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Cyclopædia of African Methodism:
Electronic Edition.

Wayman, A. W. (Alexander Walker), 1821-1895.

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
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Source Description:
(title page) Cyclopædia of African Methodism
Alexander W. Wayman
viii, 190 p.
Baltimore
Methodist Episcopal Book Depository
1882
Call Number 287.8 W358C (Divinity School Library, Duke University)

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Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998

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CYCLOPÆDIA
OF
AFRICAN METHODISM,

BY

ALEXANDER W. WAYMAN,

ONE OF THE BISHOPS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

BALTIMORE:
Methodist Episcopal Book Depository
D. H. CARROLL, Agent,
108 W. Baltimore Street.
1882.
Page i

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by
A. W. WAYMAN,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

Page ii

PREFACE.

        THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH is a public institution among the colored people of America that wields a greater influence than any other institution under their control. It has grown from time to time until it has made a history that is replete with solid facts. Church societies have been organized, church edifices have been built, educational plans have been formed, and many other edifying projects, under the auspices of this great Ecclesiastical body, among the colored people of America have been brought into existence and sustained for the benefit of all mankind. The organization has steadily grown from 1816 up to the present time 1882, and now extends North, South, East and West, and has a national reputation. But this is not all: advancing still under the supervision of the Almighty, it is fast gaining a cosmopolitan reputation and is being respected in

Page iv

common with all other great religious bodies. Its history, therefore, succinct or in extenso, embraces such a number of interesting facts as are of importance to the reading world, and should be given to it. And so this volume, termed "THE CYCLOPÆDIA OF AFRICAN METHODISM," is designed to convey its readers to places where meeting houses have been built and to introduce them to clerical and lay members who have worked conspicuously in forwarding the great interests of the connection.

         Within the range of this work it will be ascertained that the leading character in the establishment of the organization was the distinguished Richard Allen, who was set apart as the first Bishop. His labors and fidelity are clearly set forth, and a brief account is given of the twelve other bishops who have succeeded him. This is an interesting part of the work within itself; for it is the presentation of men who have been recognized as representatives amid all the circumstances of the Church.

         In connection with their history, true narratives are given of those who have labored as elders, deacons and licentiates. Something will be learned of those who were and those who are eccentric, of those who have performed their duties with great earnestness, persistency and success, even to the end of their existence; of those who now "bear the burden in

Page v

the heat of the day," and are struggling for the mastery over the adversary of men's souls. Their intellect, learning and religion, their efficiency as pastors, their power as preachers, and their skillfulness as leaders in the Church of God are considered here according to their merit. The outlines of those who figured in the history of the Church, in its incipiency, and of those who are doing so in the present day, as African Methodist Episcopal ministers of Christ's Gospel, are given here to be read, understood and appreciated by those who are seeking information.

         And then, too, knowledge is given here of individuals, local preachers, class-leaders, stewards, trustees, choir-leaders, Sabbath School superintendents and sextons, which the world cannot gain from any source except the pages of this volume. Here the good and noble deeds of faithful men and women of this Church are disinterred from the sepulchre which, for generations, has kept them concealed from our observation. They are brought forth, the deeds of the dead and those of the living, that they may illustrate the sincerity of those who have finished their course, and of those who are yet toiling on as African Methodists in the vineyard of our Lord. Persons, times and places in this peculiar circle of knowledge are all given in connection with their history of African Methodism in the United

Page vi

States of America, that it may be seen how great has grown the little scion from the mighty trunk of the present day.

         Then reader, scan the pages well, walk with those who live, view the course of those who are no more, look at the monuments built to the glory of God's name and own that no branch of His Church is formed in vain.

J.

BALTIMORE, MD.,
June 6th, 1882.

Page vii

INTRODUCTION.

        THE AUTHOR, in presenting this work to the public, believes that he is doing that which will be of lasting interest to the Church he represents. Animated by a preconception of the attending good results, he has employed the spare moments between the periods for the regular discharge of his official duties to gather in the material which makes up the contents of his book.

         In doing this he has been compelled to labor with great assiduity to be successful in the undertaking. A great number of facts had to be gathered in from all parts of the land, and, at the same time, such labors had to be performed as those which belong to the episcopacy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. And so it is seen at once that this task has been something more than "child's play." It is believed, though, that the interest taken by the reading classes in the general character of the work will amply repay him for his many days of toil and anxiety to bring it into existence. Consoled by this anticipation, he submits it

Page viii

to all readers, with the hope that every page perused will furnish a stock of such information as will be useful, pleasing and edifying. He believes that if this end should be attained, the work will have been truly done to the glory of God.

J.

Page 1

CYCLOPÆDIA
OF
AFRICAN METHODISM.

BISHOPS OF THE A. M. E. CHURCH.

        ALLEN, RICHARD--first Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born a slave in Delaware, and raised in Pennsylvania; was licensed to preach in the M. E. Church in 1799, and was therefore the first colored man ordained by Mr. Asbury. He was elected Bishop in 1816, and died in Philadelphia, Pa., on the 26th of March, 1831. The first Conference he attended was in Baltimore, Maryland, after he was elected Bishop. It had been announced in the papers that the Bishop of the A. M. E. Church would preach on Sunday morning. When the time came a great congregation turned out. It is said by those who were present that he fell a little below the expectation of the many hearers. At the close of the sermon Rev. Daniel Coker rose up and said, "While Bishop Allen was not such a great preacher,

Page 2

he was a very useful man, and calculated to do a great deal of good." After the close of the sermon at night, Bishop Allen rose up and took another text--Rev. xx, 12: "And I saw the dead small and great stand before God,"--and preached with power. When he closed he descended from the pulpit and dropped upon his knees in the altar. It was said by an eye-witness that the scepter departed from Rev. Daniel Coker that night.

         BROWN, MORRIS--the second Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born in Charleston, South Carolina. Soon after his conversion he entered the M. E. Church and was licensed to preach. He remained there until the organization of the A. M. E. Church, in Philadelphia, Pa. He was delegated by the colored members of the M. E. Church to visit Philadelphia to see Bishop Allen, and if approved of by the Conference, he was to be ordained and returned to Charleston to organize an A. M. E. Church. Upon his arrival in Philadelphia he was gladly received by Bishop Allen, and the Conference elected and ordained him Deacon and Elder. When he returned to Charleston, South Carolina, he organized the A. M. E. Church and in a short time had fifteen hundred members. About this time an insurrection broke out in South Carolina, headed by a man by the name of Denmark Vessey. The ministers of Morris Brown's Church were suspected of being particeps criminis. The white friends of Morris Brown advised him to leave Charleston, South Carolina. He was therefore placed on board of a ship and sent to Philadelphia, Pa., and engaged

Page 3

in the business of boot and shoe making. In 1828 he was elected and ordained Bishop. He used to cross over the Alleghany Mountains on horse-back to attend the Western Conferences. While attending the Annual Conference in Canada, in 1844, he was paralyzed and was brought home by his old friend and brother, Rev. N. C. W. Carmon. He died in May 1850.

         WATERS, EDWARD--third Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born a slave at West River, Maryland. He came to Baltimore City when a young man, and joined the A. M. E. Church. He was subsequently ordained Deacon and Elder. He was selected by Bishop Morris Brown as his assistant. At the General Conference which met in Philadelphia, 1836, he was elected Bishop. In the spring of 1847 he was once on his way to an appointment a few miles from Baltimore City, and some reckless young man drove his carriage against him and knocked him to the ground and injured him to such an extent that he never recovered. He died in great peace at his daughter's, Mrs. Margaret Steward.

         QUINN, WM. PAUL--the fourth Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was supposed to have been born in 1788. There are contradictory statements as to the place of his birth. He entered the A. M. E. Church when a young man, after spending several years in New York and Pennsylvania. In 1832 he went over the Alleghany Mountains, and organized churches in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky , Missouri Iowa. In 1844 he was elected Bishop. Afterward he

Page 4

traveled very extensively East, West, North and South. At the General Conference held at Nashville, May 1872, he was relieved from active work. He afterward visited several conferences. February 1873 he died at his residence in Richmond, Indiana.

         NAZREY, WILLIS--the fifth Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born in Virginia, where he spent his youth. When he reached manhood he took a notion to follow the sea, which he did for several years. He was converted in New York, and joined old Bethel Church in that city. He was admitted into the New York Conference, 1840, and transferred to the Baltimore Conference and appointed to the Lewistown Circuit in Pennsylvania. He remained in the Baltimore Conference until 1842, when he was transferred to the Philadelphia Conference and remained pastor of some of the most important charges. In 1852 he was elected Bishop. Soon afterward he took up his residence in Canada. When the British M. E. Church of Canada was organized, he was elected their Bishop, He continued to travel extensively until the autumn of 1875, when he finished his course in Nova Scotia, and was brought home to Chatham and buried from the church in that city.

         PAYNE, DANIEL ALEXANDER--the sixth Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, February 1811. He learned the carpenter's trade, but he felt that the school house was his place, and he established a high school for colored children, and it flourished for some years. The attention of the city

Page 5

authorities were called to what he (Payne) was doing-- educating the colored people. He then left his native city for New York, and on reaching there called upon several distinguished ministers, to whom he bore letters of recommendation from other ministers of Charleston, S. C. Among them was a minister of the Lutheran Church, who said to him that the ministers of his Church had been considering the propriety of educating some colored man to preach the Gospel among the colored people in this country, and requested him to go to Gettysburg, Pa., and take a regular course. He accepted the offer and went. When he got through there he was ordained and went to Philadelphia to enter the A. M. E. Annual Conference. He was persuaded by some friend not to do so then, and so he established a high school in Philadelphia, which he taught for some years. In 1842 he joined Bethel Church, Philadelphia, and in 1843 he was admitted into the Conference, and was transferred to the Baltimore Conference and stationed at Israel Church, Washington, D. C. From Washington he went to Baltimore City, and during his term there the large Bethel Church was built. The General Conference of 1848 appointed him to write the history of the A. M. E. Church. In 1852 he was elected Bishop. The degree of D.D. was conferred on him by Wilberforce University. He subsequently became its President. In 1867 he visited Europe. On his return home he engaged actively in the work. While attending the great Ecumenical Council in London in 1881, he presided one day over deliberations to the satisfaction of all present.

Page 6

        WAYMAN, ALEXANDER W.--the seventh Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born in Caroline County, Maryland, September 1821. He was brought up on the farm of his father, who put him to ploughing when he was a little boy. His father had to saw the handles of the plow off so that he could manage it. With this outfit he went to the field. He was once asked by some one after he had grown to be a man, what made him grow so large. His answer was, "My father put me to ploughing when I was young and made my muscles expand, and therefore I grew large." He was taught his letters by his father, and then he began to spell and read. It was not long before he got the idea in his head that he must write. The sand in the roads and the sides of the old frame houses were his copy books. Soon he was writing letters for his young friends to their young friends. In August 1835 he obtained hope in Christ. In 1837 he joined the M. E. Church. In 1840 he united with the A. M. E. Church. In 1843 he was admitted into the Philadelphia Conference. After filling stations in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D. C., in 1864 he was elected Bishop.

