Diary of a Prairie Missionary       Part 2

July 4^th.    While millions were this day exulting in the anniiversary of a Nation's birthday. we were engaged in organizing a church of professing people in the enjoyment of Christian fellowship. At half past ten A.M. session was constituted, consisting of four members. About 20 persons were admitted on certificate from other churches of our people, and nearly 40 by examination.  Beside sermon, the ordination, installation, and charges, the examination kept us closely engaged untill within a few minutes of seven P.M. Tho’ a labourious, It was a pleasant day.

Another widow met with us today who had buried her husband yesterday. In all 59 were admitted altho’ five had been removed by the cholera.  Our meetinghouse here is a specimen of now beginnings in the "Far West.”  It had neither hanging door, window, nor floor, excepting the prairie turf, and not a nail was found inits construction unless it were a few in the wall for the accommodation of hanging hats. Excepting a visit from (Mr. now) the Rev. Jeremiah Morrow last year, and from Mr. Thos. Turner this summer, I was the first of our ministers who preached to them in the Jamieson settlement and in their Sharon Meetinghouse near Cedar Creek.  We today, within 12 miles of the Mississippi River, have been permitted to admit a company of professing people to the enjoyment of Gospel privileges. May their increase in pure and undefiled religion, and in numbers, keep pace with the prosperity of the Nation.

July 5^th  Sabbath.     This was with many of us a solemn day. The attention and order shewn by the people would have done credit to an old congregation.  In the one corner of the house was one of our communicants upon a little bed, and in the opposite corner another, so far recovered from an attack of cholera as to be able to set with us a part of the day.  Not only was our little house crowded but a very attentive audience surrounded it. We had four table services, and our exercises continued nearly the whole day.  We were permitted to wait on God, without distraction, to enjoy a feast, and a good day.

6^th.    I preached to an attentive people. After sermon Mr. Parks baptized six or seven persons. We then took leave of the friends. In the afternoon arrangements were made for assisting the funds and they gave us the Missionary allowance.

7^th July.   After writing to Mr. McDill I proceeded to the Meetinghouse of the Ass. Ch., in that vicinity & addressed a meeting of the temperance society. I then passed the night with a Mr. Hopkins from Ky., an Elder of the Gen. As. Pres. I fear that his influence in that vicinity may injure our cause there.

8^th.    I proceeded to Mercer Co. 20 miles, The Prairies here are large and sandy and less fertile than in Warren. At New Boston, the County town I expected to have crossed the Mississippi to the "New Purchase" - to see Black Hawk & Keeokuck and their Indiana, but we were detained by the villiage “doggery” which had been opened some ten days before.In this County there are now two magistrates,. The one of these was sued before the other, about some money matter.  While the jury were adjourned under the escort of a constable to the River Bluff as their private room to make up their verdict, the Sheriff of the County attacked the magistrate whose case was Pending and attempted to "gouge” out his eyes.  He immediately prosecuted him before the sitting magistrate and had him fined $15.00.  By this fight (caused indirectly by whiskey) and the trial to which my companions were called as witnesses, I was detained from crossing the River. This was the second fight since the doggery was established, and the second in the villiage tho’ above a year old.  The avowed infidels have attempted to elect all officers in this County in opposition to what they call the religionists. The Sheriff belonged to the infidel crew.