I will keep a journal

In the spring of 1846, at age twenty-three, James began keeping a diary. He was still living at his parent's home, earning a meager income assisting the superintendent of public schools as the district librarian, attending classes at the Owego Academy, and actively participating in Methodist religious circles in the nearby village of Owego. The thoughts recorded in this journal reveal a mind of mental maturity and suggest a strong endowment of spiritual training. The excerpts presented here are characteristic of the self-denial, self-improvement, and self-examination teachings of the Methodist doctrines his father preached.

March 4, 1846. Arose this morning at 6 o'clock. After a short exercise, started for school; the exercises of the day were quite agreeable ...rendered more so by the presence of visitors and an effort on the part of the students to make [them] as interesting as possible. Among the visitors was Mr. [Aaron] Palmer, the inventor of the rotary calculator, which instrument greatly facilitates the mathematical student in his calculations. [1]

March 5, 1846. Arose at half past 6. Found the weather quite warm and this day it has operated favorably in removing a fraction of the vast body of snow upon the ground. Upon viewing my course of conduct for a single day, I find that I come short in many respects of performing my whole duty. Levity is a habit which in my Maker's strength, I find would greatly become me to guard against. I see too by the date of time which I arise I have need to blush and be ashamed to let so many precious hours of the morning fly away miss improved. Time is on the wing.

March 6, 1846. By the persuasion of my brother, I was induced to leave my school for a few days and attend a funeral at some distance and likewise visit some old friends. The deceased was an elderly lady who had not neglected the subject of repentance until a sick bed and dying hour, but had made it a subject of consideration in health and when her Master called was "ready to go to meet him." The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. P. B. Peck to a crowded and attentive audience. I had a very good visit with my friends. I think I can see that I have great need of watchfulness for in the evening where a good opportunity was presented for doing good in my Master's cause, I allowed my mind to indulge in trifling things much to the discredit of my profession and myself. Oh how these things destroy one's confidence, diminish one's enjoyment, and gives opportunity for Satan to assault, and in a measure, to be successful in accomplishing the destruction of the Christian's enjoyment.

March 7, 1846. Saturday. The day of our third quarterly meeting. The presiding elder for some cause was not able to be present. Br. [William] Reddy to a small audience preached from these words, "Are the consolations of God small in thee?" ...This evening I have been to make a short visit. Enjoyed the visit very well but I hope that if spared to make another, I may feel inclined to converse more about the interests of the soul -- about death, judgment, and eternity. Knowing that for every word that man shall speak, they must give account in the Day of Judgment. Oh that my heart were better prepared for the duties of the Sabbath!

March 8, 1846. Sunday. Arose at half past six. Went in good season to lovefeast. [2] There was quite a good many out, but the best of all was God in His Holy Spirit was with the people. Many found that it was indeed good to be there. After lovefeast, [Rev. Horace Agard,] the Presiding Elder, preached from the parable of the ten virgins [Matthew 25: 1-13]. It was a lengthy although quite interesting discourse. After preaching, three subjects presented themselves as candidates for the Holy ordinance of Baptism. The Lord's Supper was then administered after which the Sabbath School met for the last time this winter. Owing to the length of the other exercises, but few scholars were present. Br. [William] Reddy questioned the scholars on all they had gone over during the term.

In the evening, Father [Gaylord] Judd preached upon the importance of exercising charity. The old gentleman is quite feeble but he seemed to realize the responsibility of his station, and enforced the truth in its purity with his usual simplicity and zeal. May the good old man long live to bless the church. May his down hill of life be smooth and agreeable. As for myself, how much better do I find myself this evening than in the morning? The privileges of the day have been truly great. How have I improved them? Have I given myself to God in prayer? Have I stored my mind with spiritual food? Or am I famishing for want of food at a great distance from my Father's house?

