An examination of the following pages caused me to live my early life over again. Having spent twenty-three years in the ministry within the bounds of the West Virginia Conference, and having been intimately associated with the author of this volume during the most of that period, I am very familiar with many of the places, persons, and events mentioned, and can testify to the correctness of the record he makes, and to the faithfulness of the pictures drawn. This book will stir the thoughts and rekindle the fire within the old itinerants, and, as well, I trust, arouse the young to larger activities in soul winning. R. A. HITT. Chillicothe, Ohio, May 4, 1907. The author of this book and myself were boys together. We were born and reared within four miles of each other, were converted in the same church, and for years were members of the same Sunday school and congregation. We were licensed to preach on the same charge, and spent the earlier years of our ministry in the same conference together. In many instances we traveled the same roads, preached in the same communities, and mingled with the same people. After having examined the contents of this volume in manuscript form, I am sure it contains a faithful description of the varied conditions which made up the life and experiences of the United Brethren itinerant minister of that time among the hills and mountains of West Virginia. A. ORR. Circleville, Ohio, April 30, 1907. Contents PREFACE INTRODUCTION 9 CHAPTER I 15 CHAPTER II 27 CHAPTER III 44 CHAPTER IV 58 CHAPTER V 70 CHAPTER VI 86 CHAPTER VII 100 CHAPTER VIII 121 Illustrations BISHOP W. M. WEEKLEY (_Frontispiece_) W. M. WEEKLEY AT TWENTY YEARS OF AGE W. M. WEEKLEY AT THIRTY YEARS OF AGE TRAVELING A DISTRICT HOUSE WHERE BISHOP FIRST WENT TO HOUSEKEEPING Introduction The past lives through the printed page. The ages would be blank if books were not made recording the events and achievements of men. No form of history is more interesting and profitable than that which recites the career of those who, obedient to their divine commission, proclaimed to fellowmen the sweet message of Christ’s redeeming love. The completeness of their consecration, their undaunted courage and persistency in the face of many difficulties, and their marvelous success evidence in them the presence of superhuman power. It is the genius of Christianity to inspire and develop the unselfish and heroic in men. The splendid specimens of self-sacrifice and moral courage, which adorn the pages of Christian literature, charm the reader and inspire him to more Christlike endeavor. These life-stories constitute a rich, priceless legacy for present and future generations.