         CAMPBELL JABEZ P.--the eighth Bishop of the A.M. E. Church, was born in Delaware about 1815. When he was quite small his father gave a gentleman a mortgage upon him and then went away, and when the money was due the mortgage was foreclosed, and an attempt was made to sell him, but he got wind of it and, left the State of Delaware for Philadelphia, where his mother resided.

Page 7

He soon became an active member of the A. M. E. Church. After he was licensed to preach he was appointed by Bishop Morris Brown to supply a vacancy on the Bucks County Circuit, Pennsylvania. From there he was sent a missionary to the New England States. He subsequently filled Albany and New York City stations. He was then transferred to the Philadelphia Conference. In 1856 he was elected Editor of the Christian Recorder, which position he resigned, and afterward filled the Trenton, New Jersey, Station and Bethel Church, Philadelphia. In 1863 he was transferred to the Baltimore Conference. In May 1864 he was elected Bishop. He was the first Bishop that visited California and organized that Conference. In 1876 the General Conference sent him as a delegate to the Wesleyan General Conference in England. On his arrival he was received and treated with great Christian civility. The degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by Wilberforce University.

         SHORTER, JAMES ALEXANDER--the ninth Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born in Washington, D. C., February 1817. He learned his trade as a barber in Philadelphia, being placed by his parents under the charge of Rev. Walter Proctor, who looked after him during his apprenticeship. After he finished his trade he left for the West, and went as far as Galena, Illinois, and while out in those western wilds was converted and joined the Church. He subsequently returned to Philadelphia, and was taken into Bethel Church by Bishop Morris Brown.

Page 8

After his marriage he returned to Washington, D. C., and was received into Israel Church. He was soon licensed to exhort and preach. In April 1846 he was admitted on trial in the Baltimore Conference. He filled prominent stations in that Conference, such as Israel Church, Washington, D. C., and two in Baltimore. In 1857 he was transferred to the Ohio Conference, where he filled important stations. One year he was the agent for Wilberforce University and succeeded admirably. In 1868 he was elected Bishop and organized all the Conferences in the South-West.

         WARD, THOMAS M. D.--the tenth Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born in Pennsylvania, 1823. His father and mother crossed over the Maryland line only a few months previous to his birth, and therefore he claims to be a Pennsylvanian. At an early age he was converted and admitted into the A. M. E. Church, and soon after moved to Philadelphia, where he was licensed to preach. Subsequently he was admitted into the New England Conference. After being ordained an Elder he was appointed Missionary to the Pacific coast, where he remained for several years and organized churches along the Coast. In 1868 he was elected Bishop and returned to the Pacific Coast, and remained there for four years. Afterward, he was assigned to Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi, where he distinguished himself as an orator of the first class. The degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by Wilberforce University.

Page 9

        BROWN, JOHN MIFLIN--the eleventh Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born in Delaware, September 1817. He left his native state when but a youth and went to Philadelphia, and learned the barber's trade with the late Frederick A. Hinton. After his conversion he united with the A. M. E. Church, in Philadelphia and was licensed. In 1840 he left Philadelphia and went to Oberlin College, in Ohio, where he spent several years. After leaving college, he was engaged as a teacher in Detroit, Michigan. Subsequently he was admitted into the Ohio Conference and appointed Principal of the "Union Seminary." There was a call for a minister to go to New Orleans, Louisiana. The lot fell on him, and he was sent there by Bishop Quinn, and he had the pleasure like Paul, Silas and Peter, to rest in prison many a night in the Crescent City for preaching the Gospel. In 1858 he was transferred to the Baltimore Conference, in which he filled important stations. In 1864 he was elected by the General Conference Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society. In 1868 he was elected Bishop, and he has traveled extensively ever since. The degree of D.D. was conferred on him by the Avery College, Alleghany City, Pa.

         TURNER, HENRY McNEAL, D.D. LL. D.--the twelfth Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born in South Carolina, February 1833, and lived there until he grew up to manhood. He embraced religion in his youth and joined the M. E. Church South, and was licensed to preach. He made a visit to New Orleans, La. Then and there he

Page 10

made the acquaintance of the late Rev. Dr. W. R. Revels, from whom he received some information respecting the existence of the A. M. E. Church. He was admitted into the Missouri Conference in 1858, and transferred by Bishop Payne to the Baltimore Conference. He began soon to rise in the intellectual scale. He was commissioned the first colored Chaplain in the United States army, and was highly honored in this position. On leaving the army he took up his residence in Georgia and organized the A. M. E. Church all over the State. He was also a member of the Constitutional Convention of Georgia and a State Senator, and Presiding Elder. In 1876 he was elected General Business Manager of the Publication Department and served four years. At the end of this term he was elected Bishop, and in addition to his regular Episcopal District he has been assigned to oversee the work in Africa.

         DICKERSON, WM. FISHER, D.D.--the thirteenth Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born in Woodberry, New Jersey, 1845. He is the son of Rev. Henry and Sophia Dickerson. Both of them were for many years worthy members of the African M. E. Church. W. F. Dickerson was taught the primary branches of education at the little school in his native town, Woodberry, New Jersey. When quite young he went to New York City and was received into the A. M. E. Church, and for some time led the choir. Then feeling it was his duty to preach the Gospel and also the great necessity of being educationally qualified, he entered Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, and graduated. He

Page 11

then entered the New York Annual Conference, and was transferred to the New England Conference. The General Conference of 1876 appointed him one of the fraternal delegates to the General Conference of the M. E. Church in Baltimore. His address before that body was so masterly that it brought down the whole house. Bishop Payne then appointed him to Sullivan Street Church, New York. In 1880 he was elected Bishop and assigned to South Carolina and Georgia work.

         CAIN, RICHARD H.--the fourteenth Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was born in Virginia. Soon after his conversion he gave evidence of future promise. The Church had confidence in his Christian integrity, and gave him license to preach. He was then admitted into the Illinois Conference and filled some prominent stations, such as St. Paul Chapel, St. Louis. In 1860 he went to Wilberforce University, where he spent some time. From there he was appointed by Bishop Payne to the Bridge Street Church, Brooklyn, New York, where he remained until 1865, when he was transferred to the South Carolina Conference by Bishop Wayman and appointed by Bishop Payne to Emmanuel Church, Charleston, South Carolina. In that city he did grand work. He was elected to the Constitutional Convention which revised the Constitution of the State. He was next elected to the State Senate. He also represented Charleston District twice in the United States Congress. In 1880 he was elected Bishop and assigned to Louisiana and Texas work, and went to it bravely. The Degree of D.D. was conferred on him by Wilberforce University.

Page 12

A

        ABBEVILLE, South Carolina, an important station in the Columbia Conference, has a membership numbering 374 persons.

        ABRAHAM, MAY, an Elder in the Columbia Conference.

        ACCOO, WILLIAM, was a local preacher of Bethel Church, Philadelphia. He has labored assiduously in that capacity, and now he is old. His last days will be spent at the Old Folks' Home, erected for that purpose by the late Rev. Stephen Smith.

         ACCOO, WILLIAM H., a member of the Philadelphia Conference, is the son of William Accoo. He embraced religion when he was young, and at the present time fills the station at Columbia, Pa.

         ADAMS, GEO. WASHINGTON, a worthy layman and class leader, was born in Easton, Maryland, about March 4th 1807. He has lived in Baltimore for many years, and is considered one of the most pious members of Bethel Church.

         ADAMS, JAMES P., a layman was born in Easton, Maryland, March 4, 1816. He went to Baltimore when a young man and joined Bethel Church. He subsequently moved to Port Deposit, Maryland, and assisted Rev. Levin Lee in the organization of the A. M. E. Church. He returned back to Baltimore and died in great peace in January 1872.

Page 13

        ADAMS, P. W., an Elder in the North Mississippi Conference.

         ADAMS, REMAS, of Catonsville, Baltimore County, Md., a layman in the A. M. E. Church, a man of wealth and influence.

         ADDICUSSON, HENRY, an aged member of the Ohio Conference who died some years ago.

         AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH was organized in 1816, in the City of Philadelphia.

         ALABAMA CONFERENCE was organized by Bishop Brown, in 1868, at Mobile, Alabama.

         AFRICANUS, EDWARD C., was born in the State of New York, 1821. He received a common school education. He was received into the New York Conference in 1843, and being very studious, he soon acquired a knowledge of Latin and Greek and was considered the most talented minister the New York Conference. His ministerial career was short. He died in 1850, aged 31. His mortal remains sleep in Flushing, Long Island.

         ALLANA, THOMAS, a local minister of the A. M. E. Church, who lived, labored and died in Pennsylvania.

         ALBANY, capital of New York. The A. M. E. Church was organized in that city many years since by some of the fathers. The Church is in a flourishing condition and is the only Colored Methodist church in the city.

         ALEXANDER, JOSEPH H., a member of the Illinois Conference, joined the A. M. E. Church in Iowa, from which he was recommended to the Annual Conference, and is now an efficient minister in his conference.

Page 14

        ALEXANDER, P. J., an Elder in the Missouri Conference, was born a slave in Kentucky, which State he left and went to Chicago, Illinois. He then united with the A. M. E. Church, and was admitted into the Illinois Conference and then transferred to the Missouri Conference, where he now labors.

         ALEXANDER, WELLINGTON G., a young and promising member of the Baltimore Conference, at present is stationed at Frederick City, Maryland.

         ALLEN, SARAH, wife of Bishop Allen, who was a great help to her husband, lived to a good old age and passed away very calmly.

         ALLEN, H. D., a member of the Columbia Conference.

         ALLENTOWN, N.J. The A. M. E. Church was planted in this town more than forty years ago, and is in good condition, having a strong membership.

         ALLEGHANY CITY, PA. In this city there is a strong A. M. E. Church. She has had able ministers as pastors, and is regarded as the leading colored church in the city.

         ALTON, Illinois, has two A. M. E. churches, one in lower and the other in upper Alton. This is the town where Lovejoy was killed.

         ALTOONA, Pennsylvania, has one A. M. E. church, represented to be in a good condition.

         AMERICUS, GA. The A. M. E. Church was organized in this city by Rev. M. H. Turner, and is now one of the most flourishing stations in that part of the State.

Page 15

        AMOS, STEPHEN, a local preacher of New York, known and loved for his piety, died at an advanced age.

         ANDERSON, JOHN H., a local preacher, was born a slave in Maryland. On leaving there he went to New Jersey, and for a man that has had no educational advantages was considered a remarkable one. He had a very retentive memory. He lived and died in Bushtown, New Jersey.

