons' orders, and in connection with Anthony Linge
were received into the itinerancy, while C. Willming had local
deacon's orders voted him.
331
1911
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Elders' orders were voted to E. E. Erffmeyer, Q. B. Roth, H.
Huscher, S. Beese and G. W. Landis.
C. F. Erffmeyer was also elected presiding elder and the dis-
tricts were supplied as follows: Abilene District, A. Solt; Holton
District, W. F. Wolthausen ; Kansas City District, D. Swart ; New-
ton District, C. F. Erffmeyer.
M. C. Platz was elected Conference trustee for five years,
B. H. Hobbs, statistical secretary for one year, and A. Solt, Con-
ference treasurer for one year.
J. H. Tobias was reappointed Conference evangelist for the
ensuing year.
The following brethren were elected delegates to General
Conference, to be held at Cleveland, Ohio, in the month of October.
D. Swart, A. Solt, C. F. Erffmeyer, W. F. Wolthausen, M. C. Platz,
and A. Brunner. Lay delegates : M. F. Gabel and O. F. Hanne.
St. Joseph, Alida and Derby were made self-supporting at
their request, for which they received the hearty commendation
of Conference.
BOUNDARIES
Abilene District
a. Ramah, Colorado, and surrounding country, including
Agate Mission, shall constitute Ramah Mission.
Holton District
a. Bern shall be changed to a mission for one year.
Newton District
a. "Since a door has opened in a growing part of the city of
Wichita, Kans., where members of our church are now located,
who desire earnestly that the Evangelical Association begin oper-
ations there, therefore the presiding elders of Newton and Abi-
lene Districts, with the pastor of Derby, shall constitute a com-
mittee to investigate the conditions, and if they deem it advisable,
locate a mission there and supply the same."
Several families of the Kansas Conference having moved to
the State of Alabama, reporting a promising field for operations
at that place, the Board of Missions consented to support a mis-
sionary if the Conference saw fit to send a man to that point.
Rev. A. Brunner consenting to his appointment, was assigned to
Alabama Mission.
332
1911
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
The following goal was set for Sunday-school activities for
the ensuing year: 25 teacher-training classes, 50 teachers' meet-
ings, 200 organized classes, 1,000 Cradle Roll members and 1,000
Home Department members. J. A. Werner was again elected
Field Secretary for the coming year.
MISSIONS
The sum of $14,976.17 was raised for missions in the Confer-
ence, and $15,920.00 was appropriated for the ensuing year, the
General Treasury paying $1,200.00 of the amount. A. Brunner
was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and the old board of
officers were re-elected for the Society. The president of the Con-
ference Missionary Society, A. Brunner, was appointed to convey
greetings to the Woman's Missionary Society Quadrennial Con-
vention, to be held at Holton, Kansas, during the coming summer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 756; accessions, 813; membership, 7,238; itin-
erant preachers, 76; local preachers, 38; churches, 105; parson-
ages, 55; Sunday-schools, 110; officers and teachers, 1,436; schol-
ars, 9,018; Young People's Alliances, 81; members, 2,405; Wom-
an's Missionary Societies, 60; members, 1,278; catechetical classes,
30; catechumens, 434; Botschafters, 676; Messengers, 1,011; Ma-
gazins, 465 ; Missionary Messengers, 465 ; Missionsbote, 228 ; Her-
alds, 584; Bundesbote, 65; total for missions, $26,192.47.
APPOINTMENTS
Abilene District — A. Solt, P. E. Throop, W. L. Zabel.
Abilene, B. H. Hobbs. Washington, F. W. Wendland.
Alida, C. F. Kliphardt.
Burdick, W. J. Huscher. Holton District — W. F. Wolthausen,
Canada, C. Meeder. P- E.
Colorado Springs, H. A. Schneider. Atchison, D. R. Zellner.
Concordia, Anthony Linge. Bern, G. W. Landis.
Industry, J. H. Parmer. Camp Creek, L. M. Nanninga.
Jewell, S. Breithaupt. Coal Creek, E. F. Boehringer.
Leonardville, T. R. Nanninga. Deer Creek, F. J. Schadt.
Lost Springs, F. C. Dissinger. Falls City, J. R. Nanninga.
Lucas, C. J. Eiselein. Granada, F. M. Peek.
Marion, E. E. Erffmeyer. Hiawatha Station, W. C. Johnson.
Mayday, L. G. Weide. Hiawatha Circuit, A. E. Butler.
McPherson, to be supplied. Holton, M. C. Platz.
Ordway, C. F. Iwig. Preston, A. Mattill.
Osborne, A. Hoerrman. Topeka, C. L. Sorg.
Ramah, Colo., C. S. Steinmetz and O. Vassar, Geo. Schrenk.
L. Lister. Worden, L. Hanne.
Swede Creek, J. J. Kliphardt. Westmoreland, H. S. Bower.
333
1911
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Kansas City District — D. Swart, P. E. Butler, H. Huscher.
Clair, to be supplied. Dennis, A. Hoch
Eudora, J. M. Fricker. Derby, I. B Miller.
Glasgow, C. J. Zager. Dover, S. Beese
Kansas City, Park Ave., C. E. Platz. Emporia, P. G. Nuffer.
Kansas City, Mersington, E. W. Pet- Guyman, to be supplied.
ticord. J. H. Tobias, temporary. Halstead, Q. B. Roth.
Leavenworth, G. F. Barthel. Hesston J. A. Spencer.
Lawrence, E. H. Wendland. Humboldt, F. H. Draeger.
Mound City, J. K. Young. Hutchinson, M. J. Stemmetz.
Oregon G W Weidemeier. Hutchinson, Grandview, Geo. Gick.
Platte River, H. M. Schuerman. Newton, J. S. Miller.
St. Joseph, B. Barthel. Offerle, J. B. Gresser.
South St. Joseph, H. E. Bower. Orlando, Wm Daeschner.
Warrensburg, S. A. Burgert. Sweetwater, L. E. Becher.
Winston, Wm. Pittker. Weatherford, H. Wiens.
Shelby, Wm. Russell. Waukomis, J. Haber.
Wichita, to be supplied.
Newton District— C. F. Erffmeyer, Woodson, A. Rodewald.
P- &' Yates Center, A. Brunner.
Alden, E. J. Feitz. Alabama Mission, .
LAY DELEGATES
Abilene District :M. F. Shupe, C. E. Pierce, P. E. Sommers,
D. J. Matter ; Holton District : M. F. Gabel, F. Daeschner, C. Kaser,
H. Schirmer; Kansas City District: H. W. Bunse, J. Schalker, L.
Stoltzing, O. F. Hanne; Newton District: C. W. Newby, G. W.
Fletcher, S. M. Spangler, L. V. Miller.
MEMORIAL
Rev. J. Hout
Rev. J. Hout was one of the early pioneer preachers in the
Des Moines Conference, where for many years he was in the active
service, through which he was instrumental in leading many souls
to Christ. He was a faithful and unselfish worker. He spent his
closing years in the bounds of the Kansas Conference in retire-
ment, waiting the summons of his Master. He passed to his re-
ward during the year from his home in Jewell County, Kansas.
His faithful companion preceded him a few years.
SIMLA MISSION (COLORADO)
Simla Mission, like many other works in the Conference, had
a very small beginning, but through God's grace and work and
prayer developed into a promising field of labor. The mission was
located by Conference in the spring of 1910, and assigned to O. L.
Lister as the first missionary. Soon after assuming charge of the
334
1911
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
work Brother Lister organized a class at Kuhn's Crossing with
five members, and later in the year another class at Pleasant
Plains with 25 members. Originally the mission was called Agate
Mission, but in the spring of 1911 was changed to Simla.
Kuhn's Crossing Appointment
The first class organized on Simla Mission was Kuhn's Cross-
ing, and was effected by O. L. Lister, the first pastor, in the spring
of 1910. It consisted of the following members : O. L. Lister and
wife, G. D. Kimble, Anna Kimble and Minnie Stewart. Anna
Kimble was chosen class-leader and G. D. Kimble exhorter. A
union Sunday-school was started at the time the class was organ-
ized, which was changed to a denominational school in January,
1914, and L. Hommel was chosen superintendent. A Young Peo-
ple's Alliance was started in the month of February, 1913, of
which Ralph Kimble was chosen president. In the month of May,
1914, a Woman's Missionary Society was created and Mrs. J. H.
Schaal elected president of the same.
During the pastorate of C. S. Steinmetz, after a very success-
ful grove meeting held in the month of August, 1911, steps were
taken to build a church which resulted in the erection of a structure
at a cost of $1,200.00. It was dedicated by G. J. Schumacher,
presiding elder.
Pleasant Plains Class
During the year 1910, Rev. O. L. Lister organized a class at
Pleasant Plains with 25 members, which was a very encouraging
beginning. Samuel Phend was chosen class-leader and Jacob Geib,
exhorter. A union Sunday-school was started at the time the class
was organized, and has been maintained as such since. In 1911
a Young People's Alliance was started with Ezra Geib, president.
Simla Class
In the spring of 1911 the name of Agate Mission was changed
to Simla. C. S. Steinmetz and O. L. Lister were assigned to the
work. Brother Steinmetz chose Simla as his place of residence
and began to preach there. In December of the same year he or-
ganized a class with the following members : E. E. Gray, I. D.
Fredrick, Jay D. Lamm, J. C. Moreland, O. J. Sheldon, M. J.
Pease, Mary Pease, Edith Pease, Arthur Pease and the family of
Rev. C. S. Steinmetz. M. J. Pease was chosen class-leader and
J. C. Moreland, exhorter. A Sunday-school was organized in Jan-
335
1912
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
uary, 1913, with J. C. Moreland, superintendent. A Young Peo-
ple's Alliance was started in 1912, which was placed in charge of
E. E. Gray as president. In the fall of 1913 a church was built
at a cost of $2,500.00, which was dedicated June 14, 1914, by
G. J. Schumacher, presiding elder.
1912
FORTY-EIGHTH SESSION
The 48th session of Conference was held in St. Joseph, Mo.,
beginning March 21, 1912, with Bishop T. Bowman in the chair
and J. K. Young, secretary.
J. Wuerth and M. A. Butz died during the year.
Wm. Daeschner received credentials to the Texas Conference,
and H. S. Bower was placed on the list of superannuates.
The following brethren were retained in the itinerancy with-
out appointment: J. H. Parmer, H. A. Schneider, E. S. Evans,
Wm. Pittker, W. F. Schuerman, H. Steenbock, D. R. Zellner and
E. L. Schuerman.
0. J. Sheldon, Ed. Pauli, Ralph Schreiber and Sylvester Hower
had license voted them. F. U. Moyer was placed on the list of
itinerant elders.
John Wolf was received as a local probationer from the Primi-
tive Methodist Church.
Deacons' orders were granted L. G. Weide, E. H. Wendland,
F. W. Wendland, A. E. Butler, George Gick and W. J. Huscher,
who were also admitted to the itinerancy.
M. C. Platz was elected presiding elder, but resigned on ac-
count of health conditions. A. Solt, C. F. Iwig, and G. J. Schu-
macher were elected presiding elders and stationed as follows:
Abilene District, G. J. Schumacher; Holton District, C. F. Iwig;
Kansas City District, A. Solt; Newton District, C. F. Erffmeyer.
J. J. Kliphardt was elected Conference trustee for five years,
B. H. Hobbs, statistical secretary for one year, and A. Solt, Con-
ference treasurer for one year.
G. S. Smith, fraternal delegate from the United Evangelical
Church, addressed Conference, which address was highly appre-
ciated, coming as the first fraternal message exchanged between
336
1912
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
the two churches, looking forward to a time when the two churches
shall again be united.
The committee appointed a year ago relative to the Wichita
Mission reported progress. Three lots were purchased at the cor-
ner of Estelle and Cedar Streets, and a temporary building erected
in which to hold services, the plan being later, when a church
shall have been erected, to change this building into a residence.
By request of the Conference Branch Young People's Alliance,
Wichita Mission was substituted for Colorado Springs, which for
several years had been its special charge.
Abilene Mission petitioned Conference to be changed to a sta-
tion.
J. A. Werner was reappointed Sunday-school and Young Peo-
ple's Alliance Field Secretary. E. W. Petticord was made a mem-
ber of the Trustee Board of the Anti-Saloon League of Missouri,
as a representative of the Kansas Conference.
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Since the year 1914 will be the 50th anniversary of the or-
ganization of the Kansas Conference, it was resolved to observe
the occasion with appropriate services and to this end a committee
on Conference Anniversary was appointed, consisting of D. Swart,
C. F. Erffmeyer, A. Solt, M. C. Platz and M. F. Gabel. Also steps
were taken in compliance with a movement started by the Young
People's Alliance Conference Branch to launch a Kansas Confer-
ence Church Extension Fund of $20,000.00, to be applied when
needed for the erection of new churches within the bounds of the
Kansas Conference, under direction of the General Board of Church
Extension.
STUDENTS' aid society
A Students' Aid Society was founded with the surplus of the
amount secured by F. W. Umbreit in the Conference for the en-
dowment fund of North-Western College, whereby young stu-
dents who are members of the Kansas Conference may receive
assistance in procuring an education and training for the minis-
try in our schools. Financial aid shall be rendered under certain
restrictions as per constitution, without interest.
337
1912
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
The printed Conference Journal was made official for the
future in harmony with an action of General Conference, by which
a fac-simile signature of the Conference secretary attests the cor-
rectness of the record.
BOUNDARIES
Abilene District
a. Ramah Mission shall be called Simla Mission.
b. Burdick Mission shall be called Diamond Springs Mission.
Neivton District
a. Emporia appointment shall be taken from Emporia Cir-
cuit and constitute Emporia Mission.
b. The country appointments of Weatherford Mission shall
constitute Custer Mission.
c. Zion appointment shall be taken from Butler Circuit, and
with the surrounding country form a new mission, to be called
Butler Mission, to be served with Butler Circuit.
MISSIONS
The amount raised for missions the past year was $13,919.78,
and the amount appropriated for the coming year $16,820.00, of
which amount $1,000.00 will come from the General Treasury for
the work in Colorado and Oklahoma. A. Brunner was elected
delegate to the Board of Missions. The following officers were
elected for the ensuing year: A. Brunner, president; C. F. Klip-
hardt, secretary; and H. E. Bower, treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 625 ; accessions, 718 ; membership, 7,248 ; itin-
erant preachers, 76; local preachers, 37; churches, 102; parson-
ages, 55; Sunday-schools, 107; officers and teachers, 1,421; schol-
ars, 8,871 ; Young People's Alliances, 74 ; members, 2,303 ; Wom-
an's Missionary Societies, 61 ; members, 1,360 ; catechetical classes,
38; catechumens, 582; Botschafters, 648; Messengers, 976; Maga-
zins, 450 ; Missionary Messengers, 798 ; Missionsbote, 237 ; Her-
alds, 565 ; Bundesbote, 63 ; total for missions, $25,926.15.
338
1912
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
APPOINTMENTS
Abilene District — G. J. Schumacher,
P. E.
Abilene, B. H. Hobbs.
Alida, C. F. Kliphardt.
Canada, A. Linge.
Concordia, S. Breithaupt and C. Un-
derkoffler.
Colorado Springs, C. J. Zager.
Diamond Springs, to be supplied.
Industry, W. L. Zabel.
Jewell, H. E. Bower.
Leonardville, W. F. Wolthausen.
Lost Springs, F. C. Dissinger.
Lucas, C. J. Eiselein.
Marion, E. E. Erffmeyer.
Mayday, L. G. Weide.
Ordway, P. G. Nuffer.
Osborne, A. Hoerrman.
Simla, C. S. Steinmetz and 0. J. Shel-
don.
Swede Creek, J. J. Kliphardt.
Washington and Throop, F. W. Wend-
land.
Holton District — C. F. Iwig, P. E.
Atchison, to be supplied.
Bern, G. W. Landis.
Camp Creek, L. M. Nanninga.
Coal Creek, E. F. Boehringer.
Deer Creek, F. J. Schadt.
Falls City, M. C. Platz.
Granada, F. M. Peek.
Hiawatha Station, C. L. Sorg.
Hiawatha Circuit, A. E. Butler.
Holton, D. Swart.
Preston, A. Mattill.
Topeka, J. K. Young.
Vassar, Geo. Schrenk.
Worden, L. Hanne.
Westmoreland, to be supplied.
Kansas City District — A. Solt, P. E.
Clair, to be supplied.
Eudora, J. M. Fricker.
Glasgow, A. F. Rice.
Kansas City, Park Ave., C. E. Platz.
Kansas City, Mersington Ave., E. W.
Petticord.
Leavenworth, G. F. Barthel.
Lawrence, E. H. Wendland.
Mound City, Wm. Russell.
Oregon, G. W. Weidemeier.
Platte River, H. M. Schuerman.
Shelby, W. J. Huscher.
St. Joseph, B. Barthel.
South St. Joseph, J. H. Kiplinger.
Warrensburg, S. A. Burgert.
Winston, W. C. Johnson.
Newton District — C. F. Erffmeyer,
P. E.
Alden, E. J. Feitz.
Butler Circuit and Mission, H. Hu-
scher and supply.
