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Autobiography of Rev. A.B. Wright : of Holston Conference, M.E. Church / prepared by his son, Rev. J.C. Wright.

Autobiography of Rev. A.B. Wright : of Holston Conference, M.E. Church / prepared by his son, Rev. J.C. Wright. Wright, A. B. (Absalom B.), 1826-1893. 400dpi TIFF G4 page images University of Kentucky, Electronic Information Access & Management Center Lexington, Kentucky 2002 b92-140-29331597 Electronic reproduction. 2002. (Beyond the shelf, serving historic Kentuckiana through virtual access (IMLS LG-03-02-0012-02) ; These pages may be freely searched and displayed. Permission must be received for subsequent distribution in print or electronically. Autobiography of Rev. A.B. Wright : of Holston Conference, M.E. Church / prepared by his son, Rev. J.C. Wright. Wright, A. B. (Absalom B.), 1826-1893. Cranston & Curts, Cincinnati : 1896. viii, 447 p. : ports. ; 20 cm. Coleman Microfilm. Atlanta, Ga. : SOLINET, 1993. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm. (SOLINET/ASERL Cooperative Microfilming Project (NEH PS-20317) ; SOL MN03775.04 KUK) Printing Master B92-140. IMLS This electronic text file was created by Optical Character Recognition (OCR). No corrections have been made to the OCR-ed text and no editing has been done to the content of the original document. Encoding has been done through an automated process using the recommendations for Level 1 of the TEI in Libraries Guidelines. Digital page images are linked to the text file. Wright, Absalom B. 1826-1893.Wright, J. C., b. 1851. REV. A. B. WRIGHT. This page in the original text is blank. AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF REV. A. B. WRIGHT, OF THE HOLSTON CONF3EREiNCE, i. E. CHFiURCH. PREPARED R Y HIS SON, REV. J. C. WRIGHT, A. NI., D. D., OF THE HOLSTON CONFERENCE, M. E. CHURCH. Mark the perfect man, and behold the Upright; for the end of that man is peace.-DAVID. CINCINNATI: CRANSTON CURTS. PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. 1896. COPYRIGHT BY J. C. WRIGHT, W. D. WRIGHT, AND T. A. WRIGHT, 1896. DEDIC9TIeN. Ilto the many tniling ,N4ethanist pgoachegs an hagi Fields ng lafinit. 1hat class na men whn age meagefly c rmpensatea gar 0eNusegll wolq, and yet age tlye Yegy salt ng tle eagtfi, nO W1rum tl p wnlla is not wanitID, and wxanse gecnai is on Zts Potlume is humfily dcdicated BY TWHE fIUTIHOFR. This page in the original text is blank. MRS. CYNTHIA S. WRIGHT. This page in the original text is blank. TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. OuR ANCESTRY FOR MY CHILDREN, . . . CHAPTER II. BIRTH, CHILDHOOD, AND CONVERSION, CHAPTER III. EARLY MINISTRY AND MARRIAGE, . . . CHAPTER IV. A LOCAL PREACHER..... .. . . . CHAPTER V. ROUGH TIMES ............ CHAPTER VI. GREAT EVENTS ............ CHAPTER VII. JAMESTOWN CIRCUIT ... ... ... CHAPTER VIll. MONTGOMERY CIRCUIT ........ CHAPTER IX. JAMESTOWN AND CUMBERLAND CITY, . . CHAPTER X. JAMESTOWN AND WARTBURG, . CHAPTER XI. CROSSVILLE CIRCUIT .......... PAGE. ..1...... I ......... ... 8 ....... .. 20 ....... .. 31 ....... . 41 .. .. .. .. 52 ....... .. 63 .78...... .. 78 ........ . 94 ....... .. 112 . . 127 V vi CONT4ENTS. CHAPTER XII. WARTBURG AND JAMESTOWN ........ CHAPTER XIII. A COUNTY COURT CLERK .......... CHAPTER Xl V. WARTBURG AND SUNBRIGHT CIRCUITS,. CHAPTER XV. THE KINGSTON CIRCUIT ........... CHAPTER XVI. NEW RIVER, SUNBRIGHT, AND OLIVER SPRINGS, CHAPTER XVII. MT. VERNON....... .. . .. . . .. CHAPTER XVIII. NEw RIVER,. CHAPTER XIX. A SUPERANNUATE... . ... ..... . . CHAPTER XX. A GOLDEN SUNSET ... .......... CHAPTER XXI. ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION ... . ........ . CHAPTER XXII. THoUGHTS ON REVIVAL WORK ...... CHAPTER XXIII. TuiiX DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE . CHAPTER XXIV. TuHE FUTURE STATE, . . . PAGE. .15. .8.. . 18 ...... 173 ...... 208 .......227 .. . 253 .. ... ..283 ..... 315 . . . 352 ..... . 369 ..... 376 ..... 394 ...... .... 406 APPENDIX . 4 2 . . 421 PREFACE. IN young manhood my father began to keep a journal of his life. His purpose was to leave it for the benefit of his children. He had no idea that it would ever be published to the world as a book. Several years ago it became apparent to him that its publication would be necessary, so that each of his children might have a copy. Hundreds of oth- ers, outside of our own family, who had a knowl- edge of his purpose, urged him to publish his life, in the belief that it would be beneficial to the world. He finally consented to do so, and requested the writer to edit and prepare his papers for publication after his death. I have endeavored to do this hon- estly and in the fear of God. I have tried, so far as the rules of good language would at all tolerate, to retain the mannerisms of my father. He was a man of fine natural endowment, and had acquired much by extensive reading, but was without any literary training. I anticipate two classes of critics. One class will object to whatever changes I have made, and the other will fault me for not making more. I have in DO instance changed the thought of my father, but only changed the language. I have done this work amid other heavy labors. To me it has been a sad but loving task. I prepared the chap- ter containing his death. If; in it, there shall ap- vAi viii PREFACE. pear to any one an unduly high eulogy of my father, let me offer as my apology a strong filial love for a loving, tender father. I trust that this volume will be useful to his many spiritual children who may read it, and to his many thousands of true friends throughout all of that mountain country where he toiled and spent his life for the Master. Many of the companions and friends of his early life have passed over, and are with him on the other side of the river. I have now redeemed the promise to my father, and send forth this volume on its mission to humanity. J. C. WRIGHT. MARYVILLE, TENN., October 2, 1895. AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF REV. A. B. WRIGHT. CHAPTER I. OUR ANCESTRY FOR MY CHILDREN. MY grandfather's name on my father's side was Ml Moses Wright. I am inclined to think he was born and ever lived in North Carolina. His father came from Ireland. Moses Wright married Margaret Edmondson. I do not know where she was raised, perhaps in North Carolina. Some time after their marriage my grandfather became a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and traveled some circuits as supply under Bishop As- bury. He and grandmother reared nine children. Some. may have died in infancy; I do not know. I remember hearing my father call over the names of his brothers and sisters. The names of the boys were Jesse, James, John, Robert, Jeremiah, and Aaron. The girls' names were Sarah, Zilphia, and Martha-six boys and three girls. Uncle Robert and Uncle Jerry Wvright died in the War of 1812. They were both soldiers. Uncle Jesse Wright married a Vaughn; Uncle James, a Gravel; Uncle Robert married Nancy Dale; my I AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF father married Peninah Dole. I do n't think Uncle Jerry was ever married. Uncle Aaron married a Pritchard; Aunt Sarah married a Pierce; Aunt Martha married a Lynn; and Aunt Zilphia married a Halbert. My Grandfather Wright died before my father was fully grown, leaving some small children on grandmother's hands to rear. They lived by farm- ing. Grandmother was a very devoted Christian woman, praying in her family when grandfather was not at home to pray. M1y father emigrated to East Tennessee into what is now Anderson or Union County, when quite a young man, my father's name being John Wright. And now, boys, I will trace up on my mother's side of the house. On her side my grandfather was named William Dale. Grandmother was a Barden before she married William Dale. I do not recollect her given name. After they were blessed with five children, grandmother died. The five children, three girls and two boys, were small. Not a great while after her death, one of the boys, named James, dlied. The girls' names were Peninah, which was my mother, Nancy and Alsie. Aunt Nancy married Uncle Robert Wright, and Aunt Alsie married Timothy Carpenter, a brother of my wife's mother. Grandfather Dale was born and lived the early part of his life in North Carolina. After the death of grandmother he moved and lived near Augusta in Georgia. Mother's brother's name was William Dale. He was younger than either of the girls. Aster the children were pretty well grown they emigrated to East Tennessee, near 2 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. to where father, and - I should have said Uncle Robert Wright, came for they came together-and I think Grandmother Wright and the whole family were soon in East Tennessee. It was there that Uncle Robert Wright and Aunt Nancy Dale were married. A short time afterwards father and mother were married. Uncle Robert and fattier soon, with their wives, emigrated to Wolf River, into what was then Overton, but now Fentress County, Tennessee. In a few years Grandfather Dale married again, and emigrated to Fentress County. Uncle William Dale remained in East Tennessee. And now I will confine myself to father's family. Father and mother were blessed with fourteen chil- dren, seven boys and seven girls. Two girls and one boy died in infancy. They raised to full-grown age six boys and five girls. The boys' names were William D., James AI., Edmondson, John F., Ab- salom B., and Calvin C. The girls' names were Sarah, Nancy, Freely Ann, Peninah Jane, and Eliza Emeline. There was but one that died in in- fancy named. Its name was Margaret. Now I have brought it down to your own recollection, I trust, so that, if it is ever needed in a chain of fam- ily history, you can come at it easily. Perhaps I had better say something about marriages and deaths. William D. married Elizabeth Hopkins, James M. married Caroline Craft, Edmondson mar- ried Naomi Spears, John F. died unmarried, A. B. married C. S. Frogge, and Calvin C. married Nanev Atkinson. Sarah married John Price, Nancy mar- ried John W. Frogge, your mother's brother, Freely 3 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Ann married Greenberry Brown, Peninah Jane married John Carpenter, Eliza E. married George Y. Carpenter, who was a Federal soldier, and was killed during the civil wvar; she afterwards married John Davis. The Carpenters, John and George Y., were cousins of your mother. And now the deaths. Your Grandfather Wright died of heart dropsy, April 21, 1844. Your Uncle William D. Wright died in Arkansas of fever in 1853. Your Uncle John F. Wright died in Arkan- sas in 18.5-5. Your Aunt Peninah Jane Carpenter died of childbed fever in 1863. Your Grandma Wright died in July 1867 of apoplexy and paral- ysis. Edmondson Wright died of dropsy, August 16, 1879. James M. Wright died of congestion of the heart and lungs, October 30, 1879. Nancy Frogge died May, 1888. Your Uncle William D. Wright was a licensed local Methodist preacher for five or six years before his death. Your Uncle Edmond- son Wright was a local elder iti the Southern Methodist Church for years. He traveled in Ken- tucky on circuits as a supply for seven or eight years. Your Uncle C. C. Wright was a traveling elder for years in the St. Louis and Pacific Con- ferences of the Southern Methodist Church, and was presiding elder for a time. As to my own work, I leave it in my life jour- nal. Father and mother died members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. William D., John F., Nina Jane, Edmondson, and -Nancy died mem- hers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. William D. and John F. are buried in the State of Arkansas. Father, mother, three infants, James 4 RFV. A. B. WRI(rGHt. Mt. and Nancy Frogge are buried at the Three Forks of Wolf River, in Fentress County, Tennessee. Peninah Jane is buried in the Poplar Cove in Fen- tress County, Tennessee. Edniondson Wright was buried in Cumberland County, Kentucky. 0 how we are scattered! And now I will tell you something of your mother's ancestry. Her grandfather on her father's side was named John Frogge, born and raised in Virginia; do not know in what county. He mar- ried Lucretia Miller. They raised eight children, four boys and four girls. They emigrated froin Virginia to Kentucky, into Cumberland County, while their children were young. Your mother's grandfather did not live a great while after coming to Kentucky. He died from a relapse of measles. Their children's names were Cornelius Mitchell, William, Arthur, and John-boys. The girls' names were Elizabeth, Cynthia, Rebecca, and MLary. Her grandmother raised her children until they were grown and married, and she emigrated with her son-in-law, James Spearman, to Washington Territory, and died there. Cornelius M. Frogge, your grandfather, married Deborah Carpenter. William Frogge married Mary Smith. Arthur and John Frogge each married Williams girls, sis- ters. Soon after they married-that is, Arthur and John-they emigrated to the West. Your grand- father Frogge was reared by his uncle, Arthur Frogge, in Tennessee, on Wolf River. Your great- grandfather, your mother's grandfather, John Frogge, was a first cousin to James Madison, of Virginia, twice President of the United States. Your grand- AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF father Frogge's early life, after marriage, was spent on Wolf River. After they had six children, they moved to Morgan County, Tennessee, on White Oak Creek, where Curtis Stonecipher now lives, and lived there six years; then went back to his farm on Wolf River, where your cousins, the Frogge boys, now live; only the houses were down on the road, where your pa and ma were married. Your Grandmother Frogge had fifteen children, Five died in infancy, and one girl, named Lucretis, died when nearly grown-three boys and twelve girls. One boy and four girls died in infancy, and two boys and seven girls were raised. The boys' names that were raised were Timothy Carpenter and John Wesley. The girls' names that were raised were Hannah Brown, Elizabeth Turley, Lucy Lane, Cynthia Ann Spearman, Deborah Jane, Re- becca Bosley, and Mary Baskett. Two only that died in infancy were named; one was named Nancy, the other Miriam. And now the marriages: Han- nah B. married Harrison Williams. After having two children, she died triumphant. Timothy C. married Harriet Wilson; Elizabeth T. married Simon Shelley; Lucy L. married James Crouch; your mother, Cynthia Ann S., married A. B.Wrigbt; Deborah J. married Lewis Shelley; John W. mar- ried Nancy Wright; Rebecca B. married T. C. Peters, and Mary B. married James H. McGinnis. Your uncle, T. C. Frogge has been a traveling Methodist preacher from his early youthful days. Your Grandfather Frogge was for years a Methodist class-leader. Every one of his children were mem- bers of the Methodist Church; so were all your fi RFV. A. B. WRIGHT. uncles and aunts on your father's side of the house, except James M. Wright. Your uncle, T. C. Peters, has been an itinerant Methodist preacher from early youth. Your uncle, Lewis Shelley, is a Methodist preacher. So you see, boys, you have some President and a great deal of Methodist preacher blood in you all. But wait till I come now to your Grandmother Frogge's side of the house, and you will find several more preachers. Your mother's grandfather, on her mother's side, was named Timothy Carpenter, a Yankee, born and raised to manhood in the State of Connecticut. When a young man lie wandered into the State of Massachusetts, and was united in marriage to Han- nah Brown, who was raised in the city of' Boston. He early became an itinerant Methodist preacher. He had a brother named Samuel Carpenter, who was a missionary Baptist preacher Timothy Car- penter, with his young wife, came as an itinerant to Kentucky. After traveling in that State a few years, he came to Tennessee, and purchased a good farm on the head of AVolf River, and lived near where William Pile now lives. He and wife raised eight children, five boys and three girls. The boys' names were Timothy, Consider, John, Dan, and Cyril. The girls' names were Lucy, Deborah, your grandmother, and Nancy. Your mother's Grand- father Carpenter sold out on Wolf River, and moved and settled on White Oak Creek, in Morgan County, Tennessee, where Schenek now lives. That is the old Carpenter place. Some of Rev. Timothy Carpenter's family married while he lived on Wolf River, and the others in Morgan County. 7 AAUTOBIOGRAPHY O0 And now their marriages: Timothy married Alsie Dale, a sister of your grandmother Wright; Con- sider married Susan Guthrie; John married Sarah Guthrie; Dan married Jane Cisel; and Cyril mar- ried Rhoda Cisel, a sister of Dan's wife. Lucy married Middleton Holloway; Deborah, your grand- mother, married Cornelius M. Frogge; Nancy mar- ried William Potter. Your mother's uncle, Dan Carpenter, has been from early youth a Methodist minister. Your mother's uncle, Timothy Carpenter, went to Texas early in life. We do not know any- thing of his or John Carpenter's descendants. And now this gives you a pretty good outline of your ancestry. In our lineage may the stream of great- ness continually rise! CHAPTER II. BIRTH, CHILDHOOD, AND CONVERSION. IWAS born in Fentress County, Tennessee, No- vember 3, 1826, six miles northwest of James- town, the county-seat of said county, on a pike road, at the foot of Cumberland Mountain, on the headwaters of Wolf River. I was the sixth son and ninth child of my parents. I had two brothers quite chums with me, Brothers John F. and Calvin C. Wright; John being not two years older, and Calvin between three and four years younger, than I was. We were all naturally of quite a mischievous disposition of mind. Doubtless I possessed as large, if not the largest, share of that disposition, though of innocent design. I was brought up to 8 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. labor in the fields from my earliest recollection, my father being a farmer and stockraiser. When quite young, I took pleasure in feeding hogs, calves, sheep, and other stock, thinking it the only way to live in this life. I was early taught not to tell a lie, nor swear profanely, nor use blackguardish language in any way. I was taught the evils of using ardent spirits or tobacco. However, when quite a boy I ventured to take one chew of tobacco, which made me so sick that I never tried it again. My early home was very unhandy to school and church, having to walk three miles to school and back every day, to get what little education I obtained from the school- room. I have secured more education outside the school-room than in it, for I have been very fond of books. The nearest church-house was four miles off. I learned to spell and read when very young. I can remember when the first free-school law was enacted by the Legislature of Tennessee. I was of school age-that is, six or more years old-when the first free school was taught in the dis- trict where I was raised. The qualifications re- quired of teachers then were very low as compared with what they are now. Teachers were then em- ployed at from ten to fifteen dollars per month. They sat a great portion of their time, and that even while hearing recitations, with a long beech or hickory switch in their hands, for the purpose of keeping the students under good rule. If one vio- lated the school rules, he received the lash on his back in the presence of the school. The severity of the lash, or the number, was according to the AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF magnitude of the offense committed. School terms were generally from one and a half to three months of length in the year. They generally commenced about the first of August, and always had a vacation of two weeks for fodder-pulling. I had an ambition early in life to obtain a good education, and under the very meager school facil- ities I had, I would take my school-books in the clearing and fields with me, and while sitting down to rest, or to rest a horse in the plow, I would be studying my books. 0 bow I do sympathize with a poor boy struggling after an education! So soon as I learned to read, and to commit to memory from the New Testament the Lord's Prayer, my father enjoined it on me to repeat the Lord's Prayer before lying down at night to sleep. I bless God for this, and to my latest breath, I trust, I shall never fail to comply with that rule, adopted so early in life. I can scarcely remember so far back as when I first learned to sing songs and hymns of praise to God. Frequently in singing, my heart would be so touched and moved that I would shed tears freely under a conscious sense of my unsaved state by nature. Often I would make the fields vocal with my singing, having a strong voice. My father gave to me, when a boy, the fictitious nickname of General DeKalb. When quite a boy, I would walk barefoot four miles to attend Sunday- school. Facilities, as to Sunday-school literature, were not then what they are now. Then we studied the spelling-book, readers, and the New Testament, and there was no catechising done. We would take our dinner, and the Sunday-school would 10 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. hold all day, unless there was Preaching, prayer, or class meeting. Class-meetings were more frequent then than now. I ever felt great reverence fir prayer or class meeting, as well as for preaching. My father and mother strictly enjoined it on me never to stir about or leave the house in time of Divine service, but to treat the house of God with great reverence and respect. My mother was a professed Christian long before my existence, my father afterwards. Having to work so constantly in the fields through the week, it seemed Sunday was a long time in coming. When not attending Sunday- school or religious services, myself and brothers, and sometimes sisters, would stroll about the garden- walks, the orchards, and fields, and listen to na- ture's sweet songsters of the feathered tribes, espe- cially in the early spring, when their notes seemed sweetest. Sometimes we would amuse ourselves in innocent plays, until I would be as tired on Sun- day night, if not more so, than if I had worked in the field. At. our earnest entreaty, my parents would sometimes allow mvself and brothers to visit neighboring boys, and we would play base, run foot-races, wrestle, or play Antony over, until I was so tired that I could scarcely walk a mile or two home, and yet I took great delight in these plays. Sometimes neighboring boys would visit us, and that would save me the walk home. I must think that children were governed about as well then as at any time since, and yet I think that it was a sad mistake on the part of their parents to allow them to exert so much physical strength on Sunday. 11 At1TORIOGRAPHY OP As I began to move up in age, into my teens, I became more anxious about my education, and to possess some property of my own. I also began to feel a warm attachment to the feminine sex, and to love the girls some; but now began my school days. At the age of sixteen, in November, the next spring in April, I was bitten by a large serpent, supposed to be a copperhead. Its teeth-boles were fully an inch from each other. Myself and brother John, taking our horses out of the plow one evening, started for home, being at an old place, on which father and mother had first lived, before purchasing a more desirable site, on the road one-half mile from the old. We hitched our horses and went into an old house partly filled with sheaf oats, to carry some home with us. I had great fears of snakes, as they were numerous in those mountains, especially at that season of the year. Brother John went in, as though talking to the snakes, telling them not to bite him. It was becoming rather dark in the old house, and, on putting my hand down to take up a sheaf of oats, the serpent bit me on the wrist near the pulse of my right arm. Being frightened, I did not move until the serpent had released its hold. I then spoke to my brother and told him I was snakebitten. He said he reckoned not, but I told him I was. I left the house at once, without taking any oats, got on my horse, and started hurriedly for home. When about halfway, I turned very sick, but sucked my wrist where bitten, and spit out the poison until I was somewhat relieved. On coming opposite the house, I did not go to the barn as usual with my horse, but lighted off, 12 Rev. A. B. WRIGHT. went in, and told father I was snake-bitten. My father kept some medical books, and usually did his own doctoring. He bandaged my arm to prevent the swelling from running to my body, while he resorted to everything of which he could think or read, but all seemed to avail nothing. The bandage had to be changed more than once, and finally taken off entirely, my shoulders, neck, and head becoming so swollen as to almost prevent my breathing, until my friends had alarming fears that I would die from suffocation. No one that has not experienced it, knows the amount of suffering there is from a bad serpent- bite. As a last resort, I was put to drinking strong whisky to counteract the snake poison, drinking a glass tumblerful at a time, which would for a few minutes relieve me from my intense suffering. When the serpent poison would overcome the whisky, and my suffering would return, again I would drink off another glass tumblerful of strong whisky, until I drank three tumblersful, drinking the last about midnight. After this, I was uncon- scious until next day about ten o'clock, during which time I was in a swooning condition, strug- gling for breath, the strong fight between serpent poison and whisky poison going on in my system. When I returned to consciousness I was about easy, but could hardly recognize myself. My right arm, lying by my side, was swollen almost as large as my body, and somewhat crooked, from which I could not straighten it for more than two weeks. () how near I came to death ! After recovering a little, I felt as though I would rather die than to go 13S AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF through a like suffering again. For three spring seasons that arm changed to the color of a serpent and shed off the outside skin. My friends had se- rious fears that my arm would have to betaken off; but I was young, and outgrew it. At that time I was an unsaved boy, and I knew it, and it made me shudder to think how near I was to the gate of death in an unsaved state. I took great delight in singing, and in studying the rudiments of music in the old four-note system. I purchased a cheap little hymn-book called Vedder's Hymns, and would take it in my side-pocket often, when attending church. Sometimes, when at class- meetings, I would take out my book and sing like a good fellow, unless the Christians should get happy and begin to shout, when my own unsaved condi- tion would so impress me that tears would chase each other down my cheeks. If I could retreat and get on a back seat without being observed, I would do so; for I always had a great aversion to being called a coward. My convictions for sin grew heavier all the while, and from early boyhood I had a strong impression of mind that I should do considerable work for the Lord before I died. My third living brother, Edmondson Wright, became a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his preaching, his very earnest appeals to the sinner often so impressed me that I would weep bitterly. I would think, if some one would only come and take me by the hand, how readily I would go to the anxious-seat and seek salvation; but I was young, and small of my age, and so was over- looked. I very well remember, in the summer of 14 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. 1843, while attending on Three Forks of Wolf River, at old Pleasant Hill Church-the nearest Church to us-that I was so powerfully convicted for sin that I returned home that evening in great agony of mind. Next day being Monday, and not having much work to do, I walked the woods all day long, wring- ing my hands in grief, and it seemed my heart would break because of sin. It has ever been since that time a mystery to me why I did not fall on my knees in that grove and surrender my heart in prayer to God for pardon; but I was afraid to make such a surrender of myself to the good Lord. In a few weeks from that time, in the month of August, a camp-meeting was coming on, to be held by the Cumberland Presbyterians, in the Poplar Cove five miles from my father's. I vowed to the Lord that I would go to that meeting and seek my soul's salvation. By the time the meeting came on, I had about overcome all my serious impressions, and went to the meeting full of life and mischievous fun. I was a leader in such, if I could have a train of boys to follow me. On this occasion I would especially point out one poor old man, and make many funny and unbecoming remarks about him when he would get happy and shout aloud God's praise. I went to the meeting on Friday, I think, and on Saturday night was sitting in the congregation beside a play- mate, Washington Campbell. His father, William Campbell, was a camper on the ground, and an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. James Campbell, an uncle of my companion, who was a 15 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Cumberland Presbyterian minister, rose up to exhort, after some one had preached. He made earnest appeals to the Christians to pray, which they did; and soon shouts of praise to God began to go up. The hearts of myself and companion were melted in deep penitence. We were sitting not far from the altar, and when penitents were called, James Campbell came to us and urged us to go forward for prayers, which we did. We prostrated our- selves in the altar, on a carpet of straw; and 0 how I did pray, for I had achieved a great victory over self! There was a large number of young men and young ladies at the altar, and still they came in crowds. The Christian people sang, talked, and prayed for us until a late hour, but I got no relief. After awhile it was suggested to take the mourners to the camps for sleep; but there was no sleep for me. Next day there was eloquent preaching; but the mourners were not called until night. Again I was at my place at the altar when the mourners were called, and 0 how humbly and earnestly I prayed to the Lord! At a late hour some lady asked me if I had any friends on the ground whom I would like to have come and pray for me. I answered by saying, " If I have any friends in the world, I would like to have them pray for me;" for I really felt that I was lost, world without end. It seemed so hard for me to appropriate the precious promises of Christ to my own personal good. Again, at a late hour, together with others, I was taken to the camps for rest; but not much sleep for me. The next day (Monday) the people gathered, as usual, under their 16 RgV. A. B. WRIGHT. brush arbor; for that was the kind under which we had been worshiping. Just after the preacher took his text and began to preach, there came up a heavy rain, which caused the congregation to retreat to the surrounding camps. Religious services now began in every camp, some one serving as public speaker. A very good man by the name of Tyndall began exhorting in Bow- den's, Solomon's, and Owen's camp, where I was. Directly he called mourners to come forward. I stood where I was for a short time, when Brother David Guinn, then a Methodist exhorter, afterward a Meth- odist preacher, came to me, took me by the hand, and said: "Young man, make one more effort." I started, and went about halfway across the camp, when I fell prostrate, crying: " 0 Lord, here let me die or be saved !" I cried from the very top of my voice: " 0 Lord, save or I perish !" I was there in that condition for some time; I hardly know just how long. After awhile, the very same old man, old Brother Simms, that I had made fun of for shouting, came and kind of rolled over me, and told me I could get up from there. He laughed, and talked so kindly that my faith laid hold on Christ, and instantly I arose, shouting: "Glory! glory, hallelujah ! glory to God in the highest!" My father and oldest brother, hearing of my dis- tress, had come to the meeting that morning with- out my knowledge. My oldest brother had been praying for me just before I arose, as he prayed in public. When I arose he was happy; and in my rejoic- ing over the camp, I came to my father, took him 2 17 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF by the hand, and tried to tell him how happy I was. He was sitting in a chair in the camp. He threw himself back in his chair, and shouted, " Glory! glory! glory !" clapping his hands together. He had been converted some four months before this, but this was the first public expression he had made of his conversion, as he had been converted in the woods. I rejoiced all through the camps; ran out into the streets of the camp-ground and shouted at the very top of my voice: " Hallelujah! I 'm saved, I 'm saved! glory to God and to the Lamb forever !" I was happily converted to God August 28, 1843, on Monday evening, about three o'clock, in Poplar Cove, Fentress County, Tennessee, five miles west of Jamestown, the county-seat. At my conversion, I thought I could tell the way of life so plainly that every one of my old companions-for several of them were on the ground-would certainly be con- verted; but with all I could say, they were not all saved. I do n't know just where my companion, young Campbell, was at the time of my conversion, but presumed that he was at the altar in some camp. I remember he was a penitent through the meeting, and was not converted until about two months after its close. I remained at the camp-meeting until it closed, which I think was about the middle of the week. During the remainder of the meeting, after my conversion, I labored to influence sinners to come to the altar, and tried to direct mourners to the Lamb of God. I took more delight than ever before in singing. I felt just like singing right up into heaven. 18 RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. On returning home, I found my father was greatly delighted with my conversion. At that time I had two brothers and one sister professed Chris- tians, also my father and mother. The others-two older brothers and one younger, also several sis- ters-were as yet unconverted. Brother John had become afflicted with epilepsy. Amid all my trials I prayed the Lord for sustaining grace. My Chris- tian sister, Nancy, was very helpful to me, telling me to endure as a good soldier, and that I would wear a bright crown in heaven by and by. At the time of my conversion I was attending school. My second brother, James M. Wright, was the teacher. My father would take me to his knees and advise me how to deport myself at school, and especially during playtime. I have ever felt thankful for his godly counsel to me. Having been converted at the Cumberland Pres- byterian !meetings, I felt quite an attachment to that Church, so I borrowed their " Confession of Faith " and read it closely for the next month. Also, dur- ing the same time, I read a Discipline of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Soon after the close of the camp-meeting in Poplar Cove, the Methodists at Pleasant Hill, on Three Forks of Wolf River, de- termined to build camps and hold a camp-meeting there early in that fall. Although we lived at a distance of four miles, my father and brothers put in, and we built a good frame camp, with different apartments, in which my father and family camped. The meeting began the last week in September, and reached over a few days into October. A number of ministers were in attendance. The new Confer- 19 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ence year was just beginning. Joel Peake was the new preacher in charge. On Monday of that meet- ing, October 1, 1843, I gave my hand to the pastor in uniting with the Methodist Episcopal Church. My father united with the same Church the next day. My mother had been a member of this Church for many years. CHAPTER III. EARLY MINISTRY AND MARRIAGE. AFTER my conversion I began resorting to a grove for secret prayer, often praying aloud. The Lord would there bless my soul, and I would shout aloud his praise. I must think the old lime- stone rock, where I knelt down to pray, will be witness of my devotion. Every morning before breakfast, as regular as the morning came, I re- paired about three hundred yards out in the woods, also every evening about twilight, for my morning and evening prayers. Nor did I allow anything to hinder me from my secret devotions. I found secret prayer a helpful means of grace. It is alto- gether probable that this habit saved me from fall- ing away. I recommend this duty to all young converts. In the spring of 1844, while myself and brother James were feeding a large herd of cattle belonging to my father, I was seriously gored by a vicious bull. I would certainly have been killed by the maddened animal, but for the timely presence and intervention of my brother. He tossed me up on his horns several times. From the injury and loss 20 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. of blood I lay helpless at his feet. I was carried into the house, and was sick for a time; also had to go upon crutches for several weeks, but was happy all the time. On the 21st of April, 1844, after a very brief illness, my father departed this life, in holy Chris- tian triumph, shouting with his latest breath. He died of heart dropsy. I then thought that I had lost my best friend on earth, next to my blessed Savior. His godly admonitions had been a great blessing to me; of them I was now deprived. I lacked one month and three days of being seven- teen years of age when I joined the Church. The camp-meeting at which I joined was also the occa- sion of a quarterly-meeting on that charge. It was called Albany Circuit, in the Louisville Con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, before there was an organization of the Methodist Church, South. At that meeting George W. Taylor was the presiding elder, and the preacher in charge was Joel Peake, the man to whom I gave my hand in joining the Church, who also baptized me, and is- sued my license to exhort. Brother Peake was then a man above forty years of age, and a splendid preacher. He lived, traveled, and died in the Louisville Conference. Father G. W. Taylor, the presiding elder at that time, was a strong, theo- logical, soul-stirring preacher. He had but few superiors in preaching in his day. The Sunday after my father's death I was nom- inated and appointed assistant class-leader of Mt. Pleasant Church, the class having near one hundred members. I was quite young, and the term of my 21 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF probation had just expired; but I went to work, singing and praying, and talking to the class. C. M. Frogge, father of the girl who afterwards became my wife, was the principal class-leader. On the 10th day of August, 1844, I was licensed to exhort. The first few efforts that I made at public exhortation were at Mt. Pleasant Church. I then labored on the East and West Forks of Obed's River, in the counties of Fentress and Overton, in Tennessee. I also held meetings in the Poplar Cove. It is worthy of notice that I was an assistant class-leader nearly four months, and a licensed ex- horter one day, before I received the ordinance of Christian baptism. A small strip of Tennessee had been taken into the Louisville Conference, notwith- standing the Discipline on Conference boundaries ever made the State-line of Tennessee and Kentucky the line between the Holston and Louisville Confer- ences. It may have been by some neglect on the part of the Holston Conference preachers that it was taken in by the Louisville Conference people. I think it was a very fortunate thing at the time; for it gave us a good opportunity to become ac- quainted with, and to greatly love, a large number of preachers, exhorters, and class-leaders, on the Kentucky side. Of some of those godly men I can not well for- bear making mention in this sketch. In my first Quarterly Conference sittings, which were in Ken- tucky, I call to mind such preachers as Absalom Davis, Charles Smith, Jordan Hunter, my own brother Edmondson Wright, then living in Ken- 22 RnR. A. B. WRIGHT. tucky, among the preachers. Old Uncle John Kelley, Elijah Keene, Daniel Shelley, and Peter Shelley, his brother, were the most holy and useful exhorters that I ever knew. I want to say that quarterly-meetings now are not what they were then, especially in this country. It was not uncom- mon in that day to see twenty, thirty, and some- times forty Quarterly Conference members together in one Quarterly Conference. Men would ride horseback twenty-five and thirty miles to attend a quarterly-meeting, and 0 what a loving handshaking time they would have! A love-feast was invariably held on every Sunday morning of the quarterly- meeting. Father George W. Taylor-for he was an old man-presided for two years after our first camp- meeting where I joined the Church. At that camp- meeting he preached the funeral of Hannah Williams, my wife's sister. At the second camp- meeting there, he preached the funeral of my father, John Wright, he having died in April before the meeting. At the third camp-meeting he preached the funeral of my wife's father, Cornelius M. Frogge, he having died in the summer of 1845, just before the camp-meeting. Father Frogge was the leader of a large class when lie died, and although I was a beardless boy, I took charge of the class. Many happy seasons have we enjoyed in class-meet- ing at old Mt. Pleasant meeting-house. I have been afraid, so many new institutions are springing up in the Church to meet the pro- gressive age in which we live, that the old land- marks, so essential to the very life and prosperity of 2,3 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Methodism, will be neglected. The most essential means of grace to the like of Methodism is the class-meeting. Epworth Leagues, Young Men's Christian Associations, and Christian Endeavor So- cieties may be, and are, all good in their places, but they can never do the work of the class-meeting. Class-meeting is one of the old and very essen- tial landmarks of' Metbodism. No place can be like it for the growth and permanency of the young convert. Where class-meetings are regularly kept up, we lose but a small per cent by backsliding, from our revival meetings. Where they are neglected, there is always a fearfully large number of our converts that go back to the world, especially converts among the young. Class-meetings are so essential to the being and prosperity of Methodism that to dispense with them would certainly destroy the life of the Church. I know that Churches may seem to live without them; but their life is only apparent, and they can reasonably adopt the language: "And shall we ever live At this poor dying rate, Oar love so faint, so cold to Thee, And Thine to us so great " A Methodist Church is certainly in a very sickly state without the blessed means of a class-meeting. The writer of this sketch, being a boy of sixteen years of age at conversion, and of more than an ordinary gay disposition, attributes his success in Christian life to the blessed influence of class-meet- ings, filling his first office in the Church as class- leader. This office he held without any intermission 24 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. for more than eight years, though during the time he was licensed to exhort and to preach, and for some years held the office of class-leader, exhorter, local preacher, steward and trustee of Church property. From past experience, I am convinced that parents, the Church, and class-leaders are responsible for fully three-fourths of the backsliding of so many young converts. If all young converts had the proper nursing they should have in the home, the Church, and by the class-leader, we would lose but a very small per cent of the converts from our re- vival-meetings. 0 that God would awaken us to our duty! In the spring 1844, when I had been in the Church only a short time, at the General Conference in New York the James 0. Andrew trouble on slavery came up, he being one of the Episcopal Board. He was required by a resolution of the General Conference to desist from his episcopal work until the impediment in his case should be removed. The Southern delegates were greatly excited by this action, and presented a petition to the General Conference, asking for a " provisional plan of separation " of the Church, whereby the Churches in the South might be permitted, if they so desired, to organize themselves into a separate organization. This plan the General Conference granted, and by a Convention, held in Louisville, Ky., in May, 1845, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was organized, the opinion of the Churches in the South on this question having been in the meantime obtained. Doubtless too much clemency was extended by AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF the Methodist Episcopal Church to the Southern Churches, by furnishing the "Plan of Separation" in the General Conference of 1844. This was un- fortunate to Methodism, and, no doubt, was an in- dex to great national troubles. Although but a boy, and of short experience in the Methodist Church, I strongly opposed the organization of the Southern Methodist Church. Could I have had a vote, I should have voted against it every time. The vote was not taken so generally nor unanimously as was reported in the Louisville Convention. Now let us pray for fraternal union, if we can not have organic union. The different limbs that have broken off from the old stalwart Methodist tree have only been a healthy pruning. The Protestant Methodist limb breaking off in 1828, the breach was soon healed. The Wesleyan Methodist limb breaking off in 1843, the breach was soon healed. The great division occurred in 1844; although incurring a heavy lawsuit, yet the breach has been fully healed. A small limb, in that of the Free Methodist, was broken off in 1860. The old tree sustains no loss, but is yet full of foliage and fruitage. I will here relate some inci- dents of my early Christian life. In the neigh- borhood where I lived, a certain man, the initials of whose name were W. P., made and circulated a very scandalous falsehood about me, and exerted his utmost power to break down my religious char- acter. Having been taught of God to overcome evil with good, at a night meeting, where God gave me great liberty to exhort sinners, this man was pres- ent, was deeply convicted, wept aloud, and cried for 26 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. mercy at the mourners' bench. After this he seemed to have the warmest friendship for me. In order to encourage all to overcome evil with good, I will relate another instance wherein Chris- tian charity subdued the rage of passion. A young lady, through a jealous disposition, became highly offended at me, insomuch that she came to where I was lodging for the night, on purpose to quarrel with me. I endured her raillery without resent- ment, remembering that the Bible says, "Charity beareth all things." Shortly after this, seeing her deeply affected at a religious service, I went to her, took her by the hand, and invited her to go with me into the altar of prayer. She trembled from head to foot like an aspen-leaf, but went readily to the altar, and ever afterward was a warm friend of mine. I mention these two instances, as I could many others, just to illustrate the power of relig- ious impressions, over a sinful heart, and to con- vince all young Christians, as well as more aged ones, that the shortest way to dispose of their diffi- culties with each other is to pray them out together at God's mercy-seat. Not long after I had entered upon Christian work, I was requested one evening to go to see a man who was very low with the fever, and was greatly concerned about his soul. Knowing the man in health to be noted for wickedness, and the dis- tance to go about five miles, and the natural timid- ity of my youth, were crosses hard to overcome. However I went, and lost but little time in offering to him a loving Savior, ready to receive him. He cried for mercy while I prayed at his bedside, until 27 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF he laid hold of the gospel promises and shouted aloud the praise of a pardoning God; shouting out of his bed until he fainted from weakness. But happy as he was, the dark side of the story is yet to come. He got well, and-O the ingratitude of the human heart!-he relapsed into sin again. Ever afterward, in his wicked revelries, he would refer to that time as the happiest hour of his life, and would affirm that he then enjoyed heartfelt religion, and would wish that he had then died. Let this be a standing warning to all to watch and pray. In endeavoring to serve God and the Church, I had great conflicts with the world. I found youth- ful association a mighty obstacle to a growth in grace. With all the care I could take in the selec- tion of pious company, youthful mirth would in- trude itself, and often bring me to tears of penitence. Sometimes I exclaimed with the great apostle, " 0 wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death " I worked constantly through the week for my widowed mother, and would then hold my meetings somewhere every Sunday. It was not long until I began to witness the conver- sion of my other brothers and sisters. I obtained the best helps that I could, with my limited means, in the way of good books. I would take a small pocket Testament with me to the field, and while resting the plow-horse, would study it closely, often reading as much as a whole chapter on my knees. I felt that the Lord had done so much for me that I wanted to do a great deal of work for his cause. I labored in this way as a Methodist exhorter for about four years. 28 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. When twenty-one years old, my mother gave to me a small horse and some other stock; these I exchanged for a large saddle-horse. My father, in his will, had appointed as his executor my brother, James M. Wright, who took great interest in my welfare, and was very helpful to me in my early ministry. I engaged myself and horse to my brother for one year at wages. I labored on the farm during the week at all kinds of farm labor, and held religious services at different places on Sunday. In the spring of 1845, at Mt. Pleas- ant meeting-house, I joined the Washingtonian Temperance Society. The public speakers on the occasion were T. C. Frogge, and Edward A. Mar- tin. From that time I have endeavored to pro- mote the cause of temperance the best I could. Since then I have lived a total abstainer from alco- holic drinks. In the spring of 1847, Jacob E. Williams and myself made a great many temperance speeches throughout the country. We organized lodges of this temperance order, and held three successive temperance exhibitions, on which occasions wve had immense temperance processions, and this noble cause was greatly uplifted. From my early boy- hood I have endeavored to contribute my influence in favor of every moral institution. My influence and my vote have ever been thrown in favor of the suppression of the great liquor business, the mighty foe of the Church and the country. In the sum- mer of 1848 I was recomnmended by the third Quarterly Conference to the fourth Quarterly Con- ference of Albany Circuit, in the Louisville Con- 29 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ference, for license to preach, and on July 31, 1848, at Five Springs, near the town of Albany, Clinton County, Kentucky, I was licensed to preach. John S. Noble was the preacher in charge, and Thomas Lasley was the presiding elder pro tem. With this step came additional responsibility, and I felt more than ever that I should consecrate my- self more fully to the Master's work. James King, a powerful preacher, had suc- ceeded Father George W. Taylor as presiding elder on the district. He remained for four years, and was succeeded by Rev. N. H. Lee, who remained OD the district for only two years. He was suc- ceeded by John F. South. Soon after South came on the district, the Holston Conference claimed their territory to the State line, and took it. John F. South was a very eloquent and able speaker, and soon after leaving the district he united with the Baptist Church somewhere in Kentucky. I was somewhat censured for the Holston Conference taking its own territory again. I think it was much for the best interest of the Church at that time, and has been ever since, doubtless. In the winter of 1848 1 taught a singing-school on Cumberland Mountain, eight miles southeast of Jamestown; the only singing-school I ever taught, however. I took great delight in singing, and in my young days had quite a good voice for it. In the spring of 1849 I was arranging for a matri- monial connection with Cvnthia S. Frogge, and had been for nearlv a year. We grew up together, in four miles of each other, and had been schoolmates, more or less, from early childhood. I thought I 30 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. loved her sufficiently to make her my life compan- ion, and her love to me seemed true. I had a great attachment to her eldest brother, Rev. T. C. Frogge, who was then, and had been for a few years, an itinerant preacher in the Louisville Con- ference. We were united together in holy matri- mony May 27, 1849, by my worthy brother, Rev. Edmondson Wright, on Sunday morning, about eight o'clock, at her mother's home. My wife's mother was the daughter of an itinerant minister in the early days, Rev. Timothy Carpenter. CHAPTER IV. A LOCAL PREACHER. SOON after our marriage we went to house- d keeping. By entering upon a married state, I thought I took a wise view of life's duties and dangers. I might have done more for the Lord in a single life, and yet I feared the slippery path of youth in a single life, and believed that I could live more consecrated to God with a good Christian helpmeet. I had made some secret promise to God that if I should be so fortunate as to become settled down in a home of my own that my life should be given to the Lord in itinerant work. The pros- pect for this at that time was gloomy; for neither of us had much to begin with, and no one to aid us. We went to housekeeping on my brother's land, known as the Low Gap farm, on the tribu- tary waters of Wolf River. The very first night we dedicated our home to the Lord with family 31 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF prayers. We held prayers again next morning, a rule of our family which we have faithfully ob- served ever since. After housekeeping about two months, I took employment to teach school in Morgan County, Tennessee. The school was near where my wife's grandparents and their son, Cyril Carpenter, lived. I boarded with them. It was truly a feast to my soul to listen to grandfather relate the scenes in his early ministry. Late in the year 1849 I rented land, and moved upon a farm of Miller Atkins, near my wife's mother. This placed us much more convenient to Church. We remained here for two years. We both used great industry, raised good crops, and accumulated considerable property. My wife was a worthy help- meet for me, both in laboring for our own welfare and in my ministerial work. In that day our cloth- ing, both for ladies and gentlemen, was made from the cotton which we grew ourselves, and of wool taken from our own sheep. Our mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters carded, spun, and wove these into cloth of every variety of color and kind, from which our clothing was made. Ready-made cloth- ing, as bought and worn now, was scarcely known then, and I must claim that people appeared about as handsomely dressed then as now. My wife made our clothing in this way. The weaving-loom was her piano in that day. In September, 1850, our first child was born, a girl. My wife came near dying of child-bed fever at this birth. By the mercy of God and the aid of a good physician she recovered. In December, 1851, our second child, a boy, was 32 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. born. In the fall of 1851, 1 was sorely afflicted, with a chronic affection of the liver, which caused me great suffering. It was several years before I obtained entire relief. All this time, during my very busy work and family afflictions, I endeavored to preach all that I could, and the Lord wonder- fully blessed my labors. After living two years on the land of Miller Atkins, I took a lease on land of my mother-in-law, and moved two or three hundred yards across the line onto it. I built another house to the one already there. We made this change in the spring of 1852, and remained there nearly six years We were taken back into the Holston Conference in about the year 1851. The first presiding elder from this Conference was R. M. Hickey, a strong young preacher, very sym- pathetic and moving in his sermons. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. David Fleming, a strong preacher and a very good man. His successor on the dis- trict was Rev. W. C. Daily, a smooth, good preacher. During his term on the district the War of the Rebellion came up. In the summer of 1854 I was recommended by the Quarterly Conference of the Jamestown Circuit for local deacon's orders to the Holston Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to meet in Cleveland, Tenn., on October 12, 18.54. I left home on Sunday morning, October 8th, rode nine- teen miles and attended a meeting that Rev. B. L. Stephens was holding at Washington Taylor's. In company with Brother Stephens and Rev. Ramey Oaks, I rode nine miles from this place, and took supper with Brother Lee Taylor. We rode 3 ,33 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF three miles more after supper, and staid all night with Brother Oaks. At Brother Lee Taylor's there were several lawyers and a circuit judge on their way to hold circuit court in Jamestown. The next (lay, myself and these two brethreu set off for the Annual Conference. We rode out of Fentress through a portion of Morgan and into Bledsoe County, through the Grassy Cove on to Walden's Ridge. On account of the flux raging on Walden's Ridge, we could not procure a lodging-place for the night until a late hour. We were somewhat disturbed with the thought of having to go down Walden's Ridge that night, it being very dark. This would have greatly endangered our lives. At last we came in sight of a light, and went to it. It was from a small cabin. We called to stay all night, but the man of the house said be was not prepared to keep us; yet as it was impossible to go down the mountain after night, he would take us in and treat us the best he could. After feeding our horses and going into the house, I thought the place looked more like the residence of a cut-throat than of any one else. I must confess. I was in some suspense until I heard a little child singing, " I have a home in the promised land." Then I felt safe, for I knew that parents who taught their little children to praise God would harm no one. We soon learned that the family were religious and members of the Methodist Church. They treated us kindly, and did not want to receive any pay from us. However, we paid them. The next day we rode to Uncle Dan Carpen- ter's, in McMinn County, remained in that settle- 34 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. ment twvo days, had meeting, and then rode to Cleveland on Friday evening, having gone about thirty-five miles that day. Brother Oaks and I were assigned our boarding-place by Rev. W. C. Daily, at Brother Wood's. Heaven bless that brother! On Saturday, myself and Brother Oaks were electe(d to deacons' orders, and Brother Stephens to el(ler's orders. On Saturday night Dr. IE. H. Myers, of Charleston, South Carolina, preached an excellent discourse. On Sunday morn- ing Bishop George F. Pierce preached a soul-stir- ring sermon from Mlatt. xix, 29. In the evening Dr. John B. MNeFerrin, of Nashville, preached a happy discourse from Psalms lxxxiv, 10-1 1. At the close of Bishop Pierce's sermon, myself and a number of others were ordained deacons in the Church of God, and at the close of the evening service several were ordained elders. This was Oc- tober 15, 1854. On Monday morning we started for home, rode into McNinn County the first day, and had meeting at night. The next day we rode to the Grassy Cove, and the next day to Brother Oaks's. The folloving (lay I reached home, and found my family all wvell. In the summer of 1855 I was solicited to preach in a Campbellite settlement, where there were very few Methodists. Opposition upon the part of the Campbellites was said to be used; but despite all, the Lord came down in great power, and converted twelve or fifteen souls. Fifteen joined the Meth- odist Church. Our third child, John Wesley, a large boy babe, was born October 5, 1857. In the fall of 1857 I bought a farm of one hmunidred and 35 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF sixty acres lying near the Kentucky line, in Fen- tress County, and moved to it on the last day of the year. This was a body of good land, for which I paid 800, paying partly money down, and the re- mainder in installments. T7he neighborhood was an excellent community of people, but there were no Methodists living near. I opened my own private house for circuit preaching each month, and soon a class was organized, composed of my family and some of the neighbors. Circuit preaching was kept up in our home for years. Oue home was also the resting-place of the itinerant Methodist preacher. Sometimes they spent a week of rest on each round in our humble abode. Myself and family became greatly attached to these godly men, who came each year to minister to us in holy things. Myself and wife used great industry and economy to pay for our home, and to make ourselves comfortable. During the year 18058, I cultivated a good crop of wheat, oats, and rye, and tended twenty-three acres of corn, wvithout hiring any help. My land was strong, and I raised bountiful crops, and sold a great deal of grain. I also raised large numbers of hogs and cattle each year, and raised and sold some mule colts. Also in this year I cleared up the land and cultivated a large tobacco-crop, which I was able to turn into money during the next winter. We had a large orchard of apple-trees of splendid fruit. My wife cut and dried in the old-fashioned way, in the sunshine, large quantities of these, with which she bought her own better wearing apparel- calicoes, ginghams, worsteds, shoes, and domestics. She kept a large flock of geese, and with the feath- .36 RE;v. A. B. WRIGHT. . ers from these l)oulght all our groceries, coffee, sugar, and other things. I mention this to show the young people of to-day just how we lived in that day. A happier life has never been lived than we lived in that good old time. In the summer and fall of this year I taught school four months at the Holly Grove school- house, near John Campbell's, three miles from my home. I worked all day in the school-room-for I had a large number of' students-and then till a late hour at night, and in the early, dewvy morning in my tobacco-crop. I hired no help, but worked almost day and night. For teaching I received eighteen dollars per month, which was considered liberal wages for a teacher in that day. In August, 18F8, the Cumberland Presbyterians held their annual camp-meeting at Lick Creek Camp-ground, in Fen- tress County. Myself and family attended it. The services began on Saturday. Tuesday following, an event occurred that broke up the meeting. A diffi- culty arose over business matters between twin brothers, Alexander and Floyd Evans, and their cousin James Reed on one side, and Champ Fer- guson on the other, who afterwards became a noted Confederate guerrilla leader during the Civil War. When the difficulty arose, Ferguson left the grounds to prevent disturbing the worship. The other party followed and overtook him one-half mile from the camps, when a deadly battle ensued, in which Ferguson killed James Reed with a knife, and badly injured Floyd Evans. He was on trial for this murder in the circuit court of Fentress County when the war came up. 37 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF As I have mentioned Ferguson's name, and be- cause of his notoriety during the Civil War, I will say of him, that before the war he was known as an orderly citizen, honest in his dealings, and a man well-to-do in the world; lbut a dangerous man when exasperated. In the fall of this year our babe was greatly troubled in teething, that led to inflammation of the brain. On a fair golden autumn day-September 13, 1858-about one o'clock in the afternoon, lie plumed his angel wings, and with a smile bid fare- well to a sin-cursed world, and flew home to glory. Thank God, we have a precious babe in the heav- enly world. Our family link reaches from earth to heaven. "One army of the living God, To his command we bow; Part of his hosts have crossed the flood, And part are crossing now." We take courage when we bear our blessed Lord say: "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." "I take these little lambs. said he, And lay them to my breast; Protection they shall find in me, In me be ever blessed." We laid him to rest the next dav in Mt. Pleasant churchyard, where I joined the Church. At his burial, singing and prayer were offered by Rev. Willett G. Sherman. During the Civil War the churchyard was neglected, and so overrun by troops and others, that all traces of his grave were lost, and his resting-place is now unknown. In the autumn ,38 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. of this year the celebrated blazing star appeared in the northwestern heavens. Its head was about half- way between the horizon and the zenith, and its brilliant tail reached nearly halfway across the heavens. It lighted. up the night, and remained for weeks. Among the superstitious it was regarded as the harbinger of war. During this year I spent about all my Sundays in preaching, and witnessed many precious meetings in which souls were converted. It was a year of great sadness to our home; but there were many things for which to rejoice. Praise the Lord! The year 1859, I farmed about as I had done in 18.58; raised large crops of grain and tobacco; sold num- bers of hogs, cattle, and mule-colts, and in the autumn taught a school of three months at Van Buren Academy, two miles from my home, for which I received twenty dollars per month as wages. We were now about out of debt; had improved our home and the farm greatly, and were gathering about us comfort and plenty. Our two living children were healthy, of strong mind, and were attending school. We were looking forward to our coming future, with bright prospects. I spent my Sundays in ministerial work, and held many protracted meet- ings, with gracious results. In the spring of 1860 our community was greatly scourged with an epidemic of scarlet fever among the children. A great many among our neighbors died with it. Almost every home was in mourning on the account of a death. I held many funeral services, and endeavored to comfort many sad- hearted. Our then only son was taken with it, .39 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF March 1st, and went down to death's door. By the mercy of God, in answer to prayer, and by the assistance of our splendid physician, Dr. Paige, he recovered. This year found me out of' debt. In the summer of 1860 I field a meeting three or four days in the Poplar Cove, Fentress County, Tennessee, which resulted in fifteen conversions, and about as many joined the Church. In July, I' witnessed one conversion at Mount Pleasant Church. In the following October, at an evening service which I held at Sulphur Springs school-house, we had eight happy conversions. The result of' my ministerial work for the year was twenty-four con- versions, and I took about twenty into the Church. During the fall of this year the exciting Pres- idential election occurred, that resulted in the Civil War. There were four candidates in the field. Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, was the Peace Dem- ocratic candidate. John C. Breckinridge was the States' Rights Democratic candidate. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, was the candidate of the Re- publican party. John Bell, of Tennessee, was the candidate of the Union-American party. True to the teachings of my fathers, I had always been a Democrat, and voted, with the other Democrats of my State, for John C. Breckinridge, though the electoral vote of the State was cast for her favorite son, John Bell. Lincoln was elected. 40 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. CHAPTER V. ROUGH TIMES. IN the winter and spring of 1861 the Civil War came upon the land. Eleven Southern States rebelled against the Federal Government. Tennessee seceded in June. I did not vote when the question of " secession " or " no secession " was before the peo- plle, but I was opposed to secession. During four years the country was in the throes of an awfil strife. Civil courts were suspended in Tennessee. Anarchy prevailed every wvhere. Post-offices and post-roads were abandoned. No stores were kept. Calicoes, domestics, coffees, sugars, shoes, hats, ready-made clothing, and all kinds of merchandise were things of the past. Pastors abandoned their Churches. In Fentress County, the people were divided on the great question. Those on the side of the South enlisted in the Confederate army; and those on the side of the North went through the lines into Kentucky, and enlisted in the Federal army. Many homes were abandoned by the entire family, some going to Kentucky, and the opposite side down South, for greater security from the guerrilla bands on either side. Whole plantations were thrown out to the commons, having been de- serted. Waste and ruin wvere upon every hrand. I preached for all the Churches, opened the doors of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and re- ceived members, baptized them, lettered them when they removed, and thus acted as a self constituted pastor until the return of peace. I held a basket- -11 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF meeting at Van Buren Academy, commencing on Saturday before the first Sabbath in August, which lasted five days, and resulted in eleven happy con- versions and ten accessions to the Methodist Church. We were greatly indebted to the Rev. Timothy C. Peters for very efficient labors per- formed during the first two days of this meeting, for he preached with the power of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. We were also indebted to Daniel R. Reagan for efficient labors, the last three days of the meeting. Brother Peters, in one of his sermons, took occasion to speak of the war as an unholy war, which gave great offense to the leading secessionists, who brought soldiers to the meeting the next day to have him arrested; but lie became apprised of their purpose, and escaped into Ken- tucky. During the latter part of the meeting two home guards, named Williams, greatly disturbed the meeting in an effort to kill Captain Barton, who had recently enlisted in the Confederate army. Captain Barton was a relative of my wife. Such were the times through which we passed. At a subsequent evening meeting at Van Buren Academy, there was one conversion. I realized other happy meetings during the remainder of the year. In September of this year, Federal troops of the First Kentucky Cavalry came out from Albany in Clinton County, and attacked some Confederate recruits from Wayne County, Kentucky, stationed at Travisville, Tenn., and killed a young man named Henry Sofley, the first blood shed in our community during the war. In the latter part of this year, General Zollicoffer, with a Confederate 42 RRV. A. B. WRIGHT. army, passed through Fentress County into Wayne County, Kentucky, and across the Cumberland River, and took position at Mill Springs. The re- sult of my ministry during the year was twelve conversions, and ten accessions to the Methodist Church, just half the amount of success that I had realized the preceding year. I can not account for this on any other ground than from the confusion that the war had spread through the country. It was now that the muttering tones of the distant thunders of human woe began to pour their melan- choly strains upon our ears. 0 gracious Lord, save innocent blood from staining a Christian land ! Blessed be God, I am not afraid to die, therefore I will meet all dangers for the cause of my Master. In January, 1862, General Zollicoffer was de- feated and killed at Mill Springs, Kentucky, and his entire army routed after a bloody battle. Later in the spring, Federal troops came into our part of Tennessee. About this time, Tinker Dave Beatty organized his guerrilla band, on the Federal side, in the fastnesses of the Poplar and Buffalo Coves, and held his ground there during the remainder of the war. Champ Ferguson, on the Confederate side, oc- cupied Overton, Clay, White, and the valley part of Fentress Counties, with an independent company. Between these independent companies a constant warfare was carried on during the remainder of the war. The great battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh were fought during the winter and spring of this year. During the summer, Colonel John H. Morgan passed through Fentress, and made a very destructive 4,3 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF raid into Kentucky. In the autumn, General Bragg invaded Kentucky, and the battle of Perry- ville was fought, resulting disastrously to his army. I will now relate some of the atrocious scenes that occurred during this year within my knowledge. In May, Alexander Huff, an inoffensive Union man was captured by a Confederate force, and while a prisoner, was cruelly murdered near the Three Forks of Wolf River. About the same time, two men near us, John Duncan and John Rich, brothers-in-law, were murdered by Confederate troops. Their offense was that they had joined a home guard. In the latter part of the year, an excellent young man, living on Wolf River, John Riley by name, was murdered by Union bush- whackers in his father's yard. He was a non-com- batant and a harmless young man. His only offense was that he sympathized with the South. Champ Ferguson murdered Whigge Frogge, shooting him while sick in bed with measles; his offerse was that be was a Union man. About the same time, Fer- guson murdered Reuben Woods, a most excellent and inoffensive man, in his own house. In September, W. L. Allen, a young man of our community, a Confederate soldier, was killed from ambush, near Hale's Mills. He left a young widow, whom he had married about one year before. His comrades, who were with him, in retaliation burned a number of the neighboring houses of Union people, several families, consisting of women and children, being turned out of doors without a shelter. Many homes on both sides, during this dreadful war, were burned in our section. On the 44 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. cold evening of October 24th, Tinker Beatty, with about one hundred men, made a raid through our settlement, and killed, at the Poore place near us, a Confederate soldier named Milligan, and fatally wounded another, Henry Richardson. On that night a snow one foot deep fell. I will now relate my ministerial work for the year. In May, at an appointment I filled at Van Buren Academy, I witnessed one happy conversion. I had witnessed one at the same. place a short time before. I held a basket-meeting of three days at the same place, embracing the fourth Sabbath in July. There were no conversions, though a good time with Christians. I also held a basket-meeting at Sulphur Springs school-house for two days, em- bracing the first Sabbath in August. Here a false report respecting military men greatly injured our meeting. Our most zealous brethren, through fear, left the meeting ground. Here there were no con- versions, but a good time with Christians. Glory be to God! Great credit is due the good people at both of these places for bringing a full supply of provisions each day to feed the congregation. I held a basket-meeting at Brother Joshua Story's, near the Kentucky line. This meeting lasted six days, and resulted in twelve happy conversions and fifteen accessions to our Church. It embraced the second Sabbath in August. Never will the heavenly glory of this meeting be erased from many noble Christian hearts, but will blaze upon the archives of memory forever. We prav God that it may be as bread cast upon the waters, that may be gathered for many days to come. What rendered the meet- 4,5 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ing most interesting was that members of different Churches, and persons holding different views in politics, embraced each other with warmest hearts, and together in the altar shouted, Glory to God in the highest! On Sunday of this meeting I preached the funeral of Sarah Ann M. Harris to an attentive audience. A few weeks after this I bap- tized twelve persons-three by affusion and nine by immersion-who were converted in this meeting. I held a two days basket-meeting at Hale's Mills, embracing the fourth Sabbath in September, and here witnessed one happy conversion. The result of the years' work was fifteen conversions, and twenty-three accessions to the Methodist Church. I baptized fifteen persons, and married five couples. Thanks be to the Great Head of the Church for the mercies of the past year! During the first days of the year 1863, the bloody battle of Stone River was fought in Middle Tennessee. In the summer of this year, General John H. Morgan passed through Fentress County, on his last raid into Kentucky. At Lebanon, Kentucky, he burned up several millions of dollars in Government stores. The smoke of this fire darkened the heavens for days. In August, a part of General Burnside's Federal army passed through our section into East Tennessee. In September the great battle of Chickamauga was fought; and later in the year, the battles of Mission Ridge and of Knoxville were fought. During the summer of this year Peter Beach, one of Tinker Beatty's men, was raptured by the Confederates, and killed at V 46 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. Three Forks of Wolf River, while on his knees praying to God for mercy. In the autumn of this year Conrad Pile was killed near my home by Confederate troops, having been taken prisoner. He was a noncombatant, but a Union man. Scores of others on both sides, in the same manner, were murdered in our county during this year. On February 22, 1863, our fourth child, a daughter, Deborah Caroline, was born. In the year 1863 my appointments were once or twice everv week. I held a basket-meeting on Back Creek, at Mole's school-house, embracing the second Sabbath in August, which lasted three days, and re- sulted in three happy conversions. I held a basket-meeting at a school-house in Stockton's Valley, Clinton County, Kentucky, em- bracing the third Sabbath in August, which lasted two days. We had a happy time with ChristiaDs, but no conversions. On Sunday of this meeting I preached the funeral of Martha Savage, to a large congregation. I held a basket-meeting at Brother Joshua Story's, embracing the fourth Sabbath in August, which lasted two days, and resulted in two conversions, and four accessions to our Church. Again I held a basket-meeting at Head of the Cane school-house, embracing the first Sabbath in Sep- tember, which lasted three days, and resulted in two happy conversions. I closed this meeting, leaving many penitents at the altar, because I broke down and was unable to preach. During the year 1863 I preached sixty-seven sermons. A copy of the texts I used I have among 47 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF my papers. The result of the year was eight con- versions, and four accessions to the Methodist Church. I also baptized during the year three in- fants and five adults. The great military operations of 1864 were the battles in Virginia between Gen- erals Grant and Lee, and the advance of General Sherman from Dalton to Atlanta in Georgia, and subsequently the march to the sea; also the battles of Franklin and Nashville in our own State. Many were the atrocious scenes in my own immediate sec- tion. In January of this year, one-half mile from my home, in a battle between some of Beatty's and Ferguson's men, Hiram Richardson, John Smith, and Thomas Riley, Confederates, were killed. They were young men from families of my neighbors. Young Riley was taken prisoner and brutally mur- dered, while begging of his captors the privilege of seeing his young wife, who was only one-half mile away, before they killed him. This was denied him. The young wife died soon afterwards of a broken heart. In the spring of this year, Fountain Frost, a Confederate soldier, was killed by Beatty's men, at Gilreath's Mills, near my home, while begging for his life. In June, Jefferson Pile, a man who had taken no part in the Civil War, but was a Southern man, was cruelly murdered by Beatty's men, near the Three Forks of Wolf River. During the sum- mer of this year my brother-in-law, George Y. Carpenter, a Federal soldier, who was at home on a visit to his family in the Poplar Cove, was killed by Confederate troops. In November, four young men, Federal soldiers, were killed three miles from 48 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. my home, by two of Ferguson's men, whom they had attacked. During the year, notwithstanding the thunder- ing storms of an awful revolution raged, I endeav- ored to urge the conquest of Zion. I had constant appointments to preach, and, thank God, he sanc- tioned my efforts. I labored in Fentress County, Tennessee, and in Wayne and Clinton Counties, Kentucky. At a meeting I held in June, at Brother Thomas Savage's, in Clinton County, Kentucky, there were three happy conversions, and two joined the Methodist Church. I held a basket-meeting near the same place, at Ferguson's school-house, the fourth Saturday and Sunday in August, which continued two days. Several mourners were at the altar, and I took two white persons and one colored girl into the Church. Myself and Rev. Robert Ramsey held a basket-meeting at Van Buren Ac- ademy the first Saturday and Sunday in September. Several mourners were at the altar; one was happily converted, and three joined the Methodist Church. The meeting lasted three days, at the close of which I baptized two by pouring and two by immersion. During the year, I held but two basket-meetings. This is explained by saying, that I received so many applications to preach funerals, and some of these at a great distance, I was unable to hold any more. I could not attend to all the applications that I re- ceived to preach funerals. We had some precious meetings at funeral appointments. These were held on Otter Creek, Beaver Creek, Carpenter's Fork, and at Bethesda Church, in Wayne County, Ken- tucky; and on Spring Creek and Lick Creek, in 4 49 AUTrOBIOGRAPHY OF Clinton County; also among the hills and coves of Fentress County, Tennessee. On December 10th, at night, I preached at James Coil's, in Wayne County, Kentucky, to a large crowd. There were three happy conversions. I had ridden fourteen miles in the morning, and preached at twelve o'clock the funerals of two little children. I went from Coil's to Bethesda Church, and preached the funeral of an excellent young lady, to an at- tentive audience. During the year, I preached fifty-seven times, took eight pereons into the Church, baptized five infants and six adults-four by pour- ing and two by immersion-and had at my appoint- ments seven happy conversions to God. I also preached the funerals of thirty-three persons. With the close of this year it was evident that the cause of the Confederacy was rapidly approach- ing an end. 0 how grateful I feel to my Heavenly Father for his unspeakable mercies toward me dur- ing the past year! The military events of 186.5 were the surrender of Lee to Grant in Virginia, and of Johnson to Sherman in North Carolina; also the assassination of President Lincoln, while attending a theater, by J.Wilkes Booth. In February of thisyear, in one-half mile of my home, Beatty's men killed an old man, Robert Richardson, who was ninety-two years old, and was too feeble to walk across the room without help. He was murdered in the most brutal manner. His only offense was, that his sons were in the Confederate army. In April, Captain Bar- ton, a Confederate soldier, was killed within one mile of my home by Federal troops. On the fourth Sabbath in March, on the head- 50 RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. waters of Spring Creek, I preached the funeral of an infant son of William and Hester Ann Smith. We had a precious meeting. . On the second Sab- bath of May, I preached the funeral of Robert McGhee, at Travisville, Tennessee. Mourners wept at the altar, and two joined the Methodist Church. In May of this year, the white-winged angel of peace once more spread her pinions over our dis- tracted land. 0 how welcome was this peace! By order of Presdent Johnson, the people were asked to repair to their accustomed places of worship and return thanks to Almighty God for this blessing once more upon the land. A few neighbors and myself met in a building used for a school-house, near my home, and held a thanksgiving service. A great change had come to the South. The Negroes, who had been held as slaves, were now free. These very generally abandoned their old homes, and roamed about the country in quest of some means of support. They were without property, and without education. They either became tenants upon plantations, or worked at low wages for the white race. They were also invested with the right of suffrage, while the white race were almost entirely disfranchised. Unscrupulous Northern adventurers poured into the South, and, supported by Negro votes and United States troops, took charge of State Governments, much to the dissatisfaction, oppression, and distress of the country. This was known as the period of reconstruction. On July 31,1864, our fifth child, William Dudley Wright, was born. ,51 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHAPTER VI. GREAT EVENTS. WUT HEN peace was fully restored, and the State VVGovernment was set up, my sympathy and vote were with the Republican party, because I believed it was not only the champion of human liberty, but had been the savior of the nation in the hour of peril. I have never allowed politics to occupy much of my thought and life. The first Sabbath in June of this year, in Wayne County, Kentucky, I preached the funerals of two infant children of a colored woman, named Maria Miller. The names of the children were Edia and Abel. We had a glorious shout in the camps of Israel. On the fourth Sabbath in May, I took a good Cumberland Presbyterian into the Methodist Church. I continued preaching funerals at different points. On the fourth Sabbath in July, I preached twice at Sulphur Springs school-house. We had several weeping penitents at the altar, and one happy con- version to God. On the fifth Sabbath in July, at Story's graveyard, we had a great many mourners at the altar, four happy conversions, and one acces- sion to our Church. The following day we had a happy time, and one more conversion. On the second Saturday in August, I commenced a basket- meeting at Ferguson's school-house, which lasted five days. During that time I preached three funerals. We had a glorious move in Israel's ranks. Mourners in crowds wept at the altar. Such deep penitence I never witnessed before, and 52 RE3V. A. B. WRIGHT. the conversions were the brightest I ever saw. During the meeting, we had eight happy conver- sions, and seven joined the Methodist Church. In September of this year, I was taken with a violent attack of bilious fever, and was in low condition for a number of days, but by the good providence of God I recovered. On the first Sabbath in October, at a meeting I held at Thomas Savage's, in Clinton County, Ken- tucky, we had a great time of religious rejoicing. I felt uncommon liberty in preaching on the resur- rection. One joined the Methodist Church. On the fourth Sabbath in October, after baptizing some young converts, I repaired to a graveyard, near