Selections from the diary and correspondence of Joseph S. Elkington, 1830-1905.

Front matter

SELECTIONS rrom the

Diary and Correspondence or

1830-1905

Foreword

Joseph S. Elkinton left a large amount of valuable material in his private diary, containing also much detailed and personal matter, a part of which was not copied in his time, hence the papers were not in such shape as to be easily accessible to any who might wish to read them.

Both the copied and original manuscripts have been carefully examined and an attempt made to cull from the bulk the most important and interesting items. Some of the selections may not seem particularly valuable, but were chosen to serve as connecting links in making a continuous narrative, or to show some personal characteristic of the man, or to give an insight to his varied experiences. This service has been undertaken in accordance with an expressed willingness, on his part, that others might profit by his experiences, and also as an offering to his memory. M. C. L. B.

Introduction

In reviewing the life of Joseph S. Elkinton, several characteristics come vividly to mind. A rare pastoral gift, coupled with universal sympathy for the poor and needy, stands out pre-eminently. The Scripture text, which he most frequently quoted, was "True religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." The appropriateness of this quotation will appear in the pages to which this is an introduction.

His sense of humor and ability to adapt himself to all classes of men gave him many opportunities for social intercourse.

We remember how highly he was esteemed by the men who were in his employ. No one ever entered the works, with which he was connected as owner for a half century, who commanded more sincere respect, unless it were his brother-in-law, Ephraim Smith.

As he attracted to himself those of "low estate," so also his personality was felt by men of position and culture. When he walked the street his distinctively Friendly dress and grave but kindly face often drew to him many who were strangers. He stood five feet ten inches, with broad, slightly stooping shoulders. Upon

vii viii INTRODUCTION

his white brow he wore a light, broad-brimmed beaver or brown straw hat in summer, and a black, stiff, silk hat in winter.

As he sat at the head of the meeting for worship his appearance was impressive, his prayers particularlyweighty, and his worshipful manner gave a sense of strength and solidity.

In his ministry his main concern was always to preach the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ and to testify to his deity. Sometimes his thoughts seemed to come faster than his words, and his words became too rapid for distinct enunciation, but they were accompanied by a solemnizing power not easily described.

His ability to time the conclusion of a meeting, while the life was still to be felt, was unusual ; some of his best utterances have been made when announcing the end of a meeting for worship, preparatory to entering upon the business of a second meeting.

His native powers of mind were quite above the average. As a mathematical student he stood at the head of his class. His attitude toward education in general was liberal.

Few, in his circle of Friends, could meet with people of other denominations and convey more truly appreciation of what they recognized to be good in all.

His experience at Westtown Boarding School was rather unfortunate; then scarcely in his teens, he was too young to contend with the bad example of older boys

INTRODUCTION ix

and the strong natural impulses of his own heart, unassisted by close parental oversight. He referred to this situation later in life, as the one error in his father's judgment, for which he had suffered many regrets, although he appreciated the motive which prompted his parents to place him there so young. By returning to Westtown at fifteen, to demonstrate a better purpose in life, he gave evidence of a radical change. The education and life-long associations he enjoyed with Friends, together with his own strong convictions determined the sphere of his chief interest and activities, as also his spiritual point of view.

Possessed of a vigorous constitution and an equally strong will he performed an enormous amount of labor, physical, mental and spiritual, during sixty years of active life. It has been remarked, by more than one, that he would have made an ideal military leader, or an Archbishop, had he not enlisted under another banner.

As he grew to manhood, the responsibilities of a family, a growing business and the call he felt to speak in the name of his Lord, gave him many opportunities to develop his character and to test his faith.

The group of Friends, with whom his father was most intimate, were of the conservative type and his sympathies were ever closely allied with these. Thus in the sixties, when the tension was greatest in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, we find him standing firmly for conservatism. But that heart-sympathy, which infinitely x INTRODUCTION

transcends all the opinions and preferences of the mind, enabled him to associate graciously with Friends and others, of every type. And thus he anticipated "the better day" and world-wide movement toward unity, which so happily characterizes the new century.

