Wade Branch Church

(1877-1942?)

Brethren at Work August 22, 1878 page 7 Vol. III No. 34

A Synopsis of Travels in the West.

 On the 28th of May, we left home for Gilman, Iroquois Co., Ill. Arrived there safe in due time, found my children living there well, but surrounded with a large scope of that land, then very wet. From there to Cerro Gordo, Piatt Co., Ill., quite a strange place, but are here found many friends and brethren, preached several times at La Place and at the Love feast in Bro. John Metzger’s church. Formed the acquaintance with brethren Lyon, Barnhart and others. Enjoyed ourselves well; had a solemn feast, mot so much crowded, but very interesting. From there on the 5th of June started for Auburn Sangamon Co., Ill.  From friends and Brethren all well, staid with them over Sunday, preached for them three times. Here we found a number of Pennsylvanians. Such as Isaac Gibbel, A. L. Bowman, H. Hernley, B. Masterson, and other, all doing well. No doubt their transit was for the letter, temporally. Apparently and can be bought cheaper now, than some years ago. Next we explored Girard and its vicinity in Macoupin Co. First entered the house of widow Brubaker, better known as Matte Gerlach, and in a few hours at the house of Bro. Collen Gilson, a minister. Good to be there, under the tuition of on who took lessons from his master, and to be forgotten again.  In these parts we found a number of Pennsylvanians again. Had one quite interesting meeting. Prior to the meeting were shown the country by our friend Amos Young.

Macoupin Co. seems to be a soil adapted to raise all kinds of grain.  Land sells the same as in Sangamon, from thirty to fifty dollars an acre.  Stopped in St. Louis, saw my nephew Amos Hoffer, all cheer.  Bought tickets for Kinsley, Kansas. Arriving in Kansas City, we turned our ship to Miami Co., Kansas. Paola, the county seat, was our stop. Bro. Hollinger took us home and next day to love-feast, at Bro. Ayer’s house, the field of Bro. George Meyers. Preaching by Harper, Gibson and others.  Bro. George Myers on the occasion was ordained, and a new church was organized, over which is to preside.  Country middling well improved, rather broken; plenty of limestone rock. Next day traveled about thirty miles through Franklin county on private conveyance; lodged with a minister, (name lost). Next day went to Douglas Co.  Were kindly cared for by Bro. Garst and others. Country about the same as Miami. Land sells from five to twenty-five dollars in these different counties.

Wm. Hertzler  Elizabethtown, Pa.