Thomas Savage's, and preached the funeral of a most excellent Christian girl. We had a gracious time of the overshadowing presence of Jesus in our midst, and one happy conversion to God. Glory to Jesus' precious name, this year so far has been a happy one to my soul! In December I filled four appointments on the Albany Circuit, for my brother, E. Wright, who was preacher in charge of that work. On mv return home I held a night service at Thomas Savage's, and, praised be Jesus' name, we had a precious time! While a great many Christians shouted aloud the praise of God, mourners were weeping aloud for mercy, and two young ladies joined the Methodist Church. The result of the year's labor in Christ's holy vineyard are as fol- lows: I preached sixty-nine times, received twelve into the Church, and witnessed fifteen happy con- versions. I baptized seven sweet infants and two 53 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF adults by pouring and six by immersion. I preached the funerals of thirty-three persons in Wayne and Clinton Counties, Kentucky, and in Fentress County, Tennessee. It will be seen that the year 1865 was a more useful year of my life than 1864. Thanks be to the Great Head of the Church, for his un- speakable mercies to me! Hail, 0 hail thou, 1866! Notwithstanding the inclement wintry blast, I began my year's labor much earlier than last year. After passing through January and February, on the first Sabbath in March, at night, I held a meet- ing at Brother Thomas Savage's. Thank God, we had a feast with Christians, three happy conversions and three accessions to the Methodist Church! At a meeting I held the 1st of May, at Sister Duncan's in preaching for her afflicted son, two persons joined the Church, and at a meeting that I held the first of May, at Brother P. H. Davidson's, we had several weeping penitents at the altar and one accession to the Church. The day following I held meeting on the Three Forks of Wolf River, where there were again some penitents, and four joined the Church. In April I held a meeting at Ferguson's school- house, in Clinton County, Kentucky, and baptized two young converts by immersion, after which, in holding prayers in Mother Ferguson's house before we parted, the Lord powerfully converted one soul. The above aged lady was the excellent mother of the noted Champ Ferguson. At a meeting that I held at Head of the Cane, the last of May, we had a number of penitents at the altar, and one con- version. On Saturday before the second Sunday in June, 54 Ritv. A. B. WRIGHT. after preaching at eleven o'clock, and baptizing one lady by immersion, I preached in the evening at Thomas Hays's. We had a number of penitents at the altar and one conversion. The next day I preached twice at Ferguson's school-house, and witnessed one more happy conversion to God, and took seven persons into our Church. Here I left a goodly number of penitents at the altar. On the fourth Sabbath in June, S. Grear and myself preached a funeral together at Mother Evans's, Fen- tress County, Tennessee. We had a number of penitents and five happy conversions. In the even- ing of the same day, I preached at Van Buren Academy. We again had a number of penitents at the altar, and one accession to our Church. In June of this year I changed my Church relations. Bishop Early held the sessions of the Holston Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for the years 1862, 1863, and 1864. A number of the ministers of the Conference were expelled be- cause of their well-known Union sentiments. These, with other Union ministers, traveling and local, to- gether with a large number of Union people among the membership of the Church, felt that, under the circumstances, they could not longer live happily in the Southern Church. Accordingly, under the di- rection of Bishop Clark, the work of the reorgan- ization of the Methodist Episcopal Church was be- gun in East Tennessee, in the year 1864. The first Conference session was held in May, 1865, in Athens, Tennessee, Bishop Clark presiding. I opposed the division in 1844, and all the time regarded the Church South, as built upon the insti- 55 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF tution of slavery, the sum of all villainies. My mind had been made up to the fact, during the Civil War, that, should the Methodist Episcopal Church return to the South, I would welcome the op- portunity of returning to its ranks. I was strongly opposed to secession, as well as the division of the Methodist Church in 1844; and when the first op- portunity offered, in June, 1866, I gladly trans- ferred my membership from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to the Methodist Episcopal Church. This was the Church which I had joined when a boy, and I felt that I had returned to my old home again. I am not sectarian in making choice of the old Methodist Episcopal Church. It is the Church of my choice. I believe that the doctrines of Meth- odism are founded upon the Scriptures, and I be- lieve that the Methodist Episcopal Church is the best type of Methodism in the world. It suits me better than any other; hence my choice. I do not fault any one for preferring some other Methodism, or some other Church. Embracing the first Sabbath in July, beginning the day before, Rev. T. A. Cass, preacher in charge of Jamestown Circuit, and myself held a meeting at Travis school-house, on Caney Creek, Fentress County, Tennessee, which lasted six days, and re- sulted in fifty happy conversions to God; forty- eight joined our Church. Such an overwhelming power of the presence of Jesus I have scarcely ever seen. Among the converts were some that had stood very remote from the worship of God. Convictions were deep, and conversions were powerful. Chris- tians united in shouting from the top of their voices, 5 6 REV. A. B. WRIGHWr. "Victory! victory! victory!" It is due the excel- lency of this meeting to say, that it occurred in a settlement where the mourners' bench had been ridi- culed from the pulpit by the opponents of our meth- ods. Hallelujah! Glory to God in the highest! Embracing the second Sabbath in July, I labored in a two days' meeting in Poplar Cove, in connec- tion with Rev. Samuel Grear, which resulted in five conversions to God, and about as many joined our Church. To God be all the glory! Embracing the third Sabbath in July, I labored in a meeting at Van Buren Academy, in connection with Samuel Grear, T. A. Cass, H. C. Huffaker, and Levi Sheppard, where we had a moving time indeed. The Lord came down in chariots of tri- umph at our first coming together, and before the meeting closed he powerfully converted sixty-five souls; sixty-one joined our Church. The saints of God shouted together the praises of salvation. Glory be to Jesus' name! On Saturday before the second Sunday in Au- gust, I preached at the old Story graveyard, where two joined our Church. The following day I preached some funerals at Travis school-house, and three more joined the Church. On Saturday before the fourth Sabbath in July, I preached at Ferguson's school-house. We had one happy conversion. The following day I preached some funerals at Thomas Hays's, took one into the Church, and had three conversions. On the first Sabbath in September I preached at Head of the Cane. We had a melting season, and two happy conversions. At our second quarterly- 57 Rzv. A. B. WRIGHT. meeting for Jamestown Circuit, held at Van Buren Academy, I preached twice, and other ministers preached. We had a number of penitents at the altar, and five joined our Church. On the fourth Saturday and Sunday in September, I held a two days' meeting at Concord Church, in Clinton County, Kentucky, where four joined the Church. On the 26th of November, in the evening, 1 held a meet- ing for George Huckabee, as he was on his death- bed. We had a number of penitents, and one conversion. On the third Saturday and Sunday in Novem- ber, I held a two days' meeting at Head of the Cane. On Sunday we had several penitents, and five joined the Church-ome by letter, and some new accessions. On Saturday before the first Sab- bath in December, at a meeting I held at Andrew Kannatsur's, near Head of the Cane, we had a num- ber of penitents, and two joined the Church. The following day, one joined our Church at my meet- ing at P. H. Davidson's. On the second Saturday and Sunday in December, I held a two days' meet- ing in Morgan County, Tennessee, where we had a moving time. On Sunday night there were several mourners at the altar, and two happy conversions to God. On Thursday night following, I held a meeting at Timothy Gauney's, at the Head of Dry Creek, in Fentress County, where we had a number of penitents, three conversions, and one joined our Church. Timothy Asbury Wright, our sixth child, was born August 21st, of this year, 1 866. The results of the year were as follows: I mar- ried three couples, baptized by immersion sixty-two 58 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. persons, and six by pouring. I received one hun- dred and fifty-six into the Church, witnessed one hundred and forty-four conversions to God, and preached the funerals of twenty-nine persons, in- fants and adults. Glory be to God for his great mercies during the past year! My Lord, how grateful I should be that my unprofitable life has been spared to enter upon the duties of another year! Notwithstanding that January and February were very inclement, with falling weather, and the roads were very bad, yet I frequently engaged in fighting the battles of the Lord. On the second Sat- urday and Sunday in February, at Brother Samuel Ramsey's the third quarterly-meeting for the Jamestown Circuit was held. Rev. T. A. Cass, Rev. S. Grear, and myself preached on the occa- sion. On Sunday night there was a large number of penitents at the altar, four conversions, and four joined our Church. On the third Sabbath in April, at Concord Church, in Clinton County, Kentucky, we had sev- eral penitents at the altar, and Christians shouted aloud the praises of God. We had one happy con- version, and three accessions to our Church. On the first Saturday and Sunday in May I engaged in a meeting in connection with T. A. Cass, Sam- uel Grear, and Levi Sheppard. The meeting lasted three days, and resulted in seven conversions and eight accessions to the Church. To God be all the praise! On the third Saturday in May, in the evening, I held a meeting at Isham Richards's. We had a large number of penitents, and one happy conversion to God. On Sunday, the following day, 59 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF I held a meeting at the Head of the Cane. Chris- tians had a feast, and there were two happy con- versions to God. Hallelujah! On Thursday before the third Sunday in July, Rev. T. A. Cass and myself held a meeting in the evening at Brother William Cowan's, on Caney Creek. We had a number of penitents at the altar, one conversion, and one accession to the Church. Embracing the third Saturday and Sun- day in July, I labored in a meeting at William Hill's, in Fentress County, in connection with Thomas Cass, Samuel Grear, and Levi Sheppard. There were a number of penitents, and the saints of God shouted aloud the praises of the Captain ot their salvation. Sixteen souls were happily con- verted, and about that number joined the Church. Embracing the fourth Saturday and Sunday in July, I held a basket-meeting at Concord Church. Sev- eral penitents wept at the altar, there were four happy conversions, and one joined the Church. Embracing the first Sabbath in August, Samuel Grear and myself held a meeting at Otter Creek, in Wayne County, Kentucky. It was an excellent meeting, indeed. Penitents crowded the altar, and up to Tuesday evening, when I left, we had had about twenty happy conversions, and thirteen had joined our Church. On Friday evening before the third Sabbath in August, I held meeting at Head of the Cane. There were several penitents and one conversion. The following day I began a meeting at A. M. Allan's, in Fentress County, which continued nine days, and resulted in forty-three happy conversions 60 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. and forty accessions to the Methodist Church. It was a time of deep, serious impressions upon all present; mourners crowded to the altar in large numbers. That which rendered the revival still more congratulating was, several of the first-class ladies and gentlemen of the country were among the converts. The people brought their pro- visions upon the ground, and remained during the day. There were no services at night. On Friday before the first Sabbath in September, my brother, Rev. C. C. Wright, and myself, held a meeting at this same place. A number of penitents were at the altar, and one was happily converted. On this occasion my brother preached the funerals of Mrs. Gilreath and her brother, W. L. Allan, who had been killed in the Confederate army. In Sep- tember, at a prayer-meeting held at Brother J. H. Carter's, we had a refreshing time; several penitents, one conversion, and one accession to the Church. Embracing the second Saturday and Sunday in August, at our last quarterly-meeting for the year, which was held in Jamestown, I was recommended by the Holston Conference, to be held in Knox- ville, for admission into the traveling connection. It was through the earnest persuasion of the pre- siding elder, Rev. J. A. Hyden, and my other brethren, that I did this. I was also recommended at the same time to the Annual Conference for elder's orders. While I was a local preacher I devoted a great deal of my time to preaching and holding protracted meetings through the summer and fall seasons; for in that place and time there were very few church 61 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF houses sufficiently comfortable for services in the winter. I preached a great deal in family residences for the sake of comfort, and have seen hundreds of conversions in family homes. I was a poor man, and had to live by my own labor in the field. Often I would work while other people were asleep, in order to obtain time to go and hold my meetings. Sometimes I would leave home to hold meetings when I was as tired as I well could be. I left home on Monday, September 30, 1867, in company with my wife and others that were going to attend preaching at Van Buren Academy. I attended the same, and heard Rev. Charles Smith, from Ken- tuicky, preach an excellent discourse on the mode of Christian baptism. After the services I rode thirteen miles to Jamestown, and staid over night with Mr. J. W. Gauden. Tuesday, October 1st, I rode to Mont- gomery, and staid for the night at Brother John H. Bryant's. I went next day to William R. Dail's, my cousin, who lived six miles from Clinton, in Anderson County. I was kindly received by my relatives. Early in the morning of October 3d my cousin accompanied me to Clinton, where I took the cars, and ran to Knoxville. I went to the Conference- room just as the Conference was opening, and saw Bishop Kingsley in the chair. The bishop opened the Conference by administering the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. In the afternoon of the same day, I went before the Committee of Examination for trial into the traveling connection, and was passed. By a vote of the Conference I was re- 62 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. ceived on trial. Later in the (lay I heard Rev. J. B. Little preach before the Conference. On the second day I attended the Conference session, and in the afternoon went before the Committee of Examina- tion for Elders' Orders, and was passed. On Sunday I heard Bishop Kingsley preach an excellent and soul-stirring discourse from John xii, 32, after which he ordained several deacons. In the afternoon I heard Dr. J. M. Reed, of Cincinnati, preach a noble discourse from Isaiah liii, .5, after which the bishop, assisted by some elders, ordained several persons elders. A very solemn impression rested on my soul; for I was one that stood in the altar, and was ordained an elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church. On Monday after- noon I took the train for Clinton, met my cousin with my horse, rode five miles, and preached to an attentive congregation. I staid that night at Cousin Dail's, and took very sick in the night. Next morning, under some weakness, I started for home, reached Montgomery that day, and staid over night again with Brother J. H. Bryant. The next day I rode to Sister Phillips's. The following day I rode home. CHAPTER VII. JAMESTOWN CIRCUIT. FROM the Conference at Knoxville, I was sent 1to the Jamestown Circuit. That circuit then embraced Fentress and a part of Morgan County. The appointments were as follows: Lick Creek, Caney Creek, Van Buren Academy, Mount Union AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF (which was at the old Gatewood stand), Head of the Cane, Back Creek, Poplar Cove, Crab Creek, Sol- omon's Chapel, Indian Creek, Hood's school-house, Jamestown, Ramsey's, and James Paul's on Mill Creek (all of these were in Fentress County), Young's Chapel, White Oak, where the town of Sunbright now is, and Mount Vernon. The last three appointments were in Morgan County. Some of the leading men and women, who then attended my meetings, I will now mention. Reuben Harmon and J. H. Carter, at Lick Creek; Uncle Mark Jennings, and his wife, Aunt Ann, at Mount Union; G. W. Crouch and P. H. Davidson, on Ca- ney Creek; Uncle James Bookout, on Back Creek; Pleasant Taylor and family, and G. W. Kington, at Jamestown; U ncle Jack Young and family, and Uncle Sid Carpenter and wife, at Young's Chapel; James Peters and his wife, Rachel, at Mount Ver- non; Robert and Samuel Ransey and Robert Alex- ander, at Ramsey's; Jerry Beatty, at Solomon's Chapel; John Beatty, on Crab Creek. There were hundreds of others that I might mention, who stood by the Church as pillars of strength. The most of these have passed to their eternal reward. I expect to meet them bv and by on the shining shores of sweet deliverance. I began the work on my circuit in October. On my first round on Back Creek, at Brother Book- out's, I received three members by letter. At my first quarterly-meeting I reported forty-two conver- sions and forty-five accessions. The quarterly-meet- ing was held in Jamestown, beginning November 17, 1867. Rev. William H. Rogers, the presiding 64 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. elder, was present, and preached with great power and with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. The meeting lasted seven days, and resulted in four- teen happy conversions to God and thirteen acces- sions to our Church. On my December round at James Paul's, I received two into the Church, and baptized one; also at John Galloway's we had a pre- cious meeting. There were two conversions and five accessions to our Church. At Bookout's, on the same round, we had a good meeting; one conversion and one accession to the Churcb. On the same round, at a Christmas meeting at Mount Union, we had six happy conversions and received five on probation in the Church, and eight others recognized from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The result of my labor for the year 1867 was as follows: I witnessed one hundred and twenty-five happy conversions, and received one hundred and twenty-four into the Methodist Church. I joined together in matrimony four couples, baptized thirty- one adults and one infant. I preached the funerals of eighteen persons. Glory be to God for his mer- cies to me the past year! Hallelujah, Amen and Amen! My God, receive the gratitude of my poor heart, for the perpetuation of my days and the preservation of my health! This year finds me an itinerant on the Jamestown Circuit, Holston Con- ference. On my January round we had some re- freshing scenes at our altars of prayer. On the Feb- ruary round we had some happy seasons, and three accessions to our Church. The second quarterly-meeting for this year was held at Van Buren Academy, embracing the first Sunday 5 65 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF in February, and continued four days. Our beloved presiding elder, W. H. Rogers, was with us, and preached with the power of the Holy Ghost. We had a good meeting, though no conversions. I re- ported at my second quarterly-meeting twenty-eight accessions on probation, and nine others recognized from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In March we had five conversions, received twelve per- sons into full connection, and organized a Sabbath- school at Mount Union Church. On my April round, thank God, we bad melting seasons at the altar. At several places mourners cried aloud for mercy, and Christians shouted high the praise of God. We had four happy conversions, and six joined our Church. I also organized three Sabbath-schools-one at Young's Chapel, a second at White Oak, and a third at Mount Vernon Church. Up to this date, as agent for The Methodist, a large weekly newspaper published in New York, I have taken nine subscribers, by sending on the money and receiving the paper in return. I have pro- cured several packages of the Missionary Advocate for free distribution on my charge. On the May round we had several glorious meetings. Penitents cried for mercy, while young converts and old veterans shouted aloud God's praise. I witnessed fifteen happy conversions to God, received twelve into the Church on probation, and three others recognized from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; also by letter, the widow of an honored minister of the West Wisconsin Con- ference Methodist Episcopal Church. Glory be to God! While we were pleading in behalf of the poor 66 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. heathen, in a missionary meeting in Poplar Cove, God powerfully converted one soul. The third quar- terly-meeting for this year was held at Mount Union, the third Saturday and Sunday in May. We had a good time. Rev. W. H. Rogers, the presiding elder, was with us, and preached with great power and good effect. On my June round we had some sweet tides of glory, and on Back Creek two happy conversions. I could not get all the way around at this time, be- cause I took sick, and had to disappoint some five or six preaching places out of about twenty appoint- ments. Thank God, "while the outer man grows weak, the inner man is renewed day by day !" The basket-meetings which I held were generally out in the groves. The people made seats of planks and logs in some deep shade, near to some good spring, carpeted the ground with straw, and here, in na- ture's first temples, we preached, and prayed, and sang, and shouted, while hundreds of sinners were converted. The people came in wagons, on horse- back, and on foot by thousands to these meetings, from great distances around. They brought their dinners to the ground, generally in baskets-hence the name basket-meeting-and staid all day. We had no night services, so that the people went home, and slept and rested at night. These took the place of the old camp-meetings, and were meetings of great power. Thousands were converted at these altars. Many in the great day of eternity will bless God for the basket-meetings. I attended a quarterly-meeting on the Clinton Circuit, Kentucky Conference Methodist Episcopal 67 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Church, held at Concord Church, Clinton County, Kentucky, the fourth Sunday in June, and for the first time since my ordination to the office of an elder, I administered the holy communion, assisted by Rev. Joshua S. Taylor. In July my basket-meetings be- gan. My first basket-meeting began July 4th, at Lick Creek, in Fentress County, and closed July 6th. It resulted in ten happy conversions to God and four accessions to our Church. Brother Byers, from the Livingston Circuit, Tennessee Conference, did noble service in preaching and In the altar. My second basket-meeting began on Saturday before the second Sunday in July, at Crab Creek, and lasted eight days. It resulted in forty-two happy conver- sions and twenty accessions to our Church. The people took great interest in the meeting, and all de- nominations labored for its success. My third bas- ket-meeting began on Saturday before the third Sunday in July, at Head of the Cane, and lasted until Tuesday evening, when we were compelled to close on account of other appointments. It resulted in ten happy conversions to God, and nine acces- sions to our Church. My fourth basket-meeting began on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in July, at White Oak Church, in Morgan County, and closed on Monday. It did not result in any con- versions, but in several deep penitents, and in a happy time with Christians. My fifth basket-meet- ing began on Saturday before the first Sunday in August, on Caney Creek, and closed on Tuesday. It resulted in three conversions to God, and five ac- cessions to our Church. My sixth basket-meeting commenced in Poplar Cove on Wednesday be- 68 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. fore the second Sunday in August, and closed on Friday evening, resulting in five conversions, and a joyful time with Christians. My seventh basket- meeting commenced on Saturday, the next day, at Solomon's Chapel, and resulted in forty-four happy conversions, forty accessions to the Church, and a deep work of conviction throughout the community. It is due to say that all these basket-meetings were well supplied with provisions on the ground, except at White Oak Church. My eighth basket-meeting commenced at Young's Chapel, in Morgan County, on Saturday before the third Sunday in August, and closed on Tuesday fol- lowing. It resulted in ten happy conversions, and two accessions to our Church. Rev. J. M. Durham, of the Huntsville Circuit, was present, and preached and labored with good results. I attended a basket-meeting on the Livingston Circuit, Tennessee Conference, held by Brother Byers, embracing the fourth Sunday in August. It lasted from Saturday until -Tuesday evening, and resulted in twelve happy conversions. My tenth basket-meeting began on Indian Creek, and was held on Tuesday and Wednesday before the fifth Sunday in August. It resulted in five conversions, and nine accessions to our Church. My eleventh basket-meeting commenced at Ram- sev's on the following Saturday, and closed on Sun- day evening, with no conversions, but with a number of penitents, and one joined our Church. At several of my basket-meetings I held love- feast meetings, with glorious testimony for Jesus. At Poplar Cove and Solomon's Chapel I adminis- 69 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF tered the holy communion service, with the hap- piest effect. The fourth quarterly-meeting for the circuit was held at Mt. Vernon, in Morgan County, commenc- ing on Friday, September 11th, and closing on the following Monday. During the meeting there was an unusually heavy rainfall each day. Rev. W. H. Rogers, the presiding elder, was present, and preached with great power. The meeting resulted in one happy conversion and four accessions to our Church. I held a sacramental meeting at James- town, September 15th and 16th, which resulted in one conversion and one accession to our Church. Brother Rogers was present and added greatly to the result. On the first Sunday in September I held a meet- ing at Lick Creek, and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The Holston Annual Con- ference met October 8, 1868, in Chattanooga, Ten- nessee, Bishop D. W. Clark presiding. I left home October 3d, to attend the Conference, went fifteen miles to Jamestown, and preached at night. We had a good, happy, joyful meeting. The next day being Sunday, I rode three miles, and preached at Pleasant Taylor's. We had a moving time in Israel's camp. I went in the afternoon of the same day nine miles, and remained over night with Samuel Ramsey. On Monday, October 5th, I went into Cumberland County, Tennessee, and remained over night with William Renfro, and was very kindly received. On Tuesday I went from Cum- berland County through Bledsoe, Rhea, Meigs, and into McMinn County, having ferried Tennessee 70 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. River. I reached Cyril Carpenter's, and spent the night there. On Wednesday morning I went to Athens, spent the day, and took supper that even- ing with brother Moore, one of the preachers of the Holston Conference, who lived in a lower room of the Athens College. After supper I went to the depot, and took the evening train for Chattanooga. A large number of the Conference members were on the same train. A number of United States soldiers were on board the same train. We reached Chattanooga at about half-past nine o'clock. Rev. John W. Mann, the stationed minister at that place, assigned us to our homes. Myself and Brother G. W. Carder were sent to D. B. Carlin's, where we found hospitable entertainment with a Christian family. May God bless brother and sister Carlin and family! A storm of wind in the night, and two or three companies of United States troops leaving the city before day, disturbed my sleep. The next morning, October the 8th, Conference met, and was opened with the reading of a Scripture lesson, singing, and prayer by Rev. T. H. Pearne. Bishop Clark then administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to a large number of ministers and people. The Conference proceeded with busi- ness until twelve o'clock. At two o'clock P. M., I went before the committee for examination, and was advanced to the second year. October 9th the Con- ference was opened with religious services, con- ducted by Rev. F. M. Fanning. My name was called, my collections were reported, my character was passed, and I was advanced to the second year. In the afternoon I went out on Cameron Hill, 71 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF which overlooks the city, came around by the boat- landing on Tennessee River, and saw the steam- boat Mary Bird. At night, at the Presbyterian Church, I heard Dr. Mitchell, of the Virginia Con- ference, preach. October 10th, the Conference was opened with religious services conducted by Rev. L. F. Drake. I made out, and gave in my statis- tical report. In the afternoon I took a walk through the National Cemetery. In a field of about seventy acres, inclosed with a stone wall, there sleep near fifteen thousand noble, Union-loving boys. In the center the Stars and Stripes wave over them forty feet high. The graves are beautifully decorated with a variety of sweet-scented flowers. 0 Lord, may these brave boys all rise at the first sound of the trumpet ! At night I attended the Conference missionary meeting, which was addressed by Dr. N. E. Cob- leigh, Rev. J. A. Hyden, and Dr. J. M. Walden. The missionary collection was taken up, amounting to between forty and fifty dollars. On Sunday morning Bishop Clark preached an excellent ser- mon; in the afternoon Dr. Pearne preached, and at night Rev. J. L. Mann preached a thrilling dis- course. On Monday morning Conference was opened with religious services, conducted by Rev. J. L. Mann. At night Dr. Hitchcock, Book Agent at Cincinnati, preached a thrilling sermon, after which, at about eleven o'clock, Bishop Clark read out the appointments. I was again appointed to Jamestown Circuit. October 13th I took the early morning train for 72 R-av. A. B. WRIGHT. Athens, took breakfast at Brother Moore's in the college, and then went out ten miles to Uncle Cyril Carpenter's, and there spent the night. I remained in that neighborhood the next day, and preached at Tranquillity Church at night, to a large congrega- tion, at which time the saints of God shouted aloud for joy. I set off the next morning for home, and after riding for three days, a distance of about one hundred miles, I reached home and found my family well. God be praised! The Jamestown Circuit was thrown back into the Athens District, over which Rev. J. Albert Hyden was presiding elder. October 31st and No- vember 1st my first quarterly-meeting was held in Poplar Cove. The presiding elder was present, preached most eloquently, and administered the communion service. The meeting continued two days, and resulted in two accessions to our Church. On the November round I received three into the Church, and on my December round I received twelve on probation, and one from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; also witnessed two con- versions. In the same month, on the Clinton and Wayne Circuit of the Kentucky Conference, I wit- nessed ten conversions, and received sixteen into the Methodist Episcopal Church. The result of my year's labor for the year 1868 was as follows: I witnessed two hundred and twenty-eight conver- sions, and received into the Methodist Episcopal Church two hundred and twenty on probation and by recognition. I preached two hundred and seven- teen times, baptized seventy-one adults and one in- fant, and solemnized the rites of matrimony be- 73 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF tween five couples, three white and two colored couples; also preached the funeral of sixteen per- sons. To God be all the praise. On my January round we bad eleven happy coIn- versions, and reported at our second quarterly- meeting twenty-four accessions to the Church. The second quarterly-meeting began January 23d, and closed the 25th, at Van Buren Academy. It re- sulted in five conversions to God and seven acces- sions to our Church. Rev. John Forrester pre- sided in place of the presiding elder, and preached with great acceptability. On the February round, God was with us of a truth. At my own meetings and atthe meetings of Jackson Franklin, a young exhorter, we had eighteen conversions, and re- ceived twenty-five into the Methodist Episcopal Church. The saints of God shouted aloud for vic- tory. On the March and April rounds our host moved on successfully. We had some conversions and some accessions. In the autumn of 1868 I sold my farm, and bought another, three miles nearer the Kentucky line. It contained one hundred acres of as rich land as one need to want in this world. I had to build a house and a barn and do a great deal of fencing, and made many other improvements. This was a beautiful home, and was in an excellent neighborhood. I moved my family to this place in March, 1869. My third quarterly-meeting was held at Solomon's Chapel, on Obed's River, May 1st and 2d. My presiding elder was not present, so I had a great deal of work to do. I held Quarterly Conference on Saturday evening, and on 74 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. Sunday morning at nine o'clock I held love-feast, and at eleven o'clock preached and administered the holy communion, witnessed one happy conversion to God, and took three into the Methodist Episcopal Church. The same day, in the afternoon, I baptized thirteen adults. After the quarterly-meeting, dur- ing the month of May, we had eight happy conver- sions and four accessions to our Church. During the month of June, God was with us at several places, and much good was realized. On the 4th of July, it being the first Sunday in the month, I preached the funerals of two brothers, who had died away from home in the Union army, their widows and little children surrounding me. On that occasion the Lord powerfully converted three souls, and three joined our Church. My next meetings of interest were my basket-meetings. My first basket-meeting commenced on Saturday before the third Sunday in July, at Head of the Cane, and closed on the following Thursday. It resulted in twenty-four conversions and eight accessions to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. John S. Keene, preacher in charge of the Albany Circuit, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was with me and preached with great acceptability. We held a good, old-fashioned love-feast on Sunday morning, when several bore testimony for Jesus. My second basket-meeting wvas held on Crab Creek, beginning on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in July, and closed the following Friday. In this meeting, thirty-five were happily converted, and twelve joined our Church. My third basket-meeting was held at Mount Union, beginning on Saturday before 75 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF the first Sunday in August, and closed on Monday evening. On Sunday morning of this meeting, I was taken very sick, and after repeated efforts to stand up and preach, I was compelled to lie down. On Monday morning I had somewhat recovered, and preached the funeral of Elizabeth Jennings. In the evening, Brother Cash, a Cumberland Pres- byterian minister, preached. I was compelled to close from lack of strength to continue. The meet- ing resulted in five happy conversions and one ac- cession to our Church. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Solomon's Chapel, beginning on Satur- day before the second Sunday in August, and closed on Wednesday evening, resulting in twenty-five happy conversions and thirty-six accessions to our Church. On Saturday evening of this meeting, the sun was totally eclipsed, and at the darkest time in the church-house the saints of God shouted aloud for joy, and mourners wept at the altar. On Sunday morning we had a glorious, happy time in the communion service. At this hour mourners were called, and a large number came forward. Among these was a young lady who was deaf and dumb. Glory be to God, she was powerfully con- verted, and though she could not talk, yet she clapped her hands and laughed. She was as happy as any young convert could be. On Wednesday, when signs were made to her that we had opened the doors of the Church, she came forward and joined our Church, and, notwithstanding her mother and people were Baptists, she made signs to be bap- tized by pouring, just like the Holy Ghost came 76 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. down. I complied with her request. Is not this a strong proof of baptism by pouring My fourth quarterly-meeting was held at Mount Vernon, in Morgan County, where the Montgomery and Jamestown quarterly-meetings were thrown to- gether. This embraced the third Sunday in August. Rev. J. A. Hyden, the presiding elder, was present, and preached with great earnestness. Four travel- ing and two local preachers were in attendance. My sixth basket-meeting was held at Lick Creek, em- bracing the fourth Sunday in August, and resulted in eight conversions and eight accessions to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The following Tues- day and Wednesday I held a meeting in the Poplar Cove. There were a number of penitents. Two were converted, and four joined the Church. My eighth basket-meeting was held at Otter Creek, in Wayne County, Kentucky, embracing the first Sunday in September, beginning on Friday and closing on Tuesday. It resulted in seven conver- sions and three accessions to the Church. On Sunday of the meeting, I preached one hour and a half on the mode of water baptism, and on Monday morning baptized twenty-one adults, mostly by pouring. My ninth basket-meeting was held at Hood's, in Fentress County, embracing the second Sunday in September. On the Sabbath I preached some funerals, administered the communion, labored with penitents in the altar, received three into the Church, and baptized ten adults. My tenth basket- meeting was held at Paul's, eight miles east of Jamestown, embracing the third Sunday in Sep- tember, and resulted in five conversions and two 77 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF accessions to our Church. Rev. Samuel Grear, of the Pikeville Circuit, assisted me. On Sunday, both in the morning and in the afternoon, we preached funerals. Our Annual Conference for this year met in Jonesboro, Tennessee, October 7th, Bishop Matthew Simpson presiding. My domestic affairs were such that I could not attend it without great incon- venience to myself and family. So I did not attend, and was not received into full connection, as I might have been, could I have attended the Con- ference. CHAPTER VIII. MONTGOMERY CIRCUIT. B Y the Conference at Jonesboro I was appointed B to the Montgomery Circuit. This circuit em- braced the whole of Morgan County, with three ap- pointments in Scott County, and one in Fentress. The presiding eldership on the Athens District was changed, and Rev. L. F. Drake was my presiding elder. This year I was strongly inclined to cease traveling, as my health had become considerably im- paired. I became convinced, however, that it was God's will that I should continue; for whenever I would try to reconcile my convictions to the idea of quitting, I could neither sleep nor rest. So I must go yet a little longer. I asked God to give me a token of my call to the itinerancy on my first round on Montgomery Circuit, which was in No- vember, and-glory be to his precious name !-at my first appointment at Young's Chapel we had one 78 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. happy conversion to God, and one accession to our Church. At my second appointment at R. Lew- allen's we had three happy conversions and four accessions to our Church. At Emory Church we had one conversion, making on the round five con- versions and five accessions to the Methodist Epis- copal Church. 0 what would weigh with the worth of five immortal souls!' On this round I visited and prayed with thirty families, and exhorted them to a religious life. I also baptized three infant children. I called in my December round. The result of my labors for God during the fiscal year 1869 are as follows: I preached 169 times, witnessed 167 happy conver- sions, received 159 into the Methodist Episcopal Church, baptized 122 adults and 10 infants, and solemnized the rites of matrimony between 6 couples. Thus I close another year. Glory be to God! Nmen. On my January round I visited thirty families, and held religious services. I preached thirteen times, and rode one hundred and eighty-six miles. My first quarterly-meeting was held at Emory Church, six miles from Montgomery, embracing the fifth Sunday in January. Rev. L. F. Drake presided, and preached with great power. We had several moving and melting seasons throughout the meeting. The saints of God shouted aloud for joy, a large number of penitents were at the altar, and one lady was powerfully converted to God. We also had one accession to the Church, making dur- ing the round, one conversion and two accessions to the Church. Rev. L. F. Drake baptized seven 79 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF little children, and I baptized four more and one adult. My son, Rev. J. C. Wright,filled my work for me during the months of February, March, and April. He gave general satisfaction, preached with great acceptability, and received some into the Church. In May I preached twice on Obed's River, on the Jamestown Circuit. A tide of glory moved the congregation, and many shouted glory to God in the highest, and one soul was converted to God. At several appointments on my circuit I left a number of penitents at the altar. On the round I visited about forty families, and held prayers with them. We had two happy conversions. I baptized five children and one adult, and rode one hundred and eighty-three miles. On this round I revived all of our Sunday-schools, and put them in lively operation. Church houses were so few and in such bad condition, and the country was so thinly set- tled that the Sunday-schools could scarcely be kept alive through the winter. On my June round we had some good meetings at several appointments. Having been invited by the Baptists, I held a meeting of four days at a church of theirs called Union Church, at which we witnessed most gracious seasons of the Divine power. Convictions were pungent, many penitents were at the altar, and one young man was powerfully converted. I trust that attachments were formed during this meeting that the strong arm of death can never sever. The tide of Christian fellowship was greatly strengthened in this community. Now I come to the labors of my basket-meet- 80 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. ings. My first basket-meeting was held at Young's Chapel, July 30th to August 3d. The Church was greatly revived, seven souls were powerfully converted to God, and four joined our Church. My second basket-meeting was held at White Oak Church, embracing the first Sabbath in August. There was deep penitence on the occa- sion, and a happy time with Christians. My third basket-meeting was held at Ramsey's, embracing the second Sabbath in August, and resulted in four happy conversions, and the membership of the Church greatly revived. I sent my son, Rev. J. C. Wright, to attend this meeting for me. I was not there in person, having to preach the funeral of an old Methodist father at another place at that time. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Emory Church, embracing the third Sunday in August. The Church was greatly revived, but we had to de- sist without any further results, because of the wheat-threshers being in the neighborhood. My fifth basket-meeting was held at Mt. Zion, on the Crooked Fork of Emory, embracing the fourth Sunday in August. There was some opposition here against us, which greatly lessened the congre- gation. God be praised, five souls were powerfully converted to him, and seven joined our Church. Some of the leading citizens of the community were left penitents at the altar. This was a good new Methodist church, built during this Conference year by a weak membership. My cousin, Rev. J. I. Dail, of Kingston, did noble service in this meeting. The meeting held four days. On Monday of the occasion a heavy thunder- 6 81 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF storm came up while I was preaching. The light- ning flashed around us, and the muttering thunder shook the earth. A bolt of lightning struck a large tree within fifty yards of the church, and tore it to splinters. Myself and congregation were greatly shocked by it. He who rides upon the storm and says, "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm," protected us. Glory be to his name! My sixth basket-meeting was held at the old camp-ground near Montgomery, embracing the first Sunday in September. We had a very good move for a revival, but were compelled to close. Three joined our Church. My fourth quarterly-meeting was held at Mount Vernon, embracing the second Sabbath in Septem- ber, at which Rev. L. F. Drake presided. I should have stated that on my May round, at Moss's Mills, we had two conversions and five accessions to our Church, one of whom was from the United Baptist Church; also, on the same round, at Scutcheon Church, seven joined our Church. Rev. L. F. Drake, my presiding elder, attended all my quar- terly-meetings, except the third. At his request, I held the third quarterly-meeting on the Jamestown Circuit, on which occasion I preached, administered the holy communion, and held the Quarterly Con- ference. Rev. Henry Pyle was the preacher in charge of this work. During the Conference year I received into the Church thirty-two persons, and witnessed twenty-two happy conversions at my meet- ings. The benevolent collections of the Church were advanced above any previous year. 82 Rpm. A. B. WRIGHT. The Holston Annual Conference for the year 1870 convened in the city of Knoxville, September 28th, Bishop Levi Scott presiding. I left home for the seat of the Conference on Sunday morning, September 25th, and took dinner that day with my sister, Mrs. J. W. Frogge. After dinner I went to see a man very low with the fever; and on the same evening went within one mile of Jamestown, and remained over night with my cousin, Jeremiah Wright. September 26th, I rode sixteen miles, and took dinner with my daughter and son-in-law, To- bias Peters. In the afternoon I rode fifteen miles, and remained over night with Joseph Holloway, two miles from Montgomery. September 27th, I rode fifteen miles, and took dinner with Rev. Richard Hudson, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. I rode fourteen miles more the same day, and re- mained over night with my cousin, William R. Dail. September 28th, my cousin Dail and I went five miles to Clinton, where I took the train for Knox- ville. I reached Knoxville and the Conference- room just as the Conference had opened. Bishop Scott was in the chair. After adjournment, I was di- rected by Rev. J. L. Mann, the resident pastor, to my boarding-place on College Hill, with Brother A. K. Foster, a most excellent man, himself a mis- sionary Baptist, and his wife, a Methodist. Rev. James Jorry, of Ducktown, was my boarding part- ner. In the evening I went before the committee on the second year's course of study, as I had failed to attend the Conference the year before, at Jones- boro; passed an examination, and was promoted to the third year's course of study. At night, in the 83 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Methodist Church, I heard an excellent sermon, preached by Rev. J. R. Eads, from Matt. xxviii, 20. I attended the Conference sessions during the day, and the missionary, Church extension, and educa- tional meetings during the evenings of the week, and was much profited by them. On Sunday the pulpits of the city churches were occupied by our preachers. At the morning service in the Meth- odist Church, Bishop Scott preached an excellent sermon from Acts i, 8. In the afternoon, at the same place, Dr. E. Q. Fuller, editor of the ikethodist Advocate, of Atlanta, Georgia, preached a noble dis- course. At night, from the same pulpit, Dr. A. J. Kynett, corresponding secretary of the Church Ex- tension Society, preached a soul-stirring sermon. The Conference business was all finished up on Monday afternoon. I left the Conference a short time before it closed, as I had an appointment to preach five miles from Clinton on Monday night. I reached my appointment in due time; met a large congregation, and preached to them. The power of God came down upon the people in a wonderful manner; mourners came to the altar for prayer, while the saints of God shouted aloud for joy. I remained that night with my cousin, William R. Dail. The next morning, October 4th, I set off for home; rode seventeen miles, and took dinner with Mrs. Stephens, an excellent Christian lady. I rode four miles further in the afternoon to a place where I was to preach; but having been belated, I met the congregation going away. I got off my horse, and held religious services with them by the roadside. I staid that night with John Langley. October 5th, 84 RpV. A. B. WRIGHT. I rode ten miles to Montgomery, and took dinner with Brother John L. Scott. In the afternoon I rode sixteen miles, and staid all night with my daughter and son-in-law. The next day I came sixteen miles, and staid over night again with my cousin, Jeremiah Wright. October 6th, I reached home, and found my family all well. "Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name!" I was reappointed for the coming year to the Montgomery Circuit. My son, Rev. J. C. Wright, filled the first round for me, embracing the last of October and the first of November. On my second round we had a glorious revival of religion at Lee's school-house, where the people of the country were mostly irreligious. I held a seven days' and nights' meeting. Thirty-six souls were happily converted, and I organized a class of twenty-one members, and appointed Brother James A. Ervin class-leader. What rendered the meeting very interesting, the most prominent citizens of the country embraced religion. The two justices of the peace for that civil district were booth converted. A heavenly tide of Christian fellowship united the religious de- nominations of the community. At Moss's Mills, on this round, five joined our Church, and at S. Young's, in Scott County, a number of penitents were at the altar, and one young man was power- fully converted. On this round I witnessed thirty- seven happy conversions, and received twenty-six into the Methodist Church. During the first days of January, I left home amidst the greatest perils; for the earth was sheeted 85 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF with ice, and I had to ride thirty-three miles over this ice, and crossed some dangerous rivers to reach my first appointment, which I met promptly. We had a good meeting. This was at Young's Chapel. I met some five or six other appointments, and en- joyed gracious seasons at each of them, and leaving a number of penitents at some of them. I reached Scutcheon Creek, and held a meeting of five days, resulting in nine conversions to God, and five ac- cessions to our Church. Among the young converts was a young lawyer of fine ability, hnd two school- teachers, both of whom prayed in public in the altar before the meeting closed. The membership of the Church was greatly revived. On my way from Palestine Church to Ramsey's, although I had, as I thought, a sufficient pilot, I became lost in a dense wilderness. In endeavoring to go about eight miles, we wandered so far off of our way as to go about sixteen miles, which kept us on the road until seven o'clock at night. What added to our distress, the night was very dark, the wind was blowing hard, and, being in a dense forest, the timber was frequently breaking and falling around us, and there was a cold rain at intervals. We were so far in the wilderness that we could see neither house nor light. This was in midwinter, January 14th. We had serious thoughts of having to lie out all night in this terrible storm under some trees. At lost we came in sight of a light, which we found to be from the home of Mr. Ervin Jones. I almost felt like praising God aloud for deliverance. Mr. Jones and his family very kindly received us, and prepared us a good warm supper 86 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. and bedding. My only grief then was the disap- pointment of my congregation, to which I was to preach that night, at Brother Alexander's. Possi- oly my going there that night wvas providential, for in the services which I held in their home, Mr. and Mrs. Jones both seemed penitent, for neither of them were Christians; and next morning Mr. Jones volunteered his services to go with me to my ap- pointment that day, six miles from his home, and under the preaching he was very serious. May God bless the occasion to their present and eternal good! I had left a number of penitents at the altar at Lee's school-house, and the brethren of that Church continued the services three or four days after I had gone, and four others were converted, making for this round thirteen conversions and four accessions to the Church. On my February round I sent my son, Rev. J. C. Wright, who filled the appointments with ac- ceptability. Three persons joined the Church on this round. On the March round we had some in- teresting meetings. Ten persons joined our Church, and we enjoyed refreshing seasons in nearly all the societies. I held a very interesting leader's-meeting in the town of Wartburg. On the April round I put into operation a number of Sabbath-schools, baptized several infants and adults, and received seven persons into the Church, some of whom came from the Baptist Church, and one lady from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. On the May round I held some good, old-fash- ioned class-meetings with the happiest results. At Mount Zion, while holding a class-meeting service, 87 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF two young ladies were powerfully convicted of sin, knelt at an altar of prayer, and were both happily converted to God. During this round my third quarterly-meeting was held at Lee's school-house. The presiding elder, Rev. J. W. Mann, from some cause, was not present, so I had to do a great deal of work myself I had no local preacher with me; but at this Quarterly Conference William Young was duly licensed to preach. On Sunday morning we held a love-feast. This was a very precious service; after which I preached the funeral of a little girl, and administered the holy communion. In the afternoon I baptized nine persons. A num- ber of infants and adults were baptized on this round, and three persons joined the Church. In June, at Solomon Young's, in Scott County, the prospects were such that I held services for five days. Five persons were soundly converted, three joined our Church, and the membership was greatly revived. Persons that had formerly been great en- emies, embraced each other in the altar in the warmest forgiveness. At several places we realized Divine blessings in abundance. Penitents came to the altar in great crowds. At Lee's school-house three joined the Church, and I baptized at the same place and time eleven adults. During the month of June I witnessed five con- versions, received six into the Church, baptized one infant and thirteen adults, and returned home on the 17th day of the month. While off from my circuit, and in the country of my home, I preached a number of funerals. At a'service of this kind, at Jerry Catron's, in Wayne County, Kentucky, two 88 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. persons were converted, five joined our Church, and a number of penitents were left at the altar. My first basket-meeting for this year was held on Scutcheon Creek, beginning July 22d, and continu- ing four days. Penitents were at the altar at our first coming together. On Sunday morning, I bap. tized an infant and preached the funeral of an old mother in Israel. Six souls were happily converted to God, and four joined our Church. My second basket-meeting was held at Mount Zion, embracing the fifth Sunday in July. There again the arm of the Lord was revealed in support of his cause. Penitents came in crowds to the altar, and the shouts of triumph went up from the people of God. In the evening of the last day of the meeting the power of the Holy Ghost came upon us in such a wonderful manner that many shouted glory hallelu- jah! In less than one hour seven souls were pow- erfully converted. Here, I think, I was more sanc- tified than ever before in my life. I baptized sev- eral infants and adults at this meeting. The result was nine conversions and five accessions to our Church. My third basket-meeting was held at Mount Vernon, embracing the first Sabbath in August. It continued four days, and resulted in five conversions and five accessions to the Church. Two small twin-sisters professed religion and joined the Church at this meeting. They were two of three sisters born at the same time, the third one having died when about one year old. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Boring's Chapel, embracing the second Sunday in August, and continued four days. There were three con- fi9 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF versions, four accessions to the Church, and a number of penitents left at the altar. Rev. A. L. Williams, of the Huntsville Circuit, was with me one day at this place. One soul was happily con- verted at a service which I held at Mrs. McCart's, in Scott County, in the latter part of this week. I met my presiding elder, Rev. J. W. Mann, at Brother Jack Young's. We both went from there to my fourth quarterly-meeting at Emory Church, embracing the third Sunday in August. We had a very pleaaant meeting, but no conversions. In the following week I held my sixth basket- meeting at Lee's school-house. The people came together with strong faith, and the Holy Ghost rested upon the congregation. On Thursday morn- ing we had a happy love-feast, when a number tes- tified for Jesus, after which I preached and admin- istered the holy communion. At this meeting one soul was happily converted, and I baptized one young man. My seventh basket-meeting was held in Montgomery, embracing the fourth Sunday in August. Great seriousness pervaded the uncon- verted during the entire meeting; but, with deep affliction of soul, I must say that the Church did not take the interest that it should have done. Official members remained at home during the meeting, because it was not held in Wartburg. I really think I never saw the world riper for a re- vival than during this meeting. One soul was con- verted, and one joined the Church. My eighth and ninth basket-meetings came on at the same time, embracing the first Sunday in September-one at Young's Chapel, and the other at Ramsey's. My 90 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. son, Rev. J. C. Wright, held for me at Young's Chapel. The meeting was a pleasant one, with a number of penitents, but no conversions. I held myself at Ramsey's for two days. There were a number of penitents, with a flattering prospect for a good meeting, but we were compelled to close. On Sabbath morning I preached the funeral of an infant. Carroll Myatt, a young exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, gave zealous help in my last three basket-meetings. I have just now closed another year on the Montgomery Circuit. During the year the Lord has graciously converted ninety-seven persons, and I have received eighty-seven into our Church. I have sold about 40 worth of books from our own Concern, and about 200 worth from Goodspeed Company. I took more than twenty subscribers for our periodicals, and visited and prayed in between four and five hundred families. The Holston Con- ference met in Greeneville, Tennessee, October 11th, Bishop Scott presiding. I left home for the Con- ference, October 3d, and went that night to my brother's, James M. Wright. The next day, in company with Rev. Samuel Grear, I preached, and having been joined by J. C. Grear, we rode to Rock Creek, in Morgan County, and remained over night with J. R. Brown. We went next day to Captain Keith's, three miles from Wartburg, and took din- ner. We were here joined by Rev. A. L. Williams. There were now four of us on our way to Confer- ence. We went that afternoon six miles, and met a congregation, to which I preached. We remained that night in that settlement, and rode next day to 91 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF W. R. Dail's. I had an appointment to preach, on the following Saturday and Sunday, at Sulphur Springs Church near that place. We had a glo- rious meeting. Brothers Grear and Williams as- sisted in the pulpit and altar work. The meeting closed on Monday. On Monday afternoon, Brother Williams and I went through Clinton, crossed Clinch River, and, by request of the Protestant Methodists, attended a protracted meeting, which they were holding at Union Church, three miles from Clinton. I preached, and invited penitents to the altar. A large number came forward, and one young lady was happily converted. On Tuesday, October 10th, we took the cars at Clinton for Knoxville, and in the afternoon of the same day we left Knoxville, on the East Tennessee and Virginia train, for Greeneville, at which place we arrived about sunset. I was assigned to stay with A. W. Laymonds. That night I attended worship in the Methodist Church, and heard Rev. G. W. Coleman preach from Daniel xii, 3. Conference was opened next day, October 11th, with religious exercises, conducted by Rev. R. W. Patty and Dr. N. E. Cobleigh. Bishop Scott was in the chair. That afternoon, I went before the committee on the third year's course of study, passed an examination, and was advanced to the fourth year's class. At night, in the Methodist church, I heard R. W. Patty preach from John xi, 9. I attended all the Conference sessions, and the missionary, Church Extension, and educational an- niversaries, in the evenings of the week. In the 92 Rnv. A. B. WRIGHT. afternoon of the second day of the Confer- ence, I heard Rev. P. H. Reed preach from Job xix, 25-27, and in the afternoon of the third day, heard Rev. T. H. Russell preach from John xv, 1, 2. The speakers at the missionary anni- versary were Doctors Mitchell, Taylor, and Cob- leigh, and at the Church Extension meeting, were Doctors Mitchell, Fry, and Cobleigh, and at the educational meeting, the speakers were Revs. Mauker, Spence, and Dr. Taylor. On Sunday morning in the Methodist Church, I heard Dr. B. St. James Fry, from 1 John v, 5. In the after- noon, at the Presbyterian Church, I heard Rev. F. M. Fanning preach from 1 Peter ii, 1.6. At night, in the Methodist Church, I heard Dr. N. G. Taylor preach from John xvii, 21. The Conference closed on Monday morning. At nine o'clock we took the train and ran to Knoxville, and in the after- noon we ran out to Clinton, and remained over night with Rufus Dail. Brother Williams and I remained there the next day, and I preached again at night at Union Church. We had a good meeting. Next morning, October 18th, we set off for home, and rode that day to Mrs. Stephens's in Morgan County. The next day I rode to James Peters', and remained over night. On the following day I reached home, and found my family well. 93 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHAPTER IX. JAMESTOWN AND CUMBERLAND CITY. XT the Conference of 1871 I was appointed to A. the Jamestown Circuit, in the Athens Dis- trict. Rev. J. W. Mann was again my presiding elder. On the first round, after I had filled two appointments, I was taken sick, and failed to meet four other appointments, but met all the remaining ones. I witnessed some pleasant meetings, but found the work in a very lifeless state. My health soon returned, and on my second round the congre- gations began to increase in numbers. I succeeded in organizing weekly prayer-meetings in nearly all the settlements. Sinners began to show interest, and mourners came forward for prayers. On my third round, at a meeting which I held at Captain Dowdy's, on Christmas day and at night, a large number of penitents were at the altar, and the saints of God, Methodists and Baptists, shouted aloud for joy. One man was powerfully converted to God, while his daughter was left at the altar. During the year 1871 I preached one hundred and ninety sermons, besides the love-feasts, prayer and class meetings which I held. I married one couple, baptized thirty-six adults and eighteen infants, rode more than two thousand miles on horseback, re- ceived eighty into the Church, and witnessed eighty- three happy conversions; besides, I held religious services in about five hundred families. My first quarterly-meeting for the year was held at Paul's Chapel, January 13th and 14th. Rev. 94 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. J. W. Mann, the presiding elder, was with us, and preached with great power. May Heaven spare his useful life to the Church for many years to come! Brother Mann left us on Sunday evening. I held four days and nights. Twelve souls were power- fully converted, nine joined our Church, and the membership was greatly revived. Methodists and Baptists were united heart and hand in work, and in the praises of God. A justice of the peace, with his two children, came to the altar, was powerfully converted, and all joined our Church. Another justice of the peace, a member of the Baptist Church, did efficient work in the altar. Rev. J. H. Carter, a local preacher whom I had received into the Church and baptized several years before, preached a number of times, and did other efficient work. During January and February of this year the weather was very cold. At a meeting which I held at Sulphur Springs, embracing the second Sunday in February, during the period of four days and nights, eight souls were happily converted, and four joined our Church. The convictions were deep, the penitence thorough, and the conversions mighty. My first leader's meeting was held at Mt. Union, at old Pall Mall, February 17th and 18th. A good body of official members was present. We had an interesting leaders' conference. On Sunday night a young man was converted, and, with three others, joined our Church. I left a number of penitents at the altar. My second quarterly-meeting was held at Solomon's Chapel, March 30th and 31st. My pre- siding elder was not present. Brother S. Grear 9,5 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF came in his place, and preached with Holy Ghost power. Brother Grear left me on Sunday after- noon. On Monday morning I held an old-fash- ioned Methodist class-meeting. The power of the Holy Ghost came upon the people in such a man- ner that the saints of God shouted for joy, and two young ladies were mightily converted to God. There was one accession to the Church. At my second Quarterly Conference, I reported twenty-two conversions, and twenty accessions to the Church. I received five of them from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the other fifteen by probation. After filling some appoint- ments in Poplar Cove, I went to Jamestown, where a criminal was in jail, condemned to be hung the next day until he was dead. His name was James Calvin Logston. I had known him when he was a small boy, and had baptized his mother. He was sentenced to hang for killing two women and one child with an ax, the funerals of whom I had preached at their graves. I had been informed that Mr. Logstn desired me to preach his funeral, and also wished an early interview with me. On entering the jail, I told him that he had but little more than twenty-four hours to live in this world. I sang a hymn, knelt, and prayed with him. He wept pitifully, and prayed earnestly, but said that he was prepared to die. After giving him some spiritual advice, I left him with the promise to return in a short time. This I did, after taking dinner with the jailer, in company with Brother J. C. Taylor, the sheriff of the county. I advised and prayed with him again. 96 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. Late in the day I returned, and found the poor man deeply absorbed in solemn thought, while the sun was pouring in through the grates of the win- dow, for the last time to him, the closing rays of day. Again I held services with him, and at his request baptized him by pouring, after he had taken upon himself the baptismal covenant. The next morning, taking with me Brother Samuel Grear, I returned to the jail. The poor man told me that he had rested well the night before. After appro- priate Scripture reading and song, we all knelt, and Brother Grear led in prayer. In a short time he was shrouded and brought out of jail to a wagon standing at the door. His coffin had been placed in the wagon, which we entered. The driver, Mitchell Wright, and Dr. Graham occupied the seat of the wagon. Dr. J. H. Story and myself occu- pied the head of the coffin, the criminal the center, and Brothers Grear and Pile the foot. Surrounded by a heavy guard, we moved to the gallows, singing as we went the old hymn, "I would not live al- way, I ask not to stay." On arriving at the gal- lows, the death-warrant from the Supreme Court of the. State was read by Mr. S. V. Bowden, a young lawyer of the town. Brother Grear read a Scrip- ture lesson, made a few appropriate remarks, and led in prayer. After this, I preached the funeral of the criminal, from Gen. ix, 6: " Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed." At the close of the sermon the criminal was permitted to shake hands with a large number of his acquaint- ances. It was a melting scene. He then stated to the crowd that he had come to this end by keeping 7 97 AUrOBIOGRAPHY OF bad company. At 1.30 P. M. the trigger was sprung; but so soon as he dropped, the rope broke, and he fell suddenly to the ground. Another rope was placed around his neck, and he was drawn up, but had scarcely hung one-half minute when the rope broke a second time, and again he fell to the ground. He then uttered a word or two before they raised him the second time. He hung twenty- five minutes, and was pronounced dead. I remained all this time with him, having promised him that I would do so. His body was cut down, and buried at a short distance west of the town. 0, what an awful thing, to see a man in good health so suddenly rushed into eternity! The night before, Brothers Grear, Pile, and my- self held religious services in the court-house, Brother Pile preaching a thrilling discourse. I left Jamestown in the afternoon of the hanging, and preached that evening at the residence of Benjamin Stockton. On my round on the circuit, the last of April and the first of May, we had some glorious meetings. Eight persons joined the Church-two recognized from the State of Illinois, two from the Campbellite Church, and four on probation. - On my round in May and June we had some glorious seasons. The fiery pillar of Jesus' presence led us on. At Paul's Chapel, on Saturday before the first Sunday in June, after I had preached, penitents were called to the altar, and nearly all of the con- gregation, who were not already professors of re- ligion, came forward. Four of these persons were mightily converted in that service. The next morn- ing, at the same place, we held a children's meeting, 98 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. when I preached to the little folks. We had a glorious service. My third quarterly-meeting embraced the second Sunday in June. It was held in a large, new church, near my family residence. Rev. J. W. Mann, the presiding elder, was present, and preached with great acceptability. During the meeting the rain fell in such torrents that it held only two days. At the Quarterly Conference I reported six con- versions and eight accessions for the quarter. Dur- ing the remainder of June I preached at a number of places on my circuit, when we had strong evi- dences of the Divine favor; and I raised collections for the missionary cause. Embracing the first Sun- day in July, I had an appointment for a two days' meeting at Cumberland City, in Clinton County, Kentucky. The preacher in charge, Rev. Nimrod R. Davis, lives in this town. He is an old preacher of the Kentucky Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a precious and most excellent man, but a great invalid in health. I think he will get his great reward in heaven in a short time. I was informed that the state of religion was very low in the town, and that a very bitter feeling was existing between the different denominations. I preached twice on Saturday, as also on Sunday, with happy effect. On Sunday the power of God came down on the congregation in a wonderful manner. At the even- ing service a number of penitents were at the altar. I remained over Monday with them. God was with us of a truth. Seven souls were powerfully con- verted, and a number of penitents were lingering 99 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF at the altar. I left them protracting the meeting. May Heaven grant them a glorious revival of re- ligion! One of the blessed features of the meeting was the warm love and the affiliations of our Bap- tist brethren. They came in nobly, and labored in the altar. Among the converts was the principal hotel-keeper of the town, and a Baptist preacher's wife, who had been a mourner for eighteen years. The same week I resumed work on my own circuit. On Friday I rode twenty-four miles over a very rough road, preached twice, and in the evening, for some time, labored in the altar with mourners. The next morning I visited and prayed with a num- ber of families, when two joined the Church. On returning home I was very sick for a few days from a bealing on my jaw and throat, caused by some de- cayed teeth. My first basket-meeting was held at Caney Creek, near Travisville, beginning on Satur- day, July 20th, and closing on Wednesday, the 24th. The Church was greatly revived, backsliders were reclaimed, and ten souls were powerfully converted. Among the converts were some of the most influ- ential people of the community. Nine joined the Church. At the close of the meeting I baptized fifteen persons. On Sunday morning of the meeting we held a good, old-fashioned love-feast, with the happiest re- sult. A number bore testimony for Jesus. My second meeting was on the Livingston Circuit, Overton County, Tennessee, by an exchange of ministerial labor with Rev. T. R. Dodson, preacher in charge of that work. We preached on Satur- day, Sunday, and Monday to small congregations. 100 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. These services were held near Brother William L. Gillentine's residence. I think there is a great deal of prejudice against our Church in that country. The Kuklux outrages there have been numerous. However, on Monday the good Lord powerfully converted one man, while several others were left at the altar. We spent the greater part of Tuesday at the residence of Mrs. Henson, a very kind-hearted widowed lady, also a member of the Christian Order Church, who lives within one mile of Livingston. By invitation I preached that evening in the town, in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to an at- tentive congregation. I was informed that I was the first and only preacher of the old Methodist Episcopal Church who had preached in that town since 1845. I then went with Brother Dodson, and preached with happy results at Free Communion Church, and at Rocky Ridge Church. My third basket-meeting was held at Solomon's Chapel, embracing the first Sunday in August, and holding four days. Rev. T. R. Dodson attended with me, and preached with great acceptability. Three were converted, and two joined the Church. I baptized seven persons, and received quite a num- ber into full connection. The Church was glori- ously revived, shouting aloud for joy. On Sunday morning we held a most interesting love-feast serv- ice, and after Brother Dodson had preached, I ad- ministered the holy communion to quite a number, one of the communicants being a deaf-and-dumb girl. My fourth quarterly-meeting was held at Jamestown, August 9tb, 10th, and 11th. Rev. J. W. Mann, the presiding elder, was present and 101 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF preached. Our brethren of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, held their quarterly-meeting at the same time and place. Their presiding elder, W. W. Neal, did not reach the place until Sunday morning, and left the same afternoon. Rev. Henry Pyle, from Wartburg Circuit, was also present. We had no conversions. One joined the Church. The meeting closed on Sunday night. My fifth basket-meeting embraced the third Sunday in August, at the Head of the Cane. After holding two days there, with penitents at the altar, we moved to the riverside for baptisms, and held there one day. The Lord converted two souls, one joined our Church, and four young men were bap- tized by immersion. The next day we moved to Sulphur Springs, and held there two days. Four souls were converted at this place. My sixth bas- ket-meeting was held at Paul's Chapel, embracing the first Sunday in September. It continued four days. The power of the Most High rested on the people, mourners came in crowds to the altar, and the saints of God shouted aloud for joy. Nine souls were powerfully converted to God, and three joined the Church. I preached funerals during the re- mainder of the Conference year. Just before leaving for Conference, I attended a Baptist Association one day near Albany, Kentucky, and was highly pleased with the preaching. On my route to the Holston Annual Conference, which met in Cleveland, Tennessee, October 2, 1872, I preached three funerals in three different counties. I left home for the seat of Conference September 26th, rode to Jamestown, and took dinner with 102 Riv. A. B. WRIGHT. James F. Paul. I rode that evening to my son-in- law's, Tobias Peters, and preached that night at Mt. Vernon Church. The next day I rode eight miles, and preached the funeral of R. J. Jones, at White Oak Church. We had a most precious service. In the afternoon I rode twelve miles to Wartburg, where I met with Rev. A. C. Peters, a young man going to Conference, for admission into the travel- ing connection. We had meeting that night in Wartburg, Brother Peters preaching. The next morning we rode nine miles to Mt. Zion Church, met a congregation, and I preached the funeral of Amanda Jane Eastridge. In the afternoon we rode fifteen miles to Colonel James I. Dail's, my cousin, reaching his house some time after dark in a heavy storm of rain. The next day being Sunday, a bright and beautiful day, I preached the funerals of Nancy E. Peters and her infant babe, from Isaiah sixtieth chapter, ninteenth and twentieth verses, the lady being a daughter of Colonel Dail. The Holy Ghost was present in wonderful power. In the afternoon we rode fourteen miles, and remained over night with David Kelsey, a Methodist ex- horter, and a most excellent man. On Monday morning we rode seventeen miles to Uncle Cyril Carpenter's for dinner, in McMinn County; and in the afternoon rode nine miles to Athens, and stopped with Rev. J. W. Mann, my presiding elder. Brother Mann and wife were very kind to us. I reached Athens almost under pros- tration from continuous traveling. A good night's rest greatly refreshed me. On Tuesday, at twelve o'clock, I heard Ex-President Andrew Johnson make 103 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF a political speech in Athens. I took the evening train, at about four o'clock, for Cleveland, the seat of the Conference. I was assigned my boarding place with P. C. R. Lawson, an excellent man in- deed. My boarding partner was Rev. Samuel Grear. At this Conference I passed an examination on the fourth year's course of study. On Wednesday morn- ing the Conference was opened, with Bishop Merrill in the chair. In the afternoon of the same day, Rev. J. B. Little preached, and at night Rev. A. G. Watkins preached-both in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The next morning, at five o'clock, I at- tended a prayer-meeting for entire sanctification, in the same Church. In the afternoon of Thursday a consecration meeting was held, when the preachers were invited into the altar as seekers for entire sanc- tification. I bore testimony to the full assurance of perfect love. I attended the early prayer-service on Friday morning; but feeling indisposed, did not attend the Conference session. In the afternoon, I heard Dr. N. G. Taylor preach a most powerful sermon from Psalms cxliv, 1 5. I did not attend the missionary meeting at night, being sick. On Sunday morning I attended the Conference love-feast, and afterwards heard Bishop Merrill preach from John xvii, 22. In the evening, Rev. J. L. Mann preached a good discourse from Gal. vi, 14. On Monday morning, Brother Peters and I left for home. We went to Athens, met our horses, and went in the afternoon to Cyril Carpenter's. We both preached at Tranquillity Church that night. The Holy Ghost was present. On Tuesday morn- ing we rode eighteen miles, and took dinner with 104 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. David Kelsey; and in the afternoon rode nine miles to Kingston, and staid over night with Ellis De- vaney. The next day we went four miles, and took dinner with Colonel Dail; and in the afternoon rode thirteen miles to the home of William Eastridge, in Morgan County, where I solemnized the rites of mat- rimony between J. W. Peters and Elizabeth tast- ridge. On Thursday morning we rode twvelve miles, and I preached at Scutcheon Church. In the afternoon I rode fourteen miles, and staid over night with my daughter and son-in-law. The next day (Friday) I rode fifteen miles to Jamestown, and took dinner with L. T. Smith, the Circuit Court clerk; and in the afternoon rode eighteen miles to my home. I found all well. I was appointed by this Conference to travel the Madisonville Circuit. On returning home, I was greatly afflicted with catarrh and pneumonia of the lungs, which reduced me for a time to great weakness. I felt that I greatly needed a winter's rest from labor; and know- ing that we had an over-number of preachers, I wrote to my presiding elder, Rev. W. C. Daily, to supply the work and excuse me. One great diffi- culty in the way of my going to my circuit was, that from a pure zeal for the itinerant ministry, I had sold my farm awhile before going to Conference, which brought me under the necessity of selling off my property and grain. With my best efforts, I could not do this. The move with my family would have been about one hundred and thirty miles, over the Cumberland Mountains and across several large rivers. I thought this would be very hazard- ous to myself and family. With a sad heart I here 105 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF say, that this decision has brought more cloud to my moral pathway than anything else that has oc- curred during my ministry. I pray God to forgive me if I have done wrong in asking to be excused. The good Lord knows my heart, and that I am an intinerant, soul and body. I trust and pray that I may yet do efficient labor for years in the itiner- ant ranks. Having been excused from going to my circuit by my presiding elder, I began preaching as my health would allow. Soon after returning from Conference, I preached the funerals of John E. Kanatsure and two infant children, also baptized his widow, and received three persons into the Church. I then preached some funerals in Wayne and Clin- ton Counties, Kentucky, with occasional appoint- ments in other places. From the third Sunday to the fourth Sunday in December, myself and Brother Harris, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, held a meeting of seven days and nights on Lick Creek, at Campbell's school-house, which resulted in eighteen conversions, four of whom joined the Methodist Church. Backsliders were reclaimed, and the Churches were greatly revived. A strong current of brotherly love prevailed throughout the neigh- borhood. A few days before this meeting, I bought a large farm, six and one-half miles towards James- town from where I lived, to which I moved my family immediately after the close of the foregoing meeting. On the 27th of December, 1872, I was elected secretary of Jamestown Lodge, No. 281; of Free and Accepted Masons. 106 Rim. A. B. WRIGHT. Through the great mercy of God, I have now closed another very eventful year of my life. Dur- ing the year I preached one hundred and fiftv-six sermons, besides prayer and class meetings; wit- nessed eighty-four conversions, received forty-nine into the Church, and baptized thirty-two adults and four infants. I preached the funerals of fourteen persons, and married one couple. Now, 0 my God, help me to be faithful in thy cause during the year 1873, if I should be kept on the shores of mortal conflict! My brethren and old friends in Kentucky, knowing that I had been released from labor in my own Conference, strongly insisted that I should serve them as their pastor during the year. Feel- ing the itinerant fire burning in my soul for the sal- vation of sinners, I offered myself to the Kentucky Conference, not as a transfer, but as a supply for the Cumberland City Circuit, since it lay contigu- ous to my residence. The Conference saw proper to give me the work. This is in the bounds of the Lexington District, over which Rev. H. J. Perry was presiding elder. The Kentucky Conference met February 19, 1873, in Lexington, Kentucky. I began my first round the ninth day of March. We had some man- ifestations of the Divine presence during this round. God be praised for restoring me to health again, sufficient to be in charge. I had been fear- ful of one blank year in my life, but now feel like living and dying an itinerant Methodist preacher. My first quarterly-meeting was held at No. 1 School- house, April 12th and 13th. Brother Perry, the presiding elder, was present. We had a very pleas- 107 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ant meeting. A happy love-feast was held on Sun- day morning, a number testifying for Jesus. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered after preaching, a large number communing, and three persons joined the Church. On my May round, at Concord Church, in the class-meeting the people of God rejoiced, and one joined our Church. During the same round, at Thomas York's, a number of penitents were at the altar, and two souls were powerfully converted to God. The next evening I preached at Hiram Guf- fey's, after preaching in the forenoon at No. 1 School-house; and notwithstanding it was raining and but few could be in attendance, yet all that were not religious were seekers at the altar; and five souls were powerfully converted, and two joined our Church. Mourners were carried from the ground weeping and almost helpless. On my June round I held an interesting meeting at No. 1 School-house. In the evening of the first Sunday of June I preached at Thomas York's. Quite a number of penitents were at the altar, one person was converted, and two joined our Church. I preached a sermon to the children at Slick Ford on this round. On June 22d I set off for the District Conference at Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky. I left home at six o'clock in the morn- ing, rode twelve miles to Slick Ford, and preached a funeral. I took dinner at Emerson Brown's, rode seven miles in the afternoon, and remained over night with B. W. S. Huffaker. The next day I rode twelve miles to Steubenville, and took dinner with Isaac Hurt. In the afternoon I rode seven- 108 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. teen miles, crossing the Cumberland River in a ferry-boat, and remained over night with Dr. Parker. Dr. Parker and his wife and children are most excellent people. The next morning, June 24th, in company with Dr. Parker, I rode four miles into Somerset. On account of delay in the arrival of the presiding elder, Rev. H. J. Perry, the Conference did not convene until the next day. I found the citizens of Somerset to be a very gen- erous and friendly people. I was assigned to stay with Brother Kit Hale. Somerset is celebrated for churches, there being seven good churches in the town. I left Somerset in the evening of June 26th, rode out and remained over night with Dr. Parker. June 27th, I rode to Steubenville, taking dinner on the way with Mrs. Forrester, a most excellent widowed lady, whose husband was a son of Rev. John Forrester, of precious memory in the Hol- ston Conference. I remained over night with Isaac Hurt. The next day in Steubenville, I preached the funerals of two of his infant children. After preaching twice that day I rode seven miles, and remained over night with Mrs. Isabelle, a widowed lady. May God bless this excellent family! The next morning being Sunday, I rode ten miles to Kennedy's school-house, and preached the funeral of a babe. After preaching and taking dinner with John Culver, I rode home, eleven miles distant, and found my family well. God be praised. My second quarterly-meeting was held at Con- cord Church, July 9th and 10th. The presiding elder was present and preached. On the second 109 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF morning of the meeting, just after love-feast, I re- ceived into the Church two persons by letter, two on probation, and one from the United Baptist Church. My first basket-meeting was held at Slick Ford, in Wayne County, Kentucky. It continued for three days, embracing the third Sunday in July, and resulted in eight happy conversions and nine accessions to the Church. Two persons joined from the Baptist Church. The Church at this place had been for a long time in a low state of religious life, but at this meeting the membership was greatly revived, and a great tide of Christian union pre- vailed throughout the community. My second basket-meeting was held near James- town, in Fentress County, Tennessee, embracing the fourth Sunday in July. This meeting was held in connection with Brothers Bilderback and McPher- son, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. On Sunday morning we held a love-feast service, after which I preached a funeral, and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to a large number of communicants. After this, penitents came to the altar for prayer, and three souls were powerfully converted. Fifteen persons were converted during the meeting. My third basket-meeting was held at Concord Church, in Clinton County. It con- tinued three days, embracing the first Sunday in August, and resulted in two conversions and five accessions to our Church. My fourth basket-meeting was held at the res- idence of Mrs. Guffey, a widowed lady living in Wayne County, embracing the third Sunday in August. It lasted five days, and resulted in seven 110 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. happy conversions, and ten accessions to the Church. I baptized fourteen persons during the meeting. On Sunday morning, we held a good love-feast meeting; and on Monday morning, after preaching, I administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. A large number communed. My fifth basket-meeting was held at No. 1 school-house, embracing the fifth Sunday in August. It lasted for six days, and resulted in twenty-two conversions to God and nine accessions to our Church. My sixth basket-meeting was held at Ed- wards school-house in Wayne County, for four days, embracing the first Sunday in September. It resulted in two conversions and one accession to our Church. My seventh basket-meeting was held at Concord Church in Clinton County, embracing the third Sunday in September and continued about one week. It resulted in ten happy conversions and thirteen accessions to the Church. The convic- tions were deep and the conversions powerful. On Friday morning, September 26th, I rode twelve miles and baptized eight persons, rode in the afternoon one mile and preached at Concord Church, then rode seven miles more and preached at night at William Perdieu's; making a ride of twenty miles and holding three services in one day. Dur- ing this round the power of God was gloriously man- ifested. Mourners crowded to the altar for prayer, three were happily converted to God, thirteen joined our Church, and I baptized fifteen persons. On my October round through Clinton County, I sent Rev. James H. Carter in my place. One more person joined the Church. ill AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF The Holston Annual Conference met this year in Knoxville, Tennessee, October 1st, Bishop Gilbert Haven presiding. I did not attend the Conference this time, as I was very closely engaged in finish- ing up my work on the Cumberland City Circuit. I was expecting an appointment from the Holston Conference, and was assigned to the Jamestown Circuit, in the Athens District, with W. C. Daily as presiding elder. I now had for awhile two cir- cuits to fill, which I endeavored to do, although the work was very hard. CHAPTER X. JAMESTOWN AND WARTBURG. \ BOUT the first of October I held two meetings Af near Travisville, Tenn., which resulted in four happy conversions and four accessions to our Church. My third quarterly-meeting for the Cum- berland City Circuit was held at Edwards school- house, October 11th and 12th. Rev. N. R. Davis was present as presiding elder pro tem. On October 10th I organized a class at Beaver Creek, in Wayne County, Kentucky, consisting of five members. At another meeting, which I held at the same place in November, two others joined the Church. At a service which I held at Captain Dowdy's, in Fentress County, December 26th, two persons joined our Church, and a number of peni- tents were at the altar. My first quarterly-meeting for the Jamestown Circuit was held at Jamestown, December 20th and 21st. Rev. W. C. Daily was 112 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. present. Brother Daily is a man of lovely spirit. We had no conversions, though anxious penitents were at the altar. And now farewell to the year 1873. What an eventful year it has been ! In the early part of it, more than one hundred persons perished from cold in Iowa and Wisconsin. In the summer, the Asiatic cholera extended a wide arm of death over the laud; and fresh upon its tracks the yellow fever spread desolation in many families of the South. Then followed some serious national difficulties, growing out of finances, which brought many almost to starv- ation. This was thought to be due to the demoni- tization of silver by authority of the Government. Thanks be to God, Zion has reaped a large harvest of ingathering! Thousands have been converted during the year. I praise the Lord that I yet live; and 0 may I live to do good! During the year 1873 I preached one hundred and sixty-seven sermons, witnessed eighty-two conversions, took eighty-six persons into the Church, baptized forty- four adults and ten infants, preached the funerals or nineteen persons, and married one couple. Besides, I held a number of love-feasts and communion services. My fourth quarterly-meeting for the Cumberland City Circuit was held at the residence of Mrs. Guffey, in Wayne County, January 13th and 14th. Rev. H. J. Perry was in attendance, and presided with great satisfaction to the Conference. Brother Perry has greatly endeared himself to many people on the Cumberland City Circuit. There were earnest pen- itents at the altar, but no conversions. Two per- 8 11,3 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF sons joined our Church, one of them coming from the United Baptist Church. We had a good love- feast and a good communion-service, a large num- ber communing. During my labors on the Cum- berland City Circuit, sixty-three persons professed saving faith in Christ, and seventy-seven persons united with our Chureh. The people of the circuit insist that I shall serve them another year as their pastor. 0 that God may prosper that people more abundantly the coming year! In connection with Brothers McPherson and Hullett, each of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, I was in a meeting of five days and nights on the Three Forks of Wolf River, in Fentress County. The membership of both branches of the Methodist Church was greatly revived, and labored together in fellowship and love at the altar. Twelve souls were happily converted, and five joined our Church. The meeting began the 7th day of Jan- uary, and closed on the 12th. One week after the close of the above meeting I held a service at Sul- phur Springs. After I had preached, five persons ioined our Church. My second quarterly-meeting was held at Paul's Chapel, March 11th and 12th. Rev. W. C. Daily, the presiding elder, was present, and preached with great acceptability. We had a glorious love-feast and sacramental-meeting. Embracing the third Sunday in May, I held a two days' meeting at Sul- phur Springs, when God's mercy came down in power upon the people, and five persons were con- verted to God, and one joined our Church. My third quarterly-meeting was held in May, embracing 114 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. the fifth Sunday, in Poplar Cove, and continued three days. There were a number of penitents, but no conversions. Brother Daily was present, and presided; also Rev. J. F. Perry, preacher in charge of Wartburg Circuit, was with us, and preached with the power of the Holy Ghost. On my June round we had precious seasons at several places. At Paul's Chapel two very old per- sons joined the Church; and the next day at James- town, a gentleman united with the Church. On the fourth Sunday in June, after preaching at Sulphur Springs, mourners came to the altar, and two young ladies were powerfully converted. My first basket- meeting was held at Travisville, for three days, em- bracing the second Sunday in July. I held an in- teresting leaders' and stewards' meeting on Monday afternoon of the meeting. There were three con- versions, and five accessions to the Church. I also baptized five persons, and received them into full connection. On July 18th I left home for the Athens Dis- trict Conference, which was to meet in Kingston, four days later. I rode the first day to the home of Tobias Peters, after stopping for dinner in Jamestown with J. C. Taylor, the sheriff. The next day, being Sunday, at Mount Vernon, in Mor- gan County, I preached the funeral of an infant babe of Rufus and Patience Jones; and in the aft- ernoon, at the same place, I preached, and baptized four infant children. On Monday morning, at the same place, I preached the funeral of Timothy C. Vann, an excellent, Christian young man. At noon, in company with my son, Rev. J. C. Wright, 115 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF who had now come up with me, we set off for Kingston, the seat of the District Conference. We rode three miles and took dinner at Edley Gallo- way's; and in the afternoon rode within two miles of Montgomery, and staid over night with Pres- ton Holloway. The next day we rode six miles, and took dinner with Captain G. W. Keith; and in the afternoon rode into Roane County, within four miles of Kingston, and stopped with Colonel James I. Dail. We found that several members of his family were sick with fever. The next morning we rode into Kingston, and reached the Conference- room just as Conference was opening. I found a good home during my stay with Ellis Devaney. We had a pleasant Conference session. Obtaining leave of absence on Friday morning, we set off on our return trip. We took dinner that day at Colonel Dail's, and in the afternoon rode to Brother Fairchild's, four miles north of Montgom- ery. The next morning my son left me, and set off direct for home. I turned for Scott County, rode to Rev. L. H. Mosier's and took dinner. In the after- noon I rode into Scott County, and preached to a congregation at five o'clock. The next day being Sunday, I preached the funeral of Rev. Andrew Lewallen, he having requested me in his lifetime, should I outlive him, to do so, giving me his funeral text. On the same day I married a couple, and bap- tized three infant children. I staid at night at Brother Jack Young's. On Monday morning I rode six miles to Tompkins Chapel, a Baptist Church, where they were holding revival serv- 116 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. ices of great interest. At their request I stopped and preached for them from Luke xix, 10: "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." After which I rode to J. F. Paul's, and took dinner. In the afternoon I rode twenty miles, and reached my home. My second basket-meeting was held at Paul's Chapel, embracing the first Sunday in August. On Saturday of this occasion I was detained in James- town, to hold the funeral service of Sarah W. Gould, who had lived near the town. Four weeks before this I had held a like service for a young lady in the same place. My meeting at Paul's Chapel closed on Monday evening. One soul was con- verted, two persons were baptized, and two received into full connection. My third basket-meeting was held on Crab Creek, embracing the second Sunday in August, and continued five days. It resulted in ten happy conversions, and nine accessions to the Church. At the close I baptized six persons. Convictions were so deep and the interest was so great that, learning where I was staying at night, for two nights the people crowded the house where I was, so that I had to preach again, and to labor with penitents until a late hour, after having preached twice, and held two altar services during the day. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Halbert's school-house, in connection with my fourth quar- terly-meeting, embracing the fourth Sunday in Au- gust. Rev. W. C. Daily, the presiding elder, was present three days, and preached with the power of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. The meet- 117 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ing continued six days, and was truly a time of re- freshing from the presence of the Lord. Mourners came in crowds to the altar, and Christians shouted aloud for joy. Twenty-four souls were happily con- verted to God, and twenty-four joined our Church. I baptized fifteen persons at the close of the meeting, and organized a class of forty members at this place. On Saturday night before the first Sunday in September I preached at Brother Whittenburg's, and baptized four infant children. The next day, on Sunday, I preached a funeral to a large congrega- tion at Captain Dowdy's. The next day I baptized four persons at the same place, and after preaching, mourners came in crowds to the altar, and two young ladies joined our Church. I occupied the remainder of the Conference year in funeral ap- pointments, which were attended with much good. On account of afflictions in my family, I did not attend the Annual Conference which met in Chat- tanooga, Tennessee, September 30, 1874, Bishop E. G. Andrews presiding. My son, Rev. J. C. Wright, went as an applicant for admission on trial into the traveling connection. He was received, and appointed to Winter's Gap Circuit. I was ap- pointed to the Wartburg Circuit, formerly known as the Montgomery Circuit. On my first round in October, I preached three days at Emory Church. The Lord powerfully converted four souls, and a large number of penitents were left at the altar. I went from there up onto the Clinton Circuit to Sul- phur Springs, to preach the funeral of a good lady. While there the Lord converted two preciGus souls, and the people of God were greatly rejoiced. 118 RE:V. A. B. WRIGHT. On the second round on my circuit, at a meeting held at J. B. Ketcherside's, several penitents were at the altar, one soul was converted to God, and two joined the Church. My first quarterly-meeting was held at Jack Young's, embracing the first Sunday in December. Brother Daily, the presiding elder, was in attendance, and preached with great accepta- bility. At this meeting the Lord converted one soul, and two joined our Church. On returning home I was very sick with the mumps and bilious fever for more than two weeks, and had to call in the aid of a physician. In fact, all my family were sick with mumps and fever for some time, which detained me at home for three weeks beyond my regular time. I left home on January 7th for my third round, on a noted cold Saturday. During that round I witnessed two happy conversions to God, and had two accessions to our Church. On the February round we had some melting seasons, with peni- tents at the altar; and five persons joined our Church, two of them coming from the United Bap- tist Church. On the March round I left home the sixth day, and rode twenty miles to Paul's Chapel, on the Jamestown Circuit. This was the time and the place of the second quarterly-meeting for that circuit. I was accompanied by Rev. J. V. Brown, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. On reaching the church at a late hour, we found a waiting congregation, without either presiding elder or preacher in charge. I afterward learned that Brother Daily, the presiding elder, was at home sick. Brother Brown and I held services for three 119 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP days. The membership was greatly revived; two souls were converted to God, and two joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. From this place to my own quarterly-meeting was about ten miles. In going there I had to cross the Clear Fork River, and as the waters were swollen by the heavy rains, I greatly imperiled my own life, and came very near having my horse drowned. He would have drowned, having been entangled in some bushes in the angry waters, had not Thomas Brewster, a young man, gone in to him with a canoe, and brought him out. When he was nearest drowning I fell on my knees to praying. He was saved, and I reached the place of my quarterly-meeting at Mount Vernon in due time. My presiding elder, Brother Daily, did not reach there, and this laid all the burden of the occasion upon myself. Glory be to God! he was with us in great power, convert- ing souls every day of the meeting. On the second day, after preaching, I admin- istered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to a large number of communicants, having no minister to assist me. That which rendered the sacramental service remarkable was, that our Baptist friends communed with us. We made up a good collection of money for the presiding elder. The people brought out provisions, and remained all day on the grounds, while the spirit of worship remained upon them all the time. The meeting continued four days. The membership was greatly revived, mourners came in crowds to the altar, twelve souls wvere powerfully converted to God, and thirteen persons joined our Church. To God be all the 120 REV. A. B. WRIGHT1 glory. On the same round I witnessed, at Lee's school-house, four more conversions, and seven ac- cessions to our Church. On my round before this, near Lee's school-house, I preached at the house of Thomas Taylor, a Baptist brother. A number of penitents were at the altar of prayer. Among these were two very small girls, one of whom was con- verted that day, the other on this round. The one converted first was a daughter of Rufus and Sarah Bishop. Her name was Sarah Amanda. She was happily converted February 13, 1875, being at that date seven years eight months and nine days old. On the present round she would labor with the pen- itents in the altar with the judgment of a woman. She, with the other little girl, joined our Church. May Heaven bless the precious little girls! On the April round, we bad some very happy seasons of rejoicing. At Mount Vernon, on the second Sunday in April, three young ladies, sisters, by the name of Vann, were happily converted. They had been mourners for eight years. God be praised. On the May round, at Mount Vernon, Rufus Jones and wife both found peace in believing, which makes seventeen conversions at Mount Vernon this year, up to date. I held meeting three days at Scutcheon Church, near old Mont- gomery, embracing the third Sunday in May. During the meeting penitents came to the altar in large numbers, and the people of God greatly re- joiced. Five souls were happily converted, and two united with our Church. My third quarterly- meeting was held at Mount Zion Church, in Mor- gan County, embracing the fourth Sunday of May. 121 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF I began the meeting on the evening before, with a class-meeting service. Brother Daily was in at- tendance, and preached with his usual spiritual ability. We had a pleasant communion service, and raised a good collection for the presiding elder. Upon the whole, it was a pleasant meeting. On the June round I traveled very hard, being pressed with my farming business at home. I would ride from fifteen to twenty miles a day, and preach twice. The first Saturday and Sunday in June, Rev. Benjamin Summers, a Baptist preacher, and I held a meeting at James McKeathan's, a Baptist brother. On Sunday morning, at the request of Brother McKeathan, I preached the funeral of his son, Jesse L. MeKeathan. We had a pleasant service, and four happy conversions to God. The next day, being Monday, I preached twice. In the aflernoon, at Langley's school-house, two persons joined our Church, one of them coming from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The next day, at Lee's school-house, one more joined the Church. The second Sunday in June, being Children's- day at Mt. Vernon, I preached to a large congre- gation of children and adults, and lifted a collection for educational purposes. The power of the Holy Ghost came upon the people in a wonderful man- ner, and penitents came to the altar of prayer cry- ing for mercy. Six souls were powerfully con- verted, and eight persons joined the Church. On the second Sunday in July I rode from Jamestown to Mt. Vernon, and after preaching baptized three infants and ten adults, and received twenty persons into full connection. 122 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. My first basket-meeting was held at Young's Chapel, embracing the third Sunday in July. It continued four days, resulting in ten happy con- versions and three accessions to our Church. The presence of the Holy Ghost was so powerfully present at one of these services that every uncon- verted person in the house was at the altar crying for mercy. My second basket-meeting was held at Clear Creek the fourth Saturday and Sunday in July. There were no conversions, but a number of anx- ious penitents. I baptized five infants, preached the funeral of a lady, and received two persons into the Church. I preached at Scutcheon Church the first Sunday in August. There were a number of penitents at the altar, two conversions, and one accession to the Church. The following Tuesday I held two services at Emory Church. There were indications for a good revival at this place, but I was forced to leave so as to meet other engage- ments. My third basket-meeting was held at Ramsey's Chapel, embracing the second Sunday in August, and continued three days. Quite a number of pen- itents were left at the altar, and one lady was con- verted. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Mt. Zion Church, beginning on Wednesday after the second Sunday in August, and continuing three days. At this place there were no conversions, but a number of penitents were at the altar. My son, Rev. J. C. Wright, of the Winter's Gap Circuit, was present and preached. My fifth basket-meet- ing was held at Lee's school-house, embracing the 12.3 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF third Sunday in August. It continued three days, and resulted in four happy conversions. I attended the Jamestown quarterly-meeting on the fourth Sunday in August. On Saturday morn- ing of the meeting I baptized four ladies by im- mersion. Rev. John Forrester was the preacher in charge of this work. I was baptizing, preaching funerals, and receiving into full connection at nearly all my basket-meetings. My fourth quar- terly-meeting was held at Scutcheon Church, em- bracing the fifth Sunday in August. Brother Daily was with us two days, and presided with dignity. The services held for three days. We had a melt- ing, glorious meeting, earnest penitents were at the altar in large numbers, five souls were converted, and three accessions were made to our Church. From this place I went to Mt. Vernon, and held services from Tuesday evening until Friday even- ing. There seemed to be a Divine power resting upon the congregation through the entire meeting. Mourners came weeping to the altar of prayer, while the people of God prayed and shouted to- gether. Thirteen souls were powerfully converted, and nine persons joined our Church. From this place I went to Young's Chapel, preached and baptized some persons, and closed the Conference year's work. This makes eight years' work in the itinerancy. Glory! During the Conference year I preached 152 times, traveled 1,918 miles on horseback, prayed with 424 families, witnessed 80 conversions to God, and received 67 persons into the Church. I se- cured 63 subscribers for the Methodist Advocate, 124 REV. A. B. WRIGHIrT. published in Atlanta, Georgia, and obtained the first prize, 10 in cash, offered by Dr. Fuller, the editor, to the pastor that should obtain the largest number of subscribers. I sold about 40 worth of books, baptized 40 adults and 18 infants, and mar- ried one couple. I received as a salary 215.85, and raised for benevolence 36.25. To God be all the glory! I left home September 25th to attend the ses- sion of the Conference to meet in Greeneville, Ten- nessee, Bishop Bowman presiding. I rode to Jamestown the first day, and took dinner with J. W. Gaudin, and in the afternoon rode to Tobias Peters', and remained over night. The next day being Sunday, I rode to Brother James R. Brown's, thinking that I had an appointment to preach the funeral of Father Dawn, father-in-law of Brother Brown. But as they had not received my letter arranging for the appointment, I did not meet a congregation. In the afternoon the family of Brother Brown and myself visited the new-made grave of Father Dawn, and sang that beautiful hymn, "In the resurrection morning you will see the Savior coming," and all knelt in prayer. I then rode six miles, and visited a young man by the name of David Honeycutt, who was nearly off these mortal shores with consumption. After read- ing an appropriate Scripture lesson, and praying with him, I went a short distance to Mrs. Briant's, and remained over night. The next morning I set off for Clinton, Tennessee, rode fifteen miles, and took dinner with Ezra Russell; and in the after- noon rode fourteen miles, and spent the night with 1254 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF W. R. Dail. The next morning I rode five miles to Clinton,and took the train for Knoxville. Here I met with Bishop Bowman and a number of the traveling preachers. We took the train at Knox- ville, and arrived at Greeneville late in the evening. I was assigned to stay at W. A. Lamon's. We had a real pleasant session of the Conference. This was Bishop Bowman's first visit to us. On Sab- bath morning, after preaching an excellent sermon, he dedicated the new Methodist Church in Greene- ville, and in the afternoon of the same day dedi- cated the new Colored Methodist Church. Rev. F. M. Fanning and Rev. J. J. Manker were elected delegates to the General Conference. The Conference closed on Monday night. Early the next day, in company with a large number of the preachers, I took the train for Knoxville. I was very sick all day. At Knoxville I had to wait for hours for a train to Clinton. In company with Brother James Jory, one of our ministers, I visited and took dinner at the Deaf and Dumb Institute. Late in the evening I took the train for Clinton, and staid that night with my cousin, W. R. Hicks, a lawyer, who lives in Clinton. The next day I rode five miles through a heavy fall of rain to William R. Dail's. In the afternoon I rode eighteen miles, and reached Major Stephens' in Morgan County, late at night, having had trouble with swollen streams all the way. At one place I paid a man fifty cents to assist me over. 0 what heavy rains and high waters I had that day! I rode the next day about fourteen miles to Russell Scott's and took dinner, and in the afternoon rode fifteen miles 126 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. to Tobias Peters', and remained over night. The next day I rode fifteen miles, and took dinner with Jeremiah Wright, one mile from Jamestown, and in the afternoon rode home. I found my family all well, God be praised! I was appointed this year to the Crossville Cir- cuit, in the Athens District, W. C. Daily presiding elder. CHAPTER XI. CROSSVILLE CIRCUIT. I LEFT home October 2d, for my new field of labor, and after traveling one day and a half reached my first appointment, on Clear Creek, called Salem Church. The house, situated between two very high hills, is built of logs, with clapboard roof, and a chimney of sandrock built up to about the joists, without any glass windows, very open, and unfit for use. I met about a dozen very poor and attentive people, and preached to them. The next day being Sunday, my appointment was six miles away, the whole route being a dense wilder- ness, with only one house on the way. I reached this appointment at the proper time. The place was called Mt. Union. It had once been a camp- ground; however, the camps and the old shed had gone down. The people of the neighborhood bad built a shed the previous year. The church is a small old house, with a stick-and-clay chimney. Here I met a good congregation, and preached to them. About the close of the sermon the Holy Ghost came upon the people, and a number, both 127 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF men and women, shouted aloud the Upraise of God. I preached at the same place that night and the next morning. There were a number of penitents at the altar. On the following Tuesday I went to Maple Springs to preach, but found no congregation there, as my appointment had not been published. I preached that night, however, to a small congrega- tion at the home of Mr. Woody, a Baptist brother. The next day I preached at Koontz school-house to a congregation of seven women and two chil- dren. I spent the night at James Tanner's. His wife is a Christian lady and a Methodist, and he, I think, is an anxious seeker. Next morning I set off for Hale's Chapel, at a distance of twelve miles. The whole route is a dense wilderness, with, very few settlers. After going about four miles, I became lost in what is called the Wild Meadows. I got off my horse, knelt down and prayed; mounted, rode on, and reached Dr. Brown's, five miles from the church. After holding religious services in the family, the doctor accompanied me to the church. I found a large congregation waiting, and preached to them. That night I preached at the residence of Brother Hale, the class-leader of this Church. The next day I preached at Gray Ridge, in a new, half-finished church, to a small but very attentive congregation. That afternoon I rode into Sequat- chie Valley, in Bledsoe County, and remained over night with Curtis Hinch. He is a well-to-do man, but not a Christian. The next morning I went across the valley and up Walden's Ridge, a very high mountain, to 128 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. Pleasant Hill, a plain old church, and preached to a small congregation. In the afternoon I went down into Sequatchie Valley, to Melville. In this place, at the Masonic Hall, a Baptist minister was holding revival services. At his request I preached, and called for penitents. Four ladies were con- verted. The next day being Sunday, I preached at the same place. Here I met the family of William Lee, a most excellent people. In the afternoon I went five miles up the valley, to Orme's school- house, and preached to a large congregation. We had an excellent service. The next day I rode over the mountain to Grassy Cove. I had an appoint- ment to preach in this place the following day, but the appointment not having been published, I did not preach. Here I met with an English family named Marston, a good people. On Wednesday night I preached in the Baptist Church to a large congregation. On Thursday morning I set off for home; and after riding about sixty miles, I reached home on Friday night, to find my family well. I began my second round at Salem Church, by preaching to a congregation of five ladies and a little boy. 0 what clouds of discouragement! Good Lord, help me " to endure as seeing Him that is invisible." That aft- ernoon I rode nine miles, and remained over night with D. C. Adams. The next morning I rode four miles in a heavy rain, and held religious services with the family of Mr. Lavender; after which, I went to Mr. Winnie's, where I was to preach that day, but found no congregation. I staid that night at Mrs. Vickery's. She is an excellent Christian 9 129 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF lady, and has a nice family. The next day I went to Swan's, and met a very small congregation. I prayed with them, and held a class-meeting. That evening I went down into Grassy Cove, and spent the night with a family named Stratton. They were a kind Northern family. That night I was in- itiated into the Order of Good Templars. I am re- solved to go into everything that opposes intem- perance. On Sunday I attended my appointment, which had been consolidated with the quarterly-meeting of the Southern Methodists. I preached on Sunday night. I lodged with Brother C. Ford, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, who treated me with great kindness. I also met Dr. Chamberlain and family, who gave me a royal entertainment. The doctor is in feeble health. On Monday I went to Sequatchie Valley, and preached at Brother Selby's. We had an old-fashioned Holy Ghost meeting. That night I preached at Mrs. Davenport's. There were a number of penitents at the altar. On Tuesday morning I preached at Stony Point, in a large, old frame church. In the after- noon I went to Pleasant Hill, on Walden's Ridge, and met with Rev. G. W. Renfro, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, who preached for me. On Wednesday, I went up Brown's Gap, of the Cumberland Mountains, and preached at Rev. C. J. Croft's. Here I met with the family of Brother Bennett. I found them a good people. That night I preached at Brother Whitehead's. The next day I preached at Hale's Chapel, where I met with Rev. D. H. Cottrell, a Baptist minister. I spent the aft- 130) RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. ernoon and night with him and his family. The next day I rode twelve miles to Koontz scbool- house, met a good congregation, and preached to them. That night I preached at Howard's Springs, with good results. At this place we have a com- fortable little church, and this, with a small, half- finished parsonage, is all the property that our Church owns on the entire circuit. The next day I preached at Maple Springs. Here I found an old, squatty house, with a door in the side, a stick and clay chimney in one end, and plenty of light gleam- iDg through the open cracks. Our society at this place is small. I met a large congregation, who listened attentively while I preached. Some of the people of God shouted aloud for joy. The only excuse for such churches is the poverty and inex- perience of the people. I here met with Brother Elmore, the class-leader, and his family; also with E. Terrell and family, who are spiritualists. The next day being Sunday, I rode nine miles, through a heavy rain, to Mount Union; met a small con- gregation, and preached to them. I stopped with Brother William Todd. He and his family showed me much kindness. The next day I rode thirty miles, and reached my home. On Sunday, December 26th, I preached at Salem Church, on my third round. The congregation was not large. That evening I preached at Harve Shil- lings. We had an excellent meeting, and one young lady was converted. On Monday I rode six miles to Obed's River, but found it too deep to ford, and remained over night with Mr. Adams. The next morning a young man rode my horse over the river, 131 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF and I crossed in the canoe. I rode nine miles to Crossville, and took dinner with William Hamby, a hotel-keeper. I rode that afternoon into Grassy Cove. and staid with Brother Brown. I had an appointment to preach that night at the Baptist church, but did not preach because there were no lights. The next day I had to surround Grassy Cove Creek, because it could not be forded on ac- count of high waters. I went to Sequatchie Valley, preached to a large congregation at Brother Selby's, and had a good meeting. That night I preached at J. M. Miller's. The Lord was present in power, and two young men were powerfully converted. The next day I rode eight miles to my appointment, going up Lowe's Gap, of Walden's Ridge, and met a small congregation, but had a good meeting. Three per- sons joined the Church. In the afternoon I went down in the valley to Melville, and preached that night at the hall. There were only a few in attend- ance. I remained that night with W. N. Ault, a merchant and a farmer. The next day I visited the family of Mr. Thomas, a Northern family. The next day I preached at Stony Point to a small con- gregation. From this place I was called to attend the funeral services of Sister Hale, the wife of Thomas Hale. The services were held -the follow- ing day, New-Year's day. The following day I preached at Hale's Chapel. We had a glorious meeting. A number of peni- tents were at the altar, and four persons joined our Church. That night there were two conversions at the same place. The next morning I baptized a lady by immersion. I preached again at Hale's 132 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. Chapel, and had a good meeting. I preached again at night, and continued the services until Friday evening. We had twenty-four conversions, and twenty-three accessions to our Church. The meet- ing continued for two days after I left, and resulted in four more conversions. The next day I rode eighteen miles, passing through Crossville, and reached Brother Elmore's, near Maple Springs, where I spent the night. The Baptists were hold- ing revival services at the church. I went out that night and preached. There were a number of penitents at the altar. The next day I rode four- teen miles to Mt. Union, and preached twice that day at this church. We had a good meeting, penitents were at the altar, and four persons joined our Church. The next day I rode thirty miles. and reached my home. Found my family well. God be praised. On January 24tb I left home for my fourth round, and stayed that night at Harve Peters's. The next day I preached at Winnie's to a fair con- gregation. That night I preached in Crossville, in a room of a hotel kept by Mrs. Gibson, to a fair- sized congregation. The next day I rode into Grassy Cove, and preached that night in the Bap- tist church, as also the next morning. In the afternoon, through a heavy rain, I passed through Swaggerty's Cove, and down into Sequatchie Val- ley, preaching at Brother Selby's at night. We had a good meeting. Two young men joined the Church. The next day I rode eight miles up Walden's Ridge, and preached at Pleasant Hill; and again at night at James Kirley's. My quar- 133 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF terly-meeting occasion embraced the fifth Sunday in January, at Stony Point. Rev. W. C. Daily, the presiding elder, was present; also Rev. C. J. Crofts, of the Jamestown Circuit, and Rev. J. H. Parrott, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. On Monday night there were a number of peni- tents at the altar; but, leaving Brother Parrott in charge, I went on Tuesday, through a heavy rain, up Cumberland Mountain, and preached at Brother Crofts'. That afternoon I rode through a snow- storm to Brother Bennett's, and spent the night. The next morning, when the thermometer stood at ten degrees, I baptized a young man by immersion. I preached the same day at Hale's Chapel, and again at night at Laurel Church; also the next day at the same place, and at night I preached at Thomas Hale's. Friday was a very cold and snowy day. The sno.w was deep, and I had to travel nine miles by a strange road, through a dense wilderness. I thought if I should become lost, I should certainly perish from cold. 0 how I felt the need of Divine help! I reached Howard's Springs in time, and preached in the morning, and in the afternoon at Koontz school-house; also at night at Howard's Springs again, making a ride of fifteen miles in the snow, and preaching three times in one day. I stopped that night with Brother Martin, the class-leader. 0 how tired I was! " 0 land of rest, for thee I sigh !" The next day I went to Maple Springs, where I expected to hold revival services. The meeting be- gan on Saturday, and closed on the following Thurs- day night. It resulted in eight conversions and 134 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. eight accessions to the Church. The weather was unusually cold all the time. On Friday I rode forty-two miles to reach my home, and found my family well. On my fifth round, at Salem Church on Clear Creek, I preached to a congregation of two men and one boy. I went that afternoon nine miles, and remained over night with D. C. Adams, in company with Rev. J. V. Brown, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The next day being Friday, I preached at Winnie's to a small congregation, but we had an excellent service. That night I preached in Crossville, in the court-house, to a small congre- gation. Crossville is the county-seat of Cumber- land County, and, though a town of some age, there is not in it nor near it a church-building nor Church organization, but it has two active saloons. I spent a part of the next day in the town, and in the afternoon rode down into Grassy Cove, stopping with L. Stratton. That night I gave a lecture on temperance at the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the next morning being Sunday, I preached at the Baptist church, taking a collection to defray the expense of our delegates to the next General Conference. We had a very pleasant meet- ing. I spent a very pleasant time at the home of Mr. Marston and family, and stopped for the night with Mr. Wilson, lately of Ohio. I find them an excellent family. The next day I spent a time at the home of Dr. Chamberlain; found the doctor still very sick, but I hope improving. That after- noon I crossed over Walden's Ridge into Sequatchie Valley, and preached that night for a lady, very low 135 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF with consumption, by the name of Ford. We had a very happy meeting, indeed. The next morning I preached at Orme's school- house to the children, and at night I preached in the hall in Melville to a large congregation. Rev. A. C. Peters, of the Washington Circuit, was pres- ent. We had a glorious meeting. I spent the night with Frank Lee. He is an excellent man, and has a nice family. The following day I was to preach at Pleasant Hill, on Walden's Ridge, but on the way was met by a terrific storm of wind and rain, so that I had to stop. I did not reach the appoint- ment. That night I preached at Stony Point to a large congregation, Brother Peters being present and assisting. On Thursday I preached at the resi- dence of Rev. C. J. Crofts in the morning, and in the afternoon at Hale's Chapel. At both places there were large congregations. On Friday, in the morn- ing, I preached at Laurel Church, with happy re- stilts; and at night I preached at Zion Hill. The people came to these services in large numbers. On this occasion I organized a class at Laurel Church. This is the first organization of a class at this church. On Saturday morning, I began a two days' meet- ing at Koontz school-house. After a ride of fifteen miles, I reached the place in time for morning serv- ice; the occasion being the time of the monthly meeting of the Baptist Church at this place. After service on Saturday, they held their Church session, in which they preferred charges against a young preacher for drunkenness and swearing. The charges were not sustained. The young man afterwards 136 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. joined our Church. They also preferred charges against a young lady for attending parties. She would not acknowledge any wrong, and her case was continued until next meeting; but the next day she joined our Church. MIy meeting closed at this place on Monday morning. On the same night I preached at John Tabor's. The Lord was present in power. The following day I preached at Maple Springs. I took a good missionary collection. That night I preached at the same place. The Holy Ghost came upon the people in power, and one young lady was converted. On Wednesday morning, after a ride of fourteen miles, I preached at Mount Union, to a small but attentive congrega- tion. The next day I rode thirty miles to reach my home, passing through Jamestown. I found my family well. On mv sixth round I did not reach Salem Church at the appointed hour, but preached that night at John Lowe's. A number were in attend- ance,and I trust much good was done. Brother Lowe and family are plain, honest, and industrious Christian people. The next day I rode eleven miles, preached a missionary sermon to the Vickery class, and took a good missionary collection. That night, after a ride of five miles, I preached at Crossville, in the court-house. The Masons had their monithly meeting at the same time, and this fact lessened my congregation. I am a Freemason myself, but I never allow my lodge-meetings to in- terfere with my going to Church. The following day I preached at the home of Mrs. Dorton, who lives eight miles from Crossville. The congrega- 137 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF tion was small. Mrs. Dorton is a member of the Baptist Church, but had invited me to preach at her house. The following day being Sunday, I preached in Grassy Cove, on the cause of missions, and took a collection for the same. After spending some hours pleasantly in the homes of Messrs. Stratton, Brown, and Chamberlain, I crossed Walden's Ridge into Sequatchie Valley, and preached in the afternoon at Mrs. Davenport's to a large congregation, again taking a missionary collection. The following day being Monday, I drew up a deed for a piece of ground on which to build a Methodist church, and had it signed and witnessed. I ran out the lot, and marked the corners; also drew up a subscription paper and secured some funds fir building purposes. I preached that night at Melville, and after preach- ing, spent the night at William Lee's. The next day I preached in the morning at Pleasant Hill, after climbing a very rugged mountain to reach the place, and at night preached at Stony Point. Here I took a collection for missions. On Wednesday I preached at Gray Ridge, and at night at Hale's Chapel. On both occasions I preached on the subject of missions, and took col- lections. On Thursday, in the morning, I preached at Laurel Church, and in the evening at Zion Hill Church. At Laurel Church aSecond Adv'entist had been preaching, day and night, for four weeks. He holds that the Jewish Sabbath is the proper day to observe for Sunday, and that the abstaining from swine's flesh is essential. He seems to be an intel- ligent young man, and has secured some converts 138 Ruv. A. B. WRIGHT. to his views. That night, in going from Church to Brother Burger's, during a heavy thunderstorm, the night being very dark, I was seriously hurt by my horse passing under a limb of a tree, which struck me across the face, making an ugly wound, which bled freely. The next day, although feeling very poorly, I rode thirteen miles to preach at Pleasant Hill, on the road from Crossville to Sparta. I felt strongly tempted to stop several times on the way; but my zeal rallied, and I went on. However, I did not reach the place in time for the morning service, but preached at three o'clock in the afternoon. Here I met several strange families-Mr. Hubbard and family, who are Congregationalists; Mr. Fry and family, who are Lutherans. Next day being Sat- urday, my quarterly-meeting began at Howard Springs. Brother Daily was present. The usual services of the quarterly-meeting occasion were held. The following Tuesday I preached at Maple Springs in the morning, and at Robert Keys' at night. On both occasions I took a collection for the cause of education. The next day I preached at Mount Union. The Lord was present in heal- ing power. On this round three persons joined our Church, coming from the Baptist Church. On Thursday I rode a distance of thirty miles to reach my home, and found my family well. God be praised. On account of making a trip through Morgan County with my wife, to visit our daughter, Mrs. Peters, I did not reach my appointment at Salem Church May 11th. Traveling a strange road, I be- 139 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF came lost, and did not reach the place until too late for service. I spent that night at Jack Hall's. He, his wife, daughters, and sons, all work in the corn- fields. They make about a supply for home use. They know but little about books or letters, but are contented and happy. The next day I preached at Vickery's, to a congregation composed of two ladies and a gentleman. On May 13th, after riding fifteen miles, I reached N. C. Brown's, in Grassy Cove, who lives near the Baptist Church, where I was to preach that day. A heavy storm of wind and rain arose, which prevented a congregation from attending, and so there was no service. That afternoon I rode nine miles to reach an appointment at five o'clock in Sequatchie Valley, having to cross a very high mountain. I reached the place in time, preached to a good congregation, and took an educational collection. The next day, being Sunday, I preached at Stony Point a sermon especially for children. The Holy Ghost came upon the people, and shouts went up from the camps of Israel. That afternoon I preached in Melville. At both services I took a collection for education. After preaching I rode eight miles up Cumberland Mountain, and cele- brated the rites of matrimony, that night, between Reuben Lee and a daughter of Rev. C. J. Crofts, at the home of her father. The next morning I had great nervous prostration, caused by excessive traveling and preaching. However, I rode down into the valley seven miles to Brother Lee's with the wedding party. In the afternoon, after a ride of four miles, I preached at Pleasant Hill to a 140 RRv. A. B. WRIGHT. small congregation, although I was very hoarse. That night I staid with Mrs. Roberts, whose hus- band had been murdered by the Confederates dur- ing the late war. The next morning I preached again at Pleasant Hill, and took an educational collection. I spent the day visiting a number of families in the valley, and took W. H. Swofford into the Church. The next day, riding four miles up Cumberland Mountain, I preached at Gray Ridge Church. The congregation was small. The following day, at Hale's Chapel, I preached a ser- mon on Christian baptism, in reply to a sermon preached by Rev. D. H. Cottrell some time before. Mr. Cottrell is a Baptist minister. In the afternoon of the following day I preached to an attentive congregation at Laurel Church. I remained over night with John Wyatt. Mr. Wyatt and his wife are members of the Campbellite Church, while his oldest daughter is a Methodist, and two others are seekers of religion at the altar. The next morning I visited an aged couple by the name of Stone. They were both happy in the love of God. I held services with them. On arriving at the church I found the congregation engaged in an experience-meeting. Although this was Satur- day, the Second Adventists were holding their Sab- bath services. A large number from the Campbell- ite Church had been influenced by the Second Ad- ventist preacher into these strange views, and had created quite a confusion in the neighborhood. I preached here for two days. Mourners came to the altar in large numbers, and several joined our Church. I did what I could to quiet the trouble 141 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF in this community. On Sunday afternoon I took an educational collection. On Monday, May 22d, after a lonely ride ot thirteen miles through a wilderness country, I preached in the afternoon, at Pleasant Hill Church, to an attentive congregation. After preaching I visited a young lady who had been afflicted for two years with a lingering disease. I found that she was not a Christian, nor concerned about her soul; but I held religious services with her, and left her. The next day I rode seven miles and preached in the morning at Howard's Springs, and in the after- noon rode five miles, and preached at Maple Springs, on the mode of baptism. After riding fourteen miles the next day, I preached to an attentive con- gregation at Mount Union. I spent the night with William Todd. His little grandson was in the last stage of dropsy. The next morning I baptized the little boy and his two little sisters, and rode thirty miles during the day, a part of the time through heavy rain, to reach my home. During this round I traveled, in fifteen days, two hundred and thirty miles, and preached fifteen times. I set off for my work again, June 7th, in the early morning. After riding twenty-four miles, I stopped for the night with William McFarland, who lives by a new, half-finished log church, built by the United Brethren I was to preach there that night. The congregation was attentive, but small, the country being very thinly settled. As they had neither lamp nor candle for making a light, I preached by the light of a pine torch. I spent the night with Mr. McFarland. He and his wife and 142 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. large family are industrious people, his wife being a neat housekeeper. They had recently moved into the place, which, before their arrival, had been ex- posed to stock, the hogs having lain about the house and under the floor. I had an all-night hand-to-hand fight with the fleas. The next day, in the morning, I preached at Mount Union, and in the afternoon at the residence of Mr. Terrell, having ridden eighteen miles and preached twice during the day. The next morning, accompanied by the most of Mr. Terrell's family, I rode five miles through the rain, and preached at Maple Springs to a large congregation. In the after- noon I attended service in a new and unfinished log church, built by the Baptists. Rev. Mr. Wilson, a Baptist minister, preached to a large congregation. The following day I preached at Howard Springs. The following Saturday and Sunday I held a two days' meeting at Pleasant Hill. On the Sabbath I preached three times, and organized a Methodist Church at this place; a number of people, who had been members of the Congregational Church in the North, united with our Church. I also took an educational collection on Sunday. On Monday I rode eleven miles, and remained over night at James Lowe's. Brother Lowe had a son very sick with typhoid fever. I fear he may not recover. He is a good boy, however, he, with his brother, having been converted. I took them both into our Church in the beginning of the year. The next day I preached at Laurel Church, where the Second Adventists bad been producing such a cloud of confusion. I preached on the Christian Sabbath. 143 AUTOBIOGRA PRY 0V It seems to me to be a misfortune with a great. many people of this mountain country that they will readily embrace a new theory, though it be in direct conflict with a well-tried and God-approved old theory. These Second Adventists, instead of spreading a gospel of peace, are spreading a gospel of confusion and strife. These Advent preachers have entered a community that was living in peace and harmony, and have brought discord and strife; and, so far as I could learn, they have not awakened nor brought a single soul to Christ. These are stubborn facts in their case. On Wednesday I preached in the morning at Hale's Chapel, and in the afternoon at Gray Ridge, having ridden twelve miles and preached twice dur- ing the day. The next morning I rode down the mountain and into the valley four miles, and preached at Stony Point. I stopped for dinner with Brother Patton. In the afternoon I preached at Pleasant Hill. On Friday I preached at Ormue's school-house, and in the afternoon was so pros- trated from excessive labor that I was compelled to rest at the home of G. W. Miller. The fbllow- ing Saturday and Sunday was the occasion of my third quarterly- meeting in Grassy Cove. There had been such heavy rains for two days and nights that all the streams were greatly swollen, and the earth seemed submerged with water. I had no trouble, however, in reaching the meeting, as my route lay over a very high mountain, a distance of eight miles. Brother Daily, my presiding elder, after a circuitous route, reached the meeting in due time. The congregations were small, the people 144 RPN. A. B. WRIGHT. being unable to reach the church because of many and high waters. The usual services of a quar- terly-meeting occasion were held. Brother Daily did the preaching. The meeting was held by in- vitation in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. On Monday I took dinner with Father and Mother Renfro, an aged couple. They are the parents of two distinguished ministers of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South. I then set out for the home of my daughter, who lives in Morgan County, and after a ride of two days I reached that place. The next day, in company with my wife, I traveled twenty-six miles to reach my home. During this round of fifteen days I traveled 215 miles, preached 16 times, and prayed in 40 families. God be praised. It may be helpful to those who come after to give a true description of mission- work on the Cumberland plateau. It may not be without interest, also, to those who may occupy more favorable fields. I have had the painful op- portunity to be appointed to labor on some of the hardest mountain missions, and on them I have toiled and endured as seeing Him who is invisible. However, when God has poured from clouds of mercy rich salvation upon the people, and when in religious enjoyment, from the most excellent glory, I have been lifted to Pisgah's top, and have seen by faith the goodly land before me, I would not ex- change this work for a city station. On this mission field there live as true-hearted Christian people as can be found anywhere in the world. The native people of this mountain will make greater sacrifices to attend Church than any 10 14.5 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF other people that I have ever seen. I have known ladies to walk from five to fifteen miles to hear one of the Lord's ministers preach one sermon, and they did not regard this as a hardship; and they were as chaste and respectable people as can be found anywhere. Very often you may see nearly the whole family-husband and wife, brothers and sisters-march into the field early in the morning, and remain all day, in cultivating corn or in har- vesting. Their food is plain, palatable, and nutri- tious. A better-contented people is not to be found anywhere. Their houses are built of logs, chinked and daubed, and are very comfortable in the winter. The fireplaces are large, in which they place heaps of logs for the winter fire. Around these fires they spend their winter evenings in a very pleasant manner. They cook on the fire- places, for among them a cook - stove is a rare thing. They are generally clear of debt, and have plenty of milch-cows and work-oxen; and many of them have fat horses, and almost all of them own real estate. On almost all the table-land one can buy thou- sands of acres of unimproved land at from twenty- five cents to one dollar per acre. A great deal of this land will produce from five to six barrels of corn, or one hundred bushels of Irish potatoes, to the acre. I have known families who had three or four hundred dollars loaned out on interestand not less than five hundred dollars' worth of fat cattle on the range, who did not own a Bible, or take any religious newspaper, nor any other kind, and did not have any books in their homes, and yet owned 146 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. two or three fiddles and three or four rifle guns. These families are exceptions, however. Thou- sands of others were great readers and well-posted. I have sold thousands of books in that country. The reader discovers that I spend only about one half of my time in my field of labor. I made it a point to preach nearly every day, and sometimes as often as two or three times a day, ride fifteen or twenty miles, generally over very rough roads, and along the way visit and pray with a number of fam- ilies. I have read hundreds of pages and volumes of books through, riding along a wilderness road on horseback. About one half of my time I was com- pelled to labor on my farm to make a support for my family. Outside of the missionary appropria- tions, there was little other remuneration on these missions. Three years ago I traveled a large work the whole year, and received less than thirty dollars of salary for the same. This looks like the pioneer days of Peter Cartwright. The men who have labored in these fields have their record on high. Nothing but loyalty to God could lead men to stiffer these things. I have now traveled the Crossville mission nine months; I have traveled seventeen hundred miles oD horseback over a rough mountain country; have preached one hundred and forty-one times; have visited and prayed in four hundred families, and have received as a compensation thirty- seven dollars and fifty cents. On my farm I raised good crops of corn, wheat, oats, and hay; also had live-stock, horses, mules, cows, sheep, and hogs. I was educating my chil- dren in the best schools of the country. My wife 147 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF was wide-awake and knew how to manage the farm in my absence, and my children were industrious, and by it all we made a good living. I never drummed a congregation for my support. I be- lieved this to be the work of the stewards. I have never complained about my support. On my work there are about three hundred members. Many of them are very poor in this world, while quite a numberof them hold considerable wealth. Many of them have done all that they could, and possi- bly some of them have done more than they should have done, while many have not done one-fourth of what they ought to do. The support of Methodist preachers often comes from the poorer members. Our wealthy members too often are covetous. It seems difficult to have our financial matters properly proportioned. Some of our members have a good-will to do, but lack the ability; while others have the ability, but lack the good-will. Of these two classes I respect the former the more. On a piece of ground which I had given and deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church, myself and neighbors had erected a good church-building, one year before this time. It was within two hun- dred yards of my house, and was called Mt. Union. Rev. J. V. Brown, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and myself began a union meeting at this place, July 8th, he and I preaching alter- nately. It continued eight days. The power of the Holy Ghost was manifest from the very be- ginning in deep convictions, in thorough conver- sions, and in the reclaiming of backsliders. Mem- 148 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. bers of both branches of the Methodist Church worked with commendable zeal in the altar, and shouted aloud the praise of God together. Forty souls were powerfully converted to God, and thirty- two persons united with the two Churches. That which made the meeting of great interest to me was, that it was among my own neighbors, and largely among my own relatives. After resting one day, Brother Brown and I held another union meeting four miles northwest of my home, in a beautiful grove near the residence of Manson Flowers. We held nine days. The people of that neighborhood, a few years before, built a comfortable union church, but a short time before this meeting it had caught fire, and was re- duced to ashes. So we were forced to hold our services in a grove. During the meeting there were frequent showers of rain, which compelled us to re- pair to some farm-house for shelter. The congre- gations crowded the houses, porches, and yards, so eager were they for the word of life. Notwith- standing our great inconvenience, mourners came in numbers to the altar, and the people of God of different denominations shouted aloud the praise oi their salvation. Thirteen souls were happily con- verted, and eleven persons joined the two Methodist Churches. These were great meetings, indeed. I have never seen it fail that where Christian people unite in love and in effort there is always salvation. I have ever been in favor of union, both in Church and State. I hope the day will never come when any other Church will reach out a longer arm for Chris- 149 AUTOrBIOGRAPHY OF tian union than the Methodist Episcopal Church. I rejoice to believe that the time is near when ostra- cism and hard terms will give way to kind words and to a better feeling-when it will no more be said that the Methodist Episcopal Church is tran- scending the bounds of her mission to go anywhere in the world where there are souls to be saved; for with the best that both Churches are doing in this country, souls are being lost in our midst. I hope and pray that Methodism may be one in our land; for "united we stand, divided we fall." In the meantime let us cultivate love for each other; for the Savior has said: " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." On July 28th I set off from home for my cir- cuit. After riding about seventy miles in two days, I reached Stony Point, in Sequatchie Valley, where I was to hold my first basket-meeting. During the last day of my traveling I passed through a heavy thunderstorm of wind and rain. The meeting at this place continued for seven days, and the power of the Holy Ghost was present all the time. In all my ministry I never saw so many anxious penitents with so few conversions. At some of the services there were most melting seasons. The Christian people of the different Churches united in the work. Heavy showers of rain fell every day of the meet- ing. Four souls were converted, and one person united with our Church. I baptized three adults and one infant, and received three persons into the Church. My second basket-meeting was held at Hale's Chapel, in Cumberland County, embracing the first 150 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. Sunday in August, and continuing three days. It was held in union with the Baptist Church. Rev. G. W. Pressley, pastor of the Baptist Church, was present all the time. I think he is a very sincere man, but quite illiterate. Rev. D. H. Cottrell, of the Baptist Church, and Rev. M. J. Patton, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, rendered valu- able aid. Penitents came to the altar in large num- bers, one soul was converted, and two persons united with our Church. I baptized ten adults, and received eleven persons into full connection. My third basket-meeting was held at Laurel Church, in the same county, embracing the second Sunday in August. It continued six days. The Holy Ghost came down upon the people in von- derful power. A number of the best young nmen and young ladies of that country were at the altar. Ten persons were powerfully converted to God, and the same number united with our Church. I baptized five adults, and received six into full con- nection. This is the place where the Second Ad- ventists had caused so much confusion. The Lord gave to his people a great victory over their false teachings. My fourth basket-meeting commenced at Maple Springs, August 13th, and continued four days. There was one conversion and one accession to the Church. I baptized three persons, and received five into full connection. At the close of this meeting I set out for my leaders' and stewards' meeting in Sequatchie Valley, and in the afternoon of Saturday traveled seventeen miles over a strange road, through a dense wilderness-not a house, plan- 151 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF tation, nor person to be seen on the way. 0 what solitudes are these! What opportunities for medi- tation and study in nature's primeval forests! My fifth basket-meeting was held at Orme's school- house, in Sequatchie Valley, embracing the third Sunday in August. It was held in connection with my leaders' and stewards' meeting. We had an old- fashioned, wonderful meeting. This place is in a densely-settled country. The school-house being small, and the congregations being large, we were compelled to worship near by in a grove-nature's first temple. Here for a number of days we sang, prayed, and shouted, while souls were converted. Rev. J. H. Parrott, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was present, and preached with power. The result was eight conversions and ten accessions to our Church. I baptized eleven adults, and received six persons into full connection. My sixth basket-meeting was held at Mt. Union, in Fentress County, embracing the fourth Sunday in August. This place is in a thinly-settled country; hut the people came from great distances, and the congregations were large. The Holy Ghost was present in wonderful power at every service. The meeting continued three days, and resulted in four conversions and ten accessions to our Church. I baptized four adults and one infant, and received one person into full connection. At the close of this meeting I rode thirty miles to reach my home, after an absence of several weeks. After remain- ing at home about ten days, in company with Rev. W. C. Daily I set out for my fourth quarterly- meeting, to be held at Gray Ridge Church, about 152 Rev. A. B. WRIGHT. seventy-five miles distant. After preaching a num- ber of times along the way, and baptizing several persons, I reached the place of the quarterly-meet- ing in due time. We had a very pleasant meeting. Brother Daily and I preached in turn. We finished paying the presiding elder his full claim on the work. This closed my year's work on the Crossville Circuit, and after a ride of two days I reached my home. This has been a most laborious year's work. In the beginning I had started out with the view of elevating the condition of the mission in a spirit- ual, literary, and financial way. Missionary prayer- meetings were held monthly in each class. I held a number of services in the interest of a sanctified, or higher life. I preached one round on missions and took collections, and I preached one round on edu- cation and took collections. I also raised five dol- lars for the East Tennessee Wesleyan University at Athens. I preached one round on the cause of tem- perance. I traveled during the year on horseback 2,051 miles, climbing up or going down Cumber- land Mountain six times on each round, and Wal- den's Ridge twice. I preached 181 times, received 105 persons into the Church, witnessed 80 happy conversions, visited and prayed with 500 families, baptized 48 adults and 6 infants. In addition to this, I did a great deal of manual labor in the field as a farmer. I read during the year in books 4,166 pages, besides a number of weekly newspa- pers, and my Bible, Hymn-book, and Discipline. I was now in my fiftieth year of age. I mention these things in the hope that I may stimulate our 153 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF younger ministers to greater industry in the vine- vard of the Lord. May God save our ministry from self-indulgence! This year I raised more money for our benevo- lences than was raised by any other charge in the Athens District, though there were several prosper- ous circuits and stations in the district. I do not mention this boastingly, but to show that small col- lections come from a lack of going about the work in a proper way. There is no need that our mis- sionary treasury should be in debt. The Crossville Mission consisted of fifteen appointments. Eleven of them were on the table-lands of the Cumber- land, one was on Walden's Ridge, three in Sequat- chie Valley, and one in Grassy Cove. The Grassy Cove is surrounded by mountains, and is a fertile country, but holds a great deal of stagnant water. It is largely inhabited by Northern people. Our Church has a small society there, but no church building. The surrounding water-shed forms a large creek, which passes through the cove, plunges into and under the mountain, passing through a natural tunnel of eight miles, when it emerges from the mountain at the head of Sequatchie Valley, forming the beautiful Sequatchie River. Sequatchie Valley has a fertile soil, is not more than five miles wide at any place, and is about sev- enty miles long. It is denselV populated with a well-to-do and wealthy people. It lies between the Cumberland Mountains on one side, lifting high their giant beads, and on the other by Walden's Ridge. There is not a more lovely or beautiful valley in the world. 154 Rimv. A. B. WRIGHT. Fullv two-thirds of the mountain part of Cum- berland County is yet in an uncultivated state. Dense forests of oak, hickory, chestnut, maple, and occasionally some pine, abound. It is well watered with abundant springs of freestone water, and min- eral springs of various kinds are numerous. Valu- able timber is abundant, coal is plentiful, and I think iron may be found in some places. Natural grass grows luxuriantly everywhere. It is very nutritious for stock; cattle and horses will become fat through the summer and fall. I am told that large cattle will live without any help through the winter, unless during excessively cold weather. I saw some young horses that had lived in the woods on the range through the winter without any help, and they looked well in the spring. The unculti- vated land can be purchased at a low rate. At per- son with a small capital can make a good living in this country, while one with a large capital may do well here. This country lies remote from any railroad. The native people have been greatly misunder- stood by the outside world. It has been thought that one could scarcely pass through that country without the peril of life or property. This is a great mistake. Having spent eight years in mis- sion-work among them, and having lived with them in their homes, and having had the opportunity to studv them carefully, I must say that they have done wonderfully well for their advantages. Their population is not sufficiently dense to have the best public schools. It is true that they have not many comfortable school-houses; but they will make as 15.5 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF great sacrifices to secure these conveniences, ac- cording to their ability, as the people of any other country or city. As large a proportion of the pop- ulation are worthy Church members as one finds anywhere else; and their religious life is of the highest order. The Methodist, Baptist, Campbell- ite, and Presbyterian Churches are represented. A more hospitable people lives nowhere else. They esteem it an honor to entertain a minister of the gospel. Their kindness is spontaneous and large. In eight years of labor I have witnessed about one thousand happy conversions among these people; and while some have proven the traitor, like Judas, a great many are living witnesses of Jesus' power to save. - A number have crossed the flood, shout- ing victory in death, and are among the white-robed throng OD the other side. Some have been known, when too weak to speak, to raise their band in token of complete triumph over death. I cherish a happy meeting with many of these people on the other side of the river. In the resurrection morn- ing I expect to see a great number of people rise from their graves on this Cumberland Mountain, in the first resurrection. 0 what a happy day that will be, when husband and wife, parents and children, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors, and pas- tor and flock, shall meet on that happy shore, where " sickness, sorrow, pain, and death are felt and feared no more !" Then shall we all join in one universal song, "Unto him that loved us and bath washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 156 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. I left home for the seat of Conference October 2d. The Conference was to convene October 4th, in Kingston, Tennessee, Bishop Scott presiding. I rode the first day twenty-six miles, and remained over night with my daughter, Mrs. Peters. The next day I rode twelve miles, to Brother Brown's, on Rock Creek, for dinner, and in the afternoon rode fourteen miles, and remained over night with F. M. Goddard. The next day I rode eleven miles to Colonel Dail's for dinner, and in the afternoon rode four miles into Kingston. I remained at the Conference two days and nights, stopping with Ellis Devaney. Obtaining leave of absence from the Conference on Friday, I rode out four miles and preached at Swan Pond Church that night, stopping with Colonel Dail. The next day I rode eight miles, and took dinner with Mrs. Cross, who lives at the foot of Whetstone Mountain, and in the afternoon rode fifteen miles, and preached at Scutch- eon Church at night. The next day being Sunday, at the residence of J. R. Brown I preached the funeral of Father Dawn, and rode that evening seven miles, and remained over night with Edly Galloway. The next day I rode five miles and remained with my daughter, and the following day rode twenty-six miles to my home. 1,57 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHAPTER XII. WARTBURG AND JAMESTOWN. BY the Conference of 1876 I was appointed to B the Wartburg Circuit. Rev. T. H. Russell was my presiding elder. I set off on my first round, November 3d, it being my semi-centennial birth- day. On this round my first quarterly-meeting was held at Wartburg, embracing the third Sunday in November. Brother Russell was present, and pre- sided with great acceptability. On the second round there were some indications for good. At my first appointment a very prominent gentleman united with our Church. At a night service which I held at Mrs. Potter's, penitents were at the altar of prayer, and one young lady joined the Church. This brings me to the close of another year. What an eventful one it has been, being the centennial of American independence, and also the semi-centennial of my mortal life! I am sure I have run much the longer part of the race. During the year I preached two hundred and one times, baptized forty-eight adults and seven infants, preached the funerals of sixteen persons, and married three couples. Now, with a heart of gratitude to God for past mercies, I start out upon the year of 1877. 0, my Lord, help me to do more for thee this year than during any previous year! On the third round of the circuit, on account of the very severe cold and ice over the creeks and roads, I did not reach my first appointments. However, I fell -in with and filled the greater part of them; but 1 =)8 REV. A. B. WRIGHTH from severe cold and uncomfortable houses in which to worship, I could not accomplish much. How- ever, I had some happy meetings, and saw, as I thought, some omens' of good. On the fourth round, at Mount Vernon, after preaching in the day, I preached at night at David McCormick's. A number of penitents were at the altar, four souls were powerfully converted, and three persons united with our Church. The next night I preached at John Galloway's, near by. The power of convict- ing and converting grace was present. Four others were converted, while Christians shouted aloud for joy. At nearly every appointment on this round there were anxious penitents at the altar, and at a night service on Yellow Creek one person was converted. On this round, in visiting the family of Hon. M. T. Atkins, in Wartburg, I baptized an infant, and received into our Church a young lady, Miss Walker. At Lee's school-house a lady united with our Church, coming from the Bap- tist Church. My second quarterly-meeting was held at Ramsey's Chapel, embracing the third Sunday in February. Brother Russell wvas present, and preached with power. There were a number of anxious penitents at the altar. During the month of March there were still growing indica- tions for good. At a night service which I held at Dennis Hull's, there were anxious penitents at the altar, and two persons united with the Church. On the same round I baptized and received into full connection a number of persons whom I had received on probation two years before. The pastor 1.59 160AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF of the past year had not baptized nor received these probationers, although he was an ordained minister. At Mt. Horr, one brother, a merchant, united with our Church. In April I preached some funerals, organized a number of Sabbath- schools, and at several places held altar services with penitents. At Ramsey's Chapel a lady of the United Brethren Church united with our Church. In May the convicting power of God was manifest at nearly all of the appointments. I preached a number of funerals. My third quarterly-meeting was held at Scutcheon Church, beginning May 12th, and con- tinuing five days. Brother Russell presided, and remained during the entire meeting, preaching and laboring in the altar, with the power of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. During the meet- ing fifteen souls were powerfully converted, and fourteen persons united with our Church. The con- versions and accessions were among the best people of the country. Some of these were Germans who spoke English plainly. From that meeting Brother Russell and I met a congregation in Scott County, and he preached to them. We held an interesting altar service. The next day we met a congrega- tion in Morgan County, and again Brother Russell preached. From that place we went to Paul's Chapel in Fentress County, where the third quar- terly-meeting for Jamestown Circuit was held. I remained there until Sunday evening. Penitents were weeping at the altar. Rev. A. B. Hale was the preacher in charge of Jamestown Circuit. In June I preached a number of funerals, held 160 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. several missionary meetings, and raised some very good missionary collections. At a meeting which I held at old Montgomery Camp-ground, I organ- ized a class at that place, held a very precious altar service, baptized a number of adults and in- fants, and received four persons into the Church. That place was near the present town of Lansing. At Mt. Horr a young lady united with our Church. My son, Rev. J. C. Wright, filled my work during the month of July. On the first day of July I rode under a very hot sun, and over a very rough mountain ten miles, to preach some funerals, but as some of the relatives were sick the funerals were deferred. On July 6th, in company with Rev. A. B. Hale, I set off from home, to hold the quarterly- meeting for the Crossville Circuit, by request of the presiding elder, to be held at Mt. Union, more than thirty miles from my home. We reached the place early on Saturday morning, and found a large congregation assembled under a newly-built shed. Rev. C. J. Crofts was preacher in charge of this work. The meeting continued two days, Brothers Hale and Johnson and myself doing the preaching. The power of the Lord was present to heal. One soul was converted, and two united with our Church. XVe had an excellent communion service, and a precious experience-meeting. On July 13th I left home to meet some funeral appointments in Wayne and Clinton Counties, Kentucky. The next day being Saturday, I preached both in the morning and in the afternoon at Guffey's-Chapel. On Sunday morning, the con- 11 161 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF gregation being so large, I preached in a grove the funerals of three ladies, two of them being wives of the same husband, John Allen. In the after- noon I preached the funeral of an aged mother in Israel, at the close of which penitents came to the altar for prayers. Three persons were happily converted, while Christians shouted aloud. On Monday morning I set off for home, but stopped on the way to baptize two infant children of Marion Pardieu, one of which was a babe not quite twenty-four hours old, the youngest babe that I had ever baptized. It looked as sweet and inno- cent as a little angel. On July 21st I left home for Wayne County, to preach the funeral of G. W. Upchurch, he having requested just before his death that I should do this. After riding eight miles I stopped and baptized two children of Brother Atkinson. The next morning I baptized three children of Rev. J. H. Carter, then repaired to a large graveyard near by, and preached the funeral of George W. Upchurch to a large congre- gation. My first basket-meeting was held at Emory Church, embracing the last Sabbath in July. It was also the occasion of my fourth quarterly-meet- ing. Brother Russell was present, and preached with great acceptability, remaining five days with me. This had seemed to be the most lifeless place on the work; but at this meeting the membership was greatly revived, mourners came in crowds to tie altar, twenty souls were converted, and nine united with our Church. At the close I organized a large band of young men and young ladies into a Christian association. 162 RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. My second basket-meeting was held at Young's Chapel, embracing the first Sabbath in August. I preached four funeral sermons during the meeting. The Lord gloriously revived his work. We held for six days. Ten souls were converted, and ten joined the Church. God be praised. I had great nervous prostration during the meeting, caused by excessive labor and very great heat. My third basket-meeting was held at Mount Vernon, embracing the second Sunday in August. On the Sabbath of this meeting I moved the serv- ices two miles to a private house, so as to accom- modate a sick lady, the funerals of whose friends I preached at that service. The meeting continued three days. A large number of penitents were at the altar, six souls were converted, and five united with our Church. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Mont- gomery camp-ground, embracing the third Sunday in August, and continuing four days. Four persons were converted, and two joined the Church. Dur- ing the same week, at Scutcheon Church, I bap- tized several infants and adults, and received a number into full connection into the Church. At Mount Vernon two excellent persons united with our Church, from the Presbyterian Church. My fifth basket-meeting was held at Ramsey Chapel, embracing the fourth Sunday in August. During the meeting I was very sick all the time; and though without any preaching help, I contin- ued the services for four days, with penitents at the altar. Five souls were gloriously converted. From this meeting I returned home very sick. 163 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF In a few days I was able to be out again, and as- sisted in some excellent revival services at the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, at the Three Forks of Wolf River. At the request of the presiding elder of the Lexington District, Kentucky Confer- ence, I held for him the second quarterly-meeting for the Cumberland City Circuit, at Edwards Chapel, during the first days of September, al- though I was very sick during the time. Notwith- standing I was in very feeble health, I met large congregations, and preached a number of funerals, both in Tennessee and Kentucky, during September. I have now finished my tenth year's work as an itinerant minister. During the past year, under my ministry seventy persons have been converted to God, and fifty-five have united with our Church. I have baptized twenty-five adults and twenty in- fants, and have raised sixteen dollars for the benev- olent collections. I set off from home for our Annual Conference, in the afternoon of September 22d, rode twelve miles across Doubletop Mountain, and staid over night with John Albertson, on Obed's River. The next morning, being Sunday, I met a large congre- gation at a graveyard near by, and preached the funerals of two gentlemen and an infant. In the afternoon I rode to Jamestown, and preached at night. The next day I rode thirteen miles, and took dinner with Walter Vann. In the afternoon I preached at MountVernon, baptized three young ladies, and received them into the Church. I staid that night at John Galloway's. His daughter was very low with fewer. The next day I rode nineteen 164 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. miles, and remained over night at Mrs. -Nitzschke's, a German lady. Her eldest son, Julius J. Nitzschke, went with me to Conference. We set off next morning, rode sixteen miles, and stopped for dinner with Rev. Richard Hudson. In the afternoon we rode fifteen miles, and remained over night with William R. Dail, my cousin. The next morning we rode to Clinton, and took the morning train for Knoxville, the seat of the Conference. I reached the Conference-room just as the Conference was opening, Bishop NV. L. Harris presiding. I was assigned to stay at Brother E. M. Wheeler's, who lives on Methodist Hill. My hoarding companion was Rev. J. B. Seaton. This is a kind Christian family. I visited the deat and dumb institute twice, on different days, while in Knoxville, and was cordially entertained by the president and faculty. I had a number of acquaint- ances who were students in the institution. I left Knoxville in the afternoon of October 2d, reached Clinton late in the evening, and was enter- tained for the night in the home of Hon. W. R. Hicks, my kinsman. I preached that night in Clinton, in the Methodist Church. My horse had been kept free of charge in the livery stable of a Mr. Brown, a member of the Baptist Church. The next morning I rode fifteen miles, and stopped for dinner in Winter's Gap, with my old friend and Brother, James Taylor. In the after- noon I rode seventeen miles to Wartburg, and stopped at a hotel kept by Mrs. Jones. This lady treated me with great kindness, giving me a warm room and fire. I had ridden nearly all day in heavy 16.5 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF rain, and my clothes were very wet. I had a good night's rest. The next dav I rode fifteen miles, and stopped for dinner with my daughter, Mrs. Peters. In the afternoon I ro(le three miles, and remained over night with Henry Peters. The following day I rode fourteen miles to Jamestown, and took din- ner with J. C. Taylor. In the afternoon I rode twelve miles to my home. The second day after reaching home, at Mount Union, near my family residence, I preached the funeral of John T. W. Upchurch, to a large congregation, at the close of which eleven persons joined our Church, and I baptized four infants. I praise the Lord for such prospects at the first appointment of the Conference year! I meet many a warm heart and hand on my old home circuit. On the second round, my first quarterly-meeting for the Conference year was held at Jamestown, embracing the fourth Sunday in November. Brother Russell, the presiding elder, was in attend- ance. We had a glorious meeting. Penitents came in crowds to the altar, believers shouted aloud for joy, ten souls were powerfully converted, and eight united with our Church. God be praised! My health all this time was very poor. I had been sent by the last Conference to the Jamestown Circuit, my home work, because of my feeble health. On my third round there were some indications of com- ing prosperity. At a night service at Solomon's Chapel, an excellent man united with our Church. Now I am through another year, the year 1877, which counts off my fifty-one years of mortal life, and ten toiling years in the itinerancy. 0, my 166 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. God, help me to offer the praise of gratitude for such eminent gifts and love during the past year! I have preached during the year one hundred and sixty-seven times, witnessed eighty conversions, and have received seventy-three into the Methodist Episcopal Church. I have preached the funerals of thirty-five persons, baptized twenty-eight adults and twenty-eight infants, married one couple, and traveled on horseback more than two thousand miles. Now 1878 comes with its duties. Lord, help me to be a faithful steward of thy manifold grace! During the month of January the weather was very cold, and on that account the congrega- tions were somewhat lessened. However, we en- joyed some refreshing seasons of religious power. Embracing the fourth Sunday in February, my second quarterly-meeting came off at Paul's Chapel. The people of that settlement did not manifest as much zeal for the cause of Christ as they once did. The presiding elder did not attend; and with all heavy clouds of discouragement hung over my path- way; but I called upon the Lord, and he heard me, and we had a very gracious meeting indeed. The usual services of such an occasion were held. Rev. John C. Harmon, a young local preacher on the work, was present, and assisted me. During the month of March we enjoyed some very happy meetings, the people of the Lord often shouting aloud the praises of God, and some souls were seeking the divine life. At an evening serv- ice held at Stephen Halbert's, a justice of the peace for the district united with our Church. My financial help was so meager from the work, that I 167 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OV could not devote sufficient time to the ministry, but was compelled to give a great deal of attention to my farm for a family support. I am fearful that the Church on Jamestown Circuit will meet an awful account in the day of judgment for neglecting the support of their pastors, and thereby greatly hinder- ing the work of the Lord. On this charge we have many wealthy members who do very little for the support of the gospel. I tremble for the future of this work, unless the peo- ple wake up to their duty. I believe our people would do better if the stewards would do their duty. This seems to be our trouble everywhere. The good Lord help us. I now feel that the seeds of death are sown in my system. My health is broken down; and I am candid in the belief, that overwork for the Church and severe labor on my farm, because of a very meager support from my charges, have brought this about. I do not complain at my lot in life; for, with the convictions which I now have at my present age, if I had life to go over, I would seek the salvation of my soul earlier, make the same connections that I did with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and endeavor, by the grace of God, to live a more faithful minister of the gospel, regardless of compensation in this life; for I am happy in the assurance that, though I sow in tears, I shall reap in joy. Among all the other professions, none can look with such happy anticipations to the recompense of reward as the faithful minister of the Lord Jesus. I love the itinerant work, and the missionary fields, such as those in which I have labored for about 168 Rim. A. B. WRIGHT. eleven years. Next to my blessed Savior, I love the Methodist Episcopal Church. I believe her to be apostolic in her spirit and practice. I Sing with the poet: "For her my tears ehall fall, For her my prayers ascend, To her my cares and toils be given, Till toils and cares shall end." I can confidently commit all my anxieties and so- licitude for my family and Church into the hands of the good Lord, and say with Paul, " For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain." Should I live many years, I want to live more devoted to Christ; and if I should die soon, I want my death to be that of the righteous, and my last end like theirs. I trust that I am living to this end. I feel as- sured that the Methodist Church will never lack tor preachers and means to carry on her work over sin, and that she will never lose her aggressiveness for the conversion of the world. During April, we enjoyed some refreshing sea- sons from the presence of the Lord. I preached eight times during the month, besides working a great deal on my farm. At an evening service which I held at Halbert's school-house, two ladies joined our Church. One night, at midnight, I was called to go about two miles to see a young man who was nearing the eternal world. Being too feeble to go at night, I went the next morning to see him, and found him ready and willing to die. I held religious services with him, and again, at night, preached in his room, to the family and a few friends, and received him into the Church. About 169 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF forty hours afterwards he died. I held his funeral services. His name was John Alvin Johnson. During the month of May we had some religious prosperity on the work. The third quarterly-meet- ing services embraced the second Sunday. Rev. T. H. Russell was present in labors abundant. We bad an excellent communion-service, and on Mon- day three young ladies were converted to God and united with our Church. During the month I sold fifty copies of "Moody: His Words, Work, and Workers." I believe that the selling of good books is an effective way of preaching the gospel; and during my ministry I have sold a great many books. I attended a Sunday-school picnic at Yellow Creek Falls, near Jamestown, May 25th, and assisted in the exercises. Yellow Creek is quite a stream of water, and makes a fall at this place of about one hundred feet. During the month of June, at the request of W. B. Rippetoe, presiding elder of the Nashville District, Central Tennessee Conference, I attended with him a Sunday-school institute at Winneham's Crossroads, in Overton County. Rev. J. B. Ford, Sunday-school agent, was present, and by his spirit- ual lectures and sermons rendered the occasion very interesting. On Sunday afternoon I preached, when the power of the Holy Ghost fell on the peo- ple, and many shouted aloud. I called for peni- tents, when several came, and two souls were might- ily converted. My first basket-meeting was held, in connection with my fourth quarterly-meeting, at Mount Union, embracing the third Sunday in July, and continued 170 Ri. A. B. WRIGHT. five days. Brother Russell, the presiding elder, was present, and preached and labored with great zeal. The Church was greatly revived; twenty souls were happily converted to God, and twenty- one united with our Church. I baptized four in- fants and five adults at the close of the meeting. On the 1st day of August, 1878, I was elected County Court clerk of Fentress County by a large majority over several opponents. My second bas- ket-meeting was held at Solomon's Chapel, embrac- ing the first Sabbath in August, and continued five days. There were eight conversions, and three accessions to our Church. Embracing the second Saturday and Sunday in August, I held a meeting at Guffey's Chapel, in Wayne County, Kentucky. On Sunday morning of the meeting I preached a funeral sermon, when the power of the Holy Ghost came upon the people in a wonderful manner. Three young ladies joined our Church, and I bap- tized two persons. My third basket-meeting was held on Caney Creek, embracing the fourth Sunday in August. It continued five days, and resulted in three conversions and one accession to the Church. I baptized a lady, and received her into full con- nection. The membership was greatly revived. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Paul's Chapel, embracing the first Sunday in September. The result of this meeting was two conversions and the membership greatly revived. I baptized three adults and two infants, and received three persons into full connection in the Church. On the second day of September I gave bond to the County Court of Fentress County to the amount of twenty thousand 171 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF dollars, and took the oath of office as County Court clerk, and entered immediately upon the duties of the office. I appointed and qualified as deputy clerk Mr. A. M. Garrett, who was to attend to the duties of the office in my absence. In company with Rev. J. C. Harmon, I attended the District Conference at Mount Union, on the Crossville Circuit, begin- ning September 6th. The Conference was well at- tended, and the exercises were exceedingly interest- ing and profitable. There were a number of happy conversions during the meeting. The people had erected cabins for tents, and the meeting took the form of a camp-meeting. The Baptist monthly- meeting came off at the same time and place, and we all worshiped fraternally together. On the third Sunday in September I preached at Mount Union, on Wolf River, baptized ten adults, and received twelve persons into the Church. On the fourth Sunday in September I preached two funerals at Solomon's Chapel, received a young man into the Church, and married Mark Jennings to Catherine Wright, at the church. On the fifth Sunday in September I preached at Halbert's school-house. Our Annual Conference met in New Market, Tennessee, October 2, 1878, Bishop Scott presiding. I did not attend. I had been elected County Court clerk, and had promised the people, while a candi- date, that I would move my family to Jamestown and do the business of the office myself. I was moving at the time of the Conference session. I trust my zeal for the cause of Christ will not weaken because I have retired from the pastorate for a short 172 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. time. I trust that, after a few years, I shall do more effective work for the Master than ever before. I am resolved to preach, more or less, every week during my term of office. The Lord help me to be a faithful minister of the gospel! I have done a great deal of service for the Church in Fentress County, with very little compen- sation. During the Conference year I have wit- nessed fifty conversions, received fifty-nine persons into our Church, baptized tw-enty-nine adults and fifteen infants, and preached the funerals of seven- teen persons. CHAPTER XLII. A COUNTY COURT CLERK. ON the second Sunday in November I had an 0 appointment, about fifty miles from James- town, to preach the funeral of Michael Hale and babe. I left home on Friday morning, rode thirty- three miles, and preached at night at Maple Springs. The next morning I rode fifteen miles, and preached at Hale's Chapel, in Cumberland County. I preached at the same place at night. On the fol- lowing day, being Sunday, I preached the funeral of Brother Hale and babe, to a large congregation. I preached again at night, when a number of pen- itents came to the altar, and there were good indi- cations of a revival; but I was compelled to close. That night I staid with Brother William Lee, and the next morning, at family worship, I baptized Brother and Sister Lee and their two infant chil- dren. I then rode home, about fifty miles, occu- 17,3 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF pying a part of two days, to find, on my arrival, Brother Russell protracting his quarterly-meeting in our town, with good results. I had been at home only a few hours, when I was called to go to the home of Mrs. Bledsoe, and pray for her daughter Josephine, a most excellent young lady, who was greatly concerned about her soul's salvation. While we were upon, our knees praying, God spoke peace to her soul, and she re- joiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Three other persons were converted during the meeting, and three joined our Church. During the remainder of the year 1878 I preached, more or less, at Jamestown, Paul's Chapel, Barger Church, and other places. I have now finished another year of work. 0 how thankful I feel to the Lord for the many evidences of his love during the past year! How many more shall I live to recall his goodness During the year I have preached one hundred and eighteen times, baptized twenty-seven adults and thirteen infants, and married six couples. My financial support from the work was very little. However, I raised good benevolent collections. My health has greatly improved. During the months of January and February the weather was intensely severe, yet I preached during the period ten times, with happy results. At some places, pen- itents were at the altar in large numbers. May God bless his work under my ministry this year, to the salvation of precious souls! I held the second quarterly-meeting on the Jamestown Circuit for Brother Russell, at his re- quest. It was held at New Liberty, eighteen miles 174 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. from Jamestown. I preached, held a love-feast, administered the holy communion service, and took a collection for the presiding elder. On Saturday night before the second Sunday in March I preached at William Jones's, near Paul's Chapel. At the close of the sermon. a number of penitents came forward for prayers, and a young lady was happily converted. The next day, at Paul's Chapel, anxious penitents were at the altar. 0 may God convert those precious souls! I find great need for watchfulness and prayer while engaged in the business of County Court clerk, that my zeal may not lapse. As God knows my heart when I say it, I would rather be in the work of an itinerant Methodist preacher than in anything else in hthis world. I trust that a few years of rest will render me efficient again in the work. I greatly feel the need of rest, though I do not know that I shall ever have much until I obtain it in my heavenly home. At a meeting which I held at Paul's Chapel the third Sabbath in April, a lady united with our Church. The first Saturday and Sunday in May was the occasion of our third quarterly-meeting, on Caney Creek, near Travisville. Brother Russell was pres- ent, as were also a number of preachers. The ele- ments for the Lord's Supper were not prepared, and consequently this service was not held. 0 how careless our Church officials are sometimes! On Saturday before. the second Sunday in May I left home for Cumberland City, Kentucky. After taking dinner at Travisville, I rode in the after- 175 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF noon to John R. Davis's, in Clinton County, and found Brother and Sister Davis the same true and faithful Christian people. The next day I preached in Cumberland City, to a large congregation, the funerals of Father and Mother Butram, from 1st Corinthians xv, 53, 54. Here I met Brother Shel- ton, the pastor of the charge, and several other preachers. I also met a number of warm-hearted friends of other days; for I had been pastor of this charge five years before. That evening I preached at Number 1 school-house. We had a precious service. In the latter part of May I rode forty-five miles into Cumberland County, Kentucky, to see my brother, Rev. Edmondson Wright, who was very sick. I found him in a low state of health. I think, from the symptoms, he can not live long in this world. However, he is fully ready for the change, having been for a number of years a faith- ful minister of the gospel in the Metho'list Episco- pal Church, South. He is coni4derably older than I am, and was a child of God lone before I was. On Sunday morning I preached in the Methodist church in a village near by, called Patonsburg. At the request of my sick brother, I preached that afternoon at his house. The next day, on my way home, I stopped for dinner in Albany, with my old friend, A. J. York. At a meeting which I held at Barger Church, on the fourth Sunday in June, we had a precious service, and a lady united with our Church. Ipray God that my zeal may never become less for the prosperity of Zion and the salvation _of precious 176 REV. A. B. WRIGHTr. souls; though I find that, out of the itinerancy, it will require a great deal of praying and watching to prevent this. Our fourth quarterly-meeting was held at Mount Union, embracing the third Sunday in July, and was protracted for several days. I preached on Saturday in the place of the presiding elder, as he had not yet arrived. On Sunday morning I preached the funeral of Rebecca Guin, to a large congrega- tion. In the afternoon, Brother Russell preached, and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Sup- per. On Monday there were three conversions and several accessions to our Church. God be praised! On Tuesday I preached the funeral of Timothy Ab- salom West, and rode home in the afternoon. The next day I was called to see a sick grandchild, an infant of my daughter, Mrs. Peters. It died the next morning, and we carried it, the following day, to Mount Vernon Cemetery for burial, Brother Russell, the presiding elder, holding the funeral services. God bless the parents! I attended with Rev. T. A. Cass at Crab Creek, the fourth Sunday in July, and remained with him four days, preaching and praying for penitents as they came in numbers to the altar. The people of God shouted for joy, and eleven souls were con- verted to God. I baptized three ladies by immer- sion. I left home in August, to meet some appoint- ments in Kentucky, and rode the first day to Trav- isville, and remained over night with F. M. John- son. The next morning I crossed the Poplar Mountain, by a very rough way, to the Slick Ford 12 177 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF of Otter Creek, where Brother Shelton bad been holding services for a week with happy results. I met a congregation of about eight hundred people at a creek, and baptized nineteen persons by pour- ing and twenty by immersion. I preached that afternoon to the people, when penitents came to the altar in numbers, and Christians rejoiced. The next day, in company with Brother F. M. Atkin- son, I set out for Concord Church in Clinton County. After traveling ten miles, and crossing a very rough mountain, and then down into the val- ley, we reached the church in due time for services. We met a large congregation; and the house not being sufficiently large to hold the people, we re- paired to a grove near by, and I preached the funeral of Jane Polston. I preached again in the afternoon, and.on the following day twice, with happy results, three souls being happily converted to God. I held a meeting for five days, embracing the third Sunday in August, at Paul's Chapel. Penitents crowded the altar, the people of God shouted for joy, and three persons were converted to God. During this meeting, I first heard of the death of my dear brother, Rev. Edmondson Wright, which gave to me great sorrow, but I sorrow not as those who have no hope; for my brother was a good and true man, and doubtless is among "that great number who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb;" and by the grace of God I feel bound to meet him in that better world. On the fifth Sunday in August, I preached the funerals of Robert W. Holding and his two little 178 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. infant sisters, at Sulphur Springs in Fentress County, to a large congregation, under a brush arbor prepared for the occasion. The scene was one of deep solemnity. A number of people shouted the praise of God, while penitents came to an altar and pleaded for pardon. For several weeks I suffered greatly from sore throat and tongue; however, I went on preaching and filling my ap- pointments. On Saturday before the first Sunday in September, I went to Mt. Vernon in Morgan County, where Rev. A. C. Peters was conducting a basket-meeting. On Sunday morning, in a grove near by the church, I preached the funeral of Rev. Calvin R. Vann, to a large congregation; and in the afternoon, in the church, I preached the funeral of a little boy of Dennis Hull's. There was great re- joicing in the camps of Israel, and penitents came to the altar in numbers. I remained over Monday, assisting in the services, when six souls were con- verted. The second Sunday in September I preached t wice at Paul's Chapel with happy results. Embrac- ing the third Sunday in September, I held a two days' meeting at Concord Church in Clinton County. On Sabbath morning I baptized one lady by pour- ing and twenty-one ladies by immersion. On Monday after the fourth Sunday in September, I preached the funeral of Belle Pyle, a daughter of Brother Pearson Davidson. On the second Sunday in October, Rev. J. C. Hai mon and myself left Jamestown for the seat of our Annual Conference, which was to convene on the following Wednesday in Knoxville, Tenn. 179 AUTrOBIOGRAPHY OF After riding nine miles, we stopped at Barger's Church, and I preached the funeral of a little son of Mr. Hoover. In the afternoon we rode over into Morgan County, and spent the night with my daughter, Mrs. Peters. The following day we rode eleven miles, and stopped for dinner with Brother Fairchild. After holding religious services with them, we passed down the railroad line in the after- noon, the road being then in construction, saw them building the high bridge over Rock Creek-one hundred and twenty feet high-and after passing through Lansing and Wartburg, we stopped for the night with Captain G. W. Keith, who lives three miles from the last-named place. The next morn- ing we rode fourteen miles, and stopped for dinner in Winter's Gap at Brother Taylor's, and in the afternoon rode up the valley to William R. Dail's. Here we were joined by Brother S. Grear and oth- ers, on their way to the Conference. I preached that night at Sulphur Springs Church. We had a good service. The following day we rode to Clinton, and took the train for Knoxville, reaching the Conference room soon after the opening. Bishop I. W. Wiley was presiding. Brother Harmon and I were as- signed to stay with Mrs. Walker, who lived on the Clinton Pike, some distance from the First Meth- odist Church. We were very kindly entertained by this excellent family. I attended the Conference sessions during each day, and Church services each night at the Second Methodist Church, where I heard a number of the Conference brethren preach. Bishop Wiley held the Conference well in hand, 180 :REV. A. B. WRIGHT. and gave great satisfaction. This was not long be- fore his death in China. On Sunday of the Con- ference I heard him preach an excellent sermon, in the First Methodist Church, from Psalms xlix, 8. In the afternoon, in the same church, he ordained ten elders, among them my own son, Rev. J. C. Wright. Delegates were elected to the General Conference. On Monday, in the afternoon, Brother Harmon and Elias Bowden and myself took the train for Clinton, at which place we arrived in due time, and rode out five miles to William R. Dail's. The next day we rode to Major Stephens', and stopped for dinner, and in the afternoon rode twelve miles to Scutcheon, and stopped with J. W. Scott. I preached that night at Scutcheon Church to a large congrega- tion. The next morning, after baptizing the little babe of Russell Scott, we rode to my daughter's, Mrs. Peters, for dinner, and in the afternoon rode seventeen miles to my home in Jamestown. The fourth Sunday in October I preached at Ramsey's Chapel, on the Wartburg Circuit, the fu- neral of Tennessee Hicks. Several penitents were forward for prayers; one young lady was converted and joined our Church. My dear brother, James M. Wright, died suddenly October 30, 1879, at the home of John Davis, our old homestead. He had been somewhat ailing for several weeks, had staid with me at my home in Jamestown two nights just prior to his death, and had left my house not more than two hours before his death. He rode up to the yard fence of Mr. Davis, hitched his horse, walked into the house, re- 181 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF marking to Mrs. Davis, my sister, that he was feel- ing very badly, lay down across the bed, and was dead in one minute. 0 how sudden, and how sad! He was buried on the following day at the Three Forks of Wolf River, with Masonic honors, two lodges officiating. It is thought that one thousand people were present at his funeral. On the fourth Sunday in November I preached the funeral of Mrs. Lane and her two sons, at the residence of her son, Braxton Lane, in Morgan County. A large congregation was present, peni- tents were called to the altar, while the saints of God shouted for joy. My health during this au- tumn was very feeble, and I was not able for the best service. On Saturday before the first Sunday in Decem- ber, I rode about seventeen miles, and preached at night at William Todd's. Some shouted for joy. The next day I preached at Mt. Union Church, on the Crossville Circuit. Brother Burnett, the pastor, was present. I baptized a lady and received one into the Church. The next day I visited Rev. John C. Tate, an able colored minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who bad founded a colony of colored people on the table-land in Cumberland County. I think he has made a grave mistake in trying to do this. We had a warm religious serv- ice in his home. On the following day I reached home. I have been greatly afflicted with sore throat for some time, and see that I must be careful where I preach during the winter months. And now fare- well to the year 1879. What groans and sighs it 182 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. has brought to my life! It has been to me a year of great bereavement, having haid to consign two dear brothers and a little grandchild to the cold arms of death. Is the Lord justly reproving me for taking a supernumerary relation, or shall it all finally tend to [ay good May it incite in me holier living! Our family is rapidly passing away. None of us live to a great age. I have five brothers in the spirit-world. One died in infancy, the other four in manhood's middle day. I now have only one living brother, and we are more than three thou- sand miles apart. How lonely I feel! My dear brother Calvin is far away from me in California, and is in poor health, having to take a superannu- ated relation in his Conference. I am sure that in a few years none of the old family will be left in this world. May the Lord help us all so to live that we may all finally meet in our Father's house above, and live together forever! During the year I have preached seventy-four times, witnessed twenty-seven conversions, received ten persons into our Church, baptized sixty-eight adults and nine infants, preached the funerals of seventeen persons, and married two couples. God be praised for his goodness and mercy during the past year! I desire to do better service for the year 1880. On the fourth Sunday in January I attended a meeting of Brother Scott, at Solomon's Chapel, and preached that night at Jerry Beatty's. The Holy Ghost came down upon the people. Some shouted for joy, while a number came forward for prayers, and a young lady was converted. 183 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF I attended a prayer-meeting on the last Wednes- day night in February, at the home of Pleasant Taylor. After some prayers I preached, called penitents to the altar, when quite a number came, among these the grandfather, with quite a number of his grandchildren, crying for mercy. One young lady was converted, and shouted aloud the praise of God. More than ever I feel like moving out into the active work of the ministry. I would rather be employed in preaching and leading souls to the Lord Jesus than to be doing anything else in this world. If my health shall be restored, I feel that I must enter the effective ranks next autumn. The Lord demonstrate his will to me! At an afternoon service in April I preached at N. S. Northrup's, three miles from Jamestown. We had a melting season, with penitents at the altar. Three persons united with our Church. On the second Sunday in April I preached at Young's Chapel, in Morgan County, and baptized five children at the altar. I preached at that place again in the afternoon, when the Holy Ghost came upon the people in wonderful power, and praises went up from happy hearts. I staid that night with A. R. LewalleD, and the next morning at family worship baptized two of his children. The following day I passed through Glen Mary, and went two miles from there to the coal-mines, at the home of Bracher Davis, and preached to an attentive congrega- tion. We had a good time, with several penitents at the altar. Here I met with Rev. John Forrester, an aged member of the Holston Conference, and the pastor of this charge. He is doing an excellenta 184 Rmv. A. B. WRIGHT. work here, although far advanced in life. The fol- lowing day I preached at White Oak Church, near Sunbright, and the next day preached at Mt. Ver- non. Here I stopped with Rev. A. C. Peters, pastor of the Wartburg Circuit. That afternoon I reached my home. On Friday before the third Sunday in May I left home to attend some funeral appointments in Kentucky. After riding twenty-three miles, I stopped for the night with Jabe Edwards, in Wayne County, where I was very kindly enter- tained. The next morning I rode eight miles to Bethesda Church, in Sherer's Valley, met a large congregation, and preached the funeral of an excel- lent young man, named Upchurch, from Isaiah xxvi, 19. In the afternoon I rode a few miles, calling on a number of old friends, and spent the night at An- drew Young's. The following day I rode nine miles, to Pleasant Hill Church, where the Baptist brethren were holding their monthly and sacra- mental meeting. Here I had an appointment with two Baptist ministers to preach some funerals that day. At ten o'clock I preached the funerals of Charles Dabney and his daughter, Elizabeth Han- cock, and her two infant children, from 1 Cor. xv, 53, 54; and Elders Nimrod Stinson and Alvin Bu- tram preached the funeral of 'Mrs. Tuggle, a sister of Mrs. Hancock. The Holy Ghost came upon the people in power, and Baptists and Methodists re- joiced together. Afterward our Baptist brethren proceeded with their sacramental service. I took leave of absence, as I thought my presence would be embarrassing to our Baptist brethren, since, by I' - AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF an iron rule of their Church, they could not com- mune with me. After such a season of rejoicing together in the altar, it seems inconsistent that these Methodists and Baptists should be separated at the communion-table. I shall rejoice when the Baptist Church can see its way clearly to abandon this old, erroneous view. Embracing the fourth Sunday in May, in connec- tion with Rev. S. B. Scott, I held services for sev- eral days at Beech Grove Church, twenty miles from Jamestown. We held the service in the grove near by, because the church could not bold the con- gregations. The Lord was present in healing power. Penitents were at the altar in large num- bers. Convictions were deep, and conversions were mighty. Five souls were happily converted to God, and the Christian people were greatly revived. Two persons united with our Church. On Monday morn- ing of the meeting I baptized Mrs. Artemia Huddle- sten by immersion in Wolf River, and afterwards, at her own home, received her into full connection in the Church. She was the widow of Captain Huddlesten, who had been killed in the Federal army. On the fifth Sunday in May, at Solomon's Chapel, where Brother Scott and myself were holding a two days' meeting, two young ladies joined our Church. Embracing the third Sunday in June, Rev. J. V. Brown and myself held a two days' meeting at the Three Forks of Wolf River, where, on Sunday, I preached two funeral sermons with manifest tokens of the Divine presence. On the first Sunday in July, it being the fourth 186 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. day, in company with a number of ministers and people, we celebrated the natal day of our Nation in a religious way, by holding religious services in a very large cave or rock-house, seven miles east of Jamestown. The occasion was a very interesting one indeed. On the third Sunday in July I preached the funeral of a child of George Franklin, at the Three Forks of Wolf River, when a lady was happily converted. During the following week I assisted Brother Scott in a protracted service for several days at Sulphur Springs. Nine souls were happily converted, and seven united with our Church. Embracing the second Sunday in August, I as- sisted Rev. A. C. Peters in a meeting at Mt. Ver- non, in Morgan County. Here there were fourteen conversions and a number of accessions to the Church. On the third Sunday in August, at Fel- lowship Church, thirteen miles from Jamestown, a union service of the native people, and some Northern people who had come to settle in the country, was held. The meeting was a very fraternal one. In the afternoon of the day I preached at Paul's Chapel and baptized an infant. Embracing the fourth Sunday in August, under a brush-arbor at Beech Grove, I held a basket- meeting of six days. The result was, nine souls were converted and eleven accessions to the Church. At the close I baptized fourteen persons. The Christians were greatly revived. Our Church in this commu- nity had been very weak, but was now growing rap- idly. I had no ministerial help during the meeting. I held services the fifth Sunday in August, and 187 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF the two succeeding days, at'Mt. Union, on Wolf River. The Church was greatly revived, but there were no conversions. Embracing the first Sunday in September, the Methodists and Cumberland Pres- byterians, held a union camp-meeting at Mt. Union, on the Crossville Circuit. I was present, and preached a number of times during the meeting. The Lord was present in saving power, and a number of souls were converted. The different Churches united in the work, and all were greatly revived. On Sun- day I baptized two infant children of Rev. Mr. Shaver. On the second Sunday in September, at Young's Chapel, in Morgan County, I preached the funeral of a little girl of Brother Stonecipher. The Holy Ghost was present in wondrous power. The day before, I visited the town of Rugby, in Morgan County, an English colony recently established. In company with Cyrus Clark, one of the proprietors of the place, I went through the large hotel of thirty- six rooms. Embracing the fourth Sunday in Sep- tember, Brother Scott and I held a meeting of sev- eral days at Solomon's Chapel. The results were seven conversions and nine accessions to the Church. Christians were greatly revived. On the first Sunday in October, at Mt. Union, on Wolf River, I preached the funerals of Dicey Johnson, and her daughter-in-law, Rebecca John- son, and her son John Alvin Johnson, from John v, 28, 29. A large congregation was present, in- cluding several ministers. In the afternoon I rode eight miles and celebrated the rites of mat- rimony between Rev. J. V. Brown, pastor of 188 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and Abigail Williams, a daughter of John S. Williams, of Fentress County. Brother Brown is a noble Christian gentleman, and is having great success in his pastoral work. May Heaven grant to him and his wife a bright and happy life! I rode twenty miles that night to reach my home, the next day being County Court, and my presence as the clerk necessary. On the third Sunday in October, after preaching the night before at Father Austin Choat's, I met a large congregation at Obed's River, and baptized five persons by immersion and five by pouring. We then repaired to Solomon's Chapel, and I preached to a large congregation, the Lord being present in saving power. During the follow- ing week I held the funeral service of a little bov of Dr. Whitney, in Jamestown. On the fourth Sunday in October, the funerals of my two broth- ers, Rev. Edmondson Wright and James M. Wright, were preached at the Three Forks of Wolf River, by Rev. T. C. Frogge, from 1 Tim. iv, 8-10, to a large and attentive congregation. The Masons were present in uniform. Our Annual Conference met October 20, 1880, at Greeneville, Tenn., Bishop E. 0. Haven presiding. I did not attend, but the Conference granted me a supernumerary relation again. Rev. W. C. Daily was appointed presiding elder of the Kingston Dis- trict. I believe that I can do a great work for the Lord in this relation, and not expose myself to the bad weather. I trust that my zeal for the salva- tion of souls will not become less. May the Lord help me! 189 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF At this session the colored part of our work was set off into the East Tennessee Conference, a long- felt and much-needed improvement. Also the North Carolina part was set off into the Blue Ridge Con- ference. By the latter division, a number of lead- intr ministers were lost to our Conference. Both of these divisions had been provided for by the last General Conference. On the first Sunday in November I rode twelve miles over two rough mountains, and preached to a large congregation the funeral of a Mr. Turner, who had died in the Union army during the Civil War. I rode back home in the afternoon. On Saturday before the second Sunday in November, I left home and rode eighteen miles into Morgan County, and preached in the afternoon at Young's Chapel. The next morning, at the same place, I preached the funerals of a lady and four of her in- fant sisters, all children of Jerry Jones, to an at- tentive audience. Revs. John Forrester and A. C. Peters, ministers of the Holston Conference, were present at this service. In the afternoon I preached the funeral of an infant child of Brother Young, baptized two children, and received a most excellent man into our Church. On the afternoon of Saturday before the third Sunday in November, a very cold day, I rode nine miles, and preached at night at Thomas Crabtree's, and the next day, at the Three Forks of Wolf, I preached the funeral of Dorcas Hatfield, a mother in Israel. The fourth Saturday and Sunday in No- vember I attended the first quarterly-meeting on the Jamestown Circuit, at Halbert's Church. W. C. 190 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. Daily, the presiding elder, and S. B. Scott, the preacher in charge, were present. December was a very cold, wintry month, and I preached only once or twice during the time. I have now gone through another year, and, 0 my soul, I trust I do feel thankful to the good Lord that my life has been spared, and my health graciously preserved! I feel unworthy of such marked favor. During the year I have preached eighty-four times, witnessed at my own meetings forty happy conversions, have received thirty-six persons into the Methodist Episcopal Church, baptized twenty- five adults and fourteen infants, have preached the funerals of twenty-three persons, and married four couples. I bless God that I have enjoyed a very happy year. Now, in the fifty-fifth year of my mor- tal life, and in the thirty-eighth year of my spiritual life, I begin the year 1881. I have vowed unto the Lord at the altar, in covenant wvith God's people, by his grace, to live a better life, and one of more service to him. I am fast running my race, and must soon render an account to God for my stew- ardship here. The Lord help me, unworthy as I am to glorify his name this year, and to see many precious souls brought into the kingdom. I preached, the second Sunday in January, at Paul's Chapel. During the months of January, February, and March, I did not get out to preach very often, as our winter was the severest that we had ever wit- nessed in this country. I attended a quarterly- meeting of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the last Saturday and Sunday in January, at Mt. 19S1 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Vernon, where I formed the acquaintance of Broth- ers Swaim and Curtis. We preached and labored together in a fraternal manner. During the spring, at my appointments, the Holy Ghost was present in the awakening of sinners, and in the making happy the children of God. On Saturday before the second Sunday in June, I left home for a funeral appointment in Wayne County, Kentucky. I rode that day to the home of Jabe Edwards, where I was kindly received. The next day, at Coil's Church, to a large congregation, in a beautiful grove, I preached the funeral of Jesse Kennedy. At the close of the sermon several men and women shouted aloud the praises of God, and made the grove ring with loud hallelujahs. I met such a large number of old friends that it took some time to go through the handshaking. It brought to my mind the happy greeting when we shall meet with our glorified friends in heaven. In the afternoon I came back three miles, and held a children's-meeting at Edwards Chapel, and raised a collection for Sunday-school literature. A number of the children expressed an earnest desire for salvation. On Saturday evening before the fourth Sunday in June, I rode six miles to see Jacky Taylor, an old man eighty-eight years of age, who was praying ear- nestly for a preparation to meet God in peace. I sang, prayed, and preached for him, when he was mightily converted to God, and praised him with all his strength. He lived about two weeks, and died happy. I preached the next day in Poplar Cove. On June 29th, I left home for the Kingston Dis- 192 Rgv. A. B. WRIGHTr. trict Conference, to be held at Rockwood in Roane County. I rode to my daughter's for dinner in Morgan County, and in the afternoon, in company with Rev. A. C. Peters, rode five miles to Sun- bright, and took the train for Rockwood, arriving there late in the evening. The District Conference was conducted by the Rev. W. C. Daily, the pre- siding elder. The sessions were harmonious and pleasant, and the preaching by different brethren was of a high order. I have never favored District Conferences, and believe that the General Confer- ence made a mistake in establishing them. I think that the old-time quarterly-meetings have been de- stroyed by the District Conference. I regard this as a grave mistake. Rockwood is a mining town of considerable interest, situated in a charming val- ley, at the base of Walden's Ridge. Here the Roane Iron Company have large iron furnaces, where a great deal of pig-iron is made. In the vicinity are coal and iron of the finest grade, in inexhausti- ble quantities. I was entertained in the homes of Messrs. Shelow, Roberts, and Sanks, from whom I received royal kindness. In returning I preached at Sunbright, in the new Baptist church; also at Mt. Vernon I preached the funeral of an infant child of Daniel Jack's, from 1 Cor. xv, 25, 26. Embracing the second Sunday in July, Brother Scott and I held a meeting of three days, under a brush-arbor, at Beech Grove, in Fentress County. The Church was greatly revived, and penitents came to the altar in large numbers; but there were no conversions. One lady united with our Church. On the fourth Sunday in July Rev. A. C. Peters 13 193 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF preached in our town, and in the afternoon he and I rode seven miles to Solomon's Chapel, to assist Brother Scott in a basket-meeting. We remained for two days, preaching and laboring in the altar, while the people of God shouted for joy. On the fifth Sunday in July I attended a basket-meeting on Crab Creek. I preached the fnneral of a sainted babe, at the Three Forks of Wolf River, the first Sunday in August. On Saturday before the second Sunday in Au- gust, in company with Brother Herron, the Presby- terian pastor, I left home for a funeral occasion in Wayne County, Kentucky. We rode eleven miles, and stopped for dinner with Asbury Williams. In the afternoon, near Travisville, I encountered a heavy storm of wind and rain, after which I rode to Brother P. H. Davidson's, in Pickett County, near the Kentucky line, and staid over night. The next morning I crossed over a very rough mountain, and after riding seven miles, met a large congregation at Edwards Chapel, in Wayne County, and preached the funeral of Sarah C. Buck. I preached again in the afternoon at the same place, to a very attentive audience, with good prospects for a revival of religion. On the third Sunday in August I attended the fourth quarterly-meeting of the Jamestown Circuit, at Paul's Chapel, and heard W. C. Daily preach twice. There was not much spiritual power mani- fest. Embracing the fourth Sunday in August, I held a basket-meeting of several days at Sulphur Springs, in Pickett County. Three souls were con- verted, three persons united with our Church, and I 194 Ruv. A. B. WRIGHT. baptized three adults and one infant. The Church was greatly revived. On] Friday before the first Sunday in September, myself and wife and Nina Allred left home to at- tend the camp-meeting at Mount Union, on the Crossville Circuit. Rev. A. C. Peters was the preacher in charge. Mrs. Allred, who was with us, afterwards became the wife of Brother Peters. The camps in this place were built in the most rural style; but a number of campers were on hand. The serv- ices were conducted in the old-fashioned camp- meeting style. The Lord was present to save. A number were happily converted to God, and halle- lujahs went up from the camps in old-fashioned Methodist style. On Sunday I preached the funeral of an excellent young lady, and at the close of the sermon administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. On Friday before the second Sunday in Septem- ber, I left home to fill a number of funeral appoint- ments in Wayne and Clinton Counties, Kentucky. I rode the first day twenty-four miles, and preached at night at Edwards Chapel to a large congrega- tion. Here I was greatly disturbed by two drunken men, who talked in the house and on the outside while I was preaching, and tried to raise a disturb- ance with some peaceable men. Early the next morning the officers had them under arrest for their conduct. One of them was fined twenty-five dollars, while the other came clear. The next morning being Saturday, in company with A. J. Pearcy, I rode eight miles to Bethesda Church, met a large congregation, and preached 195 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF the funeral of an excellent lady. The father of this lady, Moses Upchurch, being sick and very low, we repaired to his house near by, and I bap- tized him, as he sat up in his bed. I felt, while baptizing him, that the head on which my hands then rested, almost cold in death, would soon be crowned with life immortal. I preached at the same church again that night. The next morning I rode five miles to Guffey's Chapel, where the Methodist Episcopal Church has a large organiza- tion. I found a large congregation of about one thousand people, and met so many old friends whom I had served as pastor in other years, that it took some time to get through with the handshaking. I then preached the funeral of Absalom C. Guffey and his infant babe, while the saints of God shouted aloud. The people had brought provisions on the ground, and I preached to them again in the after- noon. The next morning I rode tour miles, met a large congregation, near Thomas Yorke's, and I preached the funeral of Jefferson Yorke in a grove. We had a glorious meeting. A number of the peo- ple of God, both ladies and gentlemen, shouted aloud his praise. At night, at Brother Yorke's, I preached the funeral of a babe of Mr. Clark, to a crowded house. At the close of the sermon, peni- tents came to an altar of prayer, and two persons were powerfully converted and joined our Church. The next day I rode ten miles, met a congregation at Concord Church, in Clinton County, and preached to them. In the afternoon I rode eight miles, and staid over night with Manson Flowers, an old neighbor, who has an excellent family. The next 196 Riuv. A. B. WRIGHT. day I went home. On the trip I rode about sev- enty miles, and preached eight times. On Saturday before the fourth Sunday in Sep- tember I left home to fill a funeral appointment in Morgan County. I rode twenty-one miles the first day, and preached at night at XV. B. Paul's. Sev- eral penitents were forward for prayers. The next day, at Young's Chapel, I met a good congregation, and baptized eight infants and one adult, Brother Ben. H. Albertson, an excellent man, who has been in feeble health for some time. After the baptisms, I preached the funeral of a little boy of Brother Paul's, at the close of which quite a number of young ladies came to the altar for prayers, while the saints of God shouted for joy. In the afternoon I rode six miles to Fellowship Church, where our Baptist brethren were holding their monthly meeting. I stopped with Rev. John C. Hopkins, the pastor, and preached that night at the church. We had a glo- rious service. A number of penitents were at the altar, and the people of God shouted for joy. The Baptist Church at Fellowship is doing a good work. They are a noble, earnest Christian people. I enjoy their fellowship very much. May God continually bless them! I rode home the next day. On the first Sunday in October, I preached the funerals of William Brown and his infant babe, at Jamestown, to an attentive congregation. On Fri- day before the third Sunday in October, I left home with my wife and younger daughter, to preach a funeral in Morgan County. We rode in a wagon for fourteen miles, and stopped for dinner with Rev. A. C. Peters, and in the afternoon rode three miles 197 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF to my elder daughter's, Mrs. Peters. Next day I rode four miles, and spent a few hours very pleas- antly with my old friend and brother, J. C. Doug- las, and his fiamilv. In the afternoon I rode five miles, and preached at night at Jones's school-house. The next day, in a pine-grove near by, the congre- gation being very large, I preached the funeral of old Mother Mary Jones. At the close of the ser- mon, I called for penitents to come to an altar of prayer, when a number came and knelt on the ground, and prayed earnestly for salvation. One young man was happily converted. That night Brother Robert Ramsey, a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, preached in the school- house. Penitents were again called to the altar, and such a time of deep convictions and powerful conversions I seldom ever saw. In a short time six souls were converted, making seven for the day. The interest was so great that, notwithstanding I dismissed the congregation at the proper time, the people would not go home. The young converts continued to work after their friends, while peni- tents kept coming to the altar, and the Christians sang, prayed, and shouted until a very late hour. Finally the penitents were carried to a family resi- dence near by. I stopped for the night with Rev. John Stowers, a Christian Baptist minister, and a merchant of that place. I did not sleep much; for parties kept coming in from the meeting and dis- turbing me. I arose at three o'clock, and rode eight miles before sunrise to my daughter's. After breakfast I left for Jamestown with my wife and daughter, and reached home in the afternoon. 198 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. On the fourth Sunday in October, I rode eight miles through a heavy rain to Elias Bowden's on Obed's River, to meet Rev. B. L. Stephens, an old minister with whom I had labored a great deal in former years. He was to preach the funeral of old Father Bowden, and I was to preach the funeral of Emma Bowden. The day being so disagreeable, all the children of Father Bowden could not attend, and his funeral was deferred. I preached the fu- neral of Emma Bowden, from John xi, 25, 26. On the fifth Sunday in October, at Loudonville, five miles from Jamestown, I preached the funeral of Elijah Yorke. Rev. John Brewster, a Christian Baptist minister, was present, and assisted. On the first Sunday in November, at the Three Forks of Wolf River, I preached the funerals ot Elizabeth Lavender and her infant babe, to a crowded house of attentive bearers. The Holston Conference met, October 20, 1881, in Maryville, Tenn., Bishop E. G. Andrews pre- siding. I did not attend, but was again granted a supernumerary relation. On the first Sunday in December, in an unoccupied family residence about three miles from Jamestown, I preached to a small congregation made up largely of children. At the close of the sermon, a number of penitents came to an altar of prayer, and a young girl was happily converted. At this meeting, Cyrus Clark and his wife, from Pennsylvania, were present. Brother Clark is largely engaged in the real-estate business, and is a warm-hearted Methodist. This brings me to the close of the year 1881. I trust that I am grateful to God for the great mercies 199 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF of the past year, but I tremble under a sense of my unworthiness and inefficiency. During the year I have preached sixty-eight times, witnessed at my own meetings fourteen conversions, received six persons into the Church, baptized six adults and eleven infants, preached nineteen funerals, and mar- ried four couples. The Lord help me to do better service during the year 1882! On the second Sunday in January I preached at N. L. Northup's, near Jamestown. The congre- gation was small; but several were penitent, and asked for prayers. On the first Sunday in February I preached again at the same place to the family only. The snow was so deep that the people did not turn out to Church. At this service the father and mother and two little daughters were converted, and his two little sons were penitent. I preached a num- ber of times during January and February with happy results. The third Saturday and Sunday in March I preached at Ramsey's Chapel. At these services a number of young men were penitent, and asked an interest in the prayers of the Christians. The fourth Saturday and Sunday in March I attended the Bap- tist monthly meeting at Fellowship Church; I preached a number of times with happy results. May God bless and prosper this people! I attended the Baptist Church meeting at Sink- ing Springs, on Wolf River, the second Saturday and Sunday in April. I preached forthem on Satur- day and Sunday. Being Easter Sunday, I preached on the resurrection of Christ. The second Saturday 200 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. and Sunday in May I preached at Captain M. R. Millsap's, in the Poplar Cove, with good results. Embracing the third Sunday in May, I preached at Ramsey's Chapel. Three persons were converted and one joined our Church. The membership was greatly revived. Since being relieved of pastoral work I attend a great many meetings of the Bap- tist Church, and am kindly received by them every- where. God bless the Baptist Church! The fourth Saturday and Sunday in May I at- tended the third quarterly-meeting of the James- town Circuit, at Solomon's Chapel. W. C. Daily, the presiding elder, and A. C. Peters, the preacher- in-charge, were present. There were no conver- sions. W. C. Daily did the preaching. On the second Sunday in June, Brother Peters and I preached in the Poplar Cove. We held two altar services with a number of penitents present. At the East Tennessee Sunday-school Conven- tion, held in the month of May, in Chattanooga, I was appointed Sunday-school vice-president of Fen- tress County, and did some work in organizing Sunday-schools in the destitute places of the county. On the third Sunday in June I preached at Hood's Church, at the head of Obed's River. This is a Christian Baptist Church. At the close of the sermon I held an altar service. In the afternoon, at the same place, I organized a Sunday-school, per- haps the first ever organized in that place. The fourth Saturday and Sunday in June I preached on Back Creek; but with my best effort I could not organize a Sunday-school. The people were Hardshell Baptists.. 201 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF The first Sunday in July I preached the funeral of Sarah Jane Crouch, at Mt. Union, on Wolf River, to a large congregation. On Friday before the second Sunday in July I preached to a small con- gregation on Crab Creek, and in the afternoon of the same day I preached at a school-house near Hiram Beatty's. I preached at the same place again the next day in the morning, and in the afternoon rode six miles into Overton County, and preached at Bethsaida Church to a good congregation. The following day I preached the funeral of Thomas Hull to a very large congregation, at the same place. Rev. H. Stephens, of that county, assisted me. We had a most excellent service, many of the people of God shouting his praise. The third Sat- urday and Sunday in July I preached at Pine Springs, a United Brethren Church, in Fentress County. On Sunday morning I took a grand view from what is called High Rock, of Obed's River and its meanderings out of the mountains. The scene beggars description. The fourth Saturday in July I preached in the morning at Julius John- son's, and in the afternoon at Timothy Gauney's on Dry Creek. His wife was lying very low with con- sumption, and must die in a few days; but she is ready for the change. On Sunday morning I bap- tized their youngest daughter in Wolf River, and afterwards preached to a large congregation in a grove near by. The fifth Saturday and Sunday in July I attended, with Brother Peters, at Paul's Chapel. In the afternoon of Sunday I baptized three infant children. On Friday before the second Sunday in August 202 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. I rode eighteen miles, and preached in the after- noon at Mt. Vernon, in Morgan County, and the following day rode ten miles to Scutcheon Church, where I bad an appointment to hold a basket-meet- ing. Here I met with M. C. Bruner, the preacher in charge. The meeting continued five days, and resulted in three happy conversions and five acces- sions to our Church. The membership was greatly revived. I baptized four infant children. From this meeting I rode up the railroad line on horse- back to G. W. Todd's, in Scott County. Brother Daily had employed me to hold the fourth quarterly- meeting on Huntsville Circuit for him. On Sat- urday morning I took the train at Sedgemoor, and ran up the line twenty miles to Chitwood, near the Kentucky line, the place of the quarterly-meeting. On the train I fell in with Brother Scott, the pastor, and his family, and with Rev. A. L. Williams and his wife, all on their way to the quarterly-meeting. We reached the place in time for the morning service, and I preached from 1 Tim. vi, 12. We had three preaching services and a Quarterly Conference that day. On the Sabbath we had a love-feast and com- munion service and public preaching. I took a col- lection for the presiding elder. In the afternoon I attended the Sunday-school, and taught the Bible- class. Afterwards we came down the line to Sedge- moor. The following day, in the morning, I at- tended services that the Baptist were holding near Glen Mary, and in the afternoon I preached at Black Wolf Church. We had a precious meeting, several penitents coming forward for prayers. I rode home the next day. 203 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF The fourth Sunday in August I preached the funerals of an excellent Christian man and his daughter, on the mountain above Dry Creek, in Fen- tress County. On the first Sunday in September, I preached the funeral of Samuel Cobb, at a Baptist church on Crab Creek. The second Sunday in September, I preached at Paul's Chapel, and the third Sunday at Mt. Vernon. On Saturday before the fourth Sunday in Sep- tember, I rode eighteen miles to Young's Chapel in Morgan County, where Brother Bruner was hold- ing services, and preached for him that night. The next day I rode six miles to the coal-mines near Solomon Young's in Scott County, where I met a large congregation with Brother Scott, the pastor, and I preached the funerals of two of Brother Young's daughters. At the close of the sermon three souls were converted. We continued the services four days, with eleven conversions and about that many accessions to the Church. I then returned to Young's Chapel, where Brother Bruner was having a glorious revival, and preached for him that night, when one soul was converted and seven- teen persons joined our Church. I rode home the next day. Embracing the first Sunday in October, I assisted Brother Peters in services at Paul's Chapel. We held for three days, when eleven persons were con- verted and three joined our Church. I must now record a painful event in my life. I had been County Court clerk for a term of four years, and some of my friends wished me to serve another term. I consented to be a candidate for re-election; 204 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. but, at the same time, I asked the Lord to give me a demonstration of his will, that, if it would prove detrimental to my usefulness as a minister to be re- elected clerk, to have me defeated; but if not, to let me succeed. For months before the election, I used the above in my daily prayers. A great many men in the county bad become my bitter enemies because I was a temperance man, and bad fought the illicit liquor business. Others bad become my enemies because I would not let them use myself nor the office for dishonest purposes. Others op- posed me on account of my political views. A num- ber should have been my best friends, who had be- come my bitterest enemies; but I refer it all to the great day of judgment. I was fraudulently de- feated. The politics of the country is very unclean. I take it all as the readings of Providence, and be- lieve it to be for the better. And now I give my- self wholly to the work of the ministry. On Saturday morning, October 14, 1892, I left home for the seat of Conference, Chattanooga, Tenn. My son brought myself and younger daughter in a carriage to the railroad at Glen Mary, where we took the train late in the evening, and ran down to Kismet. We were met at the depot by Mr. McKinney, who took us to his home, and kindly entertained us. The next day I went two miles to Shady Grove Church, and preached, to a large con- gregation, the funerals of an excellent lady and her two infant children. We continued the services two days with good results, Brother Bruner, the pastor, being present. I spent two days in Kismet, visiting alnumber of families and praying with them, among 20.5 26AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP these a young man, a Roman Catholic, who had been unjustly wounded. I procured a title for a lot from John White, a land agent, on which to build a Meth- odist church. Myself and daughter, and Flora Smith, from our town, took the train and ran down to Rockwood, and stopped with our old friend and neighbor, Dr. J. H. Story. I remained over in Rockwood one day, where I left the two young ladies, and took the train for Chattanooga, at which place I arrived in due time. I was assigned to stay at John F. Bryan's, my companion being Rev. T. A. Cass. The next morning my daughter and son Willie and Miss Smith came down on the train from Rockwood, and stopped at the same place with me. On Saturday afternoon of the Conference, I heard Rev. William H. Rogers deliver his semi-centennial address, having been fifty years in the itinerancy. On Sunday morning, at James's Hall, I heard Bishop Simpson preach a great sermon from John xix, 30. In the afternoon, Dr. Stowe preached in the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, when the bishop or- dained one deacon and five elders. On Monday morning the Alabama Southern Rail- road gave the preachers of the Conference and their friends an excursion around Cameron Hill, to see the large rolling-mills and tannery. A large num- ber availed themselves of the privilege. The Con- ference closed on Monday. I was appointed to the Wartburg Circuit. We left Chattanooga late in the evening and ran up to Rockwood, and stopped with Dr. Story. We spent the next day in Rockwood, and I preached at night in the company church. The next day we ran up to Sunbright, hired a hack, 206 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. and went out five miles to my daughter's, Mrs. Peters. Here I left the two young ladies, and rode home on horseback. I had been at home scarcely one hour when I was summoned by the United States marshal to appear at once as a witness before the grand jury of the Federal Court at Nashville. The next day I went back to Sunbright, took the even- ing train for Chattanooga, at which place I arrived late at night. I took the early morning train for Nashville, arriving there about noon. I stopped at a boarding-house on Summer Street, kept by Mrs. Mullins. I was very sick for a number of days. I had to remain about one week before my testimony was taken. On Sunday after my arrival I went to the Catholic Church at eight o'clock, and wit- nessed their mass service. Afterward I attended Sunday-school and preaching at McKendree Meth- odist Church. I heard the pastor, Dr. West, preach an able discourse to a large audience. At night I attended the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and heard Rev. Pearson, an evangelist, preach. The lady with whom I boarded, at North 60 Summer Street, was a Christian lady. On Monday, I took a street-car and crossed the Cumberland River on a bridge into Edgefield, and back. Later in the day, I visited the office of R. L. Hays, a temperance worker, and while there I saw two women drive up in a carriage before a saloon-door and call for drinks, one of them appar- ently much intoxicated. What a sad sight! May the day come when this shall end! On Tuesday I gave my testimony before the jury, received my 207 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF witness-check, and cashed it. In the afternoon I witnessed the street-parade of a large circus show. During my stay at the boarding-house, I held prayers a number of times. Late on Tuesday evening I took the train for Chattanooga, arriving there at night. The next morning I took the train for Kismet. Here I lay over one day, arranging to go into the mercantile business with Mr. McKinney. In the evening I ran up to Sunbrigbt, and from thereorode home the following day on horseback. CHAPTER XIV. WARTBURG AND SUNBRIGHT CIRCUITS. I SOLD my property in Jamestown to L. T. Smith, still thinking of going into the mercantile busi- ness with Mr. McKinney at Kismet; but on the first round of my circuit, after invoicing the goods of Mr. McKinney, and seeing the great wickedness of the place, and fearing it would endanger the morals of my son, I declined going into the business. I procured the old home place of Mother Peters, as I thought, and moved there November 22, 1882. She was not contented to give up the place, but wanted to live with us; and as we were greatly crowded, I bought eight acres of land, on which was a house, in the border of Sunbright, and moved there, De- cember 20th following. The place was in such con- dition that it needed much improvement, and feed was so hard to obtain that I was much troubled, and I made two efforts to move to Kismet; but by 208 RiEV. A. B. WRIGHT. praying over the matter, I declined both times to do so. I have cut loose for the first time in life, and moved onto my circuit. I have rented out my farm on Wolf River. I have been more perplexed in mind about a proper decision than at any time be- fore in my life. I trust that a brighter sky will open upon my pathway. The good Lord send it! My first quarterly-meeting was held at Sun- bright, November 25th and 26th. W. C. Daily, the presiding elder, was present. A few days before this occasion, I became seriously afflicted with jaun- dice; but I attended the quarterly-meeting services, and although suffering a great deal, I protracted them four days and nights, with the result of nine happy conversions and five accessions to our Church. Penitents flocked to the altar in great crowds. At nearly all of my appointments there are more or less penitents seeking salvation. On my second round, at Sunbright I held serv- ices for two days, embracing Christmas. Two souls were happily converted, and four persons joined our Church. At this place we worship in the Baptist Church. The year 1882 is now gone; and when I look back through its months, I view seasons when I have suffered a great many heartaches and heart- burdens; but amid them all I have enjoyed many happy seasons of Jesus' presence. During the year I have preached one hundred and three times, have witnessed at my meetings thirty-nine happy con- versions, have received twenty-nine persons into the Methodist Church, have baptized one adult and nine infants, and have married one couple. 14 209 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF When I take a retrospect of the years of my life, and the years of my ministry, I see a great many interpositions of God's merciful providence in my behalf. However, my life has been one of great labor and suffering; but amid it all, I have "endured as seeing Him that is invisible." I have lived to see my children all converted to God but one. I am pleased with the success that my two older boys are making in an educational and relig- ious line. I trust my younger one will more than rival them. My two daughters are professed Chris- tians, and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. My eldest daughter, Mary Jane Peters, is a sweet and kind-hearted child. May Heaven bless her! I now enter upon another year's labor. May the Lord give grace and glory, and may this be one of the best years of my life! The month of January was very cold; but I preached, more or less, on my own charge, with some promising prospects. My work has done very little for me in the way of support. I do not know what it may yet do. The Methodist Episcopal Church has never contributed much toward my sup- port during all my pastoral work. However, I have sold a great many books, and worked hard in the fields when at home, and thereby kept myself and family from want. I trust that my children will profit by the experience which I leave to them in this journal of my life. On January 16th, at night, I was called up from my bed to go up the railroad two miles to see a sick woman, who was thought to be near death's door. 210 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. Not feeling very well, I deferred the trip until next morning, and after some difficulty, found the place where the sick woman was. Such a place of pov- erty and want I had never before visited in my life. After singing and praying and talking with the sick woman, she gave her heart to God, and was sweetly resigned to his will. I thought if the blessed Lord would come down and convert a soul in such a place as that was, that his condescending mercy would reach to the lowest steeps of human degradation. O how good the dear Lord is! My second quarterly-meeting was held at Young's Chapel, embracing the third Sunday in February. Brother Daily, the presiding elder, was present. Four persons joined our Church, and we had prospects for a good meeting; but on ac- count of my children having the measles at that time, I could not protract it. During February and March I preached constantly, with indications of good results, though February was a very cold month. I have sold more books during these months than usual. On Saturday before the second Sunday in March, I preached twice on Scutcheon. Penitents wept at the altar, the people of God shouted aloud for joy, one soul was converted, and four persons joined our Church. Kismet was thought to be the most wicked place on the work; but as I have de- voted considerable time to this place, in preaching and in visiting from house to house, and praying in the families, and urging them to build a church, they have gone to work to build a house for Church and educational purposes. At a number of my 211 AUrOBIOGRAPHY OF meetings in this place, several have expressed a strong desire for salvation, among these the two saloon-keepers. On the last day of March my younger daughter was taken very sick, and on the first day of April, after preaching twice and riding fifteen miles, I reached home to find her in a very critical state of health. That night, about one o'clock, her system was congested, and we thought, and she too, that she was dying. She was perfectly ready to go and be with Christ. For several weeks she was right at death's door. Doctor J. H. Story treated her case. She had been in declining health for five or six years. Her afflictions were so complicated, that they baffled the skill of the best physicians. About the first of May her case ran into dropsy of a very alarming nature. I lost a great deal of sleep with her, and was greatly hindered in my work. I could not leave home for any great length of time; how- ever, in April we had some good meetings. At Young's Chapel four persons joined our Church. God's plans and ways are mysterious to us. I moved to my circuit thinking that I would give to the pastoral work my closest attention; but I have never had so much family affliction. This has been a great trial to my faith and Christian resignation; however, I believe that I can say, The Lord's will be done. Embracing the second Sunday in May, my third quarterly-meeting was held at Emory Church. Brother Daily was pres- ent. On Sunday morning we had a most glorious old-fashioned love-feast, many of the people of God shouting aloud for joy. 212 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. During the month of May I held a number of missionary meetings, with some happy results. On Children's-day, being the second Sunday in June, I rode fifteen miles over a rough road, and preached three times to the children, taking collections for the cause of education on each occasion, and stopped at night in Wartburg with Mr. Mason. They are most excellent people, who emigrated a few years ago to this county from the city of Philadelphia. I am now in the last days of June, and my dear daughter is still sorely afflicted. Her dropsy symp- toms have assumed a very alarming character. I can not tell what the result of her case will be; but I pray God to make me resigned to his will. My faith has never been so tried as in these family afflictions. May God help me now! I shall soon enter upon my basket-meetings. 0 for great success! My first basket-meeting was held at Pleasant Ridge, embracing the second Sunday in July, and continued four days. The attendance was good, convictions were deep, and penitents in numbers came weeping to the altar for prayers. Fifteen souls were happily converted, and fourteen united with our Church. The meeting was held in a new church, about three miles from Sunbright, where there had not yet been any Church organization. At the close of the meeting I organized a Method- ist Episcopal Church, with a class of twenty mem- bers. My second basket-meeting was held at Scutcheon, embracing the third Sunday in July. At this place I preached some funerals. The Church was greatly revived, seven souls were con- verted to God, and two united with our Church. 213 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Embracing the fourth Sunday in July, I held a two days' basket-meeting at Bethel Church, in Wayne County, Kentucky, where, on Sunday, I preached the funeral of Mother Guffey. The at- tendance was so great that, although the house was a large one, we were compelled to move out into the grove so as to preach to the vast multitude. Here the people of God shouted for joy, and two souls were happily converted. I left home on Thursday before, to attend this meeting; rode ten miles, and preached at Guffey's school-house, where a lady joined our Church; then rode two miles, and bap- tized five ladies, and afterwards rode sixteen miles to Jamestown, for the night. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Young's Chapel, embracing the fifth Sunday in July. It re- sulted in four conversions, and one accession to our Church, with the membership much revived. My fifth basket-meeting was held at Potter's Chapel, embracing the first Sunday in August. It resulted in four conversions and two accessions to our Church. At several of the above meetings I would have witnessed much greater results had I not been compelled to hurry home to our dear sick daughter. My sixth basket-meeting was held at Mt. Zion, em- bracing the second Sunday in August, and contin- ued four days. Here convictions were deep and conversions were powerful. From Sunday after- noon until Monday night seventeen souls were powerfully converted to God, and nine joined our Church. The Christians shouted aloud the praises of God almost day and night. On Sunday of this meeting I preached two funeral sermons, and on 214 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. Tuesday I baptized a lady, and received another lady into full connection in the Church. My seventh basket-meeting was held at Mt. Vernon, embracing the third Sunday in August, and resulted in the conversion of eight precious souls, and five accessions to our Church. At this meeting my youngest son, I trust, was happily con- verted to God. My wife and dear sick daughter went with me to this meeting. My eighth basket- meeting was held in connection with our District Conference, and fourth quarterly-meeting at Sun- bright, August 22d to 26th. A large number of the preachers of the district were present, and preached with an unction from on high. On Friday we had an interesting Sunday-school Congress, five schools being in attendance. Rev. W. H. Rogers, our Conference Sunday-school agent, was present, and conducted the exercises. This affair was a great success. At the meeting six souls were con- verted. The Baptist Association convened in Sunbright, August 30th, and continued four days. A large number of preachers and delegates were in attend- ance. I attended all their sessions and services. My ninth basket-meeting was held at Emory Church, embracing. the second Sunday in Septem- ber. I held three days. Mourners came in large numbers to the altar, and one soul was mightily converted. On Monday I was compelled to hasten home to my sick daughter. My tenth basket- meeting was held at Ramsey's Chapel, twenty-five miles from my home, embracing the third Sunday in September. My daughter was so very low I 215 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF could not attend that meeting; but some local preachers filled the appointment for me. My eleventh basket-meeting was held at Mill Creek, six miles from Sunbright, embracing the fourth Sunday in September, and continued four days. Three persons were happily converted to God. My twelfth basket-meeting was held at Shady Grove, near Kismet, embracing the fifth Sunday in September. On Sunday morning of the meeting I was taken very sick, and was unable to preach; but Dr. Miller, of Wartburg, preached for me, and Brother Robert McCartt held services in the afternoon, and so the meeting closed. I think we would have had a number of conversions here if I had only been able to protract the meeting. On Monday I rode home on horseback, under the greatest weight of suffering that I ever endured in my life. I suffered under this attack for more than two weeks before I began to improve, and was for quite a time unable for any service. I was summoned to appear as a witness at the Federal Court in Nashville, October 15th, and was detained at court nearly three weeks. I left home in a low state of health, with a number of friends, for Nashville, October 13th. We took the train late in the evening at Sanbright, and ran down to Chattanooga, arriving there in the night. We took lodging, and I would have slept soundly had I not been greatly disturbed with mosquitoes. I lay over in Chattanooga the next day, it being Sunday. There were two Annual Conferences in session in Chattanooga at that time-the East Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with 216 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. Bishop Bowman presiding, and the Holston Con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, with Bishop McTyeire, presiding. I attended the love-feast meeting at the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in the morning, and expected to re- main to hear Bishop McTyeire preach; but became so sick that I was compelled to return to my room, where I lay up the remainder of the day. I reached Nashville by due course of time, when I was met at the train by Major John C. Wright, who had' heard that I was very sick, and carried to his board- ing-place, at Mrs. Mullin's, on Summer Street, where I remained nearly three weeks. The first Sunday that I was in Nashville, I at- tended services at the First Baptist Church, and heard Dr. Stricklin, their pastor, preach an excel- lent sermon. In the afternoon I attended Sunday- school in the State-prison, where three hundred prisoners were in Sabbath-school. At the invita- tion of the superintendent, I gave the lesson review at the close of the recitations. On the second Sun- day in the city I attended Sunday-school at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and preaching services at the McKendree Methodist Episcopal Church, South, where I heard the new pastor for the Conference year preach his first sermon to a large audience. In the afternoon I again attended Sunday-school in the State-prison, and, at the re- quest of the superintendent, I taught a class, and afterward gave the lesson review. In the evening I attended the meeting of the Young Men's Chris- tian Association. I reached home November 1st. I was in very 217 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF feeble health while in Nashville, and the day after my arrival I thought I should not live until night. I had only one desire, and that was to die at home with my family. I do n't think that I felt any choice either to live or die. But now that I have reached my home, and my health is improving, I am thankful to God, and if the good Lord restores me to health again, I feel that I shall be his more than ever, both for time and for eternity. Our Annual Conference met in Knoxville, Oc- tober 17, 1883, with Bishop Bowman presiding. I did not attend, because I was compelled to be in Nashville at that time. On account of my feeble health and the low state of my daughter, I asked for and received a supernumerary relation for the following year. During the past year the afflictions of my daughter kept me at home so much that I was not permitted to render so much service as I should otherwise have done. However, with what labors I could render, the Lord wonderfully blessed the work. Seventy-six souls were happily con- verted, and I received eighty persons into our Church. I baptized a number of adults and in- fants, raised 10 for missions, 5 for Church exten- sion, 3 for Conference claimants, 1.50 for educa- tion, and 1 for bishops. My own support, with the missionary appropriation, was 130. God be praised for his wonderful goodness! I was now a supernumerary preacher. Brother Daily, the presiding elder, was disappointed in mak- ing a supply for the Jamestown Circuit, and he re- moved the pastor from the Sunbright Circuit to Jamestown, leaving Sunbright vacant. At Brother 218 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. Daily's request I took charge of this work. At my third appointment at Sunbright I baptized three persons, and four united with our Church, one of them being a minister of the Campbellite Church. This meeting was held the last Sunday in Decem- ber, 1883. I am now closing the labors of another year. What clouds of trouble have rolled over my life the past year! My dear daughter Debbie has been right at death's door several times, and 1 have not thought that she would live through the old year. She now seems to be lingering on the last sands of mortality; but, God be praised, she is ready to go and be with Christ. I myself was brought by affliction near the gates of the Celestial City. 0 Lord, shall I and my family ever see another such year of affliction! Such deep sorrow I have never seen in one year before. The Lord is too good to do wrong, and too wise to make mistakes; and although I can not read the handwriting of his providence, yet I know he will make all things to work for my good, if I but love and serve him and patiently endure the rod of chastisement. Is it possible that I am a hard child for my Heavenly Father to control Is he compelled to bring me under this rigid discipline of suffering in order to wean me from the world While I have been looking on the shady side of life, let me also look on the brighter side. During the year I have preached one hundred and twenty-six times, and witnessed a large number of happy conversions and accessions to our Church. I baptized sixteen adults and seventeen infants, and 219 AUTYOBIOGRAPHY OF married two couples. This closes another eventful year of my life. I am now fifty-seven years old, was licensed to preach more than thirty-five years ago, was ordained a deacon more than twenty-nine years ago, and have been an ordained elder and traveling minister more than sixteen years. I now begin the labors of another year. Great trials ap- pear in store for the near future. 