The man who bore the distinction of being the first standard-bearer of Free Methodism in the State of Michigan was the late Thomas S. LaDue. Inasmuch as he he-came a conspicuous light in the Free Methodist Church, and for many years figured largely in building up the work in various parts of the country, a brief sketch of his character and career will here be in place.

Thomas Scott LaDue was born in Lawrence, Otsego County, New York, August 7, 1832. On his father's side Mr. LaDue was of French lineage, a probable descendant, in part at least, of some of the LaDues who "escaped from France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and came to America, where, with other Huguenots who had suffered from Roman Catholic persecutions, they founded the town of New Rochelle, near New York City." On his mother's side he was of New England Puritan stock, some of the Puritan characteristics being clearly discernible in his character. His parents were intelligent, devout and pious, and diligently sought to train their son for a life of usefulness. He made such proficiency in learning that he is said to have become an excellent school teacher at an early age. Early in life also he gave proof of superior ability as a public speaker, and attracted no little attention by delivering, on invitation, a Fourth of July oration.

At the age of seventeen years he entered Beloit College, Wisconsin, but after a time had to leave because of failing health. Later, having in some measure recovered his health, he entered Brown University, Rhode Island. Here he made excellent progress for a time, and seemed likely to finish his course with honor, when, because of another physical breakdown, he was compelled to relinquish his studies, and return home. Being now brought directly under the religious influence of his parents again, the effect was highly salutary. He soon sought the Lord, professed religion, united with the Methodist Church, and at about twenty-three years of age entered the Christian ministry. He labored as supply, under the Presiding Elder, at Port Washington, Wisconsin, for a time; but not being pleased with what appeared to him to be the aristocratic spirit and bearing of that section of the denomination with which he had united, he soon withdrew, and united with the Congregational Church, of which his father was a member. He spent a year and a half in the Chicago Theological Seminary, a Congregationalist institution, which he finally left because, to use his own words of many years ago, "the general influence certainly tended to draw me from the Lord, although I doubt if a more pious or consistent institution of the kind exists in any denomination." He was greatly quickened and helped spiritually by the reading of President Finney's works, and even supposed he had experienced the grace of entire sanctification; but he informs us that, in a later experience of hungering after God, he was strangely wrought upon by the Holy Spirit, who showed him very clearly that what lie had mistaken for entire sanctification was conversion instead; and that, in the new light that then shone upon him, he made a renewed and more thorough consecration to God, and immediately claimed the blessing by simple faith.

This was the beginning of a new era in his usefulness as a preacher. New light had dawned upon him, a new unction had been given him, and with this new experience came a new vision as to the condition of the Church, the Heeds of the world, and the responsibilities of the Christian ministry. He began to preach accordingly. He was pastor of the Congregational Church at St. Charles, Illinois, at the time; and it was not long before his preaching made a stir, and the officials of the Church called a meeting and decided "that they could not pay Mr. LaDue such a salary for preaching 'Redfield doctrine.'" He was soon invited to resign, and did so; and "as naturally as a bird flies to its nest," so naturally did he seek communion with those who knew the deep things of God, and loved to converse about them. He attended the second camp-meeting held by the Free Methodists at St. Charles, in the year 1861, and there united with the Free Methodist Church, and with the Western Convention, as it was then called, later known as the Illinois Conference.

Soon after becoming identified with the Free Methodist people, and amid scenes of mingled persecution and victory, he took as a companion in life one who had known to a good]y extent the toils and sorrows, as well as the :joys of the itinerancy-Mrs. M. F. Kendall, widow of the Rev. W. C. Kendall. By her keen intelligence, her deep religious experience, her enthusiastic devotion to the cause of holiness, and her heroic faith and courage, she ever proved a most efficient helpmeet to him, through all his subsequent years, and doubtless will share with him the reward of all his labors.

For twenty-seven years this man of God most faithfully, and with great ability, proclaimed the Bible standard of holiness, as h& d by the Free Methodist Church, and multitudes who were blest under his ministry will at last arise and call him blessed. His labors as a Free Methodist minister were widely distributed, including Illinois, the three Conferences in New York State, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Washington and Oregon.

Mr. LaDue was a tall, broad-shouldered man, thin, pale, and slightly stooping, but of countenance beaming with intelligence, goodness and spirituality. He possessed a logical mind, well stored with useful information a fine and somewhat poetic imagination, but chastened and made to do his bidding; a will like that of the Iron Duke, but disciplined by culture and by grace. He was marvelously gifted with eloquence, especially when under the power of the Holy Spirit. In him were mingled the severity of the early Puritans, and the evangelical simplicity and gentleness of St. John, the beloved disciple.

This good man finished his labors, and went to be with God, at Powell's Valley, Oregon, on the 8th of March, 1888. His death was preceded by long months of great suffering from tuberculosis, yet he continued to preach until very near the end. He attended the General Conference at Coopersville, Michigan, in October, 1886, as delegate from the Oregon and Washington Conference, and though suffering greatly, gave strict attention to the business of the session, and preached once with remarkable power and eloquence. At the close of the sermon his brother-in-law, the Hon. C. W. Tenney, who was a lay delegate, turned to his wife and said, "That is Brother Thomas's dying charge to the Free Methodist Church." It proved to be so.