I find upon the examination of my spiritual condition that I am not what I should be when I think of the past opportunities I have enjoyed; the boundless grace that has always surrounded me; the rich provision of the Gospel. The interest manifested this moment by my Redeemer far unworthy me. I am led to inquire what has ever manifested itself in me that should demand such regard; such condescension from so Holy a Being. Ah! tis the soul -- the immortal part which must exist equal with God Himself. Can I be too attentive, too much engaged, too zealous, too full of prayer, too watchful, too humble? No. Impossible. Oh Lord, give me all of these graces in greater abundance.

March 9, 1846. Arose half past five. Enjoying good health. Went to school after having gone over the round of morning duties which present a sameness each morning. Perhaps it would not be out of place to mention them here. The first thing after being dressed is in my weak way to try and give an expression of thanks for the kindness toward me during the night and for other blessings that I enjoy. After having built a fire, I start some part of the breakfast in operation. The remaining time that I have I generally devote to chopping wood. My distance to school is about three miles, which requires 3/4 of an hour's time to travel it. Having been absent from the school for a day and a half, I found it necessary to be diligent in order to come up to my classes. One great hindrance with me in the investigation of the sciences is a want of concentrativeness. Perseverance and watchfulness offer themselves as a remedy for this evil. May they both be heeded and diligently applied until I can perform any business right in a crowd without being disturbed.

March 10, 1846. Arose half past six. The day has been very pleasant. This evening I have busied myself in writing a composition to read tomorrow on the nature of the actions of men. The subject opens a vast field for contemplation.

March 11, 1846. Arose at half past five. The day for reading composition. I find a great want of confidence to be able to perform my duty in public. Practice only makes perfect. It will want very much in my case to enable me to appear undaunted before a large audience. Have spent the evening quite agreeably visiting with my neighbors, yet I am afraid not so much to my own improvement and the glory of God as I should have done. Hope to do better in future.

Saturday, March 14, 1846. In consequence of the heavy rain that fell last evening upon the vast body of snow already on the ground, it has occasioned as great a freshet perhaps as was ever known. The [Susquehanna] river has risen today at the rate of about one foot an hour through most of the day. Much damage will be done. [3] These circumstances should lead us to reflect upon the instability of earthly things. Today we may be surrounded with every prospect of earthly prosperity. Tomorrow some interfering Providence of the Almighty may sweep all from us and we be thrown helpless upon the charities of a cold world. When will men learn wisdom and be willing to acknowledge and regard an overruling Providence when everyday presents so many incontrovertible evidences of His existence and power? Oh what great reason have we to be humble and to learn daily of our Heavenly Father. I find that my daily studies and other objects take away my thoughts in a great measure from things spiritual.

March 15, 1846. Have been detained from church owing to the heavy freshet which now obstructs the passage. The water is six inches higher than it has ever been known within the recollection of the oldest inhabitants. But this Providential interference has not deprived me of spiritual enjoyment. Whilst I have been engaged in reading Prof. [Thomas] Upham's Principles of Interior Life [1843], my mind has been drawn out after God. I have, however, detected myself yielding once or twice to the suggestions of the great adversary of souls. But Divine Grace has assisted me and my soul has been staid. I think that the instructions I have this day received will work to my spiritual benefit and cause me to be a more devoted soldier of my Lord... Why live upon the Earth day after day and scarce put force an exertion to advance the interests of His cause? Why sleep when souls are exposed to eternal danger, making no effort to rescue them? A day of reckoning is at hand. A day of vengeance must arouse us from our lethargy if we will not be moved by none of the kind and urgent entreaties of the Holy Spirit. Oh that I may act more wisely in the future.

I find that in reading I frequently wander in my thought from the subject about which I am reading and frequently pass over a whole page without knowing an idea of its contents. This evinces to me plainly that I cannot be too watchful in training my mind upon this point. It will require the greatest zeal and watchfulness to overcome this injurious practice, but Divine assistance has pledged its aid if rightly implored to help in any extremity or circumstance. Another fault is that I quickly forget anything read, so that my reading is not rendered very profitable. I am confident that I shall soon be called to give an account upon what I have read and likewise for the manner in which I have trained my mind in this respect. Oh, if men would reflect more upon the clues which will open to their astonished views, they would make a much better improvement on their time and talents.