Custer, H. Wiens.
Dennis, A. Hoch.
Derby, F. U. Moyer.
Dover, S. Beese.
Emporia Mission and Circuit, C. Mee-
der and T. R. Nanninga.
Guyman, to be supplied.
Halstead, Q. B. Roth.
Hesston, J. A. Spencer.
Humboldt, J. R. Nanninga.
Hutchinson, M. J. Steinmetz.
Hutchinson, Grandview, J. S. Miller.
Newton, J. Sands.
Offerle, J. B. Gresser.
Orlando, E. S. Spangler and C.
Brandt.
Sweetwater, Geo. Gick.
Weatherford, L. E. Becher.
Waukomis, J. Haber.
Wichita, I. B. Miller.
Woodson, A. Rodewald.
Yates Center, F. H. Draeger.
Alabama Mission, A. Brunner.
LAY DELEGATES
Abilene District: P. E. Sommers, M. F. Shupe, W. A. John-
son; D. J. Matter; Holton District: M. F. Gabel, F. Daeschner,
Geo. Volk, Henry Bickel ; Kansas City District : P. Ewald, F. Scha-
fer, D. Triem, Elmer Vogel; Newton District: S. M. Spangler, C.
W. Newby, Albert Weide, Sol Beese.
339
1912
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
MEMORIAL
Rev. J. Wuerth
Rev. John Wuerth was born in Untertuerkheim, Wuerttem-
berg, Germany, Oct. 5, 1835. In company with his parents he
came to America in 1849 and settled in the vicinity of Cleve-
land, Ohio, where he came in touch with the Evangelical Associa-
tion and was, through the labors of Rev. G. F. Spreng, led to per-
sonal salvation. In his diary of 1857 Brother Wuerth wrote: "I
became asssured of my call to the ministry and the call never left
me. I felt that I must obey. During the year 1865 Rev. J. F.
Schreiber, presiding elder of the newly organized Kansas Con-
ference, appointed Brother Wuerth to a charge and the following
spring, 1866, he received license to preach and was received into
the itinerancy. He was assigned to Holton Mission, and the fol-
lowing year to Oregon Mission, where he served two years, when
he was transferrerd to St. Joseph. In 1873 he was elected presid-
ing elder and stationed on the Missouri District. Four years later
he was re-elected and assigned to Kansas District. From 1881-
1883 he served Holton Circuit, when he was again elected presiding
elder, and stationed on Holton District, which he served two years,
when he was transferred to Kansas City District.
On various occasions he represented Conference on the Board
of Missions and the Board of Publication. Five times he was
elected delegate to General Conference, and for many years was
secretary of the Board of Conference Trustees. He was a leader
in the Conference and wielded a far-reaching influence. His pulpit
ministrations were above the average and in the early years of his
ministry he was eminently successful in winning souls for Christ.
In 1902 he retired from the active work, retaining a superannuated
relation to the time of his death. In all he spent 37 years in the
active work of the Kansas Conference, retaining an interest in her
activities to his end.
Sept. 23, 1860, he was united in marriage to Mary Anna Vol-
let, his surviving companion. To this union were born eight chil-
dren, of whom 2 sons and 4 daughters remain to mourn the loss of
a kind father. He peacefully passed away in his home at Law-
rence, Kansas, December 5, 1911, at the age of 76 years, 2 months
and 6 days. His life-long friend and co-worker, H. Mattill, preached
a touching funeral sermon, after which the body was laid away
in Oak Hill Cemetery, to await the call of the Lord.
340
1912
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Rev. M. A. Butts
Brother M. A. Butts was a local elder in the ranks of the Kan-
sas Conference, and as such was a man of sterling character whose
influence was always on the side of right. He had a burning zeal
for the cause of his Redeemer and was deeply interested in the
progress of the church, ever desiring to see souls saved. As a
true man and Christian he was held in high esteem by all who
knew him. He never entered the active ranks of the ministry in
the Conference, but was always ready to do what he could to en-
courage the servants of God in carrying on the work committed
to them. He was a man who helped make the world better.
HUTCHINSON
During the past year the old frame church at the corner of
10th and Jefferson Streets, which had been used since 1890, gave
way to a beautiful structure on the same site at a cost of $14,000,
which is a credit to the town and the congregation. This building
was erected during the pastorate of M. J. Steinmetz, who spared
no labor to lead the enterprise to a successful culmination. The
dedicatory service was held Feb. 11, 1912, conducted by Rev. G.
Heinmiller, of Cleveland, Ohio. The membership at the time
was 175.
WICHITA
A mission was located in Wichita, Kansas, by the Annual
Conference held in the spring of 1912, after the preliminary steps
had been taken a year previous. A committee consisting of the
presiding elder of Newton District, the presiding elder of Abilene
District, and the pastor of Derby Mission, was appointed to take
the matter in hand and act according to their judgment in locating
a mission. An appropriation of $1,000.00 was made from the Mis-
sionary Treasury to encourage the enterprise. During the spring
of 1911 arrangements were made to take up an appointment, which
was placed under supervision of I. B. Miller, pastor of Derby
Mission, with Geo. Gick as assistant. Steps were taken at once
to erect a building for a parsonage, which at the beginning was
used for church services. The first service was held on the first
Sunday in August, 1911, by Brother I. B. Miller, who preached
from the text 1 Cor. 3: 11, and from that time on services were
held regularly, the pastor and his assistant alternating. A Sun-
341
1912
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
day-school was organized at the time, and J. V. Glazer elected su-
perintendent.
The organization was effected Dec. 28, 1911, with ten mem-
bers, as follows : Rev. J. W. Keiser and wife, Levi Keeler and wife,
Frank Greer and wife, Mrs. Emma Jett and Rev. Geo. Gick. Levi
Keeler was chosen class-leader, and Frank Greer, exhorter, J. V.
Glazer, superintendent of the Sunday-school, and Rev. J. W. Kei-
ser, J. V. Glazer and Levi Keeler, trustees. At the session of 1912
I. B. Miller was stationed to Wichita as pastor of the new mis-
sion. A Young People's Alliance was organized in June, of which
Harold Miller was chosen president, and Myrtle Holden, secretary.
During the year plans were matured to build a church. The base-
ment was commenced in June, and completed so that the first
service could be held Sept. 22, 1912, on which occasion $500.00 was
pledged by the congregation for the church furniture. The cost of
the basement complete was $4,000.00, and the parsonage $3,000.00.
A Woman's Missionary Society was organized April 17, 1913, with
ten members. Mrs. R. L. Glass was elected president and Mabel
Miller, secretary.
woman's missionary society quadrennial convention
The holding of the sixth Quadrennial Convention of the Wom-
an's Missionary Society at Holton, Kans., Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 1911,
formed a new epoch in the history of the Woman's Missionary So-
ciety in the Kansas Conference. The expectations ran high, but
were more than realized by the results of the convention. Nine-
teen Conference Branches were represented by 55 delegates, be-
sides ten general officers and a large numbr of visitors from var-
ious parts of the church in America.
The presence of Dr. F. C. Krumling and wife, from Shenchow-
fu, China, Bishop S. P. Spreng of Cleveland, Ohio, Rev. A. Giuli-
ani, of Milwaukee, Wis., Miss Alice Niederhauser and Florence
Erffmeyer, the two latter under appointment to the foreign mis-
sion field, added much to the interest of the convention. The at-
tendance was so large that the church was filled at the daily ses-
sions. Larger quarters were found in the more spacious Metho-
dist church for the evening and Sunday services.
On Friday evening a Jubilee Banquet was given by the men
of Holton to the visiting guests of honor in the Armory, which
342
1912
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
was greatly enjoyed by these at home, and those from abroad. The
following from the pen of the editor of the "Missionary Messen-
ger" describes the impression made upon visiting friends who were
in attendance, as well as the work done in the convention:
"Never before in the history of our church were there so many
Evangelical women gathered together at one place, at one time,
with the purpose and intent to know, to hear, to feel, and then go
home and do. Never before has the center, the hub of the Wom-
an's Missionary Society, seemed to be so far west. But any doubt
as to Holton's being the center was dispelled as soon as foot was
set on Kansas soil. The entertainment was everything that could
be wished. Every arrangement for the comfort and convenience
of the members of the convention was made, and the slightest wish
seemed to be anticipated.
"Never before were the women of the Society so honored as
at Holton. The men, our brothers, tendered a banquet to the
women of the convention and of the city. Three hundred women
and about twenty-five men were most royally served by the men of
the Holton congregation. Mrs. E. M. Spreng was 'The Toast Mis-
tress' of the occasion, and in her genial way succeeded in making
the toasts served a very enjoyable time.
"So much for the things that pertained to our physical com-
fort and happiness, but what of the things that were after all the
real true purpose upon which all were intent? With the greet-
ings and benedictions of Holton still fresh in our ears, we thank
God for the precious women we met there, their good words, their
unselfish service and the strength and courage their presence
brought us. Only those who have entered into fellowship with
each other in some unselfish work for Christ know how sweet
is that communion, or how strong is that tie. And what rare
occasions our quadrennial gatherings are for the strengthening
of Christian bonds, and for the joys of Christian fellowship. But
we thank Him also for the host of brave, loyal women who have
also entered into this sweet fellowship, but whose faces were not
seen at the convention in Holton. In our thought for the quadren-
nium upon which we are now entering, our waiting eyes are to-
ward them. We rest in their faith and steadfastness in the work
of the Lord."
"We have had our seasons of refreshment. Our convention
was to all a veritable Bethel. We were strengthened, uplifted,
343
1912
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
inspired for the work of the future. It was said by many that
the addresses had not at any previous convention reached such a
uniform high order. The subjects were most helpful. Indeed all
were vital and opened up to our view possibilities of service, of at-
tainment, we should like to reach. Every session was full of in-
spiration and enthusiasm, but Sunday seemed to be specially full
of good things. The sermon by Bishop S. P. Spreng gave to all
of us new visions of what there is yet to be done, and can only be
done by women. Life and honorary memberships were solicited
during the day, pledges for the support of orphans in China were
secured, and a liberal offering was given amounting in all to over
SI, 200.00 for the day. Our church was too small for the crowd
that gathered, so our Methodist friends graciously and generously
gave us the use of their large church for Sunday morning and
evening services.
"The presence of Dr. and Mrs. Krumling, Miss Alice Nieder-
hauser and Miss Florence Erffmeyer, all to sail for the Orient
in a few weeks, added much to the interest of the occasion. Their
bright cheery faces, their evident eagerness to be gone from even
go pleasant a place as a convention in Kansas, to their work in
China and Japan, made a deep and lasting impression upon us all.
Our work among the Italians was ably represented by Miss Min-
nie Koenig of Chicago, and Rev. Giuliani of Milwaukee. The story
of Rev. Giuliani's conversion was a most thrilling one, and deep
impressions were made.
"Every branch but one was represented by one or more dele-
gates. The interest from first to last was intense, and the sea-
sons of tarrying at the feet of the Master most refreshing and
sweet. The days spent in convention were days of intense stress
and toil, but the heat was lessened, and the tired nerves refreshed
by the thought that it was all for Christ."
Many visitors were present from the bounds of the Kansas
Conference who availed themselves of the privilege of attending
such an occasion when it was near home. All were welcomed and
all enjoyed themselves at this gathering which was the first of the
kind for many loyal sisters of the Evangelical Association in Kan-
sas.
344
1913
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
1913
FORTY-NINTH SESSION
Conference met at Leonardville, Riley County, Kans., March
20, 1913, to hold her 49th session. Bishop Wm. Horn presided
and J. K. Young served as secretary.
E. S. Evans and W. F. Schuerman were, at their request,
placed on the supernumerary list. Credentials were issued to H.
Steenbock and Wm. Pittker.
The following brethren were retained in the itinerancy with-
out appointment: F. J. Schadt, D. R. Zellner, J. M. Fricker, A.
Rodewald, and J. H. Tobias. C. Underkoffler was placed on the list
of local elders.
In view of Brother Tobias' long and faithful service in the
Conference, during which he never spared himself, but ofttimes
labored to excess, the following resolution was placed on record:
''Whereas, Brother J. H. Tobias, who, for many years, was a
strong leader in our Conference, is now compelled because of
failing health to retire from active work, be it resolved, that we
extend to Brother Tobias our hearty appreciation for his many
years of courageous service in the bounds of our Conference, and
that we invoke God's richest blessings upon him and his compan-
ion during their remaining years of life."
A. C. Poersch, G. Gfeller and Chas. Geist received license to
preach on probation, and T. T. Moore was received from the Bap-
tist Church.
A. F. Rice, H. Wiens, J. Sands and W. L. Zabel were advanced
to deacons' orders and received into the itinerancy. L. M. Nan-
ninga and J. B. Gresser received elders' orders.
Hesston, Offerle and Falls City at their request were made
self-supporting and received the hearty commendation of Con-
ference for their valor.
M. F. Shupe, M. C. Platz and C. E. Platz were added to the
Conference Church Extension Board.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected trustee of North- Western College
and Evangelical Theological Seminary for three years, D. Swart
Conference trustee for five years, B. H. Hobbs statistical secretary
for one year, A. Solt Conference treasurer for one year, and the
pastor of Kansas City, Mersington Ave. church, trustee of the
Missouri Anti-Saloon League.
345
1913
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Rev. R. M. Buckner was received as fraternal delegate from
the United Evangelical Church and addressed Conference, where-
upon C. F. Erffmeyer was appointed a representative of our Con-
ference to the next annual session of the United Evangelical Con-
ference.
A Conference Sunday-school Board was formed in harmony
with the action of General Conference, and the following breth-
ren elected members : H. E. Bower, M. F. Shupe, M. C. Platz, M. F.
Gabel, B. Barthel, F. Schafer, I. B. Miller and J. E. Hauck.
It was ordered that in the future the presiding elders shall
submit a concise yet comprehensive report of the condition of
their respective districts to the Conference and the reports be pub-
lished in the Conference Journal.
M. C. Platz was added to the Kansas Conference Historical
Committee.
The pastor of Topeka, Kans., was elected a member of the
Public Welfare League Conference, to be held in Topeka, March
26, 1913.
The president of the Young People's Alliance Conference
Branch reported that the next Young People's Alliance Conven-
tion will be held in Soden Park, Emporia, Kans., Aug. 5-12, 1913,
and all were urged to attend.
The following recognition was taken of Mrs. J. F. Schreiber
who resides at Leonardville, Kans., and was in attendance at Con-
ference: "We rejoice to know that Sister Schreiber of this com-
munity, wife of the sainted J. F. Schreiber, a charter member of
the Kansas Conference, still enjoys a reasonable degree of health
and happiness, therefore be it resolved, that we extend to her our
best wishes for the remaining years of her life, and that we assure
her of continued prayers in her behalf."
BOUNDARIES
Abilene District
a. Randolph, Winkler and interlying territory shall consti-
tute Randolph Mission and be supplied by the presiding elder.
Holton District
a. Atchison shall be served with Camp Creek.
346
1913
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Kansas City District
a. Benton shall be taken from Oregon Circuit and added to
Mound City Mission.
b. Platte River Circuit shall be called Cosby Station.
Newton District
a. Offerle congregation shall be a station and the country
appointments shall constitute a new mission to be called Pleasant
Valley Mission.
b. Hesston congregation shall be a station and Zion appoint-
ment of Hesston Circuit shall be added to Hutchinson, Grandview.
MUTUAL BENEVOLENT AID SOCIETY
The Mutual Benevolent Aid Society, which, for a number of
years, was maintained as a protection of church property and min-
isters' household goods against loss by fire or storm, and which
rendered valuable service on an economical basis, was found to be
out of harmony with the recently enacted state insurance laws,
and was dissolved after adjusting all claims, and refunding the sur-
plus in the treasury to certificate holders.
MISSIONS
The amount of $15,354.36 was raised for missions in the Con-
ference the past year, and $16,000.00 appropriated for the ensu-
ing year, $1,000.00 of this amount to be paid by the General Treas-
ury for the work in Colorado and Oklahoma.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected delegate to the Board of Missions
and the following officers elected for the Missionary Society: D.
Swart, president; C. F. Kliphardt, secretary; and H. E. Bower,
treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 657; accessions, 883; membership, 7,460; itin-
erant preachers, 83; local preachers, 35; churches, 106; parson-
ages, 55; Sunday-schools, 115; officers and teachers, 1,473; schol-
ars, 9,393 ; teacher-training classes, 10 ; catechetical classes, 31 ;
catechumens, 499 ; Young People's Alliances, 80 ; members, 2,502 ;
Woman's Missionary Societies, 70; members, 1,568; Botschafters,
627; Messengers, 1,025; Magazins, 416; Missionary Messengers,
906; Missionsbote, 224; Heralds, 647; Bundesbote, 47; total for
missions, $29,773.79.
347
1913
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Abilene District — /. G. Schumacher,
P. E.
Abilene, L. Hanne.
Alida, A. Hoerrman.
Canada, F. W. Wendland.
Concordia, Calvary, S. Breithaupt.
Concordia, Bethany, J. A. Spencer.
Colorado Springs, C. J. Zager.
Diamond Springs, C. E. Glaze.
Industry, W. L. Zabel.