0 Lord, if I am spared to live through the year, may I have more sheaves for my Master than during any former year! My daughter is so low that I hardly see how I can get off from home to call poor sinners to come home to Christ. The dark cloud of affliction that has hung so long over my household burst in heaviest sorrow on Sunday morning of January 13, 1884, at fifteen minutes before four o'clock. My dear, dear daugh- ter Debbie, who had been such a great sufferer for nearly a year, plumed her seraph wings, and, leav- ing a world of suffering behind, went home to glory and to God. How sad was that hour to our hearts! We wept, but bowed submissively to the Lord's will. The following day we carried her lifeless form, all beautiful, to Mt. Vernon Church in Mor- gan County, where her funeral was preached by Rev. A. C. Peters, to a large congregation, from Hebrews xiii, 14, after which her body was laid to its last resting-place in the beautiful churchyard, to await the trumpet sound of the resurrection angel. Sleep on, sweet Debbie; I shall soon see you again. I now have two children in the good world. The thought comes with strange inquiry to miiy mind, whether another of my children shall out- 220 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. strip me to the glory-land, or shall I be the next one of the family to enter in through the gates into the city. God only knows how this shall be; but it is no great matter either way. I am resolved to live more consecrated to God than ever before, since I have greater inducements now to get to heaven. I have precious children over there. May the good Lord help me to be a faithful steward of his! During the month of January, after my daugh- ter's triumphant death, I met my appointments regularly; but the weather was so cold, and the church houses were so uncomfortable, that our meet- ings could not accomplish so much as I desired. However, there were anxious penitents seeking sal- vation at nearly every preaching-place. My second quarterly-meeting was held in Wart- burg, embracing the second Sunday in February. There was such a tide on the waters that we had a very small attendance. Brother Daily was present, and preached twice. During the months of Feb- ruary, March, and April the weather was cold, and the waters were so high from excessive rains, there being a number of deep and rapid streams without any bridges on my charge, I was greatly hindered in the work. I have arranged for two days' meet- ings throughout the month of May at each place, and I am praying for and expecting showers of blessings from clouds of mercy. These meetings were held with much interest and success. At every place there were penitents at the altar, and the Churches were greatly edified. At a meeting held by Rev. E. H. Walker, a Baptist minister, and myself, at Mr. Moore's, in Sunbright, one person 221 AuTOBIOGRAPHY OF was converted, and soon after, in the same town, two persons united with our Church. At Black Wolf Church, in Scott County, a lady was con- verted and joined the Church. At my May meetings I held missionary services at every place, and succeeded in raising very good collections for the cause of missions. Throughout the month of June I preached more or less on the cause of education; and on Children's-day my col- lectiors were double the same of last year. I am now in the month of July. My next meetings will be my basket-meetings. 0 may the Great Head of the Church crown them with a number of happy conversions and accessions to his people! My first basket-meeting was held at Black Wolf Church, embracing the third Sunday in July, and continuing three days. Two souls were happily converted. I baptized one person and received four into full connection. The Church was glo- riously revived. The people were greatly interested, and brought out an abundance of provisions on the ground each day. The prospects were good for a number of conversions; but I had to close so as to attend the District Conference, about to convene at Vine Grove Church, near Dayton, in Rhea County. I took the train on Tuesday evening, and ran down the line to the place of the Conference, and on the following night, as had been advertised, I preached the introductory sermon. We had a very interest- ing District Conference, and were royally enter- tained by the good people of Vine Grove Church. On Friday morning I took the train at Dayton, And ran up the line to Sunbright, my home. My 222 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. second basket-meeting was held at Emory Church, embracing the fourth Sunday in July, and contin- ued four days. The people of God drank largely from the well of salvation. I baptized one young lady, received one person on probation and four into full connection. Anxious penitents wept at the altar, but there were no conversions. My third basket-meeting was held at Sunbright, in connec- tion with the fourth quarterly-meeting, embracing the first Sunday in August. We held four days, with two happy conversions to God. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Mt. Pleasant, on Emory, near Rev. J. M. McCartt's, embracing the second Sunday in August. On Sab- bath of the occasion I administered the holy com- munion to a large number of people. There was great rejoicing in the camps of Israel. My fifth basket-meeting was held at Joe Davis's, near Crook- town, in Scott County, embracing the third Sunday in August. I held four days. Two souls were happily converted, and other penitents were left weeping at the altar. My sixth basket-meeting was held at Shady Grove, embracing the fourth Sunday in August. There wevre a number of penitents at the altar, and no doubt there would have been a number of con- versions; but I had to close the meeting on Sunday afternoon because school was being taught in the building during the week. My seventh basket-meeting was held at Mt. Zion, embracing the fifth Sunday in August, and continued three days. Three persons joined the Church on probation, and I baptized three others 223 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF and received them into full connection. My eighth basket-meeting was held at Potter's Chapel, embrac- ing the first Sunday in September. My horse being disabled from blood poison, I did not attend this meeting. Rev. H. A. McCartt held the meeting for me. My ninth basket-meeting was held at Mill Creek, embracing the second Sunday in September. I continued the meeting four days, with two souls happily converted and three accessions to our Church. My tenth basket-meeting was beld at Scutcheon, embracing the third Sunday in September. One soul was converted and joined our Church. The glory of the Lord was present. My eleventh bas- ket-meeting was held at Pleasant Ridge, embracing the fourth Sunday in September. I held three days with happy results. I baptized six young ladies and received them into full connection, and received two others on probation. I held an evening serv- ice in Sunbright just after this, when one soul was converted and two person united with our Church by letter. I preached several funerals before leaving home for Conference. The Holston Annual Conference met in Greene- ville, Tenn., October 16, 1884, Bishop H. W. War- ren presiding. I left home on Tuesday evening rode eight miles, and staid for the night at Rus- sell Scott's. The next day I rode fifteen miles, and took dinner with Mrs. Hutson, the widow of Rev. Richard Hutson; and in the afternoon I rode fifteen miles, and reached William R. Dail's, in-Anderson County. The next morning I rode five miles to Clinton, and took the train, arriving 224 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. at Greeneville in the afternoon, the first day of the Conference. I was assigned to stay with Rev. John R. Hughes, who was at that time the trus- tee of Greene County, and was living in the Church parsonage near by. The Conference session was a very pleasant and harmonious one. The preaching and all the religious exercises seemed unusually atnointed with the Holy Ghost. Rev. William R. Graves preached his semi-centennial sermon at this Conference. The Conference closed on Sunday night. I was appointed to Kingston Circuit, with Rockwood at- tached to it. Rev. L. B. Caldwell was my presiding elder. I left Greeneville on Monday morning, reached Knoxville in due time, and took dinner with Hon. B. 0. Bowden. Late in the afternoon I took the train for Clinton, reaching there, and stop- ping for the night with my kinsman, Hon. W. R. Hicks. The next day I rode fourteen miles to 01- iver Springs, took dinner with Brother Taylor, and in the afternoon rode fourteen miles to Wartburg. I reached home the next day, and found my family well. God be praised! After remaining at home three days, having been summoned to appear as a witness at the Federal Court in Nashville, I left for that place. I took the train late on Saturday evening, and ran down to Chattanooga, where I remained over Sunday. I attended services at the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and heard Dr. Warner, the new pastor, preach his first sermon. I reached Nashville the next day, and stopped at Mrs. Mullin's boarding- house, on Summer Street. I was discharged from 15 225 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF court on Wednesday, and came to Chattanooga that night. I was much disturbed on the train by a number of people making a mock of our holy re- ligion. The next morning I ran up the Cincinnati road to Sunbright. On account of having to be at Nashville, and having a funeral appointment about forty miles from home, I did not reach my first three appointments, but had them filled by another prty. Here I wish to drop a few thoughts in regard to our Conference. I am fully convinced that ap- pointments of committees, and of preachers to their work, are not made with regard to their qualifica- tions or merit, but more from favoritism. I find the Conference has some favorites, and, whether they have qualifications or business tact, they are pushed to the front. Ring rule holds high control. The Northern men seem to have great influence with the bishop, and from his arrival until he leaves they have his ear, and in a large measure they dictate the appointments. I do not know whether all Confer- ences are infested with the same spirit and men or not. I wish I could think our own beloved Con- ference was free from such; but from years of expe- rience, I am otherwise impressed. May the good Lord in mercy save our Conference! I have never sought appointments from the Conference, but have always held sacred my vows at the Conference altar. My appointments have always been to circuits of about second or third class. I have noticed that some of our preachers had a great aversion for the mountain circuits; but I have found them equal to many of the valley circuits. Under this spirit of appointment, I have seen men of medium ability 226 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. placed on districts, stations, and first-class circuits, and the work suffer in their hands. It is my de- liberate judgment that if this sectional spirit con- tinues in the Conference, our future as a Church in this country is very precarious. It is not pleasant to nie to leave such a record as this behind me, to be read when my body lies cold in the ground; for I am a Methodist, warp and filling, and have given my life to some of the hardest work for the Church. I am profoundly concerned for the future of this work. I know that the good Lord will make it all right in the great day of eternity. This gives me great comfort. May God bless our Church! CHAPTER XV. THE KINGSTON CIRCUIT. I LEFT home for my new field of labor on Friday morning, November 14th, rode nine miles, and took dinner with Rev. H. A. McCartt. In the after- noon I rode eight miles to Liberty Church, where Rev. R. 0. Taylor, a Baptist minister, was holding revival services. At his request, I preached and called for penitents, when about twenty-five young men and ladies came to the altar. After the meeting, I went home with Thos. Love, to stay all night, who lived four miles from the church. On the way, Brother Love's dog treed a coon. We shook it out, the dog killed it, and we took it on with us. The next day I rode eleven miles to Colonel Robert Byrd's, in Roane County, and took dinner. 227 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Colonel Byrd was in a low state of health, and died a short time afterwards. In the afternoon I rode down by Emory Gap and Rockwood into Hines Valley, and stopped for the night at Oscar Thomp- son's. The next day I rode three miles down the valley to the church, and preached to a large con- gregation. The Lord was present in great power. After taking dinner with Squire Millican, and hold- ing prayers in the family, I rode five miles up the valley to Rockwood, and preached to a large con- gregation of people at night. I stopped with E. M. Devaney. In the afternoon of Monday, I rode tup Walden's Ridge and out on the plateau seven miles to Brother King's. I missed my way, and that being a wil- derness country, I had serious thoughts of having to lay out that night; but fortunately overtaking a stranger going right by Brother King's, he piloted me. My pilot proved to be the postmaster in the settlement, who, when he had learned that I was the Methodist preacher, turned around and said: "I must shake hands with you." He had lately emigrated from Canada. He and his wife were members of the Congregational Church, but on this round united with our Church at King's school- house. Brother King's folks are true Methodists, and are accustomed to take good care of the Meth- odist preacher. The next day I preached at Brother King's instead of the school-house, the day being very rainy. We had a good meeting, with some deep penitents in the congregation. In the after- noon I rode two miles, and staid for the night with Joseph Smith. Brother Smith and wife live alone. 228 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. They have raised a family, but they are all scattered off, some of them being in the West. They are kind, Christian old people. The next morning, on my way back to Brother King's, I stopped and held prayers with the family of Mrs. Lingo, a widow. Though they are well- to-do and respectable, I learned that no minister had called on them for years. What a field for ministerial work this is! I preached that day at Brother King's again. There were a number of anxious penitents at the altar. In the afternoon Brother King geared up his two-horse wagon, and he and his daughter Mary and his granddaughter Alice, with two other little grandchildren, and myself, got in and drove out a few miles, visiting and holding religious services in three families-Hutson, Young, and Sabin. The next day I rode five miles to Pisgah Church, and preached where a young man, Mr. Farmer, was teaching school. After preaching, I went home with Brother Maupin and staid over night. Brother Maupin is an old man, and a true Methodist. He is now living with his second wife, who is a Baptist. King's school-house and Pisgah are both in Cum- berland County. The remainder of the circuit is in Roane County, excepting two appointments, that are in Loudon County. The following day I rode down in the valley to Brother Tedder's, near Rock- wood. Late in the evening I walked down into the town, and preached at night to a fair congregation. Rockwood seems to be a hard place religiously. My heart is moved at the wickedness; but I am praying the Lord of the harvest for that place. 229 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF The next day I walked up to Brother Tedder's, and rode up the valley three miles to Joel Hembree's for dinner. Brother Hembree is a Southern Meth- odist, and now, for the second time, a widower, with several small children. He is a well-to-do and kind-hearted man. In the afternoon I rode up by Emory Gap and out to Dick Isham's. Brother Isham has no chil- dren. He and his aged wife are warm-hearted Christians. He is a Methodist, and she is a Baptist. The next day being Sunday, f rode two miles to Swan Pond Church. As the morning had been very rainy, the people were slow in getting out. How- ever, I preached to them at ten o'clock. The Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, as well as our own Church, has a class at this place. After preaching, I rode one mile and took dinner with Brother At- kinson, the class-leader. After praying with the family, I went three miles to Emory Gap, and preached in the afternoon, and then went one mile and staid with the family of Rev. G. W. Renfro, who is a traveling minister of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, and was at this time off on his circuit. - The next morning I rode back to Emory Gap, and stopped and prayed in the family of Mr. Gram- mar, after which I rode one mile down the valley and stopped with Brother John Martin. In the aft- ernoon I walked up to the Gap, and after visiting several families, I preached again. Two persons came forward for prayers, and one old man joined our Church. I staid that night at Brother Mar- tin's. The next day I rode six miles to Pine Grove 230 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. Church, and preached to a small congregation, with happy results. After taking dinner with, and praying in, the family of Mr. Delozier, I rode one mile and staid over night with J. N. Love, the class-leader. The next day I preached again in Emory Gap, and stopped with Brother Grammar. He and his family are excellent people, members of the Baptist Church. He was at this time in feeble health. The next day being Thanksgiving-day, I rode four miles, crossing Emory River, to Oak Hill Church, where a young lady was teaching school, and preached a thanks- giving sermon. I took dinner with Mr. Roberts. Neither he nor his wife are yet Christians, but they are excellent people. Their two daughters are members of our Church. In the afternoon I rode eight miles into Morgan County, and stopped for the night with Peter Mathis. The next day I rode eight miles to Wartburg, stopped at the Roberts Hotel, and that night addressed an audience at that place on the subject of Temperance. The next day I rode twelve miles to my home in Sunbright. In a little more than two weeks I had traveled on horseback one hundred and forty- three miles, had preached sixteen times, and had visited and prayed in forty-three families. I left home for my second round on Kingston Circuit, December 11th, in company with Rev. L. B. Caldwell, the presiding elder. We rode twelve miles the first day to Wartburg, where we remained over night; and at the court-house, to a large congregation, we both gave a talk on the sub- ject of Temperance. The next day we rode eight 231 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF miles, and took dinner with Peter Mathis. In the afternoon we rode twelve miles, and stopped with the family of Rev. T. H. Russell, he being absent on his circuit. The next morning Dr. Caldwell and 1 separated; he going to his quarterly-meeting on the Scarboro Circuit, and I going on to my circuit. I rode nine miles to James Cardwell's, who lives two miles from Cardwell's Chapel. Here I learned that my appointment at that place for that day had not been published, and so I staid with Brother Cardwell. That night I attended service at a school- house held by the Baptists, and at their request I preached. The next morning a cold, heavy rain was falling; but I rode through it three miles to Woodlawn Church, and preached to a small con- gregation; and in the afternoon I rode to Cardwell's Chapel, and staid over night with Brother Cox. The next day I rode twelve miles to Kingston, and took dinner with my dear cousin James I. Dail. In the afternoon, after holding prayers with the family, I rode seven miles, and staid over night with James R. Rankin. The next morning I rode nine miles down into Hines Valley and preached. After preaching I held a class-meeting with happy results. In the afternoon, in company with Rev. A. E. Barnes, of the Pikeville Circuit, I rode back to Brother Rankin's for the night, having taken dinner with, and prayed in the family of, Mr. Dyke. The next morning Brother Barnes and I rode to Kingston, where our District Conference was to meet that day. The Conference met in the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, Dr. Caldwell presiding. I was elected secretary. We had a harmonious session 232 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. of two days and nights. The weather became bitter cold. On Saturday Dr. Caldwell and I rode out to Swan Pond Church, where my quarterly-meeting was to be held. There were only two people present. The weather was so cold and the house so open, that it seemed a moral impossiblity to accomplish anything, and so we agreed to hold the quarterly-meeting ten days from that time at Pine Grove Church. After taking dinner at Simeon Hassler's, Dr. Caldwell left for his home at Athens, and I set off for Emory Gap. I rode three miles, and stopped and prayed in the family of George Isham, and afterwards rode one mile below the Gap, and stopped for the night with Elisha Martin. That night I preached at Brother Pope's, for his son, who was in the last stage of consumption. Several turned out to the meeting, and quite a number presented themselves as seekers of religion. There was a heavy fall of rain and sleet all that night, and the next morning being Sunday, the ground was perfectly carpeted with ice, and there was still a heavy rain. I walked up to Emory Gap, took the train, and ran up home to Sunbright, where I remained until Tuesday night. I then took the train and ran back down to Emory Gap, and spent the night at Brother Grammar's. The next morning I walked down to Brother Martin's, mounted my horse, and rode five miles to Rockwood. I was to preach there that night, but the morning Sunday-school had their Christmas en- tertainment at the same hour and place, and so I did not preach, but attended and opened the exer- 233 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF cises with prayer, and made a short talk on Sunday- school work. The next morning being Christmas- day, although the mercury stood at zero, I rode eight miles to King's school-house, where the peo- ple had gathered in a very open house, with about a double handful of fire, for worship. I told them that I could not preach there, but that if they would go to Brother King's house I would preach to them, which they did. I preached again at night at Brother Hutson's, although the weather was stinging cold. Quite a number knelt for prayers. There is good prospect for a revival in this settlement. The next morning I set off in company with a hack-load of young people, for my appointment at Pisgah. We must have traveled about eight miles to reach there. I preached to a small but atten- tive audience at that place. After preaching I took dinner with Brother Maupin, and in the afternoon rode four miles, and stopped for the night with a family named White, consisting of four sisters and a brother wvho is a widower, and his two little chil- dren. They are all Christians except the two chil- dren, and are members of the Methodist Church. They live at the old homestead, where their parents died in the faith. The next morning I rode down through Rock- wood, and up the valley to Brother Tedder's for dinner. After praying in the family I rode in the afternoon eight miles, to Brother Gilford Delozier's. I preached that night at Pine Grove Church near by, and again at the same place the next morning. In the afternoon I rode three miles to Emory Gap 234 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. and preached to an attentive congregation. After Church, while making some pastoral calls, I called at the home of Joseph Davis, and after praying with the family, they invited me to stay over night with them, provided I would stay with sinners. I told them that they were the very people to whom we were sent; that we were "not sent to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." So I staid with them. Although they had been living there for a number of years, and were a well-to-do and respectable people, they said that I was the only minister of any kind who had staid with them. Next morning I rode back three miles to Pine Grove, and preached to an appreciative audience, with some prospect of good. After taking dinner with Mrs. Elizabeth Isham, an excellent Christian wid- owed lady, I visited and prayed in the families of two other widowed ladies, one by name Isham, and the other by name Atkinson. I preached again that night at Pine Grove. Here my quarterly-meeting was to be held the following two days. Dr. Caldwell sent Rev. C. Stuart to assist me in holding the quarterly-meeting. The meeting contin- ued over the following Sunday. We had an excellent Quarterly Conference, an old-fashioned Methodist love-feast, and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper during the meeting. There was one happy con- version, and four persons united with our Church. The membership of the Church put on new life. There had been a great deal of enmity among the people of the Church here for some time. I believe there would have been more conversions but for this fact, but I think we succeeded in breaking up 235 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF this bad spirit. Nothing stands more in the way of God's work than to have the people at strife with each other. This church is located three miles from Kingston, in the midst of a community of good plain people. During the meeting I visited a numer of families of Ishams, Fritts, Atkinsons, Deloziers, Goddards, and Houghtons. In all of these we had precious family services. On Sunday evening, after the close of this meet- ing, I preached to a large congregation, at the resi- dence of a Mr. Millsaps, one mile below Emory Gap. There were a number of anxious penitents at the altar, and two young men joined our Church. On Monday morning I took the train at Emory Gap, and ran up to Sunbright, my home. I have now finished another year. The year 1884 is gone forever. What great clouds of sorrow hung over my head during the first part of the year in the affliction and death of my dear sweet daughter Debbie. She is only gone on before. In a few days or years I shall overtake her. The memory of this year will ever lie heavily upon my heart. During the year I preached one hundred and ninety-one times, witnessed twelve conversions, re- ceived thirty persons into our Church, baptized sixteen adults and thirteen infants, preached ten funerals, and married two couples. I have com- pleted two rounds on the Kingston Circuit before January. At many places there are the marked evidences of coming prosperity. This is a widely- scattered circuit, stretching over a great distance of territory. The church houses are generally poor, and very uncomfortable for winter use. Two large 236 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. rivers flow through the circuit, the Clinch and the Emory, that have to be ferried, besides a number of' smaller deep, rapid streams to be forded. The cir- cuit is bounded on the south by the Tennessee River. On my January round there was a great deal of very severe cold weather, so that I only met six congregations out of eleven appointments. I visited a great many families, and prayed with them, and talked to the children. I visited several sick persons, among these one young man just ready to die with consumption. A lady at Brownsville professed saving faith in Christ while I was holding prayers in her home, and a young man near Pine Grove joined our Church at a family service. Having been hindered by the severe weather from attending all my appointments, I took this way of being employed in the Master's work. I feel that I must not be idle. I closed this round in the afternoon of the fourth Sunday in January; and although I was suffering from a severe cold, I rode thirty-six miles on horseback to my home through the severest winter weather. I left home on Saturday evening, February 14th, for my work. I took the train at Sunbright, and ran down to Rockwood, and staid over night with a Mr. Cox, an Englishman. They showed me much kindness. God bless them! The next morning I walked down below town a short distance to Mr. Thompson's, who geared up his team, and took a wagon-load of us down to the church in Hines Valley. The Baptists were holding services at that time in the church, but I preached that night. I preached 237 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF the next day in Rockwood, and visited and praved with a number of familes. Having secured a horse from Esquire Millican, I rode up the valley on Monday evening to Joel Hembree's, and the follow- ing day went on meeting my appointments at Pine Grove, Swan Pond, and Emory Gap. The weather was so bitter cold, and the roads were so covered with ice, that the congregations were small at each place. I felt that I greatly imperiled my own life in traveling that week. I reached Rockwood late on Friday evening, suffering greatly from the severe weather. My sec- ond quarterly-meeting came off at Rockwood the next day, and continued over Monday night. My presiding elder wished to form a new charge of Rockwood, Hines Valley, and King's school-house, and so I agreed to give up these appointments, and to take up some new ones up the line of railroad. On Tuesday morning I ran up the railroad to Brownsville, and preached to the miners there that night. Quite a number of penitents were at the altar for prayers, and three persons united with our Church. The following night I preached again at the same place. I had to preach in private resi- dences, and these were miners' cabins only; and as the people came out to the preaching in great num- bers, we were uncomfortably crowded. I find these humble miners anxious for the Word of Life. The following day I secured a mule from Colonel Brown, the proprietor of the iron-works, and rode five miles to Oak Hill, to reach my appointment. The weather was so severe that only two persons were present. In the afternoon I rode back to 238 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. Brownsville, and preached there again that night. Penitents were at the altar, and a lady joined our Church. Mr. Brown says that he will build us a chapel in which to worship. If he does so, I think we can organize a good class at this place. I organized a praver-meeting for them. The roads were so bad, and the weather was so unsettled, that I declined to go to my appointments in Loudon County. The winter was the severest that we had witnessed in this country for years. I left home, March 20th, for my work, and met the most of my appointments. In several places there were anxious penitents at the altar. On Saturday evening before the second Sunday in April, in preaching for a man who had been severely injured in the Rockwood mines by rocks falling in on him, he and his wife both joined our Church. On this round another lady joined our Church at Brownsville. Dr. Caldwell failed to or- ganize his new circuit, and so I had to take back into my work Rockwood, Hines Valley, and King's school-house. From sickness and rain I did not reach King's school-house nor Hines Valley on this round, but preached at Rockwood. About this time my son Willie came home from college with a relapse of measles, and was in very low health for a time. I left home on the last day of April, reached Emory River at night, and staid with William Crow. His wife is a niece of Rev. W. C. Graves, of our Conference. The next morn- ing I was called to go up into the county some dis- tance, to hold the funeral service of a child of Mr. Overstreet at May's school-house. In going, we 2.39 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF passed through what is known as Clack's Gap, which is a deep gorge between two high ridges. Here, in the early settlement of the country, the Indians waylaid a company of white men, and killed one of them named Clack; hence the name of the place. After holding the services, and taking din- ner with Brother Letsinger, I rode to Kingston, and on to Eblen's school-house, and preached at night. I met all my appointments promptly. As I had a week's rest between two appoint- ments, I spent the time in visiting and holding services with families and forming new acquaint- ances. I visited one family of which I will make mention-Dr. Eaton's, of Eaton's Crossroads in Loudon County. He and his family are excellent people, and well-to-do. They showed me great kindness. His wife, a son, and a daughter are members of our Church. I left his newly-married daughter very penitent. In the afternoon of Satur- day before the second Sunday in May, in the Ma- sonic Hall at Woodlawn, I conferred the degrees of the Eastern Star of Adoptive Masonry on ten ladies and twenty gentlemen. On the following day, after preaching at Woodlawn, a young lady joined our Church. On Wednesday following, after preaching and holding a missionary meeting at Emory Gap, a young lady united with our Church. I preached on Thursday night at Brownsville. Several peni- tents were at the altar of prayer, and two ladies joined our Church. My third quarterly-meeting was held in Hines Valley, May 16th and 17th. My presiding elder was not present. I held the meeting until Monday 240 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. night. On Monday one young lady was converted, and a number of penitents were left at the altar. On Sunday, with the assistance of a local preacher, I administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to a large number of people-Methodists, Baptists, and Campbellites communing together. That even- ing shouts of praise went up to God in hallelujahs. I returned home, May 20th. On my June round, at Cardwell's Chapel, a young lady united with our Church. I spent a week in visiting in Roane and Loudon Counties; but was quite indisposed in health all the time. The following Sunday was Children's-day, being the second Sunday in June. I held an interesting Children's-day service in the forenoon at Wood- lawn, and one in the afternoon at Cardwell's Chapel, and intended holding a third one in the evening at West's school-house; but the congregation dis- persed before my arrival. Our meetings in June were all interesting, attended, more or less, with earnest seekers of salvation. At King's school- house, on Friday before the third Sunday, there were quite a number of penitents, and two persons united with our Church. The following Sabbath I held a missionary meeting in the morning, and a Children's-day service in the afternoon, at Hines Valley Church, with happy results. A number of penitents were at the altar, and two persons joined the Church. I returned home, June 23d. My first basket-meeting was held in connection with my fourth quarterly-meeting at Woodlawn Church, embracing the third Sunday in July, and holding until the next Friday night. Dr. Caldwell 16 241 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF was with us a part of three days. The member- ship was greatly revived, fourteen souls were hap- pily converted, and ten persons united with our Church. I left the meeting on a rising tide. My second basket-meeting was held at Pine Grove Church, three miles from Kingston, embracing the fourth Sunday in July. I held the meeting until Thursday night. Five persons were converted, and the membership was much revived. My third basket-meeting was held at Oak Hill, embracing the first Sunday i. August, and contin- uing three days. I think there were deep convic- tions planted in the hearts of some sinners, and yet there was a manifest aversion to coming to the altar to be prayed for. This was due perhaps to previous teachings and prejudices. My fourth basket-meet- ing was held at King's school-house, embracing the second Sunday in August, and continuing five days. Eleven souls were converted, and eight persons ioined our Church. The membership of this live Church was much revived. After closing the meeting at this place I went two miles, and preached for a sick young man by the name of Keelan, who was so low that we could not under- stand anything that he would say. When I asked him if he was blessed of the Lord, to squeeze my hand, he did so, with a radiant smile upon his face, that gave me to understand that all was well with his soul. My fifth basket-meeting was held in Hines Val- ley, five miles below Rockwood, embracing the third Sunday in August, and continuing twelve days. It resulted in thirty-one happy conversions, and in 242 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. twenty-two accessions to our Church. This was a great and most glorious revival for that Church. From there I went to Rockwood and to Post Oak, and spent a few days in rest. My sixth basket-meeting was held at Eblen's school-house, six miles above Kingston, on the old stage-road to Knoxville, em- bracing the fifth Sunday in August, and continuing six days. Eight souls were converted, and one per- son united with our Church. We have no Chureh organization at that place, and this doubtless pre- vented others from joining us. At a service which I held at Woodlawn during the week, three persons united with our Church. My seventh basket-meeting was held at Card- well's Chapel, twelve miles from Kingston, embrac- ing the first Sunday in September, and continuing eight days, with the happiest results. Thirty-three persons were converted to God, and fourteen joined our Church. At times convictions were so preva- lent that we could scarcely make room for the peni- tents. These were mostly young men. At all my revivals we held old-fashioned love-feasts, with bread and water passed through the congregation, followed by stirring experiences. We also held class-meet- ings at each occasion, and it was my happy experi- ence that these were followed by the best results. I am more than ever convinced that these old land- marks of our Church are of vital importance to our people. My eighth basket-meeting was held at Emory Gap, embracing the second Sunday in September. I was detained at Cardwell's Chapel on account of the uncommon interest there, and did not reach 243 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF this place until Sunday night, but had secured Colonel Dail to bold the services until my arrival. I continued them until Tuesday night, with a num- ber of deep convictions and earnest penitents, and four accessions to our Church. Within the bounds of the Kingston Circuit a number of Methodist preachers have grown up; among these are Moore, Derrick, Hughes, and Cardwell. I find two nieces and several nephews of Rev. R. M. Hickey, for- merly a presiding elder in this country, living on this circuit. .On Friday, after closing my meeting in Hines Valley, Mrs. Milligan and her granddaughter Addie, and myself, spent the day with Mrs. Rauhn, a wid- owed lady, and a member of our Church, living at Post Oak. She, with her husband in his life- time, had purchased the large farm of Jack Owens. About fourteen years ago, Mr. Owens conceived the idea of having a number of his neighbors form a community by having all things in common, as in the apostolic day. He induced a number of them to sell all that they had, and deposit the money in one common stock; to live together and work to- gether on the same lands, and to eat at the same table, the colored people at one end to themselves, calling his organization a community. Mr. Owens was at the head of all their affairs. I saw the long dining-room which they used. In about six months a dissatisfaction arose, and they disbanded in great confusion, those having gone into the enterprise go- ing out penniless. It was also claimed that Mr. Owens was bankrupted by this movement. The whole affair was a very foolish thing. Mr. Owens 244 RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. was doubtless sincere, but very unwise in this matter. I left home on Saturday evening before the first Sunday in October, took the train and ran down to Emory Gap, preached there that night, and during the next three days. There were two happy con- versions and five accessions to our Church. This closes the year's work on the Kingston Circuit. It has been a very happy year, with one hundred and eight conversions, and one hundred and five accessions to our Church. The people, without my consent or knowledge, sent up a large petition to the Conference for my return. I had so many applications to preach funerals, and some of these at a distance, and the Conference meeting at Johnson City, at one edge of our territory, I did not attend. The Conference met, October 15th, with Bishop Hurst presiding. Dr. Caldwell was reappointed to the Kingston District, and I was reappointed to Kingston Circuit On the third Sunday in September, to a large con- gregation in Sunbright, I preached the funeral of Anna J. Summers, wife of Rev. B. T. Summers, of the Baptist Church; and on the following Sunday, at Mill Creek, in Scott County, I preached the fu- neral of James H. Young. On the second Sunday in October, at a large graveyard near Rugby, I preached the funeral of Mary S. Brown; and on the third Sunday I preached the funeral of John A. Range, at Paul's Chapel, in Fentress County. On the fourth Sunday, at Annadel, I preached the fu- neral of Braxton Lane and three small children. 24.5 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF The day before, at Sunbright, I preached the funeral of Sallie Jennings. My wife worries a great deal about my absence from home in the work. I live in anticipation, when all these earthly sacrifices shall pass away, that I shall enter upon my reward in heaven. I want to live so as to meet the King's approval in the Great Day. October 30th, I left home to meet the first round of appointments for the new year. I rode eight miles, and preached at night at Rev. H. A. McCartt's, and rode the next day to Kingston. The following morning, it being Sunday, I rode twelve miles through a heavy rain, and preached at Cardwell's Chapel, to a fair congregation. I preached again at night at the same place. when three ladies joined the Church; and on Thursday night following, at the praver-meeting, there was another accession to the Church. I met all the appointments on this round, besides preaching twice in Kingston for the station. On the round I suffered a great deal from bronchial affection. I fear that I shall have to de- sist from preaching much during the winter. I be- come more conscious of the infirmities yf age steal- ing upon me. Of late years I have had severe at- tacks of asthma, from which I have suffered a great deal. I hope that I shall not be troubled with this fearful disease until my latest breath; but I pray God to give me the grace of patience. The Lord help me to be faithful to the trust committed to me! On the fifth Sunday in November I preached for Brother Scott, in Sunbright, when a gentleman joined our Church. 246 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. My first quarterly-meeting was held at Card- well's Chapel, December 19th and 20th. Dr. Cald- well was present. I continued the meeting until Monday night, with happy results. Two persons joined the Church. On this round the congrega- tions were large, the religious interest was strong, and anxious penitents were at nearly every place. At Pine Grove a man joined the Church. I have now closed the vear 1885. I have preached two hundred times, ridden horseback about two thousand miles, preached thirteen funerals, bap,- tized twenty-eight adults and six infants, and mar- ried one couple. Farewell to the old year. Each year is bringing me nearer my home. I pray God that 1886 mav be crowned with greater victories than the previous year. On January 7th, at night, at Cardwell's Chapel two men joined our Church. The weather became so intensely cold that the rivers were frozen over, and so remained for a number of days, and this pre- vented my reaching all the appointments of this round. I reached home during the heavy sleet and frozen weather. I left home, and reached Kingston on Friday night before the second Sunday in Feb- ruary, where I heard an evangelist of the Baptist Church preach to a small audience, with very little effect. The next morning I rode seven miles to Union school-house, where I held revival services for five days. Five persons were converted, and the Christians were much revived-Baptists, Meth- odists, and Presbyterians uniting in labor, and shouting the praise of God together. Our Church has no organization there at this time, but I expect 247 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF to have one soon. The prospect for good began greatly to increase all around the work. My second quarterly-meeting was held at Em- ory Gap, embracing the second Sunday in March. The presiding elder was not in attendance, but had advertised that Dr. Carter, editor of the Methodist Advocate, would be present in his place. He did not show up, and so I had to do the best I could alone. I attended to all the business of such an occasion, and continued the services five days and nights. The Lord wonderfully blessed the work. Seven persons were happily converted and six joined the Church. The conversions and accessions were or the best people of that country. I think there would have been a very large number of conver- sions, but I was compelled to leave so as to meet other appointments. I left the work in the hands of other ministers, who let the interest run down. A local Southern Methodist preacher did our Church a wrong by misrepresenting us in my absence. During the April round one person in Hines Valley, three persons at Pine Grove, two at Emory Gap, and one at King's school-house, joined our Church. On the same round I baptized and re- ceived nine persons into full connection at Wood- lawn, baptized and received thirteen in Hines Val- ley, at King's school-house baptized two and re- ceived seven into full connection, and at Emory Gap baptized two and received four. During the May round I held missionary meetings at every ap- pointment. On the same round there were four conver- sions, several accessions, and many times happy 248 RpV. A. B. WRIGHT. Christians. At some places on the circuit our Church is greatly and unjustly misrepresented. Every prejudice is appealed to, to make enemies to us; but amid it all we are more than triumphant. At all the missionary meetings the people responded liberally. At several places there were anxious seekers of salvation, and the people of God were much revived. In the afternoon of the fourth Sun- day in May, at Oak Hill, I called penitents to the altar, and two ladies were powerfully converted. In June I held several Children's-day services, but had to do so in the face of a great deal of opposition; but the collections were liberal notwithstanding. I do n't think I ever saw a country so full of super- stition and Church prejudices as some portions of the Kingston Circuit. I never saw so many differ- ent kinds of denominations on the same ground. Penitents were at the altar at a number of places, and several persons united with our Church. My first basket-meeting was held at Oak Hill, embracing the third Sunday in July, and continued nine days. From the very beginning the power of the Lord was present to save. Penitents flocked to the altar, praying for mercy, and soon converts were praising God with joyful hearts. During the meet- ing twenty-eight souls were happily converted, and ten persons joined our Church. Others will likely join the Baptist Church, and perhaps some will join the Southern Methodist. Our Church is greatly persecuted in that section, and those who joined us did so under severe trial. The Mr. Roberts and family that I took dinner with on my first round here-of whom I said neither he nor his wife were 249 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Christians-was converted at this meeting, with his wife, and both joined our Church and were bap- tized. This is Esquire Ed. Roberts. They are well- to-do and true people. My second basket-meeting was at Pisgah, em- bracing the first Sunday in August. I was 80 sick that I could not attend. My third basket-meeting was held at Woodlawn, embracing the second Sunday in August, and continuing three days. There were some anxious penitents, and a lady united with our Church. A Rev. Mr. Aldridge, an evangelist, had held a meeting at this place, of several days, just before my meeting, and had left the revival inter- est rather low, although he had some conversions. He seemed to be a man reformed from a very bad life, and uses language in the pulpit that I believe to be objectionable. During the meeting I was greatly disturbed by some young people who engaged in some very unbecoming conduct. They were young girls, and regard themselves as members of a first-class family. The Lord will bring this haughtiness down. During the week, after the close of my own meeting, I attended a meeting of the Baptist Churcb, held in the neighborhood. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Card- well's Chapel, embracing the third Sunday in Au- gust. I found the same difficulty here as at Wood- lawn, with Rev. Mr. Aldridge. I baptized two per- sons and received several into full connection. My fifth basket-meeting was held at Pine Grove, em- bracing the fourth Sunday in August, and holding nine days. My son Asbury, who had been teach- ing school near Rockwood, was prostrated by fever, 250 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. and I had to leave the meeting before it closed, so as to attend him. There were fourteen conversions and seven accessions to our Church. My sixth basket-meeting was held in Hines Valley, embrac- ing the fifth Sunday in August. Here there were five conversions and five accessions to our Church. I was compelled to close and go to my son, who had taken a relapse from the fever, and was very low. My seventh basket-meeting was appointed for King's school-house, but I could not leave my son to attend it. My fourth quarterly-meeting was held in Hines Valley, embracing the fourth Sunday in September. Dr. Caldwell was in attendance. The meeting held two days, with prospects for good. During the week I held services two days at King's school- house. There were anxious penitents at the altar, but no conversions. I attended a meeting in Sun- bright for two nights, where there were three con- versions. Embracing the second Sunday in October, I as- sisted Brother Peters in a protracted meeting at Oneida, on the Huntsville Circuit. There were several conversions and accessions. I have now finished up my second year's work on the Kingston Circuit. During the year there have been ninety- five conversions and sixty accessions to the Church, and during the two years there have been two hun- dred and three conversions and one hundred and sixty-five accessions. I left home on Saturday, Oc- tober 16th, in company with Rev. S. B. Scott, to attend the Annual Conference at Athens, Tenn. We traveled the distance over land with a horse 2-51 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF and buggy. The first day we traveled into Roane County; and on the following day, being Sunday, we preached at Swan Pond Church. The following day we drove to Rev. David Kelsey's, and remained over night. The next day we traveled through portions of Roane and Meigs Counties and into McMinn County, and stopped with Uncle Dan Car- penter. The next day we drove two miles to Uncle Cyril Carpenter's, and I preached that night at Tranquillity Church. The next day we drove to Athens. The Conference was in session, with Bishop Mallalieu presiding. We had an interest- ing Conference session. I staid with Brother Walker, the father-in-law of my son. The Conference closed on Monday morning. In the afternoon I drove out ten miles, and staid with Fletcher Carpenter. The next day we drove to Kingston, and staid with Colonel Dail. We reached home on Thursday evening. At this Con- ference I was appointed to New River Circuit, with Dr. Caldwell as presiding elder. On Sunday, after reaching home, I preached in Sunbright, to a large congregation, the funerals of old Father Var- dimin Byrd and wife with happy results. I preached again that night, and one person was happily con- verted. 252 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. CHAPTER XVI. NEW RIVER, SUNBRIGHT, AND OLIVER SPRINGS. THE New River Circuit lies in Scott County, 1Tennessee. I began the first round on the first Sunday in November by preaching in the morning at Glen Mary, and in the afternoon at Black Wolf. The first quarterly-meeting was held at Helenwood, embracing the second Sunday in No- vember. Dr. Caldwell was present, and preached three times. We had very interesting services. Helenwood is a growing little town on the Cincin- nati Southern Railroad. On the third Sunday in November I preached in the morning at Winfield, and at night at Oneida, to good congregations at both places. These are little towns on the Cincinnati Southern Railroad, Winfield being near the State line of Tennessee and Kentucky. I spent the day before visiting families in New River. This is also a little town on the Cincinnati Southern Railroad. I left home on No- vember 26th, to meet my appointment at Hatfield's, near the Campbell County line. I rode that after- noon ten miles, and staid for the night with Rev. A. L. Williams, a local preacher of our Church. The next day Brother Williams and I set out for Hatfield's. We rode up and down several large mountains, crossed several streams of water, and came in sight of the Round Mountain, which rises higher than the surrounding mountains. I am told that the view from the summit of this mountain is grand beyond description. We undertook to travel 25.3 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF a road by the side of New River about two miles, but the tides of the previous spring had so washed out the banks that our own lives and the lives of our horses were imperiled. We crossed New River at a very deep ford, where immense rocks lay all about in the river, greatly endangering our lives. We also had trouble with quicksand. We held services two nights and one day. There were a number of penitents at the altar, two conversions and two accessions to our Church. On the first Sunday in Dqeember, because of a heavy snowstorm, I did not reach my appointments at Glen Mary and Black Wolf. Glen Mary is quite a mining town on the Cincinnati Southern Railroad, large quantities of coal being taken from the mines, and shipped from this place. On the second Sun- day in December I preached at Helenwood in the morning, and at New River at night. Good con- gregations were at both places. At New River I stopped with Mr. Hail, an excellent family, the parents being Baptists and the children Methodists. On the third Sunday in December I preached in the morning at Winfield, and at Oneida at night, to good congregations. My appointments are on the railroad line, excepting Hatfield's, and Black Wolf, which are near the line. At Winfield, Mrs. Sharp, wife of the hotel proprietor, joined our Church on this round. Embracing the fourth Sunday in December, I assisted Rev. T. H. Russell in a revival-meeting at Scutcheon, on the Sunbright Circuit. At this meeting there were several conversions and acces- sions to our Church. This brings me to the close 254 RFv. A. B. WRIGHT. of 1886. How fast my years are flying away! I am considerably advanced on the western side of life. The greater part of my work is done. I wish it were better done. There are many happy memories along the past. I have given a great deal of my time to the work of the Lord, and am now sixty years old. When young, I was accustomed to sing that good old hymn: "I '11 suffer on my threescore years Till my deliverer comes, And wipes away his servant's tears. And takes his exile home." I did not realize then, as I do now, what three- score years means. I want to give the remainder of my days to the Lord. During the year I preached two hundred and two times, witnessed one hundred conversions, received sixty-five persons into the Church, baptized forty-six adults and six- teen infants, preached five funerals, and married three couples. On the January round I again failed to reach my appointments at Glen Mary and Black Wolf, on account of severe weather. I left home January 7th, on horseback, preached the following day at Black Wolf in the morning, and at New River at night. The next day I rode through a snowstorm five miles to Helenwood, and preached to a small congregation. I rode back in the afternoon to New River, and preached to a good congregation at night. The following day the earth was carpeted with ice, so that traveling was very difficult; how- ever, I rode home twelve miles. On the previous rounds I had been traveling by 25 )5 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF railroad. I preached on Saturday before the third Sunday in January, at Oneida. Here I found Mr. Kershaw and Mrs. St. Clair, Congregationalist ministers, holding services. They are from the North, and seemed to be chiefly engaged in prose- lyting people from other Churches. They have taken but few from us, and these are not very val- uable members. The following day I preached at Winfield. Here I found that my proselyters had been around. Embracing the fourth Sunday in January, I held a meeting of four days at Hatfield's. There were seven conversions and two accessions to our Church. Rev. A. L. Williams assisted me in the meeting. On the fifth Sunday in January I preached at Black Wolf Church in the morning, and in the afternoon at Glen Mary. Embracing the first Sun- day in February I held revival services at Winfield for several days, with the result of seven conver- sions and eight accessions to the Church. On the second Sunday in February, and the day before, I preached at New River, where I received several into full connection. At night I preached at Helen- wood to a very large congregation. On the third Sunday in February I preached at Oneida. The work here is not very promising. Embracing the fourth Sunday in February I held the quarterly- meeting on Sunbright Circuit for Dr. Caldwell, at Emory Church. The following Tuesday I held the funeral services of Dr. Hungerford at Sun- bright. The first Saturday and Sunday in March was my second quarterly-meeting occasion at Win- field. The presiding elder was not present. All 256 RxV. A. B. WRIGHT. the labors of such an occasion fell on me. A minis- ter of the Baptist Church communed with us on Sunday, for which his Church turned him out soon afterwards. On the second Sunday in March I preached at New River and Helenwood, to good congregations, and on the third Sunday preached at Black Wolf in the morning, and at Glen Mary at night. On the fourth Sunday in March I preached at Oak Hill, in Roane County. The following week I attended the Circuit Court at Wartburg as a witness, and lectured one night at the court-house on " Temper- ance." On the first Sunday in April I preached at Pleasant Grove Church, three miles from Winfield, and in Winfield at night, to good congregations. The second Sunday in April, by exchange with Rev. A. C. Peters, I preached at Mt. Vernon in the morning, and at Cherry's school-house in the after- noon. The Cherry family had recently immigrated to this place from Ohio, where they were Con- gregationalists, but are now Methodists. On the third Sunday in April I endeavored to reach my appointment at Black Wolf on horseback, but was prevented by heavy rain. I preached at Glen Mary, however, in the afternoon, to a small audience. Religion is in low state at this place. On the fourth Sunday in April I preached at Hatfield's. I bad much difficulty in. reaching this place. The recent rains had greatly swollen the streams, and when I reached Brimstone Creek I found that I could not ford it, and so, after travel- ing some distance a very rough way, I came to where the narrow-gauge road crosses this stream, 17 257 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF and, driving my horse into the creek, he swam over, and I walked across on the railroad bridge. When I came to New River I left my horse with a friend, and crossed in a canoe, this being in the neighborhood of the meeting. One young man was happily converted, and a number of penitents were left at the altar. The fifth Sunday in April I preached at Winfield in the morning, and at Oneida at night. I took good missionary collections at both places. On Saturday night before the first Sunday in May I preached at Robins Station, where the Con- gregationalists have a small church. The following day I preached at New River in the morning, and at Helenwood at night, taking missionary collec- tions. On the second Sunday in May I preached at Black Wolf and Glen Mary, and raised good missionary collections at both places. The third Sunday in May I preached at Hatfield's. Here there was one conversion. I baptized two persons and received three into the Church. My third quarterly-meeting was held at Oneida. The pre- siding elder was not present. We had good serv- ices. Two persons joined the Church. The first Sunday in June I preached at Winfield. I had intended to hold a children's service; but the preju- dice against our Church at that place is so great that I could not. At night I preached at Oneida to a good congregation. On Monday night Rev. T. H. Russell and myself made addresses in Sunbright, on the Constitutional Amendment, and during the week we held revival services at Huffman's Switch. There were five happy conversions. 258 Rav. A. B. WRIGHT. The second Sunday in June I preached and held Children's-day service at New River, and at night at Helenwood. At both places our Church pro- gram was used. The decorations and singing were excellent. On the third Sunday in June I preached at Young's school-house, three miles from Glen Mary, and organized a Methodist class at that place. On the fourth Sunday in June I preached for Brother Russell at Scutcheon, and had an excellent meeting. I delivered a temperance address the day before at Emory Church. The first Sunday in July I preached at Glen Mary to one man, three women, and two children. Gloomy clouds hang over our work at that place. July 8th, Rev. T. H. Russell and myself left Sun- bright on horseback, to meet appointments in Scott County. The first day we traveled to New River, where Brother Russell preached at night. The next day we rode to Oneida, and began a meeting of five days and nights. There were five conversions and seven accessions to our Church. From that place we rode to Hatfield's, and began services on Saturday before the third Sunday in July. We continued until Wednesday night. Four persons were happily converted, and five joined the Church. Embracing the fourth Sunday in July, my fourth quarterly-meeting was held at Black Wolf. Dr. Caldwell was not present. During the entire year he held only my first quarterly-meeting. I held the usual services of such an occasion, and continued the meeting until Friday night. Twenty souls were converted, and fifteen joined our Church. The fifth Sunday in July I preached the funeral of Mrs. 259 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Morgan, in a grove near Oak Hill Church, in Roane County, to an immense audience. The following week I returned to Black Wolf and continued the revival services there, with eight more conversions and six more accessions to the Church. Embracing the first Sunday in August, I held protracted services in Winfield, without any appa- rent good result. I baptized and received two la- dies into full connection. The second Sunday in August I preached at Helenwood. This is a saloon town. Embracing the third Sunday in August, Brother Russell and I held a revival-meeting at Pleasant Ridge, in Morgan County. There were eight conversions and a number of accessions to the Church. On the night of August 25th I held a prohibition meeting in Sunbright, and had arranged for speeches to be made on the Constitutional Amendment in the Baptist church; but Rev. Ben. Summers and his father locked us out. However, we held the meeting in another building near by. Embracing the fourth Sunday in August, I held a meeting of seven days and nights at Black Wolf. There were fourteen conversions and ten accessions to the Church. One man, a well-to-do farmer, who had been a seeker for twenty years, was converted; and a lady who had been adjudged insane was con- verted, and has been ever since in her right mind. The day before I began this meeting I preached the funeral of Belle Peake at Young's school-house. On the first Saturday in September I rode to Hatfield's; but on the way I stopped and preached to a Baptist congregation at Bull Creek. The house in which I preached was made of logs, notched 260 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. together, with from four to six inches space between, unchinked and undaubed. The building was not higher than an old-fashioned stillhouse, and looked very much like one. The following day I preached twice at Hatfield's, baptized two ladies by immersion, and received five persons into full connection. The second Sunday in September I preached at New River, with a view to protracting the meeting; but the interest was so low that I did not do so. September 8th, we held a temperance rally at Wart- burg, with the view of bringing out the temperance vote of Morgan County at the coming election. I spent about two weeks speaking in school-houses and churches, in Morgan County, in the interest of the prohibition cause. I had been appointed county chairman by the Prohibition Committee of the State. I found the majority of the voters of the county were in favor of liquor. September 29th was the day of election. The State gave a fair ma- jority for liquor; but East Tennessee gave a good majority against it. Morgan County voted for liquor. This was a dark day for Tennessee. Embracing the first Sunday in October, I held a meeting of three days at Oneida. There were three happy conversions and one accession to our Church. This closes my year's work on the New River Circuit. I had often had a desire to become ac- quainted with Scott County. It is a country of fine natural scenery. Its majestic mountains are the Round, Jellico, Buffalo, and Brimstone ranges. It has many creeks and rivers. Among these are New River, White Oak, Black Wolf, Paint Rock, 261 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Buffalo, Straight Fork, Brimstone, Smoky, Jellico, Indian, No Business, and Bull Creek. Being so well watered, it is a great country for Baptists, there being four different denominations of this kind in the county-the Missionary, the Anti-Mis- sionary, the old Hardshell, and the Freewill Bap- tist. Taken altogether, they are very numerous. Ours is the only Methodist Church in the county. There are a few Presbyterians and a few Congre- gationalists. These are the Churches of the county. We have two hundred and twenty members. Our Church does not own any property in the county, and I am told that no other Church does. The houses used for preaching are also used for school- houses, and deeded to no one in particular. The Presbyterian Church has a graded school at Hunts- ville, that has done a great deal of good for the county. The illiteracy and inexperience of the most of the people are appalling. Superstition has a strong grasp on many. It is a popular opinion among some, that witches are prevalent and doing a great deal of harm; and some even profess to know how to kill them. Mail facilities are very poor. Some people live miles away from the post-office. The majority never read a newspaper. I found a num- ber of preachers who could neither read nor write. There was one in particular of this kind, who was regarded by his brethren as the leading minister of the county. I was told, by truthful people, that there were ministers who not only drank liquor, but actually became intoxicated. It was no uncommon thing to meet large droves of men, with their guns, 262 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. boys, and dogs, out hunting on Sunday. Often, while preaching, I have heard the report of guns fired by men out hunting on Sunday. The soil is fertile, and the people raise large quantities of corn and other grain, and much live-stock. A kinder-hearted, more hospitable people are not to be found anywhere else. I never received kinder treatment from any people than I received from the native people of Scott County. I shall ever hold this people in grateful memory. Education and morals are beginning to spread through the county, and the day will soon come when Scott County will not be behind any other county in the State in point of morals and intelligence. Northern families are moving into the county along the line of railroad, and good towns are grow- ing up. The Cincinnati Southern Railroad runs through the county, and other short lines are built out to different places from this main line. The county abounds in coal and iron. At some day these will be developed, and everything will be dif- ferent there. During the Civil War this was the most loyal county in the State. Almost all the men able to bear arms were in the Federal army. I am anxious for that people and our Church in that county. It is due this country to say, that many of them are intelligent and well-informed people. October 10th, Rev. A. C. Peters and myself left Sunbright to travel on horseback to Clinton, and there to take the train to our Annual Conference, to meet in Knoxville, October 12th. We rode the first day to Montgomery for dinner, and in the afternoon we rode into the eastern part of Morgan 263 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF County, and stopped over night with Thomas Hut- son. The following day we rode in the morning to my dear cousin's, William R. Dail, for dinner, and in the afternoon we rode five miles to Clinton, and remained over night with Judge W. R. Hicks. The next morning we took the early train for Knox- ville. We had a rather unpleasant Conference. Some of our preachers, impelled by an unholy ambi- tion for leadership, bring about considerable strife in the Conference. Bishop E. G. Andrews presided. I was assigned a boarding place on Clinch Street, not far from the church, at Brother Miller's. I had a real pleasant stay with these people. Bishop Andrews preached a strong sermon on Sunday. The Conference closed on Monday morning. On Monday night I ran down to Clinton and re- mained over night. The next day I rode five miles to Cousin Dail's for dinner, and in the afternoon rode into Morgan County. The following day I reached my home. At this Conference I was ap- pointed to Sunbright Circuit, and Rev. A. C. Peters was made presiding elder of the Kingston District. On my first round at Pleasant Ridge, a young lady joined our Church, and at Pilot Mountain a young man and a young lady joined the Church. I filled two rounds of the work in the old year. On the second Sunday in December, at a newly- erected church, called Rome, near Deer Lodge, I organized a class of twenty members, receiving eight persons by letter. This Church is made up largely of Northern people, who have recently set- tled the town. Within the last few months they have built and furnished a good church house. 264 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. This will become a strong point on the Sunbright Circuit. I am laboring earnestly to build a church in Sunbright, but meet with some discour- agements. My first quarterly-meeting was held at Pleasant Hill the last day of the old and the first day of the new year. The streams were so swollen by heavy rains that the congregations were small. Brother Peters, the presiding elder, was present. All the services of the occasion were very inter- esting, and were seasons of power. After I had preached on Sunday night, all the unconverted people in the house came forward and knelt for prayers. I have now finished another eventful year of my life. During the time I have preached one hundred and eighty-seven times, witnessed eighty-four con- versions, received sixty-four into the Church, bap- tized twenty-three adults and three infants, and preached the funerals of ten persons. And now, 1887, farewell. I have lived sixty-one years, and have outlived my father's age by more than a year, and all my brothers except one. I can not tell why God lengthens out my life. In boyhood I was re- garded as the sickliest of the family. I have ob- served healthful and temperate rules for living all my life. I never used any tobacco, except one chew when quite a small boy, and that made me so sick that I never tried it any more. I have never used any ardent spirits, and for the last nine years I have refrained from the use of coffee, or any other stimulants. I want to live and work for the Lord so long as he says work. I believe the Church has never appreciated my labors very much; but I have 265 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF one consolation, the Lord knows all about it. God be praised! The infirmities of age are pressing me heavily. The good Lord help me to serve him to the extent of my strength during the year 1888! On Saturday night before the second Sunday in January, while I was preaching at Potter's Chapel, a young man was happily converted. There were additions to the Church during January and February, at different places. At night, on the third Sunday in February, I preached at Shady Grove, when a young lady was converted and a number of others were seekingsalvation at the altar. My second quarterly-meeting was held at Lansing, embracing the first Sunday in March. The congre- gations were small, and there was no apparent re- ligious move among the people. Brother Peters was present, and did the preaching. We are having considerable difficulty in locating the church build- ing in Sunbright. The people appear to be unset- tled as to the place. The location has been moved twice. I had a portion of lumber for the building on the ground of the second location, when it was moved to the third. The last place is very unhandy to myself and wife. Each one seems anxious to have the building convenient to his own home. I am afraid that some are real selfish in the matter. During my ministerial life I have built a num- ber of churches. I have built Bethlehem and Ed- wards Chapel, on the Cumberland City Circuit; Mt. Zion, Scutcheon, and Emory Chapel, on the Wartburg Circuit; also Pleasant Hill, on the James- town Circuit. During my life I have met a num- ber of the bishops of the Church. In 1854 I met -266 Ruw. A. B. WRIGHT. Bishop Pierce in Cleveland, Tenn. Since then I have met of our own Church, Bishops Kingsley, Clark, Scott, Simpson, Bowman, Harris, Wiley, Andrews, Gilbert Haven, Warren, Walden, and Mallalieu. Under the feeling of my present in- firmities, I do not know that I shall attend many more Conference sessions. We have great strife among some of the minis- ters of our Conference, which makes our sessions unpleasant. There is an unholy ambition for lead- ership. On the fourth Sunday in March, after having preached the night before at Mill Creek, I set off for my appointment, at Pleasant Ridge, dis- tant six miles. I soon encountered a heavy storm of wind and rain, and took up for the day at Brother Dyden's. Brother Dyden is an Episcopa- lian, but his wife is a Methodist. As I could not get on to my appointment, I held a religious service in the family, when their two oldest children, being daughters, were converted, and I baptized and re- ceived them into the Church. I also baptized their four younger children. So much for a stormy March Sunday. On the first Sunday of April, being Easter Sun- day, I preached two sermons on the Resurrection of Christ, in the morning at Emory Chapel, and in the afternoon at Pleasant Hill. At the latter place a young lady joined our Church, and I baptized and received two persons into full connection. At both places the saints of God shouted aloud for joy. I have been greatly afflicted for some time with nervous affection in my left hip and leg, so that I can scarcely walk or get on or off my horse. My 267 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF system is rapidly running down, and I feel that my work will soon be done. I shall endeavor to keep my life journal well written up, so that it will be complete at the time of my death. Since I began to preach I have preached the funerals of five hundred and four persons, and since my ordination I have baptized four hundred and eighty-three persons by immersion and three hundred and eighty by pour- ing. I have also baptized three hundred and thir- teen infants, making a total of one thousand one hundred and seventy-six baptisms. I have married eighty couples, among them seven ministers, one lawyer, one doctor, and one railroad agent. I can not tell how much longer I shall be effective in preaching Jesus and the resurrection; but while I can go, I will preach. I am pleased with the suc- cess that my three boys are making in life. My eldest, Rev. J. C. Wright, I feel sure will be a power for good in the Church. My other two are lawyers; but I trust and pray that they may live humble Christian men. At a night meeting which I held at Huffman Switch in April, a young man and a young lady school-teacher joined the Church. Although I was greatly afflicted, however during March and April I witnessed a number of conversions and accessions to the Church. I often preached standing on one foot, while suffering untold agonies. On the first Sunday in May I rode horseback fifteen miles, and preached twice, holding missionary meetings and taking collections. God only knows how much physical suffering I endured that day. I have a strong desire to finish my year's work, if 268 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. the good Lord lets me live through it. I held mis- sionary meetings in May at nine appointments, and raised by cash paid in and subscription 41. I trust that my missionary collectors in each place will make good collections. My third quarterly-meeting was held at Rome, embracing the first Sunday in June. Brother Peters was present, and preached three times. The meeting closed on Sunday afternoon. On the second Sunday in June I preached at Emory Chapel and Pleasant Hill. On the follow- ing Tuesday, Rev. F. W. Henck, of Kingston Sta- tion, began a series of holiness meetings in Sun- bright. These continued for ten days with good results. Three persons were converted, and two joined the Church. Brother Henck is a preacher of great power. On the third Sunday in June I held a children's meeting in the morning, and a parents' meeting in the afternoon, at Rome. On the fourth Sunday in June I preached in the morning at Shady Grove, and in the afternoon at Lansing. On the first Sunday in July I preached at Emory Chapel in the morning, and at Pleasant Hill in the afternoon. At the latter place a young lady was converted. My first basket-meeting was held at Potter's Chapel, embracing the second Sunday in July. It continued six days, and resulted in nine happy conversions, seven accessions to the Church, and believers greatly revived. Brother J. T. Cum- mins, a Bible agent, was present at this meeting, and sold and donated eighty Bibles and Testaments. My second basket-meeting was held at Shady Grove, embracing the third Sunday in July, and holding four days. Three souls were converted, 269 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF and one united with the Church. At each of these meetings the people brought their dinners on the ground, and spread them together. This is a very happy way of doing. My third basket-meeting was held at Pleasant Ridge, embracing the fourth Sun- day in July. My fourth basket-meeting was held at Emory Gap, in Roane County, on the Kingston Circuit. There were no 'conversions, but several seekers of religion. My fifth basket-meeting was held at Pleasant Hill, embracing the first Sunday in Au- gust, and continuing five days. Ten conversions and five accessions were the result. My sixth basket-meeting was held at Rome, five days. There were four conversions, one accession, and one re- ceived into full connection. My seventh basket-meeting was held at Scutch- eon, embracing the fourth Sunday in August. The congregations were not large, and the discour- agement was so great that I held only the two days. I baptized two young ladies, and received them into full connection. My eighth basket-meeting was held at Emory Chapel, embracing the first Sunday in September. There was such a heavy rainfall on Saturday that neither myself nor congregation could attend. On Sunday morning I set off early, and after a ride of twelve miles across a rough mountain I reached the church, and found a large congregation present. They had a full supply of provisions on the ground, and so I preached to them twice that day. A young man, a school-teacher, wept bitterly at the altar, while the people of God shouted aloud 270 Riv. A. B. WRIGHT. for joy. During the following week I rode through heavy rain down to Travisville, in Pickett County, and on Saturday, in our new church at that place, I preached the funeral of Nancy Dishman David- son, from Rev. xx, 12. Here I met a great many of my old friends and neighbors, to whom I had preached in early days. I felt that it was heavenly to shake so many of their bands. On the following day, being Sunday, I rode up to the Three Forks of Wolf River, and heard Rev. Brother Moody, of the Tennessee Conference, Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, preach the funeral of my dear sister, Nancy Frogge. My fourth quar- terly-meeting embraced the third Sunday in Sep- tember. Brother Peters was present, and preached several times with good effect, I trust. There were no conversions. The fourth Sunday in September, at Mt. Vernon Church, I preached the funeral of my dear cousin, Jeremiah Wright, from Isa. lx, 19, 20. The fifth Saturday and Sunday in Septem- ber I held a two days' meeting at Mill Creek. On the first Sunday in October, to a large congregation at Mt. Zion Church, I preached the funeral of Margaret Langley, from John xiv, 1-3. On the second Sunday in October, at Potter's Chapel, I preached the funerals of Sarah Bishop and her daughter, Martha Potter, from Psa. 1, 5. I continued the services at this place for three days. There were two conversions, and a number of peni- tents left at the altar. Our Annual Conference convened in Cleveland, Tenn., October 10th, Bishop FitzGerald presiding. I did not attend, but sent my reports by Brother 271 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Peters. At this Conference I was appointed to Oliver Springs Circuit, Rev. A. C. Peters being my presiding elder again. Embracing the third Sun- day in October, I held a two days' meeting at Shady Grove. On Sunday a gentleman engaged in teaching school was powerfully converted. Others were seeking salvation. On the fourth Sunday in October, at Black Wolf Church in Scott County, I preached the funeral of Charlotte Jane Russell, from Acts xxvi, 8. Several shouted God's praise. The Oliver Springs Circuit lies in Anderson, Roane, and Morgan Counties. Oliver Springs is a famous watering and pleasure resort, lying in the gap of Walden's Ridge, called Winter's Gap. Near the town is located the Big Mountain Coal Mines. It is also on the line of the Walden's Ridge Railroad. I set out for my new field of work, November 2d, drove twelve miles, and took dinner at Wartburg. In the afternoon I drove nine miles, and remained over night with William Langley. The following day I drove nine miles, and took dinner with Brother Richards, at Oliver Springs. This is a Welsh family, wealthy and kind-hearted. In the afternoon I drove nine miles, running up Poplar Creek, and crossing it several times, through Frost Bottom, to William R. Duncan's. Brother Dun- can is a strong member of our Church, kind- hearted, and well-to-do in the world. The next day being Sunday I went back down the valley one mile, and met and preached to an attentive congregation, in the old log church, with happy results. After taking dinner with Moses Duncan, who lives near by, at the old Duncan 272 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. homestead, which has long been a home for Meth- odist itinerant ministers, I drove eight miles down Poplar Creek, crossing it several times, to Mrs. Galbraith's, a widow lady. The last time that I crossed the creek the water ran into my buggy, so as to wet all my books and papers; however, I dried them by the fire, and there was no loss. Soon after I arrived a crowd of people gathered, and I preached to them. The following day I visited a number of families in the neighborhood, and late in the even- ing I drove back three miles to Samuel Duncan's, who lives at Donavan's Station, on the Walden's Ridge Railroad. The next day was election day for President, governor, congressmen, and legislators. I at- tended the election-ground near by to form acquain- tances. In the afternoon I drove down through Oliver Springs to William Fritt's, class-leader for Middle Creek. I took up the remainder of the week visiting, praying with the people, and getting acquainted. The heavy rains were so incessant that they greatly obstructed my work. The follow- ing Sunday I preached three times, and in three different counties; but none of them three miles apart. The counties of Anderson, Morgan, and Roane corner in Winter's Gap. At the afternoon service I baptized a young lady at the altar. The following day I drove home thirty miles. In the evening of Saturday before the third Sunday in November I took the train at Sunbright, and ran down the line to Knoxville Junction. I remained over night at H. Carter's. The next morning I boarded the Walden's Ridge train, and 18 273 4AUrTOBIOGRAPHY OF ran up that line eight miles, to old Oakdale Iron Works, where I preached to an attentive audience. In the afternoon I obtained a horse of Robert Morgan, rode three miles over a rough mountain, and preached at May's school-house, a very old and unfit house for worship. After preaching I re- turned to Oakdale. There was an appointment at that place for a Baptist minister that night. He did not come. I attended and preached, when quite a number came forward as seekers of salva- tion. I continued the services through the week. Nine souls were happily converted, and three p)er- sons joined our Church. Among the conversions was the lady school-teacher of the town. On Saturday evening I moved up the valley four miles to Jones Chapel, and began a series of meetings that continued for more than a week. I left the meeting on Monday for my home, with the promise that I would return soon. In waiting for a train at Knoxville Junction that night, I suffered a great deal from the cold, having to wait out of doors for several hours. The Lord sustained me and kept me up. On Tuesday morning I ran up home, but started back next day by driving twenty-one miles to Peter Matthews', where I remained over night. The next day being Thanksgiving-day, I drove fourteen miles, reached JoDes Chapel, when I found my meeting all ablaze. I remained until Monday, when we had had five conversions. I left Brother Bailey, a Freewill Baptist preacher, in charge. After I left there were seven more conversions, making twelve in all. After staying at home a few days, I set off 274 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. horseback to meet my appointment at Oakdale Iron WVorks, where I preached the second Sunday in December, morning and night. Two persons united with our Church, and I baptized two young ladies at the altar. I was suffering intensely with a severe cold. December 14th I set off for my first quarterly-meeting at Frost Bottom. I drove thirty, miles, and staid one imile above Oliver Springs, at Brother Cannon's. The next morning I drove up into Frost Bottom, where I met Brother Peters and congregation. We continued the services until Thursday night. There were four conversions and two accessions to our Church. I baptized ten in- fant children. I then ran down the valley, preached at Jones Chapel, attended meeting at Oakdale, and preached on Sunday at Oakhill, on the Emory Gap Circuit. I drove home the day before Christmas. I am now closing up the year. God be praised! That I shall live through another, God only knows. I am not anxious about that. If the good Lord per- mits me to live, I want to live to his glory; and when I die, to throw back the mantle of a happy Chris- tian triumph. I want that to be the rrandest vie- tory of mv life. I am now sixty-two years old. My years are sitting heavily upon me. I can best express my feelings in the language of a certain poet: "If, in this feeble flesh, I may Awhile show forth Thy praise, Jesus support the tottering clay, And lengthen out my days. If such a worm as I can spread A common Savior's name, Let Him who raised thee from the dead Quicken my mortal frame. 