His interest in the Indians was very natural and strong, as he was born at Tunesassa, N. Y., adjoining the Allegheny Reservation, where his father had devoted fifteen years of his life to the establishment of a school for the children of the Seneca Nation. His repeated visits to these and other Indian tribes is recorded, at some length, in the memoirs which he has left.

The love he felt for the red man and the black man brought him into contact with the leaders of both races. The colored bishops were always glad to have him in their councils. He visited the victims of a terrible storm on the Sea Islands of South Carolina, to render what assistance he could to the colored survivors. But humanity appealed to him whenever in need, as his arduous labors in behalf of the Doukhobors abundantly illustrate.

Four times he visited these Russian peasants in their Canadian settlements, after he was seventy years of age. To go from village to village and from house to house, traveling hundreds of miles over the open prairie in order to comfort those to whom he could not speak in their native language, extending sympathy and encouragement as well as distributing food and clothing, is very typical of his lifework. The Canadian officials valued his services

INTRODUCTION xi

enough to send for him more than once, when they could not manage these difficult immigrants.

Joseph S. Elkinton was a man of undaunted courage and great perseverance, with clear convictions. An instance of this appears during his visit with Joseph Walton to the St. Regis Indians living on the Islands of the St. Lawrence River. They braved the opposition of the Roman Catholics, as well as the dangerous ice and waters of the St. Lawrence to hold meetings among these Indians in their houses. And when the conviction prompted them to leave the field of their labors, at once they acted no less resolutely — crossing the fresh ice on foot — a very perilous undertaking. Their guide, a fine Indian chief and Methodist minister of middle life, was poisoned the same day, upon returning home, the act, as far as could be traced, of religious jealousy.

His visit to the anthracite coal miners in Pennsylvania, both in their homes and in the mines, shortly before his death, indicates his attitude toward the toilers. He believed it far better to show to them sympathy than to reduce their wages or deal inconsiderately with them.

He was not a Socialist, yet the human instinct brought him always into feeling for those who did the work of the world.

The perspective which time gives is invaluable in forming a just estimate of any life. Some features of our beloved father's character always confirm the view that whatever weaknesses and mistakes in judgment may beset xii INTRODUCTION

a man, if his chief desire is for the growth of the immortal part, that desire will be blessed both to himself and to his children. This has been abundantly realized, as we recall how, above every physical and social enjoyment, he was concerned for our spiritual welfare. We accompanied him on some of his religious and other visits and could feel the earnest solicitude of his fatherly spirit.

His faith in divine guidance and preservation will ever remain to be his distinguishing trait.

He was marvelously preserved on many occasions from physical injury, if not death, and his gratitude for innumerable mercies, both inward and outward, found expression to the very end of his days.

He laid great emphasis upon spiritual "eye-sight," and would frequently retire to get inward illumination whenever he was about to perform any religious service.

The noble stand he took in defence of our Christian testimony for peace at the time of the Civil War put him in the forefront of the greatest movement of modern times, and frequently one would detect in his mental and spiritual attitude that which linked him closely with the universal progress of mankind.

The principles and testimonies of the Society of Friends were very precious to him and he wished to recommend them to all men.

He held several series of appointed meetings, in company with Jonathan E. Rhoads and Zebedee Haines, with

INTRODUCTION xiii

whom he had the closest fellowship. These covered a large section of Xew Jersey and Delaware, Western Canada and Nova Scotia. The New England States, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Iowa were also visited under religious concern. It is a part of the history of the case, and perhaps fair to J. S. E., to state that in all his travels on religious service he bore his own expenses.

In reading over the records of these extended labors it was thought best to present them as nearly as possible in their original form, as they express his unique personality better than any revision or interpretation could. They contain a considerable range of experience, depicted in language peculiarly his own, and the extracts are presented in nearly their chronological order.