         ANNAPOLIS, Md., the capital of the State. The A. M. E. Church was organized in this city by Rev. John Lane, A. D., 1862, and is now in good condition. The building is the largest one owned by the colored people of the city.

         ARMSTRONG, JOHN L., a member of the Philadelphia Conference, died in that city 1852.

         ARNETT, BENJAMIN WM., a member of the Ohio Annual Conference and the present Financial Secretary of the Church, was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. He attended a good school when he was young. After he grew up to manhood, he went to Washington, D. C., and there taught school and was licensed to preach. Upon entering the Conference he filled some of the most responsible stations, and was twice elected Secretary of the general Conference.

         ARTIS, WATSON T., a member of the Ohio Conference, was born in North Carolina, May 6, 1841, and was admitted into the Conference 1876.

         ARNOLD, WILLIAM R., was born a slave in Maryland. He was converted when young and joined the Church.

Page 16

Soon after, he was admitted into the Ohio Conference; afterward transferred to the Baltimore Conference, where he is now filling a very important charge.

         ARKANSAS CONFERENCE was organized by Bishop Shorter in 1868. It then embraced the whole State, but since then it has been divided into two.

         ASBURY, JOHN WESLEY, a member of the Kentucky Conference, and also the Secretary, was born in Ohio. His father was one of the first members of the A. M. E. Church, and he lived to see four of his sons able ministers, viz: John Wesley, Dudley E., Cornelius and Jesse.

         ATCHISON, Kansas, is the capital of the county in which it is situated. The A. M. E. Church was organized soon after the State was admitted into the Union. There is a membership of about one hundred.

         ANTHONY, WILLIAM, a layman of Philadelphia, a member of Bethel Church, was a trustee for some years.

         ANTHONY, JOHN, a, layman of New York, was for many years an officer in the A. M. E. Church, and was for many years in the employment of ex-Senator Fish, of New York.

         ATHENS is a very fine town in Franklin County, Ga. The A. M. E. Church has about two hundred members here, a flourishing Sunday school, and valuable church property.

         ATLANTA, Ga., the capital of the State. The A. M. E. Church was organized there soon after the war. There are three churches in the city, with large memberships. The General Conference of 1876 was held there, and the delegates were well entertained.

Page 17

        ATWATER, W. A., a member of the Alabama Conference, was born in Atlanta, Ga., December 25, 1852, and was admitted into the Conference 1867, and is now stationed at Mobile, Alabama, doing a grand work.

         AUSTIN, Texas, was named after Col. Austin. At the close of the late war the flag of African Methodism was raised there. The membership amounts to one hundred, and a large Sunday school.

B

        BAGWELL, RICHARD, a local preacher of Philadelphia for many years connected with the Zion Mission Church.

         BAKER, T. J., Presiding Elder of the Abbeville District, Columbia Conference, South Carolina--a man of great Christian integrity.

         BALTIMORE, Md. The A. M. E. Church was organized in this city about, A. D. 1816. There are now churches in good condition in Baltimore, viz: Bethel, Ebenezer, Water's Chapel, Trinity, St. John, Mount Zion, Allen Chapel, St. Paul and Union Bethel.

         BALTIMORE CONFERENCE, one of the oldest in the connection, was organized in 1817. It embraces all the Maryland and the District of Columbia; has three Presiding Elders' Districts with fifty-four stations, circuits and missions; fifty-four active ministers, two superannuated and twelve local preachers, who are attached to the Conference.

Page 18

        BALTIMORE, PRISCILLA, is one of the oldest female members of St. Paul A. M. E. church, in St. Louis, Missouri. It was in her house where Bishop Quinn organized the A. M. E. Church in Illinois. She is known as "Mother Baltimore" in many parts of Illinois and Missouri.

         BANNISTER, JOHN, a local preacher of Allen Station, Baltimore, was born and raised in Cecil County, Maryland, and died in Baltimore. He was known as the great ballad singer.

         BANTON, C. WILLIAMS, a member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in Philadelphia and has been a clerk in the Book Department for years.

         BARNEY, RICHARD, a member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born a slave in the State of Maryland. From there he went to Philadelphia, and united with Bethel Church. It is said that when he felt it was his duty to work in the vineyard of the Master he could not read, but one night while asleep he dreamed that he could read, and next morning when he got up he took the Testament and commenced reading. He was licensed to exhort October 1840, and admitted into the Philadelphia Conference 1848, and died in January 1880, When he was nearing he verge of Jordan he was asked by one brother what he should tell the brethren. He said, "Tell them I meet death with no fear or doubting."

         BARBER, JOHN W., a member of the Ohio Conference, was born in Brownsville, Pa. He studied awhile at

Page 19

Wilberforce University. He is now actively engaged in the Conference.

         BASS, JESSE, a member of the Illinois Conference, was born in Illinois.

         BASS, L. W., a late member of the Illinois Conference. He died at a good old age.

         BASSETT, SHADRACK, the first missionary of the A. M. E. Church that visited the Eastern Shore of Maryland, was born in Maryland, and was ordained by Bishop Allen. He died in Philadelphia at a good age.

         BATON ROUGE, La., has an A. M. E. church with about two hundred and seventy-five members and in good condition.

         BATTLE CREEK, Mich., has an A. M. E. church, a good membership and an interesting Sunday School.

         BAYARD, STEPHEN P., a superannuated member of the Baltimore Conference, was born in Maryland about 1810. He became a member of the A. M. E. Church in his youth, and soon grew in favor with the Church. He was admitted into the Baltimore Conference April 1855. For the last few years he has sustained a superannuated relation to the Conference. He died July 5, 1881.

         BAILEY, R. B., a very prominent Elder in the Georgia Conference, is one of the oldest ministers in the Conference.

         BAYLEY, GEORGE W., a member of the New York Conference, was born in Maryland. The first years of his ministry were spent among the Union Methodists. He subsequently united with the New York Conference of the

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A. M. E. Church, and is now the very efficient missionary of the State of New York.

         BECKETT, JOHN WESLEY, a member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in Georgetown, D. C., and was educated at Wilberforce University. He has since filled prominent stations in the Conference.

         BEARD, WILSON, a very intelligent local preacher of Detroit, Michigan, was in the employ of Senator Z. Chandler at the time of his death.

         BELL, GEORGE, one of the first members of the A. M. E. Church in Washington, D. C., died at a good old age, loved and respected by all who knew him.

         BELLAIRE, OHIO, is situated on the west side of the Ohio River. The A. M. E. Church has existed in this town for several years, and has a membership of sixty-five.

         BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio. The A. M. E. Church has a membership of seventy, and a Sunday School of forty scholars.

         BELLVILLE, Ill., a fine town. The A. M. E, Church has a membership of sixty, and a Sunday School in good condition.

         BELL, JOHN, a member of the Ohio Conference was formerly a member and minister in the Baptist Church. Some years ago he united with the A. M. E. Church; since that time he has been a successful pastor in his Conference.

         BENSON, GEORGE W., a member of the Illinois Conference, was born in the State of New York.

         BENSON, GEORGE W., of the Indiana Conference, was

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born in North Carolina, came to Indiana a young man and joined the A. M. E. Church, and subsequently was admitted into the Indiana Conference.

         BENSON, LLOYD, a member of the Baltimore Conference, was a great worker in the cause; died in peace in Frederick, Md.

         BEANS, SCIPIO, a member of the Baltimore Conference, was sent out in 1824 as the first missionary to the people of Hayti. He succeeded in planting the standard of Emmanuel there, and for some time he preached the Gospel. Finally disease overtook him and he fell at his post, and now his remains sleep there, awaiting the resurrection of the just.

         BEANS, JOHN H., a member of the New Jersey Conference. He is said to be a nephew of the Rev. Scipio Beans, who died in Hayti, and is a very energetic worker.

         BERRY, ISHMAEL, a local preacher of Princeton, New Jersey, was one of the men who aided in the organization of the A. M. E. Church in that part of New Jersey. He died some years ago, leaving a large family behind him.

         BERRY, RICHARD, a local preacher of Alexandria, Va., removed to Washington City after the war, and held his membership at St. Paul's Chapel. He attended market one day when some one very abruptly assailed him, which very much excited him for the time being. At night he attended a general class and spoke of the trial he had that day, and sat down and in a few minutes died.

         BENTLY, SCOTT D., a member of the Kentucky Conference, was born in that state. He is one of the coming

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young men. He represented his Conference in the General Conference of 1880.

         BERRY, GEORGE W., a layman belonging to Bethel Church, Baltimore, was born in Dorchester County. He has served as trustee and leader for many years, and is highly respected by all who know him.

         BERRY, JOHN, a layman, was born in Cecil County, Maryland, and was the main support of the A. M. E. Church in that part of the county. He was an extensive farmer, and no man was more respected than he. His death was peaceful.

         BERRY, ALEXANDER, a local deacon of Harford County, Md.

         BETHEL was the name of the first African M. E. church built in Philadelphia, and is still a favorite name.

         BIAS, JAMES, M. D., a local elder of Philadelphia, was born in Maryland. He studied medicine in Philadelphia, and for several years was a successful practitioner. He was a great advocate of temperance and did much for the improvement of his race. He died in Philadelphia, June 1860.

         BISHOP, H. WILLIAM, an elder of the North Carolina Conference, was a man of some note. He was one of the first that cast in his lot with the A. M. E. Church.

         BLACKSON, SHADRACK, a local preacher of Chester County, Pa., is a well read man for the opportunities he enjoyed. He has worked hard for the Church.

         BLAKE, PHATON, one of the old local preachers of

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Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md., was regarded as a Christian gentleman.

         BLAKE, HENRY, a highly respectable layman of Philadelphia He went to California and there died.

         BLOOMINGTON, Ill. There is one A. M. E. church, with a membership of one hundred, and a fine church property.

         BOGGS, JOHN, one of the early ministers of the A. M. E. Church, was a native of Maryland. He filled several important charges. He died in Philadelphia, May 1848.

         BOND, LEVIN, a local preacher of New Jersey, was born somewhere in Maryland. He went to New Jersey when he was a young man, and connected himself with the A. M. E. Church, in which he lived and died.

         BORDENTOWN, New Jersey, has an interesting church and congregation. When the Church was organized the class was led for some time by a Christian female.

         BOSTON, Mass, The A. M. E. Church was organized in this city by Rev. Noah C. W. Cannon, while he was the missionary to the New England States. The Charles Street A. M. E. Church is one of the most imposing church buildings in that city.

         BOYER, GEORGE E., a member of the New Jersey Conference, was born in Delaware, and died in Burlington, New Jersey, May 1880.

         BOSTON, ROBERT, a very intelligent local deacon, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

         BOWEN, ANTHONY, a local deacon of Washington,

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D. C., was for many years employed in the Patent Office, and was once elected a member of the City Council. He was so highly appreciated by the citizens of that part of the city where he lived that they named one of their public schools "Anthony Bowen School House." He died in 1872.