Jewell, H. E. Bower.
Leonardville, W. F. Wolthausen.
Lost Springs, F. C. Dissinger.
Lucas, C. J. Eiselein.
Marion, E. E. Erffmeyer.
Mayday, L. G. Weide.
Ordway, P. G. Nuffer.
Osborne, A. Hoch.
Simla, C. S. Steinmetz and H. Hu-
scher.
Swede Creek, J. J. Kliphardt.
Washington and Throop, B. H. Hobbs
and 0. J. Sheldon.
Randolph, to be supplied.
Holton District — C. F. Iwig, P. E.
Atchison and Camp Creek, L. M. Nan-
ninga.
Bern, G. W. Landis.
Coal Creek, E. F. Boehringer.
Deer Creek, J. B. Gresser.
Falls City, M. C. Platz.
Granada, F. M. Peek.
Hiawatha Station, C. L. Sorg.
Hiawatha Circuit, A. E. Butler.
Holton, D. Swart.
Preston, A. Mattill.
Topeka, J. K. Young.
Vassar, Geo. Schrenk.
Worden, E. H. Wendland.
Westmoreland, to be supplied.
Kansas City District — A. Solt, P. E.
Clair, Ralph Schreiber.
Cosby, H. M. Schuerman.
Eudora, C. F. Kliphardt.
Glasgow, A. F. Rice.
Kansas City, Park Ave., C. E. Platz.
Kansas City, Mersington Ave., E. W.
Petticord.
Leavenworth, G. F. Barthel.
Lawrence, C. B. Willming.
Mound City, Wm. Russell.
Oregon, G. W. Weidemeier.
Shelby, W. J. Huscher.
St. Joseph, F. H. Draeger.
South St. Joseph, J. H. Kiplinger.
Warrensburg, S. A. Burgert.
Winston, W. C. Johnson.
Newton District — C. F. Erffmeyer,
P. E.
Alden, to be supplied by T. T. Moore.
Butler Circuit and Mission, J. H. Par-
mer.
Custer, H. Wiens.
Dennis, E. S. Spangler.
Derby, F. U. Moyer.
Dover, S. Beese.
Emporia Circuit and Mission, C. Mee-
der and T. R. Nanninga.
Guyman, to be supplied.
Halstead, Q. B. Roth.
Hesston, E. J. Feitz.
Humboldt, J. R. Nanninga.
Hutchinson, M. J. Steinmetz.
Hutchinson, Grandview, J. S. Miller.
Newton, J. Sands.
Offerle, H. A. Schneider.
Orlando, A. Linge.
Pleasant Valley Mission, to be sup-
plied.
Sweetwater, G. Gick.
Weatherford, L. E. Becher.
Waukomis, J. Haber.
Wichita, I. B. Miller.
Woodson, to be supplied.
Yates Center, B. Barthel.
Alabama, A. Brunner.
LAY DELEGATES
Abilene District: P. E. Sommers, M. F. Shupe, W. A. John-
son, Gideon Schreiber; Holton District: M. F. Gabel, F. Daeschner,
George Haag, H. Bickel, Sr. ; Kansas City District: P. Ewald,
Fred Schafer, D. Triem, Wm. B. Butler; Newton District: C. W.
Newby, Albert Weide, Solomon Beese, C. E. Hanson.
348
1913
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
MEMORIAL
Death invaded the homes of three of our Conference members
during the past year as follows :
Mrs. P. Bretsch
Mother Bretch, the companion of Father P. Bretch, was called
to her heavenly home during the past year. For many years Sis-
ter Bretch shared the hardships of a pioneer preacher's life in the
Indiana Conference, where her husband labored as missionary
and later as presiding elder, until early in the eighties, when he
was necessitated to emigrate to the West on account of failing
health. Settling at Newton, Kansas, they lived there till 12 years
ago, when they moved to Hobart, Oklahoma, where Mother Bretch
was called to the home above. She leaves her aged husband who
has passed his 90th mile stone to mourn the loss of a faithful com-
panion, and the children the loss of a mother of blessed influence
and memory.
Sommers
Brother P. E. Sommers, lay delegate to this Conference, was,
with his companion, called upon to pass through deep waters of sor-
row the past year, caused by the death of their daughter, an estim-
able young lady, possessed of rare ability and beautiful character,
full of promise for a long and useful life. The Heavenly Father
saw best in his infinite wisdom to transfer her to the home above
where she might render unto Him a more perfect service. While
her earthly plans and purposes were left unfinished she has gone to
a land of sunshine and brightness, where sorrow's tears do not
flow, and pain does not exist.
Iwig
The home of Rev. C. F. Iwig was again visited by the death
messenger, taking from them their little baby daughter, which he
gathered to the floral site above to bloom forever in the paradise
of heavenly splendor and rapture.
NEWTON, KANSAS
The congregation at Newton, Kansas, enjoyed a special de-
gree of prosperity during the past year in consequence of which
they provided a new church. Under the able management of the
pastor, Rev. J. Sands, assisted by a competent building committee,
consisting of H. Burgener, S. M. Spangler, J. E. Hauck, Richard
349
1913
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Berg, M. Schanbacher, S. Smith, L. Bluhm, J. Brown, J. Abrams
and C. F. Erffmeyer, the material of the old building was utilized
in the construction of a beautiful and convenient church, the main
auditorium of which measures 40x50 feet, with numerous an-
nexes and basement. The cost of building amounted to $9,000.00,
which is a marvel of cheapness considering the character of the
structure. The dedicatory services were held by Bishop T. Bow-
man on Nov. 10, 1912.
LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS
For many years the old brick church on North 6th Street was
a landmark of pioneer days. Erected in 1861, it became the sec-
ond church building of the Evangelical Association in Kansas.
For a half century it was used as a place of worship, and in it was
held the first session of the Kansas Conference by Bishop J. Long,
followed by the two succeeding sessions in 1866 and 1867. For
years the building had been inadequate for the congregation and
Sunday-school, but the matter of building a new church seemed
too much of a task for the congregation. However, during the
past year the attempt was made, and the project carried to com-
pletion during the pastorate of G. F. Barthel. The local society
supported the enterprise nobly, and with the aid received from
the Holton District, in connection with contributions given by cit-
izens of Leavenworth, who were interested in the improvement
of their city, the church was completed at a cost of $11,300.00
and dedicated by Bishop S. C. Breyfogel, Oct. 20, 1912. This
building reflects great credit upon the congregation and the city,
and has added much to the further development of the work.
ATCHISON MISSION
As early as 1859 M. J. Milller wrote from Leavenworth that
he contemplated taking up an appointment in Atchison since he
learned that a great many German people lived there. Just when
the work was taken up, or by whom, we have no record, however,
at the Conference session in 1866 Atchison was, with several
country appointments, formed into Atchison Mission, and con-
tinued as such for three years when it was discontinued. Not un-
til 1872 was the work again taken up, and served with Wolf River
Circuit. Later it was given the name Atchison Mission. There
seems to have been progress during the following year, so that in
350
1913
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
the spring of 1884 Conference ordered the erection of a church.
The following 1 year the pastor, D. R. Zellner, reported that a
church and parsonage had been built at a cost of $5,737.40. For
many years the congregation struggled along under a heavy church
debt until finally, by the aid of Conference, it was liquidated. Dur-
ing those years, as well as later, the congregation failed to develop
as it should have done, but instead gradual decline set in, so that
in 1913 the mission was merged with Atchison Circuit and the city
congregation was left without a pastor. It is to be regretted that
a work which was once so full of promise, upon which so much la-
bor and money was spent, should finally succumb to total failure.
PLEASANT VALLEY MISSION
While serving Offerle Mission in 1905, Rev. I. B. Miller began
to preach at Pleasant Valley, and organized a class in December
of the same year. The charter members of the new class were
G. E. Matkin, J. H. Umbach and wife, H. D. Scarbrough and wife,
Cora Scarbrough, Ruth Scarbrough, F. M. Scarbrough and wife,
Mrs. Lulu Preston, Mrs. Cris. Henning, Frank Trimpa, Lizzie
Trimpa, Maggie Trimpa, Lewis Shafer and wife, Dessie Shafer,
R. C. Dewell and wife, and H. W. Harris and wife. J. H. Umbach
was elected class-leader of the newly organized class, and Mrs.
H. D. Scarbrough, exhorter. -Brother Miller, being returned to
Offerle Mission in the spring of 1906, at once took up the project
of building a church at this point, which was successfully com-
pleted and dedicated on Thanksgiving Day of that year by M. C.
Platz, presiding elder. The building was erected at a cost of
$1,800.00, and at the end of the year the congregation numbered
35 members, with a bright prospect for the future. A Sunday-
school was organized at the time the class was started and Mrs.
J. H. Umbach was chosen superintendent. During the year 1909
a good many of the members moved away, weakening the congre-
gation and retarding progress for several years, however, the little
band continued their Sunday-school and church activities. In
1913 the appointment was taken from Offerle Mission and consti-
tuted a separate work called Pleasant Valley Mission, thus form-
ing one of the latest fields of labor in the Conference.
351
1914
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
1914
FIFTIETH SESSION
Conference met in 50th session at Newton, Kans., March 19,
1914, with Bishop S. P. Spreng in the chair and J. K. Young, sec-
retary. Arrangements had been made to celebrate the semi-cen-
tennial session as Jubilee session of the Kansas Conference.
T. T. Moore, pastor at Alden, Kansas, died during the year.
A. Linge was placed on the list of local elders, and M. F.
Shupe voluntarily returned his license. The name of C. L. Mans-
hardt was taken from the list of local probationers.
Credentials were voted to F. H. Draeger to the California
Conference.
The brethren L. E. Becher, Wm. Russell, F. J. Schadt and J.
H. Tobias were permitted to remain in the itinerancy without ap-
pointment.
M. W. Parker, Walter Coleman, A. E. Kurth, E. F. Hofer and
J. D. Klein received license to preach.
0. J. Sheldon was advanced to deacon's orders, and with C.
B. Willming received into the itinerancy.
Elders' orders were voted to W. J. Huscher, G. Gick, E. S.
Spangler, A. E. Butler, F. W. Wendland, E. H. Wendland and L. G.
Weide.
Rev. H. T. Wright, fraternal delegate from the United Evan-
gelical Church, was welcomed and addressed Conference.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected Conference trustee for five years,
B. H. Hobbs, statistical secretary for one year, and A. Solt, Confer-
ence treasurer for one year.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK
Conference granted one evening during its session to the
Sunday-school interests. On this occasion J. H. Engle, state sec-
retary of the Sunday-School Association of Kansas, made an excel-
lent address, which was highly appreciated and resulted in new
inspiration for the Sunday-School work. Short addresses were
made by Don. Kinney, a member of the International Sunday-
School Executive Committee, and M. C. Platz.
The Sunday-school Board ordered that the "Sunday-School
Bulletin," a small paper which had been published by the Confer-
ence Field Secretary the past two years irregularly, shall be pub-
lished three times during the coming year. The Board also urged
352
Church of the Evangelical Association at Newton, Kansas,
in which the anniversary session was held
1914
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
the local management of each school by a local Sunday-school
board, according to the directions of the Discipline. Each school
shall publish four quarterly reports during the year, and every
school shall furnish the Field Secretary with an annual report
during the first week in January.
An evangelistic slogan was adopted by which each work in the
Conference shall strive to save at least fifty souls during the com-
ing year. To this end a co-operation of all the church organizations
was urged.
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
M. C. Platz, secretary of the Conference Historical Commit-
tee, reported that a vast amount of early historical data of the
Conference had been gathered and written out. Whereupon it was
ordered that the committee should continue its work and as far as
possible prepare the manuscript by the next annual session, cover-
ing a period of fifty years. C. L. Sorg and C. F. Kliphardt were
added to the committee.
JUBILEE SERVICE
A very impressive Jubilee service was held on Friday after-
noon, on which occasion Rev. J. H. Tobias, who had been in the
active work of the Kansas Conference for 35 years, presided and
made an interesting address relative to his early experiences and
the development of the work. -
Rev. H. Mattill, one of the oldest ministers of the Conference,
living, was to preach the Jubilee sermon, but not being able to be
present, he sent his sermon, which was read by the Conference
secretary. It was full of reminiscence, ever emphasizing the grace
of God in helping so wonderfully during the days of small things
in the Kansas Conference, when poverty was great, privations
many, hardships severe, discouragements numerous. It was an
inspiration to listen to Brother MattilPs sermon as he recounted
the past mercy of God during the days when the pioneers of the
Kansas Conference braved the difficulties, which always attend
pioneer effort, and then to hear the glorious victories they achieved
in Jesus' name, and the blessings which we enjoy as the fruits of
their self-sacrifice. Also the great responsibility which rests upon
us today as their successors in the work, which was so near and
dear to them, but has now been handed down to us that we might
carry it on to the best of our ability and to the glory of God.
353
1914
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
On Saturday afternoon another interesting Jubilee service
was held on which occasion D. Swart presided and addresses were
made as follows: Bishop S. P. Spreng spoke on the subject, "Ele-
ments of Success" ; Rev. C. F. Iwig on "The Achievements" ; Fred
Schafer, "The Present Needs" ; M. F. Gabel, "The Future Possibil-
ities," while C. F. Erffmeyer spoke on the plan for raising a $20,000
Jubilee Fund for Church Extension. The addresses were replete
with thought that led to profound gratitude for the blessings of
God in the past through the development of the work in the Kan-
sas Conference, and gave a new vision of golden opportunities for
the future.
In addition to the foregoing the brethren J. K. Young, C. L.
Sorg and B. Barthel were appointed editors and publishers of a
Jubilee number of the Conference Journal, to be assisted in the
enterprise by the Historical Committee. Also a Conference photo-
graph was ordered to be prepared and offered for sale.
PRESIDING ELDER REPORTS
For the first time in the history of the Conference the presid-
ing elders submitted a report of their respective districts which
was ordered printed in the Journal.
The Young People's Alliance Conference Branch president,
0. F. Hanne, announced the arrangements for a Jubilee Young
People's Alliance and Woman's Missionary Society convention,
to be held in connection with a camp-meeting at Soden Park, Em-
poria, Kans., Aug. 6-16, 1914.
SUNDAY-SCHOOLS
The net gain of the Sunday-schools for the past year was
1,226, or 226 more than the goal set the previous year. A very
successful series of Sunday-school rallies were conducted by Rev.
F. C. Berger, General Secretary, during the past winter, which
gave new impetus to the work, and added new zeal to the host of
workers. Brother Berger reported that he devoted 20 days to the
work in Kansas, during which time he traveled 3,375 miles, held
17 conventions, organized 7 Home Departments, 11 Cradle Rolls,
and 24 teacher-training classes, with more than 500 members.
354
1914
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
BOUNDARIES
Holton District
a. Bellevue and Wolf River shall be taken from Hiawatha
Circuit and in connection with Sparks constitute Bellevue Circuit.
Kansas City District
a. A new mission shall be located in south-east Kansas City,
which shall be called Garden Hill Mission.
Newton District
a. In accordance with the action of the Executive Commit-
tee of the General Board of Missions the Alabama Mission was
discontinued.
MISSIONS
The total amount raised for missions in the Kansas Conference
the past year was $14,252.88, and the amount appropriated for the
ensuing year was $16,915.00, of which amount $1,000.00 was ap-
propriated by the General Treasury for the work in Colorado and
Oklahoma.
The following officers were elected for the society: D. Swart,
president; C. F. Kliphardt, secretary; and H. E. Bower, treasurer.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected delegate to the Board of Missions.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 832; accessions, 1,067; membership, 7,949; itin-
erant preachers, 83; local preachers, 33; churches, 107; parson-
ages, 56; Sunday-schools, 106; officers and teachers, 1,989; schol-
ars, 10,278; Home Department, 462; Cradle Roll, 768; grand to-
tal, 12,891; teacher-training classes, 40; members, 433; Young
People's Alliances, 83; members, 2,612; Woman's Missionary So-
cieties, 70; members, 1,573; Junior Alliances, 6; members, 119;
catechetical classes, 30; catechumens, 415; Botschafters, 622; Mes-
sengers, 1,001 ; Magazins, 417 ; Missionary Messengers. 928 ; Mis-
sionsbote, 284; Heralds, 518; Bundesbote, 7; total for missions,
$24,892.78.
355
1914
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Abilene District — G. J. Schumacher,
P. E.
Abilene, L. Hanne.
Alida, A. Hoerrman.
Canada, F. W. Wendland.
Concordia, Calvary, S. Breithaupt.
Concordia, Bethany, J. A. Spencer.
Colorado Springs, C. J. Zager.
Diamond Springs, to be supplied.
Industry, W. L. Zabel.
Jewell, H, E. Bower.
Leonardville, W. F. Wolthausen.
Lost Springs, S. Beese.
Lucas, C. J. Eiselein.
Marion, E. E. Erffmeyer.
Mayday, C. E. Glaze.
Ordway, P. G. Nuffer.
Osborne, A. Hoch and Sylvester
Hower.
Simla, C. S. Steinmetz and H. Hu-
scher.
Swede Creek, J. J. Kliphardt.
Throop, G. W. Weidemeier.