This volume is the tribute of appreciation which his children would pay to the work which he did in his day, believing a man should be judged not so much by his failures as by his motives and successes, or, in the words of Marcus Aurelius, "The true worth of a man is to be measured by the objects he pursues." He was wont to refer to a memorandum of John Woolman, made shortly before he sailed on his last voyage, that He who had so mercifully visited him in his youth, sustained and guided him through his manhood, in the midst of many temptations and sore trials, graciously delivering him from grievous entanglements, was still his strength and merciful Saviour.

xiv INTRODUCTION

Thus having served his generation, according to his ability, he was gathered into that rest which ever remaineth for those who have sincerely sought to fulfill the Divine will.

He recalls Whittier's description of 'The Quaker of the Olden Time:"

"With that deep insight which detects

All great things in the small, And knows how each man's life affects

The spiritual life of all, He walked by faith and not by sight,

By love and not by law ; The presence of the wrong or right

He rather felt than saw."

Moylan, Pa.

Fourth month, 1913.

J. E.

Contents

Chapter

I. Boyhood and Youth

II. Early Manhood

CHAPTER I. Boyhood and Youth

I was born at Tunesassa, N. Y., on the 27th of Fourth month, 1830; oldest child of Joseph and Mary (Nutt) Elkinton. My father, after a period of about fifteen years among the Indians, felt excused from further service, and returned to Philadelphia with his family when I was less than one year old.

When very young in life I was made sensible of the influence of the Holy Spirit. I can remember one evening when, probably not over five or six years of age, having been brought to tears and under great concern because of a sense that all was not right between me and my Heavenly Father, although no special sin was particularly before me, but there was a conviction that my heart was not good. This came upon me when I was alone and I wept much. In my distress I disclosed my feelings to my father, who entered into sympathy with me and I believe he secretly rejoiced that I was thus brought under religious exercise on my own account. He gave suitable counsel, desiring I should give place to such feelings and there was great comfort in what he said, encouraging me to hope in the mercy of Him who forgave those who repented and were concerned to mind the Good Spirit.

Whilst, however, this precious visitation had its influence, yet I paid too little heed to it and fell into manyerrors, bringing cause for condemnation; the example of other children, who too much disregarded the reproofs of instruction, had the effect to draw more or less into like practices with them, yet at seasons when reasoned and plead with, by my religious parents and friends, I would be brought into tenderness of feeling. Amidst all that befell I cannot say I was wholly left to myself, and there was a love in my heart for good people. I was sent to school very young — at the age of three years — and I have no remembrance where it was, but the second school I attended was that taught by Esther A. Ellis, a Friend, who in early life joined the Society by convincement and became a valuable member, occupying the stations of Overseer and Elder later in life. She taught the Corporation School for about forty years, on Pine street below Second, adjoining the old Pine Street Meeting House. After being awhile at that school and before I was six years old, I was sent to what was called the Infant School, which was a primary department (if I understand the matter rightly) of Friends' Select School, or at least it was conducted in the same building as the Girls' Select School on St. James street, between Sixth and Seventh streets, above Market. This Infant Department was taught at that time by Sarah Thompson, who afterward married Smith Upton, of New York State. She had an excellent record as a teacher, and I was told she undertook the charge of the infant class under a sense of religious duty, and whatever may be questioned of the policy of sending children to school so young as some of these children were, there can be no doubt that the influence she exerted over their tender minds was greatly blessed.