275 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Still let me live, Thy blood to show, Which purges every stain, And gladly linger out below A few more years of pain." During the year I have preached two hundred times, have witnessed sixty-one conversions, have received twenty-nine into the Church, have baptized thirteen adults and twenty infants, have preached the funerals of thirteen persons, and have married three couples. I enter upon a new year, praying the Lord to make me humble, meek, and holy in all conversation. If I am not stricken down again with sciatica, I trust to witness during the year one hun- dred conversions. May the Spirit of the Master rest upon me! And now, 1888, farewell; while to 1889 I say, Good morning, and a Happy New Year. Early in the year God's approving smiles rested on the work. I left home in the rain, January 4th, drove thirteen miles to Wartburg, preached there at night, and baptized at the altar a young lady. The next day I drove about seven miles in the rain, and took up for the night at James Goddard's. The next morning I drove nine miles, and as I could not reach my appointment at Frost Bottom, I called in at Middle Creek, where a Freewill Baptist preacher was holding, and at his request I preached. In the afternoon I drove into the town of Oliver Springs, where I preached at night in the Presby- terian church, at the request of the pastor. During the week I preached several nights at Middle Creek for the coal-miners, where four young ladies were converted. Here is located the Big Mountain coal- mines. I also preached one night at Frost Bot- 276 RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. tom during the week. I drove down the valley, and preached on Saturday night at Jones Chapel. I preached twice on Sunday at Oakdale, in the morning a funeral sermon. Two persons joined our Church, and a number came forward as penitents. On Monday I drove thirty miles to my home. Early in February, I began to feel an attack of sciatica in my right hip and leg, instead of my left, as it was the winter before. However, we had some good meetings. In coming home from this round, I rode twenty-two miles in six hours, through a heavy storm of wind and snow, coming from the north, and blowing in my face. I was suffering so much, and was so lame, that I did not reach my ap- pointmenits at Oakdale and Jones Chapel on this round; but early in March, I set off almost half dead, my right side and right limb being almost paralyzed. I reached Frost Bottom, and preached on the first Sunday. I remained in that neighborhood during the week; but how much I suffered, the good Lord only knows. I preached again, however, on Thursday in the afternoon. The following Saturday and Sunday was the occasion of my second quarterly-meeting at Oliver Springs. Brother Peters was present, and did the preaching. On Sunday afternoon I drove out four miles, and remained over night with Sam- uel Russell. The following day I drove home, fully resolved to remain there until I should get better or die, and so I did not reach my appoint- ments at Oakdale and Jones Chapel in March. Feeling better, on the 5th of April I left home to reach my appointment at Frost Bottom on the 277 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF first Sunday of April. I preached, and in the aft- ernoon rode eight miles and preached at Field's school-house. I remained in that country during the week. On the second Sunday of April I preached at Oliver Springs and Middle Creek. The following Wednesday and Thursday I preached at Jones Chapel, and on Friday and Saturday at Oakdale. The following Sunday being Easter, I held an Easter service in the morning at Jones Chapel, and in the afternoon an Easter service at Oakdale, with happy results at both services. At the former place a young lady joined our Church. I drove home the next day. On the first Sunday in May I preached a mis- sionary sermon at Frost Bottom, and took a collec- tion of 17.15 for the cause of missions. In the aft- ernoon I rode eight miles, and preached at Field's school-house, and took a collection of 10.75 for missions. On the following Wednesday I attended the Commencement exercises of Roane College. On Thursday I preached in the morning at Oliver Springs, and in the afternoon at Middle Creek, tak- ing missionary collections at both places, amounting to 4.65 at the former place, and to 12.35 at the latter place. On the third Sunday in May I held a missionary meeting at Oakdale, and took a col- lection of 9.80. In the afternodn of that day, I held a like meeting at Jones Chapel, and took a col- lection of 10.30. The fourth Sunday, I preached again at Jones Chapel and Oakdale. At the former place a young man joined our Church. My third quarterly-meeting embraced the second Sunday in June at Jones Chapel. Brother Peters was pres- 278 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. ent, and preached with acceptability. On Sunday night I held a Children's-day service at Oliver Springs. The third Sunday in June r preached the fi- neral of Mikey Duncan at Frost Bottom. I went down to Travisville, in Middle Tennessee, and preached the funeral of Mrs. Crabtree on the fifth Sunday in June. The second Sunday in July I preached twice at Frost Bottom. In the afternoon of the following Saturday I preached in a little log school- house in what they call the Cove, to a small con- gregation. I stopped with a Mr. Simpson, who told me that there were people living near him, in four miles of Oliver Springs and in sixteen miles of Clinton, the county-seat of Anderson County, who had raised up girls to be grown and married, and who are now raising children of their own, that up to two years ago had never been inside of a school-house or church. I would not have thought that such a place could have been found in East Tennessee. My first basket-meeting was held at Middle Creek, embracing the third Sunday in July. I held until Friday, when five souls had been converted and one person had joined our Church. I left the meeting in the bands of Brother Tedford, a Free- will Baptist minister, who continued for several days and nights, when six more were converted. My second basket-meeting was held at Jones Chapel, embracing the fourth Sunday in July. I continued the meeting seven days. Four souls were happily converted and three persons joined our Church. 279 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF I held the first Saturday and Sunday in August at Oakdale. Some of the people had been talking about each other so greatly that, although there were a number of penitents at the altar, the pros- pect for a revival was not good, and so I closed on Sunday afternoon, and drove home on Monday. My fourth quarterly-meeting was held at Oliver Springs, embracing the second Sunday in August. Brother Peters was present, and continued the meet- ing for several days and nights without any material results. I began.my basket-meeting at Frost Bot- tomn on Saturday before the third Sunday in Au- gust, and continued it until the following Friday in the afternoon. There were nineteen conversions and ten accessions to our Church. I preached twelve times, and baptized nine adults and thirteen infants. My basket-meeting at Field's school- house embraced the fourth Sunday in August, con- tinuing one week. Six souls were happily con- verted. I did not receive any persons into the Church, because no denomination is allowed to or- ganize at that place. It is my honest conviction that in many portions of the counties of Anderson and Rome the people are educated against the Meth- odist Church, many of them having been taught from childhood to regard it as a bad thing. Methodism has been greatly misrepresented in this country. I love the Methodist Church, and I know that the Lord does not cast out devils through Beelzebub. I had an appointment to hold a basket- meeting at May's school-house in Roane County, embracing the first Sunday in September; but as Brother Joe Wilson, a Baptist minister, was hold- 280 RimV. A. B. WRIGHT. ing a meeting with some success near by, I can- celed my engagement and occupied the time in Frost Bottom. On Monday, September 2d, I started for home, drove down through Oliver Springs, and out to Dan Kelley's, six miles from Wartburg, where I remained over night. The Baptists were holding a protracted meeting at Union Church near Brother Kelley's. I preached for them at night, and d'rove home the next day. I am now at home on this second Sunday, September 8th, having a rest Sun- day, writing up my journal. I discover that I omitted to mention some things at the proper time, and will now relate them. I preached the funeral of a babe of Mr. Russell, in Scott County, on one Sunday in June. On August 15th, the day before I left home for my basket-meeting in Frost Bottom, I received a note from Mrs. Dr. Hungerford, stating that the doctor was very feeble and wished me to call on him. He had been stricken down with palsy for some time. He was my near-door neighbor in Sun- bright. I visited him that afternoon, and found him quite penitent, almost believing unto salvation. I talked and prayed with him, until he was happily converted to God; and on my return home, after some time, September 12th, at his own request, I baptized him while he sat up in his bed, and received him into the Methodist Church. Brother Ogle, pastor of the Methodist Church at Sunbright, being present, administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to the people present, Methodists and Bap- tists communing together. Dr. Hungerford had 281 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF been an able physician, and an avowed infidel prior to his afflictions. He had been brought up under Baptist influence, but when converted he desired to be a Methodist. On Wednesday after the third Sunday in Sep- tember, the Kingston District Conference con- vened in the new Methodist Church in Sunbright, and held over Sunday. On Sunday morning, at nine o'clock, I held the funeral service of a babe of Brother and Sister Ward, recently from Ohio. That day at eleven o'clock, Rev. T. C. Carter, D. D., of Chattanooga, preached an able sermon and dedi- cated our new church in Sunbright, raising by cash and subscription more than one hundred dollars to liquidate the entire indebtedness. This is the same church that I had toiled so hard to build two years ago. Dr. Carter is one of the able men of Ameri- can Methodism. On the fifth Saturday in Septem- ber I preached at Oliver Springs, and received six persons into our Church. On the following Sunday I preached at Jones Chapel, and baptized three persons by immersion, three persons by pouring, and an infant. This closes up an eventful year's work on Oli- ver Springs Circuit, with the follow happy results: Sixty-nine conversions, forty-one accessions, twenty- eight infant baptisms, and three adult baptisms. On October 8th I took the train at Sunbright and ran down the line to Dayton, Tenn., where our Conference was to convene the next day. I staid that night with my highly-esteemed old brother, W. H. Rogers, at Captain Gibson's. The Confer- ence convened at the appointed hour in the new 282 RiEV. A. B. WRIGHT. Methodist church, Bishop Joyce presiding. I was assigned to stay at Dr. Williams', by whom I was treated with great kindness. Mrs. Williams is a daughter of my old friend Dr. Story, who also lives in Dayton. The Conference session was bar- monious and attended with great spiritual, power. On Friday night I preached at the Southern Meth- odist Church with happy results. On account of my declining health, I did not take pastoral work, but was appointed financial agent for Sunbright Seminary. I did not do this from a lack of religious zeal, for I never felt more overwhelnmingly endowed with the Holy Ghost upon leaving an Annual Conference, than I did on leaving this. I fully determined to go and to preach all that I could, and to offer Christ more earnestly than ever before. The Conference closed on Monday afternoon. I took the train on Tuesday morning for Sunbright, and having been delayed nine hours on the road, by a wreck near Nemo, I reached home in the after- noon. CHAPTER XVIL MT. VERNON. ON the third Sunday in October I preached in 0J Crooktown, Scott County, then walked two miles and baptized an old man by pouring while he was kneeling in the water. That night I preached at Black Wolf Church, when quite a number of penitents caine to the altar. One lady was con- 283 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF verted and two persons joined our Church. This was a good Sabbath-day's work. On Monday I took orders for books, and at night I went back to Crooktown, and made a pro- hibition speech, several persons signifying their pur- pose to stand by the cause. On Saturday night before the fourth Sunday in October I attended a temperance supper at Young's Chapel in Morgan County. The following day I preached at the same place, and afterward, while holding class-meeting, a young lady was converted. I baptized a babe and preached again in the afternoon, when four more persons were converted, and one joined our Church. I went back and preached again the next day. The Church got in good working order, and sinners were converted, but we closed. The first Sunday in November I attended Brother Peters' meeting in Sunbright, and I held an educa- tional meeting at night. This was my natural birth- day, I being then sixty-three years old. God be praised for his mercies through an eventful life! The second Sunday in November I preached at Byrd's school-house, three miles from Sunbright, with good results. Embracing the third Sunday in November, I preached three days and nights at the old camp-ground in Scott County. The weather was very cold, and rain and snow fell all the time. A number of penitents were seeking salvation, and two young ladies were happily converted. One of them joined our Church. Before conversion they had been great enemies, and would not speak with each other, but after conversion they were great friends. 284 RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. Embracing the fourth Sunday in November, I preached two days at Young's Chapel. The people of God shouted for joy, while penitents wept. I baptized a young lady at the altar. The first Sun- day in December I attended preaching by the Southern Methodist pastor at Mt. Vernon. The second Sunday in December I preached at Byrd's school-house, but I was suffering greatly with cold and shortness of breath. The following Saturday I drove into Scott County, and delivered a number of books, and the following day preached at the old camp-ground to a good audience. On Monday I distributed books, and held a family meeting at Matthew Young's, and also baptized a young lady by pouring. The fourth Sunday in December I preached at Mt. Vernon with prospects of good, and on the fifth Sunday I preached at Rome to a good audience. I now reach the close of the year 1889. Time speeds away, and how short the years do seem ! My system is becoming more and more feeble. I find upon every attack of affliction of any kind, even a bad cold, that my system falls down a notch lower, not to rise until my body is raised immortal from the grave. I have now outlived the age of my fathers. Why my days are lengthened out, the good Lord knows. When I look back through the past year I see a great many suffering hours and days; but, thank God, I see a great many happy ones. During the time I have preached one hundred and forty-nine times, witnessed forty-four happy conver- sions, received twenty-four persons into the Church, baptized twenty-three adults and nineteen infants, 285 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF have preached the funerals of nine persons, and married one couple. I am wearing the world about me as a loose garment. I have nothing to live for but to glorify God. The first quarterly-meeting for Sunbright Sta- tion embraced the first Sunday of January. Rev. J. A. Ruble, the presiding elder, was in attendance, and preached for a week with great power. He in- sisted on my traveling the Mt. Vernon Circuit the present year, and I agreed to do so. I do not feel contented without preaching all that I am able to do; and so I enter at once upon the work, praying God to bless my labors with one hundred conver- sions during the year. I began the work at my first quarterly-meeting, held at Mt. Vernon, em- bracing the third Sunday of January, and continu- ing six days. Brother Ruble was present three days, and preached four times. The result of the meeting was twenty-one happy conversions to God, and seventeen accessions to our Church, while a number of penitents were left at the altar. On Saturday night before the fourth Sunday in January, I preached at Young's Chapel with happy prospects of great good. On Sunday uorning I preached in Rugby, where a number stood up for prayers. On Sunday night I preached again at Young's Chapel, with a number of penitents at the altar. The first day of February I set off for my furthest appointments, Banner Springs and Bru- ner's Chapel. After riding ten miles, a cold rain set in, and I took up at Brother Cherrie's. It con- tinued to rain, and I went no further that day. The next morning I rode eight miles to Banner 286 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. Springs, and preached to a good congregation in a neat and comfortable church. Five men came to the altar for prayers. In the afternoon I rode eight miles more, and preached at Bruner's Chapel. Here was a good congregation, penitents were at the altar, and the saints of God rejoiced. The next day I preached again at the same place, and licensed a young man to exhort. Several penitents were at the altar, and a lady united with our Church. That night I preached at Banner Springs to a crowded house. Five men and two ladies came to the altar for prayer, and one man was converted. The next day I rode home, passing through Deer Lodge, a prosperous, growing young town. I stopped awhile in the printing-office of the South- ern Enterprise, and enjoyed a pleasant time with the editor. The second Sunday in February I preached at Deer Lodge in the morning, and at Rome' in the afternoon. On the third Sunday in the morning I preached at Mt.. Vernon, when two young men joined the Church. In the afternoon I preached at Bethlehem, and received two persons into full con- nection. Several penitents were at the altar, and the Christians were greatly rejoiced. The fourth Sunday in February I was rained out from both my appointments at Young's Chapel and Rugby; but I was happy to learn that a man and his wife. who had been penitents at my meeting at Rugby four weeks before, were happily converted at their home. On the last day of February I left home for my western appointments. I rode eight miles, and stopped for dinner with Brother Martin Watts. In 287 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF the afternoon a cyclone of cold, sleety fog arose from the north, and I rode through it eight miles, when I was chilled almost through and through. I arrived at the home of Brother Cherrie, suffering greatly with the cold. I was to preach at Oak Grove, two miles from there, that night; but I had suffered so much during the day, and the night was so bitter cold that Brother Cherrie insisted that I should not go out, and sent his son John, a young man, to tell the people who came that I would preach there the next day. The weather continued very cold, but I preached the next day to a small congregation, and in the afternoon rode eight miles, suffering greatly from cold, and staid at Luke Hall's. The next day I preached at Banner Springs; but the weather was so cold that the congregation was not large. Five men came to the altar for prayer. I rode eight miles in the afternoon, and preached at night to a good congregation at Bruner's Chapel. I preached again the next day at the same place. Several peni- tents were at the altar, and I baptized three persons, and received them into full connection. In the afternoon I rode seven miles, and spent the night with Brother Francis Atkinson. The next day I rode home, passing through Deer Lodge. On Saturday night before the second Sunday in March I held services at the family residence of Brother G. W. Kemper in Deer Lodge. He is a widower, and has no family but himself and two little girls, one twelve years old, and the other ten. That night he and his little girls joined our Church, also three other persons by letter and one on pro- bation. I baptized the youngest daughter of 288 Rim. A. B. WRIGHT. Brother Kemper and another lady, and organized our class in Deer Lodge that night. The next day I preached in a church in the town, and in the afternoon at Rome. On Saturday night before the third Sunday in March I preached at Mt. Vernon; but the weather was so cold that only a few were out. That was regarded as the coldest night of the winter. I stopped with Brother Henry F. Peters. I preached again the next day at Mt. Vernon in the morning, and in the afternoon at Bethlehem. My afternoon congregation was lessened on account of a funeral service near by, and because of the in- tense cold. The fourth Sunday I preached to two good congregations at Young's Chapel in the morn- ing, and at Rugby in the afternoon. I spent the fifth Sunday at hGme, writing up my life journal. My second quarterly-meeting was held at Bru- ner's Chapel, embracing the first Sunday in April, I left honme on Thursday before, rode horseback to Deer Lodge, and stopped for dinner with William R. Ross. Mr. Ross is an intelligent, well-to-do Northern man, whose wife is a member of our Church. In the afternoon I took deeds for two church lots, one in Deer Lodge, and the other in Rosslyn. That night in Deer Lodge I held a meet- ing for the Christian Endeavor Society. The fol- lowing day, Brother Watts, an exhorter of our Church, and myself set off for the quarterly-meet- ing, and, after riding twelve miles, I preached at night at Banner Springs. The night was very dark and rainy, and there were not many out. The following day we rode ten miles to Bruner's Chapel, where I preached to an attentive audience. 19 289 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Brother Ruble was not present, and so all the duties of the occasion fell upon me. I preached in the afternoon of Saturday, and held the Quarterly Conference. We had a happy Conference session. On Sunday morning, after a short Sunday-school, we had a good, old-fashioned Methodist love-feast, taking around the bread and water. Afterward quite a number of both men and women bore testi- mony for Jesus, giving soul-stirring Christian ex- periences. I preached again, and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to a large number of communicants. I also took a public collection for the benefit of the presiding elder, and preached again at night. Some were seeking salvation at the altar, while a number of Christians shouted aloud for joy. This was Easter Sunday, and as was my custom on such a day, I preached on the res- urrection of Christ. During the two days I preached four times, besides rendering other duties, and preaching on the way, and on Monday rode home twenty-five miles. For several d.4ys I felt quite indisposed from overwork. The second Sunday in April I preached in the forenoon in Deer Lodge, and in the afternoon at Rome. On the third Sunday in April I preached in the forenoon at Mt. Vernon, and in the afternoon at Bethlehem. At the latter service a number of people were seeking salvation at the altar. The fourth Sunday in April was my time to preach at Young's Chapel and Rugby; but having been re- quested to attend the funeral of Dr. Hungerford in Sunbright on that day, I did not fill either appoint- ment. 290 RxV. A. B. WRIGHT. The first Sunday in May I preached at Banner Springs. The day was very rainy; but we had a good meeting, and a number of penitents were at the altar. In the afternoon I rode eight miles, and preached at Bruner's Chapel; also preached there again the next day. On the second Sunday, I preached in the forenoon at Deer Lodge, and in the afternoon at Rome. At Rome a brother united with our Church by letter. The third Sunday, I preached at Mount Vernon in the forenoon, and at Bethlehem in the afternoon. At both places there were seekers of salvation. The reader of this journal will notice that I am not preaching on missions and taking collections during the month of May, as heretofore. The reason is, that the Mount Vernon charge, which is a mis- sion field, is without an appropriation the present year, and the people are unwilling to contribute to missions. The presiding elders of the Conference form the Missionary Committee, and it is thought that they are not always wise and just in the ap- propriation. My own zeal for the cause has not abated, and I shall preach missionary sermons, and do my best for the collections before the year closes. On Saturday before the fourth Sunday in May I preached at Young's Chapel. The next day I rode four miles to Rugby, and preached in the morning, and rode back in the afternoon to Young's Chapel and preached again; then rode home six miles, making a ride of fourteen miles, and preach- ing twice during the day. I was very tired at night, but slept well and rested. On Saturday, the last day of May, I left home 291 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF for my appointments at Banner Springs and Bru- ner's Chapel. I reached Banner Springs in the aft- ernoon of that day, and preached to a good congre- gation. The next morning I drove ten miles to where Rev. R. Pierce, a presiding elder in the Cen- tral Tennessee Conference, was holding a quarterly- meeting, my appointment at Bruner's Chapel having been consolidated with this. After Rev. Pierce had preached, I administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. I went back two miles to Harve Peters' for dinner, and drove eight miles more in the afternoon to Banner Springs, and preached to a good congre- gation. I called for penitents, when twelve persons came to the altar for prayer. After laboring with them for a time, I closed; drove two miles more, and staid for the night with F. M. Atkinson. The next day I drove home. Mrs. Craft, a widowed lady from Tustin City, California, accompanied me to these appointments, and did good work in talk- ing to and praying for penitents, and lookingafter the education of some girls who expect to attend college next year. My prayers and best wishes will follow this Christian lady back to her distant home in California. On Friday evening before the second Sunday in June I preached at Deer Lodge, and the next morn- ing rode nine miles to Potter's Chapel, to hold a quarterly-meeting for Rev. J. A. Ruble, for Oak- dale Circuit, J. M. York being the preacher in charge. I preached twice on Saturday, and held the Quarterly Conference. On Sunday morning I preached, administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and took a public collection for the benefit 292 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. of the presiding elder. In the afternoon I rode to Rome to fill my own appointment; but becoming lost on the way, I was delayed, and the congrega- tion was dispersed before I reached the church. I took supper with Brother Kincaid, late from Ohio, who lives near the Church, and rode home eight miles afterwards. This day's work was a heavy task on my system. The third Sunday in June I held Children's-day services at Bethlehem in the morning, and at Mount Vernon in the afternoon, and took an educational collection at each place. The fourth Sunday in June I preached missionary sermons-in the morn- ing at Young's Chapel, and in the afternoon at Rugby-and took a missionary collection at each place. On Saturday before the fifth Sunday in June I drove nineteen miles to Banner Springs, and preached in the afternoon. The following day I preached in the morning at Bruner's Chapel, and in the afternoon at Banner Springs, and took a mis- sionary collection at each place, making a drive of sixteen miles, and preaching twice on this day. My third quarterly-meeting was held at Rome, embracing the first Sunday in July. Brother Ruble was present, and preached. On account of some misunderstanding in my appointment at Little Crab, I staid at home on the second Sunday. My son, Rev. J. C. Wright, preached in Sunbright on that day. On Friday before the third Sunday, I left home for a funeral appointment on the Three Forks of Wolf River. I went the first day eighteen miles to Brother Stockton's, near Jamestown. The next morning I rode into town, and found the Southern 293 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Methodists engaged in a Sunday-school Conference. I went in, was introduced, and called out in several speeches. In the afternoon I rode down to the head of Wolf River to William Pyle's, an old friend and neighbor, and spent the night. The next morning I rode to my appointment at a new Methodist church, in less than one hundred yards of where I joined the Church, met a congregation of about five hundred people, and preached the funeral of John Coile. I preached again that afternoon at the same place, and baptized six young ladies at the altar for Brother Creel, the pastor. The next day, Brother Creel and I rode to his home at Allardt, and staid over night. The following day I went back to Brother Stockton's, and preached to a small con- gregation at his house. The power of the Lord was present. Four young ladies were earnest seekers of salvation at the altar. I rode home the next day. My first basket-meeting was held at Young's Chapel, embracing the fourth Sunday in July, and continuing five days. There were four conversions and one accession to the Church. I also baptized a young lady, and received four persons into full connection. My second basket-meeting was held at Banner Springs, embracing the first Sunday in August. It continued nine days, and resulted in twenty-four conversions and fifteen accessions to our Church. I baptized two young men and six young ladies at the altar, and preached four funeral sermons during the meeting. On Saturday before the third Sunday in August, in company with John Davis, my brother-in-law, I 294 Ruv. A. B. WRIGHT. boarded the early morning train at Sunbright, and went down the line to Harriman Junction. We walked out over the new city of Harriman, saw the great progress being made in building up a new town, formed some acquaintances, and met a number of my old friends, whom I bad served as pastor in other years. We rode in a wagon three miles up the valley to Brother Ed. Roberts'. We found this ex- cellent family greatly afflicted with malarial fever, Brother Roberts himself and five of his children having been stricken down with this dreaded dis- ease. However, they are all convalescent. We took dinner, and having prayed with the family, we walked out to Webster, where we found Mrs. Wood, a merchant's wife, and Fillmore McCartt, his clerk, both prostrated with fever, though somewhat im- proving. We staid over night at Mr. Buckheart's, whose wife is in the last stages of consumption. The next morning we boarded the train, and ran up the line three miles to Oakdale Iron Works. We took supper at the home of Buck Taylor, a section boss, who is very low with fever. We preached in the church that night, after which we staid with I. W. Legg. The next morning being Sunday, I preached the funeral of Levi Morgan, from Isaiah lx, 19, 20. A number of penitents were at the altar, and a young lady was happily converted. I preached again at the same place in the afternoon. We boarded the night train, and ran down the line to Harriman, where we staid over night at Howard Carter's. The next morning we ran up the line to Sunbright. God be praised for a busy life! My third basket- 295 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF meeting was held at Mt. Vernon, embracing the fourth Sunday in August. It continued for ten days. The power of the Lord was present to save. Forty-six souls were powerfully converted, twenty persons joined the Church, and the membership was gloriously revived. Rev. Martin Watts held charge during the last three days, as I had to fill other en- gagements. I left the meeting on Friday afternoon, and drove fourteen miles to Banner Springs, and preached at night. A young man was a penitent at the altar, and there was one accession to our Church I staid that night with Brothers Ramsey and Wright. I felt greatly wornout from excessive labor. The next morning I drove two miles to Clear Fork, and baptized five persons, two men by pouring, and three ladies by immersion. Having passed through heavy labor, and having lost a great deal of sleep by being up late at night, and having been in the water a great deal of late bap- tizing people, I was greatly indisposed. In the afternoon I drove nine miles to Bruner's Chapel, and preached to a good congregation. Brother Carter, of the Central Tennessee Con- ference, and I had arranged to hold this meeting together. He arrived on Saturday afternoon. We preached alternately until Wednesday afternoon, when I left. Up to that time there had been two conversions and two accessions to our Church. Brother Carter continued the meeting until Thurs- day afternoon, when there were four more convcr- sions, making six in all. My fifth basket-meeting was held at Bethlehem Church, embracing the first Sun- day in September. I left the meeting on Wednes- 296 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. day afternoon in charge of Brother Watts, who continued it two days longer. There were six con- versions and seven accessions to the Church. My sixth basket-meeting was held at Rome, embracing the second Sunday in September. The people were busy with their fodder, and sinners were very ob- stinate, and so I held meeting only two days. On the third Sunday in September I had an appointment to preach a funeral at Cedar Grove, Fentress County, about twelve miles below James- town, in a very broken country; but I was so prostrated from labor that I felt unable to make this trip, and so canceled the engagement. I oc- cupied this time in a protracted service at Deer Lodge. I preached on Saturday night and on Sunday morning. Brother Mosier preached in the afternoon, and I preached again at night. The con- gregations were large and attentive, but the Chris- tian people were dead to all work, and sinners were unmoved. I took up Monday in visiting, and preached again at night, without any visible results. At this place the different denominations are not in good fraternal spirit with each other, and are, there- fore, in poor condition for a revival. My fourth quarterly-meeting was appointed for Young's Chapel; but on account of the measles prevailing in that settlement, it was moved to Mt. Vernon. It embraced the fourth Sunday in Sep- tember. Brother Ruble was present and preached. We had a very interesting quarterly-meeting occa- sion. This closes another Conference year. Dur- ing the year I have witnessed one hundred and fourteen conversions, received eighty persons into 297 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP the Church, and baptized thirty-five adults and nine infants. To God's name be all the glory. I am now feeling the infirmities of age, though during the past year I have been free from sciatica, and have enjoyed as good health as I could expect for one of my age. The good Lord has been very kind to me, and has given me many sheaves to my ministry. I am close on to sixty-four years of age. I have been a professed Christian and a member of the Methodist Church for more than forty-seven years. I have been a Methodist preacher for more than forty-two years; but if I had life to go over again, I would travel the same road. God be praised that life's toiling pathway is to be traveled but once. 0 may mine end in glory! During the Conference year I have read 6,138 pages in a course of study. I spent the first Sun- day in October at home in praying and in writing up my journal. On Saturday before the second Sun- day in October I left home, and rode horseback thirteen miles to Henry Branstetter's, where I staid over night. The next day, at his residence, I preached the funeral of his father, Levi Branstet- ter, from Rev. xx, 12. A number of anxious peni. tents were at the altar. Our Annual Conference met in Greeneville, Tennessee, October 8th, with Bishop Walden to preside. I did not feel inclined to attend, as there was a most unpleasant feeling existing between some of the leading ministers of the Conference. The characters of some of these were to be arrested and tried, under what I have always believed to be false charges. The unholy ambition for leader. 298 Rev. A. B. WRIGHT. ship was the great sin of these brethren-the same trouble that disturbed the disciples when they con- tended who should be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and also the same sin that caused Satan to fall from heaven. May these brethren learn les- sons of wisdom and grace from God's Word! I am unwilling to hear the discordant notes of these troubles. I want my life to be full of sunshine instead of clouds. Brother Ruble had asked me to take charge of Mt. Vernon Circuit another year, and I had written him a letter stating that I would do so. I had only had charge about eight months of the past year, and we had such glorious success that a number of peo- ple desired my return. I felt that I would like to go back another year. However, at Conference they cut up the Mt. Vernon Circuit, and divided it out among three other charges, and put young men in charge. So I was left without any pastoral work at all. I was appointed financial agent of Sunbright Seminary, which is only a nominal appointment. As I have been in the pastoral work so long, I feel quite blank to be left without work. I much pre- fer to be in pastoral work while the good Lord sheds his smiling approbation upon my labors as he did the past year. I know I am getting old; but there are men much older than I in the effective work. I have prayed and wept over it, and must make the most of my position that I can. After Conference, Brother Ruble wished me to take charge of the Jamestown Circuit, a very large and broken work, that required much more labor than one of my age could do, and so I declined it. 299 A uTro'rOGRAPHY OF I am praying the Lord that I may see one hundred conversions this year, to be added to some Church or other, though I shall have to go under my own direction. I want to sell a great many good books during the year. I think a great many of our old men, while God is crowning their labors with the greatest results, are pushed out of work to make place for untried and inefficient foreigners, who remain only a few years, and then pass away. It is some consolation to know that. while men may err, God can not err in dispensing rewards to the worthy. I expect to take winter quarters at home during the coldest part of the winter; but I must not lose any zeal for the Lord's cause. CHAPTER XVIII. NEW RIVER. ON the third Sunday in October I attended 0J Church at Mt. Vernon, and heard Rev. Creels, their new pastor, preach. In the afternoon I rode six miles to Bethlehem Church, and preached at night. Several came forward and gave their hands as seekers of salvation, and two persons united with our Church. On the fourth Sunday I attended Brother Creels' first appointment in Sunbright. The first Sunday in November, being the day be- fore my birthday, my youngest son came up from Rockwood to visit me; also my daughter from Mt. Vernon came, and we had a kind of family reunion, and so I remained at home. The second Sunday I 300 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. rode six miles to Mill Creek, and preached to an at- tentive audience. I preached again at night at the same place. On Monday I took orders for books, rode over into Scott County, and preached at the camp-ground at night. Several came forward for prayers. The third Sunday I attended Sunday- school and class-meeting in Sunbright. On the fourth Sunday I held the funeral services of a little boy of G. W. Kempton, at Huffman's Switch. On Saturday before the fifth Sunday, I left home on horseback for Taylor's Chapel, two miles from Al- lardt. In the afternoon I arrived at the home of Hon. J. C. Taylor, and preached at the chapel at night. Rev. W. L. Patton was pastor of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, at this place. I preached on Sunday and Sunday night. A number of penitents came to the altar, and two persons were converted, while the saints of God shouted for joy. I remained over Monday, preaching, laboring with penitents, and taking a number of book orders, the interest increasing all the while. On Tuesday morning I left the meeting in the hands of Brother Patton, and returned home. The services went on until Thursday, resulting in nine conversions and four accessions to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Others will vet join. The reader will note that, as I am not in pastoral work, I am doing independent labor to build up any good Church. I pray God that I may see one hundred conversions this Conference year. I love my Church as well as any man should love his Churcb; but as I am left without pastoral work this year, I do not know that I shall take any members 301 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP into the Church, but shall work earnestly for con- versions, and let them join where they wish. I must say that my true friends at Taylor's Chapel- members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South-paid me liberally for my services at that place. The first Sunday in December was a very cold, rainy day, and so I remained at home, read, prayed, and wrote up my journal. On the second Sunday I attended pastoral preaching in Sunbright with my wife. On the third Sunday I had intended to go to the camp-ground in Scott County; but having been disappointed in obtaining a lot of books for distri- bution in that neighborhood, I did not go, but re- mained at home. I am somewhat disturbed in mind with the con- viction that I am not preaching as much as I ought to do in bringing lost souls to Christ. I presume it is a feeling common to all old men, when laid on the shelf from itinerant work. It seems to me that, since a number of much older men than I are in pastoral work, I might have been in charge a little longer. The position to which I was ap- pointed is nominal, and amounts to nothing. It is not a question of salary; for my two younger sons are single men, and are making money fast, and supply all my needs; but it is strictly a question of religious duty that disturbs me. After taking winter quarters at home, if the good Lord will bear with me, I want to break out afresh in the spring, like the spring bird in his early song. I must be content to know that I am becoming old, and can not do so much for the Lord's cause as once 302 Ruv. A. B. WRIGHT. I did. Perhaps my zeal is running ahead of my strength. I now begin to realize that what further work I do for the Lord in this world I must do quickly, or not at all. In the end of life I want the approbation of"Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." I had an appointment to preach at Mt. Ver- non on Christmas, but the day was so rainy and cold that I did not go. I am so troubled with asthma that I have to avoid exposure in bad weather. The fourth Sunday I remained at home. After a long life of abundant labors, I feel very restless without employment. I am now at the close of another year. Fare- well to the year 1890! I am now sixty-four years old, and have outlived nearly all the companions of my younger life. The Lord has been very good to me. Blessed be his holy name! 0 how fast time speeds away! The years do not seem half so long as once they did. I know that I shall soon leave this world. Shall I live to see the close of 1891 God only knows. I am not anxious about that; but I want to die in the ranks, and fall on the field of battle. During the year 1890 I have preached a great many sermons, witnessed a large. number of happy conversions, and have baptized and received a great many into the Church. I was in charge of a cir- cuit a little more than eight months. To God be all the glory! I now enter the year 1891, the first year of the last decade of the century, with a system running down-grade in strength. 303 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF "Shrinking from the cold hand of death, I soon shall gather up my feet- Shall soon resign this fleeting breath, And I my fathers' God to meet. Numbered among thy people, I Expect with joy thy face to see; Because thou didst for sinners die, Jesus in death remember me. 0 that without a lingering groan, I may the welcome word receive, My body with my charge lay down, And cease at once to work and live ! Walk with me through the dreadful shade, And, certified that thou art mine, My spirit, calm and undismayed, I shall into thy hands resign." The Lord help me to be faithful to him this year, if I should live through it, that I may walk worthy of my high vocation in Christ Jesus! I have trials of which no one outside of my family knows-great trials; but I ask God for great grace to endure as seeing Him who is invisible. 0 for grace to resist the evil and cleave to the good! Embracing the first Sunday in January, the first quarterly-meeting for Sunbright Circuit was held in Sunbright. On Sunday I assisted Brother Ruble in the communion service. The second Saturday and Sunday in January I preached each day at Mill Creek Church, six miles from Sunbright. We had a very interesting worship each time. I staid on Saturday night with my dear old friend and brother, Jesse B. Ketcherside, who is nearly one year older than myself; but he wears a great deal of the cheer and courage of youth. We make it just as beav- 304 RpV. A. B. WRIGHTr. enly as we can when we get together. It is a great feast to my soul to meet and spend some time with my old Christian comrades. I had an appointment to preach on Saturday night before the third Sun- day in January at Taylor's Chapel, in Fentress County. I left home on Saturday morning in my buggy in a slow rain. The rain increased as I trav- eled, and afterwards turned to a heavy snow; and so, when I got near Mt. Vernon Church, I took up at Dennis Hull's for awhile, and took dinner. In the afternoon I drove thirteen miles through some snow, it turning very cold in the latter part of the day; and just before night I reached J. C. Taylor's. I preached at night in the chapel near by, and also on the next day, with happy results. I baptized two young people, and afterward Brother Patton, the pastor, received them into the Church. In the afternoon I rode out seven miles to Brother Stockton's, and remained over night. The follow- ing day I came back to Brother Field's for dinner. On Sunday afternoon and Monday morning I suf- fered greatly from the severe cold weather. On Monday afternoon I drove home. For some time I have been very busy taking orders and delivering books. I have sold a great many valuable books. I never sell any book of doubtful moral teaching. The Lord help me to be useful in some way! On the fourth Sunday I at- tended pastoral preaching in Sunbright. The day before, I preached for the Baptists at Pilot Moun- tain, at the request of their pastor. On the first Sunday in February, by request of some excellent people of Crooktown, in Scott 20 3()5 AUTOBioG RAPHY OF County, I preached the funeral of Rebecca David- son Birch, a lady who had emigrated from England to America a few years ago. She was a good Chris- tian woman. I attended the prayer-meeting in the afternoon, and preached again at night, with happy prospects of a revival of religion. The second Sunday in February I attended pas- toral preaching in Sunbright. The third Sunday in February was very rainy, so I staid at home that day. In the afternoon of the following Mon- day I preached the funeral sermon of a little boy of William R. Staples, in Sunbright. The next day I went to Crooktown, in Scott County, and preached at night. The people insisted that I should protract the meeting, but as their pastor was absent I thought it the better not to do so. The fourth Sunday I attended meeting in Sunbright. 0 I do feel so much out of place when not in pas- toral work! The first Sunday in March being a very cold, wintry day, I remained ai home until in the after- noon, when I went down the railroad to Lan- sing to see a sick son. The second Sunday there was a wonderful tide on the waters, so I re- mained at home. The third Sunday I left home in my buggy, drove nine miles to the camp-ground in Scott County, where I preached for the pastor, W. D. Gorman. We took dinner at Brother Ba- ker's together, and drove two miles to Crooktown in the afternoon, where I preached for him again at night. The fourth Sunday I preached in Sunbright for the pastor, who was conducting a successful pro- tracted meeting at Young's Chapel. 306 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. On Friday before the fifth Sunday I left home on horseback to hold for Brother Ruble the second quarterly-meeting on the Jamestown Circuit, at Banner Springs. I rode ten miles and remained over night with Brother Cherrie. The next day he and his family accompanied me eight miles to the quarterly-meeting. We reached the place in due time, and I preached to a good audience. Rev. J. M. York is their pastor. He is a young man, a good preacher, and well received by the people. This is his first year as an itinerant. We held all the services common on a quarterly-meeting occa- sion, except the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, which was omitted because the elements were not prepared. During the two days I preached three times and labored with penitents at the altar. Two persons joined our Church by letter from the Baptist Church. The first Sunday in April I attended sunday- school in Sunbright. The second Sunday I rode out tel miles, and preached morning and afternoon at Bethlehem Church. At each service penitents came forward for prayers. The third Sunday I boarded the train and ran up the line six miles to Glen Mary. I attended Sunday-school there, and heard the pastor of the Congregational Church, Rev. Marsh, preach. Rev. Stanley Pope, a Congrega- tional minister from Harriman, then organized a Congregational Church at that place. The basis upon which it was built was so different from that of the Methodist Church that it looked very meager to me. I walked out to Crooktown and met the Methodist pastor, Brother Gorman. Rev. Mosier, 307 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF of Sunbright, preached there that afternoon, and I preached again at night at the same place. The fourth Sunday I was to go down the line and preach, but on Saturday morning I was taken down with a congestive chill, which lasted five hours, and was followed with high fever and great suffering I was so prostrated that I was confined to my home the next day. Rev. W. D. Gorman, pastor of New River Circuit, was wanting me to take charge of his work, insisting that the people on the charge desired it, and, without seeing the presiding elder, I agreed to fill a round on the work. On the first Sunday in May I boarded the train, ran up the line twenty-eight miles to Winfield, and met and preached to a fair congregation, though they were not looking for me until I arrived. We had -a good meeting. After dinner I visited sev- eral families, and prayed with them. I ran down the line six miles to Oneida, and preached at night. The next day I visited among the people, but 0 what a lifeless state of religion I find at this place! It has declined so much in interest since I left it four years ago. The second Sunday in May I boarded the train and ran up the line eighteen miles to Helenwood, where I met and preached to a good audience. I visited several families in the afternoon, and again took the train and ran down the line five miles to New River, where I met and preached to a fair audi- ence; however, they were late in gathering. At the two last-named places they were looking for me, but O how lifeless the state of religion seems at all these places! The Lord pity and replenish Zion! 308 Rim. A. B. WRIGHT. During the coming week I was severely at- tacked with a heavy cold, or, as others call it, la grippe, which produced severe coughing, with great hoarseness, so that I could scarcely talk or go. How- ever, I set off on horseback on the third Sunday, rode nine miles to the camp-ground, and preached. Several came forward for prayers. I went one mile for dinner, but bad to lie on the bed part of the time. In the afternoon I visited and prayed in some families, rode two miles further, and preached at night in Crooktown. The fourth Sunday I drove in my buggy nine miles, and preached at Black Wolf Church, both morning and afternoon, with some indications for good. I have scarcely ever found a work so dead religiously as New River Circuit seems to be; but, God helping us, we will weep between the porch and the altar, until the good Lord rains salvation down. On the fifth Sunday I ran up the line to Glen Mary, walked out to Crooktown, attended prayer- meeting in the afternoon, and preached at night. On Saturday before the first Sunday in June I took the train, and ran up the line to Winfield, where I spent the day in visiting from house to house. I preached there the next morning, and came down to Oneida in the afternoon; but it stormed and rained so hard that I did not preach there at night. The second Sunday in June I ran up the line, and preached at Helenwood in the morning and at New River at night, taking collections at both places for the Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education Society of our Church. On Saturday before the third Sunday I left 309 AuTOBIOGRAPHY OF home on horseback, rode nine miles, and preached in the afternoon at Young's school-house. The next day being Sunday, I preached at the same place in the morning, and at night I preached in Crook- town. The fourth Sunday I rode horseback nine miles, and preached at Black Wolf Church in the morning. Several penitents were forward for prayers, and two persons united with our Church from the Baptist Church. I rode three miles and preached that afternoon at Rugby Road. The third quarterly-meeting for the charge was held at Helenwood, embracing the first Sunday in July. This was the first quarterly-meeting held since my taking charge of the work. Saturday, the first day of the meeting, was the fourth day of July, and there was a great stir of the people in celebrating the day. Brother Ruble was present, and preached at all the services with the power of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. A number came forward as seekers of salvation. In the afternoon of Sun- day I ran down to New River, and preached at night. After I had preached, a number camne for- ward for prayers. Brother Ruble remained at Helen- wood, and preached at the same time. I occupied Monday in visiting and praying with a number of families at New River. That day, in stepping into a dry-goods store where an excellent young lady was clerking, and in talking to her in the interest of her soul's salvation, I found that she was deeply penitent. I knelt down on one side of the counter and she on the other side, and I prayed for her while she wept and prayed. The second Sunday in July, I preached at Byrd's 310 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. school-house, three miles from Sunbright. Several penitents were at the altar, and one young lady was happily converted to God. Two young ladies united with the Church, and I baptized one of them at the altar. On the following Wednesday, at the request of Rev. W. L. Patton, pastor of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, I baptized for him two infants and seven adults-five by pouring, and two by im- mersion. This brings me to the beginning of my basket and protracted meetings, the reports of which will come next on my journal. On Saturday before the third Sunday I began my first basket-meeting at Young's school-house in Scott County. The meeting continued nine days, reaching over the fourth Sunday, and resulted in ten conver- sions and five accessions ,to the Church, with the membership greatly revived. Embracing the first Sunday in August, I held a meeting of three days and nights in Crooktown. Our white congregation there seems very hard to move. On Sunday afternoon I preached for the colored congregation. They had a happy, shouting time, and several were forward for prayers. Em- bracing the second Sunday, I held, at New River, preaching of nights, beginning on Saturday night and closing on Wednesday night. One lady was happily converted, and united with our Church. The Church in that place is in a lifeless state. The Lord pity them! Embracing the third Sunday, I held at Black Wolf Church. I held there nine days and nights, over the next Sabbath. Up to that time there had been six happy conversions and two accessions to 311 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF our Church. I took sick, and had to leave the meeting on Sunday afternoon; but left it in the hands of Rev. W. D. Gorman, a former pastor, and Rev. A. L. Williams. After I had gone, during the next six days and nights, there were twenty-five more conversions, making, during the meeting, thirty-one conversions and seventeen accessions to the Church. The good seed for a glorious harvest bad been sown before I left, and the altar was being filled with anxious penitents. I suffered greatly during those six days with catarrb of my head and lungs. I could scarcely eat, sleep, or rest. The next Sunday, in a feeble state of body, I drove back in my buggy to the meeting, and preached for them. This service closed a meeting of sixteen days. On the last Sunday of the meeting the stewards of the Church raised a good public collection of money, and gave it all over to Brother Gorman. I was the pastor of the Church, and had labored faith- fully for the people with scarcely any remuneration. I mention this to show that the right things are not always done even by the Churches. I had no ob- jection to giving Brother Gorman money, but a Church should meet its obligations before it makes gifts. The good Lord will make it all right in that day when we stand before the great white throne. I was compelled, on account of poor health, to take a rest of two weeks before engaging in another pro- tracted meeting. The first Sunday in September I remained at home, quite unwell. Embracing the second Sunday, I held a meeting of several days at Helenwood. Rev. W. L. Patton assisted me. We had a good meeting. 312 Rim. A. B. WRIGHT. My fourth quarterly-meeting was held at Crook- town, embracing the third Sunday. My son being very sick, I could not remain, but left the meeting in the hands of Brother Gorman, who continued the services after the presiding elder had gone. The meeting resulted in a glorious revival of thirteen conversions and the same number of accessions to the Church. The fourth Saturday and Sunday in September I held a meeting in Oneida, with good results. The first Saturday and Sunday in October I held a meet- ing at Young's school-house, preaching on Sunday night in Crooktown. This closed my work on the circuit. On the second Sunday in October I preached in Sunbright, and on the third Sunday I preached at Potter's Chapel, fifteen miles from Sunbright, the funeral of Catharine Davis, from John xi, 25, 26. I preached at the same place again at night. Some men came forward for prayers, while the people of God shouted for joy. On Tuesday evening after the third Sunday, in company with Rev. J. M. York, I boarded the train at Sunbright, and set off for our Annual Conference at Chattanooga. That evening we ran down the line twenty-three miles to Oak- dale, and staid over night at Robert Harmon's. Soon after our arrival I was informed that the peo- ple expected me to preach that night at their small Sunday-school room, which I did with flattering prospects of much good. The next morning we took the early accommo- dation train, and ran down the line eighty-four miles, arriving at Chattanooga soon after Conference 313 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF had convened. I was assigned my boarding place at the Merchants' Hotel, run by A. L. Ross. The Annual Conference was one of great spiritual power. Dr. S. A. Keen, an evangelist from Cincinnati, held a few Pentecostal meetings in the First Presby- terian Church. A number of the ministers of the Conference professed the higher life of entire sanc- tification. By the grace of God I was one of the happy number. I pray God that I may ever be a faithful witness of this blessed experience the re- mainder of my life on earth. The Conference was presided over by Bishop Ninde, and was one that settled some very grave troubles that had existed for some time between belligerent brethren. Glory be to God! We elected Drs. Carter and Spence delegates to the General Conference, to meet at Omaha. At this Conference I was granted a superan- nuated relation, which makes me feel sad of heart to think that I am not able to do effectual service for the blessed Christ. J am fully resolved, how- ever, God sparing my life, to hold as many pro- tracted meetings as I can, and see souls happily saved to him. While in Chattanooga I visited the cyclorama of the great battle of Atlanta, Ga., fought in the year 1864. I also went up on Lookout Mountain by the incline railroad, and took a view of its won- derful scenery. The hotel on top of the mountain is several hundred feet above the Tennessee River, just below it. I visited a number of places of in- terest on the mountain. On Sunday morning of the Conference, Bishop Ninde preached an able 314 RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. sermon to a large audience from Isa. lii, 1. On Tuesday morning I ran up the railroad line one hundred and eight miles to Sunbright. CHAPTER XIX. A SUPERANNUATE. ON the last day of October I left home for -a ride 0 on horseback of twenty-five miles to J. C. Taylor's, near Allardt. I reached Brother Taylor's just before night, and the next morning, in com- pany with him and others, I rode nine miles down into the Buffalo Cove, in Fentress County, the county of my birth and raising, it being the first Sunday in November. We met a congregation of about five hundred people, and in a beautiful grove I preached the funeral of 0. P. Cooper, the old county trustee, from Hebrews ix, 27, 28. A number of ministers, both Methodists and Baptists, were pres- ent. At the close of the sermon several persons came forward and gave their hand as seekers of sal- vation, and quite a number of God's people shouted aloud for joy. I preached again at night at the home of the widow of Mr. Cooper, and several per- sons came to the altar for prayer, and God's people rejoiced together in his praise. I returned home, and on the second Sunday rode horseback twelve miles down the railroad line and preached the funerals of two sainted children of Isaac and Sarah Jane Jones, from Jeremiah ix, 21. On Friday afternoon before the third Sunday my- 315 A3UTOBIOGRAPHY OF self and wife boarded the train at Sunbright and ran down the line to Rockwood, where our youngest son lives. We remained over night at J. H. Tate's, the principal clerk in the company store of the Roane Iron Company. Our son boards at Mr. Tate's. The next day I went to the Baptist Church in Rock- wood and heard Dr. Anderson, an able minister ot Nashville, Tenn., preach. After taking dinner at Dr. Gaines', I took the local freight-train and ran up to Emory Gap, where I met and preached to a good congregation. The next day being Sunday, I preached again at the same place, to a large congregation, the funeral of Mary Ann Bane, from Rev. xx, 12. I preached again at night, when two young ladies were pow- erfully converted, and the people of God shouted his praise. I preached again on Monday at the same place. There were seekers of salvation. In the afternoon I ran down to Rockwood, and the next morning my wife and I ran up the line home to Sunbright. The fourth Sunday I attended pastoral preaching in Sunbright at the Methodist Church. On Friday afternoon before the fifth Sunday I set off horseback, rode eight miles, and remained over night with Henry Peters. The next morning I rode twelve miles to a new church just erected in five miles of Jamestown, that we named Pleasant Vale, where I met a congregation and preached to them twice on that day with prospect of much good. I preached again twice on Sunday, when a number of penitents came to the altar for prayers. On Monday I preached twice again when ten souls, five men and five ladies, were happily con- 316 Rim. A. B. WRIGHT. verted to God. Five persons united with our Church. The people brought provisions to the meetings each day, and we remained on the ground all day. I staid each night at Brother B. R. Stock- ton's, who lives two miles from the church. They are most excellent people, and well-to-do in this world. It was my good fortune to see both the parents converted and to receive them into the Church years ago. I celebrated the rites of matrimony between them, and have baptized all their children in in- fancy, seven or eight in number. God be praised for his goodness to this family! I organized a Sunday-school and prayer-meet- ing for them, and rode home on Tuesday. I feel very clearly the seeds of death sown in my system by this distressing and increasing asthma, that makes me suffer so often almost sleepless nights, but the Lord sustains me. The first Sunday in December being feeble in health, after a restless night with asthma, I remained at home and wrote up my journal. The second Sunday I attended the Baptist Church in Sunbright. The pastor, Rev. B. L. Summers, in- vited me to preach, but I declined. He preached, and I followed with an exhortation. There was a good fraternal spirit manifest in the congregation. The third Sunday I preached a sermon on holi- ness at Mt. Vernon, and there was a shout in the camps of Israel. This brings me to my sixty-fifth Christmas, it being on Friday after the third Sun- day. I am nearing the close of another eventful year. The fourth Sunday I preached at Sunbright, in the Methodist Church, in the place of the pas- tor. In the afternoon of the following Tuesday I 317 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ran down the railroad line to Emory Gap, and after a walk through the mud to the academy, I met and preached to a good congregation. The following day I preached in the morning, and at night at the same place. The power of the Lord was present upon the people. On Thursday morning, being the last day of the old year, I ran up home to Sunbright. And now I bid farewell to the year 1891. In retrospecting the year, I find that it has been one of a great deal more sunshine than shadow, although I have suf- fered some with afflictions. The good Lord has been with me in great blessing. Twice in my life I had felt the sweet breezes of perfect love; but failing to bear testimony to it as I should, I did not retain the evidence; but, God be praised, at Dr. Keen's Pentecostal meetings held in Chattanooga on October 23, 1891, I received such a wonderful baptism of the Holy Ghost that I realized fully what it is to be made perfect in love, and before the meeting closed I made a public profession of the blessing of entire sanctification. Since that time the Lord has sweetly kept me. I had said at the altar when received into full connection in the Conference, that I expected to be made perfect in this life, and I now realize what I was then seeking after. I would now exhort everybody to seek the sweet blessing of entire sanctification. I am now sixty-five years old. I have lived much longer than I had calculated when I was a young man; however, I would not recall a single day of my life if I could. I feel that the evening of life is the sweetest part of my life. God be praised! 318 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. "Hail, blest old age, when life well spent is crownpd, With years and honors, loved, revered, renowned, Earth's noblest state, where all ripe virtues blend, And life's best hopes in rich fruition end." During the year 1891 I preached one hundred and nine times, witnessed sixty conversions, bap- tized thirteen adults and ten infants, preached the funerals of nine persons, and received a number into the Church. I now enter upon the year 1892, with a system somewhat more enfeebled than in for- mer years, earnestly praying the good Lord that, if I should live through the year, I may witness many precious souls happily converted to him. The first Sunday in January I had an appointment to preach at Pleasant Vale, about twenty miles from Sunbright; but on account of the very bitter cold winter weather I did not go. In view of my age I can not now endure so much severe weather as once I did, and being sorely afflicted with asthma, I am compelled to take winter quarters. If the good Lord spares me until spring and warm weather, I want to go as an evangelist, and witness more good, the Lord sending salvation down, than at any time be- fore of my life. The first Sunday being so cold, I remained shut in at home, writing tip my jour- nal, reading, and praying. I praise God that I have the sweetest peace in my soul of the Divine presence. Beginning with the second Sunday, for about ten days we have had the most severe winter weather, so that, as I am afflicted with asthma, I have had to stay indoors at home. I do not cal- culate that I shall preach much through January 319 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF and February; but, the Lord helping me, I expect to make the time all up when the spring opens. As I am now a superannuated preacher, and standing upon the last hilltop of life, I will take a review of my life's work, which I can now look at with a great deal of pleasure. I was born just thirty years after Tennessee be- came a State, and before there were any railroads or telegraph lines. The section in which my par- ents lived was comparatively a new country. The mode of living was primitive. The people of the rural parts lived in log houses. A cook-stove was an unknown luxury. The people cut their small grain with a reap-hook, and thrashed it by tramp- ing it out with horses. Wild animals were abun- dant. Many a night have I heard the wolves howl about our home. Deer were plentiful, and wild bears were not unusual. Wild turkeys were to be found in large flocks. There were no public schools in Tennessee when I was born. I remember when the first public schools were taught. The people used the products of their own hands both for food and for clothing, there being very few manufac- tured goods of any kind. The Methodist Church was then made up of large circuits. There were no city stations, nor easy places. A Methodist preacher's life was one of toil and personal sacrifice. It took the best preachers in the Church to receive a salary of more than one hundred dollars per year, and yet consecrated men were not lacking to do the work. A great change has come to this country since then. While I linger with happy memory of those 320 RIwv. A. B. WRIGHT. good old days, yet I rejoice at the great progress that the country has made. My life has been spent among the mountain people of Southern Kentucky and Middle and East Tennessee. Clinton and Wayne Counties in Kentucky, and Overton, Pickett, Fentress, Cumberland, Morgan, Scott, Anderson, and Roane Counties, in Tennessee, have been my parish. A truer-hearted people than these people of the mountains can nowhere be found. Among them I was born, and with them I have lived, and in the sweet soil of these dear old mountains I want to rest when I die. I have preached in their homes and in their school-houses and in their rudely-equipped church-houses. Often have I seen the glory of the Lord among the people as we worshiped in the groves, nature's first temples. I have married the parents, baptized the children, preached the funerals of old and young, and shared the hospitality of this people. 0 the happy years that I have lived among them! Long years my parents, and nearly all of my brothers and sisters, have been sleeping in the dust. I have out- lived nearly all of the companions of my youth. The Lord has been very good to me in letting me see a great many happy conversions to him. During the first two years of my itinerant life, I witnessed four hundred and ninety conversions, and received about the same number into the Church. I pray God that I may realize what the psalmist means when he says: "They shall bring forth fruit in old age, they shall be fat and flourishing." The Lord give me a clear sky for the setting sun of my life! The month of January for this year was noted 21 321 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF for hard winter weather. On the third Sunday I attended Sunday-school in Sunbright. The day was very cold. That Sunday night, Brother J. M. Brown, the Sunday-school superintendent at Pleas- ant Ridge, and a steward of our Church, died as the Christian only dies. On the following Tuesday I was called to preach his funeral. A heavy snow fell all that day; but I rode more than three miles out to Pleasant Ridge Church, and as the friends were not ready for the burial, I rode back home late in the afternoon. The following day I went back and preached the funeral, to a large audience, from 2 Tim. iv, 7, 8. The day was very cold, and I suffered greatly from the weather. That night I had an attack of la grippe, and for several days 1 suffered intensely, which shut me indoors for some time. I spent the fourth and fifth Sundays at home. Having been so active all my life, it is like fire shut up in my bones to be compelled to take winter quarters from age, or to be prostrated by affliction. The Lord help me! I remained at home the first, second, and third Sundays in February. However, on the fourth day, while yet struggling with la grippe, I rode out to Pleasant Ridge, where Brother Gorman was holding successful revival services; and at his request, I preached. Several persons came to the altar for prayers. I left home February 17th, and drove in my buggy about twenty-five miles, running over into Fentress County, and distributing books for which I had taken orders. I staid the first night at Brother Stockton's. The next morning, he and I 322 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. rode out and visited a number of families. In the afternoon I drove four miles to Brother McClel- lan's; near Allardt. This is a good Christian Meth- odist family. The following day it rained all day long, and so I remained with this family until Sat- urday morning, when I drove home. The fourth Sunday in February I rode seven miles, and preached at the house of Rev. J. M. York. He was absent on his circuit, but his wife requested that I should preach for her benefit at their home. In the after- noon I rode back, a part of the distance through rain. The following day I rode six miles to Young's Chapel, and preached the funeral of Aunt Susan Carpenter, while she lay a corpse in the church altar. She had Iequested of me more than twenty years ago to preach her funeral if I should outlive her, giving me her funeral-text, it being Rev. vii, 13, 14. I used this text in preaching her funeral. The first Sunday in March I had an appointment to preach at Byrd's school-house. It rained so hard all day, and having been so recently sick, I did not go. The second Sunday I rode out to Pleasant Ridge, and preached to an attentive audience. The third Sundav I remained at home. It had snowed nearly all the week before, and had made the deep- est snow that we had had for many years. To spend so many Sundays at home unemployed,while so many souls are perishing for the bread of life, makes me feel sad. May the good Lord save dying sinners! The fourth Sunday I had an appointment to preach at Rev. J. M. York's; but it rained so much that I was afraid to turn out after my recent severe affliction, and so I remained at home. It will 323 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF be seen that I have been kept from my appoint- ments several times during the past winter, on ac- count of the severe weather. On Saturday before the first Sunday in April, at the request of Hon. R. Walton, I attended the me- morial services of Dr. Kemp, at Rugby, in Morgan County, and preached the funeral sermon to an at- tentive audience. Hon. S. E. Young, Judge Rogers, Judge Parkerson, Hon. W. A. Henderson, and Hon. Underwood followed with speeches. I had never mingled with so many judges and lawyers before on a funeral occasion; but it was a very pleasant meet- ing, and I had quite an enjoyable time with the legal profession. The same day, at night, I preached at Young's Chapel for the pastor, and also for him again on Sunday afternoon at Pleasant Ridge. On Saturday before the second Sunday, I boarded the train at Sunbright, and ran up the line to Whit- ley Station, in Pulaski County, Kentucky. The weather had turned so very cold that I suffered a great deal that day. The station was new, and the people rather poor, and had no church or school- house sufficiently comfortable in which to hold a meeting at so cold a time. A Baptist preacher, Tapley by name, had an appointment to preach that night at the house of Uncle Middleton B. Holloway. By request, I preached to the people that night, and also the next day at the same place. The rooms of the house were crowded with an attentive audience. On Sunday morning, before preaching, myself and Uncle Holloway walked out one-half mile to the grave of Lucy Carpenter Holloway, his first wife, and also an aunt of my wife. We knelt down by 324 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. the grave and prayed, and then sang a verse of the hymn, "We shall sleep, but not forever." In the afternoon I boarded the train and ran down home to Sunbright. The following day I received a telegram to come down the line to Emory Gap, and to go over near Kingston the next day, to preach the funeral of old Brother Gilford Delozier, who had died on Sunday night. I boarded the train that afternoon, ran down the line to Emory Gap, walked one mile, and staid for the night at George H. Delozier's. The next morning I rode horseback four miles to Pine Grove Church, and preached the funeral to an attentive audience, from Psalms xxxvii, 37. In the afternoon I rode back to Rev. F. K. Suddeth's, near the station, and staid over night. I boarded the train next morning, and ran up home to Sun- bright. The third Sunday I rode horseback seven miles to Young's Chapel, met a large audience, and preached the funerals of three infant children of Wesley and Mary Ann Peters. I also baptized a babe. It will now be seen that I am constantly employed again in the work. I am also selling a great many good books. The fourth Sunday I attended the Baptist Church in Sunbright, and heard Elder Madaris preach. In the afternoon I rode out two miles, and preached at Samuel Jones'. Tbe first Sunday in May I preached twice at Scutcheon Church, eight miles from Sunbright. There were several penitents seeking salvation and two persons joined the Church. On Friday before the second Sunday I left home in my buggy to fill an appointment in 325 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Frost Bottom. Samuel Paul, a young minister, went with me. We drove twelve miles to Wart- burg, and took dinner at the Cumberland Hotel. In the afternoon we drove thirteen miles, and staid over night at Samuel Russell's. The next morning we drove through Oliver Springs and up Poplar Creek twelve miles to Frost Bottom, where I preached four days. On Sunday I preached the funeral of Mar- garet Duncan to a large audience. I was feeling very much indisposed from severe cold, and so I left the meeting in the hands of Brothers Koon and Paul, and went home. Up to the time of my leaving, there had been a number of conversions. On the third Sunday I attended the Sunday-school anni- versary at Pleasant Ridge. The fourth Sunday I attended pastoral preaching at the Methodist Church in Sunbright, and in the afternoon rode out three miles and preached at Bird's school-house. Several gave their hands to be prayed for. The fifth Sun- day I rode to Montgomery Mills to preach. The day was very rainy and only a few persons were out. I lectured the Sunday-school only, and preached at the same place at night to an attentive audience. Several persons stood up for prayers. The first Sunday in June I preached at Scutcheon in the morning, and in Sunbright at night. On the following Tuesday, in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Sunbright, I preached the funeral of an infant babe of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Neal. On the second Saturday and Sunday I again preached in Frost Bottom. The third Sunday I attended the quarterly-meeting services for the Sunbright charge 326 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. at Mill Creek. The fourth Sunday I rode eight miles on horseback to Rome Church and preached to an attentive audience. The Children's-day serv- ices, a very delightful entertainment, was held just before I preached. They carried out the program as furnished by the Board of Education, the chil- dren rendering their parts nicely. We had an in- teresting meeting. Near the church I found my old friend and brother, Thomas Wheeler, who emigrated from Cincinnati to this country a few years ago, very sick. He is now in his eighty- second year, and I do n't think will live a very great while. I had a good time of handshaking with my old friends, mostly emigrants from the North and Northwest. The first Sunday in July I had three appoint- ments for the day-the first in the morning at Scutcheon, the second in the afternoon at Mont- gomery Mills, the third at night in Wartburg. It stormed and rained so much during the day, and, my wife being very sick, I did not reach any of them. When I was a younger man, I rode through all kinds of weather to reach my appointments; but now that I am growing old and feeble in health, I can not do so. It makes me sad to think this. The good Lord knows that I want to be doing some good while I live. The second Sunday I had an appointment to preach at Oakdale; but my children coming to visit me, I deferred the appointment until a future oc- casion. The third Sunday I preached twice at Byrd's school-house; also on Monday, with some prospects of good. On Saturday afternoon before 327 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF the fourth Sunday I boarded the train and ran down the line twenty-three miles to Oakdale, where I preached Saturday night, Sunday, and Sunday night, and Monday night in their new school-house. They have but little preaching at that place, and I think it will take a great deal of it to move the people much. We had some indications for good, and I took several orders for books. The fifth Sunday I rode eight miles on horseback and preached at Scutcheon. Several penitents came to the altar for prayer. On Saturday morning before the first Sunday in August I left home in my buggy and drove eighteen miles over a very rough road into Fentress County. After taking dinner at B. R. Stockton's, I went two miles to Pleasant Vale Church, and preached. I preached at the same place twice a day until Wednesday evening, with happy results. On Sunday there were two conversions, on Mon- day two, on Tuesday seven, and on Wednesday two, making a total of thirteen happy conversions. A goodly number united with the Church. I bap- tized two adults and an infant of the Methodist pastor. On Wednesday night I preached in Al- lardt, also on Thursday and Thursday night. On Thursday night a young lady was converted, making fourteen conversions in a few days. I returned home on Friday, but had been there only a short time when I was called to go out eight miles and hold the funeral service, on the following day, of a sainted child of William Bullard. Although feeling great prostration on account of excessive labors, I went and held the service. On the second Sunday 328 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. I remained at home, rested, and wrote up my jour- nal. The third Sunday I rode out four miles to Pilot Mountain, and preached the funeral of Eliza- beth Bunch, from John xi, 25. On Friday before the fourth Sunday I left home on horseback, rode twenty miles to Hon J. C. Tay- lor's and preached that night at the chapel near by; also next morning at the same place. In the afternoon I rode thirteen miles down into the head of Poplar Cove to see my oldest sister, Mrs. Price, a widowed lady. In the last few months she had had two children to commit suicide-a son by shooting him- self through the head, and just one month from that date her daughter, Mrs. Crouch, a widowed lady, hung herself. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a most devoted Chris- tian lady, but became demented. She left a son eighteen years of age. On Sunday morning I walked out a few hun- dred yards to view the place where she hung her- self. She had gone above the cleared land, up a deep ravine in the forest, to where a slim, tall black-walnut grew about ten feet above the cen- ter of the ravine. Beside the walnut was a large limestone rock, about three and one-half feet high. At the lower side a redbud grew up about two feet below the walnut, forking about two feet above the ground, one fork turning back over the ravine, and the other running up and pressing against the wal- nut about four and a half feet above the top of the rock. I was told that she got on the rock, wrapped a leather rope twice around her neck, then once around the walnut and the redbud, then once again 329 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF around the redbud only. Taking the ends of the rope in her hands, she stepped off. The straight- ness of the walnut, and the rope being around the redbud right at the walnut, pressed her face and hands tightly against the walnut; so that it was im- possible for her hands to loosen on the ropes, and in that condition she was found dead. She hung herself about ten o'clock in the morning, and was found about four o'clock in the afternoon. My old sister, in her eightieth year, rode down the Cove three miles with me, where I preached to a large audience in a grove. Several penitents were at the altar. Brother York, of Kentucky, preached in the afternoon. I exhorted, and called penitents. Two young men were converted that afternoon. I held there until Friday afternoon. The result was thirty- eight happy conversions. Rev. W. W. Newberry, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was with me several days, and received eleven accessions to his Church. At his request, as he was not ordained, I baptized five persons for him. Going as an evan- gelist, I leave all the taking into the Church to the pastors. On Saturday morning I went down the Cove four miles to Cedar Grove, a Baptist Church, and preached the funerals of Aunt Susie Beatty and her son Aley S. Beatty, to a large congregation. I preached at the same place in the afternoon, when a young man was happily converted. The next day, being the first Sunday in September, I preached the funerals ot three ladies and one child at Linder's school- house to about five hundred people. I preached at the same place in the afternoon. During the day 330 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. there were eight happy conversions. Rev. J. B. Cobble, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, received six persons into the Church; and as he was not ordained, at his request, I baptized them for him. During the week there were forty-seven conver- sions, seventeen accessions, and eleven baptisms. I rode home on Monday through rain nearly all day. I felt greatly fatigued. The second Sunday in Sep- tember I rode eight miles horseback into Scott County, and preached the funeral of a babe of Will- iam J. and Malinda Lewallen. I rode back home in the afternoon, but was very sick the following day. On Friday before the third Sunday I drove in my buggy to Wartburg, thirteen miles, and delivered a number of books. I put up in old Montgomery for the night. Brother Hartley, a Baptist minister, was holding a protracted meeting in Wartburg. At his request, I walked back, and preached for him that night; but was very tired. The next day I drove seven miles up Emory River, to Pleasant Hill Church, where I preached twice on Saturday and twice on Sunday. The saints of God shouted aloud for joy, and two souls, a man and his wife, were happily converted. On Saturday before the fourth Sunday I left home on horseback for Banner Springs, a distance of twenty miles. I reached there in the afternoon, and on the following day, to a large congregation, I preached the funerals of two children of Luke Hall. Two persons were happily converted at this service. The first Sunday in October I preached the funeral of a babe of Joseph Epsey Lewallen, at Young's Chapel, from Rev. xxi, 3, 4. 