Washington, B. H. Hobbs.
Randolph, to be supplied.
Holton District — C. F. Iwig, P. E.
Atchison, to be supplied by J. M.
Fricker.
Bern, G. W. Landis.
Bellevue, A. E. Butler.
Camp Creek, E. F. Boehringer.
Coal Creek, F. M. Peek.
Deer Creek, J. B. Gresser.
Falls City, M. C. Platz.
Granada, C. A. Geist.
Hiawatha Circuit, to be supplied by O.
J. Sheldon.
Hiawatha Station, C. L. Sorg.
Holton, D. Swart.
Preston, A. Brunner.
Topeka, J. K. Young.
Vassar, A. Rodewald.
Worden, E. H. Wendland.
Kansas City District — A. Solt, P. E.
Kansas City, Park Ave., C. E. Platz.
Kansas City, Mersington, L. M. Nan-
ninga.
Kansas City, Garden Hill, E. A. Pauli.
Clair, R. Schreiber.
Cosby, H. M. Schuerman.
Eudora, G. Schrenk.
Glasgow, E. L. Schuerman.
Leavenworth, G. F. Barthel.
Lawrence, C. B. Willming.
Mound City, A. F. Rice.
Oregon, F. C. Dissinger.
Shelby, W. J. Huscher.
St. Joseph, C. F. Kliphardt.
South St. Joseph, A. Mattill.
Warrensburg, S. A. Burgert.
Winston, W. C. Johnson.
Conference Evangelist, E. W. Petti-
cord.
Newton District — C. F. Erffmeyer,
P. E.
Alden, L. G. Weide.
Butler Circuit and Mission, J. H. Par-
mer.
Custer, H. Wiens.
Dennis, E. S. Spangler.
Derby, F. U. Moyer.
Dover, E. F. Hofer.
Emporia Circuit and Mission, C. Mee-
der and T. R. Nanninga.
Guymon, to be supplied.
Halstead, Q. B. Roth.
Hesston, E. J. Feitz.
Hutchinson, M. J. Steinmetz.
Hutchinson, Grandview, J. S. Miller.
Newton, J. Sands.
Offerle, H. A. Schneider.
Orlando, A. E. Kurth.
Pleasant Valley, M. W. Parker.
Sweetwater, to be supplied.
Weatherford, G. A. Gick.
Waukomis, John Haber.
Wichita, I. B. Miller.
Woodson, to be supplied.
Yates Center, B. Barthel.
Humboldt, J. R. Nanninga.
LAY DELEGATES
Abilene District: P. E. Sommers, M. F. Shupe, D. J. Matter,
W. A. Johnson ; Holton District : Henry Abbuehl, George Haag, F.
Daeschner, Henry Bickel, Sr. ; Kansas City District: Philip Ewald,
F. Schafer, Daniel Triem, Elmer Vogel; Newton District: S. M.
Spangler, C. W. Newby, Solomon Beese, Albert Weide.
356
1914
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
MEMORIAL
Rev. T. T. Moore
Rev. T. T. Moore came to the Kansas Conference a year ago
from the Baptist Church and was stationed on Alden Circuit,
which he served less than a year, when the Lord called him from
his labors here below to his reward above. His service in the Con-
ference was of such duration that his acquaintance was very lim-
ited. His short period of service on the Alden work was alto-
gether acceptable, and his usefulness for the future was promising
when he was so suddenly taken from our midst.
Mrs. E. Evans
Sister Evans, companion of our venerable Father E. Evans,
was called from earthly activity and scenes to the home above, leav-
ing her aged companion, with whom she spent so many years in
happy wedlock, to journey through the valley of sorrow. Mother
Evans was a true Christian in the home and in the church. Years
ago she shared the lot of an Evangelical preacher's life, which
place she filled with the greatest degree of conscientiousness and
devotion. She reared her children for the Lord, and was permit-
ted to see one of her sons enter the ministry in the Kansas Con-
ference. Though taken from the midst of her loved ones, she con-
tinues to speak through her unselfish life and influence.
Olive Rose Barthel
Olive Rose, the little daughter of Rev. and Mrs. B. Barthel,
was carried home to the bosom of the loving Shepherd, who loves
the lambs and cares for them. Though the home has been made
sad by the departure of their little darling, yet the thought that
she is safe with Jesus brings a consolation which heals the wounded
heart.
HESSTON STATION
In 1888 A. W. Piatt and C. E. Platz were assigned to Newton
Mission, which had just been strengthened by the addition of all
the appointments of Halstead Mission, except Halstead and Chris-
tian (Moundridge) appointments. During the year C. E. Platz
began to preach in the school house of district No. 49, which was
also known as the Johnson appointment, about five miles south of
357
1914
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
where Hesston is now located. Two years later M. Walter organ-
ized a class with the following families: Uriah Spangler, I. E.
Smith, J. M. Vogt, S. C. Nearhood and Geo. Mead. J. M. Vogt
was chosen class-leader and Geo. Mead, exhorter. Services were
continued at this place till 1897, when the appointment was changed
to school district No. 20, two miles south of Hesston, and during
the winter of the same year the meetings were held in the school
house in Hesston. A successful revival was held during the winter
of 1897 by J. S. Miller, and quite a few were added to the church.
Steps were now taken to erect a church building. The project was
consummated at a cost of $2,000.00. The building was dedicated
by Rev. J. J. Kliphardt, Feb. 5, 1898. In 1913 Hesston was made
a station. A Sunday-school was started in 1890, when the society
was organized and Ed. Mead was elected superintendent of the
school. In 1909 a Young People's Alliance was organized during
the pastorate of M. J. Steinmetz and R. H. Knott was chosen pres-
ident. A Woman's Missionary Society was organized during the
pastorate of C. L. Sorg, with Mrs. C. L. Sorg as president.
358
TABLES
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE
The following local Young People's Alliances were organized
in the order given, as near as can be ascertained. Not all have
been reported, nor could the date of organization be ascertained
in every case. Wherever possible the date when organized is
given as well as the name of the first president, also the name of
the pastor, under whom the organization was effected. We regret
very much that the list could not be completed, but in many in-
stances the time of organization could not be given nor the names
of the first officers. The records were lost and the facts could not
be ascertained by the pastor serving the work. We give the list
as nearly complete as it could be obtained.
Time of
Name of Work Organization Name of Pastor
Holton 1891 F. Harder
Hiawatha Oct. 13, 1891 J. K. Young
Jewell Aug. 23, 1891 M. C. Platz
Coal Creek 1891 D. Swart
Halstead 1891 W. F. Schuerman
Yates Center 1892 C. Brandt
Hutchinson Sept. 11, 1892 J. H. Keeler
Offerle 1892 S. A. Burgert
Preston 1892 . P. Schuman
Concordia 1892
Fancy Creek 1893 M. Manshardt
Glasgow 1894 J. M. Fricker
Frankfort 1894 J. M. Fricker
Swede Creek 1894 P. Schuman
Emporia May 12, 1895 C. Meeder
Emporia (Ebenezer) 1895 C. Meeder
Platte River 1895 A. Mattill
Newton 1895 J. W. Reiser
St. Joseph Mar. 1, 1895 J. Neuff er
Leavenworth 1896 C. W. Stauffer
Camp Creek 1896 A. Rodewald
Hiawatha (Victory) 1896
Bern 1896 M. Walter
Alida 1897 W. F. Schuerman
Waukomis (Salem) 1899 H. Toedman
Falls City 1900 J. Schmidli
Worden 1900 C. J. Zager
Lost Springs 1900
359
President
Arnold Moser
Ernst Bienway
Mrs. H. Doty
E. E. Carmine
Harry Huscher
M. Manshardt
Fred Bishop
Frank Steenetry
Louis Schwindt
David Reeves
J. Neuffer
C. W. Stauffer
Mrs. H. Schaible
Ollie Shupe
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Time of
Name of Work Organization
Marion 1901
Clearfield 1902
South St. Joseph. . .Jan. 8, 1902
Derby 1903
Colorado Springs 1903
Deer Creek 1903
Hanover June 14, 1905
Waukomis 1905
Ordway, Colo 1906
Clair Dec. 17, 1908
Industry 1908
Dover, Okla 1909
Hesston 1909
Sweetwater, Okla 1909
Lawrence Dec. 10, 1909
Mayday (Bethany) 1910
Weatherford, Okla 1911
Simla, Colo. (P. Plaines) . . .1911
Eudora July 12, 1912
Granada (Zion) 1912
Wichita June, 1912
Simla, Colo 1913
Simla (Kuhn's Cross.) 1913
Mound City, Calvary 1914
Name of Pastor
W. C. Johnson
W. H. Manshardt
C. S. Steinmetz
M. Walter
M. W. Plettner
Wm. Daeschner
C. J. Eiselein
G. F. Barthel
M. J. Steinmetz
Wm. Daeschner
E. J. Feitz
Emil Wendland
L. E. Becher
0. L. Lister
Geo. Schrenk
F. M. Peek
1. B. Miller
C. S. Steinmetz
C. S. Steinmetz
A. F. Rice
President
Mrs. H. J. Buschlin
Gid. Brecheisen
Sadie Russel
Fred Yergler
Rosa Luhring
Hulda Daeschner
Geo. Trabant
. Howard Hall
Mrs. C. J. Eiselein
Myrtle Sherwood
R. H. Knott
Wm. Daeschner
J. E. Schuman
Emil Wendland
Mrs.. L. E. Becher
Ezra Geib
Mrs. Geo. Schrenk
Lydia Seip
Mrs. Emma Glazer
E. E. Gray
Ralph Kimble
H. Shaw
360
WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY
The following Woman's Missionary Society auxiliaries were
organized as indicated. Not all of the auxiliaries in the Conference
are here recorded, but such as could be obtained with the date of
organization, name of president and pastor under whom the or-
ganization was effected.
Time of
Name of Work Organization Name of Pastor
Hiawatha 1886 C. F. Erffmeyer
Leavenworth May 5, 1887 J. J. Kliphardt
Mound City (Ebenezer) ...1887 A. J. Voegelein
Abilene May, 1888 M. C. Platz
Dover, Okla 1892
Holton 1893 M. C. Platz
Newton .1894 J. W. Reiser
Leonardville 1898 M. Manshardt
Hiawatha Circuit.. June 11, 1900 I. H. Hauptfuehrer
Falls City June 14, 1900 J. Schmidli
St. Joseph May 21, 1900 M. Manshardt
Lost Springs 1901 S. A. Burgert
Mound City, Calvary 1901 I. H. Hauptfuehrer
Emporia Jan., 1901 J. S. Miller
Marion 1902 W. C. Johnson
Colorado Springs 1903 C. S. Steinmetz
Derby May 26, 1903 M. J. Steinmetz
Frankfort 1903
Offerle 1904 S. A. Burgert
Sweetwater 1904 J. Kurtz
Camp Creek 1904 A. Rodewald
Orlando, Okla 1905 ' Wm. Pittker
Deer Creek 1905 E. H. Boehringer
Yates Center 1905 W. F. Wolthausen
Hesston 1905 C. L. Sorg
Bern 1906 H. E. Bower
Humboldt, Center Ridge 1906 J. M. Fricker
Preston, Zion July 25, 1907
Topeka 1907 C. L. Sorg
Coal Creek Jan. 9, 1908 Geo. Schrenk
Industry 1908 C. J. Eiselein
Worden 1909 P. G. Nuffer
Glasgow 1909 C. F. Zager
Hutchinson 1909 M. J. Steinmetz
Eudora, Clearfield 1910
South St. Joseph.. Nov. 18, 1910 H. E. Bower
Alida Feb. 10, 1910 J. M. Fricker
Platte River 1910 H. M. Schuerman
Eudora Dec. 16, 1911 J. M. Fricker
361
President
Kath
rine Rebsamen
Mrs.
A. J. Voegelein
Mrs.
J. A. Northup
Miss Lena Lindner
Mrs.
M. Manshardt
Mrs.
I. H. Haupt-
fuehrer
Mrs.
J. Schmidli
Mrs.
M. Manshardt
Mrs.
S. A. Burgert
Anna Wells
Mrs.
J. S. Miller
Mrs.
W. C. Johnson
Mrs.
Steinmetz
.Lena
. Thierfelder
Mrs.
Geo. Volk
Mrs.
W. F. Wolt-
hausen
Mrs.
C. L. Sorg
Mrs. Mary Weinert
Mrs. C. L. Sorg
Mrs. Geo. Schrenk
Mrs. C. J. Eiselein
Mrs. J. Breithaupt
Mrs. C. F. Zager
Mrs. J. S. Miller
Mrs. John Seltzer
Mrs. H. E. Bower
Mrs. J. M. Fricker
Mrs. H. M.
Schuerman
Mrs. J. M. Fricker
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Time of
Name of Work Organization Name of Pastor
Weatherford, Okla 1912 L. E. Becher
Mayday, Bethany. .May 3, 1912 L. G. Weide
Dennis Feb. 22, 1912 Ed Spangler
Hutchinson, Grandview 1912 J. S. Miller
Ordway, Colo 1912
Wichita Apr. 17, 1913 I. B. Miller
Fancy Creek J. J. Kliphart
Falls City Young Ladies ....
Feb. 16, 1913 M. C. Platz
Simla, Colo. (Kuhns Cross-
ing) May, 1914 C. S. Steinmetz
President
Mrs. L. E. Becher
Mrs. Ada Smith
Mrs. J. G. Cook
Mrs. J. S. Miller
Minnie Hassler
Mrs. R. L. Glass
Mary Bickel
Mrs. J. H. Schaal
362
OUR DEAD
"They rest from their labors; and their works do follow
them."— Rev. 14: 13.
Names
Lewis Snyder
J. Dengel
Moses Dissinger . .
Wm. Heiser
C. Ehrhardt
M. Alsbach
W. Elmer
John Kramer . . . .
W. M. Harris
J. G. Pfeifer
L. Wenger
John Leusler
J. F. Schreiber . . .
Christian Stauffer
P. Fricker
J. Paulin
C. W. Stauffer ...
Solomon Reep . . .
B. F. Wade
H. E. Meyer
C. Berner
M. Walter
B. J. Fehnel
J. M. Dreisbach . .
John Kurtz
J. Wuerth
M. A. Butz
T. T. Moore
Entered
Year of
Licensed
Kansas Conf.
Death
1849
1879
1881
....
1876
1882
1853
1879
1883
1872
1872
1884
1862
1875
1885
1869
1886
1884
1886
1884
1886
1886
1887
1866
1891
1872
1872
1891
1869
1869
1891
1855
1858
1896
1869
1875
1896
....
1863
1898
....
1890
1899
1885
1885
1900
1901
1901
1886
1891
1902
1858
1858
1903
1884
1884
1903
1888
1904
1877
1877
1905
1876
1908
1866
1866
1911
1911
....
1913
1913
363
INDEX
Abbuehl, Casper, 241
Abbuehl, Henry, 241, 242, 356
Abilene, 163, 179, 186, 223, 240, 245, 263,
337
Abrahams, J, 350
Adams, Eev., 9
Adler, Conrad, 219
Agate Mission, 332, 335
Alabama Mission, 332, 355
Alden, 118, 207, 230, 234, 277, 314
Alida, 80, 89, 92, 143, 179, 230, 234, 250,
292, 332
Allaman, H, 96
Allen, Chas., 302
Allen, Herman, 302
Allen, Henry, 302
Alsbach, Rev. M., 65, 66, 75, 83, 106,
111, 120, 184, 188
Americus, 84, 91, 102, 115, 127, 149, 156,
158, 160, 178, 186, 195, 198
Amherst, 266
Anderson, N., 302
Anderson family, 92
Anselman, Chas., 302
Anselman, Joseph, 58, 59
Antelope Creek, 92
Anthony, Eev. C. W., 184, 197
Apel, Eev. C, 221
Arago, 51, 52, 56, 60, 66
Arkansas City, 93, 215
Arkansas Biver Mission, 79, 98
Atchison Citv, 24, 54, 160, 222, 284, 346,
350
Atchison, 54, 59, 61, 66, 90, 132, 140,
149, 177, 178, 239
Bach, Minnie, 319
Baety Appt., 102, 108
Baety, Z. W., 266
Banner Appt., 240, 263
Barnard, 179
Barret, Henry, 158
Bartells F. F. 297
Barthel,' Eev. R, 233, 249, 262, 308, 315,
346 354
Barthel, Eev. G. F., 290, 313, 323, 350
Barthel, J. F., 96, 158
Barthel, Olive, 357
Battle Hill, 186
Bauer, S., 289
Bausman, David, 181
Bean, Geo., 105
Bean, J. E., 266
Beck, Eev. J., 52, 66, 78, 90, 199, 221,
248, 249, 257, 262, 302
Becker, Mary, 65
Becks Appt., 141
Beaver Creek, 216, 219
Becher, Arthur, 301
Becher, Eev. L, E., 169, 185, 290, 298,
303, 324, 352
Becher, Mrs. L. E., 301
Becker, Henry, 158
Bedker, Chas., 71
Beier, Mary, 65
Bellview, Okla., 292, 310
Belvue Appt., 355
Beltz, Geo., 171
Benninga, Gretye, 142
Benninga, Jacob, 142
Benninger, Jacob, 100
Bennington, 141
Benton, 165, 240, 244, 299, 302, 347
Berg, Eichard, 350
Berger, F. C, 354
Berger, John, 302
Berner, Eev. C, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22,
23, 25, 34, 42, 49, 55, 57, 60, 61, 64, 66,
71, 73, 78, 79, 80, 81, 87, 96, 98, 101,
108, 112, 119, 120, 125, 126, 131, 139,
140, 148, 151, 153, 155, 159, 160, 168,
169, 174, 178, 183, 193, 286
Berner, Eev. F., 35, 36, 37
Bern, Kans., 23, 65, 198, 201, 234, 277,
290, 291, 314, 332
Berry, Eev. A. W., 228, 231
Berry, J. W., 88
Berry, Thomas J., 87, 88, 89
Bese, Eev. S., 309, 317, 322, 332
Bese, Solomon, 339
Bethel, Mo., 58
Bethel, Hiawatha, 93
Bethel, Lincoln, 235
Betts, Fred, 323
Bettcher Appt., 102
Bevers, Eev. Moses, 239
Bickel, H., 100
Bickel, Henry, 339, 348
Bickel, Mary, 203
Bienway, Ernst, 359
Biersbach, M., 181, 182
Big Blue, 50, 53, 81, 91, 102, 108, 115,
370
Big Medicine, 141, 195
Big Stranger, 78, 79, 90, 98
Bishop, Fred, 359
Blain, Okla., 271
Blake, W. W., 119
Blank family, 24
Blackburn, Belle, 197
Blackburn, Dolly, 197
Blackburn, Joseph, 197
Black Oak, 98, 103
INDEX
Blackwell, Okla., 304, 310
Blauer, Cris, 64
Bliehm, Cris., 105
Blood Creek, 230
Bloomington, Mo., 112, 195
Blue Springs, Neb., 61, 81, 91, 108, 121,
132
Bluhm, C. W., 129
Blume, L., 350
Board of Examiners, 49, 131, 185
Boehringer, Rev. E. F., 58, 276, 282, 298,
309
Bohnenblust, Fred, 295
Boknenblust, Mrs. Fred, 296
Bolton, Mrs. Robert, 219
Boland, E. J., 320
Bolay, Karl, 218
Bonacord, 263
Botschafter, Christliche, 10, 11, 15, 20,
22, 23, 26, 36, 41, 42.