         BOON, MOSES, a local deacon of Frederick, Md., was a man of great common sense and uprightness of character.

         BOON, ELISHA, an elder in the North Carolina Conference.

         BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky. The largest A. M. E. church in the State is located in this city. It was built by Rev. Bartlett Taylor. It has a membership of three hundred.

         BOWSER, JACOB W., an elder in the Baltimore Conference, was born in Baltimore City, and has been a success in every charge he has served.

         BOWMAN, JEREMIAH, is a member of the West Tennessee Conference, and a minister that stands high among his brethren.

         BRADDICKS, HENRY, a layman of Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md. After he joined the Church he served for many years as recording steward, and also as class leader. He was one of the sweetest singers of his day. The last position he filled in the Church was that of a sexton. The whole Church mourned his loss when he passed away.

         BRADFORD, THOMAS, a noble Christian layman of Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md., has served for many years

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as a trustee and leader. He is always at his post. He raised a large family of children and has lived to see them all members of the Church.

         BRADWELL, CHARLES L., a presiding elder in the Georgia Annual Conference, was born a slave, learned the trade of blacksmith, and entered the Church in his youth, and was licensed to preach in the M. E. Church South. He was the first preacher that joined the A. M. E. Church in Savannah, Ga.

         BRADWELL, WILLIAM, of the Alabama Conference, was born in Darien, Ga., and was admitted into the first Conference held at Savannah, Ga., by Bishop Payne. He was elected to the State Senate of Florida. Since then he has been engaged in the active work of the ministry.

         BRAXTON, G. H., a member of the Kansas Conference, a man that is highly respected wherever he is known.

         BRIDGES, RICHARD, a Kentuckian by birth, entered the Indiana Conference when a young man, and after filling several important charges died in the City of Indianapolis, Ind., 1873.

         BRIGHT, WILLIAM H., a layman in Baltimore and a steward in the St. John's Church Chapel.

         BRIDGEPORT, Conn., a small city. The A. M. E. church there is not a very large building and the membership is rather small.

         BRISCO, ELIZABETH, an estimable Christian, is a member of Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md.

         BRISTOL, Pa., has a beautiful little A. M. E. church

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situated in a pleasant location, with a membership of one hundred.

         BROCK, JOHN C., a member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in Carlisle, Pa., April 12, 1843, was admitted into the Conference May 1876, and was ordained an elder in June 1881. He is a man of fair education.

         BROOKINS, J. E., was born in Ga., and died May 8, 1881.

         BROOKINS, B. R., a member of the East Florida Conference, was born in Georgia, December 12, 1853.

         BROOKLYN, N. Y. The A. M. E. Church has had an existence in this city since 1818. At present there are two flourishing churches and congregations, one situated on Bridge Street and the other on Fleet Street.

         BROOKS, BAZELL L., an elder in the Texas Conference, was born in Washington, D. C. He went to Pittsburgh when quite a young man. After being admitted into the Ohio Conference, he filled very important stations. He was then transferred to the Tennessee Conference, where he did a great work. In 1880 he was transferred to the Texas Conference, where he now labors.

         BOOTH, GEORGE C., an elder of the Illinois Conference, is one of the finest scholars in the Conference and an able preacher.

         BRODIE, GEO: WASHINGTON, an elder in the Baltimore Conference, was born in Kentucky and educated in Cincinnati, Ohio. He filled several prominent positions in the Government and Church.

        

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BROWN, MARCUS, a local deacon of Philadelphia, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, and was a very exemplary Christian man. He died a peaceful death.

         BROWN, WILLIAM H. G., a local elder of Baltimore, was a man of some literary attainment and for years served the Church as its recording steward. He died in the City of Baltimore 1869.

         BROWN, HENRY, an elder of the Illinois Conference, is a large, fine-looking man, and he has so much the appearance of a statesman, that he is sometimes called "Sumner Brown."

         BROWN, WILLIAM H., an elder in the Baltimore Conference, was born in Baltimore 1820, and was admitted into the Conference in 1866, and was transferred to the South Carolina Conference, where he did a noble work. He is now laboring in the Baltimore Conference, and is held in high esteem by his brethren.

         BROWN, ANDREW, one of the oldest elders in the North Georgia Conference and the oldest P. E. in the state.

         BROWN, WILLIAM H., an elder in the Pittsburg Conference, was born in Virginia, and studied awhile at Wilberforce University. He then went into the army, and on returning from there he went to Wilberforce again. He was taken from there and sent as a missionary to Kentucky. He succeeded well.

         BROWN, GABRIEL P., presiding elder in the Alabama Conference, was born in the State of Georgia, entered the Conference of that state soon after its organization, and is an untiring worker.

        

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BROWN, THOMAS H., was born a slave in the State of Maryland. He was sold South when he was a young man. He was admitted to the first Conference organized in Georgia, and he was also elected a delegate to the General Conference of 1868, held in the City of Washington. While there he visited Baltimore to see if he could find any of his relatives, but alas! they were all gone. He returned home to Georgia, and in a few years finished his course.

         BROWN, E. LOUISA, the wife of Bishop Brown, was born in Louisville, Ky. She is a wife and mother in every sense of the word, raising her children in the fear of the Lord.

         BROWN, GEORGE H., an elder in the Columbia Conference, is a man of industry.

         BRYANT, E. M., an elder in the North Alabama Conference, was born in Alabama. He was educated at Atlanta, Ga., and is considered one of the most scholarly ministers in the Conference. He was appointed at the General Conference of 1880 editor of the Southern Christian Recorder. At present he is stationed at Florence, Ala.

         BRYANT, HENRY E., an elder in the West Tennessee Conference, was presiding elder for several years, and represented his Conference twice in the General Conference.

         BULAUGH, JEREMIAH G., an aged member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in Delaware, taken into Conference by Bishop Allen and ordained by him. He lived to a good old age and died in Philadelphia, Pa.

         BUNDY, JASON, an elder in the Indiana Conference,

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was born and raised in Richmond, Ind. He was first employed by Bishop Quinn to fill a vacancy in the Conference and was afterward admitted into the Conference. He proved himself to be a very efficient minister.

         BUNDY, CHARLES, a member of the Ohio Conference, was a student at Wilberforce for a while, and entered the Conference. He has been successful as a pastor.

         BURCH, CHARLES, a very able minister, was admitted into the New York Conference about 1843, and after spending some years in that Conference he was transferred to the Indiana Conference, where he labored until the Louisiana Conference was organized. He was then transferred to that Conference, where he labored and died. As a debater upon the Conference floor he had but few equals.

         BURKE, MOSES, an aged minister and member of the Kentucky Conference, was born a slave, but succeeds in every charge he serves.

         BURLEY, JOHN H. W., was born in Baltimore, Md., and received a common school education in that city. Afterward he went to Oberlin College, Ohio. After leaving there he was admitted into the New England Conference, and died in Washington, D. C., 1878.

         BUTLER, JOHN, an elder in the Philadelphia Conference was born in Washington City, and was recommended from Israel Church to the Philadelphia Conference. He was admitted in May 1841, and continued to labor successfully until August 1857, when he fell at his post, and his remains were brought to Washington, D. C., and buried.

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        BUTLER, PATRICK, a local preacher of Philadelphia, was born in Maryland, but spent his days and labors in his adopted city.

C

        CABINET (ecclesiastically speaking) refers to the bishop and presiding elders when assembled at an Annual Conference to consult and arrange the appointments of the preachers.

         CAIRO, Ill., is a flourishing town on the Ohio River. It has one A. M. E. church, which was erected by Rev. Frederick Myers. It was blown down in 1879, but it has been reared again.

         CALDWELL, PRINCE N., a layman, was born in Camden, Delaware, and has been a trustee and steward of the Church for years. He is a man of some means and a practical mechanic.

         CALDWELL, THOMAS B., a member of the Kentucky Conference, was born in Salem, Ohio. He was a soldier in the late war. On being discharged from the army he was admitted into the Pittsburgh Conference. He spent two years at the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny City. After leaving there, he was transferred to the Kentucky Conference and appointed to Quinn Chapel, Louisville, Ky.

         CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE was organized by Bishop Campbell at San Francisco in 1865. It embraces

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the States of California, Oregon, Nevada, and the Territories of Washington and Utah.

         CAMBRIDGE, Mass., has one A. M. E. church of about seventy-five members and a good Sunday School.

         CAMBRIDGE, Md. The A. M. E. Church was organized in this town about 1818, and has come up through fire. Several of her ministers were compelled to leave, while others were put in prison. A few years ago the church was burned down, but since then another beautiful brick edifice has been erected and dedicated.

         CAMDEN, N. J. The A. M. E. Church of this City organized in the days of Bishop Allen. The membership is about two hundred. It has a large Sunday School.

         CAMDEN, Delaware, is a town that has had for many years a great many members of the Society of Friends. The A. M. E. Church was organized in this town by the late Rev. Andrew Massey. Since then another A. M. E. church has been built in the eastern part of the town, called the "Star."

         CAMPBELL, CATHERINE, mother of Bishop Campbell, was born in Delaware and died in Philadelphia at a good old age.

         CAMPBELL, MARY A., the wife of Bishop Campbell, is an estimable Christian and a great worker for the cause of Christ.

         CANNON, NOAH C. W., was born near "Cannon Ferry," Delaware. He entered the Philadelphia Conference when a young man and continued in active service until the day

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of his death. He filled important stations in Washington, D. C., Baltimore, Md., Philadelphia, New York and Boston. He died September 1850, sixty-four years of age, at Canonsburg, Canada, a place bearing his name.

         CAPE MAY, N. J., is the great watering place, where a great many of our people spend the summer. There is one A. M. E. church in this city; membership about seventy-five.

         CARR, AUGUSTUS T., a member of the South Carolina Conference, was born in Georgetown, S. C. At an early age was received into the Church and licensed to preach. At the close of the late war he welcomed the A. M. E. Church to his town, and was among the first who said, "I will go with you, for I hear the Lord is with you." He was admitted into the first Conference held in Charleston, South Carolina, and from that date to the present he has filled some of the most important positions in the Conference. He was elected to represent his Church in the Ecumenical Council at London, and while there preached to the admiration of all who heard him.

         CARGILL, JOHN M., of the Baltimore Conference, was born August 30th, 1846, and admitted into the Georgia Conference January 1868. He has served several stations in the Baltimore Conference.

         CARR, C., a member of the North Mississippi Conference.

         CARR, SNYDER SIMON, was a worthy local preacher who lived in Hollidaysburg, Pa. for many years, and was considered by all who knew him as a man of Christian

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integrity. He passed away calmly, leaving a wife and several children to mourn his loss.

         CARMAN, ANDREW J., a member of the Kentucky Conference, is a man of considerable promise.