331 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF I had an appointment on the second Sunday to preach some funerals in Middle Tennessee; but as it was thought best by the friends, I deferred it two weeks. I rode horseback to Mt. Vernon on that day, and heard Rev. A. C. Peters preach in the morning. I preached at the same place at night. The Holston Conference met in Morristown, Tenn., Bishop Foss presiding. I did not attend. On the third Sunday I preached at Byrd's school-house, when a number of persons came forward for prayers. On Friday before the fourth Sunday I left home in my buggy, drove twenty-six miles into Poplar Cove, and remained over night at Joseph Camp- bell's. After leaving Jamestown, I had to drive down a long, steep, rough, rocky mountain to get there. The next morning I drove down through the Cove, and across Obed's River, by the roughest road, and up and down very steep hills for ten miles, to reach what I thought to be the fuineral appointment of Louisa Beatty, but before reaching the place I learned that the appointment had been deferred. I stopped at Hiram Beatty's, and took dinner. Brother Beatty's mother, who lives with him, is very old, and quite afflicted. I sang several hymns, and talked and prayed with her, then drove two miles, and stopped with an aged couple, Jacob Cooper and wife, who were greatly afflicted. I sang for them that good old hymn, "And let this feeble body fail, And let it faint or die," and prayed with them. I felt that I was doing a good work in these families, visiting and wor- 332 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. shiping. I drove four miles more that afternoon, and stopped for the night with my old friend and brother, Elias Bowden. I had driven over a very rough country that afternoon, making a drive of sixteen miles for the day. The next morning being Sunday, was cloudy and rather cool. I drove five miles up the river to Buffalo Cove school-house. The last two miles were along a deep ravine, where the mountains rose almost perpendicularly, like walls on either side. Sometimes there were great cliffs or rocks, between fifty and a hundred feet high. Some places, trees nearly a foot in diameter grow out of the rocks on the side of the cliff, lifting their stately heads up the side of the mountain, and making the grandest scenery. I thought, surely this is the handywork of the Lord. I met at the school-house about five hundred people. A great many of the ladies of the Eastern Star de- gree of Adoptive Masonry were in attendance; also the Master of Jamestown Lodge of A. F. and A. M. These marched in order, with books and flowers, to the grave of Sister Viann Stephens, and went through all the ceremonies for a funeral occasion of the Eastern Star degree, after which we went to a large new school-house near by, and I preached her funeral sermon to an immense audience, from Isa. lx, 19, 20. Her young husband, father and mother, brothers and sisters, and a large train of relatives, were present. The people had brought bountiful provisions on the ground to supply this large con- gregation. 0 In the afternoon I drove up a long steep moun- tain, and out six miles, and remained over night at 3833 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. OF Brother McGee's, a most excellent family, who live two miles from the town of Allardt. The following day I drove twenty miles to my home. The fifth Sonday I preached at Mill Creek, six miles out from Sunbright. The first Sunday in November I preached in the Methodist Church in Sunbright. November 3d, I passed the sixty-sixth mile-post of my life. The second Sunday I rode horseback nine miles, and preached at Young's school-house, in Scott County, in the morning. A fter preaching, I rode out three miles to Brother John Young's for dinner, and back again, to preach at night at the same place. There were prospects of much good at these services. I staid for the night at Brother G. M. Baker's. The next day I rode home, nine miles, making a ride of twenty-six miles and preaching twice in two days. The third Sunday I remained at home, and attended Sunday-school in Sunbright. 0 how time speeds away! But I shall soon exchange time for eternity! My prospects are bright. On No- vember 24th, this being Thanksgiving-day, I preached a Thanksgiving sermon in Sunbright, from Psalms xcii, 1. The fourth Sunday was a very wet day. I had an appointment to preach at night in Lansing, nine miles below Sunbright on the railroad, but it rained so severely that I did not go. My youngest son, Asbury, from Rockwood, spent the day with me at home. On the first Sunday in December, having re- ceived a card from Rev. M. M. Sumner, Congrega- tional pastor at Glen Mary, requesting me to fill his pulpit for him that day, I boarded the morning 334 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. train, ran up the line six miles to Glen Mary, and preached for him to a small but attentive audience. On Saturday afternoon before the second Sunday, though it was quite a cold day, I rode out eight miles on horseback, and preached at Young's school-house at night. I walked a mile, and staid over night at G. M. Baker's. The next day I went back, and preached to a full house of people, and rode home in the afternoon. The third Sunday I remained at home, and wrote up my journal. I begin to feel that I must keep my journal well written up all the time, as I am becoming old, and know not when the Master will call for me. My time on earth now is very uncertain; .bUt, praise the Lordt I am ready. The fourth Sunday was Christmas-day, I rode out horse- back three miles, over ice, sleet, and snow, in a very cold day, and preached at Byrd's school-house, returning in the afternoon. It was a very distress- ingly cold and freezing time. A great many were visiting us during Christmas, which made a hard time on me. I did not care for this when I was young; but since I have become old it annoys me greatly. I am always glad to see my two younger sons; but when they come, others come that should not. The first day of the new year was the first Sunday in January. It came in very rainy and stormy. I wish now to say, in my declining old age, to 1892 a solemn last farewell: "Farewell to its labors, farewell to its cares, Its thousand temptations, misfortunes, and snares." The old year has been fraught with a great many events that write themselves eternally upon my 335 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OV memory. In the early part of the year I was brought down very low with la grippe, almost face to face with death; but I feel sure that the good Lord had other work for me to do, and I did not die. I am perfectly resigned to the Lord's will in all afflictions. In retrospecting the past I am con- strained to adopt the sentiment of the poet: "When o'er our vanished days we glance, Far backward to our young romance, And muse upon unnumbered things That crowding come on memory's wings." But sweetly looking forward by faith I sing: "There everlasting spring abides, And never-withering flowers; Death, like a narrow sea, divides That heavenly land from ours." In the coming in of this new year I have walked nearly two months toward my sixty-seventh mile- post of life. 0 how fast time steals away! On the first Sunday in January I had an appointment to preach at Mill Creek; but the day was so stormy that I did not go. I pim greatly distressed with asthma, and can not expose myself to any severe weather. I was once a very strong man, and had no regard for weather; but time has made changes for me. During the year 1892, although a superannuated preacher, I preached eighty-eight times, witnessed seventy happy conversions to God, baptized four- teen adults and two infants, preached the funerals of twenty-three persons, and married one couple. I did Dot receive any persons into the Church; for I went as an evangelist, and left that work to the different pastors with whom I labored. 336 RiV. A. B. WRIGHTr. Beginning now the duties of a new year, I wish to consecrate my whole soul, life, and all my ran- somed powers to the service of the blessed Christ! If God should lengthen out the feeble thread of life to me through another year, I trust to see a great number of souls happily converted to him. The good Lord be my strength and support in this great work. I will now give the number of bap- tisms, adults and infants, the number of funerals preached, and the number of persons I have mar- ried since my ordination as a minister, up to the beginning of the year 1893. I have baptized 494 adults by immersion, 466 adults by pouring, and have baptized 352 infants; making a total of 960 adult baptisms, and a grand total of all ages of 1,312. I have preached the funerals of 35.5 adults and 214 infants; making a total of 569 funerals preached. I have celebrated the rites of matrimony between 84 couples. I wish I could here give the number of conversions I have witnessed, the num- ber of persons received into the Church, and the number of sermons that I have preached; but they are all written down in my life journal. If I should ever have a Biography written out, 1 hope that my Biographer will have all these things in round numbers. I do praise God that my min- istry has reached over so long a train of years. Hallelujah, God be praised! The second Sunday in January I had an ap- pointment to preach at Young's school-house, in Scott County; but the day was so bitter cold, and there was such a deep snow on the ground that I did not go. The reader will notice that I do not 22 337 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF expose myself now as once I did. My age and afflictions forbid it. We are having a most in- tensely severe winter of deep snows and cold weather. I do not expect to preach much until the return of spring and warm weather. I have covenanted with God to preach and do all that I can for the building up of his kingdom, and I am praying him that I may see a great many souls converted during this Conference year. The third Sunday there was a very deep snow on the ground, and although the day was clear, it was very cold. There has been up to this time the most severe winter that we have seen for years, and so I am at home writing up my journal. 0 how restless I feel while confined at home on ac- count of severe winter weather and age! The Lord help me to discharge every known duty. The fourth Sunday I attended Sunday-school in Sunbright, and at the request of Rev. W. D. Gor- man, the pastor, I preached in the Methodist church to an attentive audience. God be praised! On the fifth Sunday I held the funeral service of a small babe of Dr. Rains, in Sunbright, in the aft- ernoon of the day. Death nips the tender bud. On Friday evening before the first Sunday in February, at the Baptist Church in Sunbright, I preached the funeral of an infant of Melvin and Ellen Johnson. The first Sunday in February my wife was sick, and I was not feeling well, and so I remained at home. On Saturday evening before the second Sunday I rode eight miles, and visited old Brother Matthew Young, who was very low with dropsy. In all probability he will soon be 338 RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. with bright angels in heaven. He says his pros- pect is unclouded for a heavenly inheritance. I staid for the night with his son-in-law, George M. Baker. The next day being Sunday, I preached in the morning at Young's school-house, and rode home in the afternoon. The third Sunday I re- mained at home, rested, and read. The fourth Sunday I attended pastoral preach- ing in the Methodist Church in Sunbright. I think that spring is now near at hand, so that I can soon get out and preach some every week. It seems almost like fire shut up in my bones to be compelled by age and affliction to remain at home, while souls are perishing for the bread of life. The first Sunday in March I remained at home. There was quite a cold spell of weather for March, with snow on the ground. I am now sending out my appoint- ments to begin with the opening spring. During the year I am taking and reading some of the best religious papers that I have ever read. Some friend is sending me the Michigan Christian Advocate, edited by Dr. J. H. Potts, published in Detroit, Mich., a large sixteen-page paper, one of our very best Church papers. Also the Christian Witness, an ad- vocate of Bible holiness published in Boston, a glorious, large eight-page paper. Also the Christian Herald, a Presbyterian paper edited by Dr. Tal- mage, in New York, a large sixteen-page paper. I also take two monthlies, the King's Me8senger, an eight-page paper from New York, and the Revival- ist, a four-page paper from Cincinnati. I also take a secular weekly paper published at Allardt, Tenn.. the Allardt Gazette, a large four-page paper. I 339 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF also take Christianity in Earnest, a thirty-two page magazine published by the Church Extension So- ciety in Philadelphia every two months, edited by. Dr. Kynett, secretary of the Society. So it will be seen that I am reading a great deal of current literature. I am also reading a great many books. I think that I am doing more reading than at any time before in my life. The second Sunday I attended the Baptist Church in Sunbright, and affiliated with tbeir pastor, Rev. B. T. Summers. The third Sunday I rode horseback seven miles to Mt. Vernon and preached in the morning to an attentive audience, returning home in the afternoon of the same day. On Saturday before the fourth Sunday I rode horseback eight miles into Scott County to see my old friend Mat- thew Young, who is still lingering on earth in the last stages of dropsy. After delivering a number of books, I staid over night with Brother Baker. The following day I preached at Young's school- house to an attentive audience. The first Sunday in April being Easter Sunday, I drove in my buggy eight miles and preached at Rome Church to a good congregation. The second Sunday I attended Church at Mt. Vernon and heard Rev. A. C. Peters preach a ser- mon on the mode of Christian baptism. I gave a short talk also myself. The third Sunday I rode horseback to the camp-ground, preached to a good audience and returned in the afternoon. The fourth Sunday I attended Church in Sunbright, and heard Rev. W. D. Gorman preach. The fifth Sunday I preached at Byrd's school-house, and organized a 340 Rpv. A. B. WRIGHT. Sunday-school for that place. On Saturday before the first Sunday in May I rode horseback eight miles and preached at Scutcheon Church, both in the morning and in the afternoon. I preached again at the same place the following day in the morning, when quite a number came forward for prayers, and two persons united with our Church. I preached that afternoon for an aged man and his wife, who were near death's door in a low state of affliction. They live two miles from Scutcheon Church. I rode home that night. On Saturday before the second Sunday I rode eight miles on horseback and preached in the after- noon at Young's school-house. On Sunday morn- ing we held an old people's experience-meeting, and after I had preached we held an old-fashioned class-meeting of fifty years ago with closed doors. Several shouted aloud the praises of God. To God be all the glory! On Saturday before the third Sunday I rode horseback seven miles to Deer Lodge, and took dinner with Brother Kemper and his two little daughters. In the afternoon I rode six miles and preached at Pine Grove school-house, staying over night with Wash Neal. The following day I preached in a pine grove near by as the school- house would not hold the people. Several mani- fested a desire for salvation. I preached that evening again in the school-house. A number of young men knelt at the altar for prayers. Istaid on Sun- day night at Rev. John Stowers', a Freewill Chris- tian Baptist miiiister and well-to-do merchant. Some of the neighbors gathered in, and sang until a late hour. I rode home the next day. 341 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF On Friday evening before the fourth Sunday, myself and wife took the train at Sunbright, and ran down the line to Rockwood, where my young- est son lives. On Saturday morning he took me to the company's store and presented me with a fine suit of clothes. On Sunday morning Rev. S. B. Hillock, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, preached a memorial sermon for the Grand Army Post in the opera-house. In the afternoon the Knights of Pythias decorated the graves of their dead. At night I preached in the new Methodist Episcopal church, although it was a very rainy night. On Monday night was the closing exercise of the high school at that place. Eight graduates, seven girls and one young man, received diplomas. On Tuesday morning myself and wife boarded the train at Rockwood, with our son, W. D. Wright, and ran up to Sunbright, It was Decoration-day in Sunbright, and my son Willie made a splendid speech for the Post at that place. The first Sunday in June I rode horseback seven miles, and preached at Young's Chapel, in Morgan County, to an atten- tive audience, returning the same day. The second Sunday I rode four miles horseback, and preached at Pleasant Ridge, taking dinner with a young wid- owed lady, Mrs. Mary J. Brown, an excellent Chris- tian lady. I rode home in the afternoon. The third Sunday I rode horseback nine miles and preached at Scutcheon Church. I preached at the same place again in the afternoon, when several persons came forward and gave their bands as seekers of salvation. 0 what sweet enjoyments I realize in working for the blessed Lord! I rode 342 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. one mile and staid over night with Mrs. Hollo- way, a widowed lady, and rode home the next day. On Friday evening before the fourth Sunday, myself and wife boarded the train at Sunbright and ran down the line nine miles to Lansing. We drove in a buggy four miles to Wartburg, where our son, Will D. Wright, lives. We staid where our son boards, at the Mountain Hotel, Hon. J. H. Lewal- len being the proprietor. On Saturday afternoon I conferred the Eastern Star Degree of Adoptive Ma- sonry on about twenty-five gentlemen and ladies. A large dinner was set in the hall, and quite a num- ber partook of it. I attended the Masonic Lodge meeting awhile that night. The next day being Sunday, I preached both morning and evening in the Presbyterian Church. I trust the seed fell in good ground. The next morning we were kindly brought by my son and Mr. Lewallen to the depot, where we boarded the train and ran up home to Sunbright. On the first Sunday in July I rode horseback seven miles to Mt. Vernon, and preached in the morning. After preaching, I rode two miles to Rev. A. C. Peters', and celebrated the rites of matrimony between his daughter, Miss Bertie Peters, and Mr. Gilbert Young. I rode home that afternoon. The second Sunday I preached at Byrd's school-house, and lectured the Sunday-school. The third Sunday I rode horseback eight miles to Young's school-house, in Scott County, and preached to a large congregation. Brother Cobble, the pastor, preached in the after- noon. We continued the services over Monday, with prospects of good; but on account of a great 343 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF deal of sickness in the neighborhood, we closed. I attended an educational meeting of Dr. J. F. Spence in Sunbright, on the fourth Sunday. On Saturday afternoon before the fifth Sunday I rode horseback eight miles, and preached at Scutch- eon Church. After preaching, I rode two milesfur- ther, and remained over night with Brother Buxton. The next morning I rode three miles into Wart- burg, and preached the funeral of old Sister Coch- ran. Aftertaking dinner at the Cumberland Hotel, I rode four miles more, and preached in the after- noon at Scutcheon Church, with some indications of good. After staying over night one mile from the church, I returned, and preached the next day. The people took their dinners to the ground and remained all day. A number of penitents were at the altar for prayers, and one young lady was happily con- verted. I rode home in the evening; but returned the next day, and preached again. Three young ladies were at the altar for prayer; but there was such a falling off in the attendance of the people that I closed the meeting. I really think that there was a glorious prospect for a sweeping revival at that place if the Church people had given the work their proper support. The first Sunday in August I remained at home, read, rested, and wrote up my journal. I now have arrangements to spend a few weeks in Wayne and Clinton Counties, Kentucky, in evangelistic work. I also expect to preach a number of funerals. I drove in my buggy the first day to Jamestown, my grandson, James Peters, accompanying me, where we staid over night with 0. C. Kanatsur. I had 344 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. written to a friend in Jamestown some time before that I would preach there that night. Court was in session at that time, and a little ten-cent show was held in town that night. These called off the people so much that I did not preach. I think Jamestown is joined to her idols. The next morn- ing we drove ten miles down on to Wolf River, where we came upon a large congregation of people at a new church on the road. We entered the church just as the preacher had taken his text to preach. After the sermon, one person came to the altar seeking salvation, and was happily converted. A great many people bore testimony to entire sanc- tification. We had a heart-cheering time of hand- shaking with happy Christians. We took dinner near the church, at Brother Pyle's, and drove that afternoon over Poplar Moun- tain, into Wayne County, Kentucky, and remained over night at Brother Dalton's. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church. He is also a merchant, a large farmer, and a well-to-do man in worldly affairs. The next morning we started early for our appointment ten miles away. On the way we encountered a heavy rain, and drove under a large oak-tree for protection. After stopping at Brother Edwards' a short time, we drove on, reach- ing Bethel Church a little late; but found the peo- ple singing, praying, and waiting for us, so that they received us gladly. I preached an introductory sermon, and preached there again in the afternoon, with prospect of much good. This neighborhood abounds with a great many of the Guffeys. They are nearly all warm-hearted, shouting Methodists. 345 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF We staid that night with my wife's nephew, her sister's son, Louis Shelley. His mother, Elizabeth Shelley, who is now in her seventy-first year, with her daughter and youngest son, had come eighteen miles to meet us there. I had not seen her for about twenty years. 0 how time ard age change our beings! I preached to a very large congrega- tion on Sunday in a grove, as the church could not hold the people, preaching the funeral of Matilda J. Guffey Choate, to a large train of connections, a widowed husband, and five motherless children. I continued the services there at Bethel until the next Saturday evening, with a glorious, happy meeting. The people brought their dinners and ate on the grounds; and so we had an all-day service each day. Twelve souls were happily converted and thirteen persons united with the Church. On Saturday afternoon we moved four miles over into Clinton County, and at Walnut Grove Church I preached an introductory sermon on Saturday night, to a very large audience. On Sunday, at the same place, in a grove near by, I preached the fu- neral of Celia Jane Franklin Clarke, to an immense audience. Religious impressions were deep, and penitents flocked to the altar. I rode three miles in the afternoon to Davis Chapel, a large church; but as it would not hold the congregation, I preached again in the grove, preaching the funeral of William Guffey. I had secured Rev. Frank Mills to preach at the grove in the afternoon, so as to make no break in my meeting there. A deep religious interest grew rapidly. The congregations were large, and the people brought provisions to 346 Rsv. A. B. WRIGHT. the ground each day. I conti nued the services until Friday evening. The result was twenty-eight happy conversions to God and twenty accessions to the Church. I baptized eight persons-six by pouring and two by immersion. The first person to join was a Baptist minister, joining by letter. I bad an appointment on the following day to meet the people at Jones' Mills, on Otter Creek, to bap- tize some persons. On Saturday morning we drove five miles to that place. Soon a heavy rain began falling, and I preached to the people at the private residence of Mrs. Jones. I have been acquainted with this family for many years. They are most excellent people. I baptized three ladies by pouring, and one gentleman and five ladies by immersion in Otter Creek. I staid that night at Mrs. Jones'. This is an excellent place for rest and comfort. On Sunday morning, being the fourth Sunday in August, I had an appointment to preach the fu- neral of James Hicks at Edwards Chapel. After a drive of eight miles over a very rough road, I met a large congregation. Although the church was large, it would not hold the people, and I preached again in the grove. The children of Brother Hicks were unwilling to have his funeral preached at Ed- wards Chapel, and insisted that I should drive up Otter Creek three miles to the Dishman graveyard, near the oil-works, where their father is buried, and preach his funeral that afternoon, which I did, to a large congregation. After preaching, I drove four miles over a very high, rough, rocky moun- taiD, and down on to Carpenter's Fork, where I 347 AUTOBIOrRAPHY OF again staid over night with Brother Dalton, trav- eling that day fifteen miles over a very rough and broken country, and preaching twice in the open air. I was very tired at night. The next morning we set off for home, driving over Poplar Mountain, a very rough mountain indeed, and back into Tennessee. After driving nine miles, we stopped for dinner again with Brother Erasmus Pyle. We walked out near by to the same church we had stopped at as we went on to Kentucky. Brother Burks, a holi- ness man, was now holding a very successful meeting at this place. At his request, I preached for them. Several persons came to the altar seeking pardon, and several seeking entire sanctification. Many of the saints of God shouted aloud for joy. We drove that afternoon up on the mountain near Jamestown, and staid for the night with Ambrose Parmley. The next day we drove by noon to Brother -Henry Peters', and took dinner. In the afternoon we drove home. I found my family well. God be praised! In about two weeks' time I had preached twenty-seven times, baptized seven- teen persons, received thirty-three into the Church, preached the funerals of ten persons, witnessed forty-one happy conversions, and traveled one hun- dred and seventy-five miles in a buggy over a rough country. To God be all the praise! The first Sunday in September I attended Church in Sunbright, and heard Rev. Bingman, a Disciple, preach. On Saturday before the second Sunday in September, I left home on horseback, rode thirteen miles to Wash Neal's, took dinner, and delivered 348 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. him a book which he had ordered. After praying with the family I rode thirteen miles more, and preached at night, at Potter's Chapel, to an atten- tive, large audience. After preaching, I rode two miles in company with Rev. J. M. York, the Meth- odist pastor, and staid over night with Brother Potter. A great many people staying there that night, and their getting off to bed very late, and making considerable noise, I did not sleep much that night; but rose early the next morning, and began preparing for a heavy day's work of funeral preaching. I rode two miles to Potter's Chapel, and at the morning service preached two funerals, and at the afternoon service I preached five funer- als. The people brought provisions on the ground for dinner, and remained for both services. I held an altar service for penitents in the afternoon. I rode three miles, and staid that night at Mrs. Will- iams', a widowed lady. I was very tired, but had a comfortable rest in this pleasant home. The next day I rode twelve miles to my home. God be praised ! The third Sunday I attended services at the Baptist Church in Sunbright, and heard Rev. B. T. Summers, the pastor, preach. On Friday evening before the fourth Sunday, myself and wife drove in the buggy to Tobias Peters'. The next morning I rode horseback seventeen miles to Jamestown, falling in company with Rev. J. C. Taylor three miles from town. We went on together, took din- ner, and rested for a while at the Crowley House. In the afternoon we rode twelve miles down on to Obed's River, and staid for the night at old Uncle 349 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF William Reagan's. The next morning we rode one mile to the river, where I baptized two men by pouring, and Rev. P. E. Johnson baptized six per- sons by immersion. We rode one mile further to where I preached the funeral of my cousin, Louisa Beatty, to a large audience, in a beautiful grove. I noticed a wonderful change in that country to what it was several years ago, by almost everybody being converted, and living a happy Christian life. We took dinner at my cousin's, Abe Beatty's. We rode that afternoon seven miles to Poplar Cove school-house, where I baptized two men by immer- sion for Brother Taylor, after which we rode one mile, and staid for the night at J. F. Wright's. His wife is my niece, a daughter of my oldest sis- ter, who was there that night. She. is very old, but stout for one of her age. The next day I rode eighteen miles, a part of the way through rain, and stopped for dinner at Rev. A. C. Peters'. In the afternoon I rode three miles to my son-in-law's, put my horse in the buggy, and my wife and I drove home. I was very tired. On Wednesday morning before the first Sunday in October, I boarded the train at Sunbright, and ran up the line sixty-four miles to Burnside Station, in the forks of the Cumberland River. After step- ping off the train, I walked down to Mr. Duncan's eating-house. To my surprise, I found that he and his wife both knew me. They gave me a hearty welcome to their table free of charge. After pray- ing with the family, Mrs. Duncan and I walked out a short distance to see Mrs. Frost, a lady who also knew me well. That afternoon I drove down in a 350 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. carriage that was sent for me twenty miles to Monti- cello, on a pike road, being a little late reaching that place. I staid that night with my old friend and brother, B. W. S. Huffaker. The next morning I left early on the mail-hack for Gap Creek, a distance of twelve miles. I reached there about ten o'clock. I had been invited by the Baptist Church at that place, of which my dear cousin, Elder B. Wright, was the pastor, who is an older man than myself. It was a very happy occa- sion for myself and cousin, to mingle together in a revival service. The meeting was a most glorious service, resulting in thirty conversions and about that number of accessions to the Baptist Church. The people treated me with great kindness, paying me liberally for my time and traveling expenses. We closed the meeting on Thursday, October 5th. Brother John Shearer sent me in a buggy twelve miles to Monticello that afternoon, where I preached at night, stopping with T. J. Markham. I took the early stage the next morning for Burn- side Station. After running five miles, we stopped at the first post-office. At this place a man named Kelsey was lying very low with consumption. His stav on earth was very brief At his request, I got out of the stage, went into his house, and held a short service with him, the stage waiting on me. I found him very ready for the change. It was a Bethel to my soul to hear him talk of his home in heaven. We parted with the express understanding of meeting in heaven, our glorious home. We ar- rived at Burnside station about twelve o'clock. I stopped again with Mr. Duncan. After dinner, 351 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Mrs. Duncan and I walked out a short distance to visit a man right at death's door, in the last stage of dropsy. He had been converted the day before, and said that he was ready to die and be with the Lord. I talked and prayed with him, and left his wife and three little children in tears. Sister Duncan wished me to stay and preach his funeral, as they were look- ing for him to die every minute. I told her I would go down home, and they could telegraph me when he died, and I would return, and attend to the funeral. I boarded the train, and ran down home that afternoon; but rode out next morning eight miles to Young's school-house, to hold a protracted meeting, arranging with the mail-carrier to bring me any telegram that might come to me that day. None came that day, but one came the following day. I did not receive it in time to go, but have written to them. Embracing the second Sunday in October, I held a meeting of three days and nights at Young's school- house. There were several penitents, but no con- versions. CHAPTER XX. A GOLDEN SUNSET. I HAVE followed the life-story of my sainted father, as given by himself, through childhood, manhood, and age. The story has been that of a life of ceaseless labor and great personal sacrifice for the cause of the Master. He might have taken high position in some earthly calling; but called ot 352 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. God, as was Aaron, to the toiling life of the min- istry, like the great apostle he conferred not with flesh and blood, but laid his all upon the altar. Perhaps no man ever lived up to the rule more than he: "Never be idle; never be triflingly em- ployed." He fell on the field of battle, with his face to the foe. He died, as he had lived, in the midst of revival work, almost amid the shouts of victory of souls new-born into the kingdom. It had ever been his desire thus to die. He died in the midst of his loved employ. "He ceased at once both to work and to live." The thousands that he led to salvation will rise in the great day of eternity to be stars in his crown of rejoicing. Many were the great victories won from the enemy in his great basket and revival meetings. Who that ever saw him amid these exciting scenes does not recall the fire of battle in his eye, and the flush of victory on his cheek, as sinners came flocking to the altar, and mourners arose hap- pily converted, and the Church was led on to greater heights His one aim of life was to lead souls to Christ. He never desired nor sought what the world calls pulpit ability; but be sought and obtained the higher art of leading sinners to the fountain of blood. He knew the way of salvation, and taught it to others. He believed that an ag- gressive, mighty gospel consists more in work than in word. His life journal closed with a protracted meeting at Young's school-house, in Scott County. The following Sunday, being the third Sun- day in October, he preached the funeral of old Mother Goddard, at Pleasant Hill, on Emory I 2 35.3 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF River, in Morgan County. Here he preached his last sermon from the text: " Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee ' and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. MNy flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm lxxiii, 24-26.) This was the last text he ever used. He had a number of unfilled appoint- ments out when his translation came. Among these was the arrangement to hold a protracted meeting in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Sun- bright, in connection with his beloved cousin, Elder Ballinger Wright, of the Baptist Church in Ken- tucky. On Friday after the third Sunday, he wrote a letter to the writer, in which he complains at some Conference action, held in Maryville a few days before; but consoles himself with the expres- sion: "I shall soon receive my reward in heaven." Doubtless he had a premonition of the coming event. October of the year 1893 was a very dry month. All the smaller running streams of the Cumberland Plateau dried up as usual. The stream where he was accustomed to water his horse had gone dry. On the opposite side of the railroad from our old home there is a small spring that remains during the dryest seasons. When other places failed, he was accustomed to water his horse at this spring. On the fateful afternoon of Saturday, October 21st, he was riding his horse to water at that spring, when crossing the railroad track where there is not a usual crossing-place, his horse caught the hind 354 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. part of his shoe under the railroad-track iron, and stumbling forward and partly falling, threw him forward over his bead. Being a man of considera- ble weight, he struck the ground heavily on his right shoulder, fracturing his right clavicle bone. He was also considerably shocked by the fall; but arose, and without any assistance, returned home several hundred yards distant. He was cheerful and patient, though suffering greatly. The family tele- graphed our youngest brother, Asbury, living in Roekwood, of his injuries, who at once boarded the train, accompanied by Dr. George, and ran up to Sunbright. Dr. George set and dressed the frac- tured bone, ascertained that he had received no other serious injuries, and left him doing well. The doctor returned during the week, and found his condition satisfactory, no complications having occurred. Our youngest brother also returned to see him, and found him still improving. For two weeks he remained in this condition, doing as well as the family expected under the circumstances. During the time he read a great deal, remained in the house and about the premises, and talked much of his children and of their future. He seemed to be forgetful of himself in his interest for them. He also talked a great deal of the Methodist Church and of its future in this country. He greatly re- gretted the strife that had come about in his own Conference. His position was for peace between the warring factions. On November 4th, our brother, Will D. Wright, with the purpose of remaining a week or two with him, came to the old home, and found some serious 3.55 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF complex indications in his condition. He had a severe recurrence of his usual asthma, as also a symptom of heart-failure. There was a general giving way of his system, with alarming symptoms. Our brother William, thinking that these conditions would pass away, did not think it necessary to notify the family friends of his immediate danger until on the following Tuesday afternoon. At that time his symptoms became so alarming that he tele- graphed Asbury at Rockwood, and myself at Mary- ville, to come at once. Our sister, Mrs. Peters, was also notified, and was at his bedside. I arrived at the old home late in the afternoon of Wednesday, and found him suffering with a severe attack of asthma, and also with some indications of heart- trouble. He seemed to be recovering from his recent injury, and was cheerful. Dr. George, his physi- cian, was present, and believed that he was in no imminent danger. I was the last of the old familv to arrive. I remained with him alone on Wednesday night, gave him his medicine, and waited on him. He suffered a great deal throughout the entire night with shortness of breath, was thirsty, and drank a great deal of water. He slept very little, and talked a great deal. It was an easy matter to gather from his conversation that he believed that his end was near. He frequently called for William, who was sleeping in an adjoining room. He spoke of his journal, saying that he had written it up to the time of his injury, and then said: "You can finish it." Death bad no terrors for him at all. Heaven to him was a great fact. There was not a 356 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. waver in his faith to the very last. It was to him like taking a journey from his family rather than death. Not a murmur fell from his lips, nor a wish that his condition were otherwise. He had been ac- customed to family prayers from the beginning of his home, and when the usual hours for the morn- ing and evening services came around, he called the family together for prayers. To our precious mother he said: " Your boys will care for you when I am gone." Many were the beautiful things that he said. On Thursday afternoon he seemed so much im- proved, having slept a great deal during the day, that we were all confident that he was better, and so I left him for my own home, my son being very sick at the time, with the promise to return after the following Sabbath, and spend a week with him. Our youngest brother Asbury had returned to his home the day before. On parting with him, the last thing that he said to me, as he pressed my hand, was: " God bless you in your noble work." I was required to remain over night in Harri- man so as to make connection with the Knoxville train the next morning. Mr. F. H. Dunning, of Sunbright, came in to spend the night and wait on him. All the family had retired except Mrs. Peters, our sister, who, with Mr. Dunning, was in the room with him, when about ten o'clock at night he was seized with a great (lifficulty of breathing. He called for brother William, who camie at once to his bed. He asked William to raise him up a lit- tle, which he did, holding him in his arms. He had scarcely been raised when his head fell over on 3,57 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF brother's shoulder and he said faintly, "0 Willie, this is the end;" and he was gone at once without a struggle or an apparent pain. "So fades a summer cloud away, So sinks the gale when storms are o'er; So gently shuts the eye of day, So dies a wave along the shore. Life's duty done, as sinks the clay, Light from its load the spirit flies, While heaven and earth combine to say, How blest the righteous when he dies!" The fitful dream of life was over, and his happy spirit had entered the city of God. Doubtless, loved ones gone before, and many spiritual children, were at the portal to welcome the storm-scourged old pilgrim as he moved into the quiet haven of the glory-land. Happy spirit safe in glory ! Dear father, we would not recall you to earthly sorrow and toil again. We would not bring you back to this world of broken hearts and suffering. We would not take the well-earned crown from your head; but some sweet day, when our earthly toil and battle are over, we expect to come over and live with you forever. We hope to meet you on the plains of glory, and walk with you 'mid scenes of eternal day, where "No chilling winds nor poisonous breath Can reach that healthful shore; Sickness and sorrow, pain and death, Are felt and feared no more." Having been notified by telegram at Harriman, I returned the following morning with my brother Asbury to Sunbright. Our dear old home was 358 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. shadowed in sorrow. Our venerable and loving father, who bad so often met us at the door with a warm, loving welcome, had gone out, and the old home, robbed of its glory, was not what it used to be. A beautiful casket was procured, and the loved form was laid to its long repose. Beautiful and lovely was he in death, the large and manly form look- ing the very picture of health. His large, open face clad in a beautiful smile, and his broad marble brow crowned with flowing locks of snowy white- ness, he looked like a king. His glorious depar- ture occurred at ten o'clock on Thursday evening of November 9, 1893. On the following Saturday morning we bore his body to the Methodist Epis- copal Church in Sunbright, attended by relatives, neighbors, and a long train of Masons, where the funeral service was held by Rev. A. C. Peters, preaching from the text, Joshua i, 11. A large au- dience was present, and when the opportunity was given them to look for the last time upon the kindly face of their old friend, many were the sobs and tears. Afterward, in long funeral train, we bore him seven miles to Mt. Vernon churchyard to lay his body away to its long sweet rest, where he sleeps in hope of a resurrection-day. He was buried in the honors of Masonry accord- ing to their beautiful service, an unusually large number of the Craft being present, representing sev- eral Lodges. He had been a Mason from early man- hood, and was a great lover of the Order. The day was a lovely autumn day. It seemed that all na- ture had put on her loveliest and best to make the day indicative of the beautiful life that had just 359 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF closed. A large audience of his old friends and neighbors and spiritual children were present to do him honor. As the golden sun was sinking to rest behind the Western hills, we took the farewell look upon his dear old face, and laid him gently down to sleep, while the master of the Lodge said: " Earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes." Sleep on, dear father, heedless of summer's heat and winter's cold. The soft zephyrs of spring may whisper above your narrow bed, and the storm- cloud may gather, and the thunders may roll through the heavens and shake the earth, but they do not disturb your sweet repose. We will plant flowers ever blooming above your bed, and while the roll- ing years come and go we will come to stand above you, drop a tear, think of you, and say: "Dear father, we will never forget you." No more lovely place can be found than where he sleeps. 'Mid forest-trees of primeval glory, and blooming flowers, and the sweet notes of singing birds, be sleeps where the worshipers come on each Sabbath to sing the sweet songs of Zion. Fit rest- ing-place is this for this grand old preacher of the gospel. We turned away from the place, orphans in this world. 0 how we miss him! No more his dear, loving letters come to cheer us on to battle and to victory. All that we have left to remind us of our sweet childhood is our precious mother. How our hearts gather about her, now that he is gone! Sadder still, it means the breaking up of our dear old hearthstone. Our old home is no more. The place where we gathered from life's storms to find father's sympathy and mother's love is gone 360 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. from us forever. () how dark the world is now! But heaven is brighter. At a regular meeting of Sunbright Lodge A. F. and A. M., held soon after his death, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted: In pound;femoriam. ABSALOM B. WRIGHT-A MASTER MASON. BORN NOVEMBER 3, 1826. DIED NOVEMBER 9, 1893. "BRETHREN,-The duty assigned us is both pleasing and sad; pleasing, in that we have an op- portunity of presenting a few of the many virtues and good qualities of our departed brother; and sad, in that he is no more with us, and that we shall nevermore hear from him words of admonition, warning, and encouragement. After a short illness, caused by a fall from his horse, Brother Wright died at his home on November 9, 1893. He was born in the adjoining county of Fentress, where he made his home during the greater part of his life. While a young man, he married Miss Cynthia A. S. Frogge, of the same neighborhood, with whom he lived in loving companionship for nearly half a century. She, together with a daughter and three sons, still survives him, honored and respected in their several homes. With the widow and the fatherless we sin- cerely, deeply, and most affectionately sympathize, and pray that the God of consolation may comfort and sustain them in this trying hour. "The Grand Master has called our brother from labor. His work completed, his Sabbath of eter- ,S61 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF nity has begun. Truly, the bereaved ones may look back upon his life with an affectionate andl honest pride. In his early life, his twenty-second year, he gave himself to the work of the Great Master above; and as a minister of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, he labored throughout all this mountain country, and wherever he labored success attended his efforts. Both as a Churchman and as a lover of our Fraternity, he was a faithful Craftsman; and the beautiful designs which he drew upon the Trestle- board may be found throughout his extended itin- erancy. He was gentle, kind, and amiable to a re- markable degree, winning the friendship and affec- tion of all with whom he became associated. He always sought to win the convictions of his congre- gations by soft and mild pleadings, and conversions so obtained were the more permanent because of the manner by which they were obtained. One of Christ's ministers, he was truly devoted to his min- isterial work, and also to our beloved institution, which is the handmaid of Christianity. He never laid aside his armor, nor permitted the fire upon the altar of his heart to go out. "Grandeur of character is wholly the force of thought, moral principle, and genuine love. It is the force of thought which measures intellect, and so it is the force of principle that measures moral greatness, that highest of human endowments, that brightest manifestation of the Deity. The greatest man is he who chooses the right with invincible resolution ; who resists the temptations from with- in and from without; whose reliance on truth, on virtue, and on God is most unfaltering. Meas- 362 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. ured by these Masonic rules, we do not hesitate to call our brother great. His precept and example were always found tending to promote every good work. Masons ever rejoice at the elevated char- acter of their members, and it is extremely gratify- ing to them to be able to point to such a man, while living, and say,'He is one of us;' and when dead, to refer to his life as an example, and to embalm his memory in their hearts. "As Masons, we point with pride to Brother Wright's life and characteri. Early in life he sought and obtained admission into our Order, and for more than a quarter of a century he gave his influence and energies to our beloved institution, of which he always spoke in terms of love and veneration. He became a member of Sunbright Lodge by affili- ation, March 8, 1890, and was our chaplain during 1891. He has left to the Craft the fragrance of a pure and holy life, the best treasure he could have placed in our archives. " He fought the good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith, and there awaited him the crown of righteousness. He was one of those of whom it is written, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lordl from henceforth, yea, sayeth the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.' Truly, Brother Wright's works are many, and they continue with us. Many souls once shrouded in darkness, to-day thank God for the light that camne to them through the ministrations of our brother. "After the solemn services of his Church, es- corted by the Fraternity of Sunbright Lodge and ,36:3 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF many of the brethren of sister Lodges, the mortal remains of our brother were conveyed to the beau- tiful city of the dead at Mt. Vernon, where, after the impressive ceremonials of our Craft had been per- formed, his body was consigned to mother earth to sleep that calm, sweet sleep which comes only to those whose walk has been upright. There we leave him until his hope ends in fruition, and on the glo- rious morning of the resurrection his body rises as immortal as his soul. "In Brother Wright's- death our Lodge has lost one of its brightest jewels. It is therefore, " 1. Besooled, That in testimony of our love and veneration for our brother, and to aid in some little degree in perpetuating the memory of his virtues, this preamble and these resolutions be placed upon our records. "2. That we commend the life and example of our brother to the Fraternity as an illustration of that eminence that may be reached by the well- directed and constantly-pursued purpose of doing good in whatever place in life we may be called to act. " 3. That our sympathies be tendered the family in their bereavement. " 4. That this memorial be published in the Sun- bright Dispatch, a copy be sent to the family, and that we wear the badge of mourning for thirty days. "(Signed,) S. E. FRANKLIN, W. B. CARLOCK, f Committee." THOS. MITCHELL, ) ,364 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. At the following session of the Holston Con- ference, Methodist Episcopal Church, the following memoir was read and adopted: Memoir. "Rev. A. B. Wright was born in Fentress County, Tennessee, November 3, 1826. His early opportunities for an education were very limited. It is very possible that he never attended school, all told, more than three months. He wvas con- verted, August 28, 1843, at a camp-meeting held by the Cumberland Presbyterians, in Poplar Cove, Fentress County, and joined the Methodist Epis- copal Church, October 1, 1843. Was licensed to exhort, August 10, 1844, and was licensed to preach, July 31, 1848, by Rev. Thomas Lasley, at Five Springs Camp-ground, Clinton County, Kentucky. He was ordained deacon by Bishop George F. Pierce, at Cleveland, Tennessee, October 15, 1854, and ordained elder by Bishop Calvin Kingsley, in Knoxville, Tennessee, October 6, 1867. He was married to Cynthia A. S. Frogge, May 27, 1849. To these parents were born six children, four sons and two daughters. "During the Civil War he was a pronounced Union man, and never faltered in his loyalty and faith in the General Government during the dark- est days of that strife. Embracing the first oppor- tunity, he left the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and re-entered the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1866. He joined the Holston Confer- ence in October, 1867, and received appointments as follows: 1867 and 1868, Jamestown; 1869 and 365 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 1870, Montgomery; 1871, Jamestown; 1872, Madi- sonville (this charge he did not travel, however, but traveled the Cumberland City charge, in the Kentucky Conference); 1873, Jamestown; 1874, Wartburg; 1875, Crossville; 1876, Wartburg; 1877, Jamestown. In August, 1878, he was elected County Court clerk of Fentress County, which po- sition he filled with efficiency and fidelity for four years, during which time he held a supernumerary relation. In 1882 he again entered the active work and served the Wartburg charge; 1883, Sunbright; 1884 and 1885, Kingston; 1886, New River; 1887, Sunbright; 1888, Oliver Springs; 1889, financial agent of Sunbright Seminary, and traveled Mount Vernon Circuit; 1890, agent for same institution, and served as pastor for part of the year on New River charge; 1891, at his own request he was granted the relation of a superannuate, which rela- tion continued up to death. "He was thrown from his horse, October 21, 1893, receiving injuries which, together with other complications, resulted in his death, November 9, 1893. During the nine months immediately pre- vious to the fatal illness, he had preached more than a hundred times, witnessing under his minis- try more than seventy-five conversions. ' He died at his post.' His end was peaceful. To him heaven was a great reality. He talked much of death and of the glorious future with a faith truly sublime. Rev. A. C. Peters preached the funeral sermon in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Sunbright, after which he was buried with Masonic honors in the Mount Vernon Cemetery. 366 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. " Brother Wright was well endowed by nature, and was in the best sense a popular preacher. Quick and clear in perception, possessed of a pleas- ing and flexible voice, and ever giving evidence of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the people heard him gladly. He believed in the doctrine and polity of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ever preaching the one, and defending the other. As a preacher he was evangelical, so that conversions at his regular preaching services were not unusual. 'Never be unemployed, and never be triflingly employed,' wvas his rule. He was a stu- dent to the last. The Bible was his chief book; but biography and Church periodical literature con- stantly found a place in his reading, so that he kept well informed touching important movements in Church and State, at home and abroad. He dili- gently circulated good books. "Following his track extensively, the writer makes the statement that he has found more books in more homes, put there by this sainted brother, than by any one else of whom he has knowledge; and it is due the memory of this grand hero to say, of all the many books circulated, not one could be found of doubtful moral teachings. His ministe- rial labor, for the most part, was in sections and under circumstances involving sacrifices, hardships, and privations; but who ever heard him com- plain, and who will say that amid all he was not cheerful " He was pre-emineutly a peacemaker. If any criticised him unkindly, which rarely occurred, his only reply was the charity of silence. If his breth- 367 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ren became estranged from each other, he sought by impartial tears of brotherly love to unite them in friendly Christian fellowship. Ever the ardent friend of education in general, he was diligent and laborious in helping the schools of his own Church. Such was his estimate of the importance of good Christian education that he, with limited financial ability, gave his three sons good educational ad- vantages; and now the eldest, Rev. J. C. Wright, stands deservedly in the front rank in his Confer- ence, while the others, W. D. and Asbury, are attorneys at law, with a brief but successful career. "Brother Wright has left us; but faithful in life, victorious in death, we are richer for the blessed moral legacy he has left us. 'Mark the perfect man and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.' JAMES A. RUBLE." Recently a marble monum-ent of beautiful de- sign has been placed by his grave. On one side is the inscription: "Our Father and Our Mother." On another side: " Rev. A. B. Wright was born in Fentress County, Tennessee, November 3, 1826, and died in Sunbright, Morgan County, Tennessee, November 9, 1893." On a third side is the in- scription: " I have fought a good fight, I have fin- ished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day." (2 Tim. iv, 7, 8.) Just above this inscription is the cross and crown. The fourth side is left vacant for our mother. 368 Riv. A. B. WRIGHT. CHAPTER XXI. ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION. F OR those who may survive me in this life I lwish to make a few statements of how I was enabled to rise above a low type of Christian liv- ing, and to soar into the clear, unclouded element of full consecration, of perfect love, basking in the sunshine of entire sanctification. I have all the time believed that sanctification is the grandest doctrine of Methodism, clearly taught by our illus- trious founder, as well as by the Word of God. When, as a traveling preacher, I stood before the altar to be received into full connection into the Holston Conference by Bishop Levi Scott, I was asked the following questions: " Do you expect to be made perfect in this life" I answered: "I do." "Are you going on to perfection" I answered: " I am." "Are you groaning after it " I an- swered: "I am." I felt and meant all that these questions and answers meant. In August, 1871, it being the fourth year of my itinerancy, at Mt. Zion Church, in Morgan County, while souls were being converted at the altar, the Lord came powerfully into my heart, and filled me with a joy unspeakable. I shouted aloud his praise at the top of my voice. A good brother came to me at the close of the service, and asked me what made me shout so loud I told him that, if I had not shouted, every log in that house would have cried out. I felt that every evil propensity of my heart was rooted out, and my whole soul was filled with love. I was so exceedingly happy for days 24 369 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF that I could scarcely refrain from shouting aloud at any time. At the next session of our Annual Con- ference, in the love-feast meeting, I arose, and tes- tified to an emancipation from all inbred sin and to full salvation. I gradually declined to bear tes- timony to this great salvation, and, of course, I lost the evidence, and got into Doubting Castle to such an extent that I began to think that I had never reached that high standard. I staggered on in this way until August, 1885, when I was traveling the Kingston Circuit. I had not witnessed a great many conversions during the year, and was becoming somewhat discouraged; but before beginning my basket-meetings, I went as a deep penitent before the Lord, laying all upon the altar. I asked the Lord, as a token that I was wholly his, that, in the next two months on my work, I might witness one hundred conversions to him. Glory be to his precious name, in that time I saw one hundred and five happy conversions to him in my meetings! In Hine's Valley, just below Rockwood, where between thirty and forty souls were converted, the Lord again filled me unutterably full of the Holy Ghost, and I shouted aloud his praise. For many days I felt that I was walking in Beulah-land, and yet I did not bear constant testimony to the all- cleansing power of the Holy Ghost in my heart. Had I borne the testimony properly, there would have been no necessity for my going again to the altar to seek this great second blessing in Christian experience. Any child of God can greatly darken, if not entirely destroy, his assurance of I)ivine ac- 370 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. ceptance by failing to bear testimony for Christ as lie should. I was never backward to testify to God's con- verting power in my soul, and yet I can hardly ac- count for my hesitancy in believing for full salva- tion, or for my timidity in bearing testimony to full salvation-saved from head to foot. In the early part of the year 1890 I was requested by Rev. J. A. Ruble, presiding elder of the Clinton District, to take charge of Mt. Vernon Circuit, with eight ap- pointments, for about two-thirds of the year. I took charge of the work, and again asked the Lord, as a token of my full acceptance, that I might see one hundred souls converted to him; and, God be praised, I saw one hundred and fourteen conver- sions at my meetings during the remainder of the Conference year! Glory be to God for such marvelous evidence of his love to me! So many glorious answers to my prayers by the blessed Christ more and more con- firmed my faith in my being fully consecrated to God, and in my attainment unto this second great blessing. Had I then borne testimony to the full cleansing blood, I needed not to have been splash- ing along in Doubting Castle. The Holston Annual Conference met at Chatta- nooga, Teun., October 21, 1891. I attended it; and without anv knowledge of Dr. S. A. Keen's being there to hold Pentecostal meetings, on the first afternoon of the Conference, seeing people gathering at the Second Presbyterian Church, just across the street from our stone church, where the Conference was being held, I asked some one what it meant 371 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF He said they were holding pentecostal services there. I said at once, then I will attend these meetings. When I entered, Dr. Keen was in the pulpit, talk- ing. I took a seat about halfway down the aisle from the door. I had never seen Dr. Keen be- fore, and did not know whether he was a Presby- terian or a Methodist preacher; however, it did not take long to understand that he was a Methodist preacher, full of the Holy Ghost, and running over with perfect love. His explanations given of the doctrine of entire sanctification, as taught in the Word of God, were plain and easy to understand. I took in all that he said without any criticism. It seemed that the way into the Holiest of Holies was plainer to me than ever before. When he made the proposition to all who hungered and thirsted for full salvation to come to the altar, I went at once. It seemed that almost the whole house was moved forward to the altar. There was truly a moving, melting time. I felt as though I could lay everything on the altar, and I realized that God accepted the offering; and though I felt in my heart the joy divine of the Holy Ghost, yet there seemed to be in my soul a hungering and thirsting for higher joys and undoubted assurance. These meetings were continued each evening dur- ing the Conference. On the afternoon of October 23, 1891, 1 cried from the depth of my soul, 0 Lord, if thou wilt only fill me with the Holy Ghost this evening, I will never be delinquent again in bearing testimony to the fact of full salvation wherever I go; and, God be praised, when I approached the altar that 372 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. afternoon, I felt that I was sinking into the arms of perfect love. Such power of the Holy Ghost came upon me'that I rejoiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 0 what sweet peace of soul and mind I have since enjoyed! On the last evening of these meetings I rose and testified to full salvation. I have ever since confessed it publicly and in let- ter-wvriting. I pray God that I may never fail to bear testimony of the great power which God has bestowed upon me. I have witnessed great and glorious results to my feeble efforts in preaching Christ through my past life; but I now feel that I can offer Christ as a Savior more fully than ever before. At a number of my meetings, after my return from Conference, the Lord powerfully converted a number of souls. 0 how I wished that I had realized this full salvation in early life! My sheaves, though many, would doubtless have been many more. I find that, with all the sanctifying graee of God, this life is to be a constant battle. Temptations will come, and though carnality be removed, I often find my own depravity such that I abhor myself. I once flattered myself that I could grow into a state of Christian perfection, but by a more thorough understanding of God's Word I am convinced that all divine good comes by faith in Christ. If faith could be gradual, then the attain- ment of Christian perfection could be gradual; but as faith is an instantaneous assent of the mind, perfection must be instantaneous. I know that there are de- grees in faith; but the crowning act of faith realizes a last moment when we have not attained, and a AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF first moment when we have attained. Tie desired goal must be instantaneous. If the conversion of the soul be instantaneous then the higher blessing is an instantaneous work. If conversion be grad- nal, then sanctification is gradual. In conversion there must be a last moment when sin reigns and and a first moment when righteousness reigns. I do love that Christ that we can go to in an in- stant. And now I do bless God with all my heart for the happy state of entire sanctification. I expect, erelong, to go to my happy home in heaven. I feel now that I am ripening for glory. It is no hard matter to walk with God when the Holy Ghost reigns in the soul. I now daily sing: "This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long." To allow that we can not live without sin, and that Christ can not save us from the desire to sin, robs him, and is in conflict with the following Scripture: "Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him." (Heb. vii, 2.5.) " But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John i, 7.) We are admon- ished by the Master: "Be ye also perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." (Matt. v, 48.) "The disciple is not above his Lord, but every one that is perfect shall be as his Master." (Luke vi, 40.) Paul predicts a time when perfection shall come: "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." (1 Cor. xiii, 10.) He also represents the child-life and 374 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. man-life of Christian experience in the same chap- ter. The different stages of the Christian life are beautifully set forth in 1 John iii, 12, 13, 14. God has been pleased to set forth the full type of our Christian life in the word sanctification. Christ prays for his disciples of all the ages: " Sanc- tify them through thy truth." (John xvii, 17.) Paul says: "And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inherit- ance among all them that are sanctified." (Acts xx, 32.) He also declares: "This is the will of God, even your sanctification." He prays God to sanctify the Thessalonian Church wholly. He also testifies to his own sanctification: "By the which will we are sanctified." (Heb. x, 10.) These are only a few of the many Scriptural texts supporting this great doctrine. Whenever one says that he can not live without sin, he detracts from the mercy and power of the Lord Jesus to save, and claims that sin and the devil are mightier than God. What nonsense! The word sin and the word righteous- niess are opposites. Never can the two principles be blended so as to be one. If a Christian sins, he is not a Christian in that act, but a sinner; for sin is of the devil, and not of God. Therefore, " Christ came into the world to put away sin by his own death;" and if the blood of Christ by his own death is not sufficient to put away sin out of the heart of the truly consecrated child of God, then the mission of Christ is a failure, which is pre- sumption. It is claimed that St. John says that " if we say 0375 AUTOBIOGRAPHY 01 that we have no sin we deceive ourselves," and there- fore we must go along through life sinning. This text teaches that no man can claim natural purity, but that by nature he is a sinner. The purity that we urge is wrought out by the blood of the Lord Jesus. The Savior taught his disciples to pray that his will be done on earth as in heaven, and unless we can and do live without sin, there can not be any similitude between the two, for there is no sin in heaven. If we can not live without sin, then the blessed Savior has taught his disciples to pray for an impossibility. I would not be understood as teaching Adamic nor angelic purity or perfection, yet there must be a similitude between the perfect of both worlds; for the Savior says: " Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" (Matt. v, 8); and the apostle says: "Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." (Heb. xii, 14.) CHAPTER XXII. THOUGHTS ON REVIVAL WORK. 1. LET the minister who conducts the meeting be very serious and earnest in all of his conversa- tion with the people. Let him strictly avoid an air of lightness or of jest. His every deportment, both in the church and out, should indicate a burning zeal for the salvation of souls. Remarks for the purpose of exciting fun or laughter from the pulpit should be carefully avoided. An ounce of diver- 376 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. sion to a congregation seriously inclined will de- stroy a pound of religious interest. While I would not have the minister put on an air of sadness, I am satisfied, from years of experi- ence in revival work, that worldly lightness will not only impede, but possibly destroy, the success of the revival. The minister can not manifest too much seriousness in the beginning of a revival. He should be as solemn as though some one were lying dead in the congregation. 2. At an early stage of the meeting, the minis- ter should duly impress his audience of the great need of a revival, endeavoring to fasten the convic- tion upon their minds that the meeting must prove either a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death; that the Holy Ghost will leave no soul where he finds it at the beginning of the meeting; that the people will either be nearer heaven or nearer hell at the close than at the beginning of the meeting. Let him put his own seriousness and earnestness upon them, and then he will be in a fair way for a revival. 3. Let the minister, by earnest effort, impress the Christian element to enter into earnest work and labor for the salvation of their unconverted friends. Induce them into praying for their friends in pub- lic, at the family altar, and in secret; and, if possi- ble, induce them to go to them in the congregation and ask them to seek salvation. But teach them how to approach them successfully. Whenever he can get the Christian element to work in this way, and can get them properly enthused, he need have no fears about a revival. He will soon witness the 377 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF waves of salvation rolling high, and shouts of vic- tory rending the air. Sinners can not resist such power. They may endeavor to overcome the influ- ence, but they can not succeed; for one shall chase a thousand, and two shall put ten thousand to flight. No influence can equal that of earnest Chris- tian influence. 4. The minister, if a Methodist, at an early stage of the meeting should hold a class-meeting, and, so far as possible, have a talk with each one in the house himself. This will give him she opportunity of knowing who are Christians and who are not, and who really want to become religious. He will then know whom to approach, and how to success- fully approach them. No other means of grace can furnish him such information as this one. When the meeting has progressed a few days, he should hold an old-fashioned love-feast meeting, having as many as will to bear testimony for Christ, either voluntarily or by calling them out by name. Have them always to stand up when they talk. If there be young converts,call on them to tes- tify. Intersperse the testimonies with appropriate verses of song. Encourage all to talk. Let the testimonies be short and plain. Allow no long, tiresome talks. I have seen this kind of meetings ruined by such talks. Allow no one to speak of unpleasant feelings in his heart toward any, nor to speak of injuries from others. The class-meeting is the place to talk of these things, and not the love- feast. A feast of love should never be embittered with sour herbs. Let no love-feast meeting extend over one hour and a half, unless the interest be such 378 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. that it should be continued. I have frequently found it necessary to continue the Disciplinary time. The best time of the day for these meetings is in the early morning, the people being then more rest- ful and freer to speak. 5. The minister should insist on all the people to sing. Let one-half hour before each service be used in spirited song. If the meeting be a camp or basket meeting, let a number of good singers be selected to occupy the recess-hours in song. In- duce the people during the recess-hours to talk only on religious subjects. Don't allow them to discuss worldly matters, and especially politics. Let them know that this is no place for discussing such top- ics. Keep their minds on religious subjects. The minister should visit and hold religious services in as many families as possible. When in the fami- lies, become acquainted with the young people and the children in the homes; learn their names, and find out their state of heart. Always urge their at- tendance upon the meeting. Convince them that you are greatly interested in their salvation. Many young, unconverted people in the congregation feel that the minister is not con- cerned about them, because he does not know them by name and is not acquainted with them. HLe overcomes this difficulty by visiting and becoming acquainted. When he becomes acquainted wvith them, he can approach them easily. If the minister is not well acquainted with the people, let him ob- tain a good religious pilot to go with him in this work. This work should be done at an early stage of .37 9 AlTOBIOGRAPHY OF the meeting. A good way is to divide the Chris- tian element, and send them out in different direc- tions to hold religious services in the families. I have frequently followed this plan, and never knew it to fail of powerful awakenings, followed with numbers of mighty conversions. 6. It is presumed now that the Christians and the minister are at work for the salvation of souls, and that the minister has effectually secured the love and confidence of the people. In making appeals to the unconverted, he should not use abusive lan- guage. He can show the ugliness of sin without doing this. By using harsh terms, he only excites resistance in the sinner. I have never known such methods to win souls for Christ; but on the other hand, to drive them away. I have seen good revi- vals broken up in this way. Dr. Adam Clarke, one of the greatest divines, calls such ministers "croak- ers," who are continually crying out, " Ye are fallen, ye are fallen !" The minister should faithfully uncover sin, but (1o it in such a way that he may convince the sinner that he loves him. He should constantly verify the apostolic statement, "Knowing, therefore, the ter- ror of the Lord, we persuade men." He should labor to impress them that life is precarious, and that the present responsibility is great. He may relate instances of the sad death-bed scenes of un- converted people, and earnestly exhort them to avoid such an end. More than all, let him powerfully urge the claims of Christ upon the human life. 7. In inducing sinners to take up the Cross and seek salvation, it may be better, in some instances, 380 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. in the beginning of the work to ask them to stand tup, as an evidence that they desire the prayers of the Church, or they may be induced to come for- ward and give their hand in token of penitence; tut the best way, without doubt, is to induce them to come to an altar of prayer, where Christian peo- pie may encourage them, and pray for them, and where they can better think and pray for them- selves. I do not believe that any one will be thoroughly converted until he is entirely willing to come to the altar and kneel down and ask God to save him from his sins. I believe in the old-time repentance and the old mourners' bench. In the altar suitable hymns should be sung, and the relatives and friends of the penitents should be induced to come around and instruct them. In some instances I have found it work well to lead the sinners by degrees, by first inducing them to stand up for prayers, then to come forward and give their names, and finally to come to an altar as seekers. It is fortunate for the minister to be able to know which of these methods to use, and when to use it. It is always best to work by the best policy. Should he fail on any proposition to the uncon- verted, he will find it harder to succeed on that proposition afterwards. Here he must use much wvisdom if he succeeds. When the minister can induce an influential person to the altar, this may be the means of leading a number of others to follow; and yet the minister must not be partial toward the souls of men. He 381 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF must labor for the greatest good to all. Penitents should not be kept kneeling too long at the altar at one time. Let them stand to their feet while some suitable hymn is being sung, and shake hands with their friends, and with the Christian people, and with each other. If necessary, let them kneel again. The minister should know how to direct the ex- ercises for the best advantage. A minister should learn how to conduct an altar service. 8. It is very material to the meeting that the minister know when to begin and when to close a service. Penitents should never be kept too long at the altar. While showers of blessings from clouds of mercy are falling upon the people, and revival influence is all ablaze, the sermon should be short and to the point. Avoid all preliminaries in ser- monizing. Let the time of preaching not exceed thirty, or at most, forty minutes, and never let the entire term of service run over two hours. What can not be accomplished in that time would hardly be accomplished in longer time. Never wear out the people and run the interest down with long services. This can be easily done. Sometimes it is better not to preach at all. When penitents come into the church praying and earnestly seeking sal- vation, turn the service at once into a prayer and altar service. I have seen preaching on such an occasion do much harm. I was once holding a revival service in connec- tion with my fourth quarterly-meeting. A man liv- ing in the neighborhood had bitterly opposed his children seeking religion. On one morning he 3'82 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. came into the church greatly convicted, weeping, and praying. I thought the meeting should have been turned into an altar service at once for the benefit of this man; but the presiding elder, who was in charge, went into the pulpit, sang, prayed, and preached a long, dry sermon. I sat beside the man, and tried to keep him interested in the mean- while; but with all that we could do he lapsed, and never again was he in condition as he was on that morning when he came into the church; for in a few weeks he was thrown out of his wagon in a run- away of his horses and instantly killed, in an un- saved state. I believe that man would have been saved on that morning but for that sermon. In closing a service, sing as a doxology something appropriate for penitents; such as, "But drops of grief can near repay," etc. Charge the people to allow no conversation during the intervals to divert the minds of peni- tents from their salvation-seeking. It will be well to have some of the more pious Christians take the penitents home with them, and hold an altar serv- ice with them in the homes. I have seen many converted in the homes in this way. A good way is to have all the penitents stay at one place if pos- sible, and have some good Christian workers and singers stay with them, and hold a service at night with them. Let the services be held as often as at all convenient. I have known a good revival in- jured, if not ruined, by resting a day. This is not a good policy. When you get the devil on the run, follow up your blows fast. Do n't give him time to rally. When meetings are held in towns or cities, 383 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF there are a great many business men and operatives in factories and shops who can only attend services at night. In that event you will have need to hold a night service. In rural parts the best plan that I have found is, to have the people to bring provis- ions for dinner on the grounds, and remain for an all-day service. In this way they can meet at ten o'clock in the morning, and hold services until twelve o'clock. Then, after an adjournment of one hour and a half for dinner, services can be held from half-past one o'clock to half-past three. The people can then go home, and make all arrangements for the following day. They lie down and sleep all night, and are re- freshed for the work of next day. In this way you will not wear the people out, and will keep the work going well. 9. It is not good policy to preach on contro- verted doctrine during a revival. The minister may support the peculiar doctrines of his Church in a positive and mild way, so as not to offend any one. It may be proper for the minister to give the op- portunity to young converts, a few times during the meeting, to join the Church which he repre- sents; but always to do so with proper courtesy towards other denominations. The minister should urge young converts and all others to join the Church of their choice; also urge them to do so at once. By putting off this matter, they usually come to feel very little restraint, and almost invariably backslide. All young converts should join some good Church at once. Before the close of the 384 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. meeting, if there be a number of young converts, the minister, by first giving a notice of the same a day or two beforehand, should hold a young COD- verts' meeting. Let them assemble in the altar; then let the minister point out to them the diffi- culties and temptations with which they are soon to meet. Let him also urge upon the Church the duty of training them properly. Many young Christians fail because the Church does not do its duty. It might be well for the minister to follow this meeting with a penitent's meeting, if there be several of them. I have known this kind of meeting to result in the happiest way. Old chronic seekers, when brought into this kind of meeting, have laid hold upon the Lord Jesus for salvation. It is my expe- rience that one minister only should conduct the meeting. He may employ all the ministerial help that he can obtain; but he himself should always preside. There is no place in the Church where leader- ship is more needed than in revival work. It is better for one man to do the most of the preaching. He should be very cautious about whom he puts in the pulpit. I have seen the interest of meetings killed in this way. It is not well to have a strange minister preach. Curiosity may take the place of worship in this case. If an able minister should come around, much abler than the man in charge perhaps, no matter how desirable to have him preach, let him wait for some other time. Urge the young converts to re- ceive the ordinance of baptism at once, if they have 25 385 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF not already been baptized. It is well to have them bound by the baptismal covenant at once. They need all possible restrictions thrown around them. 10. Now as the revival meeting is coming to a close, let the minister duly impress the older Chris- tians with the grave responsibility of properly car- ing for the young converts. Have them to fully understand that, by the omission of duty upon their part, the blood of souls will be upon them in the great day of judgment. It is possible that two- thirds of the apostasy of this world might have been prevented if the Church had been true to duty. When a young convert makes a misstep let the older Christians go to him, and, in tones of love and tenderness, beg him to return, instead of de- nouncing and abusing him in his absence. Assure him that others have erred and have been re- claimed, and are now bright and shining lights in the Church. Cause him to believe that the Cuurch is interested in him, and is praying for him, and that he can live a true life. If very small children have been converted, they will need very tender nursing. If persons of dissi- pated habits are among the converts, let the Christian friends rally to their support in preventing their relapse into former habits. If they should make several blunders, do not give them up; persist in holding them for God. Never let a soul be lost from a lack of Christian care and nursing. If they should finally go back, as Peter calls it-" The dog to his vomit, and the sow that was washed to her wallow- ing in the mire again "-let their Christian friends follow them to the very outposts of the enemy's 386 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. camp. Sould there be penitents at the altar re- maining, as is usually the case, let the minister urge their constant seeking until they are converted. Give them to understand that they may effectively seek salvation in the home, on the highway, in the closet, and anywhere. It will be well to bind the Christian element and the penitents into a covenant of handshaking to pray for each other. If a number of young men have been converted, it will be wvell to organize them into "A Young Men's Prayer and Council Meeting," to meet once a week. Have as many young converts lead in public prayer as possible. The minister should or- ganize a prayer and class meeting for the whole Church once a week. Where a revival can be left all aglow with such class and prayer meetings as these, there need be no fears of the revival interest declining. A con- gregation that strictly adheres to these duties will not retrograde. The congregation that neglects these important means of grace can not prosper. The Lord help every minister and his congregation to properly attend to this kind of work! 0 for a baptism of the Holy Ghost upon every pastor, local preacher, and exhorter, that signs and wonders may follow their labors until glorious victory, in shouts of triumph from one wing of the army to the other, shall flash all along our lines; until "a little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation! I, the Lord, will hasten it in his time." (Isa. lx, 22.) Then peace and righteousness shall kiss each other, and our land shall yield her increase (Psalms); 387 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF then shall the tree of life bloom in all its beauty on earth, and the millennial glory shall dawn upon this sin-cursed world. 