CHURCH: Wyoming Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, Chapter 8, PA & NY Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ________________________________________________ Chaffee, Amasa Franklin. History of the Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. New York: Eaton & Mains, 1904, pages 124-146. ________________________________________________ 124 WYOMING CONFERENCE CHAPTER VIII MATTERS IN GENERAL CONSTITUENT MEMBERS Arnold, C. V. Mulkey, J. Barker, A., sy. Nelson, R. Barter, S. S. Olmstead, D. C. Bartlett, P. Owen, E. Bibbins, E., sd. Paddock, Z. Blakeslee, G. H. Pearce, Marmaduke, sd. Breckinridge, E. W. Pearne, W. H. Bridgeman, P. G., sd. Peck, George Bronson, A. Peck, G. M. Brooks, A. Perkins, C. Brownscombe, H. Pitts, Levi Carrier, Marcus Porter, G. P. Chubbuck, F. S. Reed, Fitch Clarke, H. R. Rice, C. L. Cooper, J. B. Roberts, W. Coryell, V. M., sy. Rose, R. S. Davison, J. W. Round, William Dewitt, N. S. Rounds, Nelson Ellis, Benjamin, sy. Safford, J. D. Elwell, King Schoonmaker, A. H. Giddings, C. W. Shelp, William Gorham, B. W. Shepard, D. A. Grimes, J. M. Silsbee, William Harris, C. W., sd. Smith, E. Harvey, C. H. Snyder, J. M. Hewitt, J. W. Sperry, A. C. Illman, F. Taylor, C. E. Ingalls, R. Tenny, E. B. Johnson, Ahira, sd. Torry, D., sd. Judd, Gaylord, sd. Whitham, Joseph Kimberlin, John, sd. Wilbur, J. F. Lane, George, sd. Wilcox, T. Leach, G. W. Worden, P. S., sd. McDowall, O. M. Worthing, Jonathan, sd. Mead, A. P. Wyatt, William Morse. O. F. RECEIVED INTO FULL MEMBERSHIP FROM TRIAL 1852 1853 C. L. Rice W. Shelp A. Bronson M. Carrier J. F. Wilbur S. S. Barter J. W. Hewitt W. Roberts A. H. Schoonmaker A. P. Mead ADMISSIONS FROM TRIAL 125 1854 1859 J. H. Cargill N. W. Everett Joseph S. David Thomas Burgess Joseph Madison 1855 Henry Stanley W. B. Thomas S. E. Walworth 1860 J. K. Peck Ira T. Walker S. W. Weiss W. J. Judd Luther Peck Jacob Miller Davison Worrall Albert Brigham 1861 W. B. Kinney William Keatley A. W. Loomis David Personeus S S. Kennedy F. L. Hiller L. Cole R. Van Valkenburg 1862 H. T. Avery J. G. Eckman E. F. Roberts J. O. Woodruff T. D. Walker W. H. Gavitt George L. Griffin C. W. Todd 1856 1863 J. La Bar Gabriel Westfall Miner Swallow George P. Porter C. White Judson L. Legg A. F. Harding A. J. Van Cleft David Williams J. W. Munger 1864 Welcome Smith L. C. Floyd Stephen Elwell 1857 Jesse T. Crowell Joshua Lewis S. F. Wright Francis Spencer Taylor D. Swartz John Bradbury George Comfort E. Sibley Ira N. Pardee B. B. Emory C. W. Judd 1865 E. F. Roberts (readmitted) William P. Abbott J. J. Pierce (readmitted) William B. Westlake 1858 1866 Y. C. Smith Winfield S. Smyth T. J. W. Sullivan S. F. Brown G. A. Severson A. J. Arnold A. P. Aiken George C. Hart George R. Hair N. S. Reynolds I. P. Towner B. D. Sturdevant Philip Holbrook Henry Wheeler Silas Barner Julius A. Baldwin 126 WYOMING CONFERENCE 1867 1872 Isaac Austin J. B. Santee W. M. Hiller G. E. Hathaway J. D. Woodruff E. W. Caswell J. H. Weston A. S. Clarke S. T. Cramp J. H. Taylor J. C. Shelland 1868 Hu Po Mi George Greenfield H. H. Dresser 1873 J. C. Leacock N. J. Hawley Philip Krohn G. T. Price George Pritchett J. F. Warner G. M. Chamberlain J. R. Angell Richard Varcoe Edgar M. High 1874 John F. Williams 1869 Josiah R. Wagner Charles A. Ward P. M. Mott R. Hiorns J. B. Davis McKendree Shaw C. O. Hanmer C. D. Shepard L. A. Wild George Forsyth A. J. Cook H. G. Harned 1875 1870 H. C. McDermott F. A. King J. Hartwell A. G. Bartholomew S. W. Spencer J. Underwood G. C. Lyman J. L. Race S. C. Fulton M. D. Matoon J. H. Boyce S. W. Lindsley J. T. Burrall George W. Reynolds D. C. Barnes A. D. Alexander William J. Hill A. M. Colegrove P. Krohn (readmitted) 1876 M. Shaw (readmitted) S. Homan S. H. Wood 1871 Elijah Snell O. M. Martin L. L. Sprague H. M. Crydenwise H. B. Cook R. W. Van Schoick F. C. Gendall M. D. Fuller R. C. Gill P. R. Tower J. S. Southworth J. B. Sumner A. B. Richardson J. D. Bloodgood J. R. Allen J. N. Lee Ziba Evans J. A. Wood C. Fay Olmstead R. J. Kellogg George O. Beers A. W. Barrows George C. Andrews 1872 1877 S. J. Austin T. C. Roskelly C. S. Alexander G. M. Colville D. Larish ADMISSIONS FROM TRIAL 127 1877 1882 E. L. Bennett I. B. Wilson J. B. Chynoweth D. A. Sanford Stephen Jay L. B. Weeks B. P. Ripley J. G. Stevens 1883 F. A. Dony J. D. Belknap D. F. Waddell J. A. Transue W. C. Norris 1878 H. H. Wilbur A. W. Hood C. A. Benjamin E. L. Santee Cornelius Sweet 1884 George A. Place W. R. Turner A. W. Cooper J. C. Johnson C. H. Jewell G. C. Lewis W. R. Netherton C. H. Sackett E. C. Herdman C. H. Marsh T. F. Hall N. B. Ripley James Ryder A. F. Chaffee Abel Wrigley M. E. Bramhall 1885 J. A. Faulkner 1879 G. H. Prentice G. W. Leach (readmitted) I. N. Shipman O. L. Severson H. B. Johnson E. N. Sabin W. W. Smith P. Houck E. B. Olmstead H. G. Blair G. C. Jacobs J. F. Jones T. M. Furey O. H. McAnulty Simon Stevens 1886 Cyrus C. Lovejoy W. H. Stang E. Kilpatrick 1880 F. A. Chapman C. W. Todd (readmitted) C. B. Personeus C. H. Hayes E. R. D. Briggs 1887 F. H. Parsons C. W. Babcock W. Treible W. Frisby A. C. Olver S. D. Galpin W. Edgar M. R. Kerr D. D. King 1881 J. H. Littell J. B. Sweet R. M. Pascoe L. P. Howard T. R. Warnock C. M. Surdam D. G. Stevens 1888 F. P. Doty G. F. Ace A. Loomis W. H. Bailey Levi