March 21, 1846. The week is nearly closed and I am spared. Yet whilst in its flight to eternity, who shall say that it's borne no immortal spirit beyond probation's hour and fixed them in a changeless state? Oh, how many thousands have gone, no longer to dwell in the reach of pardon or in the hearing of prayer? I am led to adore the matchless mercy of God for what He has done for me. Oh, what an evening for reflection. Soon as now it is upon the last hour of the week, we shall be on the last hour of life. Shall we have thee, Oh our Redeemer, for a friend? Thou knowest how imperfectly we have served thee; how far short we have come in rendering thee homage due thy great name. Pardon, Oh Lord, the past and help from this hour to consecrate anew to thee.

Time is passing. Eternity is approaching. Responsibilities are increasing. Duties are enlarging. Friends are dying. Is our faith increasing? Our hopes brightening? Our graces maturing? Our love of souls fervent? Do I pray as much, as faithful, [and] confiding as I ought? Oh Lord, pardon the past and help in the future.

March 22, 1846. Have been permitted to enjoy the privilege of attending the house of worship. Brother [William] Reddy's text was "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" [Matthew 5:8]. He preached in simplicity and yet with great spirituality, exercising upon the minds of the people the importance of holiness. The text in the afternoon, "Then shall he discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not" [Malachi 3:18]. He endeavored to portray the features that distinguish the difference between the righteous and the wicked. Cite to the time when the actions of both shall be presented to the gaze of an assembled Universe. The sermon contained many good things although not delivered with quite as much zeal as in the former part of the day.

March 25, 1846. Remained from school today on account of violent rain. Have been troubled with a violent headache through most of the day.

March 26, 1846. A great flood owing to the rain has made the road impassable with teams. Within about two miles of this place in Canewana, four individuals have been hurried suddenly from time to eternity whilst the Towanda Stage was on its way to Owego. The roads being washed away by the current, and the stage low and the water deep, the horses were unable to hold it. It being about 4 o'clock in the morning and quite dark, the passengers within the stage were told by the driver that they must save themselves as the stage was being borne away by the current. In the great hurry, the driver with three of the passengers committed themselves to the deep. One person, retaining self possession, clung to the stage and, mounting its top, succeeded in giving an alarm so that he was rescued from his perilous situation. [4] Alas, for the others, all of them were young in years; one a schoolteacher, another his pupil. He was just returning from his winter's charge and was expected within a few days to greet his parents. But how was he foiled in his expectations and his spirit, just as it was on that eventful morning, is ushered in the presence of the God that gave it. Little did he think through the winter that this was the last season he would spend at school teaching. Could he have known this, how careful would he have watched his charge, his actions, his instructions? How would he have watched every moment and would have improved all to the best advantage? And now he is gone. At the same time one of his pupils whose mind had been under his instruction through the winter, plunged into eternity at the same time, and both are passed the bounds of probation. One soon to answer for the manner he communicated instruction, the other the way he improved the instructions given. Oh what a voice to schoolteachers. What a voice to all. Warning us of the uncertainty of life, the nearness of death, and of the great necessity of being prepared every moment for eternity.

Saturday, March 28, 1846. Arose at half past five. Attended school as usual in the forenoon. In the afternoon, help search for those unfortunate individuals but all search as yet has proved fruitless. I learned that another individual this day was unexpectedly plunged into eternity whilst breathing out some horrid imprecations. Surely, Oh Lord, They judgments are abroad...