0 that God may make all of his ministers a flame of fire, clothing his priests with salvation; then shall the saints of God shout aloud for joy! Then shall there be one universal revival, reaching from the equator to the poles, and one universal shout shall exclaim: "Hallelujah! hallelujah! the Lord God omnipotent reigneth! Amen and amen!" And now, inasmuch as I have, in a short way, laid down some rules or methods for conducting revival-meetings, let me add, by way of supplement, a few thoughts on the importance of pure evangel- istic revivals, and of God's favored instruments in affecting them. I would say, in the first place, that revivals of religion are essential, not only to the growth, but to the prosperity of the Church. With- out them, the Church would soon die out. I know that an objector says that there is too much excite- ment in revivals, and that people are startled by a dread of bell-fire; that the fear of punishment, more than the desire to do the right thing, actuates them; that we frighten children and weak-minded women almost to death to start a revival. The above objections, in the aggregate, are not true. Such things, in some cases, may be the exception, but never the rule. We endeavor to plant serious thoughts in the minds of the unsaved by pouring out the terror of the law, and by every way to have the unsaved see themselves just as they are by nature, and what they must become by Divine grace, or be miserable to all eternity. 388 Rpz. A. B. WRIGHT. This awakening is necessary for the good of men, as taught in God's Holy Word. (See Isa. lviii, 1; also Ezek. xxxiii, 7-11; and 2 Cor. v, 20.) If this world by nature is unsaved, and man is represented as being dead, asleep, should he not be awakened If this awakening is a necessary ante- cedent to his salvation, let him be awakened by any available process. I should like very much to have his judgment as well as his passion awakened. There are very few persons who have been slum- bering in sin, and who have suddenly been brought to see themselves in their true condition, who are not more or less excited because of their eminent danger. All persons are not constituted alike in regard to their impulsiveness. Experience has taught me that it would be impossible to awaken some persons to a proper sense of their awful con- dition in sin without some excitement. I think it to be wrong to try to avoid it. Have their judg- ment keep pace with the excitement! God has so constituted them, and they can not be saved in any other way. There are others that, under the same amount of Divine influence, will make no display. The psalmist says: "Be glad in the Lord, and re- joice, ye righteous, and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." (Psa. xxxii, 11.) We are also admonished by St. Paul to "quench not the spirit, despise not prophesyings." When our Lord was riding into Jerusalem, and the disciples were shouting and praising God, the long-faced Pharisees were offended, and desired the Master to quiet his disciples; but he said: " If these should hold their peace, the very stones would cry 389 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF out." I think that the Christian should have as much liberty as the sinner. If the sinner may rejoice and shout over worldly interest, why may the Christian not rejoice over eternal interest St. Paul says that, when the Lord shall come the second time without sin unto sal- vation to gather his people home, " the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel," etc. Will not his second coming frighton those greatly who can not endure shouting in this world Shout- ing God's praise is a license which we get from Heaven. Almost invariably new recruits come into the Church from revival-meetings, or afterward as fruits growing out of some revival. Should we cease to have revivals, we should cease to have a Church. It is estimated by some statistician that the heart of some member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church ceases to beat every half-hour. Un- less these vacancies are filled up by new recruits, the Church will soon pass away. o how alert the Methodist ministry should be in recruiting our great army from the world ! It should not only be a purpose to recruit the deci- mated ranks, but to increase our numbers until our beloved Zion shall take the world for Christ. Our distinguished founder said, " The -world is my parish." I rejoice that the income of our Church is about three times that of our loss by death. Loss by death does not mean entire loss, but a loss only to the Church militant and a gain to the Church tri- umphant. The birth-rate of the world is about one- fourth greater than the death-rate, while the in- 390 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. come rate of our Church is about three times our death-rate. Our blessed Lord has not sent a workman into his vineyard but that signs and wonders have fol- lowed his ministry. The best way to discern a call to the ministry is to track the minister by his con- versions. This rule applies to all ministers who labor in Christian lands. Some of our truest and best ministers have labored in heathen lands for years without any apparently great success. A min- ister who preaches for years without this Divine token has a right to question his call, and the world may look upon his work with suspicion. All may not be equally successful in this way, but each minister should feel that success of this kind, in some measure, is due him. He should not be con- tented without it. I am aware that a great many of our most elo- quent ministers have not been successful in revival work, but while these men may be useful to the Church they are by no means so useful as that hum- bler class of men who live so near the Cross that they have power with God and with men to such a degree that their appeals move and stir the Church to greater faithfulness, and cause sinners to tremble under a sense of guilt. That minister who can not animate and stir the human heart preaches only to the head; and, while he may amuse the fancy and get to himself a great name for his eloquence, yet he is not so powerful for good as that minister who, under God, is successful in revival work. While I believe that the Church needs a variety of ministerial power, yet I must believe that God 391 AUT0BoIOGkAPEY O1V pre-eminently owns the labors of his successful re- vival preachers. Some believe that all ministers are not specially fitted to be revivalists. I believe that the essential qualification for a revivalist is en- tire consecration and unreserved dedication to God. Wherever one is wholly given to God's work, and is willing to spend and be spent for the Lord, with- out any regard to his own interest, the Lord owns such a sacrifice, and will use that one for his own glory in soul-saving. The grandest work in the universe is to be instrumental under God in soul- saving. No other work can compare with it. It has its great reward in eternity. " They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever." When the good Lord shall take us from our labor and toil to our eternal reward, then it will be that we shall rest from our labors, and our works will follow us. While many of God's most effi- cient ministers do not trumpet their success to the world, and are but little known, it is a glorious con- solation to them to know that the Lord understands every ounce of influence that they have used to turn sinners from the error of their ways to the Lord Jesus. The religious press may often attribute the success to the wrong one, yet God knows and will make the proper awards for service done him. Some of God's most useful servants may be shut up to a narrow world of appreciation by men, yet in the kingdom of heaven they may come into the richest rewards. The distribution that God may make of spiritual children may not harmon- ize with that which men make. While some are 392 Riv. A. B. WRIGHT. claimed as legitimate children, God may show that they are only under a stepfather in this world. While all men labor in their various professions for a reward, none labor with more certainty of reward than those who engage in soul-saving. Banks may fail and the hard earnings of years may be lost in these failures, but the reward from soul- saving is never lost. Souls eternally saved as stars in our crowns of rejoicing is the currency with which God rewards his laborers, and is much bet- ter than the currency of this world that perishes with its using. One has said that in this world we live on the interest of our capital in heaven. How great that reward must be! John says: "It doth not yet appear what wve shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall Fee him as he is." 0 what a glory it will afford us when we reach our blessed home in heaven, to be daily and hourly receiving our re- ward for laboring for God in this world, in souls brought to Christ through our influence as they reach their home in heaven! 0, may the hope of such a reward stimulate our jaded spirits while toil- ing for God in so grand a work! Amen. .393 AUTrOBIOGRAPHY OF CHAPTER XXIII. THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE. THESE thoughts on the different stages of hu- man life I dedicate and leave to my children, hoping, when I am cold in the ground and my blood-bought spirit is in heaven, that, simple as they are, they may be valuable to those of them who may survive me. If such shall be, I shall be highly compensated for the work. May God bless my dear children! Thoughts on the different stages of human life, from the earliest moments to old age, can not form a subject of little importance. Some stages of life, and especially old age, are deprecated and dreaded. All young people desire to live the longest period of life; and yet they come to look upon old age as very undesirable-a gloomy part of life. Because Solomon says, " Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them," they come to regard old age with horror; but Solomon does not describe the old life which has been true to God in this place. What I want to do in this treatise is to give each stage of life its full value, and also to note its mis- takes. I should then begin with the tender babe at birth. Of all animals, it is the most helpless and dependent, and its life most hazarded at birth. The first month of its life is almost without thought. The first exercise of mind seems to be to take no- tice of its mother or nurse. Its first movements are its instinctive seekings after food from the breast 394 RpV. A. B. WRIGHT. of its mother, impelled by hunger. Thoughts and mind come so gradually as to be almost impercept- ible to the parents. With time the improvement increases. As the mind begins to expand, there is in the expression of the child's eye an affection for mother and father and friends. In the earliest be- ginning the mind of the child is susceptible of cul- ture and improvement. There is not so great difference in the natural endowments as in the wise and early training of the child. While the passions of love and joy and dis- like and hatred are natural dispositions, yet they can be changed either by proper training or improper training. The evil passions accumulate, to the in- jury and ruin of the child. Solomon has said: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." The first lesson that the child learns is to imitate others older than itself. The mind of a child that is not under a consti- tutional defect is susceptible of vast and fast im- provement. There is in the sparkle of the eye the expression of love, of joy, and of intelligence. Its attention is called to everything that it sees, and it claims for its own everything about it, and this without regard for the rights of others. Its mouth is the pocket or receptacle for everything it can grasp. As they grow older they are vain of fine clothing, and begin to cultivate pride. No one is vainer than the little boy with his first trousers. They also become very fond of palatable food. When they reach the age of six or seven years, the tastes of the little boy and the little girl begin to 395 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF diverge. He has a desire for a penknife, a ham- mer, some nails, a hatchet, a horse, or for stock; while she has the desire for scraps of calico, a pair of scissors, a doll, some small dishes, or flowers. This is the leading of nature for their future life. They have a longing desire to be large, and suppose that, if they were onlv so large as their older brother or sister, they would be happy. This is, however, a grave mistake. All children are, more or less, bad by nature. Some have a more stubborn and uncontrollable will than others. Some are very rebellious to parental authority, and greatly desire their own way. They even think that they could make life much better if they could only have their own way about things. This is another grave mistake. There are a great many advantages for enjoy- ment in childhood that scarcely belong to any other age. They have not the harassing care of what shall we eat, or wherewithal shall we be clothed, that comes to other years. Self-reliance is not forced upon them. They have no care about life's support. Their greatest trouble is that they are required to labor, and that Sunday seems so long in coming. Should they die in childhood, they are free from a condemning conscience, and also from the care of earthly goods to be left behind. In child- hood the imagination is very strong, and its whole life is full of calculations of what it is to do or be when it reaches maturer years. In early school- days they enjoy many a happy hour spent in play, much more sometimes than in acquiring an educa- tion; and often they complain of being kept so long 396 RaV. A. B. WRIGHT. at their books. They even complain at their par- ents and teachers, supposing that they are afflicting them, while they are working for their good. This is another mistake of childhood. Affection for each other is in most cases very strong, as also rage and anger, when kindled. They often go to extremes either way. Small children can become so furious as to use deadly weapons on each other should they be at hand, and yet no stage of life is one of so much merriment and joy. They regard their parents, or those who train them, as knowing more than any one else. They almost invariably believe everything told them by their parents or teachers. Childhood faith typifies manhood religion, which brings upon parents or guardians great responsibility. It should be a blush to Protestant Christianity that they are not so industrious in training their children in the true worship of God as the Roman Catholic in planting spurious doctrines into their minds. But we must follow the child until he merges into the young man or the young lady. There is a transient period between childhood and manhood, known as boyhood and girlhood, when they begin to think themselves about as large as any one. 2. Young Men and Young Women.-This is a period of great responsibility. Childhood anticipa- tions, in a large measure, have not been realized. 'Hope deferred maketh the heart sick," and much courage will be necessary for bracing the character. This period of life is open to many mistakes. Let us study the young man first. The young man 397 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF meets with the danger of either overrating or of underrating himself. But more danger from the former. He is sure to have an inclination to fol- low the evil appetites of his nature. Yielding to one temptation weakens him in the effort to over- come others. His safety from evil depends largely upon his companionships and the places which he may frequent. The strength of temptation depends largely upon the surroundings. A Scriptural conversion to God, a full consecra- tion to his service, and holy living are essential to any young man's success in life. Right here he should take a wise view of life by looking through its future telescope. He must have will power suf- ficient to say to the evil habits that blast life's fair noon: "I will not indulge you." The forbidding habits to success are profanity, dram-drinking in any degree or kind, gambling in any form, lying, stealing either directly or indirectly, bad company, visiting evil places, or whiling away time in idleness. The young man should set his face like a moun- tain against the great sin of fornication or in any way the indulgence of fleshly lusts. Here he will find his greatest temptation. He should not use tobacco in any form. By indulging in any of the above evils he will blast his physical manhood, and sow the seeds of death in his own body, which will ripen into a premature grave. He should have a strong thirst for a complete mental education, should learn to be economical in his expenditures, and very early learn the useful lesson of self-reliance in his tem- poral affairs, and in his soul's interest rest entirely upon Christ. He should observe sound health 398 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. rules by avoiding late hours, either with company or in study. So far as possible he should have reg- ular hours for meals, for sleeping, and for proper physical exercise. His mind and happinesswill be greatly regulated by a sound body. He should ad- vise with the best experienced on life's work. So soon as possible he should master and enter upon his life occupation. Every energy of his being should be bent to his profession. Idleness and indifference to success in a young man is fatal. Industry is essential. It is of im- mense worth that he be courageous, and not easy to falter and despair. He should be kind to his parents and his sisters. It is a great mistake in a young man to be impolite with his own sis- ters. He should not permit himself to be more so to others than to them. It is one of the great mistakes of a young man to think himself wiser than his father, and refuse counsel from him. His own literary training may far excel that of his father; but his father's greater experience in the real duties of life far excels his, and is of invalua- ble worth to him. It is not at all safe to turn the young man loose into an idle life with plenty of money. Nothing will start him down life's grade faster than this. Let him work himself up life's hill upon self-reliance, and then he can hold his ground. Above all, let him sow the crop in youth that will bring a happy reaping in old age. "While beauty and youth are in their full prime, And folly and fashion affect our whole time, O let not the phantoms our wishes engage! Let us live so in youth that we'll blush not in age!" 399 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Now we will give the young lady some atten- tion. It has been unfortunate for women that a prejudice growing out of the darker ages has been unfavorable to her equal development with man, as God designed for her. She is properly a helpmate for man. It is unjust and unwise to think of giv- ing the girl a less education than the boy. The character of the young lady is as easily soiled as a piece of white linen, and when once soiled it is difficult to restore. A misstep in a young girl may destroy the hap- piness of all her future life. Society makes it much harder for an erring young lady to restore her- self than for a young man to do so. Nothing short of early piety and a full consecration to the service of God can save the young lady from the snares and pits that lie in her way. While it is true that many young ladies go through life in a respectable way without professing Christ, it is also true that they owe all their success to the teachings of Chris- tianity. It is of the greatest importance to a young lady that she be greatly on her guard against the se- ductive influences of young men. Her ears should be closed to all flatteries. Virtue is her citadel of power. She should be amiable, mild, and gentle in all her deportment. Nothing is more detestable in a young lady than to be selfish or haughty in her disposition, or to be irreverent toward her parents or old people. She should be kind towards her brothers. One of her greatest mistakes is to be dis- obedient to her mother, especially if her mother be a Christian. Kindness in every word which she 400 Riv. A. B. WRIGHT. utters is very becoming in her. She should never call her mother the "old woman," nor her father the " old man." They should ever be to her " my father" and " my mother." The lady who wishes to maintain dignity of character should never be found in the dancing-room, the theater, the circus, nor the saloon. They tend to degrade character to its low- est depths. No young lady who goes to such places for even mere amusement can ever rise to much in this life. She will always grade with her associates and her places of resort. In her precious youthful time she should store her mind with useful knowl- edge that will be helpful to her in coming years. A young lady should cultivate a love for home and its immates. She should endeavor to make home as charming as possible with the sweet strains of the piano or organ, rendering heavenly music, or with the songs of vocal praise to God. She should make home a delightful place in this way. She should be kind to her little brothers and sisters, and give them all needed instruction. She should not read novels of any kind, but daily read the Holy Bible. She should delight in the Sunday-school and in the divine serv- ice of God's house. She should be an angel of mercy to the poor and afflicted all about her. By a strict observance of such rules she will march up life's hill safely, will marry some worthy good man, live happily, and ripen into a contented old age. 3. Old Age.-Some people seem to reach this stage earlier in life than others. When the strong man bows himself, and the infirmities of years be- gin to weigh him down, the iron nerves begin to weaken, and the strength of the body begins to run 26 401 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Olt low, then it is that he realizes that he is turning over the western slope of life. It has been said that one- fifth of the human race die in infancy. No good man or woman should be sad when they feel the infirmities of age stealing upon them. If the other two stages of life have been prop- erly lived, a ripe Christian old age, having a clear moral sky, with an unclouded evening sun, yields the richest harvest of enjoyment. While it is true that the infirmities of age cause more or less bodily sufferings, yet while the soul is in sweet communion with God, the thought of soon reaching his heavenly home fills the soul with rapture, and lifts him above the cares and sufferings of life. Human life begins and ends in great weakness; nevertheless the mind retains so many happy memories of life's journey as to afford one much enjoyment. The experiences of life are worth a great deal to old age. Nothing in this world can be compared with it. While memory is almost invariably treach- erous, and does not serve for recent events, yet the incidents of childhood and middle life come up vividly; and if of worthy deeds, they bring the sweetest recollections and comfort; but if of deeds unworthy, they bring shame and remorse. A travel in foreign countries stores the mind with the richest treasure of enchanting scenes: so life's happy mem- ories of years gone by is a book which old age can read with delight. Life's happy experiences more than compensate for the infirmities of old age. I regard this period as the crowning glory of life's long day. It will afford a richer harvest to the mind to keep a journal of life by writing down the 402 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. incidents that occur in one's life from childhood to old age, especially those worthy of note. If we should record every mistake which we have made, and bequeath it to our children, it would likely prevent them from making the same mistake. Our life experience, as well as our religious ex- perience, together with a thorough education, are the richest heritage that we can leave to our chil- dren. If every person would write down a complete journal of life, it would blaze out the proper way of life for those coming after. Life, in this way, would become better known, and fewer fatal mistakes would be made. Some old people have a great spirit of restless- ness, while others have one of great contentment. These conditions depend largely upon the proper estimate one takes of this life and of the life to come. When an old person, compelled by neces- sity, has lived a life of great labor and hard toil, the inclination to continue this kind of life is very common. They do this even when they would have good comfort without it. Force of habit is doubt- less the proper explanation of this. Covetousness long cultivated may have something to do with it. To make old age full of sunshine will require a great deal of care, watching, and praying. Great allowance is sometimes made to old people for having refractory and bad tempers; but I do not see the reason for this. It is true that the mind and dispositions will greatly sympathize with the infirmities of the body; but by culture, prayer, and consecration to God, the most gentle and pacific tempers may adorn old age. Those who have been 403 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF accustomed to use ardent spirits, tobacco, coffee, or any other stimulants, will find great difficulty in keeping a good temper. Persons of such habits are very likely to be disagreeable in old age. A good, quiet, Christian grandfather or grand- mother may be esteemed as a great blessing to the younger household. They will be held in love and esteem by all the grandchildren and their parents. The stories of early life are a matter of much inter- est to the children, as they listen in breathless silence to grandpa or to grandma talk. They give perfect credence to whatever the grandparents say. It is very comfortable to have the confidence and love of grandchildren in this way. Unkindness or in- difference from children or grandchildren toward their aged sires is a great trial to old people. This should never occur in a Christian land. The thought to the aged that they must soon leave this world should never bring sadness; for if they are ready for that change, it ought to bring the greatest happiness; for they are soon to be re- leased from a world of toil and suffering, and to enter their home of eternal rest. Sometimes, even to the Christian, the thought of death may have some forebodings. This should not be, because, if there be a proper understanding of the transit from mortal to immortal, it will remove every sense of gloom from death. Living closely to God, the aged one may say, like Paul, " For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain;" also, "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ." A good, aged Christian would not call back one 404 RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. day of his time if he could do so. Now, by God's help, I have in. some measure portrayed the differ- ent stages of life-morning, noon, and evening; childhood, youth, and old age. Life in this world is coveted by most people, yet I am sure that a happy old age is more divorced from the world than any other stage of life. In the view of Paul, one is more crucified to the world, and the world crucified to him. It may be thought, because I am an old man while writing these thoughts, that I give an undue importance to old age. I do not think so; for, taking it all in all, I regard a ripe Christian old age as the happiest period of life. With the journey nearly ended, the race nearly run, with no unpleasant conviction of mis- spent time, the aged pilgrim, pointing upward, can say: "Yonder 's my house and portion fair, My treasures and my heart are there- There's my abiding home." The sooner out of this life, the sooner into heaven. Amen and amen! 405 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHAPTER XXIV. THE FUTURE STATE. IN March, 1888, I was stricken down with nervous prostration and sciatica, so that I could scarcely walk, even with the aid of a walking-stick. I suf- fered greatly at times, and could have no relief from pain in any position. Iwasshut indoorsfor a time. Sixty-one years of life have placed me on the west- ern slope of my journey; and adopting the language of St. Peter," Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me," it seemed that my mind was drawn out with the following inquiries about heaven: 1. Having, in the autumn of 1858, consigned to the silent grave my dear babe, little John Wesley, not one year old, and wishing to gather all the light and understanding about the heavenly world that I could from God's Word and the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the following thoughts were suggested. If they shall prove helpful to my dear children after my body is laid in the grave to rest, I shall feel that I have not labored in vain in writing these thoughts under much bodily pain. 0 may we all reach that heaven of which we are all thinking so much! There are some thoughts about the future state that we have a great desire to understand, which are not explicitly taught in the Divine Word, and yet are too far out of reach of human understanding to be otherwise well known. For instance, I can scarcely suppress the uprising inquiry in my mind, in reference to our sweet babe who died in infancy, 406 RiV. A. B. WRIGHT. whether in heaven they will still be infants, or will they be matured in body Will their mental pow- ers be as inferior to the matured mental powers as here upon earth Will their immortal minds be an undergrade from those dying in matured age who died gloriously Shall they, with the adults, know as they are known Christ said of the child, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." Does that refer to their moral qualifications only, or does it refer to their mental and physical also A poet of our day says: "A babe in glory is a babe forever." Shakespeare speaks of "babes in heaven dandled on the laps of angels." We need not have any anxiety as to whether they shall be large or small, or that their minds are inferior or equal to those of maturity. Our blessed Lord makes them the very type of heavenly excellence. In this I think that the Lord intends us to understand that they are not inferior in knowledge; and as to their bodily size, we should have no anxiety; for among the different races of men in this world there is quite a difference in size, in some instances as much as exists between parents and their infant chil- dren. Some adults as well as infants, by some mis- fortune, have bodily deformities, and die in that con- dition. St. Paul quiets our anxieties for these ill- shapes in the words: " It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body." Although Paul says that one star differeth from another star in glory, yet, since the child is made the example like which we are to be- come in our happy conversion, the pattern will be 407 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP as lofty as the one typifying it. The Savior him- self makes this order without any reference to the child's working in his vineyard. 0 may we meet our precious babes in bright glory! Amen. 2. Will kindred relationships be retained in heaven Will the family relations be the same in heaven as upon earth-parents and children, broth- ers and sisters, husbands and wives Or will the transcendent joys of heaven obliterate all the rela- tionships of earth Jesus says:" Whosoever doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and mother." When the Sadducees came to Christ, tempting him with the story of the woman who had married seven brothers, the Savior said: "In the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the an- gels of God in heaven." Are we to learn from this that all relationships may be retained in heaven except that of husband and wife Such a conclu- sion would certainly mar the attractions of heaven to the affectionate husband and wife. If all of heaven are of equal kinship, then all who go from earth to heaven from the different races of earth will be of equal kinship. If this be true, then the will of God should be done on earth as in heaven, obliterating all caste and aristocracy lines. Let us search God's Word for light on this subject. When good old patriarchs died, it was said of them that they were gathered unto their fathers. This certainly referred to their deathless, immortal spirits, and not to their unconscious, slumbering dust; for sometimes they were not buried at the same place. The relation of Abraham to Dives, lost in 408 REV. A. B. WRIGHT. hell, was the same as to the living Jew, "Father Abraham." By this paternal relationship he is still known to the Jewish world. The relationship of brotherhood had not been broken by death to Dives and his five brethren. He says: " For I have five brethren," etc., though he was then in the spirit world of death. The Savior's answer to the Sadducees, of the woman and the seven brothers, does not discard kindred relationship, but properly answers their question; for they did not ask Christ of kindred relationship in the resurrection, but of legal rela- tionship, giving them to understand that marrying and giving in marriage is an earthly, and not a heavenly institution. How first, or second, or any other number of marriages are to be understood in heaven I do not know. There are many mvs- teries of heaven that will so remain while we live upon earth. A poet has said: "Till death thou searchest out in vain What only dying can explain." Every law of our nature, as well as God's inspired Word, assures us that kindred relationship is re- tained in heaven. The mother of Zebedee's children came to the Savior to ask that her two sons might have the distinguished honor of sitting, the one on his right and the other on his left in his kingdom. She certainly, if she understood the nature of Christ's kingdom, anticipated her sons' brotherhood in that kingdom. As she had been just before worshiping the blessed Christ, she certainly had a clear understanding of his kingdom, although 409 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF the Savior told her that she did not understand what she asked, that is, such a distinguished favor. In the seventh chapter of Revelation we are told of the twelve brother patriarchs constituting the twelve tribes of the children of Israel, of twelve thousand of each tribe, and with them the great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. Take notice that it says "kindred" or kinship. The Lord says, by the mouth of the prophet: "Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me." (Jeremiah xlix, 11.) There are many instances in which God has favored dying saints with views of their de- parted friends meeting them in the hour of death, in which there is the clear recognition of kinship. There is a beautiful story told of the wife of " Lit- tle Wolf," a chief of the Iowa Indians. While she and her husband were on a mission to Europe, their babe died, three others having died before. Her sorrow was so intense that it brought an affection of the lungs. Before she died her husband tried to con- sole her; but to all of his consolations she said: " No, no; let me go. My four children recall me. I see them by the side of the Great Spirit. They stretch out their arms to me, and wonder that I do not join them." She soon died gloriously. " Even so come, Lord Jesus !" 3. Will there be degrees of reward in heaven If so, is it possible that there will be dissatis- faction on the account of the different rewards or 410 Riv. A. B. WRIGHT. shall each one receive his penny, and not complain Will those who labor through the heat and burden of the dav receive more than those who labor but one hour Will the pennies of reward be of the same value If we are to be rewarded according to the deeds done in the body, will not those who have made the greater sacrifices, and toiled the more for Jesus and his cause, receive the greater reward Doctor T. 0. Summers says: " Some will scarcely be saved. They will pass, as it were, unobserved into some comparatively obscure nook in Paradise, wondering themselves at their admission. Others, who have done some good service for the sacramental host of God's elect, shall have an ovation decreed them." Will the rewards in heaven be in proportion as they have been faithful in the different spheres in which God has required them to work, as pastors, local preachers, exhorters, class-leaders, etc. Will the approbation be as great to those under a limited as to those under a greater responsibility Shall the having rule over ten cities imply greater power and enjoyment than the having rule over four cities Shall there be higher and lower seats in heaven or shall some be permitted to be nearer the King in his beauty than others Will not heaven be equally full of light throughout all of its glorious domain Will not the Lord God be the glorious, luminous light of the whole city There is to be no night there; but one unclouded day forever. As we are not there yet, and can not in this mortal sphere comprehend all the laws, govern- ment, and beauties of the eternal city of God, we 411 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF must be content with the information about that de- sirable country that the blessed revealed Word of God in the Holy Scriptures has given us. We should not worry, nor become impatient, nor envy our brother his crown, who may be living the life of self-sacrifice and toil. Let us live so as to re- ceive the King's approbation: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." As to the question of rewards, we need not be over-anxious. The human mind is so finite that awards of merit in this life are often imperfectly given. The Judge of all men is of infinite understanding, and will do right in this matter. The communication made to Saint John on Pat- mos was: "Behold, I come quickly, and my re- ward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be." This Scripture certainly and plainly teaches that we are to be rewarded according to our works. There can be no mistaking its meaning. The pennies given to the workmen cer- tainly have reference to the reward of pardon en- joyed in this life, as the different hours of the day represent the different ages of coming to Christ. Paul says in the sixth chapter of Hebrews: " For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." The mercy and justice of God both indicate that God will reward every man according to the deeds done in the body. To the servant who had doubled his five talents, rule was given over ten cities; but to 412 Ruv. A. B. WRIGHT. the one who had dot-bled his two talents, rule was given over four cities. Ten is more than four, but each man received the proper number of his capacity. Each one in heaven will be filled. The pint measure can be filled just as full as a gallon measure, and a peck measure just as full as a bushel measure. All may be equally full, but hold different amounts. The amount of happiness to each Christian in glory wvill be the measure of his capacity. In the pure element of heaven no one will envy another his reward. Wesley, Whitefield, Coke, and Asbury, whose unbounded labors for God will give them a high place in glory, will have no envy from my heart, if I am so happy as to meet the King's approval. There will be no room for envy; but with great emphasis I can sing: "I rode on the sky, freely justified I, Nor did envy Elijah his seat; My soul mounted higher in a chariot of fire, And the moon it was under my feet." 4. Will those who reach heaven know all about what is transpiring in this world Can it be that the misfortune and wretchedness of friends on earth can be a sorrow and grief to loved sainted ones in glory Warm affection for friends here on earth is certainly not lessened in the hearts of the saved in glory. Can sainted ones communicate to us in any way so as to save us from impending dan- gers unseen by us Paul says of them: "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation " This com- munication of angel help must come in the way of 413 AuTOBIOGRAPHY OF spirit acting upon spirit, and not by spirit acting through inanimate matter as the modern spiritual- ists teach us. Can we find in the Word of God where ministering angels have interposed to save their friends from danger This would bring heaven and earth into very close communion, and yet it is the plain teaching of God's Holy Word. Can we feel assured that our sainted loved ones are near us when we are passing through sore trials, or when we are groaning under the weight of con- demnation at an altar of prayer May we believe that they are near us to sympathize with us in our sorrows Would it not be a great happiness to us to know that this is true Do they see us at all times, and restrain and prevent many a sinful act in our lives, and thus become a greater hindrance to our doings of evil than the thought, " Thou, God, seest me " Heaven must be full of unlimited knowledge of God and rapturous praises to him, as well as a knowledge of all earthly things. God grant that we may all attain to such exalted knowl- edge in heaven! The Bible abounds with instances of angelic ministries. Angels revealed to Lot the destruction of Sodom, and urged his immediate escape. An angel stayed the hand of Abraham, about to slay his son as a sacrifice. Angels ministered to Christ after the temptation. An angel strengthened him in the garden of sorrow. On the Mount of Trans- figuration two saints of God came to earth and talked with him-Moses and Elias. Our earthly woes and sorrows can not be a grief to our sainted friends; for although they doubtless love us with a 414 Rim. A. B. WRIGHT. love sincere, yet are they too infinitely happy to sor- row at all. Upon their entrance into heaven, "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." While they can not sor- row over our misfortunes, they rejoice over our suc- cesses, especially when we have great moral victo- ries. For " there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." If we are to know even as also we are known, we shall certainly know of earthly transactions just as God knows of them. For our knowledge is made equal to his in the expression, "Knowing even as also we are known." No doubt our sainted loved ones are near us in time of danger. Joshua saw the angel standing with a drawn sword in his hand for the help of Israel. This angel might have been Abraham or Jacob, or some other saint who was intensely interested for these people. What a blessed thought to believe that loved ones are hover- ing near us! 0 how sweet to thinkthatfatbersand mothers, brothers and sisters, husbands, wives, and children in glory are near us to cheer us on to vic- tory! How they rejoice when we do the right things! We are struggling to reach their happy home in the skies; to greet and sing with them their everlasting song of praise: "Unto him who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, unto him be glory and honor and power and dominion forever !" Amen. 5. Will we know each other in heaven Will the sense of recognition be lessened or increased in heaven 415 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Will it be possible that our glorified knowledge will be so great that we will have no desire to know each other in heaven Shall we not know each other better in heaven than we could possibly know each other in this world Shall we only know those whom we knew in this life, or shall we know every one Does it mean the reviving and strengthening of memory only, or does it mean a larger knowl- edge Shall we not know all the heavenly host by this extended knowledge, and not need a friend to introduce us to Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the prophets and apostles, and all the ancient worthies of God If recognition in heaven be a fact, it makes that glorious land more attractive and desirable. With- out it, the anticipations of heaven would be greatly marred. What a glorious change from mortal con- flict and suffering to such a heavenly bliss of recog- nition in glory! How the belief in this precious doctrine mitigates the sorrow as we take the fare- well look upon faces that we love at an open grave, and know that we shall see them in beauty again! That they shall appear as they did on earth is not the question; for "they may be sown in dishonor, but raised in glory." The glory that beams in one angelic face will flash in another angelic face. The sweet image of loved ones long parted from us is indelibly written upon our memory, and we long to see them again. In visions and dreams they often come back to us. In heaven it will not be a vision only, but a sweet reality. 416 REv. A. B. WRIGHT. "Then friends shall meet again Who have loved. Our embraces will be sweet At the dear Redeemer's feet, When we meet to part no more, Who have loved." The long time that friends have been separated from each other in this world will only enlarge their bliss when they meet and know each other in heaven, sweet heaven. 0 how desirable it is that whole families meet and know each other in glory, where "Sickness and sorrow, pain and death, Are felt and feared no more!" God grant that all of my precious family may meet in heaven! Heavenly recognition is plainly taught in God's Word. If the, rich man, in lifting up his eyes in torment, knew Lazarus and Abraham in heaven-Lazarus, whom he had known in this world, and Abraham, whom possibly he had never seen before-may we, who reach heaven, not only know our earthly friends, with whom we have toiled and labored, but even all the ancient and more modern worthies whom we have not seen in this life Most assuredly the mind that contains the source and power of recognition in this life will be stronger and more capable of knowing in glory than here upon earth. God's Word assures us that the mind is immortal, and will not die with the body. Solomon says: " In the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death." The Savior said to Martha: "Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." It is certain that these Scriptures 27 417 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF do not refer to the body, but they must refer to the real man, which consists in the moral, mental, and intellectual man, which does not die with the body. The human mind, the active principle of the soul, does not die. It lives to have all its faculties en- larged in heaven; such as reason, will, memory, re- cognition. It is sometimes said that such a one has lost his mind. This is not a correct expression, but means that the medium through which mind manifests it- self has been broken. The telegraph wire of his mind has been broken down somewhere, while the electric battery at the other end is intact. This im- mortal mind can not be confined to this earth, but when interest is involved it leaps out into the ex- panse of the eternal. Why should the dying pil- grim, when in the last moments of mortal conflict, while bidding adieu to earthly ties, request them to meet him in heaven, if there is not an inspira- tion in his soul that assures him that they shall know each other in that happy meeting If our faith in this precious doctrine, so truly taught in God's Holy Word, be unwavering, our joys and anticipations of heaven are greatly aug- mented. I feel assured that we shall know, not only our earthly friends, but that we shall know- ingly sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. Let this doctrine be a sweet solace to our souls in time of sorrow, when we consign to the silent grave our loved ones, and take a last look at their faces, so that we can say, with the utmost assurance: " We shall see you again." That we shall know them in heaven as our 418 Ruv. A. B. WRIGHT. fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, and as our precious children, kindles heavenly rapture in the soul. Though we have been deprived of their pres- ence for long and many years, yet the meeting and knowing will compensate for all. Heaven is the only place where our broken fam- ilies can be reunited. Here we are separated by worldly conditions, one here and another there, so that sometimes thousands of miles intervene be- tween us; but in heaven there will be no separations. Saint Stephen, in the dying hour, was permitted to see Jesus, and knew him. Saint John, on the Island of Patmos, saw him in his glorified state, and knew him. Surely we shall know our glorified friends in heaven. "0 how sweet it will be In that beautiful land, So free from all sorrow and pain, With songs on our lips, And with harps in our hands, To meet one another again!" We shall meet, to go out no more forever. Amen. 419 This page in the original text is blank. APPENDIX. THE following is a list of the baptisms, funerals, and marriages in which my father officiated: I. BAPTISMS. i. BY IMMERSION. Pleasant D. Gatewood. Sarah C. Crouch. Nancy Davidson. Levi Shepard. Henry Moles. Elizabeth Jennings. Rhoda Jane Jennings. Rhoanna Simpson. Mary Huddleston. Reuben Harmon. Evaline Harmon. Jennetta Evans. Angerine Rich. William Pevyhouse. Margaret Pevyhouse. Rebecca R. Pevyhouse. Mary Buck. Serenia C. Dishman. Roena C. Disbman. Mary Jane Wilson. Margaret E. Wilson. Ailcy C. Dixon. Sarah Ann Neal. Mary Ann Neal. William Jeff. James M. Hester. Amanda Vickery. Nicholas Pickard. Sarah Pickard. Mary Ann Ferguson. Margaret Ferguson. Martha V. Cowan. Margaret E. Campbell. Esther B. Smith. Winnie E. Solomon. Mary H. Cowan. Luvica L. Dawson. Elizabeth W. Cargyle. Joseph C. Taylor. James Taylor. Catherine McGee. D. C. Lawhern. Franklin Lawhern. Virginia Lawbern. James B. Ward. Sarah Ward. Patient Ward. Elizabeth Ward. William R. Shelton. George W. Shelton. Elizabeth Shelton. Birdine Young. Malissa Young. Andrew Young. Mary F. Young. Brooks H. Walker. John M. Dishman. Matilda Jane Young. 421 APPENDIX. Malissa Young. Annie Shelton. Mary Daniel. Emily Bolen. George B. Davidson. William Davidson. James Owen. William L. Smith. John Smith. Isaac Smith. Jonathan Shockey Virginia Owen. Anna Smith. Rebecca Ann Cowan. Mary Fite. Nancy Jane Fite. Jemimah Fite. Jefferson Pyle. James C. J. Moon. Elizabeth Bookout. Marth Ann Buck. Rebecca Wilson. Margaret Duncan. Matilda Moles. Sarah Moles. Millie Emiline Flowers. Amos M. Koger. Newton Walden. Humphrey Walden. William C. Savage. Stephen Coil. Thomas Hays. Elizabeth Hays. Juliza Ann Cowan. Hiram Ferguson. Minerva Ann Ferguson. Margaret Elzuria Davidson. Abigail Beatty. Mahala Beatty. Catherine Beatty. Mary E. Gauney. Martha Ann Gauney. Delilah Kannatsier. Susan M. Robins. Amanda Pritchard. James H. Carter. Ellen Carter. Thomas Brown. Malissa Jane Brown, Mary Lillie Davidson. Keziah Jane Huddleston. Landon C. H. Rich. William B. Simpson. Winnie Jane Simpson. Thomas J. Clarke. Margaret Ann Clarke. Cynthia Beatty. Timothy Gauney. Elizabeth Gauney. Cynthia Adeline Fite. Sarah Dorcas Rich. Mary Evaline Richardson. Sarah Parmelia Davidson. Susan Welch. Elizabeth Wright. Laura Sublett. Lorania Flowers. Nancy Huldah Brown. Ruth M. Stonecipher. Mary E. Brown. Evaline Singleton. John W. Mulinax John T. Wright. James Choate. Samuel W. Mullinax. Cumanzy Mullinax. John A. Beatty. Hiram Beatty. Margaret Owen. Mary Jane Beatty. John W. Bowden. Emma Bowden. 422 APPENDIX. Rosetta Bowden. Landon B. Bowden. Rufus J. Stephens. George W. Franklin. P. J. Smith. Clementine Paul. Permelia Branham. Margaret Smith. Balaam Beatty. Matthew Owen. Susan Smith. Winney Atkins. Margaret Mullinaxc Pheriba Kannatsier. Nancy Gaunev. Mary Ann Kane. Permelia C. Zachery. Caroline Zackery. Nancy Hale. Elizabeth Penicuff Marion Brown. Martha Wayne Pearcy. Abigail Pearcy. Millie Morgan. Anthony C. F. Allred. Pleasant Hogue. Jane Turner. Francis Turner. Lucinda C. Upchurch. Delilah Upchurch. William C. Tipton. William H. S. Stephens. Jacob Beatty. Jane Beatty. Tennessee Smith. Headly Franklin. Mary Franklin. Nellie Whitehead. Sarah P. Felkins. Joel Reagan. Catharine Reagan. Rachel York. Mary Kannatsier. Sarah E. Mullinax. Jacob Choate. John Choate. James B. Mullinax. John C Albertson. Alexander Cooper. Jaw-es Wright. Nancy Cooper. Peninah Jane Wright. Isaac Hurt. Louisa Hurt. Alfred Thompson. James R. Beatty. James Price. Sarah Ann Price. Mary Kannatsier. Mary Massingill. George B. Davis. Elizabeth Davis. Minerva Davis. Sarah Ann Wright. Peninah Wright. Freely Anne Wright. Prissa Morris. Barbara A. Adkins. Senia Pearcy. P. Jane Stephens. D. P. Livingston. Elizabeth Livingston. Sarah Hood. Hettie J. Stephens. George W. Stephens. William J. Taylor. Lydia Turner. Malinda J. Whitehead. George W. York. J. Patrick Gillentine. George W. Matthews Matilda Jane Gauney. 423 APPENDIX. Clara Flowers. Clementine Flowers. Lucinda Hatfield. John Huff. Sarah Jane Huff. Thursa Jane Moody. Kamanza Dishman. Millie Crouch. Margaret L. Crouch. Elvira Crouch. Mary Ann West. Rachel Story. Lucinda Lawhern. Louisa Jane Lawhern. Sarah M. Hicks. Sarah Elizabeth Smith. Jeannette C. Smith Sarah Jane Amos. Julius Potter. Rhoda Potter. Sarah Jane Potter. Macom A. G. Jones. Rachel Kannatsier William C. Hayes. Mary M. Poison. Luvernia Ann Helms. Rachel Coil. Elzira H. McFarland. Wesley Catron. Jaduthan Asbury. Mahala Smyntha Smith. Greenbury Polson. Elizabeth Polson. Uphama Dishman. Mary Malissa Dishman. Leann Polson. Mary Louisa Dawson. Ruth Roanna Davidson. Martha Braswell. George W. Massengill. Rosie Ann Massengill. Calvin Davis. Nancy Bond. Francis M. Ellis. Francis M. Aytes. Henry T. Branstetter. Solomon Potter. Isaac B. Haun. Rufus W. Bishop. Sarah Bishop. Alexander Bishop. Mary Jane Melton. John W. Potter. Martha M. Potter. Lewis C. Potter. Elizabeth Ann Potter. Mary E. Hickman Elizabeth C. Jett. James E. Jett. Harriet M. Jett. William Riley Shannon. Francis Flowers. Mary Holder. James W. Melton. Sarah E. Huddleston. Isabella Huddleston. Sarah Ellen Burriss. Mary C Wade. Eliza Strunk. Hannah E. Rice. Ellen Louisa Dennie. Phbebia Davis. Elizabeth Westmoreland. Martha Ann Kempton. Lucinda Jane Upchurch. Sarah Elizabeth Upchurch. Adaline Craig. Martha Emeline King. Marv Jane Beatty. Peninah Jane King. Malvina Davis. Millie Ann Davis. 424 APPENDIX. Ann Albertson. Mary Ann Whittenburg. Marcia P. Whittenburg. James A. Whittenburg. Adam Reed. Joseph S. Crouch. Martha E. Crouch. Sampson Fowler. Elina Alice Fowler. Adalaide Malissa Crouch. Margaret C. Beatty Mahala Garrett. Sarah C. Jennings. Rebecca Goldman. Sarah N. C. Goldman. Elizabeth Crouch. Eli Coulter. Lucinda Coulter. Catherine C. Dowdy. Susan Victoria Dowdy. John A. Culver. Frances E. Bishop. Sarah Jane Hickman. Matilda Ann Taylor. Thomas Taylor. Sarah Amanda Bishop. Arbarilla Pemberton. Naomi Jane Jett. Elvira Jane Cox. Nancy Ann Cooper. Delilah Tennessee Gooding. Mary Jane Whittenburg. Rebecca E Harmon. James S. Stonecipher. Precinia McGuffey. Malinda Hall. Walter J. Andrews. James Houstin. Amanda Ray. Alfred Wyatt. William R. Hyder. Mary Emma Hyder. David Walker. Samuel Walker. Ruth E Walker. Amilla C. Wyatt. Malinda Jane Thomas. Berry Wilson. Naomi Wilson. Thomas A. Miller. Margaret Harmon. Margaret Jane Harmon. Warren Ray. John Hall. Joel Hall. John W. Angel. Mary Jane Angel. William Jewitt. Sarah C. Blakely. Arbarilla Barnett. Julius J. Nitzschke. Benjamin F. Nitzschke. Elizabeth A. Davidson. Sarah Adaline Brown. John C. Harmon. George W. Harmon. James Edward Rich. Rachel Kannatsier. Julius Johnson. Luvernia Johnson. George A. Markum. Emeline Reed. Tennessee Moore. Mary Ellen Upchurch. Alexander Wright. Crayton T. Wright. John Davidson. Archibald Dishman. John W. Crouch. John F. Upcburch. Sarah Ann Davidson. Louisa Bell Davidson. 425 APPENDIX. Alexander Wright. Nancy Ann Beatty. Zylphia Jane Beatty. Elizabeth Ann Wright. Emerson Brown. Jabez A. Brown. Florence Brown. Jeptha A. Brown. Tillie Dennie. Milton Morgan. Nathan Morgan. Martha Morgan. Cenia Morgan. James Brake. Elizabeth Brake. Reuben Dishman. John Privett. Caroline Pearcy. Lurinda Davis. Victoria Privett. Martha Buttram. General W. Wright. James Slagle. Emerine Upchurch. Mary E. Jones. Alice Evans. Delitha Powell. Ida Evans. Mary Denton. Margaret Dabney. Mary Owens. Anna Orick. Amanda Odle. Arminda Polston. Annette Smith. Rebecca Smith. Mary Rebecca Bandy. Martha Stockton. Hannah Hayes. Malissa Savage. Lucretia Craig. Sarah York. Martha Savage. Dona Savage. Mary Stockton. Artemia D. Huddleston. Daniel W. Wilson. Alfred K. Pritchard. Theo. Earnest Pritchard. Mary E. Bond. Malinda Jate Huddleston. Mary Ludora Flowers. Lucinda Lawson. Margaret Ann Holding. Mary Ann Holding. Nancy E. Hysaw. Alice Belle Beatty. Francis M. Smith. Flavil M. Huddleston. Mary Benson. Guinn B. Bowden. Avey Frances Bowden. Zylphia Beatty. Theo. Earnest York. Margaret Ann King. Layton L. Tipton. Tennessee Wilson. Susan Perdieu. Malvina Emeline Gauney. Louisa Catherine Burns. Addie Viola Bagby. Sarah Ann Murry. Sarah Monday. Alice S. Kelley. Anthony W. Simpson. Francis Paralee Simpson. Margaret Ann Simpson. Laura Laveda Cardwell. Emma Haygard. Keziah Range. Rufus Aiken. Mary Ann Aiken. 426 APPENDIX. Margaret Mc(ulley. Amanda Jane Simpson. Frances Belle Simpson. Edward C. Roberts. Harriet Roberts. Oliver E. Burns. Sarah Fine Pickle. Catherine Eblen. Emira Suddeth. Roscoe McCarroll. Keziah Jane Hatfield. Clayborn Lloyd. Josephine Morgan. Vestina Morgan. Charles Edward Scandlyn. Malinda C. Scandlyn. Robert Marion Day. Rivulet T. Murray. Scott W. Galbraith. Anna Storie Hogue. Martin B. Babcock. 'Mary May Wright. Maude Anna Wright. Nancy Jane Owens. Pernetta Ann Albertion. James L. Rector. Alice Jane Simms. Allen F. Simms. Lucy M. J. Frost. Mary E. Guffey. L. E. Guffey. Emma E. Jones. Polly A Davis. John Delk. John Norris. Total, O0,. 2. By POtURING. Margaret Logston. James Steward. Elizabeth Davidson. Mary E. Davidson. Jacob Wilson. Ann Jeannette Young. Elizabeth J. Campbell. Susan Walker. Amanda Lewallen. Amanda Richardson. Thursa Fowler. Harriet Rich. Martha Claiborne. Josephine Claiborne. Edith Jeff. Rachel Craig. Dicie Smith. Ellen Savage. Susan Pyle. Nancy McGinnis. Diadamia Taylor. Rebecca Pruitt. Susan Evans. Mariba Shelton. Amanda Smith. Sarah Dawson. Artemia Ray. Mary Ann Scarboro. Elizabeth Walden. William L. Gillentine. John R. Wright. Hiram R. Whittenberg. James I. Richard. Delphia Pyle. Elizabeth Pyle. Naira Pyle. Lavina Pyle. Martha Taylor. Amanda Taylor. Fannie L. Gaudin. 427 APPENDrIX. Annie Lewallen. Nancy M. Lewallen. Mary Ann Lewallen. Rachel Davidson. James W. Taylor. Thomas Reagan. Lucy Choate. Lodemia Choate. Drusilla Bowden. Susan Erwin. Orlena Young. Caroline Hull. Mary Jane Hull. Mary Ann Goodin. Martelia Owen. Lydia Beatty. Mitchell York. Sarah Ann York. James J. Pearcy. Luvernia Pearcy. Julia Ann Clarke. Balaam L. Stephens. Susan Tipton. Elizabeth Franklin. Sarah Franklin. Margaret Tipton. Nancy Jane Tipton. Lodemia Culver. Luvernia York. Jane Whitehead. John C. Greear. Zylpbia J. Kirklin. Zylphia Beatty. Sarah Ann Choate. Louisa Tipton. Susan Bowden. Mary Jane Beatty. Mary Hoover. Jane Smith (a mute). R. Dowell Peters. Tabitha C. Peters. Mary Franklin. Susan Franklin. Celia Jane Franklin. Mary Jane Williams. William York. Agnes Allred. Ellen York. John Albertson. Jane Albertson. Amanda Beaver. Henry Atkinson. Rachel Atkinson, Lucinda Atkinson. Joel Atkinson. Lucinda Eliott. Tempie Upchurch. W. D. Lowe. Barthenia Pearcy. John Mariday. Catherine Jane Young. Matthew M. Langley. Elizabeth Eastridge. Margaret D. Erwin. James F. Taylor. George H. Taylor. Andrew J. Taylor. David A. Taylor. James M. Galloway. Ann Eliza Galloway. Clara Flowers. Maria Langley. Minerva Langley. Mary Langley. Celia Ann Young. Abigail E. Young. J. C. Logston (before his exe- cution). Edith Morgan. Nancy Morgan. Tabitha Morgan. Mary Jane Ward. 428 APPENDIX. Winnie Ward. Viann Beatty. Mary Ann Beatty. Engletine Atkinson. Mary Ann Choate. Jiles Anderson. Elizabeth J. Morgan. Jasper Morgan. Millie Ann Davis. Luvina Jane Pearcy. Hiram Guffey. L. T. Guffey. Martha Ann Guffey. Matilda Jane Guffey. Sarah Jane Guffey. John H. P. Guffey. George M. Guffsy. Ephraim G. Guffey. Ephraim M. Guffey. Martha E. Guffey. John M. Walden. Delilah Savage. Margaret Jane Rains. Andrew Martin. Harrison MassingilL Martha Belle Davidson. Mary C. Patton. Catherine E. Fulton. Edley P. Galloway. Lucy Ann Galloway. Marion B. Culver. Lucinda Ellen Ketcherside. John C. Ketcherside. Rebecca Holloway. Amanda Holloway. Nancy Williams. Emily J. Vann. Talitha C. Vann. Louisa E. Vann. Calvin R. Vann. Emily C. Brown. Rhoda Ann Johnston. Charlotte A. Phillips. Julia Ann Guffey. Laura M. Crumble. Lewis J. Hall. Sarah Ann Hall. Sarah Jane Erwin. Nancy Potter. Barbara Jane Taylor. Emily Jane Dawn. Mary Ann Howard. Elizabeth Jane Holloway. Martin Neal. Rufus Jones. Patience Jones. Emeline Bolin. Mary S. York. Clarissa M. Shook. Sarah Cobb. William Lee. Elizabeth Lee. Rachel Elvira Lee. James Asbury Hale. Sarah Elizabeth Hale. Mary Jane Hale. Sarah Jane Hale. Rebecca E. Wyatt. Margaret Jane Tabor. Mary Loretta Tabor. Drusilla Hays. George W. Miller. William L. Miller. James C. Miller. John A. Burnett. Nancy Jane Webb. Sarah Wellington. Emma Wellington. Martha C. Lee. Margaret Davenport. Martha Brown. Flora Ann Miller. 429 APPENDIX. William E. Ashburn. Nancy Bond. Birdie Walker. Rhoda Ann Davidson. Joseph C. Vann. Teresa F. Nitzschke. Joseph E. Long. Dillia Catherine Scott. Sarah E. England. Nancy Hamby. Minerva Jones. Ruth C. Jones. Barbara Ellen Paul. Mary S. York. Tennie Ann Todd. Mary Rosa Nitzschke. Sarah Jane Crumble. Elvina Alexander. Mary Jane Paul. Catherine E. Galloway. Anna M. Galloway. Andrew J. Craig. Rufus L. Dawson. Clarinda Kidd. Elvira Malinda Kidd. Mary Lucinda Fletcher. James H. Berry. Sarah Berry. John W. Guffey. Lucinda C. Guffey. Miles Beach, Elizabeth Ann Rigney. Rebecca P. Crabtree. William L. Rigney. Stokely R. Crabtree. Kanas America Rains. John Marion Rains. General Sherman Rains. Carter D. Dalton. Moses Upchurch. John Dishman. Mary Dishman. Margaret Wright. Balsam Pearcy. Bayless Pearcy. Clarinda Pearcy. Tranquilla Pearcy. Mary Pearcy. Sherrod Pearcy. Ambrose Pearcy. America Pearcy. William Champ Pearcy. Thomas Millsaps. Matilda Viann Milisaps. James B. Dishman. Elizabeth Wright. Sarah C. Carter. Jane Stockton. Nancy Elizabeth Todd. John Henry Tinch. Martha Jane Wood. David Sherman Bowden. Spencer A. Bowden. Shadrick Beatty. Pharisina E. Beatty. Moses lUpchurch. Benjamin H. Albertson. Emeline Chaney. Martha C. Ketcherside. Pharisina M. Enos. P. Clementine Enos. Charlotte Isabelle Enos. Mary Jane Moore. Pernetta Guffey. Anna C. Lewallen. Julia Ann McCoy. Lydia Frances Holder. J. Wiley Peters. Zachariah T. Scott. Mary Scott. David K. Eastridge. Rebecca Ann Jones. 430 APPENDIX. I. F. Human. Missouri Patience Chaney. William Catlett Hurt. Sarah Young. Margaret E. Ketcherside. Robert Miller. Caldonia Landrum. James W. Johnson. James W. Langley. Margaret E. Langley. Lucretia P. Jones. Mary C. Spurlin. Nancy Jane Spurlin. Isabel Paul. Nancy Jane Paul. Margaret Paul. Martha Lee Floyd. Susan Tennie Lingo. Mary Jane Phillips. George W. Day. Josephine Isham. Rowena Poland. Henderson Robb. Nancy Ann Robb. Nancy Ann Able. Mollie Alice Able. Lillie Belle Henderson. Minerva Kirkland. Lillie Thompson. Thomas Smith. Thomas Millsaps. Miranda Millsaps. Susan Harriet Millsaps. Martin Millsaps. Ferrell J. Pickle. Vernia Pickle. Mary Ann Pickle. William E. Pickle. James Rufus Pickle. Mattie Pickle. John L. Pickle. Callie Hutson. Mary J. Williams. Isaac Barnum Babb. John C. Martin. Lizzie Ferguson. Susan Martin. Sallie Frazier. Laura Stephens. Elizabeth R. Clifton. Martha E. Thomas. Winifred Young. Sarah Lorinda Sherwood. Lizzie Goddard. Sarah Caroline Lyle. William Green McCarroll. Susan McCarroll. Charles Isham. Lillie Brown. Robert Israel Eblen. Eliza E. Delozier. Minerva Suddetb. Franklin K. Suddeth. Mary Bain. Gilford Delozier. George H. Delozier. Ellen Staples. Nancy Jane Capp. Sarah Ellen Claiborne. Nancy Ann Hinds. Sarepta Taylor. Keziah Chitwood. Martha Stanfield. Thomas F. Russell. William A. Todd. James M. Sheppard. Rebecca Young. Louisa Lewallen. Lucinda Young. Elizabeth Young. Lurania Lewallen. Icia Hawn. 431 APPENDIX. Lucinda Young. Eddie Landrum. John H. Lewallen. Mary Jane Lewallen. Salina Young. Ella Lawrence Chitwood. Martha Florence Chitwood. Alsie Rhoanna Dyden. Anna Sarepta Dyden. Lodusky Griffey. Joseph F. Davis. Tempie Guffey. Rachel Elizabeth Davis. Nora Carter. Sarah Belle Lane. Maggie McCoy. Lizzie Jones. Esther Hughes. Catherine Green. Nancy Lizzie Morgan. Dora Calfernia Saffles. Levi Morgan. Sallie Grant. Nancy E. Hoskins. Ella Legg. Fatina Legg. Margaret Isabel Duncan. Margaret Jane Duncan. Jolly F. Duncan. Cordelia Mattie Duncan. Jacob L. Duncan. George W. Duncan. Lewis Patterson. George Hungerford. Mary E. Hambree. Wiley M. Barger. Mollie Peake. William Louden. Martha E. Lewallen. Lydia Landrum. Clara Ann Hammond. Hattie Jones. Ollie Ann Galloway. N. C. Galloway. Callie Patching. Harry Hammond. Luvernia Young. Laura Bertha Kemper. James Solomon Young. Pearl Coventry. Vandora Todd. Mary Ellen Wright. Littleton Williams. Edia Belle Rains. Florida Rains. Laura Mullinax. Mary A. Mullinax. Charles M. Hall. Beththerie Huddleston. George Franklin Brown. Sarah Jane Alexander. Minnie Alexander. Mary M. Alexander. Matilda Young. Nancy Wayne Atkinson. John L. Rosenbaum. James Alvin Ramsey. William J. Young. Gractina Todd. Warren E. Taylor. Lydia M. Ward. Laura A. Owens. Eliza E. Owens. John W. Owens. Clara Belle Owens. Mary Jane Morris. Sarah J. Lewallen. Thomas A. Brown. Amanda L. Overstreet. Henry Hall. Thomas Stepp. Isaac Crabtree. 432 APPENDIX. William S. Norris. Louisa Norris. Thomas M. Newberry. William Pearcy. Rachel Pearcy. Bailey 0. Bowden. Ann S. Hogue. Delvina Greear. Caroline Greear. Matilda Jane Cooper. James Clarke. Archibald J. McCoy. James H. Lane. Nancy Jane Lane. T. C. Clarke. Letetia E. Clarke. Nancy E. Clarke. Matilda Clarke. Desonia Clarke. Sarah M. Guffey. Esther L. Kennedy. Sallie Ann Choate. Hattie Smith. Eli Hinds. Alvin King. Total, 468. 3. INFANT BAPTISMS. JohnG. Jennings, Miriam M. M. Jennings. James Alvin Crouch. John Wesley Crouch. Milly Ann Kidd. Robert Story. Rebecca V. Richardson. Margaret J. Walker. Sarah E. Walker. Celia Ann Clark. Elizabeth Brown. William W. Sheppard. James M. Sheppard. Nimrod E. Sheppard. Jemimah J. Sheppard. James B. Frogge. Pharisina Lewallen. Mary S. York. Rebecca A. Richardson. Mary E. Richardson. John F. Richardhon. William H. Richardson. Thomas Owen. Arminda Jane Smith. Martha Ann Savage. Deborah V. McGinnis. James C. McGinnis. Rebecca Lean Crouch. George L. D. Carpenter. Luvica Ward Frogge. Mary Etta Koger. Martha Ellen Koger. Nancy Ann Koger. Sarah Wilburn Savage. Sidonia Savage. James Robert Smith. George Amos Smith. Mary Elizabeth Owen. Wesley C. Peters. Mary Catharine Allred. William A. Allred. Martha R. A. Allred. Pleasant Byron Allred. John William York. Hamilton Tipton. James C. Stephens. Cvntbia J. W. Lewallen. John G. Lewallen. Malinda Young. Latin W. Young. 28 433 APPENDIX. William H. Young. John G. Young. Arnold W. Young. Mary F. Jones. William Jones. Sarah Jane Jones. Julia Ann Jones. Rhoda Ann Smith. Wesley Iredel Peters. William R. Peters. Emma P. Peters. Lydia E. Scott. Nebraska McCart. Nancy Jane Peters. Worcester 0. Peters. Nancy Jane Davis. Nancy M. York. Mary E. York. Andrew M. York. James Absalom York. Absalom B. W. Eastridge. James M. W. Goddard. Victory McCart. William Wright McCoy. Alice McCart. Minerva Alice McCart. James Preston McCart. Elizabeth Langley. Emily Langley. George W. Langley. Celestia Victory Peters. Mary Malone Davidson. Absalom B. W. Young. Meno Rhufina Young. Lucinda Malvina Lewallen. William A. Williams. John William Lewallen. Matilda Helen Dail. Henry Grant Dail. Mary Ellen Dail. Martha Florence Dail. Rufus M. Dail. Greer Johnson Skaggs. Christopher Beatty. Putman Beatty. Hiser Beatty. James Melvin Paul. Elizabeth Butram. Nancy Jane Catron. Delitha L. A. J. York. Matilda E. Guffey. Mary Jane Martin. Serenia E. Martin. Martha E. Massingill. Samuel Walker Paul. Mitchell Whittenburg. Pearson Whittenburg. Edmondson Whittenburg. Elizabeth Whittenburg. Joseannes Davidson. Mary Ida Davidson. Martha I. Davidson. William Massingill. Mack Massingill. Martin Van Buren Gufley. Fannie Jane Savage. John Wesley Galloway. Absalom B. Peters. Rachel Annis Peters. Josephine C. Young. Anna C. Lewalien. Absalom F. Lewallen. Elisca Orlenia Dail. Mary J. E Farmer. Nancy Hannah Perdieu. Joseph E. Ketcherside. Jessie L. Ketcherside. Sarah Ellen Cochram. Franklin Perry Galloway. John Boyd Peters. James Arlo Peters. Elustus A. Washington. 434 APPIRNDIX. William D. Eastridge. William F. Atkinson. Dailey Wesley Atkinson. James R. McCart. Sarah Jane Todd. Engle Todd. Josephine Todd. Lawrence E. Roberts. Julius G. Miller. Lewis H. Mosier. Joseph W. Wardell. Charlotte E. Davis. Miles Taylor Paul. James Franklin Young. Minnie Belle Peters. Robert K. Peters. William Ryley Hull. Henry Latin Galloway. Artemecia Galloway. Lewis Willie Nitzschke. Sarah Agnes Bales. Charles Husky. Allie Davis Perdien. William E. Perdieu. Charles G. Shaver. William B. Atkinson. Keziah V. V. Atkinson. Haywood B. Carter. Wilburn C. Carter. Maritta Belle Hughes. Celia E. Upchurch. Florence M. Goff. Anna E. Stonecipher. Samuel G. Young. Hollis 0. Lewallen. Thomas W. York. Granville L. Young. Henry F. Davidson. Susan F. Davidson. Elizabeth Belle Dawn, James P. Atkinson. Polly M. Butram. Susan L. West. C. D. West. Leo Upchurch. George W. Upchurch. Luvernia N. Williams. William A. Butram. John M. Butram. Isaac A. Franklin. George G. Franklin. Lemuel D. Franklin. John M. Franklin. Wheeler W. Johnson. John W. Atkinson. Mary A. Beach. John H. Paul. William D. Lee. Cora E. Lee. Joseph S. Rains. Charles C. Rains. Cyril W. Rains. Mary I. Greear. Susan Jane Butram. Cyril Scott. Joseph Kelly Stockton. Rutheriord Hays Peters. Julia Florence Scott. Orlena Ollie Albertson. Rosetta Jane Albertson. Nancy E. Albertson. Hillary S. Young. Lucy Jane Stonecipher. Orlando H. Lewallen. Calvin Kingsley Lewallen. John Landen Johnston. Ruha Isabel Peters. Gilbert Kingsley Beach. William Haskell Shaver. Rebecca F. Shaver. Theodore Barden Young. Alice Victoria Young. 435 APPENDIX. Dwight L. Tipton. Lelor Dell Tipton. Willie C. Sloan. George W. Paul. James A. Paul. Permelia A. Paul. Andrew F. Paul. Timothy D. Paul. Frances M. Paul. Lauressa Etta Peters. Lusetta L. Goff. Lewis S. Atkinson. Henry S. Stockton. George L. C. Stockton. Ida Willard Beach. Alonzo H. Lewallen. Jessie Howard. Abraham Lee Buxton. Sarah Loretta Howard. Minnie Belle Davidson. Florence Belle Albertson. Stanley Matthews. Augusta Matthews. Timothy C. Young. Jennie E. Justice. Bessie A. McCart, Mary V. Shannon. Rebecca Belle Shannon. Hezekiab Shannon. Charles Oliver McCart. George Houk Buxton. Maggie Ann Perdieu. William Charles Barnett. Eddie L. Paul. William Asbury Peters. Ida Maloney Peters. Margaret Ann McCart. Maggie C. McCoy. Nathaniel G. M. McCoy. Leroy Honk Shannon. Eugene X Ketcherside. William H. Young. Henry Latin Young. Bernetta Ann Young. Zachariah McCart. Minnie Belle McCart. Hattie V. Kington. James M. Stockwell. Victoria Alice Paul. Jennie June Bullard. Callie Isham. Frank Allen Young. Victoria Isham. Mary Amanda Stockton. Emma Cordelia Beach. Cynthia E. Jones. James Goddard. Harvey Goddard. Joan M. Crow. Maud E. A. Crow. Laura Jackson Crow. Willie Larkin Crow. Lewis H. Suddeth. Mary Suddeth. Willie F. Suddetb. Hilton Burk Millsaps. Nannie J. Millsaps. Ida May Millsaps. Robert L. Millsaps. Marcus D. Millsaps. John Carpenter. Martha C. Burns. Timothy V. H. Peters. Elizabeth Young. Nancy E. Kington. Nancy E. Dyden. Martha R. Dyden. John A. Dyden. Jacob Noah Dyden. Jessie S. Hamby. Jacob A. Rogers. James N. Rogers. 436 APPENDIX. George D. Rogers. Minerva L. Rogers. Clarke E. W. Peters. Robert Duncan. Cynthia Duncan. Widdie Duncan. Louisa Duncan. Jasper Newton Duncan. Michael Duncan. Henry Duncan. Dock Duncan. Mary Duncan. Isaac Duncan. Arthur Logan Duncan. Nancy Jane Duncan. Cassie Duncan. Sarah E. Duncan. Andrew Duncan. Carrie Ann Duncan. Jolly Monroe Duncan. Alfred Duncan. Eddie Duncan. John Smith. Tollis N. Jones. Hallie May Jones. Sallie Myrtle Jones. Debbie Ray Galloway. Nancy E. Galloway. Total, 352. Lousianna I. Galloway. Cordelia J. Galloway. George T. Galloway. Minnie G. Young. Louie Crozier. Sarah S. Waddell. Benton A. G. Stockton. Doshea A. Stockton. Richard T. Stretmatter. Winnifred Stretmatter. Andrew Stretmatter. Winchester C. Stretmatter. Deborah May Peters. Ralph F. Galloway. Ermine P. Galloway. George L. Birch. John W. Watts. Winnie A. Watts. Grace A. Heaps. James P. White. Archibald White. Virgil White. Adam P. White. Jennie S. Hamby. William E. Cobble. James Roy Young. Arbanna Young. Lenora Younsg. Grand total, 1,323. 437 APPENDIX. II. FUNERALS. Mary Jennings. Thomas Huckaby. Mary Sandusky. Franklin Pruitt. Thomas Brown. Larkin Brown. Mary Sanders. Elizabeth Gentry. Abraham Brown. Joseph Grimes. Joseph Millsaps. Cynthia Rains. William Huckaby. Barbara Paul. Elizabeth Dishman. Jeremiah Nicholas. William Crouch. John Rich. Sarah Ann M. Harris. Elizabeth Moles. John Vann Hoosier. Nancy Hoosier. Margaret L. Jackson. Allen Beatty. Martha Savage. Rachel Helm. Frances M. Butram. John Buck. Permelia Craig. Alexander Hays. Elizabeth Hays. Isham Simpson. Ransom Smith. Hannah Hays. Elizabeth Whittenburg. Uriah Range. Sylvester Hicks. E. ADULTS. Charles Hick. Catharine Hurt. Nancy Solomon. Thomas Pyle. Leo. Upchurch. Moses Upchurch. Catherine Upchurch. Tabitha Horton. Alfred Helm. Robert McGee. Mariah Miller. Elizabeth Smith. Elijah Brummet. James M. Coyle. Isaiah Wright. Mary S. Ellis. John Pruitt. Lavina Mace. George Y. Carpenter. Clarinda Dalton. Brient Smith. Granville Smith. Nancy Crabtree. Jane Savage. Moses Dishman. Millie Dishman. Celia Ann Bridewell. Robert Whitehead. Robert S. Evans. Isaac Scarboro. Alexander Hays. Isabel Frances Dawson. Lydia Ward. Richard Ward. Mahala Hatfield. John Halbert. Stephen Halbert. 438 APPENDIX. Mary Young. Robert Wilson. Henry G. Wilson. Miles Privitt. Anna Atkinson. Lucinda G. Atkinson. Thomas Riley. Millie Ann Riley. John M. Smith. Joseph M. Perdieu. Henry Perdieu. George W. Robbins. Henrietta P. Simmerman. Leanders J. Peters. Nancy Cowan. Granville G. Beatty. Pleasant W. Beatty. Jeremiah Polson. Jeremiah Coile. George Huckaby. Jessie Robertson. Solomon Albertson. James Coulter. Joseph Coulter. (. W. Upchureb. James Craig. Jane Craig. Missouri Clarke. Walter Davis. Rhoda Davis. Mark Pearcy. Esquire Buck. Vincent Coleman. Fannie Coleman. Andrew B. Hull. Morgan H. Hull. John A. Beatty. Thomas Beatty. Green Beatty. William Beatty. Elizabeth Jennings. Rebecca Davis. Minerva Slavy. Elizabeth Jennings. James Patterson Walker. Margaret Walker. William II. Brooks. Consider Carpenter. Elizabeth Owen. Constant Guffey. Rev. John M. Guffey. David M. Cowan. Rebecca Jane Bond. Louisa Jane Zachery. Samuel R. Littrell. Lucy Galloway. Catherine Galloway. William Flowers. Sarah Beatty. Philip H. Beatty. Catherine Rich. Evaline Singleton. Nancy York. Lucy Ann York. Avey York. Rebecca Holloway. Luvica G. Hamby. Albert G. Morgan. Martha Todd. Jennette Evans. Sarah Catron. George Miller. Elam Huddleston. Calvin Logston (just before execution). Michael Brown. R. J. Jones. Amanda Jane Eastridge. Nancy E. Peters. John E. Kannatsier. William H. McGee. Nancy Wright. 439 APPENDIX. Mary Ann Polson. Elizabeth J. Morgan. Sarah Pearcy. Frances Pearcy. Thomas Souder. Sarah Ann McGhee. Elizabeth Beard. Uphama Hays. James Hays. James Bookout. Christina Ridenour. Jefferson Ridenour. Robert Ridenour. Malitha C. Frogge. Malissa Jane Asbury. Julia Ellen Threat. Alice Eliza Wheaton. Timothy C. Vann. Rev. Andrew Lewallen. Sarah W. Gould. Johnson Jones. Mary Davis. Rebecca Wilson. John W. Simms. Sarah Simms. Lucy Grogan. Hannah E. McCoy. Mary B. Dail. Thomas Crabtree. Jessie L. McKeathan. Martha Ann Davidson. Elijah Cross. Barbara Erwin. Samuel Taylor. Catlett G. Fairchilds. Frances Hull. William Cooke. Jane Cooke. Zebah Wright. Sarah Duncan. Mary Miller. A. M. Allen. Lucinda Hatfield. Caleb Harmon. Uphama Harmon. Elizabeth Jane Koger. Austin Wilson. William Wilson. Mary Ann West. Sarah Ann Hale. Sarah Crabtree. Barnett Dawn. Anna Young. Mary S. Goff. Rebecca Evans. Delphia Williams. Mary Jane Howard. Vashtina Upchurch. Sarah Adaline Allen. Elizabeth Jane Guffey. Creacy M. Allen. George W. Upchurch. Nancy Guffey. Joseph McCoy. Rhoda York. Millie Lewallen. Susan McCormick. Nancy C. McCormick. Nancy Holloway. Sarah Cobb. Martha Hurt. Jonathan S. Bowden. Landon C. H. Bowden. John T. W. Upchurch. Mary Savage. Ellen Savage. James Edward Rich. James King. Anna Jennings. James Choate. Ephraim M. Guffey. Lucy Choate. 440 APPENDIX. Michael Hale. Henry L. Beatty. Emsley Butram. Elizabeth Butram. Rebecca Guinn. Timothy A. West. Jane Polston. Robert W. Holding. Rev. Calvin R. Vann. Martha Belle Pyle. Clarissa Tennessee Hicks. Elizabeth Lane. Charles Lane. William Lane. Michael D. Upchurch. Elizabeth Hancock. Charles Dabney. Amanda L. Stewart. Mary M. Polson. Bodicia Johnson. Rebecca Johnson. John Alvin Johnson. Mary Ann Jones. Dorcas Hatfield. Thomas R. Turner. Jessie Kennedy. Sarah C. Buck. Lavinia Ridenour. Absalom C. Guffey. Jefferson York. Artemia Wilson. William Perdieu. William Brown. Mary Jones. Emma Bowden. Elijah York. Elizabeth Lavender. Noah Buck. Sarah Jane Crouch. Mary Ann Choate. Samuel Cobb. Rhoda A. Griffey. Rachel Rutledge. Anna Young. Julia G. Sargent. Elizabeth Guffey. Benjamin H. Albertson. Elizabeth Peters. Francis M. Goddard. Robert Davis. Sarah Davis. Sarah Price. Ruth Duncan. Craven Duncan. Aaron Grindle. Salina D. Todd. Luvica F. Peak. Sarah E. Russell. John Eblen Bailey. Ann Jane Summers. Michael Millsap. Mary Ann Brown. James Young. John Range. Sallie Jennings. Braxton Lane. Christina Love. Tennessee McCart. Vardamin Bird. Elizabeth Bird. Dolly Hungerford. Elizabeth Morgan. Belle Peake. Abigail Young. Letitia Strange. William J. Kellin. Cordelia Hungerford. Jeremiah Wright. Nancy A. Davidson. Margaret Langley. Sarah Bishop. Martha Potter. 441 APPENDIX. Charlotte J. Russell. Nancy Jane Duncan. Mary Ann Jones. Michael M. Duncan. Elizabeth F. Crabtree. Louisiana Galloway. Elisha Cheney. Epsie Bird. George Hungerford. Mary B. Wright. John Coile. Catherine J. Alexander. Sarah Ann Alexander. Rev. Charles E. Atkinson. William T. Atkinson. Levi Morgan. Levi Branstetter. Rebecca D. Birch. Thomas Wright. Catherine Davis. Oliver P. Cooper. Mary Ann Wright. Mary Ann Bain. John Brown. Susan Carpenter. Gilford Delozier. Doctor Kemp. Margaret Duncan. Elizabeth Bunch. Susan Beatty. Ailey S. Beatty. Francis Smith. Sarah Beatty. Emeline Smith. David F. Hall. Amanda E. Hall. Viann Stephens. Nancy P. Hall. Mary R. Lyle. Catherine C. Cochran. Matilda J. Choate. Celia Jane Clark. William Guffey. James Hicks. Mary Malinda Taylor. Rev. Michaiel M. Shaver. Mary E. Smith. Texas S. Lavender. Samantha E. Justice. Tennessee Louisa Beatty. Aggie Goddard. Total, 389. 2. F-N-ERAiS OF INFANTS. Jasper Huckaby. Barsha Huckaby. John Pruitt. Hannah Pruitt. Mary Westmoreland. James M. Edwards. - Crabtree. - Crabtree. Dorothy Crabtree. Mary Lewallen. Emma Lewallen. Nancy Jane Fowler. -Fowler. Nancy Price. Mary Jane Jackson. John Grimaley Jackson. Lucinda E. Helm. Matilda Jane Helm. Benjamin Neal. Shelby Neal. James F. Crabtree. - Crabtree. - Crabtree. - Craig. 442 APPENDIX. - Craig. -Craig. Marcillo Whittenburg. James Rains. Martha Ellen Hurt. Andrew F. Smith. - Smith. Sarah Jane Jennings. Bolin E. R. Jennings. John S. Smith. Abel Miller. Edith Miller. George W. Riggs. - Riggs. - Coil. Lincoln L. Braswell. Belzuria E. Brown. Cordelia Whittenburg. Epsy Ellen Dishman. - Dishman. - Dishman. - Dishman. - Dishman. Malinda Smith. Nancy Jane Boiter. Dorcas Ann Dawson. Rebecca R. Young. Eli Marion Young. John G. Smith. Pleasant A. Polson. Mary C. Pruitt. James E. Pruitt. Elvira Pruitt. John H. Pruitt. Moses W. Matthews. Mary Alice Johnson. Elisha M. Mosier. Lucinda Jane Mosier. Nancy Ann Mosier. John G. Lewallen. Rhoda E. Lewallen. Sherrod Brewster. Pheriba E. Brewster. - Clarke. Clarke. James B. Franklin. Pleasant B. Allred. Latin R. York. George W. York. Rachel Freely York. Mary Belle Coulter. Mary E. Guffey. Pheriba E. Dowdy. William R. Dowdy. Mary Jane Galloway. William B. Galloway. Mary M. Branstetter. John Allen. Adeline Allen. Sarah E. Morgan. William G. Morgan. Margaret A. Morgan. Epsie M. Morgan. Mary Jane Morgan. Albert G. Morgan. Benjamin T. Young. Julia Ann Hicks. James A. Hicks. Elizabeth Ann Mosier. Sarah E. A. Alexander. Malvina Evans. Mary Frances Evans. Ervinia Catron. John Matthews. Lou Ann Pyle. Mary Jane Pyle. John B. Pyle. - Peters. Susan M. Hurt. Russel Hurt. Sarah Jane Stinson. John M. Buttram. 443 APPENDIX. James W. Catron. William F. Atkinson. - Threat. Elizabeth H. Jones. - Simms. Nancy L. Galloway. Martha Jane Matthews. Susan C. Crabtree. Manson Crabtree. Eliza Jane R. Crabtree. Thomas P. Crabtree. George W. Crabtree. Jessie W. McEKeathan. John Mann Young. Martha Jane Jones. Frances Jones. William F. Atkinson. Sarah Ann Taylor. George W. Hays. Nancy Jane Wilson. Willie Cross. Catherine E. Todd. William M. Todd. Engle Todd. Margaret Ann South. General H. West. Mary E. C. Bond. Ulysses Grant Felkins. Lewis B. Mosier. Josie Annis Davidson. John Henry Howard. Henderson Upchurch. Delilah E. J. Upchurch. Benjamin York. Henry W. Lewallen. Henry 0. Jones. Jacob Bowden. David Graham Lewis. Robert Ward. - Beatty. Choate. John Wright Hale. Louisa Jane Alexander. Virginia Holding. Tennessee Holding. Alonzo V. Hull. Smith Hoover. Thomas Hancock. Mary A. Hancock. John P. Polson. - Steward. Rosie Lee Franklin. Anna E. Stonecipher. Flora M. Young. Eugene C. Whitney. Martha Jane Jones. Florence Jones. Indiana Jones. Flora Jones. Tennessee E. Jack. Bertha May Guffey. William Ferrill. Thomas M. Clarke. John Mann Paul. Nancy A. Brown. Fannie L. Lavender. John Wright McCart. Freddie C. Paul. Viola McCart. Robert Tupman. Emmett McCart. Esau Peake. Samuel M. Bailey. Media I. Millsaps. Callie E. Lane. Minnie E. Kinsen. Josie M. A. Kinsen. Samuel D. Scott. Franklin Underwood. Joe Franklin Tupman. Myrtie E. Jones. Young H. Staples. 444 APPEND)IX. John Hurt. Arthur C. Peters. Mary Jane Hambright. Armond C. Peters. Freddie Suddeth. Leo Allen Neal. Lula Underwood. William A Bullard. Margaret J. Dishman. Parisinna Lewallen. Rosie Jane Russell. Jane Beatty. Evia Dudley. Monnt. H. Lewallen. Leroy A. Ward. - Rains. James Spurlin. Mary J. Johnson. Delilah Jane Staples. John S. Tracy. Susan A. Tupman. Mary E. Wright. Maude Mitchell. Martha Ann Wright. Solomon Jones. Benjamin Wright. Lucinda C. Jones. Wright. Lloyd H. Staples. Nancy A. Clarke. Lacy. Samuel G. W. Clarke. Mattie L. Peters. Arie C. Smith. Total, 222. Grand total, 611. Those whose first names are not given were unnamed infants. I. MARRIAGES. James West Thomas Kempton Sampson Pruitt James H. Story John R. Morgan William Stinson Benjamin S. Barton Jasper J. Campbell Rev. Willet G. Sherman Julius Johnson John Carpenter Jesse L. Robinson Rev. T. C. Peters George Catron Archibald Penicuff John C. Bookout Moore Medlock Thomas Riley to Sarah Slagle. to Malissa Crabtree. to Malinda Smith. to Rebecca Pevyhouse. to Elvira M. Crouch. to Rhoda Ann Sloan. to Margaret Evans. to Lucinda J. Carpenter. to Fannie Latham. to Luvernia Crouch. to Peninah J. Wright. to Nancy Young. to Rebecca B. Frogge to Lean Kannatsier. to Mahala Westmoreland. to Maria E. Witt. to Harriet Riley. to Millie Ann Smith. 445 APPENDIX. Rev. B. L. Stephens Joshua F. Wright James Campbell William Hurt Robert P. Garred Thomas Hays Isaac D. Campbell John R. Wright William Looper David Greear George W. Ward Alexander Williams Elias T. Bond David Butram Wilson Dewett Franklin D. Hull Alfred Lawson E. J. Price John E. Savage George S. Kington McKager York A. B. Williams John C. Barger Ellis H. Crouch Rev. J. H. Carter Rev. William S. Hill Dan C. Young James W. Peters G. W. Crouch James C. Butram Wright Meroney J. S. Stonecipher Reuben B. Lee William Key James F. Paul Miles Beach John Taylor Alfred Markum B. R. Stockton Mark Jennings James L. Williams to Sarah Moredock. to Z. Angeline Price. to Martha Richardson. to Serinia C. Dishman. to Sarah Ann Allen to Margaret Pevyhouse. to Martha E. Cullom. to Emeline Westmoreland. to Mary E. Kidd. to Malissa M. Jennings. to Eliza Bookout. to Loretta Kidd. to Rebecca Cowan. to Amanda Gray. to Alsie Gilreath. to Catherine Galloway. to Eliza Ann Smith. to Celestia C. Springer. to Nancy C. Reese. to Elizabeth C. Gould. to Sarah J. Smith. to Mary Jane Littrell. to Mahala Stonecipher. to Ruth Luster. to Sarati E. Dawson. to Selenia Brown. to Hannah N. Galloway. to Elizabeth Eastridge. to Millie Ann Dishman. to Sarah Franklin. to Elizabeth Duncan. to Nancy M. Lewallen. to Nancy Ann Crofts. to Eliza Jane Baldwin. to Anna Woolsey. to Sarah Jane Paul. to Martha Delk. to Malissa Jennings. t Palina Shillings. to Catherine Wright. to Matilda J. Kannatsier. 446 APPENDIX. Lewis Lovelace John C. Abbott General Manson Guffey Bartholomew Lee W. A. Houfland Rev. J. V. Brown John E. Fulton James F. Paul S. V. Bowden J. J. Clinch Rev. A. C. Peters James T. Goff John E. Hooper Elisha Wright Calvin R. Baird William J. Roberts Phelbert Jennings George J. Smith Henry Tracy Samuel F. Hanson G. S. Dudley James T. Guthrie William A. Overstreet Joseph Lewallen William C. Overstreet Thomas A. Brown Samuel G. Young. to Matilda Cupaheffer. to Amanda Brown. to Nancy C. Carpenter. to Sarah Mullinax. to Mary Jane Ray. to Abigail Williams. to Frances D. Brown. to Malissa Kannatsier. to Clara I. Lacy. to Mary C. Neal. to Peninah C. Allred. to Luvernia Kannatsier. to Roenia Swift. to Mary Ann Jones. to Etta C. McCart. to Florence Fordham. to Mary Walker. to Nannie Abel. to Hettie Jones. to Lillian Ellis. to Laura Mosier. to Rebecca Ann Jones. to Nancy Belle Jones. to Epsie J. Galloway. to Mahala Franklin. to .M. C. Paul. to Bertie Peters. Total, 87 couples. 447

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