Jennison H. B. Benedict A. G. Bloomfield 1882 J. E. Bone G. A. Cure J. B. Cook E. A. Baldwin 128 WYOMING CONFERENCE 1888 1895 A. D. Decker C. Callendar W. H. Hiller A. D. David J. L. Thomas G. N. Underwood C. E. Sweet H. E. Wheeler F. N. Lowry 1889 F. G. Smith J. C. Hogan S. G. Snowden A. S. Holland S. A. Terry W. M. Shaw L. T. Van Campen E. H. Truesdell J. H. Worley H. Williston L. A. Wild (readmitted) 1890 1896 B. N. Butts J. Brundle Fred J. Jones F. D. Cornell L. W. Karschner C. M. Olmstead J. W. Nicholson L. D. Palmer A. Osborn A. C. Brackenbury S. C. Simpkins S. H. Flory G. B. Stone A. W. Noble C. C. Vrooman G. H. Northrup L. E. Sanford 1891 W. S. Wilcox I. C. Estes A. Schofield 1897 G. E. Van Woert S. E. Hunt H. A. Williams C. P. Tiffany Li Shao-wen A. O. Williams Thomas Eva M. L. Andariese George Jeffreys E. D. Cavanaugh Charles Smith J. S. Custard D. Evans 1892 C. B. Henry W. H. Alger D. L. McDonald W. H Blair E. A. Quimby E. H. Depuy W. A. Wagner E. S. Godshall H. A. Greene 1898 L. C. Murdock George M. Bell C. H. Newing Albert Clarke G. D. Fisher 1893 J. Humphries G. B. Wilder D. L McKellar J. S. Crompton D. L. Meeker J. W. Price T. J. Vaughn F. W. Young 1894 J. H. Worley E. L. Jeffrey C. H. Reynolds 1899 J. Benninger H. L. Elsworth G. H. H. Davis F. D. Hartsock C. Councilman E. E. Pearce T. B. Miller L. E. Van Hoesen A. J. Neff TRANSFERS 129 1899 1902 J. N. Bailey A. R. Burke R. L. Clark G. S. Connell J. W. Johnson E. N. Kline G. G. McChesney C. L. Lewis P. F. Mead W. H. Crawford E. B. Singer A. H. Whitaker M. V. Williams G. W. Crosby A. D. Finch 1900 E. McMillen Ira L. Bronson B. R. Hanton Harry Kelley N. A. Darling W. S. Adams E. Colwell 1903 Frank James J. R. Austin W. W. Watrous W. M. Bouton A. O. Austin C. H. Seward G. Gorisse A. E. Potter D. H. Gridley W. D. Lathrop William McAlpine 1901 J. N. Goodrich (from Protes- E. E. Barker tant Episcopal Church) E. A. Martin J. N. Meaker G. A. Warburton IN STUDIES OF SECOND YEAR - ADMITTED ON TRIAL IN 1902 W. R. McDermott T. Livingston J. M. Coleman G. L. Granger A. A. Callendar C. E. Waldron ADMITTED ON TRIAL IN 1902 S. L. Whiteman A. J. Chapman F. Lesh C. R. Vickery C. A. Frear J. L. Serviss F. F. Gibbs TRANSFERS Year From What Conference Name Year To What Conference Fitch Reed 1852 Oneida 1852 Oneida L. D. Tryon 1853 Vermont John A. Wood 1874 Northern New York 1853 Baltimore Washington W. Welsh 1857 Baltimore John J. Pearce 1864 E. R. Keys 1865 New York 1865 Oneida D. W. Bristol 1872 Central New York 1865 New York Luther W. Peck 1865 New York D. D. Lindsley W. H. Pearne 1867 Tennessee W. P. Abbott 1865 Troy G. P. Porter 1868 Genesee 1869 Illinois H. G. Harned (on trial) 1869 Central New York W. H. Olin 1869 Cent. Pennsylvania Thomas M. Reese 1872 Cent. Pennsylvania 1869 Rock River William N. Cooley W. S. Smyth 1870 Central New York L. V. Ismond 1870 Missouri G. M. Mead 1871 Central New York Philip Krohn 1872 Cent. Pennsylvania 1881 East Maine George Forsyth 1872 East Maine 1873 Upper Iowa W. L. Thorpe 1873 Cincinnati D. Copeland John Pilkington 1873 New York East 1874 Cent. Pennsylvania Philip Krohn 1876 Troy A. H. Wyatt 1874 Erie A. C. Bowdish 1874 New York East McKendree Shaw 1874 Central New York Thomas S. Abrahams 1874 North Carolina 1875 Central New York W. S. Wentz 1875 West Wisconsin J. C. Brainerd 1882 Illinois I. B. Hyde 1875 Central New York 1876 Baltimore H. A. Cleveland 1876 New England I. N. Pardee 1876 Nebraska 1877 Wilmington Joseph E. Smith 1883 West Virginia 1877 Troy W. H. H. Smith 1877 Oneida C. G. Wood 1883 Illinois 1879 New Hampshire O. W. Scott 1886 New Eng. Southern H. Wheeler 1879 Philadelphia A. S. Clark 1879 Troy 1881 Northern N. Y. D. Williams 1879 Northern New York A. C. Bartholomew 1879 Nebraska 1880 Northern N. Y. A. L. Smalley 1880 Wilmington T. B. Killiam D. F. Waddell 1889 Wilmington George R. Hair 1880 Minnesota George Comfort 1880 Montana 1881 Liberia R. J. Kellogg 1886 New Eng. Southern C. C. Lovejoy 1881 Rock River 1882 Illinois G. W. Miller 1889 Minnesota O. M. Martin 1882 St. Louis 1883 West Virginia C. P. Masden 1883 St. Louis 1883 Baltimore L. C. Muller 1886 Newark 1883 Detroit D. S. Spencer (on trial) 1885 Japan 1884 Virginia T. M. Furey (on trial) 1884 Colorado J. O. Spencer (on trial) 1885 Japan 1885 New Hampshire N. M. Bailey 1886 New Hampshire E. W. Caswell 1885 Oregon 1886 Central New York M. S. Hard 1886 Philadelphia M. A. Richards 1886 Newark A. H. Tuttle 1889 Baltimore 1886 Newark J. E. Price 1890 New York 1886 New Eng. Southern W. H. Turkington 1888 New Hampshire I. T. Walker 1886 Lexington 1886 New Hampshire O. P. Wright 1892 St. Louis M. E. Bramhall 1886 South Kansas 1887 North Indiana I. J. Smith J. B. Chynoweth 1887 California C. H. Marsh 1887 Iowa Simon Stephens 1887 New York George Comfort 1888 Montana H. H. Dresser 1888 Dakota H. B. Johnson 1888 Japan 1889 New York East W. L. Phillips 1889 New York P. R. Hawxhurst 1889 Genesee A. H. Maryott 1893 Newark A. B. Richardson 1889 New Jersey 1895 St. John's River N. J. Hawley 1889 St. John's River E. A. Baldwin 1889 Central New York 1890 St. John's River C. C. McLean 1891 Austin 1891 New York J. R. Boyle 1896 New Jersey 1891 Pittsburg W. H. Pearce 1902 Philadelphia 1896 Puget Sound S. Moore 1891 Puget Sound H. Williston 1891 Puget Sound H. B. Cook 