My cousin, Mary Woodward (afterward Wood), who had come to make her home with us at the age of sixteen, accompanied me to school, she attending the Select School for Girls. Although my continuance there could not have been very long, yet my impressions of it are very pleasant, and the remembrance of the pains taken for our improvement have continued with me. The distance to this school being considered too far from my father's residence (about one and a half miles), I was returned to the school under the charge of Esther A. Ellis, on Pine street, for a time. In the early part of 1837 (when seven years of age) I went to the primary department of Friends' Select School for Boys, then located in rooms in the Orange Street Meeting House, and taught by Samuel Allen, and where I continued to go for two years. During part of the time I attended this school I had the privilege of taking my dinners at Stephen Morris', who then lived at the corner of Eighth and Spruce streets, and whose wife, Rachel Morris, was very kind and exerted a religious influence over me. I remember her reading some little books, one at a time, as I would be seated at her side at noon time, and after perhaps a dozen had been thus read she presented them to me, which I highly prized as a gift from a dear friend. She did not live long after, and my impressions of the feeling when taken to her funeral by my father are still vivid.

Notwithstanding I was blessed with godly parents and religious friends, I fell into divers errors and entanglements, making work for repentance and causing grief to my parents. The influence of the boys on the street, with whom I mingled on my way to and from school, and of some of the men in my father's employ, was not very beneficial, but I believe my dear father and mother did the best they could under the circumstances in which they were placed, to preserve their children from evil associations. Children are in the world and are to be brought up in the world, but the more care that is taken to preserve their morals the less bitterness will be felt on the part of the children, and such care, coupled with intercession, is likely to be blessed.

When my brother Thomas was a little more than a year old he met with a serious accident ; — a maid who had him in charge let him fall, his back striking the side board of the trundle bed, and she, falling on top of him, caused him great suffering. The full extent of the injury was not known until some time after, when it was discovered that his spine had been dislocated. For years he was a cripple and a patient sufferer, and there was great solicitude on his account. At twelve years of age he was still very much deformed, but a physician was consulted about this time who was remarkably successful in his treatment, and my dear brother's back was straightened and he become a very useful man.

At nine years of age I went to Westtown, my father taking me in a two-wheeled vehicle, called in those days a chair, afterwards designated as a gig. I was very young to leave home, but as father had some building in progress, it was thought I was in danger of getting hurt among the men and building operations, for on one occasion I was struck by the crank of a windless as it was lowering some material in the well. And another reason was the intimacy existing between the superintendents, Xathan Sharpless and his wife, and my parents, which I have no doubt made it easier to place me under their charge, with the hope they would look after me and make frequent reports. I also had an aunt in the employ of the institution. From an intellectual point of view I consider the school was a great advantage to me; still, proneness of the heart to evil led me into associations that were unprofitable and into practices that gave me trouble, yet I can well remember seasons of tenderness, and on penning these things long after they transpired my spirit is humbled and tendered under a sense of the compassion of my Heavenly Father in bringing me from time to time under a right conviction. Upon one occasion, when not considered well enough to attend meeting, and knowing that Elizabeth Evans was present, I managed to get a seat on the stairway and hear her communications, which brought me to contritition of spirit. It always pleased me when any of the Committee visited the school or other Friends acquainted with my father's family would give me a kind salutation.

There is great service in older Friends who have seen life's battles, taking the children by the hand as they find opportunity and using their leisure to converse with them. At the close of the term, during which I had been particularly unsatisfactory in deportment, my father came after me and on the way home inquired how it had been with me, and learning that all had not been well, he was sorely grieved, both of us shedding some tears; but he was patient and loving, and said he took some consolation in the fact that I was penitent. His attitude had a very softening effect upon my mind and also on subsequent occasions when he pleaded and reasoned with me. But the force of temptation was great, although I did try to do better during the winter of 1840 and 1841, yet I had divers difficulties. Then it was decided, through a wise conclusion of my parents, that I was to be educated nearer home. I will not omit to state, however, that impressions made upon my mind in some of the meetings and evening collections at Westtown were not wholly dispelled. Sarah Emlen was occasionally engaged in the ministry, and her husband, James Emlen, was a righteous man and was one of our teachers. His example and purity of conversation were a blessing to the institution. Joseph Walton was one who showed me marked kindness, and I could unfold to him more of my troubles and temptations than to any other teacher. A friendship ripened with him that has been greatly blessed to me through life; he has ever proved himself true, faithful and very helpful. Many others also of my fellow-schoolmates have made useful members of community and of our religious Society, and my intercourse with them has been of a very pleasant character.*