Bower, Edwin, 127
Bower, Rev. H. E,, 59, 221, 233, 249,
257, 310, 320, 338, 346, 347, 355
Bower, Mrs. H. E., 361
Bower, Rev. H. S,, 120, 249, 283, 336
Bower, Rev. J., 102, 105, 113, 120, 131
Bower, J. C, 58
Bowman, Rev. H. J., 38, 180, 184, 193,
199, 204, 210, 220, 228.
Bowman, Mrs. H. J., 233, 256
Bowman, Bishop T., 93, 119, 121, 148,
164, 168, 199, 204, 257, 276, 298, 302,
303, 312, 336
Brand, Rev. R. R., 175, 193, 194, 205,
242, 257, 262, 283
Brand, Rev. John, 130, 221
Brandt, Rev. C, 100, 122, 131, 145, 148,
151, 311
Brandt-Schwindt, 311
Branson, L. A., 298, 303
Brauser, Cris, 248, 254
Breithaupt, Mrs. J., 308
Breithaupt, Rev. S., 249, 262, 270, 309
Brecheisen, Ed., 112
Brecheisen, Gid., 359
Brecheisen, Henry, 112
Brecheisen, P., 15, 100
Bretsch, Rev. Philip, 349
Bretsch, Mrs. P., 349
Brevfogel, Bishop S. C, 221, 237, 262,
283, 303, 331, 350
Brown, Rev. Edwin, 169, 185, 188, 194,
249, 267
Brown, Rev. S. B., 126, 139, 140, 148
Brown, J., 350
Brown, John, 254
Brooklvn, 123
Brumm, Rev. G. M., 221
Brunner, Rev. A., 139, 148, 154, 169, 194,
204, 210, 222, 224, 227, 228, 230, 235,
238, 239, 240, 244, 245, 249, 257, 259,
262, 264, 267, 268, 270, 272, 277, 278,
283, 285, 287, 291, 292, 298, 310, 313,
314, 320, 326, 332, 333, 338
Bruner, Rev. C. C, 209, 210, 233
Bruner, Mrs. C. C, 228, 230
Bruner, Rev. E. A., 131, 139, 205, 210,
257, 303, 309, 313
Bryant Appt., 207
Bucannon, Israel, 139
Buchel, Rev. C, 80, 102, 113, 119, 126,
289
Bucher, John 302
Bueher, Ulrich, 58
Buckeye Appt., 163
Buckner, R. M., 346
Buffalo, N. Y., 185
Bugh, Rev. G. W., 49, 55, 56, 60, 66,
184
Bunse, Charles, 199
Bunse, Henry, 69
Bunse, H. W., 320
Burdick Mission, 319, 338
Burgener, H., 128, 349
Burgert, Jonathan, 63
Burgert, Mary, 216
Burgert, Rev. S. A., 63, 162, 204, 215,
216, 218, 219, 221, 233
Burgert, Mrs. S, A., 216
Burkit, Gotlieb, 198
Burkhardt family, 75
Burlington, Kans., 178
Burton, J. C, 199
Buschlin, Mrs. H. J., 246
Buss, D., 142, 143
Buss, Gerald, 142
Buss, Lucas, 142
Buss, Maria, 142
Butler, Rev. A. E,, 324, 336, 352
Butler Circuit, 292, 296, 304, 319, 338
Butler Mission, 304, 319, 338
Butler, Wm, 348
Butler, Rev. Omer, 199, 210, 233
Butts, Rev. M. A., 336, 341
Caddo Mission, 304, 310, 314
Callahan, Rev. R. O., 270, 276
Calvary Appt., 305
Cambach, Herman, 241, 242
Cambridge, 186, 201, 207, 223, 234, 240,
244, 292, 304
Cameron, Amelia, 87
Cameron, B., 87
Cameron, Father, 87
Cameron, Samuel, 86, 87
Cameron, W. H., 86, 87, 88, 89
Camp Creek, 47, 50, 54, 66, 73, 132, 149,
168, 239, 243, 284, 346
Camp-Meetings, 143, 172, 190, 248
Canada Conf., 43
Canada, 129, 153, 159, ]60, 167, 172,
209, 263, 271, 292
Canton, Ohio, 17
Captain's Creek, 47, 100, 148, 237
Carbiner, D., 266
Carmine, E. E., 359
n
INDEX
Carpenter, G. W., 208
Carson, Kans., 66, 93
Carson, A. C, 266
Carson, John, 119
Carthage Mission, 98, 102, 133, 149, 155,
177, 229, 268, 284, 305
Carthage City, 195, 229
Cawker, 105, 115, 121, 133
Cedar Creek, 63, 118
Cedar Co. Mission, 79, 91, 98, 102, 103,
109
Cedron Appt., 141, 149, 156
Centennial, Ev. Ass'n, 268
Centennial Anniversary, 110
Centennial Appt., 207
Center Eidge, 138, 178
Centerville, 98
Cherokee Strip, 207
Christian Appt., 195, 201, 308
Christman, Philip, 58
Church Extension, 205, 211, 230, 235
Church Extension Fund, 337, 354
Church Trouble, 176, 210
Cimeron Appt., 216, 219
Civil War, 28, 35, 44, 51, 122
Clair Mission, 314, 323
Clark, David, 219
Clark, Mrs. David, 219
Clay Center, 108, 211, 223, 235, 240, 250,
268
Clear Creek, 216, 219
Clearfield, 100, 237
Clemmense, Mrs. E., 323
Clinton, Mo., 96, 103, 126, 133, 178, 186,
195
Cleveland, Mrs., 119
Clewell, Rev. T. G., 8
Coal Creek, 47, 50, 54, 66, 160, 170, 178,
221, 239, 241, 303
Coleman, Walter, 352
Colorado Springs, 277, 288, 291
Colorado and Oklahoma Missions, 283
Comstock, Rev. C. W., 60, 66
Condray, Rev. K. P., 83
Concordia, 99, 197, 213, 230, 258, 271,
292, 305
Condo, Rev. E. E., 96, 108
Conference Division, 160
Conference Evangelist, 313, 326
Conference Historical Committee, 120,
244
Conference Journal, 140, 185, 194, 200,
338
Conference Jubilee Anniversary, 337
Conference Jubilee Journal, 354
Conference Records, 184, 309, 313
Conference Secretary Change, 313
Conference Seal, 169
Cook, Mrs. J. G., 362
Coons, Henry, 63
Corespondence College, 244
Cosby, 76, 347
Cottonwood Appt., 212
Council Bluffs, Iowa, 13
Cover, Rev., 99, 105, 298, 300
Cowper, 141
Cox, Rev. T. J., 257, 298
Cramer, W. H., 86
Crissman, Philip, 58
Crist, G. C, 87, 89
Curffman, Geo., 290
Currier, Rev. W. R., 221, 233, 244, 270,
276, 283
Custer, Okla., 218, 338
Daeschner, Frank, 255, 309, 318, 320,
327
Daeschner, Fredrick, 52, 70
Daeschner, Huldah, 254
Daeschner, May, 311
Daeschner, Rev. Wm., 52, 126, 139, 154,
221, 247, 283, 296, 311, 324, 330, 336.
Davis, Bro., 119
Davis, Mrs. Geo., 323
Davis, W. H., 228
Day, Okla., 271, 277
Deer Creek, 25, 47, 64, 72, 101, 170, 186,
201, 250, 299, 304
Defiance, 63, 156
Delaware, 24
Delfelder, F., 28
Dengle, Rev. J., 108, 153, 157
Denkinger, J., 320
Dennis, 119, 177, 212, 258, 268, 284, 304,
305, 314, 319
Denver, Mo., 91, 108, 160, 195, 230, 239
Derby, 92, 161, 186, 207, 223, 234, 240,
244, 292, 304, 332
Des Moines Conf., 197
Dewell, R. C, 351
Dewy, Okla., 271
Diamond Springs, 338
Dick, Wm., 119
Dickey family, 197
Dickover, Rev. S., Ill
Dickinson Co., 127, 132, 133, 141, 149,
178
Dienst, Rev. G. E., 119, 131, 159, 176,
181, 308
Dienst, Mother, 119
Diehl, H., 203
Dierolph, Catharine, 216
Dierolph, Elisa, 216
Dierolph, Henrv, Jr., 216
Dierolph, Henry, Sr., 142, 215, 216, 218
Dissinger, Rev. F. C, 270, 290
Dissinger, Rev. Moses, 101, 131, 153,
157
District Changes, 66, 91, 102, 103, 149,
159, 169, 186, 195, 200, 205, 212, 223,
229, 284
District House, Abilene, 298
District House, Holton, 56, 60, 121, 262
District House, Kansas City, 185, 194,
314
District House, Newton, 258
m
INDEX
Dokler, P., 114
Doty, Mrs. H., 359
Dove, Richard, 134
Dover, Okla., 216, 218, 223, 244, 250
Downs, 170, 178, 201
Draeger, Rev. F. H., 293, 298, 352
Dreibelbis family, 138
Dreisbach, Rev. A. M., 175
Dreisbach Appt., 195
Dreisbach, Rev. J., 113, 126, 139, 154
Dreisbach, Rev. J. E., 237
Dreisbach, Rev. J. M., 120, 158, 198,
303, 306
Drummond, Okla., 251
Dubs, Rev. R., 24, 28, 29, 31, 36, 37, 39,
71, 108, 111, 129, 131, 134, 139, 158,
159, 161, 183
Dubuque, Iowa, 43
Dunkelberger, Lydia, 302
Dunkelberger, Rev. S. H., 127, 131, 148,
154, 210, 221, 270, 290
Dunkelberger, Wm., 181
Dunlap, Rev. J., 11, 12
Durn, Jacob, 198
Duth, E. C, 10
Earlton Appt., 170, 195, 258, 268
East Lynn, 178, 186, 230, 263, 271, 284
East Lynn, Okla., 304
East Penna Conference, 11, 12
Easton, 19
Ebenezer, N. Y., 181
Ebenezer, Emporia, 158
Eberhardt, L., 27, 31, 32, 34
Edgar, G. W., 139, 153
Education, 74
Eggert, H., 15, 22, 100
Egle Appt., 149
Ehrhardt, Rev. C, 102, 148, 159, 175,
180
Ehrhardt, Mrs. C, 176, 290, 294
Ehrsam, John, 80, 92
Eiselein, Rev. C. J., 236, 249, 262, 270,
303, 309
Eiselein, Mrs. C. J., 236
Eldorado, 161, 186, 201, 207
Elk Creek, 109, 119
Ellerman Appt., 103, 132
Ellinwood, 109, 118, 121, 179, 212, 230,
234 314 326
Elmer, Rev. J. K., 180, 185, 200, 210
Elmer, Rev. W., 161, 169, 184, 188
El Reno., Okla., 260
Emmel, Rev. C, 66, 73, 78, 90, 91, 98,
104, 115, 116, 126, 131, 159, 169, 233,
242
Emmel, Rev. John, 78, 90, 96, 102, 108,
113, 120
Emporia, Kans., 96, 149, 156, 158, 160,
178, 195, 207, 271, 338
Emporia, Mo., 133
Emporia City Mission, 338
English Conference Records, 309
Engle, J. H., 352
Engler, Rev. A. J., 193, 204, 205, 210
Enterprise s. h., Okla., 244
Enterprise Appt., 207, 230
Eperly family, 24
Epley, James, 10, 15, 100
Eppert, James, 15
Erich, J., 187, 202
Erffmeyer, Rev. C. F., 71, 72, 120, 128,
129, 131, 148, 154, 155, 158, 166, 181,
184, 194, 200, 205, 211, 222, 223, 224,
230, 233, 235, 238, 239, 240, 245, 248,
255, 259, 262, 267, 268, 283, 290, 292,
296, 299, 305, 309, 310, 317, 323, 324,
332, 336, 345, 347, 350, 352, 354, 355
Erffmeyer, Mrs. C. F., 233, 256
Erffmever, Edna, 304
Erffmeyer, Rev. E. E., 246, 303, 317,
332
Erffmeyer, Florence, 342
Erffmeyer, Milton, 281
Ernst, Bro., 28
Ernst, EL, 140
Ernst, Rev. Aug., 52, 139, 159, 185
Esher, Bishop J. J., 47, 53, 54, 60, 61,
66, 75, 76, 89, 96, 112, 123, 125, 128,
134, 151, 153, 157, 174, 176, 193, 203,
209, 233, 243, 247, 269, 270, 276, 279,
312
Ettinger, J. G., 8
Eudora, 81, 170, 201, 250, 299
Evangelische Magazin, 67
Evangelical Slogan, 353
Evans, Rev. E. E., 67, 83, 113, 125, 148,
154, 175, 178, 184, 302
Evans, Mrs. E. E., 357
Evans, Rev. Ezra S., 298, 309, 317, 331,
336, 345
Ewald, P., 339
F
Fager, Mrs., 76
Fager, Mother, 307
Fair Haven, 141
Fairview, 141, 219
Falley, Lewis H., 323
Falls Appt., 24
Falls City, 52, 186, 202, 222, 345
Famine in Kansas, 29
Fancy Creek, 102, 157, 170, 292, 310
Farber, Geo., 134
Farber, Rose, 134
Fee, Rev. T. J., 208, 233
Feger family, 289
Fehnel, Rev. B. J., 196, 199, 210, 246,
283, 290, 294
Feigley, Cyrus, 163
Feitz,*Rev. E. J., 282, 283, 298, 309, 329
Fern Appt., 304
Fernkoppf, M., 36
Fey, Michial, 58
Fick, C. F., 86
Fields, Wm., 302
Fierce, L., 154, 184
Finance Plan, 50, 97, 206, 284, 317, 325
iv
INDEX
Financial Stringency, 250
Finger, Sam'l, 92
Fire Insurance, 169, 177, 194, 238
Fleisher, Eev. G., 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19,
20, 22, 24, 100
Fleisher, W. F., 329
Fletcher, J. W., 319, 320, 327
Flickinger, Rev. A. E., 175, 193, 194,
257, 302
Flickinger, W. H., 198
Folgate, Rev. "Wm., 56, 60, 66, 78, 96,
108, 119, 131
Forest Park, 255, 258, 263, 270, 309
Foss Appt., 304
Four Mile, 23, 27, 50, 54, 64, 65, 66,
140, 160, 195
Fourrier, J. S., 295
Fourrier, Mrs. J. S., 296
Fox, Carl, 295
Franklin, 14, 18, 19, 20, 23, 25, 47, 100
Frankfort, 102, 108
Frantz, P. D., 308
Fredrick, I. D., 335
Fredrich, Sarah, 203
Frey, D. M., 209
Frey, M., 181
Frey, Rev. W. C, 270, 283
Fricker, Johanna, 317, 322
Fricker, Rev. J. M., 139, 204, 210, 228,
345
Fricker, Mrs. J. M., 361
Fricker, Rev. Sam'l, 244, 324
Fricker, Rev. Philip, 42, 43, 46, 49, 54,
56, 57, 60, 64, 93, 99, 115, 120, 125,
140, 154, 159, 169, 175, 184, 199, 203,
204, 210, 233, 247, 262, 264
Frohmader, Wolfgang, 23
Ft. Riley, 21
Ft. Scott, 98, 103, 109
Fuessele, Rev. G., 112, 115, 120
Fulhage, Herman, 62
G
Gabb, H., 130
Gabel, M. F., 247, 318, 320, 327, 332,
346, 354
Garbe, Wm., 69
Garfield Park, 255, 309
Gehring, J., 78, 96
Geib, Ezra, 335
Geib, Jacob, 335
Geiser, Rev. C, 116, 120, 126, 139, 175
Geist, Chas., 345
Geist, Solomon, 57
General Conference, 43, 56
Gfeller, Eev. G., 345
Gibbs, Mrs. Jacob, 236
Gick, Eev. Geo., 324, 336, 352
Gick, Wm., 181, 308, 341, 342
Gillette, Adline, 209
Glass, Mrs. R. L., 342
Glasgow, 65, 66, 84, 106
Glaze, Rev. C. E., 331
Glazer, Adam, 92
Glazer, Dan., 92
Glazer, Emma, 360
Glazer, John, 92
Glazer, J. V., 342
Goessele, Wm., 195
Golden Valley, 138, 178, 212, 223, 268,
314, 319
Goldner, Wm., 203
Good Hope, 244, 250, 285
Good, Isaac, 129
Gove, 186, 213
Grand City, 91
Grand River, 56, 91, 98, 108, 263
Granada, 277, 284, 289, 299
Grandview, Iowa, 34, 38
Grass Creek Appt., 170
Grasshopper, 113
Grasshopper Appt., 24, 66
Gravenstein, Rev. Martin, 139, 142, 262
Gray, EX E., 335, 336
Great Bend, 133
Green, M. R., 236
Green Castle, 103
Greer, Frank, 342
Gresser, Eev. J. B., 238, 257, 270, 276,
309, 345
Grindstone, 98, 108, 115
Grobe, Eev. G., 247
Grobe, Ulrich, 330
Gruler, Mrs. Mary, 182
Guenther Appt., 207
Guiliani, Eev. A., 342
Guthrie, Okla., 277
Gundelfinger, Jacob, 83
Gurtler, P. G., 289, 290
Guyer, J., 105
Guyman Mission, 310
H
Haag, Geo., 247, 348
Haas, H., 49, 54, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62,
66, 67, 75, 78, 85, 91, 101, 111
Haber, Eev. J., 254, 267, 298, 301, 309
Hagenmeyer, Chas., 288
Hall, Harry, 323
Hall, Howard, 360
Halstead, 170, 180, 186, 195, 201, 259,
277, 284, 285
Hamburg Mission, 74, 98, 103, 109, 115,
121
Hamburger Appt., 292
Hamburger, H., 219
Hamburger, John, 219
Hanne, Eev. L., 267, 277, 290
Hanne, O. F., 281, 282, 318, 320, 327,
332, 354
Hannibal, Mo., 79, 84
Hanover, 83, 102, 108, 127, 141, 155
Hanson, C. E., 348
Harbes, Eev. J. G., 238, 249, 262
Harder, Eev. C. F., 62, 199, 216, 298
Harder, Eev. F. T., 78, 80, 87, 90, 92,
93, 102, 128, 158, 202, 242, 247, 266.