1891 Colorado R. W. Van Schoick 1891 Michigan 1892 Columbia River W. G. Simpson 1892 St. Louis W. H. Reese 1894 Genesee 1893 Detroit G. B. Benedict 1895 South America 1893 Nebraska John M. Correll 1893 Newark P. G. Ruckman F. A. Chapman 1893 Michigan 1894 Genesee W. L. Linnaberry 1894 Colorado A. W. Noble (on trial) 1894 N. Eng. Southern J. W. Webb 1896 Central New York E. H. Depuy 1894 New Eng. Southern D. D. King 1894 Michigan A. Osborn 1894 Genesee 1895 Michigan F. A. Chapman 1897 Michigan 1895 New Jersey John H. Race Li Shao-wen 1895 North China 1896 New York East C. M. Giffin 1896 Central New York C. E. Mogg 1897 Michigan E. V. Armstrong 1897 St. John's River James Schofield G. H. Northrup 1897 St. John's River 1898 New England Henry Tuckley 1899 Genesee A. W. Hayes 1899 West Wisconsin H. D. Smith E. B. Olmstead 1899 Genesee H. P. Morgan (on trial) 1900 Philadelphia A. C. Brackenbury 1900 Columbia River 1901 Pittsburg J. H. Bickford M. L. Andariese 1901 Newark 1902 New York East Joseph Baird T. B. Miller 1902 New York East R. L. Reidy (on trial) 1902 Northwest Iowa N. A. Darling 1902 Holston J. M. Taber 1903 Colorado J. N. Bailey 1902 Colorado 1903 Colorado W. A. Edwards 1903 Dakota G. L. Granger (on trial) H. B. Burns 1903 Northwest Iowa Delos H. Gridley 1903 Newark J. Humphrey 1903 Genesee 132 WYOMING CONFERENCE LOCATED 1852. J. M. Snyder, Joseph Whitham. 1854. King Elwell, John Mulkey. 1855. Joseph S. David, G. W. Leach. 1856. Marcus Carrier, E. F. Roberts, C. W. Harris, Ahira Johnson, J. W. Davison. 1858. J. W. Hewitt, E. B. Tenny, E. Owen, C. V. Arnold, Julius A. Baldwin. 1859. G. L. Griffin, A. P. Aiken, T. J. W. Sullivan. 1860. T. D. Walker. 1861. George Landon, A. P. Aiken, B. W. Gorham. 1862. J. M. Snyder, A. P. Mead, N. W. Everett, H. Stanley. 1863. B. B. Emory, George A. Severson. 1864. George C. Bancroft, John W. Munger, William Shelp, C. Perkins. 1865. C. W. Giddings, O. M. McDowall, J. J. Pearce, A. H. Schoonmaker, F. Illman. 1867. J. A. Wood. 1868. W. W. Welsh. 1869. B. D. Sturdevant, N. W. Everett, J. N. Platt, Philip Krohn, McKendree Shaw. 1871. W. L. Thorpe, R. W. Peebles. 1873. James Mullen. 1874. M. D. Matoon. 1875. A. J. Arnold, C. O. Hanmer. 1876. C. A. Ward, C. Fay Olmstead. 1878. A. Brigham, S. W. Weiss, G. E. Hathaway, G. W. Leach. 1879. C. White, George Pritchett. 1880. T. B. Killiam. 1881. D. Larish. 1882. Gabriel Westfall, W. H. H. Williams (by the Conference). 1886. A. L. Smalley, F. L. Hiller. 1887. A. E. Loomis, W. C. Norris, L. A. Wild. 1888. T. C. Roskelly. 1891. G. T. Price. 1892. Arthur S. Holland. 1895. P. R. Hawxhurst, O. H. McAnulty. 1901. C. W. Babcock. WITHDRAWN 1854. William Roberts. 1856. G. P. Porter. 1865. Jacob Miller. 1874. J. A. Wood, 2d, under charges. 1876. J. F. Wilbur, under charges. 1877. D. D. Lindsley, under charges. 1878. S. W. Lindsley. 1881. A. W. Barrows. 1890. W. L. Phillips, to join Congregationalists. 1892. George J. Jeffreys, to join Primitive Methodists. 1893. M. R. Kerr, to join Congregationalists. 1894. G. B. Wilder, W. W. Smith, to join Congregationalists. EVOLUTION OF THE MINUTES 133 1895. G. M. Colville, to join Presbyterians. 1896. S. C. Fulton, J. H. Worley. 1897. J. C. Hogan, W. R. Turner. 1898. Fred J. Jones. 1900. J. F. Jones, J. H. Worley. 1901. F. N. Smith, to join Congregationalists. 1901. G. F. Ace, under charges. 1903. W. A. Wagner, S. Guy Snowden, C. B. Personeus, to join other Churches. - EXPELLED 1852. C. H. Harvey, suspended, afterward expelled. Spiritualism. 1855. O. F. Morse, suspended, after several trials ; expelled 1861. 1863. Welcome Smith. 1864. William Silsbee. 1865. R. Van Valkenburg. 1872. I. S. Thompson. Heresy. 1893. D. A. Sandford. 1899. G. T. Price. EVOLUTION OF THE MINUTES The Minutes of the first session of the Conference, held in Carbondale, July, 1852, are put into a small pamphlet of thirty pages, printed at the Democrat office in Binghamton. It contains the Disciplinary questions, statistical tables of membership, account of moneys raised and expended for Conference claimants, tables of preachers' and presiding elders' claims, statement of funds raised for tracts and number of pages distributed, the appointments, report on parsonages, resolution concerning "Spiritual Manifestations," an advertisement for Wyoming Seminary - giving the faculty, Conference visitors, calendar of the school year, rates of tuition, and some other directions usually contained in a school catalogue - and the detailed missionary report. This report has been continued until now, not without opposition, however, as motions have been introduced several times looking toward discontinuance. In this report you will find reminders of old times, the gifts of sixpences and shillings. The matter concerning the seminary notes a charge of $2.21 for instruction in embroidery for a term of twelve weeks. Statistics of money raised for Bible cause are here. Treasurer's report, memoir of M. Ruger, pastoral address by George Peck and R. Nelson, committees of examination and special appointments conclude the make-up of this first volume of Minutes. The Minutes of 1853 introduce a report from the committee on education, and give statistics of educational collection taken during the year, amounting to $38.78. Statistics of Sunday schools 134 WYOMING