Sunday, April 5, 1846. Have been permitted to enjoy another privilege in the Sanctuary. This forenoon I heard a colored man named [Samuel Ringgold] Ward [5] preach from these words, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world" [Matthew 28:20]. He handled his subject in a masterly manner evincing by his exposition of the subject a well-cultivated mind, a keen discernment, and a sound judgment. He is about 6 feet in height, containing the African features with a high forehead and intelligent eye, speaking good English, and is quite fluent in the case of words. He presents at the commencement of his sermon the appearance of one not about to make out much, but as he advances and launches out upon the subject, he becomes more and more animated, and soon fastens the attention of all upon what he is about to say. And 'ere he finishes, the audience are in a great measure captivated by his appeals. His attention is mostly directed in endeavoring if possible to do something to relieve people of his own color at the South from the curse of oppression by which they are bound and doubtless will be instrumental in doing much good. His attention in his discourse from the text was principally to mention some of the conditions necessary in order that Christians may have the presence of God attending them.

April 11, 1846. Saturday evening has again arrived and as I have been very busy through the week, it might not be amiss to mention some of the duties of the week. Our school closed Wednesday with two days of examination. I felt myself prepared to be examined on my several studies, but I found that I did not succeed so well as I expected owing to my embarrassment. I hope I may let these words from my teacher have the desired effect on my mind, "There's nothing like taking things coolly." Friday I attended an examination in District School in the village of Owego. The exercises were very interesting. The teacher is one of those who believes in mental progression and keeping pace with the times. Peace to his memory. May he long be a blessing to common schools. This day I have labored hard. My sister, who has been absent several months, has been spared again to enjoy the bosom of her beloved home. How thankful should we be to the great Preserver for all His kindness. And now as the Sabbath -- God's Holy day -- is before me, grant that it may be a day of profit.

Sabbath. April 12, 1846. Have remained at home during the day owing to the inclemency of the weather. But how have I occupied this holy Sabbath day? Have I grown in grace, increased in holiness, and do I feel assured that all would be well if this day were my last? Do I take delight in meditating upon the things of eternity? Have I made all possible improvement from the meditations of this day. "Lord thou knowest, for thou has watched me." I will in thy strength, Oh my Father, endeavor to be more watchful, and pay more regard to my spiritual interests. In thy strength, Oh Lord, I will endeavor to follow this resolution. Resolved. That I will embrace every opportunity that offers itself for the cultivation of the moral and intellectual powers, not forgetting it also necessary to give attention to the physical powers. Resolved. That I will keep a journal noting any recurable instances that may occur in the history of my short life, and will endeavor to make an application of all providential dealings with myself.

Resolved. That I shall consider seven hours out of twenty-four as a sufficient time to rest when the body is not diseased, and shall consider it sufficient time for rest if retire at half past 9 and arise at five. Resolved. That I shall place a much greater value upon time than I have heretofore done, and will strive not to let a moment pass unemployed. Resolved. That I will endeavor to avoid light and trifling conversation as much as circumstances will allow, and in its place, substitute some important topic, not forgetting that time is too precious and life too short to be spent in idle, useless talk. Resolved. To be more diligent in the study of the scriptures and more constant in my meditations on its blessed pages.

Sunday, April 19, 1846. A heavy thunder shower last evening brought a truly delightful morning. The gloomy aspect presented by the dark cloud has passed and it seems as though a brighter and more refreshing morning dawned. The stagnant air collected by a long spell of hot weather was all driven away and a truly refreshing zephyr now fills the lungs. What a morning for reflection. It presents a sort of emblem of another event, when freed from the vicissitudes of life, the soul in all its youth shall inhale the breezes of paradise. Dark storms and violent tempests, fiery trials and innumerable afflictions are the lot of all those pursuing the Christian's warfare, but it is soon ended and storms are exchanged for sunshine, and the violent engagements with the adversary for complete and perfect victory.

Have been permitted to listen to Bible truth from Father [Gaylord] Judd [of Candor, New York], an old veteran in the army of Christ, who fearlessly endeavors to declare the whole truth whether men hear as forbear.[6] His text this forenoon was in our Lord's sermon on the mount, the import something like this, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all their things shall be added unto you." He first spoke of what this righteousness consisted of (viz: of salvation), and secondly, spake of the time and manner of obtaining salvation. Urged upon youth the importance of embracing religion for the following reasons. First, because youth die. Second, because they now were surrounded with praying friends. Third, because they would be apt to increase in guilt as they increase in age. Fourth, they might render themselves much more useful in community.