INDEX
Hartford, 149, 178, 186
Hartland, 179, 186
Hartman, Eev. C. F., 298
Hartman, Eev. C. H., 196, 204, 205, 221,
324
Hartman family, 24
Hartman, Eev. H. W., 176, 219, 254,
290, 301, 309
Hartman, Mary, 254
Harris, Bro., 266
Harris, H. M., 351
Harris, Eev. M. W., 184, 193, 197
Harris, Eev. S. W., 193
Harrouf, Benlak, 301
Hashinger, Eev. J. R., 221
Hassler, Minnie, 288
Hauber, Fredrick, 71; Hauber, Cath-
arine, 71
Hauck, J. E., 346, 349
Hauptfuehrer, Rev. I. H., 64, 193, 198,
204, 205, 221, 296, 303, 309, 313, 317.
Hauptfuehrer, Mrs. I. H., 361
Hauser, Geo., 100
Heckel Home, 258, 262, 267
Heckel Mission, 258, 267
Heffner, M., 76
Heffner, Dan., 307
Hefty, Mel., 327
Heidner, Prof. W. P., 129
Heil, Aug., 83
Heininger, S., 184, 217, 218
Heinmiller, Rev. G., 341
Heiseman, Fred, 289
Heiser, Rev. Wm, 52, 83, 87, 90, 102,
113, 142, 169, 172
Heldenbrand, John, 63
Helm family, 287
Henning, Mrs. Crist, 351
Hennessey, Okla., 216, 223
Henninger, Peter, 87
Henninger, Rev. W. S., 249
Herbster family, 51
Herman, Fred, 135
Herod, Rev. H. C, 257, 266
Hess family, 36
Hess, John, 57
Hesston, 181, 277, 284, 345, 347, 357
Hetner, Rev. J. A., 228
Heyman, Miss L. A., 319
Hiawatha, 23, 27, 66, 71, 73, 90, 93, 102,
109, 132, 140, 160, 193, 195, 212, 256,
276, 277, 284, 355
Hiawatha Circuit, 196
Hill, Cora, 236
Hill, Dora, 236
Hill, Mrs., 236
Hill, Mrs. Henry, 219
Hilgenfeld, Fred, 203
Hilgenfeld, Louis, 203
Hilgenfeld, Eev. S. F., 290, 324
Hinkson, H., 266
Historical Society, 325
Hobbs, Rev. B. H., 199, 210, 228, 246,
249, 257, 262, 267, 270, 277, 283, 290,
291, 298, 303, 309, 313, 317, 324, 332,
336, 345, 352
Hobbs, Grace, 290
Hoch, Rev. A., 303, 313, 323
Hoch, Christian, 142
Hoch, Rev. J. E,, 324
Hoefer, Rev. E. F., 352
Hoeffs, J. G., 128
Hoehman, Adam, 181
Hoerman, Rev. Andrew, 303, 313, 324
Hoerman, Rev. John, 267, 277
Hoffman, Eev. B., 73, 96, 221
Hoffman, John, 181, 308
Hoffman, John, 71
Holden, Mo., 98, 230, 271, 284, 291, 310
Holton, Kans., 23, 26, 27, 36, 47, 50, 54,
60, 66, 78, 82, 89, 98, 102, 139, 160,
170, 178, 204, 247, 257, 283, 313
Holzgraffe, Eev., 187, 199, 210
Hommel, L., 335
Hoover, Rev. D. E., 176, 193, 194, 205,
221
Honstedt, Rev. D. F., 116, 120, 126, 139,
163, 210, 291, 303, 309, 313
Hope Appt., 81, 244
Hoppe, Antilla, 135
Hoppe, Aug., 135
Hoppe, Caroline, 135
Hopper, John, 209
Horfer, Jacob, 100
Horfer, John, 100
Horfer, Martin, 100
Horn, Bishop Wm., 227, 249, 266, 268,
270, 288, 289, 290, 309, 316, 317, 345
Horst, Karl Jr., 219
Horst, Karl Sr., 219
Horst, Philip, 158
Horton Appt., 201
Hostig, Rev. H., 96
Houck, J., 329
Hont, Bartlev, 197
Hout, Eev. J., 197, 331, 334
Hout, Isabelle, 197, 317
Howell, Mrs. J. E., 324
Hower, H., 266
Hower, M., 266
Hower, Eev. Sylvester, 336
Hubbard, J. M., 237
Hudson, Rachel, 176
Huelster, Wm., 103, 106
Humboldt, 19, 20, 21, 28, 63, 84, 91, 102,
109, 133, 138, 149, 156, 170, 178, 195,
207, 223, 258, 268, 319
Huscher Appt., 127, 141, 230, 234, 258
Huscher, Chas., 99
Huscher, Rev. C. E., 303
Huscher, Fred, 99
Huscher, Gotlieb, 99
Huscher, Eev. Harry, 290, 303, 309, 313,
332
Huscher, Eev. W. J., 324, 336, 352
VI
INDEX
Hutchinson, 205, 207, 208, 222, 230, 341
Hutchinson, Grandview, 319, 323, 347
Hutton, Washington, 302
Hux, Katie, 182
Hux, Mother, 182
Illinois Conference, 8, 13, 16, 24, 27
Incorporated, 115
Independence Creek, 66, 73, 132, 149
Indian, Charlie, 174
Industry, 236, 268
Inhelder, Rev. M., 184
Iowa Conference, 27, 34, 38, 41, 43
Iowa District, 8, 24
Isgrigg, Rev. W. H. H, 228, 237
Italian Mission, 314, 318, 325
Iwig, Esther, 349
Iwig, Charles, 311
Iwig, Rev. C. F., 238, 249, 262, 311, 330,
336, 349, 354
Jackson, 123, 149, 155
Jack Oak Appt., 220
Jacobs, Valentine, 129, 246
Japan, 176
Jasper, 84, 98, 149
Jett, Mrs. Emma, 342
Jewell City, 84, 86, 88, 102, 141, 159,
172, 178, 183, 212, 266, 317
Jewell Mission, 178, 195, 206, 212, 213,
305
Johns, John C, 323
Johnson Appt., 181
Johnson, Rev., 108
Johnson, Rev. Geo., 263
Johnson, W. A., 320
Johnson, Rev. W. C, 246, 267, 277, 290
Johnson, Mrs. W. C, 246
Johnsmeier, C, 82
Jones, Eev. David, 199, 221, 228
Joss family, 93
Jubilee Service, 353
Jucker, Albert, 135
Junction, 98, 102, 108, 115, 127, 128
Kaiser, Almon, 301
Kaiser, Mrs. Almon, 301
Kaiser, Aug., family, 301
Kaiser family, 52, 70
Kammerer, Anna, 310
Kansas, 7
Kansas Admitted, 7, 31
Kansas Boom, 189
Kansas City Mission, 50, 55, 79, 107,
121, 122
Kansas Conference, 43
K. C, Brooklyn Ave., 123, 155, 170
K. C, Cherry St., 244, 250
Kansas District, 27, 35, 39, 42, 43
K. C, English Mission, 123, 234, 304
K. C, Forest Ave., 123, 160
K. C, Garden Hill Mission, 355
K. C, Highland Ave., 123, 160, 170,
291, 310
K. G, Jackson, 149
K. C, Mersington Ave., 123, 299, 304,
312
Kansas Mission, 8, 11, 13
K. C, Oak St., 123, 201, 234, 238, 259,
263, 291
K. C, Park Ave., 123, 310, 316, 331
K. C, Kansas Mission, 201, 206, 212,
234
Kansas Historical Society, 325
Kannengieser, Father, 130
Kaser, C, 203, 320, 334
Kaufman, J. G., 128
Kaul, Peter, 130
Kauth, Christian, 182
Kauth, Emma, 182
Keeler, Rev. Chas., 257
Keeler, Rev. J. H, 188, 193, 194, 208,
209, 211, 222, 257
Keeler, Levi, 342
Keeler, Sadie, 209
Keiser, Rev. J. W., 119, 169, 175, 184,
193, 200, 221, 228, 238, 244, 249, 262,
283, 290, 313, 342
Kelly, Judd, 302
Kemmerly family, 74
Kerr, Obed,. 138
Kerston, Rev. Adolph, 112, 233
Kessler, Louis Sr., 93
Kickapoo, 19
Kill Creek, 102, 105, 190
Kimble, Anna, 335
Kimble, G. D., 335
Kimble, Ralph, 335
King, Hans, family, 302
King, H. N., 266
Kingman, 179, 230
Kinney, Don, 352
Kiplinger, Rev. J. H., 59, 78, 83, 96,
106, 108, 162, 184, 193, 199, 204, 244,
270, 298
Kipp, Andrew, 192
Kissinger, Maggie, 216
Kittell, Henry, 181
Kitzenberger, Gotlieb, 158
Klager, Adam, 290
Klein Appt., 207
Klein, J. D., 352
Klein, Ludwig, 219
Klinesorge, Rev. H, 35, 36
Kliphardt, Rev. C. F., 290, 303, 313, 320,
338, 347, 353, 355
Kliphardt, Rev. J. J., 187, 193, 194, 205,
210, 222, 223, 228, 238, 239, 244, 255,
257, 262, 270, 277, 283, 309, 330, 336,
358
Klocke, F., 157
Klocke, W., 157
vn
INDEX
Kluckhuhn, Ernst, 62
Knaus, Daniel, 135
Knicmeier, Fred, 330
Knott, R. H., 358
Koch, Eev. C. G., 10
Koepsel, Rev. H., 52, 73, 83, 96, 115,
138, 184
Kolb, Eev. Wm., 8
Kramer, Rev. A. W., 131, 148
Kramer, B., 100
Kramer, Rev. John, 130, 161, 175, 184,
188
Kretchmar, Emma, 254
Kretchmar, Ferdinand, 254
Kretchmar, Richard, 249, 254
Kretchmar, Mrs. R., 254
Krehbiel, J., 92
Krumling, Dr. F. C, 342
Kuhn's Crossing, 335
Kuhns, Ephraim, 63
Kunkle, Daniel, 22, 172
Kunkle's Factory, 59
Kunkle, Henry, 22
Kunkle, Jacob, 22
Kunkle, David, 58
Kunkel, Mollie, 171
Kurth, Rev. A. E,, 352
Kurtz, Rev. John, 24, 71, 120, 123, 130,
148, 157, 159, 169, 219, 228, 230, 237,
295, 296, 312, 317, 321
Labette, 108, 119
Lamber, Aug. Sr., 61
Lamm, J. D., 335
Landis, Rev. G. W., 309, 317, 332
Landis, John Sr., 163
Language, 229, 309, 313
Lantz, F., 184
Lantz, Isaac, 163
LaPorte, 186, 212
Latimer, Rev. Joseph, 228, 266
Laufer, Ulrich, 243
Laumeister, Jacob, 57
Laury Godfrey, 138
Lawrence, 18, 19, 36, 66, 81, 115, 126,
141, 170
Lawrence Mission, 121, 126, 319, 329
Lay Delegates, 327, 334, 339, 348, 356
Layman's Brotherhood, 318, 324
Laymen's Conference, 324
Lay Representation, 320
Layer, Gotlieb, 270
Leavenworth, 9, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 34,
37, 47, 49, 50, 53, 55, 61, 66, 73, 79,
90, 98, 103, 108, 177, 350
Lehman, Cath., 64
Lehman, Cris, 64, 65
Lehman, Fred, 64
Lentz, F., 154
Lentz, Martin, 130
Lepley, Mrs. J. M., 72
Leslie Chapel, 296
Leonardville, 142, 170, 230, 262, 268,
292, 345
Leusler Appt., 102
Leusler, Rev. John, 81, 99, 221, 227
Leutscherding, Henry, 134
Lexington, 98
Lincolnville, 162, 246
Lincoln, 179, 206, 212, 235, 250
Lincoln City, 61
Linden, Rev. F. F., 244, 254, 257, 262,
270, 290
Linder, Rev. H., 126, 131
Lindner, Lena, 255
Linge, Rev. Anthony, 324, 352
Linge, Rev. C, 73, 76, 83, 96, 105, 148,
159, 169, 175, 184, 199, 209, 221, 244,
317, 324, 331
Linge, Ida, 303, 307
Lingelbach, Rev. Wm., 60, 73, 83, 96,
123, 134, 198
Lintner, Bro., 28
Lister, Rev. O. L., 313, 334, 335
Litz, Rev. A. EL, 171, 174, 233
Litzke, Sister, 297
Litzke, Wm., 297
Lodholtz, G., family, 289, 290
Loose, Bro., Appt., 102
Lone Star, 93, 160, 196, 247
Long, Cris, 76, 307
Long, Bishop J., 9, 38, 43, 49, 55, 73
Long Gap, 98
Long Grove, 212, 250, 263
Lookabee, 304
Lost Creek, 141
Lost Springs, 162, 263, 319
Lotz, Bro., 312
Louisville Appt., 108
Lowe, J. W., 184
Lowe, Fern, 197
Lowe, Thomas, 197
Lucas Mission, 258, 263, 265, 266, 326
Luebka, Mrs. J., 83
Lueck's Appt, 47, 201, 212
Lueck, Daniel Jr., 289
Lueck, Daniel Sr., 289
Lueck, Ferdinand, 289
Lueck, Henry, 289
Lueck, Sophia, 289
Luehring, Rosa, 360
Luehring, Rev. S. J., 175, 185, 193, 205,
210, 288, 293
Luttman, Rev. Wm., 78, 90
Lutz, Frank, 308
Lutz, L., 113
Lyon Valley, 216, 217, 219, 220, 223
M
Macon, 54, 57, 66, 74, 84, 103, 109, 130
Maglott Appt., 132
Maglott, John, 71
Magnolia, 284, 310
Manhattan, 143
Manifee, 302
Manshardt, C. L., 233, 352
vm
INDEX
Manshardt, F. M., 267, 283
Manshardt, G. A., 197, 199, 204, 205,
210, 257, 298
Manshardt, John, 281
Manshardt, Eev. M., 163, 191, 193, 194,
205, 239, 267, 281, 331
Manshardt, Mrs. M., 361
Manshardt, W. H., 276, 282, 290, 303,
313, 317
Maple Grove Appt., 263
Maple Grove, 240
Marion, Kans., 115, 127, 128, 129, 133,
149, 160, 178, 195, 240, 246, 263, 271
Marklev, David, 119
Marks/ G., 96, 102, 108, 112, 119
Marysville, 47
Marti, Fred, 281
Martin, Henry, 219
Martin, S., 139
Mastin, Lourain, 162
Mathews, Eoy, 298
Matkin, G. E., 351
Matter, Christina, 87
Matter, D. J., 86, 87, 88, 89, 318, 320,
324, 327
Matter, Lorena, 233, 256
Mattill, Eev. A., 159, 161, 176, 204, 209,
267, 270, 282, 303
Mattill, Eev. H., 56, 66, 68, 70, 78, 80,
81, 83, 89, 103, 105, 111, 116, 120, 123,
126, 127, 128, 133, 135, 139, 141, 149,
150, 154, 156, 159, 169, 171, 179, 181,
185, 187, 193, 194, 201, 207, 242, 303,
312, 317, 325, 353
Mattill, Mrs. H., 328
Mauk, B. F., 219
Maurer, Eev. J., 158, 221, 244
Maury, David, 119
Mayday Appt., 292, 310, 330
McArthur, Geo., 181
McBride, 237
McCaslin, John, 181
McCauley Appt., 132, 196
McDonald, 205
McKesson, Eev. S. W., 42, 47, 49, 53,
55, 76, 78, 81, 83, 242, 302, 307
McPherson, Kans., 195, 201
McQuillen, Eev., 90
Mead, Ed., 358
Mead, Geo., 357
Meeder, Eev. C, 158, 193, 205, 220
Meeder, Mrs. C, 270, 274, 298, 300
Meeder, Father, 100
Meier family, 52, 70
Meier, Eev. Wm, 52, 80, 82, 83, 87, 90,
92, 102, 115, 120, 126, 128, 141, 153,
156, 161
Meisemeimer, Fred, 82
Meisemeimer, Louise, 82
Meisenheimer, Mrs. Jacob, 71
Mell, Fred, 289
Mell, Louise, 289