CONFERENCE are given. Committee of finance make a report. Trustees for Susquehanna Seminary are named. An index is introduced at the end, which does not appear again until 1868. The Minutes of 1854 introduce a report on temperance. The laymen on the board of stewards submit a paper urging larger provision for the support of the ministry. In 1855 the post offices of the members of the Conference are given, which does not occur again until 1858. In 1856 Susquehanna Seminary is given a page. In 1857 the secretary begins to enlarge the report of daily proceedings. Until this time no detailed report of each day's work has been attempted. A very able report on slavery appears, written by H. R. Clarke and B. W. Gorham. In 1858 the chronological list of the Conference appears. Larger type is used, which improves the pages much. In 1862 report on State of the Country makes its debut. In 1864 the times and places of our Conference sessions greet us, with a list of delegates to the General Conference in that and previous years. The "In Memoriam" also begins with this number. In 1865 the directory of local preachers is first seen. In 1866 the Rules of Order greet us, the work of R. Nelson, George Peck, and Y. C. Smith. In 1867 business enterprise manifests itself in the introduction of advertising. In 1868 the table of contents is introduced. In 1876 the proceedings of the Lay Electoral Conference are inserted in the Minutes. In 1876 G. R. Hair made a pastoral record which the Conference of 1877 commended and urged to be largely bought. In 1882 the secretary used this as the basis of the pastoral record which that year appeared in the Minutes. But few Conferences publish this annually as do we. In 1877 the memoir of Mrs. George Parsons is published. This is the first memoir of a preacher's wife published in the Minutes. In 1878 the so-called "smelling committee" is first created in this Conference. It was the creation of Y. C. Smith and H. Brownscombe, and known as committee on "Reception of Members." In 1879 by resolution of the Conference the presiding elders were asked to make their reports in writing the following year. This was done, and in 1880 these valuable historical documents became a part of our annual Minutes. SINGING BANDS 135 In 1878 the appointments are for the first time arranged alphabetically. In 1882 special statistical tables are introduced showing preachers' claims and receipts. Continued until 1893, when the larger statistical tables absorb them. In 1883 Bishops' certificates of ordinations begin to be published. In 1887 italicized captions to each paragraph appear. In 1888 they are put in heavy-faced type, and in 1897 become shoulder notes. In 1893 a map of the Conference was published, and half-tone cuts inserted with the memoirs. These continue. The Minutes have been printed as follows: 1852-53, at the Democrat office, Binghamton; 1854, Gazette office, Owego; 1855, Record of the Times, Wilkes- Barre; 1856, J. D. Bedford, New York; 1857, Gazette office, Owego; 1858-63, Book Concern; 1864, Westcott & Co., New York; 1865, Sherman & Co., Philadelphia; 1866, Book Concern; 1867, Republican, Scranton; 1868, Philadelphia Book Room; 1869, Republican, Scranton; 1870, Philadelphia Book Room; 1871, Republican, Scranton; 1872, Philadelphia Book Room; 1873-74, T. W. Durston, Syracuse; 1875- 76, Leader Association, Elmira; 1877, Binghamton Republican; 1878, E. B. Yordy, Wilkes-Barre; 1879-8O, J. S. Thurston, Binghamton; 1881-82, Elmira Advertiser; 1883, Morning News, Binghamton; 1884-85, Elmira Advertiser; 1886-95, E. B. Yordy, Wilkes-Barre; 1896-97, Binghamton Republican; 1898, Cosper Printing House, Pittston; 1899-1903, Binghamton Republican. SINGING BANDS Wyoming Conference Trio This trio was composed of Rev. W. B. Westlake, who sang first tenor, Rev. J. B. Sumner, who sang second tenor, and Rev. J. C. Leacock, who sang bass. Each of these brethren had taught singing school and was an independent singer. Their voices were well adapted to each other, and blended with excellent effect. They sang together twenty-five years, during which time they were in demand for concerts and camp meeting work. At our Annual Conferences they were an important factor, singing at Conference anniversaries and memorial services, frequently moving their hearers profoundly. By invitation of Dr. Vincent they sang two seasons at Chautauqua, 1874 and 1876. The death of Rev. W. B. Westlake made a sad break in a trio whose record can rarely be equaled. 136 WYOMING CONFERENCE W. B. WESTLAKE J. B. SUMNER J. C. LEACOCK - WYOMING CONFERENCE TRIO [photo] STEPHENS, JAY, M.A. J. L. THOMAS M. S. HARD, D.D. J. H. RACE, D.D. WYOMING CONFERENCE QUARTET [photo] EXAMINATIONS 137 Wyoming Conference Quartet The brethren who compose this organization are all members of the Wyoming Conference. Rev. Stephen Jay, M.A., of Dorranceton, Pa., and Rev. John L. Thomas, of Parsons, Pa., are the first and second tenors. Rev. Manley S. Hard, D.D., first assistant secretary of the Board of Church Extension, Philadelphia, Pa., takes the first bass, and Rev. John H. Race, D.D., president of Grant University, Chattanooga, Tenn., sings the second bass. (Dr. Hard has died since this was written.) Brothers Jay, Thomas, and Race began singing together as a trio under the