He gave two noble sons to the ministry of the Free Methodist Church-John, who served efficiently for some time in the Washington Conference, and who for the past twenty years has been a professor in the theological department of Greenville College William K., a studious young man, with a remarkable gift for preaching, who labored for a few years in the California Conference, with great acceptability, and then died in holy triumph. "To this day by those who knew of him he is remembered as the model preacher."

In the fall of 1861 it was judged best by General Superintendent Roberts that Mr. and Mrs. LaDue should go to Rochester, New York, and take charge of the work in that city. They went, continued there until the following spring, laboring amidst many difficulties which were hard to surmount, God giving them the hearts of some faithful ones, who contributed nobly to their support. Among these were Mrs. Mary E. Vick, wife of the late wen-known florist, and Mr. and Mrs. Myron H. Monroe, these three being some of the fruit of Dr. Redfield's faithful labors in Rochester.

It was in the spring of 1862 that Superintendent Roberts decided that Mr. LaDue ought to go west, and organize a Free Methodist Society in the Southwestern part of Michigan, where the introduction of the work seemed very much desired, laboring on his way thither as the way 'night open. He went, but on reaching the place he soon found that those who had been calling for the organization of a Free Methodist work in their midst were chiefly a few disaffected members of another religious denomination, and nowise fit to be received into the Free Methodist connection. "Nothing remained, therefore," to quote from the words of Its widow after his death, "but to commence from the beginning, and turn one of the first furrows of Free Methodism in Michigan"[1]

So far as the author can ascertain this was the beginning of Free Methodist labors in the State of Michigan. Just how long these labors continued is not certain, but probably not very long. Yet for a season he continued to fill appointments at various places in that part of the state, on invitation, and later accepted a call to Elkhart, Indiana. He and Mrs. LaDue appear to have been deeply burdened for the work in Michigan while there. Mrs. LaDue says, "We often felt led earnestly to pray that God would give us, as a people the State of Michigan in its entire length and breadth: At that time but here and there one received the truth gladly; but since then, under the faithful and arduous labors of other servants of the Lord, that prayer has been remarkably fulfilled."[2]

Further efforts toward establishing Free Methodism in the State seem to have been postponed until 1863. At the session of the Illinois Conference held at Aurora in the fall of 1862 Superintendent Roberts came to the Rev. E. P. Hart, who had been ordained Deacon the year before, saying that he had a letter from a man in Michigan who wanted a Free Methodist preacher sent to that State, and asked him if he would go. Mr. Hart replied, "If you say so and I can get there, I will go to the North Pole." But before the session was over Mr. Roberts said to him. "We haven't enough men to supply the circuits; but the brethren at Marengo have consented, if you are sent there, to let you take three months at any time of the year you may choose to visit Michigan."

Mr. Roberts gave the letter he had received from Michigan to Mr. Hart, requesting him to open correspondence with the writer of it, the Rev. H. L. Jones, of the town of Ida, and arrange, if possible, to go there during the winter months, as that would be the better time for holding revival meetings. He went on to his charge at Marengo, where he and his esteemed companion received a most cordial welcome from their old-time friends. Here they expected to devote themselves to the work of God for the year, with perhaps the exception of a few weeks' labors in Michigan; but, by the unmistakable ordering of Providence, they were destined to remain in Illinois for only three months. Mr. Hart began correspondence with the Rev. Mr. Jones, of Michigan, and made arrangements to be with him as early as January 24. They went to Michigan, began evangelistic work there, and saw such success as finally made it evident to themselves and others that they should remain there. The providence by which the way was opened for the final establishment of Free Methodism in Michigan is interesting and instructive. It is thus related by Mr. Hart:

Some years prior to our arrival in the State, Father Jones and others, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, deploring the lack of spirituality, decided to organize a new denomination, which they called The Methodist Episcopal Conformist Church-the word "Conformist" being expressive of their determination to conform to the doctrines and Discipline of primitive Methodism. For a few years they met with success, and at one time In Southeastern Michigan numbered some three or four hundred. But in every truly evangelical movement history repeats itself, and this little branch was soon called to encounter very bitter worldly and Satanic opposition, so that at the time of our advent into the State their membership was sadly diminished, and Henry Jones was the only remaining preacher.

 

A Free Methodist woman from Buffalo, New York, went to Michigan to visit her sister, a Mrs. Knoll, who was a member of the Conformist Church. The sister from Buffalo had a copy of the Earnest Christian, which at that time Brother Roberts was publishing in that city. Sister Knoll handed the periodical to Henry Jones, who read it carefully, and then wrote Brother Roberts for a copy of the Discipline. Having studied this with care, he wrote Brother Roberts, requesting him to send them a Free Methodist preacher. So in this instance, as in many others, the Earnest Christian proved to be a John the Baptist and forerunner of our work. And from this beginning six or seven Annual Conferences, with two or three hundred traveling preachers and a membership of over six thousand, have been added to our Zion.[3]

"While there's a track I'll never go back,

But go on at the risk of my all."