         CARROLL, DANIEL, an elder in the Baltimore Conference, was born in Prince George County, Md. After entering the Conference, he spent some time at the Howard University, Washington, D. C., studying theology. He is now recognized as one of the rising young ministers of the Conference.

         CAREY, A. J., a member of the Georgia Conference.

         CARSON, WILLIAM J., of the Texas Conference and a great frontier preacher, takes no denial, but drives ahead. He is highly appreciated by his Conference.

         CARTER, DUDLEY, an aged member of the Missouri Conference, is a man of an unblemished Christian character.

         CATTO, WILLIAM T., late member of the New Jersey Conference, was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He was educated by the Presbyterian Church to go as a missionary to Africa. He started, but when he got as far as Philadelphia he changed his mind and joined the Philadelphia Conference, in 1848. At the General Conference of 1852 he was elected the General Book Steward, but he resigned in a few weeks. His favorite son, Prof. Catto, was killed in Philadelphia during an election riot, which so shocked him that he broke down and never again rallied. Soon after he died.

         CHAMPION, JAMES, one of the founders of the A. M.

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E. Church in Philadelphia, was cotemporary with Bishop Allen, and also assisted in his ordination.

         CHAMBERS, EDWARD, an elder of the Baltimore Conference, was born a slave in Baltimore, Md. He joined Bethel Church in that city when he was a young man. When Dr. Pugh, to whom he belonged, died, he was willed free. In 1850 he was received on trial in the Baltimore Conference, in which he labored faithfully, and fell at his post in Danville, Pa., sending word to his brethren that he died with the harness on.

         CHAMBERS, LEWIS C., was born a slave in Cecil County, Md. He bought his freedom in 1844, and moved to Philadelphia and joined the A. M. E. Church. He then went to Canada and returned in 1868, and was admitted by transfer into the Philadelphia Conference, where he is now laboring with great success.

         CHAMBERS, WILLIAM H., of the Baltimore Conference, was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He entered Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, and spent some time there. After leaving the University he was admitted to the conference, and is now one of its leading young men.

         CHAMBERS, ANDREW J., at present a member of the New England Conference, was appointed by the Arkansas Conference agent for the Allen Monument. He succeeded in raising the money and the monument was erected on the Centennial grounds.

         CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. The A. M. E. Church was organized in this city more than fifty years ago by some of

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the early pioneers. It has a membership of one hundred and fifty, a good Sunday School and a new church building.

         CHAMPAIGN, Ill. There is one small church in this town with a small membership.

         CHARLESTON, South Carolina, is the largest city in the state. The A. M. E. Church was reorganized in this city by the late Rev. James Lynch in 1865. There are two large churches and congregations. Emmanuel, built by Rev. Dr. Cain (now Bishop) has a membership of nearly four thousand, and Morris Brown Chapel has a membership of thirteen hundred.

         CHASE, SAMUEL W., is a layman of some prominence in Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md.

         CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. The A. M. E. Church was planted in this city soon after the war and has been gradually growing ever since. The membership is about two hundred.

         CHESTER, Pa. The A. M. E. Church was organized in this city in 1845 by the late Rev. Stephen Smith of Philadelphia. It has a membership of about two hundred.

         CHICAGO, Ill., is the great city of the North West. The A. M. E. Church has three charges in this city, viz: Quinn Chapel, Bethel and the West Side. The membership is about seven hundred.

         CHILLICOTHE, Ohio. This is one of the oldest stations in the Ohio Conference, and is now one of the best points in the Conference. Rev. Jonathan B. Hamilton ended his ministerial career in this station.

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        CHILLICOTHE, Mo., is a small town on the Kansas Missouri Railroad. There is a small A. M.E. church there; membership about one hundred and twenty-five.

         CHRISTIAN RECORDER. The organ of the A. M. E. Church. The General Conference of 1848 ordered the publication of a weekly journal called Christian Herald. It continued for four years under the editorial management of Rev. A. R. Green. At the General Conference of 1852 its name was changed to Christian Recorder, and under that name it has continued for near thirty years. It is now edited by Rev. Benjamin Tucker Tanner, D.D. There are about ten thousand copies published every week.

         CINCINNATI, Ohio, is sometimes called the Queen City of the West. The A. M. E. Church has had an existence in this city for years. A few years ago the congregation sold out the old church on 6th Street and bought the large Jewish synagogue on Broadway, where they now worship. The membership is about four hundred.

         CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio, a town on the Pittsburg and Cincinnati Railroad. The A. M. E. Church has existed here for years; membership two hundred.

         CLARK, MOLSTON M., was born in Delaware 1807. After receiving a primary education he entered the college at Cannonburg, Pa., where he spent several years. He afterward entered the ministry of the A. M. E. Church. In 1844 he was elected the secretary of the General Conference, and was also elected traveling agent for the Book Concern. He soon resigned and went to England to

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attend the Evangelical Alliance. Returning from England, he was in 1852 elected the editor of the Christian Recorder, which position he filled a few years and resigned. A few years afterward he went to Liberia, Africa, and was principal of the Monrovia Academy. He returned to America in 1861, and resumed his former relations in the A. M. E. Church. He served acceptably the stations at New Orleans, La., and Louisville, Ky. He wound up his career at Alton, Illinois. He was considered a very able scholar and a most eloquent preacher.

         CLARK, STEPHEN, was born in Prince George County, Md. He was licensed to preach in the A. M. E. Church in Washington, D. C., and was ordained a deacon by the late Bishop Waugh of that Church. In 1857 he was admitted into the Baltimore Conference of the A. M. E. Church, but served the Church only two years. While the Conference was in session in Baltimore, April 1859, he died. The whole Conference attended his funeral.

         CLARK, GEORGE H., a former member of the Ohio Conference, came from Canada some years ago and joined that Conference, and after filling some prominent stations he was transferred to the South, when he ceased to work and passed away.

         CLARK, REUBEN C., a young minister of the Ohio Conference, was born in Tennessee. He studied at Wilberforce, and is now filling a responsible station in the Conference.

         CLARK, LEWIS D., was admitted into the North

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Carolina Conference in 1870, and continued in the work until 1880, when he was overtaken by sickness, and after a few weeks his frail constitution gave way and he died surrounded by his friends and members.

         CLARKSVILLE, is a beautiful town situated on the Cumberland River, Tennessee. The A. M. E. Church has occupied a conspicuous place in this town for some years. It is one of the finest stations in the West Tennessee Conference.

         CLINTON, Iowa. There is a small A. M. E. Church in this town, with a fine membership and a good Sunday School.

         CLEVELAND, Ohio, is one of the fine cities on the Lakes. The A. M. E. Church has a strong foothold. A year ago they sold their old house and bought another on one of the finest avenues in the city. The membership is large, and the Sunday School is in good condition.

         COBURN, DANIEL, a layman in one of the churches in Baltimore, was a most excellent man. He died in 1853, leaving a large family.

         COBURN, ELLEN, the wife of Daniel Coburn, was a woman of great moral worth. During her last illness she invited her friends to come and see a Christian die. She sang and clapped her hands until life's wheels stood still, and then with a sweet smile upon her face she bid children and friends adieu and went home.

         COKER, DANIEL, was one of the founders of the A. M. E. Church. He was born in Baltimore, Md., but left

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when he was young and went to New York, and was there educated. He returned to Baltimore, and his freedom was bought. After spending several years in the Church he went to Africa, and there died.

         COLE, THOMAS M., a member of the Baltimore Conference, was born in Talbot County, Md., and admitted into the conference in 1868.

         COLE, JACOB H., a late member of the Ohio Conference, was born in Chester County. He was educated at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, and entered the Presbyterian Church. He soon left and united with the Ohio Conference. After filling several stations in that conference he finished his work at New Richmond, Ohio, 1881.

         COLEMAN, L. B., of the Alabama Conference, was born 1849, and admitted into the conference in 1875.

         COLEMAN, WILLIAM, H., a member of the Ohio Conference, is one of the most successful pastors in the conference. He never fails to build up the work wherever he is sent.

         COLEMAN, JOHN, was born in Kentucky. After he joined the Church he spent six years at Wilberforce University. After he graduated he was admitted into the Conference, where he is operating successfully as a minister.

         COLLETT, JOHN H., a young elder of the Baltimore Conference, was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was admitted into the North Carolina Conference and then transferred to the Baltimore Conference. He is a young man of great promise.

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        COLLINS, ROBERT, a local preacher, of Philadelphia, was born a slave in Maryland. He came to Baltimore, and, after he was converted, joined Bethel Church in that city. He subsequently purchased his freedom and moved to Philadelphia, where he lived until June, 1856, when he said to the writer, holding up his right hand: "I have fought a good fight," and then calmly fell asleep.

         COLLINS, JOHN M., presiding elder of the White River District, Arkansas, was born September 10, 1854, in Harwell County, South Carolina. He was admitted into the Georgia Conference in 1877, and was transferred to the Arkansas Conference, where he is now laboring.

         COLUMBIA, Pa., is a beautiful town, situated on the north side of the Susquehanna river. The A. M. E. Church was organized in this town by Rev. David Smith, the oldest living minister in the A. M. E. Church, and she has continued to grow until the present time.

         COLUMBUS, Ga., is situated near the dividing line of Georgia and Alabama. It has two fine A. M. E. churches-- St. James' and St. John's. The membership is about fifteen hundred.

         COLUMBUS, Ohio, is the capital of the state. The A. M. E. Church was first organized in this city about 1823. The present St. Paul Chapel was built in 1872, and is a very fine edifice and is entirely free from debt.

         CONOVER, LEWIS I., a local preacher of Freehold, New Jersey, was a man of Christian integrity and did a good work in his day.

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        COOK, ISAAC, an elder in the Columbia Conference, South Carolina, is a very good man.

         COOK, WILLIAM, a worthy local preacher, of Washington, D. C., has been identified with the A. M. E. Church for many years. He has lived with some of the Cabinet officers several Presidents of the United States. In these last days he has become very much afflicted, yet his mind is much composed.

         COOK, E. JOHN, a member of the Virginia Conference, as born in North Carolina. He has filled important stations in his conference.

         COOPER, EZEKIEL, a very excellent local deacon, lived for a great many years at Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was respected by all classes of citizens in the town where he lived and died. He was born a slave in Maryland, but went to New Jersey when he was a young man. It is said that his end was very peaceful.

         COOPER, DANIEL, a former member of the Indiana Conference, asked for a transfer to one of the Southern conferences. His request was granted, and he entered on his work very cheerfully; but alas! his career was short and his race soon run, and he entered the saint's rest.

         COOPER, JOHN FRISBY, was born in Caroline County, Maryland, but grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, where he received a good common school education, and for several years was employed teaching school. He was admitted into the Philadelphia Conference 1867, and after spending several years in that and the New Jersey Conference, was

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transferred to the New England Conference and stationed at the First Church in Providence, R. I.