name of the "Carmel Grove Trio." In this manner they jointly aided each other and neighboring pastors in revival work, in which they were very useful and deservedly popular. Wishing to balance the parts of the music and have a quartet for the Conference, Dr. Hard joined them. In consequence of their wide separation little opportunity has been given them to drill for close and technical singing. They have sung in many churches, at district gatherings, summer resorts, and the like. Dr. Hard's death made a sad vacancy in this band. ET CETERA A Local Preachers' Association was organized within the bounds of this Conference about 1871, auxiliary to the National Local Preachers' Association, and continued a number of years. We have endeavored to get definite information concerning it, but have failed. In 1872 Dr. George Peck presided over the Conference, Bishop Scott, who was to have presided, being too ill to be present. The following members of the Conference completed fifty years in the ministry, and the fact was noted by the Conference: George Peck, Z. Paddock, D. A. Shepard, W. Rounds, V. M. Coryell, Lyman Sperry, A. E. Daniels, E. Dennison, W. Bixby, Luther W. Peck, Thomas Harroun. The action of the Conference was against lay representation. However, a study of the Minutes reveals the fact that when it was accomplished this Conference was in hearty accord, a change of sentiment having gradually taken place. Our system of Conference examinations is the result of experience. In 1857 quarterly examinations were instituted for the purpose of securing more, and better, work from the men in their studies. In 1858 this system was changed to three examina- 138 WYOMING CONFERENCE tions per year. Apparently this was unsatisfactory, for in 1859 the method was changed so that the examinations were held during the two days preceding Conference. This system continued until 1862, when the system was changed so that the examinations were held on the day preceding Conference. Prior to 1879 the method of marking was: Very good, good, tolerable, deficient. In 1879 a scale of ten was introduced, sixty per cent of questions to be properly answered in order to pass. Oral examinations had been the custom from the beginning. A desire for greater precision in answers, and uniformity of questions, prompted L. C. Floyd, W. H. Olin, and H. Brownscombe to present a resolution in 1884 recommending written examinations, and the resolution was adopted. Immediate fruitage did not appear. In 1890 A. F. Chaffee presented the following resolution, signed by W. W. Smith, O. L. Severson, and T. F. Hall: "Whereas, The Conference examinations as at present conducted are not satisfactory, and the need exists of a different method; and it is desirable that the work of study and examination be evenly distributed through the Conference year, to be disposed of at the district meetings, or on the plan of Bishop Vincent's Itinerants' Club; "Resolved, That we recommend to the Conference the appointment of Drs. Hard, Sprague, and Floyd as a committee to devise a plan to meet the necessities of the case and report at the next annual session of the Conference." This committee reported to the Conference of 1891, and the adopted report was as follows: "1st. That great care be used in appointing examining committees. "2d. That the particular work to be done by each committeeman be assigned early in the year. "3d. That all examinations be conducted in writing. "4th. That in lieu of the one-day examinations as now conducted at Conference a session of two or three days be held during the autumn, at some central place in the Conference, where all the classes, and local preachers studying for orders, etc., shall assemble with the committees, where they shall conduct the examinations for half the studies of the year. There shall be associated with the gathering sermons from able and prominent men; lectures; drill in pastoral methods; question hours as to habits, modes of study, financial methods, manner of presenting the benevolences, etc., etc. "Thus half the work of the year will be passed upon before DELEGATES TO GENERAL CONFERENCE 139 the special work of the winter is begun. This can all be secured with slight expense if the gathering shall be entertained by some church and pastor. The remainder of the course can be conducted at Conference as at present. "5th. That should this manner of conducting examinations be adopted the whole matter of time and place, details of the gathering and examinations, be placed in the hands of the committee of examination, the bishop being requested to name a chairman for the whole." This plan was used several years, and some very profitable midyear conventions were held. It became difficult, however, to find centrally located places in which to meet, and the question of expense to the young men arising had its influence. Many preferred to distribute the midyear examinations, giving to each district a place where examinations might be held. The present plan was, accordingly, adopted. The present method of marking was adopted in 1893. In the earlier years of our history superannuation, location, and transfer were accompanied by resolutions of good will. The Conference Temperance Society was organized in 1872, and its constitution published in the Minutes of 1873. A Ladies and Pastors' Christian Union was organized in 1873. In 1875 our Conference Educational Society sprang into existence. The Conference safe is at the seminary in Kingston, and was the gift of some laymen in 1880. The canvass of the Conference in 1886 for the Centennial Fund, by Rev. S. C. Fulton, resulted in a fund of $48,973.21. DELEGATES TO GENERAL CONFERENCE 1856 - INDIANAPOLIS George Peck, Horatio R. Clarke, George P. Porter, William H. Pearne. Reserve - David A. Shepard. 