Mr. Jones's meetings had been in progress about a week when they returned. Having been away from home now about a month, where they had left an excellent charge, in a beautiful village, with Church and parsonage amid delightful surroundings, and where also they had left their only child, at an age when becoming most interesting, Mr. and Mrs. Hart were beginning to feel a little homesick and to experience a longing to return to their field of labor in Illinois Hence, as they went to the Plues neighborhood it was decided that, unless some unusual interest should develop there soon, they would terminate their labors in Michigan and return to their charge in Illinois. With this determination in mind Mr. Hart said to his wife, as they went to the schoolhouse that evening for the service, "Mat, to-night it is either make or break."

The preacher was greatly helped of God that night in presenting the truth needed in that community. The people listened as though spell-bound. Deep conviction rested upon many. When the invitation was given for seekers to come forward, quite a number responded, among whom were the wife and twin daughters, beautiful girls of about seventeen years, and one or two younger children of Mr. John Pines. Remarkable manifestations of divine power attended the altar service which followed, and several of those who came forward professed to experience the pardon of their sins.

A few days before this meeting, while riding together past a large farm house in the community, Mr. Jones remarked to Mr. Hart, "If the man living in that house should get saved, it would stir this whole community." The man referred to was John Plues. Mr. Hart has thus described him:

John Plues was a man of strong personality; tall, lank and bony, standing six feet four in his stocking feet. In his general appearance he reminded me strongly of the pictures of Abraham Lincoln. lie was descended from an aristocratic English family. He inherited quite a tract of land, but, not being much of a farmer, accumulating indebtedness was gradually eating away his estate. For some years he had run a hotel, but on the advent of the railroad, some miles to the south, travel was diverted from the old plank road, and hotel keeping did not pay. Mr. Pines built a long ball-room on to his house, and several times each year would advertise a dance, and as his wife was a fine cook these gatherings became quite popular.

The next evening, at the schoolhouse, Mrs. Pines and her daughters were again forward as seekers, and began to get out into the light. On reaching home that night after the service Mrs. Pines said to her husband, "John, I want to ask your forgiveness for any wrong I have ever done, and I would like to read the Bible and pray before we retire." Angrily he replied, "I'll never forgive you, and there shall be no reading the Bible and praying in my house;" and then added, "These preachers are not coming here to tell my family what to do. How do you know who this couple from Illinois are? Probably just off from some theater boards! Why," said he, "I saw him give that woman the wink, and she knew just what to do."

The wife breathed out a silent prayer to God, and then retired. But her husband could not sleep, for thinking of how meanly he had treated his wife. He rolled restlessly upon his bed; and, finally, the agony becoming greater than he could bear, he called to his wife and said "Samantha, do you think those preachers would come and pray for me?" "Why, yes, John," was her reply, "and I'll pray for you, too." Immediately they arose and went to praying.

About daylight the preachers were sent for, and a neighbor with whom they were stopping, between whom and Mr. Pines ill-will had long existed. On arriving at the Pines residence they found the man in desperate straits, joined in earnest prayer for him, and held on until he was gloriously converted. Before he rose from that season of prayer Mr. Pines began to be distressed for his unsaved neighbors, and to cry aloud, "0 my neighbors! my neighbors! We must go and pray for my neighbors." Then rising, he at once went to the neighbor with whom he had so long been at variance, saying, "0 Timothy, how we have lived! how we have lived!" Whereupon the neighbor at once broke down, confessed the enmity he had harbored toward Mr. Pines, and reconciliation of these two men was complete.

We have given the circumstances of the conversion of John Pines with considerable detail, because it was a sort of pivotal event in connection with the train of providences which led to the introduction of Free Methodism into the State of Michigan. "As the sequel will show it was the key to the train of providences by which thou-sands were brought to the saving knowledge of the truth."

After his conversion John Pines, as we have seen, became deeply concerned for his neighbors. Accordingly a dozen or more of those present at once started out to visit and pray through the neighborhood, John Pines and Mr. Hart leading the praying band. Within a short time several heads of families had yielded themselves to God and were happily converted. Some, however, though manifesting deep agitation, received the visitors in a very uncomplimentary manner. But the work of God was deepening and moving on. It was finally decided to improvise seats and convert the ball-room of Mr. Pines's house into a place of prayer, in which afternoon meetings were held from day to day. Mr. Pines took his Bible with him and went to visiting the people for miles in all directions. From seventy-five to a hundred souls were converted, and it began to look in that part of Michigan as though Free Methodism had come to stay. A number of those converted became laborers in the Master's vineyard, several of them finally entering the ministry of the Free Methodist Church, in which they rendered efficient service. Ellsworth Leonardson was among the latter. He was then a bright lad of about fourteen years. In passing from the meeting one day Mr. Hart placed his hand on the head of the lad and said, "Bub, I think the Lord has a work for you to do." A few years later he was licensed to preach, and for between thirty and forty years devoted himself to the duties of his calling with great fidelity to God, and acceptability to the people. He labored efficiently in Michigan, Ohio, Kansas and Southern California, and from the latter place a few years since answered the roll call above, and went to be with God. At the time of his departure he had been for some years State Chairman of the Prohibition Party in California.