Messenger, Evangelical, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12,
17, 18, 31, 32, 39, 47, 48
Messner, Wm., 254
Metzner, Mrs., 296
Meyer, Aug., 216, 218
Meyer, Dessie, 329
Meyer, Eev. E. E., 235, 313
Meyer, Mrs. E. E., 301
Meyer, Father, 81
Meyer, H. Jr., 100
Meyer, H. Sr., 100
Meyer, Eev. H. E., 213, 221, 276, 279,
297
Meyer, Lena, 216
Meyer, Henry, (Topeka) 203
Meyer, Rudolph, 243
Meyer, Eev. S. EL, 303, 313, 324
Meyer, Wm., 55, 81
Michigan Conf., 43
Mill Creek, 108, 143
Miller, Esther, 324
Miller, Harold, 342
Miller, H., 158
Miller, Eev. I. B., 286, 290, 303, 313,
341, 346, 351
Miller, J. B., 221
Miller, J., 158, 203
Miller, Eev. J. S., 139, 199, 210, 228,
313, 323, 358
Miller, Mrs. J. S., 323
Miller, L. V., 327
Miller, Eev. M. J., 13, 15, 17, 18, 23, 24,
26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39,
40, 41, 48, 49, 241, 243
Miller, Mabel, 342
Miles, 178
Mina Appt., 299
Minor, 314
Minneapolis, Kans., 235, 240, 244, 263,
271, 292
Missionary Appeal, 97, 194
Mission Church Debt, 200, 239, 258, 267,
271
Missionary Deficit, 177, 194, 222, 228,
250, 251
Missionary Messenger, 185
Missionary Society, Conf., 49
Missouri District, 66
Mohr family, 92
Monrovia, Kans., 24, 27, 47, 243
Moore, Eev. T. T., 345, 352, 357
Moore, Parker, 197
Moreland, J. C, 335, 336
Morga, Eev. W., 267, 303
Morgan, 84, 98, 103, 106, 126
Morgan and wife, 302
Moser, Arnold, 72
Moses, Class, 98
Mound City, Mo., 240, 244, 299, 301,
304, 347
Moundridge, 308
Moyer, Eev. F. IT., 262, 270, 283, 331,
336
Moyer, Eev. J. E., 303
Mt. Vernon, 91
Mugler, Fred, 219
IX
INDEX
Mulbery Appt., 149
Muller, August, 254
Muller, Wm, 254
Muller, Eev. S., 171, 175, 204, 249, 257
Murakani, Rev. (Japan) 199, 209
Murry, Gilbert, 302
Mutual Benevolent Aid Society, 238,
347
Musselman, S. O., 131
N
Nanninga, Gelke, 142
Nanninga, Garrelt, 142
Nanninga, Rev. John R., 193, 205, 218,
220, 248
Nanninga, Jurgan, 142
Nanninga, Rev. L, M., 313, 331, 345
Nanninga, Reinda, 142
Nanninga, Rev. T. R., 142, 154, 169, 175,
185, 308
Nearhood, S. C, 358
Nebraska Mission, 8, 13
Neifler, Mrs., 93
Neitz, Mrs. F. C, 64
Neitz, Rev. Solomon, 67
Neis, Fred, 81
Neis, Peter, 81
Nemaha Circuit, 51, 61, 66, 69, 73, 79,
90, 96, 109, 125, 132, 140, 158, 160
Nemburg, T. T., 205
Neosho Rapids, 127
NettTouer, A. M., 162
Nettrouer, EL M., 162
Neuffer, Rev. J., 171, 175, 238, 266, 270,
276
Newby, C. W., 318, 320
New Frankfort, Mo., 66, 74, 106, 126,
130
New Jerusalem people, 62
Newton, 128, 129, 133, 149, 170, 177,
179, 195, 201, 259, 349, 352
Newton District House, 258
New York Conference 13
Nickels Grove, Mo., 56, 58, 59, 60, 69,
83, 106, 109, 112, 244
Nichols, Geo., 139
Nicodemus, Rev. John, 228, 233
Niederhauser, Alice, 342
Noll. M. F., 198
North Fork, 50, 54
Noris, Chas., 302
Noris, Fannie, 302
Northrup, Mrs. J. A., 361
Northwestern College, 61, 103, 148, 194,
205, 238, 257, 263, 291, 309, 326, 345
Northwest Mission, 206, 213
Norway Appt., 195
Nuffer, Rev. P. G., 221, 233, 244, -257,
298, 308
Nuhn, John, 65
Nuhn, Otto, 65
Nye, Rev., 197
Oberhelmer, E., 158, 330
Oberhelmer, Heinrich, 157, 158
Offerle Mission, 121, 133, 135, 212, 305.
345, 347
Offerle, Amanda, 135
Offerle, Edwin, 135
Offerle, Mary, 135
Offerle, Minerva, 135
Offerle, Lawrence, 135
Offerle, Oscar, 135
Ohio Conference, 13, 15, 27
Okarchie, 277
Okena, 277, 285
Oklahoma Mission, 207, 214, 223, 248,
283
Olpe, Kansas, 158
Onaga Mission, 50, 54, 61
Ordway, Col., 278, 287
Oregon Mission, 56, 195, 240, 244, 299
Oregon, Mo., 22, 54, 56, 58, 59, 65, 66,
74, 83, 98, 103, 109, 164, 172, 195, 240,
244, 299, 326, 347
Orlando, Okla., 215, 216, 217, 218, 223,
244, 250, 271, 277, 285
Orth, Eudolph, 28
Orwig, Bishop W. W., 34
Osage, Mo., 91, 98, 201
Osage, Kans., 115, 127, 149, 186, 207
Osborne, 102, 105, 115, 133, 141, 149,
156, 170, 173, 178, 190, 195, 201, 213,
285, 319
Osceola, 219, 292, 304
Ott family, 29
Ott, E. T., 135
Ott, Father, 81
Ott, Henry, 64
Ott, S. S., 135
Our Dead, 363
Owl Creek, 37, 62
Oxenbein, Jacob, 241
Oyer, J. F., 228, 244, 248, 249
P
Packard, Sarah, 16, 20
Pantle, John, 158
Paradise s. h., 197
Parker, Rev. M. W., 352
Parmer, Rev. J. H., 267, 277, 290, 336
Parrill, J. F., 288
Parsons, 109, 133, 156, 170, 177, 195,
207, 212
Patterson, Thomas, 381
Patterson, Nancy, 181
Paton. Peter, 197
Patton, I. C, 204, 209
Pauli, Rev. E., 336
Paulin, Rev. J., 208, 266, 269
Pawnee Rock, 133, 179, 212, 228
Peabody, 170, 179, 186, 201, 207, 304
Pease, M. J., familv, 335
Peek, F. M., 175, 185, 193, 194, 205, 274
Peoples, Philip, 92
Peterson Appt., 149, 160
INDEX
Petticord, Eev. E. W., 303, 313, 324,
337
Pf eifer, Eev. J. G., 13, 49. 53, 57, 61, 65,
66, 67, 69, 73, 75, 78, 79, 82, 85, 86,
88, 89, 90, 91, 98, 103, 104, 113, 126,
130, 149, 154, 169, 175, 176, 178, 221,
225
Phend, Samuel, 335
Philipsburg, 141
Pickings, Wm., 163
Pierce, C. E., 246, 320
Pierce, S. W., 246
Pippert, Conrad, 307
Pippert, Mother, 307
Pippert, J. C, 76
Pittker, Mother, 112
Pittker, Rev. Wm., 283, 298, 309, 323,
336, 345
Pittsburg Conference, 13, 49
Plainfield, Ills., 27, 39
Piatt, Eev. A. W., 175, 193, 204, 210,
357
Platte River Circuit, 66, 67, 68, 79, 98,
108, 115, 131, 132, 160, 239, 243, 314,
347
Platte River District, 197
Platz, Rev. C. E., 158, 193, 205, 221,
301, 309, 313, 317, 345, 357
Platz, Rev. M. C, 158, 163, 169, 175,
181, 185, 200, 211, 222, 228, 230, 238,
239, 244, 247, 248, 254, 262, 267, 268,
270, 281, 283, 290, 291, 296, 303, 308,
309, 317, 332, 336, 345, 346, 351, 352,
353
Platz, Mrs. M. C, 203
Pleasant Plains, 335
Pleasant Valley, Jewell Co., 197, 212
Pleasant Valley Mission, 347, 351
Pleasant Valley, Okla., 220
Pleasant Valley, Barton Co., 314, 323
Plege, Mrs. Louise, 203
Plettner, Minnie, 303, 307
Plettner, Rev. W. M., 267, 277, 290, 313
Plowman, C. E,, 86, 87, 89
Plowman, Mrs. C. E,, 87
Poe, Jessie, 199
Poersch, Rev. A. C, 345
Point, 98
Pollock, Roy, 330
Polter, Wm., 100
Porr, Rev. Philip, 13, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24,
27, 28, 30, 35, 58, 64, 71
Potwin, 186, 201, 207, 304
Powhattan, 284, 289
Powheta, 263
Prairie Queen Appt., 223, 234, 297
Prairie Spring Appt., 132, 196
Pratt, 179
Presiding Elder's Reports, 346, 354
Preston Station, 52, 160, 186, 233, 309
Preston, Mrs. John, 351
Preusner, H. S., 203
Price, Rev. H. R., 148, 204
Proehlocks, F., 218
Prospect Appt., 136
Public Welfare League, 346
Pueblo, Colorado, 174, 186
Puelsville, 98
Q
Quadrennial W. M. S. Convention, 333,
342
R
Radinska, Rev. O., 257
Radke, Bro., 191
Kails, Rev. B. B., 317, 324
Bamah Mission, 332, 338
Randall Appt., 197
Randolph, 230, 346
Rapp Appt., 181
Easskopf, Eev. J., 34, 36, 49, 53, 54, 329
Eawson, S., 134
Eaymond, Mrs. Malissa, 324
Bebsamen, Cath., 361
Eed Vermillion, 102, 108, 141, 170, 186
Eeep, Eev. Solomon, 276, 280
Eeeves, David, 359
Eeimer, Bro., 118
Eeiter Appt., 230
Bex, A., 83
Eice, Eev. A. F., 302, 317, 345
Eice, Henry Sr., 158
Eice Mission, 118, 121, 133, 141, 149,
160, 179
Eichardson County, Neb., 51
Eichards, Eev. John, 197
Bickard, Sam., 119
Eiederer, A., 37
Eiederer, Peter, 56
Eiederer, Jacob, 130, 131
Eiemke, Wm., 127
Einehold, Eev. D. S., 175, 199
Eingold, 91
Eischel, Eev. P. H., 142, 148
Bock Creek Appt., 102, 108
Bock Hill, 207
Eockport, 54, 58
Eock Bun Circuit', 24
Eodewald, Eev. A., 193, 204, 205, 221,
345
Boebke, Augusta, 82
Boebke, Einehart, 82
Boeder, Stephen, 139
B.ohrig, Eev. Otto, 187, 193, 194, 199,
204
Boll, Gotlieb, 241
Bomberger, Jonathan, 163
Bose, Felix, 86
Eosenberger, H., 169
Eosette, 212, 230, 235, 250, 258, 266
Eosetock, Anna, 172
Both, Eev. Q. B., 266, 308, 309, 317, 332
Bothenberger, Wm., 254
Ruffel, Baltzer, 65
XI
INDEX
Euffel, Marg., 65
Rung, Adam, 58, 59
Eussel Appt., 141
Eussel Bro., 266
Eussel, Sadie, 282
Russell, Eev. Win., 283, 296, 298, 309,
352
Sabetha, 195, 201
Salem Appt., 319
Salina, 133, 141, 149, 178, 186, 195
Sanders, H., 68, 69
Sand Creek, 181, 183, 259
Sands, Rev. J., 331, 345, 349
Scarbrough, Cora, 351
Scarbrough, F. M., 351
Scarbrough, H. D., 351
Scarbrough, Euth, 351
Schafer, Eev. F. J., 120, 154, 210, 289
Schafer, Fred, 339, 346, 354
Schanbacher, M., 350
Schaal, Christian, 163
Schaal, Mrs. J. H., 335
Schadt, Eev. F. J., 309, 324, 345, 352
Schalker, J., 327
Schanz, A., 192
Schaible, Mrs. H., 359
Schaible, M., 247
Schauer, Adam, 93
Scheidenberger family, 75
Scherer, Elizabeth, 198
Scherer, Eev. J., 43, 48, 49
Schesser, Eev. J., 78, 83, 90
Scheurer, Eev. B. F., 331
Schindel, Ferd., 323
Schindel, Henry, 112
Schirmer, Henry, 247, 334
Schlender Appt., 181, 308
Schlender, Fred Sr., 181, 308
Schloeder, Mrs., 203
Scholtzenhauser, Elizabeth, 172
Schmalle, Eev. W. J., 276
Sehmidli, Eev. C, 228, 238, 249, 270,
276, 283
Sehmidli, Mrs. C, 266
Sehmidli, Eev. J., 116, 130, 161, 187,
207, 211, 213, 222, 224, 230, 235, 240,
245, 259, 267, 268, 283, 331
Sehmidli, Mrs. J., 203
Sehmidli, Jacob Jr., 327
Schmidt, J. A., 23
Schmidt, John, 243
Schmidt, Leo, 210
Schmutz, N., 71, 80, 89, 92
Schnacke, L. C, 126, 139, 148, 154, 169
Schnauffer, Fredricka, 58
Schnaufer, Henry, 58
Schneider, Eev. H. A., 313, 317, 336
Schneider Appt., 74
Schneider, Eev. S., 73
Schoenholtz, N. D., 205
Schreiber, Gideon, 348
Schreiber, Eev. J. F., 8, 13, 43, 45, 49,
54, 56, 57, 59, 61, 63, 67, 75, 82, 85,
91, 98, 104, 111, 116, 120, 127, 142,
156, 163, 185, 194, 205, 210, 211, 237,
249, 252
Schreiber, Mrs. J. F., 346
Schreiber, Eev. Ealph, 336
Schrenk, Elmer, 311
Schrenk, Eev. Geo., 270, 303, 311, 313
Schrenk, Mrs. Geo., 361
Schuerman, Eev. E. L., 317, 331, 336
Schuerman, Eev. H. M., 158, 298
Schuerman, Mrs. H. M., 361
Schuerman, Eev. W. F., 171, 175, 185,
194, 199, 233, 246, 290, 324, 336, 345
Schuman, J. E., 329
Schuman, Eev. P., 118, 120, 123, 131,
138, 148, 156, 187, 193, 194, 199, 201,
204, 207, 209, 221, 227, 233, 237, 243,
249, 257, 262, 266, 270, 276, 283, 290,
298, 303, 309, 313, 317, 329
Schuman, Mrs. P., 184, 189
Schumacher Appt., 277
Schumacher, Eev. F. P., 241, 244, 249
Schumacher, Eev. J. G., 175, 185, 193,
205, 267, 330, 331, 335, 336
Schutte, Eev. W. A., 58
Schutz, John, family, 287
Schutz, John, 288
Schwade, John, 134
Schweitzer, Eev. A., 159
Schwindt, Louis, 359
Seba, H., 254
Secret Societies, 53
Segenhagen, G. A., 290
Sehrle, Mrs. G., 76
Seip, J. S., 120, 148
Seip, Lydia, 290
Seitz, Mrs., 290
Seltzer, J., 83, 100
Semisch family, 297
Sepo Appt., 141
Serf, Eev. T. W., 139, 154, 159
Shafer family, 351
Shafer, Harry, 181
Shafer, Maria, 181
Shafer, Pearl, 181
Shafer, Susie, 181
Shaw, A., 302
Shelby, 134, 195, 206, 296
Sheldon, Eev. O. J., 335, 336, 352
Shepard, E. F., 288
Sheridan Mission, 103
Shindler, 314
Shoal Mission, 91, 98, 115