1860 - BUFFALO George Peck, Reuben Nelson, John J. Pierce, William H. Pearne. Reserves - Horatio R. Clarke, B. W. Gorham. 1864 - PHILADELPHIA George Peck, Reuben Nelson, Horatio R. Clarke, Henry Brownscombe. Reserves - King Elwell, Zachariah Paddock. 1868 - CHICAGO Reuben Nelson, George Peck, Zachariah Paddock, Horatio R. Clarke. Reserves - Jonathan K. Peck, Young C. Smith. 140 WYOMING CONFERENCE 1872 - BROOKLYN Clerical - Reuben Nelson, Thomas Harroun, William H. Olin, William G. Queal, George Peck, DeWitt C. Olmstead. Clerical Reserves - William Bixby, Henry Wheeler, Luther Peck. Lay - Ziba Bennett, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; F. T. Childs, Binghamton, N. Y. 1876 - BALTIMORE Clerical - Reuben Nelson, John G. Eckman, William H. Olin, Henry Wheeler. Clerical Reserves - William G. Queal, George R. Hair. Lay - Payne Pettebone, Wyoming, Pa.; Horace G. Prindle, Norwich. N. Y. 1880 - CINCINNATI Clerical - William H. Olin, David Copeland, Young C. Smith, William Bixby, John G. Eckman. Lay - W. F. Clements, Moscow, Pa.; M. T. Winton, Binghamton, N. Y. 1884 - PHILADELPHIA Clerical - William H. Olin, Austin Griffin, Asa J. Van Cleft, John G. Eckman, Fred L. Hiller. Clerical Reserves - Henry M. Crydenwise, Willis L. Thorpe. Lay - William Connell, Scranton, Pa.; Royal W. Clinton, Newark Valley, N. Y. 1888 - NEW YORK Clerical - William H. Olin, John G. Eckman, Manley S. Hard, John C. Leacock, DeWitt C. Olmstead. Clerical Reserves - Robert W. Van Schoick, Samuel Moore. Lay - George Reynolds, Oneonta, N. Y.; Elijah C. Wadhams, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Lay Reserves - Abram I. Decker, Waverly, N. Y.; William Connell, Scranton, Pa. 1892 - OMAHA Clerical - Manley S. Hard, Levi L. Sprague, Thomas Harroun, Austin Griffin, Asa J. Van Cleft. Clerical Reserves - George M. Colville, Lyman C. Floyd. Lay - Marcus W. Scott, Binghamton, N. Y.; Thomas H. Dale, Scranton, Pa. Lay Reserves - Jonathan C. Latimer, Tioga Center, N. Y.; William Connell, Scranton, Pa. 1896 - CLEVELAND Clerical - John G. Eckman, Manley S. Hard, Austin Griffin, Levi L. Sprague, Asa J. Van Cleft. Clerical Reserves - Edwin B. Olmstead, Henry M. Crydenwise. Lay - George S. Bennett, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Abram I. Decker, Waverly, N. Y. Lay Reserves - William J. Welsh, Binghamton, N. Y.; William Connell, Scranton, Pa. ATTEMPTS AT HISTORY 141 1900 - CHICAGO Clerical - Webster H. Pearce, George Forsyth, Austin Griffin, Manley S. Hard, Hugh C. McDermott. Clerical Reserves - J. Alfred Faulkner, Truman F. Hall. Lay - William J. Welsh, Binghamton, N. Y.; Pierce Butler, Carbondale, Pa. Reserves - Arthur J. Dibble, Binghamton, N. Y.; John W. Thomas, West Pittston, Pa. Provisional - George K. Powell, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Abram I. Decker, Waverly, N. Y.; G. Frank Reynolds, Scranton, Pa. Reserves - George L. Peck, Scranton, Pa.; Daniel Powell, Dunmore, Pa.; Sylvanus Moore, Oxford, N. Y. ATTEMPTS AT HISTORY In 1857 "B. W. Gorham was appointed to prepare a tabular statement exhibiting the principal points in the lives of the members of the Conference, and take the necessary steps to preserve a permanent record of them." Dr. George Peck contemplated publishing a Conference memorial. Whereupon George Landon and W. H. Pearne presented the following resolution to the Conference of 1858, which was adopted: "Resolved, That early in the ensuing Conference year we will collect on our respective charges all such facts and reminiscences as are intimately connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have an intrinsic and historical interest, and will forward the same to Dr. Peck, to be incorporated in his memorial of Wyoming Conference." In 1867 the Conference elected Dr. Peck Conference historian, "to write the history of the Conference from its organization to the time of our next annual session." The following year he was reappointed Conference historian, and R. Nelson presented the following, which was adopted: "Resolved, That Dr. Peck be requested to report, through the Northern Advocate, those charges whose history he has not yet received, and that the preachers on those charges be requested to furnish the histories in question forthwith." In 1874 George W. Leach, W. H. Olin, and W. B. Kinney presented the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: "Whereas, At the previous session of this Conference, resolutions were adopted requesting all of its members to furnish brief autobiographical sketches, to be preserved in the archives of the Conference; and, 142 WYOMING CONFERENCE "Whereas, Said resolutions have rarely been complied with, and their existence is probably unknown to many of the younger members; therefore, "Resolved, 1. That each member