An elder brother of Ellsworth, who a short time before these meetings had been converted, one day came to Mr. Hart, accompanied by a brother-in-law, and with modesty and evident embarrassment disclosed the fact that he felt that God was calling him also to preach the Gospel. Mr. Hart spoke encouragingly to him, after which he went away. Soon these two brothers were both calling sinners to repentance. The brother-in-law went to the Congregational people, but A. V. Leonardson entered the ministry of the Free Methodist Church, and, after having rendered many years of effective service in Ohio and Michigan, is at present a superannuated member of the Michigan Conference. In connection with his manifold duties as a minister of the Gospel he applied himself also to the study of medical subjects, graduating a number of years ago with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

The series of meetings at the Pines schoolhouse continued a month or more, and by this time Mr. Hart was getting anxious to return home. One day as he and his wife were talking of their plans for the future, he remarked that lie thought he would advise the converts to connect themselves with some Church and be sure to live their religion, and then he and Mrs. Hart would return to Illinois, hoping to meet them all in heaven. Just then Mr. Pines, at whose home they had been stopping since his conversion, came into the room and said, "Brother Hart, what are you going to do with us people?" In reply he told him what he had just been saying to Mrs. Hart. Turning to Mr. Hart with a kind of leer in his eyes, he said, "No, sir; you have got us into this boat, and you must see us through." Mr. Hart at once replied. "By the grace of God I will, Brother Pines." He at once wrote General Superintendent Roberts of the situation, whereupon he replied, saying, "Stay, by all means."

Mr. Hart finally decided to go to Marengo, Illinois, resign his work there, and return to Michigan with a view to giving himself fully to the work in that State. On reaching Marengo and making known their determination, Mr. and Mrs. Hart, amid the tearful pleadings and protests of the people against their contemplated course, applied themselves to the work of packing up and getting ready to remove to Michigan. Turning their backs on the pleasantest of surroundings, and bidding farewell to the most genial spiritual companionships, they were not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but followed the light of their convictions, and went forth to years of pioneer toil and privation for the upbuilding of the Redeemer's kingdom in a comparatively new field, and having no certain dwelling-place.

C. S. Gitchell, a student from Garrett Biblical Institute at Evanston, Illinois, was engaged to supply the work at Marengo, which he did to the general satisfaction of the people there. He labored in Illinois for two or three years, and then went over to Michigan, became identified with the work there, and developed into one of the most efficient ministers, having a particular gift for raising up new circuits arid building new Church edifices. He continued in the ministry of the Free Methodist Church while he lived, and devoted himself to the work in Michigan so long as he was physically able to meet its responsibilities; then after a few years of being on the retired list of the North Michigan Conference, he passed to his reward. He also became a Doctor of Medicine, and practiced some after his retirement from the active work of the ministry.

A Free Methodist society of about fifty members was organized at the Plues schoolhouse-the first society of the denomination in the State of Michigan. The following named persons were among its charter members: John Plues, Samantha Plues, Agnes Plues, Florence Plues, Thomas Plues, Joseph PluThe man who bore the distinction of being the first standard-bearer of Free Methodism in the State of Michigan was the late Thomas S. LaDue. Inasmuch as he he-came a conspicuous light in the Free Methodist Church, and for many years figured largely in building up the work in various parts of the country, a brief sketch of his character and career will here be in place.

Thomas Scott LaDue was born in Lawrence, Otsego County, New York, August 7, 1832. On his father's side Mr. LaDue was of French lineage, a probable descendant, in part at least, of some of the LaDues who "escaped from France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and came to America, where, with other Huguenots who had suffered from Roman Catholic persecutions, they founded the town of New Rochelle, near New York City." On his mother's side he was of New England Puritan stock, some of the Puritan characteristics being clearly discernible in his character. His parents were intelligent, devout and pious, and diligently sought to train their son for a life of usefulness. He made such proficiency in learning that he is said to have become an excellent school teacher at an early age. Early in life also he gave proof of superior ability as a public speaker, and attracted no little attention by delivering, on invitation, a Fourth of July oration.