His text this afternoon was, "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" [Daniel 12:3]. Spake of the difference between true wisdom and worldly wisdom. Spake of the great importance of becoming truly wise, of the unwise course of many parents towards their children, [and] of the folly of those persevering in sinful indulgence. Lastly, spoke of the reward of the truly wise, alluding to faithful ministers and faithful mothers.

Our Sabbath School was reorganized this day. There were five teachers and 27 scholars present. Oh, that the Lord would direct the minds of those engaged so that they may be enabled to promote its best interests.

Sabbath, April 26, 1846. Heard Father [Horace] Agard [7] preach today upon the permanency and stability of the Christian's hope. The old gentlemen's voice was scarcely audible yet his sermon abounded in good things. He seemed to possess in a great degree that active hope which he recommended to the consideration of others. In the afternoon heard Rev. Mr. Wilcox from these words in Peter, "Beloved let us love one another" [1 John 4:7]. It is reported that it is his last sermon in Owego. He is a preacher of no ordinary kind. Very easy in his manners, fluent in speech, wearing in his countenance an expression of dignity, and an expression of decided intelligence. [He] possesses a heart deeply imbued with his subject and preaches in such an earnest manner that the attention of all is captivated and fastened to the subject under consideration. [He is] about 29 years of age. May he when he leaves find a home in a community worthy of his piety and usefulness.

May 17, 1846. Arose about 5 o'clock (rather late for Sabbath morning). Found the weather pleasant and agreeable after the late storm. Attended service at the usual hour. Heard Brother [William] Reddy preach from 42 Psalm 5. "Why art thou cast down, Oh my soul?" After sermon we enjoyed a good class meeting. After that attended a bible class with profit to ourselves at the red school house. Had a comforting season whilst engaged in secret devotion in the edge of the evening. May this week be numbered among the most profitable I have ever spent upon the earth.

May 24, 1846. Heard Elder [Vincent M.] Coryell [8] this day preach from Deuteronomy. Hear Elder Peck from Matthew 16:15 in the afternoon. Listened with much interest and profit. Lord help me to make a right use of these my privileges.

June 20, 1846. Almost a month has passed since I have recorded a single word in my diary. Is it because during that time I have received nothing worthy of an expression of gratitude? I look back upon the whole time as a period in my religious experience which call forth from me the greatest gratitude and thanksgiving. I think that during this time I have had more clear manifestations of the grace, mercy and economy of God in man's salvation than ever before. And I have felt that God has manifested himself to me in a light more clear than ever before. I have found him to be truly a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. My devotional exercises have never been more profitable. My spiritual advantages are as good as one could possible wish. And for them all, I am aware I must render a strict account in the last great day. Last Sabbath I heard Brother [William] Reddy preach from 2 Corinthians 3:11-15.

[1] "Palmer's Computing Scale" was used to calculate square measures, cubic measures, timber measures, grain measures, liquid measures and interest rates from 3 percent to 10 percent on a daily and monthly basis." Source: Digital Computer Museum Catalogue (1981).

“This is in reply to your recent inquiry about Mr. Palmer and his rotary calculator. There was a man named Aaron Palmer who in 1843 copyrighted a form of circular slide rule later sold as Palmer's Computing Scale. At the time he took out his copyright, he was a resident of Massachusetts. There is an example of Palmer's Computing Scale, as it was later modified by J. E. Fuller, in the Smithsonian collections. I can find no evidence that either Palmer or Fuller actually took out a U.S. patent (as opposed to a copyright) for this device. Unfortunately, I also know nothing about Aaron Palmer. I also know of no other nineteenth century American inventors of computing devices named Palmer.” – Peggy Kidwell, Smithsonian Institute, February 22, 2001.