Shore, Eev. B. B., 221, 228
Shoup family, 92
Shuck, Justice, 135
Shuck, Mary, 135
Shuck, Minnie, 135
Shupe, B. F., 162
Shupe, I. F., 162
TTTT
INDEX
Shupe, M. R, 131, 162, 317, 318, 320,
345, 346, 352
Shupe, Ollie, 359
Sibert, Mrs. Chas., 130
Sibert, Henry, 129
Siebert, John, 129
Sills, Florence, 87
Sills, Sarah, 87
Sills, S. S., 87
Simla, Col., 334, 335, 338
Slaughter, Simon, 197
Sloans Point, 103
Smith, Ada, 330
Smith Appt., 207
Smith, E., 358
Smith, Eev. R E., 238, 249, 262, 270,
276, 283
Smith family, 74
Smith, G. S., 336
Smith, Henry, 302
Smith, J. W., 323
Smith, Samuel, 350
Smith, Wm, 302
Snider, H. A., 163
Snyder, Rev. C. W., 118, 131, 154, 193,
204, 228, 269, 302
Snyder, Eev. L., 126, 129, 135, 148, 150
Snyder, Lida, 135
Snyder, Mary, 135
Snyder, Wm., 135
Soden, Park, 255, 346, 354
Soldier Appt., 98, 102
Solomon, 141
Solt, Eev. A., 198, 210, 228, 236, 238,
267, 271, 303, 309, 313, 317, 324, 332,
336, 345, 352
Sommers Appt., 24
Sommers, P. E., 320, 327, 349
Sondker, Christina, 82
Sondker, H., 82, 157
Sorg, Rev. C. L., 267, 283, 298, 353, 354,
358
Sorg, Mrs. C. L., 358, 361
Sorg, Rev. G., 159, 204, 209, 221, 283
South St. Joseph, 277, 281, 304
Southwest District, 102
Southwest Mission, 271, 285, 292
Spahr. C, 163
Spangler, Rev. E. S., 298, 317, 352
Spangler, S. M., 318, 320, 327, 349
Spangler, Uriah, 320, 358
Sparks, 355
Specht, Geo., 330
Spencer, Rev. A. J., 210, 228, 230, 237,
244
Sprague, Theodore, 290
Sprecher, Moritz, 80
Spreng, Mrs. E. M., 277, 343
Spreng, Bishop S. P., 139, 198, 246, 302,
324, 342, 352, 354
Spring Creek, 61, 73, 90, 103, 132, 160,
195, 196
Spring, Jacob, 64
Stahli, Rev. R., 112, 113, 120, 131, 139
Stamm, Eev. G., 80, 92, 154, 303
Stamm, Samuel, 80
Stamm, Rev. J. S., 267, 277, 283, 290,
298
Stanford, Rev. W. M., 184
Stark, Israel, 163
Stauffer, Rev. Christian, 58, 104, 134,
241 249 253
Stauffer, Rev. C. W., 58, 169, 185, 200,
222, 223, 238, 244, 255, 270, 272
Stauffer, Mrs. C. W., 233, 256
Stauffer, Fred, 139
Stauffer, Mrs. Ida, 139
Stauffer, Jacob, 139
Stauffer, J. W., 320
Stauffer, Rev. Bob't, 139, 228
Stecher, Rev. C. R, 108, 112, 113, 125,
126, 131
Stecker, Fannie, 63
Steenbock Appt., 149
Steenbock, Rev. H., 264, 267, 277, 331,
336, 345
Steenbock, H. Sr., 266
Steenbock, Mrs. John, 296
Steenetry, Frank, 359
Stegeman, Fred, 135
Steins, 141
Steiner Appt., 74
Steinmetz, Rev. C. S., 199, 210, 228, 262,
270, 276, 287, 288, 335
Steinmetz, Rev. M. J., 193, 204, 205,
221, 244, 262, 297, 298, 309, 341, 358
Steinmetz, Mrs. M. J., 361
Stewart, Ernst, 323
Stewart, Minnie, 335
Stillwater, Okla., 215, 216, 219
St. George, 27
St. Joseph, Mo., 66, 79, 84, 85, 107, 121,
132, 140, 151, 332, 336
St. Joseph English Mission, 263
St. Mary's, Iowa, 14
St. Paul Appt., 244
Stanford, W. M., 184
Stockebrand, Ernst, 62
Stockebrand, Maria, 62
Stockebrand, Theresa, 62
Stockebrand, Wm., 62
Stockton Mission, 133, 141, 170, 195
Storbeck family, 112
Stoltzing, Louis, 291, 320, 327
Stranger Creek, 78
Strohwig, Wm., 36, 247
Stous, John Mrs., 36
Students' Aid Society, 337
Sturm, J., 100
Suess, Philip, 282
Sugarville, 240
Summers, Cathrine, 135
Summers, Francis, 135
Sump, Anthony, 330
S. S. and Y. P. A. Field Secretary, 318
Sunday-School, 60, 84, 109, 318, 325, 352,
354
Sunday-School Board, 346
TTTT
INDEX
Sunday-School and Tract Society, 74
Sunday-School Bailies, 354
Suppe, Esther, 292
Suppe, Mrs. Rinehold, 296
Sutton, T. H., 233
Swan Appt., 304
Swan Creek, 91, 108, 115, 121
Swart, Rev. D., 159, 193, 194, 205, 246,
290, 291, 296, 298, 309, 313, 317, 329,
332, 345, 347, 354, 355
Swart, Mrs. D., 295
Swartz, Rev. S., 108, 118, 126
Swede Brothers Appt., 81
Swede Creek, 55, 81, 82, 102, 157, 170,
227, 230, 244, 270, 292
Sweetwater, Okla., 285, 292, 295, 304
Swengle, Rev. U. F., 184
Sylvan Grove, 235
Tampa, 162
Teisen, Cathrine 82
Teisen, Peter, 82
Temperance, 60, 97, 103
Thanksgiving Appt., 207
Thierfelder, Chas., 130
Thierfelder, Gustave, 130
Thierfelder, Lena, 361
Thies, Father, 77, 69
Thoman family, 94, 95
Thomas, Rev. Richard, 257, 317
Thompson, Mrs., 142
Throop, 258, 314
Thurston, Hon., 30
Tieman, Fred, 288
Timmers, Rev. C, 27, 56, 59, 65, 66, 74,
159, 243
Timms family, 139
Tobias, Rev. C, 27, 43, 55
Tobias, Rev. J. H., 118, 130, 131, 136,
139, 143, 151, 159, 162, 163, 172, 185,
190, 194, 198, 205, 210, 213, 220, 222,
238, 239, 244, 248, 254, 262, 266, 267,
283, 290, 298, 309, 313, 324, 326, 332,
345, 352, 353
Toburen, Adolph, 55, 81, 82
Toburen, Charlotte, 82
Toburen, Ehgle, 82
Toburen, Fred, 55, 81, 82
Toburen, Herman, 82
Toburen, Louise, 82
Toedman, Aug., 62
Toedman, Rev. H., 62, 90, 92, 96, 122,
126, 139, 204, 209, 221, 254, 270, 297
Topeka, 201, 203, 211, 222, 263
Ttabant family, 287
Trabert, Geo., 288
Tramp, P. K, 260
Traveling Expenses, 159, 169, 205
Trenton, 98
Tressler, A., 198
Tressler, D. F., 198
Tressler, Rebecca, 198
Triem, D., 339, 348
Trimpa family, 351
Troyer, Rev. E, J., 66, 78, 82, 86, 90,
128, 138, 148, 158, 160, 175, 184, 185,
194, 199, 200, 205, 210
Troutwine family, 92
Tulsa, Okla., 299, 314
Turkey Creek, Dickinson Co., 179, 195
Turkey Creek, Woodsun Co., 116
Twelve Mile, 102, 105, 173
Two Way Creek, 25
Uber, Rev. Wm., 27, 36, 83, 289
Ulrich, Bro., 112
Umbach, J. M., 351
Umbach, Prof. S. L., 329
Umbreit, F. W., 326
Underkoffler, Rev. C, 244, 267, 277,.
309, 313, 317, 345
linger, Fred Sr., 297
Union Biblical Institute, 111, 148, 238,
257, 291, 309, 326, 345
Union s. h., 216, 219
Vassar, 112
Venango Appt., 141
Vennum, Rev. H. B., 220, 221, 233, 236,
244, 290, 298, 303
Verdegris, 29
Vermillion, 108
Vick, C, 140
Victory Appt., 247
Victory, Bern, 277, 290
Virgil, 149, 155
Voegelein, Rev. A. J., 105, 120, 131,.
148, 210, 302
Voegelein, Mrs. A. J., 302
Vogelein, Mrs., 203
Voegelein, Rev. F. W., 59, 73, 82, 83, 85,
96, 106, 109, 123, 178, 210, 228
Vogan, Mary, 172
Vogel, Chas., 323
Vogel, Elmer, 323, 339
Vogel, Wm., 323
Vogt, H. C, 308
Voght, Rev. J. H., 193
Voght, J. M., 358
Volk, Geo., Mrs., 243, 339
Voile, A., 289
Volmer family, 75
W
Wade, Rev. B. F., 276, 280
Wahlte, Rev. M. L., 148
Waidlich, Adam, 203
Waldraven, A. J., 330
Waldraven, L. W., 330
Walter, Rev. M., 52, 159, 185, 200, 290 r
293 358
Walter, Mrs. M., 228, 230
XIV
INDEX
Wamego, 78, 84, 98, 108, 128
Warner, Chas., 307
Warrenaburg, 74, 75, 79, 98, 106, 126,
133, 178, 212, 229, 230, 263, 271, 284,
291, 310
Washington, 99, 155, 213, 230, 258, 292,
310, 314
Waukomis, 244, 248, 250, 251, 254, 271
Ways and Means, 126, 177, 185, 211,
233 239
Wayne Mission, 197, 205, 206, 230, 234,
258
Weafherford, 219, 271, 292, 301, 304,
310, 338
Weaver, Eev. M. W., 148
Webb, Win., 119
Weber, S., 102, 131, 139, 148
Weber, Geo., 297
Weber, Jacob, 241
Weber, John, 242
Weide, Albert, 339, 348
Weide, Anna, 116
Weide, Carl (Uncle) 116
Weide, Fritz, 116
Weide, Gotlieb, 116
Weide, Henry, 116
Weide, Rev. L. G., 324, 330, 336, 352
Weide, Rose, 116
Weide, Willie, 116
Weidenmeier, Rev. G. W., 249, 277, 290,
303
Weidlich, Adam, 203
Weinert, Mary, 361
Weis, Philip, 93
Weiss, Geo., 198
Weiss family, 36
Weismiller, 91
Weldy, M. P., 100
Weller, A. A., 60
Wells, Anna, 302
Welsh, L, S., 209
Wendland, Rev. E. H., 317, 330, 336,
352
Wendland, Rev. F. W., 317, 336, 352
Wenger, H., 126
Wenger, Rev. L., 83, 88, 89, 96, 99, 105,
108, 126, 128, 129, 135, 139, 162, 184,
193, 204, 211, 221, 226
Wenger, Mrs. L., 228, 231
Werle, Peter, 302
Werner, Bartley, 83
Werner, Jacob, 83
Werner, John, 181
Werner, J. A., 318, 325, 333, 337
Werner, S., 108, 153
Werner, Sam'l, 139
West, D., 209
West, Emmet, 181
Western Kansas, 135, 136, 190
West Kansas Mission, 61, 80, 84, 128
Westmoreland, 299
West Penn. Conf., 11
Wester, Ferdinand, 58
Weston, J. D., 162
White Hall, 98
Whitman, D., 86
Wichita Mission, 92, 96, 98, 102, 133,
161
Wichita City Mission, 332, 336, 341
Wiens, Rev. H., 254, 331, 345
Wiener, 19
Wiens, Peter, 254
Wiest, Rev. L, S., 157
Wilkes, Henry, 134
Wilke, Sophia, 134
Williams, D. X., 219, 220
Williams, Rev. E. J., 267, 270
Williams, Gertrude, 219
Willow Springs, 76, 119, 175, 299, 308
Wilming, Rev. C. B., 298, 331, 352
Wilson, Kansas, 121, 141, 149, 156, 179,
206, 212, 230, 235, 250, 258
Wilson, Chas., 197
Wilson, Rev. Geo., 169, 184
Wilson, R, 282
Wilson, Rev. W. F., 317, 331
Wiltsman, Bro., 139
Wilvert, Rev. Theo., 317
Windecker, Wm., 87
Windsor, 98, 133, 195, 212, 229
Wing Appt., 207, 292
Winkler, 192, 346
Winston, 63, 98, 108, 115, 133, 230, 239
Winters, Rev. R,, 262, 290
Wise, George, 198
Wise, Jacob, 58
Wismar, Jacob, 105
Woehler, Fred, 82
Woehler, J., 81
Woehler, Louise, 82
Woehlte, Rev. C, 102, 112, 120, 131
Woerner, Carl, 76
Wolf, John, 336
Wolf, Rev. S., 11, 12
Wolf River, 66, 73, 84, 90, 102, 103, 109,
132, 140, 149, 160, 178, 284
Wolfarth, G. W., 131
Wolfarth, Joseph, 181
Wolthausen, Rev. W. F., 169, 175, 176^
193, 200, 205, 268, 292, 299, 310, 313,
317, 332
Wolthausen, Mrs. W. F., 361
Woman's Missionary Society, 154, 223,
224, 231, 256, 258, 270, 277, 342, 354,
361
Wonder, W., 108, 112, 125
Woodruff, 206
Woods, 277
Woodward, 277, 285, 304
W T oolheater, Mr., 37
Worden Mission, 304, 307, 308
Worick, John, 86, 87
Workings, Rev. D. W., 199
Worth Co. Mission, 91, 98
Wright, B. B., 323
Wright, H. T., 352
Wulf, L., 203
XV
INDEX
Wuerth, Eev. John, 53, 56, 59, 66, 67,
68, 69, 75, 82, 83, 85, 90, 100, 103, 104,
111, 113, 115, 116, 120, 126, 127, 141,
154, 159, 185, 187, 194, 196, 201, 207,
210, 213, 215, 219, 222, 223, 230, 235,
239, 243, 244, 249, 262, 276, 307, 329,
339, 340
Wyandotte Mission, 74, 79, 103, 109,
122, 200, 201, 206
Wyandotte Constitution, 7, 26
Yaeck, Kev. Ernst, 193
Yaekel, Bishop R., 44, 83, 85, 101, 148
Yager, G. F., 108, 113, 120
Yates Center, 62, 63, 95, 116, 149, 156,
178, 199, 298, 324
Yenny, Rev. F. C, 184
Yenser, Rev. Geo., 244, 266
Yergler, Fred, 360
Yergler, John, 92, 94
Yergler, Philip, 92, 94
Yesser, Philip, 296
Yockel, Rev. A., 135, 199, 209, 242
Yoder, Rev. A., 126, 221
Yoss, Jacob, 282
Yost, Bro., 81
Yost, Rev. Win., 184
Young, Rev. J. K, 72, 169, 175, 178,
185, 198, 199, 223, 255, 313, 317, 324,
331, 336, 345, 352, 354
Young, Mike, 63
Young People's Alliance, 82, 211, 223,
224, 231, 240, 254, 258, 263, 270, 298,
309, 346, 354, 359
Youngtown, 263, 271
Zabel, Rev. L. W., 236, 324, 345
Zachman, Daniel, 58, 172
Zachman family, 58
Zager, Rev. C. F., 276, 313, 324
Zager, Mrs. C. F., 361
Zeeb, W. F., 329
Zechiel, Rev. S. I., 309, 317
Zeiner, John, 57
Zellner, Rev. D. R., .45, 56, 64, 76, 83,
100, 102, 113, 193, 228, 243, 249, 270,
276, 283, 307, 313, 317, 336, 345, 351
Zellner, Mrs. D. R., 76, 100
Zent, G., 209
Zinn, Simon, 288
Zinn, 288
Zoeller, Aug., 199, 237
XVI