At the age of seventeen years he entered Beloit College, Wisconsin, but after a time had to leave because of failing health. Later, having in some measure recovered his health, he entered Brown University, Rhode Island. Here he made excellent progress for a time, and seemed likely to finish his course with honor, when, because of another physical breakdown, he was compelled to relinquish his studies, and return home.  Being now brought directly under the religious influence of his parents again, the effect was highly salutary. He soon sought the Lord, professed religion, united with the Methodist Church, and at about twenty-three years of age entered the Christian ministry. He labored as supply, under the Presiding Elder, at Port Washington, Wisconsin, for a time; but not being pleased with what appeared to him to be the aristocratic spirit and bearing of that section of the denomination with which he had united, he soon withdrew, and united with the Congregational Church, of which his father was a member. He spent a year and a half in the Chicago Theological Seminary, a Congregationalist institution, which he finally left because, to use his own words of many years ago, "the general influence certainly tended to draw me from the Lord, although I doubt if a more pious or consistent institution of the kind exists in any denomination." He was greatly quickened and helped spiritually by the reading of President Finney's works, and even supposed he had experienced the grace of entire sanctification; but he informs us that, in a later experience of hungering after God, he was strangely wrought upon by the Holy Spirit, who showed him very clearly that what lie had mistaken for entire sanctification was conversion instead; and that, in the new light that then shone upon him, he made a renewed and more thorough consecration to God, and immediately claimed the blessing by simple faith.

This was the beginning of a new era in his usefulness as a preacher. New light had dawned upon him, a new unction had been given him, and with this new experience came a new vision as to the condition of the Church, the Heeds of the world, and the responsibilities of the Christian ministry. He began to preach accordingly. He was pastor of the Congregational Church at St. Charles, Illinois, at the time; and it was not long before his preaching made a stir, and the officials of the Church called a meeting and decided "that they could not pay Mr. LaDue such a salary for preaching 'Redfield doctrine.'" He was soon invited to resign, and did so; and "as naturally as a bird flies to its nest," so naturally did he seek communion with those who knew the deep things of God, and loved to converse about them. He attended the second camp-meeting held by the Free Methodists at St. Charles, in the year 1861, and there united with the Free Methodist Church, and with the Western Convention, as it was then called, later known as the Illinois Conference.

Soon after becoming identified with the Free Methodist people, and amid scenes of mingled persecution and victory, he took as a companion in life one who had known to a good]y extent the toils and sorrows, as well as the :joys of the itinerancy-Mrs. M. F. Kendall, widow of the Rev. W. C. Kendall. By her keen intelligence, her deep religious experience, her enthusiastic devotion to the cause of holiness, and her heroic faith and courage, she ever proved a most efficient helpmeet to him, through all his subsequent years, and doubtless will share with him the reward of all his labors.

For twenty-seven years this man of God most faithfully, and with great ability, proclaimed the Bible standard of holiness, as held by the Free Methodist Church, and multitudes who were blest under his ministry will at last arise and call him blessed. His labors as a Free Methodist minister were widely distributed, including Illinois, the three Conferences in New York State, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Washington and Oregon.

Mr. LaDue was a tall, broad-shouldered man, thin, pale, and slightly stooping, but of countenance beaming with intelligence, goodness and spirituality.  He possessed a logical mind, well stored with useful information a fine and somewhat poetic imagination, but chastened and made to do his bidding; a will like that of the Iron Duke, but disciplined by culture and by grace. He was marvelously gifted with eloquence, especially when under the power of the Holy Spirit. In him were mingled the severity of the early Puritans, and the evangelical simplicity and gentleness of St. John, the beloved disciple.

This good man finished his labors, and went to be with God, at Powell's Valley, Oregon, on the 8th of March, 1888.  His death was preceded by long months of great suffering from tuberculosis, yet he continued to preach until very near the end. He attended the General Conference at Coopersville, Michigan, in October, 1886, as delegate from the Oregon and Washington Conference, and though suffering greatly, gave strict attention to the business of the session, and preached once with remarkable power and eloquence. At the close of the sermon his brother-in-law, the Hon. C. W. Tenney, who was a lay delegate, turned to his wife and said, "That is Brother Thomas's dying charge to the Free Methodist Church." It proved to be so.

He gave two noble sons to the ministry of the Free Methodist Church-John, who served efficiently for some time in the Washington Conference, and who for the past twenty years has been a professor in the theological department of Greenville College William K., a studious young man, with a remarkable gift for preaching, who labored for a few years in the California Conference, with great acceptability, and then died in holy triumph. "To this day by those who knew of him he is remembered as the model preacher."

In the fall of 1861 it was judged best by General Superintendent Roberts that Mr. and Mrs. LaDue should go to Rochester, New York, and take charge of the work in that city.  They went, continued there until the following spring, laboring amidst many difficulties which were hard to surmount, God giving them the hearts of some faithful ones, who contributed nobly to their support.  Among these were Mrs. Mary E. Vick, wife of the late well-known florist, and Mr. and Mrs. Myron H. Monroe, these three being some of the fruit of Dr. Redfield's faithful labors in Rochester.

