BIO: Erastus Smith, Wyoming Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, PA & NY

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by 
Judy Banja & Denise Phillips

Copyright 2007.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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Chaffee, Amasa Franklin. History of the Wyoming 
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
New York: Eaton & Mains, 1904, pages 242-243.
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  SMITH, ERASTUS, was born in New York State, and was converted in May, 
1826.  He was sent out as a supply in 1831, and in 1832 joined the 
Oneida Conference, and became a member of Wyoming Conference at its 
organization.  After his superannuation he moved to Illinois, where he 
did considerable work as supply within the bounds of Rock River 
Conference.  He labored about fifteen years as Agent for the American 
Bible Society.  In the autumn of 1884, realizing that he was fast 
approaching the end of life, he adjusted his earthly affairs and 
removed to Normal, where, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. C. 
Hathaway, the golden wedding was celebrated.  Health rapidly declined 
until he passed away on February 27, 1885.
  On October 14, 1834, he married Miss Clarissa Landon, who survived 
him until December 26, 1889.  To them were born ten children, nine of 
whom survived the death of their parents.  Erastus is a minister in 
Nebraska.  Another son, Melvin C., is a member of Central Illinois 
Conference.  Mrs. Hathaway is superintendent of the State evangelical 
work of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.  Casa is a well-known 
evangelist in the East, while Libby was a successful evangelist in our 
midst.
  His pastoral record is as follows:  1832, Bethany and Honesdale; 
1833, Pittston; 1834, Canaan; 1835, Bridgewater; 1836, Nichols; 1837-
38, Vestal; 1839-40, Orwell; 1841-42, Brooklyn; 1843, Nichols; 1844-45, 
Barton; 1846-47, Northmoreland; 1848, Pittston; 1849, sy., and supply 
at Northmoreland; 1850-51, Springville; 1852-53, Beach Pond; 1854-55, 
Waymart; 1856-57, Newport; 1858-84, sd.