[2] "The Sunday morning lovefeast, with its stirring testimonies and kindling songs, its tears and shoutings -- how precious their reminiscences!" from Sketches & Incidents, by George Peck, Vol. II, p. 2.

[3] The Owego Advertiser, dated Thursday, March 19, 1846, reported that on "Friday a heavy rainstorm set in from the South, which has inundated the valley of the river and its tributaries, sweeping off many bridges and an immense quantity of lumber. That celebrated individual, the 'oldest inhabitant' cannot recollect the time when the water was so high -- it being some eight inches higher than the freshet of 1841, which exceeded all its predecessors. The loss of property is large..."

[4] The Owego Advertiser, dated Thursday, March 26, 1846, reported that "The Bath stage was swamped this morning, just on the verge of the village, having crossed the bridge over the Owego Creek, and the driver, three passengers, and one horse were drowned. There were four passengers, of whom only one, Mr. [James] Sturges of Candor, escaped... The stage coach was found some rods below the road, on the flats of C[harles] F. Johnson, capsized, with all the baggage secure... The persons lost, are Truman F. Rose of Otsego County, W. Conkling, of Ulster, PA., Thomas Bowen (the driver), and Isaac Nathans, a colored man... They were all young men, and the first named had been teaching school in Pennsylvania, and was returning to visit his friends... Our citizens, with many from Tioga, called out for the purpose of searching for the bodies and succeeded in finding that of the negro, who has been decently interred by our colored population. It is probable that the other three have been swept into the river."

Reporting on the same incident, the Owego Gazette, dated Friday Morning, March 27, 1846, reads: "Melancholy Accident. At four o'clock on yesterday morning, as the Mail Coach from Elmira was coming in, and when crossing one mile from the village, the low ground between the bridge of Canewanna, which had been overflowed by the heavy rain that had fallen on the day and night previous, it was swept by the current from the track, and out of five individuals that were on board, all perished but one. The mails were saved, though considerably damaged, as was also one horse and the coach. The names of the unfortunate individuals, as far as we have been able to learn, are as follows: -- Truman F. Rose, whose friends it appears from papers found in his trunk, reside in Exeter, Orange County -- A Mr. Conklin, whose mother is a resident of Ulster, Bradford County, PA. -- Thos. Bowen, the driver, who recently resided in Mount Upton, Chenango County, -- and a coloured man by the name of Isaac Nathans, from Elmira, where we understand he has a wife. Since writing the above, the body of the coloured man has been found, and taken by the coloured people of our village to be burried this afternoon. Many of our citizens are engaged in searching for the bodies of the remaining three unfortunate individuals. From the best information we can get, all of them were young men, from 20 to 25 years of age, cut off in the prime of life, and have left their afflicted parents and friends to mourn their untimely loss."

[5] Samuel Ringgold Ward -- an agent for the New York committee of the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. According to the author D. L. Dumond, "Ward was born a slave in Maryland in 1817 and escaped with his parents to New Jersey when he was three years old. He was educated in New York City schools, made an agent of the Society in 1839, and licensed to preach by the New York Congregational Association. He supported the Liberty Party, worked among the fugitives in Canada, conducted a lecture tour in Great Britain, and finally went to the West Indies." Frederick Douglass, the giant of black emancipation, said of Ward, "In depth of thought, fluency of speech, readiness of wit, logical exactness, and general intelligence, [he] has left no successor among the colored men amongst us." From 1846 to 1851, Rev. Ward served the pulpit in Cortland, New York. While there in 1847-48, he served as editor of an anti-slavery newspaper named True America. A modern day historian named Ronald K. Burke claims that Ward used his wit and intelligence to "educate the public about the conspiracy designed and perpetrated by the slaveowners, the clergy, and the owners of public facilities" to perpetuate the institution of slavery in North America.