         COOPER, PETER C., a member of the Illinois Conference, was born in Kentucky. When a young man he left his native home and went to the City of Chicago, where he joined the A. M. E. Church, and soon thereafter was admitted into the conference. He has been a great success wherever he has been stationed.

         COOPER, JOHN W., a prominent member of the New Jersey Conference, was born in New York, and entered the Conference of New York when quite young, and was its secretary for several years. He was subsequently transferred to the New Jersey Conference, where he now fills an important station.

         COOPER, WILLIAM G., a local deacon of Philadelphia, was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He was connected with Zion Mission Church in Philadelphia, and was much respected while living. His death was regretted by all who knew him.

         COOPER, THOMAS J., late a member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in the City of Baltimore. His father and mother were both members of the M. E. Church. He was admitted into the Conference in 1861, and soon began to rise in the estimation of his brethren. In 1864 he was appointed to that important station, Trenton, New Jersey, which was then a part of the Philadelphia Conference. In the latter part of 1865 his health began to fail. April 1866 he fell at his post in Trenton, New Jersey.

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         COPPIN LEVI J., an elder in the Baltimore Conference, was born December 24, 1848. He was admitted into the Philadelphia Conference May 1877. He is now stationed in Baltimore, Md.

         CORNELL, JOHN, a well-to-do layman of Georgetown, D. C., was one of the founders of the A. M. E. Church in that city.

         CORNISH, WILLIAM A., late a superannuated member of the Baltimore Conference, was born in Delaware. At an early age he joined the Church, and was among some of the first recruits that Bishop Allen received after the connection was formed. After his admission into the Conference he gave signs of great strength as a preacher and debater. He filled nearly all the prominent stations, such as New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D. C. He was a prominent candidate for the Episcopacy in 1836, but Edward Waters was elected over him. He took a superannuated relation in 1840, and continued therein until some time in the latter part of 1847. When he came to his end, he said to the many who called to see him, "Happy! happy! happy!"

         CORNISH, JOHN, late a member of the Philadelphia Conference, was a brother of Rev. William A. Cornish. He was also born in Delaware, and early connected himself with A. M. E. Church. He was a local preacher for some years, and was called by the Bishop to fill a vacancy on the Salem, New Jersey, Circuit as the colleague of Rev. Israel Scott. At the next conference he was admitted, and for

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years he filled some of the most important charges in the connection. The last one was Bethel Church, Philadelphia. He took a superannuated relation, in which he continued until June 1860, when he came to his end. A brother who spent a night with him during his illness, said he was heard to say in the stillness of the midnight hour, "My witness is in heaven, and record is on high."

         CORNISH, JOHN C., a, member of the New Jersey Conference, was born in Chester County, Pa., 1820. He went to Philadelphia before he was grown, and was identified with Bethel Church of that city. Some years after, he was admitted into the conference, and has been a success in every appointment assigned him.

         CORR, CHARLES, an eminent local preacher of Philadelphia, was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He is spoken of as being a strong man.

         CORR, JOSEPH M., an eloquent local preacher, the son of Rev. Charles Corr, was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He was licensed to preach in Philadelphia, and for years was the General Book Steward for the connection. He published the Hymn Book and Discipline which were used by the Church. He was a tailor by trade. His death was regretted by the members of other churches as well as his own.

         COSBY, EDMUND, a wealthy local elder of New York, was born in Virginia. He went from his native state to New York City, and was subsequently admitted into the New York Conference, and went as a missionary to Canada

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and organized the Church there. On his return to New York he located. He was a man of great power in prayer, and as a preacher he was regarded as a giant.

         COX, JOSEPH, a strong local elder of Philadelphia, was in that city, and received a good common school education. He was ordained by Bishop Allen. He was no ordinary man. His sermons were clear, logical and forcible. He died in August 1843.

         COX, JOHN P., was born in Frederick, Md. He was converted when quite young and joined the M. E. Church. A few years afterward he withdrew and united with the A. M. E. Church. In 1870 he was admitted into the conference, and has distinguished himself in every charge he has filled. He always builds up and never tears down.

         CRAWFORD, ANDREW J., a member of the Kentucky Conference, has been presiding elder of a district and is an acceptable pastor.

         CRAWFORD, SILAS, a presiding elder in the West Kentucky Conference, was born in that state, and is considered a very energetic worker.

         CRIPPIN, ABRAM C., a late member of the New York Conference, was born in Drummondtown, Va., but raised in Philadelphia, and died in Trenton, 1880. He was a man of sound judgment.

         CROGER, BENJAMIN and PETER, were both local deacons in Brooklyn, New York.

         CROSBY, LEMUEL, a late member of the Indiana Conference was born in the State of Michigan, where he

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was educated. After he was admitted he soon took the front rank in the Conference as a preacher. In 1869 he was appointed to Detroit, Mich., and during that winter, while holding a protracted meeting, he broke down and in the ensuing April died.

         CROSBY, LORENZO DOW, a young member of the Indiana Conference, was born in the State of Michigan, where he attended the public school. In 1875 he was admitted into the Indiana Conference, and has been rising ever since. He is now filling one of the most prominent stations in the Conference.

         CROSBY, CASSIUS M., a youthful member of the Indiana Conference, is now a student at Wilberforce University.

         CORUSEY, ABRAHAM, an aged local preacher, was born in Delaware, but moved to Pennsylvania some years ago and settled in Chester County, where he now resides. He is a remarkably good man.

         CUFF, A. THOMAS, a member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in New Jersey.

         CUFF, REUBEN, a local elder and one of the founders of the A. M. E. Church in Salem, New Jersey, died at a good age.

         CUMBASH, JOHN W., a young member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in Baltimore, Md., and raised in Troy, N. Y. He graduated from Wilberforce University, and is now actively engaged in the itinerancy.

         CUMBERLAND, Md., is a city in the western part of

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the state. The A. M. E. Church was organized in that city by Rev. Thomas W. Henry and Jacob Mitchell, and is now a fine station.

         CURTIS, WILLIAM, a late member of the Indiana Conference, was considered one of the ablest scripturians in the Church. He died at Charlestown, Ind.

D

        DALTON, Ga., is a beautiful town, and has one A. M. E. church with a good membership.

         DANVILLE, Pa., is a town among the hills. There is a small A. M. E. church building in it, and the membership is also very small.

         DANVILLE, Va., is a town on the Richmond and Danville Railroad. The A. M. E. church is the only colored Methodist church in the town. It was built by Rev. John E. Cook.

         DARKS, BENJAMIN, a member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born a slave in Hagerstown, Md. He is one of the strong men of the Conference.

         DAVENPORT, Iowa, is situated on the Mississippi River. The A. M. E. church was erected in this town in 1862.

         DAVIDSON, H. J., a member of the Alabama Conference, was born in Alabama, November 1852, admitted into the Alabama Conference, December 1878, and is an active minister in the Conference.

        

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DAVIDSON, WILLIAM, a venerable member of the Ohio Conference, was born in North Carolina. He emigrated to Ohio when he was a young man and settled at Oxford, Ohio. Since his admission into the Ohio Conference he has filled some important charges.

         DAVIS, DANRIDGE FAYETTE, late of the Ohio Conference, was born in Kentucky, and received a good education, and was licensed to preach. It is said he had a vision one night in which he saw a large Christian army led on by a man of his own color. He inquired of some young white men who had been over in Ohio if they ever had heard of a Conference of colored men. He was told that over in Ohio the colored people had their own Bishops and Conferences, and if he would go over there in the ensuing August he would see them. He made ready and left. On reaching there, he met Bishop Morris Brown and the members of the Conference. He was introduced to them, and then and there was admitted to the Conference. After filling several important stations, he died in great peace.

         DAVIS, EDWARD D., a member of the Ohio Conference, was educated at Oberlin College, Ohio, and filled some of the best charges in the Conference. While stationed in the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1866, he finished his work and died with harness on, leaving a wife and several children.

         DAVIS, HENRY, was born in Philadelphia, July 15th, 1810, was converted in 1830, licensed to preach in 1840 and admitted into the Philadelphia Conference in 1844. He filled

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several stations in the cities of Philadelphia and New York. He was a preacher of power. After spending twenty-nine years in the work, he returned. to the place where he started from, viz., Burlington, N. J., and there died Jan. 17th, 1874.

         DAVIS, WILLIAM, J., one of the oldest elders in the Illinois Conference, was born in Kentucky and raised by a white Christian family, who first taught him how to read. He left his native state and went to Indiana, where he joined the A. M. E. Church a few years afterward. He was admitted into the Indiana Conference and filled many of the most important stations. He was then transferred to the Illinois Conference, where he is now laboring.

         DAVIS, ALEXANDER, a local preacher of Philadelphia, was born in Delaware. He spent the most of his days in his adopted city. As a preacher he was strong and eloquent. He died in 1846.

         DAVIS, DENNIS, an elder of the Baltimore Conference, was born in Baltimore County, Md., and was admitted to the Baltimore Conference in 1862. His last appointment was Hagerstown, Md. In January 1864 his health failed, and he was brought home to Baltimore to die. His death was very triumphant.

         DAVIS, HENDERSON, was born a slave in Prince George's County, Md. He was sold from Washington, D. C., with a large number of other slaves, and placed on board of a ship bound to some Southern port. A storm overtook her and she was driven into some English port.

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        The whole cargo of slaves were freed. Davis went to Frankford, Pa., and settled. He was admitted into the New York Conference in 1866. After spending a few years in that Conference, he was transferred to the Philadelphia Conference, where he is doing a good work.

         DAVIS, EDWARD B., a late member of the New York Conference, was born in the State of Delaware. When a young man he went to New York to live. The first position he filled in the church after he joined was that of sexton; then he was given license as a local preacher, and was subsequently admitted into the conference, where he spent his days and died in peace.

         DAVIS, JOHN W., an elder in the Philadelphia Conference, is a man of some prominence. He was formerly connected with the Zion Church, and is considered a very excellent man.

         DARDIS, GEORGE, a member of the New Jersey Conference, was formerly from the M. E. Church. He is a strong preacher. He is now stationed at Salem, N, J.

         DAVIS, WILLIAM H., a member of the Philadelphia Conference, is a young man of some promise, and has success in all the charges he serves.

         DAWSON, JOHN B., a member of the Illinois Conference, was born in Wheeling, West Va., where he spent his youthful days. He then moved to Chicago, Ill. He is now one of the leading men of that Conference.

         DAYTON, Ohio, is a great railroad centre. The A. M. E. Church has had an existence in this town for years.

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         DENHAM, T. C., is a presiding elder in the East Florida Conference. He is a man of promise.

         DENSON, B. J., a member of the Alabama Conference.