of the Conference be earnestly requested to prepare such a sketch during the ensuing Conference year. "Resolved, 2. That in future the examining committee of the third year be directed to inquire of the respective members of the class whether this request has been complied with and embrace the answers in their report." It is evident from reading the above that historical material was not easily gathered. No such material is found among the literary remains of Dr. Peck. We presume the failure of the members to respond is the cause of Dr. Peck's failure to produce the volume. It is a matter of profound regret. Facts were ascertainable then which are now lost forever. In our present search for material we have again and again been told that "the only person who knew our early history has recently passed away." We have run across less than a half dozen churches whose history was written at that time. Had the material been furnished, Dr. Peck's historic spirit, scholarship, and taste would have greatly enriched the history of Methodism. REDISTRICTING In 1859 Honesdale charge petitioned the Conference to reduce the number of districts to two. The petition was presented on Friday of Conference. The following Monday the question was discussed. "After a full and free interchange of views on the subject, and the presenting of several other petitions of the same import, it was, by a very large majority, "Resolved, That as a Conference we are adverse to the prayer of the petitioners. "Resolved, That we respectfully request the bishop and presiding elders so to divide our Conference into districts as to enable the presiding elder of each district to attend in person the four quarterly meetings of each charge. D. C. OLMSTEAD, A. W. LOOMIS, G. R. HAIR." In 1873 the Conference had a spirited discussion over the question of reducing the number of districts. In 1886 a committee was appointed to take into consideration the redistricting of the Conference. The Minutes do not give the names of the committee. However, it is generally understood REDISTRICTING THE CONFERENCE 143 that the committee agreed on a five-district plan, and that Dr. W. H. Olin, who was on the committee, was enthusiastic in support of the plan. The report of the committee went to the cabinet of the Conference of 1887, and failed of being put into execution because of the protest of one elder whose territory was to be disturbed more than he desired. As the years passed the conviction grew that our territory ought to be more equally divided. Accordingly, in 1900 the following resolution was presented by A. F. Chaffee, and on motion of M. S. Hard was adopted: "Whereas, Many have long deplored the disparity between the districts of our Conference, and believing it highly desirable to secure a more equable division of the territory; therefore, "Resolved, That a commission be appointed by the bishop, which shall report a plan to the next annual session of our Conference, for a more equable division of the territory of our Conference, and we suggest that a plan for five districts may be the most desirable solution of the problem. A. F. CHAFFEE, J. A. FAULKNER, MANLEY S. HARD." The bishop appointed the following commission: A. F. Chaffee, chairman; Binghamton District, H. M. Crydenwise; Chenango District, Thomas Harroun; Honesdale District, G. A. Place; Oneonta District, H. C. McDermott; Owego District, S. B. Keeney; Wyoming District, W. H. Pearce; and the presiding elders. Prior to the meeting of the commission A. F. Chaffee made a map of the Conference, dividing the territory into five districts. This he did upon his own responsibility, and simply to demonstrate the feasibility of such a plan. When the commission met in Carbondale it was divided, a majority favoring six districts and an adjustment of the territory which would equalize the districts, while a minority favored five districts. It was agreed to present a majority and a minority report. Accordingly, Rev. J. F. Warner, as secretary of the commission, secured the floor during the Conference of 1901 and began his report. The bishop interrupted him, commended the five-district plan, and asked the Conference to continue the commission another year, with the request to bring in, if possible, a unanimous report at the next Conference. The Conference so ordered. The commission met during the year in Binghamton, and Rev. G. A. Place was made secretary. The commission was unable to 144 WYOMING CONFERENCE agree, and a majority and a minority report was agreed upon. At the Conference of 1902 G. A. Place, in behalf of the commission for redistricting the Conference, made the following report: "The commission appointed by Bishop Foss, at the session of the Conference at Owego, N. Y., and reappointed by Bishop Fowler at the last session of the Conference, met in the Centenary Church, Binghamton, N. Y., March 24. There were present at the meeting, A. F. Chaffee, H. H. Dresser, J. F. Warner, L. C. Floyd, H. M. Crydenwise, T. F. Hall, C. H. Hayes, G. A. Place, and S. B. Keeney. G. A. Place was chosen secretary of the meeting. After quite a lengthy discussion and consideration of plans the following resolutions were passed: "1st. That the commission, by motion which was adopted, recommend a readjustment of the district