Rev. Samuel R. Ward's presence in Tioga County at the time of this diary entry is confirmed by the April 10, 1846 edition of the Owego Gazette, which printed the following notice: "Rev. Sam'l R. Ward (a colored gentleman) will lecture on the subject of American Slavery, at the following places: The lectures commencing at early candlelight. Mr. Ward has lectured the last week to crowded houses with universal satisfaction. Will the friends of the slave see that large houses are provided for the lecture to be delivered in, and also that the laborer has his hire -- Mr. Ward being a preacher of Righteousness. Candor, Saturday the 11th at the Baptist Church, Wilseyville. Sunday at Spencer, Day and Evening at such places as the friends will direct. Monday evening, April 13th at the Baptist Church, Factoryville. Tuesday the 14th at the Methodist Chapel, Barton. Wednesday the 15th at the Church, Smithboro. Sunday the 16th at the Church, Wappasena. Friday the 17th County Convention at the Baptist Church in Owego, commencing at 10 o'clock P.M., which Mr. Ward will address."

[7] Rev. Horace Agard was born 26 May, 1785 and died 6 January 1851. He married Polly Stone and they raised five children -- one of who was Maria J. Agard who became the wife of Appleton S. Kelley -- a good friend of James Griffing. Rev. Agard is buried in the cemetery next to Asbury Chapel near Nichols, New York. Asbury Chapel was the Methodist Episcopal church constructed under the leadership of Rev. John Griffing in 1822.

[8] Rev. Vincent Matthews Coryell, son of Hon. Emanuel and Frances Coryell, was born in Nichols, June 28, 1800. His natural endowments and gift were of a high order. An imposing physique, a fine voice for public address, and a strong mental sagacity and keenness combining, constituted him a person for distinction in any calling. Early in his “teens” he had mastered a good English education, was well advanced in Latin and Greek, and, classed as a superior scholar, he was graduated from Union College. Immediately after graduation he was sent to the law office of Vincent Matthews (of whom he was named) and William B. Rochester at Bath, with whom he studied until his examination at Albany, where he received his diploma, signed by Chief Justice Savage. He immediately entered upon a flattering practice at Bath. He married in 1821 Jane, daughter of Hon. Dugaid Cameron. Her illness and death changed him from skepticism to a Christian believer and later brought him into the ministry. His call to preach was at first resisted but finally heartily responded to. He united with the Methodist church, received his license to preach from John Griffing in 1825, and began the work of an itinerant on Tioga circuit. In 1828 he was received “on trial” in Genesee conference and appointed to Canaan (Pa.) circuit. We trace his itinerant career from Canaan to Bridgewater, Wyoming, Scipio, Marcellus, Watertown, Syracuse, Rome, Cazenovia, Skaneateles, Coopers-. town, Norwich, Waverly. In 1843—1846 he was presiding elder of Owego district. He was pastor in Syracuse twice, and while there built the First Methodist church edifice. Revivals swept over every station he occupied. His ministerial life covered more than sixty years and the number of conversions under his ministry was about 3,000. Twelve of his converts became ministers and four doctors of divinity. As a minister Mr. Coryell possessed more than ordinary mental grasp and intellectual preparation. Dogmas, and teachings of whatever sort that antagonized truth, were brought speedily to judgment by his logic and address. His personal experience was preeminent. His soul flashed the light with which it was permeated. His second marriage was on February 11, 1838, and with Miss Rachel E. Lounsbury, a teacher in a young ladies’ seminary at Troy. Of Mr. Coryell’s children six are living: Emanuel Coryell, of Nichols; Mrs. T. J. McElhemy, of Ithaca; Mrs. Helen M. Scott and Mrs. Mary B. Sheldon, of Waverly: Mrs. Clementina C. Faulkner of Atchison, Kan.; and Mrs. E. Josephine Whitman of Syracuse, N. Y. Mr. Coryell died November 5, 1889. Source: Bios of men from Nichols, NY, from our Country & its People, Edited by Leroy W. Kingman, W. A. Fergusson & Co., Elmira, N.Y., 1890.