It was in the spring of 1862 that Superintendent Roberts decided that Mr. LaDue ought to go west, and organize a Free Methodist Society in the Southwestern part of Michigan, where the introduction of the work seemed very much desired, laboring on his way thither as the way 'night open. He went, but on reaching the place he soon found that those who had been calling for the organization of a Free Methodist work in their midst were chiefly a few disaffected members of another religious denomination, and nowise fit to be received into the Free Methodist connection. "Nothing remained, therefore," to quote from the words of his widow after his death, "but to commence from the beginning, and turn one of the first furrows of Free Methodism in Michigan"[1]

So far as the author can ascertain this was the beginning of Free Methodist labors in the State of Michigan. Just how long these labors continued is not certain, but probably not very long. Yet for a season he continued to fill appointments at various places in that part of the state, on invitation, and later accepted a call to Elkhart, Indiana. He and Mrs. LaDue appear to have been deeply burdened for the work in Michigan while there. Mrs. LaDue says, "We often felt led earnestly to pray that God would give us, as a people the State of Michigan in its entire length and breadth: At that time but here and there one received the truth gladly; but since then, under the faithful and arduous labors of other servants of the Lord, that prayer has been remarkably fulfilled."[2]

Further efforts toward establishing Free Methodism in the State seem to have been postponed until 1863. At the session of the Illinois Conference held at Aurora in the fall of 1862 Superintendent Roberts came to the Rev. E. P. Hart, who had been ordained Deacon the year before, saying that he had a letter from a man in Michigan who wanted a Free Methodist preacher sent to that State, and asked him if he would go. Mr. Hart replied, "If you say so and I can get there, I will go to the North Pole." But before the session was over Mr. Roberts said to him. "We haven't enough men to supply the circuits; but the brethren at Marengo have consented, if you are sent there, to let you take three months at any time of the year you may choose to visit Michigan."

Mr. Roberts gave the letter he had received from Michigan to Mr. Hart, requesting him to open correspondence with the writer of it, the Rev. H. L. Jones, of the town of Ida, and arrange, if possible, to go there during the winter months, as that would be the better time for holding revival meetings. He went on to his charge at Marengo, where he and his esteemed companion received a most cordial welcome from their old-time friends. Here they expected to devote themselves to the work of God for the year, with perhaps the exception of a few weeks' labors in Michigan; but, by the unmistakable ordering of Providence, they were destined to remain in Illinois for only three months. Mr. Hart began correspondence with the Rev. Mr. Jones, of Michigan, and made arrangements to be with him as early as January 24. They went to Michigan, began evangelistic work there, and saw such success as finally made it evident to themselves and others that they should remain there. The providence by which the way was opened for the final establishment of Free Methodism in Michigan is interesting and instructive. It is thus related by Mr. Hart:

Some years prior to our arrival in the State, Father Jones and others, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, deploring the lack of spirituality, decided to organize a new denomination, which they called The Methodist Episcopal Conformist Church-the word "Conformist" being expressive of their determination to conform to the doctrines and Discipline of primitive Methodism. For a few years they met with success, and at one time In Southeastern Michigan numbered some three or four hundred.  But in every truly evangelical movement history repeats itself, and this little branch was soon called to encounter very bitter worldly and Satanic opposition, so that at the time of our advent into the State their membership was sadly diminished, and Henry Jones was the only remaining preacher. A Free Methodist woman from Buffalo, New York, went to Michigan to visit her sister, a Mrs. Knoll, who was a member of the Conformist Church. The sister from Buffalo had a copy of the Earnest Christian, which at that time Brother Roberts was publishing in that city.  Sister Knoll handed the periodical to Henry Jones, who read it carefully, and then wrote Brother Roberts for a copy of the Discipline. Having studied this with care, he wrote Brother Roberts, requesting him to send them a Free Methodist preacher.  So in this instance, as in many others, the Earnest Christian proved to be a John the Baptist and forerunner of our work. And from this beginning six or seven Annual Conferences, with two or three hundred traveling preachers and a membership of over six thousand, have been added to our Zion.[3]

On the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Hart at Ida, Michigan, January 24, they were much disappointed at finding no one there to meet them, as Mr. Hart had notified Mr. Jones of the time of their expected arrival. After some inquiry a storekeeper directed them to the residence of Mr. Jones. A walk of more than a mile through the snow and over the hubs, carrying their luggage with them, before reaching the place was a somewhat trying introduction to the Michigan field. Mr. Hart carried their grips and Mrs. Hart the lunch-basket.  On their way they stopped and set down their luggage for a rest, when Mr. Hart, turning to his wife, said: "Mat, this looks rather dubious, doesn't it?"  Immediately seizing the bail of the basket and starting on, she began to sing,-

"While there's a track I'll never go back,

But go on at the risk of my all."

When they reached the place that had been pointed out to them as Mr. Jones's residence they found it to be the home of his father. They were very warmly welcomed by him, however, and quickly felt much at home.  He informed them that his son, the Rev. H. L. Jones, had gone up to a point on the Macon River, called East Milan, to arrange for a Quarterly Meeting, and that he was to take them to the place the next morning. The Quarterly Meeting proved to be an excellent one, the services being attended with much of the Holy Spirit's presence. Before closing the Sabbath morning service, Mr. Hart read certain sections of the Free Methodist Discipline, and explained the standpoint of the Free Methodist Church regarding the leading questions of the day. The congregation seemed highly pleased with what they had learned about this people, and invited him and his wife to remain and hold some special services, and, if he should think best, to organize Free Methodist societies. This meeting was held at East Milan, about ten or twelve miles from Ida. The Rev. Mr. Jones suggested, however, that Mr. Hart go to a place called Otter Creek, where the brethren owned a Church building which had remained unused for some time, hold some meetings there, and if possible resurrect the work and secure the Church property. In the meantime he would return home and begin meetings in "the Plues' schoolhouse," and, if any special interest should he awakened, Mr. Hart could come later. This plan was attempted, but, as Otter Creek did not prove as promising a field as was hoped, Mr. and Mrs. Hart soon returned to the Ida community.