         DENTON, Md., is a town on the Choptank River. The A. M. E. Church was organized in this town about 1820, and continued to flourish until 1830, when the ministers were compelled to leave. The Church then went down. In 1868 there was another organization. The Church is now a flourishing condition.

         DENVER, Col., is a beautiful city. The A. M. E. Church has had an existence here for ten years. Here Rev. John R. V. Morgan died.

         DEPUGH, HENRY, is a member of the Illinois Conference and one of her active workers.

         DERRICK, WILLIAM B., a member of the New York Conference, was born in one of the West India Islands. He was admitted into the Baltimore Conference in 1867. He now fills the Albany Station, N. Y.

         DESMOND, WILLIAM, a late member of the New England Conference, died June 27, 1860.

         DETROIT, Mich., is considered the largest city in the state. The A. M. E. Church has two stations in this city, viz., Bethel and Ebenezer.

         DICKERSON, HENRY, an aged local deacon of Woodbury, N. J., the father of the present Bishop Dickerson, was born in Maryland and died at Woodbury, N. J. (his home), at a good age.

         DICKERSON, ANNA, one of the noblest of women,

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was a member of Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md, for many years. She was respected by all who knew her. She was the President of the Daughters of Conference for a long time, and died in Christ.

         DICKSON, MOSES, a member of the Kansas Conference. He is a man of some ability and always succeeds.

         DIGGS, JOHN W., a member of the Virginia Conference, was born in Frederick, Md. He was a soldier in the late war, and was wounded. He is now a worker for the cause.

         DILLON, ISAAC, a member of the Ohio Conference, was born in Virginia, was admitted into the Conference 1857, and has continued in active work to the present.

         DILLON, PHEBEA, the wife of Rev. Isaac Dillon, was a most excellent woman, and greatly assisted her husband in his work in all the charges he filled. Her death was just such an one as would be expected.

         DIXON, H. E., a member of the Alabama Conference, was born in Lafayette, Ala., June 7, 1848. He was admitted into the Alabama Conference in 1874, and has continued to grow gradually ever since. He is considered the ablest financier in the Conference.

         DOBSON, PERRY, ABRAM and WILLIAM, were all brothers and local preachers in the A. M. E. Church. They were born in Easton, Md. They were regarded as good men.

         DOBSON, CHARLES, a local deacon of Easton, Md., was the son of William Dobson. He died a few years since.

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         DORSEY, JOHN W., is a member of the Kansas Conference.

         DORRELL, DEATON, was a prominent member of the New York Conference for more than thirty years, and was regarded as one of the leading members of his Conference. At four successive General Conferences he was Chairman of the Committee on Episcopacy. In 1880 he was appointed Albany City Station. He went to his work cheerfully and was beloved by all. He retired on Saturday night in his usual health. Sunday morning came, the congregation gathered; but the pastor not making his appearance, the door of the parsonage was broken open, and there was Rev. Deaton Dorrell cold in death. He was taken home to Brooklyn to his family and there buried.

         DOVE, WILLIAM A., a member of the Missouri Conference, was born in Westchester, Pa., and was raised in Boston, where he was licensed to preach. In 1848 he started for the West, and was admitted into the Indiana Conference, where he labored some years successfully. He is considered a great disciplinarian and an able preacher.

         DRAPER, DANIEL, a member of the Baltimore Conference, was born in Baltimore City, and learned the trade of a barber. He was admitted into the Baltimore Conference in 1864, and has continued to occupy conspicuous places in the Conference until the present.

         DRAYTON, SAMUEL W., a member of the Georgia Conference. He was an elder in the M. P. Church before the war. He joined the A. M. E. Church as soon as it was

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organized in the state. He is now a presiding elder in his Conference.

         DUNN, CHARLES, a man of precious memory, was a local deacon in Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md. He was known wherever he went as Father Dunn, and he was loved by all who knew him. He was also called the sweet singer. He occupied a chair in the altar, and before it was time for service to commence he would sing one or two of his favorite songs. One was, "Come, brothers and sisters, that love one another." In the summer of 1863 he left the shores of time.

         DUNN, MARY, the wife of Rev. Charles Dunn, was a remarkable Christian woman, and greatly assisted her husband in the ministry. Her end was sudden, and yet peaceful.

         DUNLOP, GEORGE W., a layman and a man of some means, was born in Prince George's County, Md., and, after living there for years, moved to Washington, D. C., and joined old Israel Church. Being a good writer, he was elected the recording steward for the church, which position he occupied until the day of his death. In August 1858 he closed his eyes in death.

E

        EADDIS, W. JOHN, a member of the Illinois Conference, was born in Kentucky and raised by Dr. Dandy, of the M. E. Church. He is an eloquent preacher.

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        EARLEY, JORDAN W., one of the fathers and founders of the Tennessee Conference, was born in Virginia. He moved to St. Louis, Mo., in his youth, and commenced business and accumulated considerable. He was one of the founders of the A. M. E. Church of the City of St. Louis, Mo. He is considered one of the best pastors and managers of a church in the Conference, and for years led the ticket for delegates to the General Conference.

         EARLEY, SARAH E., the wife of Rev. J. W. Earley, is a highly educated Christian lady and excellent teacher, and has done much to lift up the down-trodden.

         EASTON, Md., is a beautiful town in Talbot County. The A. M. E. Church was first organized in this town by the late Rev. Shadrach Bassett. Joseph Chain and Washington Dorrell--both local preachers--were the two men who aided in the work. The Baltimore Conference has held two sessions in this town.

         EDDY, JOSHUA P. B., one of the oldest local elders in Philadelphia, was born in the western part of Pennsylvania. He was admitted into the Philadelphia Conference when he was a young man, was ordained deacon and elder by Bishop Allen, and also married his (Allen's) daughter. He afterward located and now lives in Philadelphia. He is regarded as one of the wealthiest men of color in that city.

         EDDY, JOSIAH, a local deacon of Philadelphia and brother of Rev. Joshua P. B. Eddy, has been a member and minister in Bethel Church, Philadelphia, for some years.

         EDWARDS, SAMUEL, a local deacon of New York,

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was a man to be relied on. He was the elder's armor-bearer. He was a local delegate to the General Conference of 1840. He died several years ago in the City of New York.

         EDWARDS, HARDY D., an influential member of the South Carolina Conference, was among the first who were admitted into the Conference after its organization, and filled some of the most responsible stations in the Conference. He died in 1880. The vacancy caused by his death will be hard to fill for some time.

         ELZYMORE, JOHN, an elder in the New England Conference, served the Church very acceptably for years and died Dec. 16, 1865.

         EMBRY, JAMES C., an eminent elder of the Kansas Conference, was born in Illinois. He has a respectable education. At one time he was the commissioner of Education, and subsequently he was chosen Financial Secretary, and filled both positions with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the connection. At the General Conference of 1881 he was chosen one of the delegates to the Ecumenical Council at London.

         EMORY, ISAAC, a local deacon of Providence, R. I., was born in Salem, New Jersey.

         EUFAULA, Ala., is a handsome town. The A. M. E. Church was organized in this place soon after the war, and is one of the finest stations in the state. Membership about four hundred.

         EVANS, JAMES, was a local elder. He lived in

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Alexandria, Va., for many years, and then moved to Columbus, Ohio, and there died.

         EVANS, ROBERT, a local, deacon of Bordentown, New Jersey, was a man of Christian integrity. He was ordained by Bishop Morris Brown and died in 1866.

         EVANS, RACHEL, the wife of Rev. Robert Evans, was a preacheress of no ordinary ability. She could rouse a congregation at any time, and was a woman of unblemished Christian character. They raised a family of Christian children. They both sleep side by side in the graveyard awaiting the resurrection morn.

         EVANS, LEVI, a venerable member of the Kentucky Conference, was born in Washington, D. C. He went to Kentucky when he was quite young, joined the Conference and filled many stations of importance.

         EVANSVILLE, Ind., is a city situated on the north side of the Ohio River. The A. M. E. Church has existed here for some years. The present membership is about two hundred.

F

        FARRIS, EDWARD M., of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in Philadelphia. He learned the trade of a barber, and entered the Church in his youth. He was afterwards licensed to preach, and after being ordained a deacon was admitted into the Philadelphia Conference. The first circuit he traveled was Salem, New Jersey. The next year he changed to Bucks County, Pa. In attempting to cross

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a certain stream of water one cold day, he fell in and got very wet, which gave him such a cold that it brought on consumption, which caused his death.

         FAUSSETT, REDMAN B., a presiding elder of the New Jersey Conference, was admitted into the Philadelphia Conference in 1867, and has since filled some of the most important stations in the Conference.

         FELTS, C. C., a member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in Virginia. He was admitted into the Ohio Conference, and then spent some time at Wilberforce University. He was subsequently transferred to the Philadelphia Conference. His first appointment was West Philadelphia. From there he was sent to Wilmington, Del., where he erected the finest church building in the state belonging to the A. M. E. Church.

         FERGUSON, SAMUEL, was a leader in Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md. He went to the war in 1864, and was captured at the battle of Petersburg and taken to some of the Southern prisons, and there died.

         FIELDS, ABRAM, was born in Elkton, Md., and went to Philadelphia when he was a young man. For years he was the steward of Bethel Church. He was a man of a brilliant intellect, and was very much missed when he was called away by death.

         FITZHUGH, CHARLES WESLEY, an elder in the Baltimore Conference, was born in Natchez, Miss., November 12, 1842. He is now stationed in the City of Baltimore, Md.

         FITZPATRICK, I. N., is a member of the Alabama

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Conference. He represented his Conference in the last General Conference, 1880.

         FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE of the A. M. E. Church was organized June 8, 1867, in the City of Tallahassee. Its boundaries were then the whole state. The Conference since then has been divided into two--Florida and West Florida.

         FLUSHING, N. Y., is one of the oldest charges on Long Island and has a membership of one hundred and twenty-five.

         FORTIE, JOHN C., an educated young layman of Baltimore, Md., member and steward of Bethel Church, died in the prime of life.

         FORT SCOTT, Kansas. The A. M. E. Church was here organized in 1866, and a small building was erected. It has since been rebuilt and dedicated in 1875.

         FRANKFORT, Ky., is the capital of the state. The A. M. E. Church is the only colored Methodist Church in the city, and has a membership of about two hundred and fifty, and a large Sunday School.

         FREDERICK, Md., is one of the oldest stations in the state outside of Baltimore. The church was rebuilt in 1855, and remodeled in 1870. It is now one of the best stations in Western Maryland.

         FREEMAN, MOSES, was one of the first ministers that was stationed in Baltimore after the organization of the Conference. His stay in Baltimore was short. He was recalled by the Bishop and sent on a foreign mission, where he died.

