Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 64765-h.htm or 64765-h.zip: (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/64765/64765-h/64765-h.htm) or (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/64765/64765-h.zip) Images of the original pages are available through Internet Archive. See https://archive.org/details/twentyyearsonhor00week [Illustration: BISHOP W. M. WEEKLEY, D.D.] TWENTY YEARS ON HORSEBACK OR ITINERATING IN WEST VIRGINIA by W. M. WEEKLEY, D.D. Author of “Getting and Giving,” “From Life to Life,” Etc. “Take thy part in suffering hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”—2 Tim. 2:3 Nineteen Hundred and Seven United Brethren Publishing House Dayton, Ohio All Rights Reserved Preface It was not my purpose, in the preparation of this little volume, to make it an autobiography, but rather a narration of incidents connected with the twenty years of humble service which I tried to render the United Brethren Church among the mountains of West Virginia. These incidents present an all-round view, in outline, of the real life and labors of the itinerant preacher, a third of a century ago, in an isolated section, where the most simple and primitive customs prevailed. While some of the things related will doubtless amuse the reader, others, I trust, will lead to thoughtful reflection, and carry with them lessons inspiring and helpful. The introduction should first be carefully read by those who expect to be profited by a perusal of the pages which follow. That good may come to the church, and glory to our Redeemer through this unpretentious publication is the prayer of its AUTHOR. Kansas City, Mo., May 1, 1907. I have examined the manuscript of “Twenty Years on Horseback, or Itinerating in West Virginia,” and cheerfully submit this note of commendation. The author, Bishop W. M. Weekley, D.D., I have known for more than thirty years. He entered the ministry when young, with an undivided heart and determined purpose. During the years he served the Church in that State he traveled over almost the entire territory of the West Virginia Conference. The country then was extremely primitive; but simple as the mode of life was at that time, the field was an interesting, even an enjoyable one for a minister who could endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ. I am acquainted with nearly all the sections of the State referred to, and am therefore familiar with many of the places, facts, and persons mentioned, and can assure the reader that the author has given a faithful account of these in his book. No statement is overdrawn or warped for the sake of effect. W. W. RYMER. Columbus, Ohio, May 3, 1907.