Mr. Jones's meetings had been in progress about a week when they returned. Having been away from home now about a month, where they had left an excellent charge, in a beautiful village, with Church and parsonage amid delightful surroundings, and where also they had left their only child, at an age when becoming most interesting, Mr. and Mrs. Hart were beginning to feel a little homesick and to experience a longing to return to their field of labor in Illinois Hence, as they went to the Plues neighborhood it was decided that, unless some unusual interest should develop there soon, they would terminate their labors in Michigan and return to their charge in Illinois. With this determination in mind Mr. Hart said to his wife, as they went to the schoolhouse that evening for the service, "Mat, to-night it is either make or break."

The preacher was greatly helped of God that night in presenting the truth needed in that community.  The people listened as though spell-bound. Deep conviction rested upon many. When the invitation was given for seekers to come forward, quite a number responded, among whom were the wife and twin daughters, beautiful girls of about seventeen years, and one or two younger children of Mr. John Plues. Remarkable manifestations of divine power attended the altar service which followed, and several of those who came forward professed to experience the pardon of their sins.

A few days before this meeting, while riding together past a large farm house in the community, Mr. Jones remarked to Mr. Hart, "If the man living in that house should get saved, it would stir this whole community." The man referred to was John Plues. Mr. Hart has thus described him:

John Plues was a man of strong personality; tall, lank and bony, standing six feet four in his stocking feet. In his general appearance he reminded me strongly of the pictures of Abraham Lincoln. He was descended from an aristocratic English family. He inherited quite a tract of land, but, not being much of a farmer, accumulating indebtedness was gradually eating away his estate. For some years he had run a hotel, but on the advent of the railroad, some miles to the south, travel was diverted from the old plank road, and hotel keeping did not pay. Mr. Plues built a long ball-room on to his house, and several times each year would advertise a dance, and as his wife was a fine cook these gatherings became quite popular.

At the close of that meeting Mr. Hart suggested that it would be well to have some afternoon meetings at private houses, and asked if any present desired such a meeting at their home. No one responding, Mr. Jones spoke to Mr. Plues and said, "Can we have a meeting at your house to-morrow afternoon?" Rather gruffly, Mr. Plues replied, "I don't care." So a meeting was appointed for the next afternoon at the home of Mr. John Plues. Mr. Hart being called to attend a funeral at the time of the afternoon meeting, it fell to Mrs. Hart to take charge of the service at Mr. Plues's house. Mr. Plues remained to the meeting instead of going out to his work that afternoon, as lie afterward confessed, lest they should think he was afraid. After the service had closed Mrs. Hart sought opportunity to speak a word to him about his soul before leaving the house, and earnestly warned him to prepare for death and the judgment, after which she went her way.

The next evening, at the schoolhouse, Mrs. Plues and her daughters were again forward as seekers, and began to get out into the light. On reaching home that night after the service Mrs. Plues said to her husband, "John, I want to ask your forgiveness for any wrong I have ever done, and I would like to read the Bible and pray before we retire." Angrily he replied, "I'll never forgive you, and there shall be no reading the Bible and praying in my house;" and then added, "These preachers are not coming here to tell my family what to do. How do you know who this couple from Illinois are? Probably just off from some theater boards! Why," said he, "I saw him give that woman the wink, and she knew just what to do."

The wife breathed out a silent prayer to God, and then retired. But her husband could not sleep, for thinking of how meanly he had treated his wife. He rolled restlessly upon his bed; and, finally, the agony becoming greater than he could bear, he called to his wife and said "Samantha, do you think those preachers would come and pray for me?" "Why, yes, John," was her reply, "and I'll pray for you, too." Immediately they arose and went to praying.

About daylight the preachers were sent for, and a neighbor with whom they were stopping, between whom and Mr. Plues ill-will had long existed. On arriving at the Plues residence they found the man in desperate straits, joined in earnest prayer for him, and held on until he was gloriously converted. Before he rose from that season of prayer Mr. Plues began to be distressed for his unsaved neighbors, and to cry aloud, "0 my neighbors! my neighbors! We must go and pray for my neighbors." Then rising, he at once went to the neighbor with whom he had so long been at variance, saying, "0 Timothy, how we have lived! how we have lived!" Whereupon the neighbor at once broke down, confessed the enmity he had harbored toward Mr. Plues, and reconciliation of these two men was complete.

We have given the circumstances of the conversion of John Plues with considerable detail, because it was a sort of pivotal event in connection with the train of providences which led to the introduction of Free Methodism into the State of Michigan. "As the sequel will show it was the key to the train of providences by which thou-sands were brought to the saving knowledge of the truth."