boundaries of the Conference. "2d. Motion was made and adopted that two reports, first a majority, and second a minority report, be submitted for the consideration of the Conference. "The majority report recommends that a readjustment of the district boundaries be made on the existing plan of six districts. "The minority report recommends that a readjustment of the district boundaries of the Conference be made on the plan of five districts, and in accordance with the recommendations a detailed plan, which it is thought will be found entirely feasible, is hereby submitted in blue print. (Signed) A. F. CHAFFEE, Chairman. G. A. PLACE, Secretary." A. F. Chaffee moved that the section of the report which favors a redistricting of the Conference and the minority report which favors a five- district readjustment of the Conference be adopted, and supported his motion by giving the reasons which favor such an adjustment. After considerable discussion the making and withdrawing of several motions, A. F. Chaffee's motion was adopted by a vote of 109 in favor and 34 against. Austin Griffin moved that a commission consisting of six ministers to be appointed by the chair, and six laymen, to be elected by the various district stewards' meetings, be appointed, which shall divide our territory into five districts, and report the same to the ensuing Annual Conference, to become operative at that time. The motion was carried, and the following ministers were appointed: L. C. Murdock, A. F. Chaffee, Wilson Treible, H. M. Crydenwise, George Forsyth, J. H. Littell. The laymen REDISTRICTING THE CONFERENCE 145 elected were: A. A. Lord, Binghamton District; Mr. Stanton, Chenango District; A. E. Tiffany, Honesdale District; Dr. Bourne, Oneonta District; A. I. Decker, Owego District; W. H. Peck, Wyoming District. The committee met on the day preceding Conference (April 15, 1903) and made a division of our territory into five districts. When the report was made to Conference it, with a four-district plan presented by Rev. M. D. Fuller, was referred to the bishop. The bishop took no action, on the ground that 1904 would be a more favorable time to redistrict, the terms of three presiding elders expiring with that Conference. It is understood that Bishop FitzGerald thinks the Conference ought to be redistricted, and favors five districts. 146 WYOMING CONFERENCE SESSIONS OF CONFERENCE Year Time Place Bishop Secretary 1852 8-Jul Carbondale, Pa. Scott N. Rounds 1853 27-Jul Brooklyn, Pa. Waugh B. W. Gorham 1854 21-Jun Waverly, N. Y. Janes G. P. Porter 1855 June 20-25 Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Ames G. P. Porter 1856 July 2-10 Binghamton, N. Y. Morris H. Brownscombe 1857 May 6-11 Abington, Pa. Scott B. W. Gorham 1858 May 6-10 Pittston, Pa. Baker R. Nelson 1859 May 12-18 Newark Valley, N. Y. Ames R. Nelson 1860 April 19-25 Scranton, Pa. Scott R. Nelson 1861 April 11-16 Owego, N. Y. Simpson R. Nelson 1862 April 9-14 Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Scott R. Nelson 1863 April 8-14 Susquehanna, Pa. Janes H. Brownscombe 1864 March 23-29 Waverly, N. Y Janes Y. C. Smith 1865 April 12-17 Carbondale, Pa. Baker Y. C. Smith 1866 April 18-24 Owego, N. Y. Thompson R. Nelson 1867 April 17-22 Hyde Park, Pa. Simpson R. Nelson 1868 April 8-14 Binghamton, N. Y. Kingsley V. C. Smith 1869 April 15-19 Honesdale, Pa. Ames Y. C. Smith 1870 April 13-18 Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Janes R. Nelson 1871 April 5-10 Norwich, N. Y. Janes R. Nelson 1872 April 3-9 Owego, N. Y. G. Peck, Pres. R. Nelson 1873 April 2-8 Waverly, N. Y. Ames G. R. Hair 1874 April 15-20 Wilkes-Barre, Pa. G. Haven F. L. Hiller 1875 April 14-20 Oneonta, N. Y. Scott W. N. Cobb 1876 April 5-12 Binghamton, N. Y. Bowman F. L. Hiller 1877 April 11-17 Honesdale, Pa. Merrill F. L. Hiller 1878 April 17-23 West Pittston, Pa. Peck F. L. Hiller 1879 April 16-23 Norwich, N. Y. Simpson F. L. Hiller 1880 April 14-19 Scranton, Pa., Adams Ave. Harris F. L. Hiller 1881 April 6-11 Waverly, N. Y. Andrews W. J. Judd 1882 April 5-10 Carbondale, Pa. Hurst W. J. Judd 1883 April 4-9 Binghamton, Centenary Wiley W. J. Judd 1884 March 26-31 Scranton, Pa., Hyde Park Warren W. J. Judd 1885 April 9-14 Owego, N. Y. Foster T. P. Halstead 1886 April 8-13 Wilkes-Barre, Pa., First Mallalieu T. P. Halstead 1887 April 14-19 Norwich, N. Y. Fowler Manley S. Hard 1888 April 11-17 Oneonta, N. Y. Walden Manley S. Hard 1889 April 3-8 West Pittston, Pa. Foss Manley S. Hard 1890 April 2-7 Binghamton, Tabernacle Merrill Manley S. Hard 1891 April 1-6 Waverly, N. Y. Bowman Manley S. Hard 1892 March 23-29 Wilkes-Barre, Pa., First Goodsell Edwin B. Olmstead 1893 April 12-17 Honesdale, Pa. FitzGerald Edwin B. Olmstead 1894 April 11-16 Scranton, Pa., Elm Park Hurst Edwin B. Olmstead 1895 April 10-15 Carbondale, Pa. Andrews Edwin B. Olmstead 1896 April 1-6 Binghamton, Centenary Vincent Edwin B. Olmstead 1897 April 7-12 Oneonta, N.Y. Warren John B. Sweet 1898 April 13-18 Norwich, N. Y. Fowler John B. Sweet 1899 April 12-18 Kingston, Pa. {Joyce John B. Sweet {Newman 1900 April 18-23 Owego, N. Y. Foss John B. Sweet 1901 April 9-15 West Pittston, Pa. Fowler John B. Sweet 1902 April 16-21 Waverly, N. Y. Merrill John B. Sweet 1903 April 16-20 Binghamton, Tabernacle FitzGerald H. C. McDermott