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        FREEMAN, WALLER, a layman of Union Bethel Church, Washington, D. C., was born a slave in Raleigh, N. C. His wife belonged to Hon. Mr. Badger. When General Harrison took his seat as President of the United States, Mr. Badger was invited to a seat in his Cabinet. He accepted and moved to Washington, D. C., and brought the family of Waller Freeman with him. After the death of President Harrison, Mr. Badger returned home to North Carolina. Waller Freeman, not wishing to return, was compelled to buy his whole family. They settled in Washington, D. C. They raised an interesting family of children. Waller Freeman and his wife, Eliza, have both passed away to their eternal rest.

         FRY, G. G., a member of the North Carolina Conference, was born in Frankford, Pa. He has been secretary of the Conference for some time, and is considered one of the ablest ministers in the Conference.

G

        GAINES, CAUSMAN H., a son of the late Rev. William Gaines of the Baltimore Conference, a worthy layman of Bethel Church, Baltimore, is a fine scholar and was for many years recording steward of the church. He is a good business man and superintendent of the "Ship Yard Company" in Baltimore. He served one term on the Grand jury of the United States Court.

         GAINES, GEORGE WASHINGTON, a member of the

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Missouri Conference, was born a slave in Missouri. He went into the Army, and there he began to educate himself, and when he returned he had advanced considerably. On entering the Conference he took a stand in favor of education, and is now considered one of the most progressive members of the Conference.

         GAINES, WESLEY C., a member of the Georgia Conference, is a relative of the family of Gaines above referred to. He is a minister very much respected by his Conference, and was a delegate to the General Conference of 1880. He at present fills a popular station in the Conference.

         GAINES, WILLIAM, once a member of the Baltimore Conference, was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Coming to Baltimore, he joined Ebenezer Church. In 1843 he was admitted to the Baltimore Conference and ordained a deacon. In 1845 he was appointed to the Hagerstown Circuit, Md. Being a very industrious man, he left his family in the care of the Great Shepherd and started for his work, and had gone several rounds, when on returning to Hagerstown he was seized with something like the vertigo and fell from his horse. When found he was speechless and so remained until his death. He was buried in the old church-yard in Hagerstown. His funeral sermon was preached by his friend, Rev. Thomas W. Henry.

         GAINES, WILLIAM, late of the Georgia Conference, was born a slave in Georgia. Soon after the close of the war he united with the A. M. E. Church, and was admitted

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into the Conference and ordained. But his ministerial career was short. He died in Georgia.

         GAINES, W. J., a prominent member of the North Georgia Conference, was born a slave in Georgia and belonged to General Toombs. Soon after the war he joined the A. M. E. Church and was among the first to unite with the Conference when it was organized, and has filled nearly all the prominent appointments in the Conference. He has also represented his Conference in every General Conference since he has been eligible. On a visit once to Boston he called the roll of his former master's slaves at Bunker Hill.

         GALE, GEORGE C., a layman of Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md., at one time was a trustee of the church. In 1881 he went to Rockville to do some carpenter's work for a friend of his. He was taken sick there, and before he could be brought home he died. He said to his friends before he died, "I am clinging to the Cross."

         GALENA, Ill. The A. M. E. Church has a small membership in this town.

         GALESBURG, Ill. The A. M. E. Church has a flourishing church and a large membership in this city.

         GALLIPOLIS, Ohio, situated on the west side of the Ohio River, is one of the oldest appointments in that part of the state. The A. M. E. Church has a membership of two hundred.

         GALVESTON, Texas. The A. M. E. Church is well represented in this city, and has a fine church and congregation.

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        GANT, N. T., a wealthy layman of Zanesville, Ohio, was elected a delegate to the Ecumenical Conference at London.

         GARDNER, LAZARUS, a member of the Louisiana Conference, was formerly a member of the Georgia Conference. He was a delegate from the Georgia Conference to the General Conference of 1876, and also from the Louisiana Conference to the General Conference of 1880.

         GARDNER, PETER, late of the Philadelphia Conference was in the first part of his ministry connected with the M. E. Church. About 1847 he joined the A. M. E. Church in the West. He was then transferred to the New York Conference and was stationed at Brooklyn, New York. From there he went to the Philadelphia Conference, where he ended his days. His last illness was remarkable. He had purchased a house at Burlington, New Jersey, and when he and his Christian wife reached there, she remarked to a friend, "Now we have come here, I expect, to die." The friend said, "Well, Sister Gardner, you must try and get ready." Brother Gardner, who was sitting at the table eating milk and bread, looked up and said, "I have not got to get ready, for I am ready now." He continued to grow weaker, and one morning, when the doctor came in to see him, he said, "Doctor, I am dying, ain't I?" The Doctor said, "Yes, but you may outlive me." He said, "Yes, but I reason philosophically; if a man cannot eat he can't live." Then he said, "I have got religion, thank God! I am not afraid to die." He asked some friends to assist him

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up stairs, and when they reached the room he could not walk, and being heavy they could not carry him. He then told them to push him like a log. The struggle fatigued him very much. He called his wife, saying, "Serona!" She said, "What is it, husband?" "Worse and worse." That night he dreamed he was dead. The next morning his wife called him and asked what he would have for breakfast. He answered by saying, "I am dead. I cannot eat." Some one asked him how he felt when he conceived the idea he was dead. He said, "I did not feel as happy as I wanted to, for I wanted to feel that I had overcome by the blood of the Lamb." Whilst lying upon his bed he said to some friends, "I have heard it said that if you would straighten out a dying man, he would soon be gone." Then he said, "Straighten me out." The friend was slow to move, and so he said, "Did you hear?" The answer was "Yes." Then he said, "Be about it." It was done as he said, and in a few minutes he was gone.

         GARDNER, PRINCE, a presiding elder of the North Alabama Conference, is a very active minister, and one of the most acceptable presiding officers in the Conference.

         GASAWAY, RICHARD J., a member of the Virginia Conference, was born in Maryland, July 10, 1825, and was admitted into the Conference April 1869. Since then he has worked in Virginia.

         GALLAWAY, JOHN W., a member of the Ohio Conference, was born in Ohio. He is regarded as an excellent Christian man. Success attends his labors.

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        GENERAL CONFERENCE of the A. M. E. Church is the highest body. It meets once in every four years on the first Monday in May.

         GEORGETOWN, D. C. The A. M. E. Church was organized here in 1842, and it is a fine station, having a membership of two hundred.

         GEORGIA CONFERENCE of the A. M. E. Church was organized in the city of Macon, May 30, 1867. Its boundaries then included the whole state, but since then it has been divided into two conferences, the Georgia and the North Georgia.

         GIBBS, RICHARD P., was born in Kent County, Delaware. His father taught him to read and write. He was admitted into the Baltimore Conference in 1858. He filled New York City Station and Union Church, Philadelphia. From the latter place he was transferred to Savannah, Georgia, where he spent a short time, and then died, and was brought to Philadelphia and buried from the Union Church, where he was once pastor.

         GIBBS, STEPHEN, a worthy layman, was born in Delaware, and was a very successful farmer and owned considerable land in the state, and died at a good old age.

         GILBERT, JOSHUA, a very eloquent local preacher, born in Harford County, Md., March 5, 1807. He went to Baltimore when a young man and was received into Bethel Church. Soon after he was licensed to preach, and very soon became the centre of attraction. Whenever it known that he was to preach, crowds would gather.

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But his brilliant career was short. His sun set without a cloud; and so, although dead, he yet lives in the minds of the old members of the Church. He died February 24, 1838.

         GILBERT, PACA THOMAS, was born in Harford County, Md., October 8, 1805. He went to Baltimore when a young man, was admitted into Bethel Church and was licensed to exhort. He was the first man that organized a Sunday School in Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md.

         GLOVER, GEORGE, is one of the first laymen of the A. M. E. Church in Port Deposit, Md.

         GOLDEN, JEFFERY, a very worthy member of the Baltimore Conference, was born in Baltimore City. He was a man of no learning, and yet was a remarkable preacher. He traveled circuits for several years and finally obtained a superannuated relation. He died in Baltimore, 1852.

         GOODLOW, JOHN M., a presiding elder of the North Alabama Conference, was formerly a minister in the M. E. Church, but now is a very efficient worker in the Conference.

         GOOSLEY, C. S., a member of the New England Conference, was formerly a member of the British M. E. Church in Canada. Some years ago he obtained a transfer to the South Carolina Conference, where he served acceptably as pastor and presiding elder. He was a member of the last General Conference.

         GORDON, B. H., is a member of the Indiana Conference.

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        GORDON, HENRY, an excellent layman of Philadelphia, was for years the leader of the choir and also a leader and steward. When he died he left the Church and the publication department a handsome sum.

         GOULD, FURMAN, a local preacher of New Jersey, was one of the great supporters of the A. M. E. Church in that part of New Jersey. He was married four times and raised a large family of children, who are either members of or friends of the Church of his choice.

         GOULD, JESSE, is an excellent steward and leader in the A. M. E. Church in Gouldtown, New Jersey.

         GOULD, THEODORE, a member of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in Gouldtown, New Jersey. In 1846 the minister in charge of the circuit was holding a quarterly meeting at that place and preached from the text, "Come thou and thy house into the ark." He invited any who might want to get out of the storm to come in. The first one was Theodore Gould, then a little flaxy-headed boy. The minister, laying his hand upon his head, said, "God bless this little boy."

         GRAHAM, GRAFTON H., was born in New Market, Frederick County, Md. He learned the barber's trade when a youth, and then went to Allegheny City, Pa., and entered the ministry of the Zion Church and for some time attended the Avery College of that city. In 1854 he joined the A. M. E. Church, and since then has filled some of the prominent charges in the Ohio as well as in the Kentucky Conference. At present he is stationed at Middleport, Ohio,

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and is decidedly one of the most eloquent pulpit orators in the connection.

         GRANT, ABRAHAM, of the West Texas Conference, was born in Florida and was admitted into that conference soon after it was organized. He has since been transferred to the West Texas Conference. He was a member of the General Conference of 1880.

         GRAY, JOHN H. T., a member of the Baltimore Conference, has charge at present of the Quaker Bottom Circuit. He studied theology at the Howard University, and is one of the young giants of the Conference.

         GREEN, ALFRED M., the son of the Rev. A. R. Green, was born in Pennsylvania. After receiving his education he devoted his time to lecturing, and then entered the army. After leaving the army he entered the ministry, was received into the Baltimore Conference, and transferred to the Louisiana Conference and stationed in New Orleans. He was a member of the General Conference of 1880.

         GREEN, AUGUSTUS R., was born in Virginia. His father moved to Pennsylvania when his son was a small boy. He received a good English education, and then learned the trade of a blacksmith. In 1841 he was admitted into the Ohio Conference and soon began to rise in the estimation of the members. In 1848 the General Conference elected him the General Book Steward and editor of the "Christian Herald." He ran the concern for four years and then resigned, and returned to the pastorate and remained therein until 1860, when he removed to Canada.

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When the unfortunate separation took place, he was elected the Bishop of one party, and co