After his conversion John Plues, as we have seen, became deeply concerned for his neighbors. Accordingly a dozen or more of those present at once started out to visit and pray through the neighborhood, John Plues and Mr. Hart leading the praying band. Within a short time several heads of families had yielded themselves to God and were happily converted.  Some, however, though manifesting deep agitation, received the visitors in a very uncomplimentary manner.  But the work of God was deepening and moving on. It was finally decided to improvise seats and convert the ball-room of Mr. Plues's house into a place of prayer, in which afternoon meetings were held from day to day. Mr. Plues took his Bible with him and went to visiting the people for miles in all directions.  From seventy-five to a hundred souls were converted, and it began to look in that part of Michigan as though Free Methodism had come to stay.  A number of those converted became laborers in the Master's vineyard, several of them finally entering the ministry of the Free Methodist Church, in which they rendered efficient service.  Ellsworth Leonardson was among the latter. He was then a bright lad of about fourteen years. In passing from the meeting one day Mr. Hart placed his hand on the head of the lad and said, "Bub, I think the Lord has a work for you to do." A few years later he was licensed to preach, and for between thirty and forty years devoted himself to the duties of his calling with great fidelity to God, and acceptability to the people. He labored efficiently in Michigan, Ohio, Kansas and Southern California, and from the latter place a few years since answered the roll call above, and went to be with God. At the time of his departure he had been for some years State Chairman of the Prohibition Party in California.

An elder brother of Ellsworth, who a short time before these meetings had been converted, one day came to Mr. Hart, accompanied by a brother-in-law, and with modesty and evident embarrassment disclosed the fact that he felt that God was calling him also to preach the Gospel. Mr. Hart spoke encouragingly to him, after which he went away. Soon these two brothers were both calling sinners to repentance. The brother-in-law went to the Congregational people, but A. V. Leonardson entered the ministry of the Free Methodist Church, and, after having rendered many years of effective service in Ohio and Michigan, is at present a superannuated member of the Michigan Conference. In connection with his manifold duties as a minister of the Gospel he applied himself also to the study of medical subjects, graduating a number of years ago with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

The series of meetings at the Plues schoolhouse continued a month or more, and by this time Mr. Hart was getting anxious to return home. One day as he and his wife were talking of their plans for the future, he remarked that lie thought he would advise the converts to connect themselves with some Church and be sure to live their religion, and then he and Mrs. Hart would return to Illinois, hoping to meet them all in heaven. Just then Mr. Plues, at whose home they had been stopping since his conversion, came into the room and said, "Brother Hart, what are you going to do with us people?"  In reply he told him what he had just been saying to Mrs. Hart. Turning to Mr. Hart with a kind of leer in his eyes, he said, "No, sir; you have got us into this boat, and you must see us through." Mr. Hart at once replied. "By the grace of God I will, Brother Plues." He at once wrote General Superintendent Roberts of the situation, whereupon he replied, saying, "Stay, by all means."

Mr. Hart finally decided to go to Marengo, Illinois, resign his work there, and return to Michigan with a view to giving himself fully to the work in that State. On reaching Marengo and making known their determination, Mr. and Mrs. Hart, amid the tearful pleadings and protests of the people against their contemplated course, applied themselves to the work of packing up and getting ready to remove to Michigan. Turning their backs on the pleasantest of surroundings, and bidding farewell to the most genial spiritual companionships, they were not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but followed the light of their convictions, and went forth to years of pioneer toil and privation for the upbuilding of the Redeemer's kingdom in a comparatively new field, and having no certain dwelling-place.

C. S. Gitchell, a student from Garrett Biblical Institute at Evanston, Illinois, was engaged to supply the work at Marengo, which he did to the general satisfaction of the people there. He labored in Illinois for two or three years, and then went over to Michigan, became identified with the work there, and developed into one of the most efficient ministers, having a particular gift for raising up new circuits arid building new Church edifices. He continued in the ministry of the Free Methodist Church while he lived, and devoted himself to the work in Michigan so long as he was physically able to meet its responsibilities; then after a few years of being on the retired list of the North Michigan Conference, he passed to his reward. He also became a Doctor of Medicine, and practiced some after his retirement from the active work of the ministry.

A Free Methodist society of about fifty members was organized at the Plues schoolhouse-the first society of the denomination in the State of Michigan. The following named persons were among its charter members: John Plues, Samantha Plues, Agnes Plues, Florence Plues, Thomas Plues, Joseph Plues, James Plues, Henry Jones, Mrs. Henry Jones, a Mr. Rivers, with his wife and daughter, a Mrs. Brown, Albert Galloway, Mrs. Albert Galloway, Helen Galloway, Ellsworth Leonardson, Robert Simpkins, Mrs. Robert Simpkins. There were many others, whose names we can not give, but which we trust are written in the Lamb's book of life.

[1] "Life of Thomas Scott LaDue, "by Rev. John LaDue, p.41.
[2] Do. p.49
[3] "Reminiscences of Early Free Methodism," by Rev. Edward Payson Hart, pages 84, 85