Among those who frequented my father's house in my boyhood were the following : Robert Scotton, with whom my father was associated at Tunesassa, and who afterward remained a most intimate and lifelong friend of the family. He took especial interest in my welfare, as father had given me the middle name of Scotton. Robert Scotton was a deeply experienced minister ; he frequently came to the city from his residence in Frankford and stayed several days at my father's, and during the latter part of his life spent much of his time with us. William Hilles was another very much beloved friend of my

♦When about fifteen years of age, J. S. E. became so uneasy with his record while at Westtown that he expressed a desire to return for a term to redeem his reputation by pursuing his studies and conducting himself in a manner more satisfactory to his friends and his own conscience. This desire was granted and the result was a great comfort to him in after years.

In spite of all vicissitudes he evidently, during those early years, made rapid progress in his studies, especially mathematics, for at the age of eleven he had mastered the first five books of geometry, and a most wonderful memory was developed, useful later in business, when he could carry many numbers of weight and tare correctlv in his mind without aid of memoranda.

father. Ebenezer Worth, of whom I believe it may be justly said, "he was a man of God," also favored us with his company whenever in the city. Enos and Hannah Sharpless were among the intimate friends of my parents, and their residence near Chester was a place of occasional resort for us. My brother Thomas married their daughter Rebecca in 1863. Mary Kite was one whose sympathy and friendship were highly prized. Moses Bailey and his son Richard homed with us at Yearly Meeting time, as also did Jabez Thompson and his two sisters. Samuel and Ann Cope, the one an able minister of the Gospel and defender of the Faith, the other a faithful elder, were frequent guests and both well beloved. Many other Friends were hospitably entertained, for my father's house was always open to guests, whether personal friends or strangers from afar.

First month p, 1848. This evening whilst we were all collected in the sitting room father spoke to us, commencing with: "I can truly say I do earnestly desire the prosperity of Zion and the enlargement of her borders, and the most likely way for this to be effected is for the children to bend their necks to the yoke" ; and he could say with the apostle he had no greater joy than to see the children walking in the Truth. He said much more, encouraging us to faithfulness.

Eleventh month 19. Meetings are to be held in the Arch Street Meeting House on First-day evenings during the winter of 1848 and 1849.

First month 8, 1849. My mother was burned very badly on the breast, neck and sides of her face. In the evening she went with a lighted candle into the pantry to get some provisions for a poor woman, and her neck handkerchief took fire from the candle. I had come in and fallen asleep in the chair in the sitting room, but was aroused by her cries, and the first impression I had of the matter was the sight of her coming in through the doorway in a blaze about the head. Father and I immediately tore off the remainder of the handkerchief, cape and head-dress. We obtained medical assistance as soon as possible, but her sufferings were very great. Dr. Charles Evans thought she made a very narrow escape with her life. She was confined to her chamber for weeks, during which time she was visited by many of her friends, who manifested much sympathy and interest.

Ninth month 8. Last Fifth-day I had through mercy a truly tendering time, in which I did earnestly crave that I might be preserved in the Truth and enabled to fill that place which is assigned me.

This morning, in meeting, Elizabeth Evans arose with the words : "Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thought, and let him return unto the Lord and He will have mercy upon him, and to our God and He will abundantly pardon." She enlarged upon this and spoke very encouragingly to some tried and struggling ones then present. I can remember the feeling much better than the words, but she also said that if one then present were faithful he would be brought into dignity and honor and clothed with a holy magnanimity of soul and not to care for what others might say of him. Between meetings I had another favored season. Oh, that these precious opportunities may not be as the morning dew which passeth away.

Tenth month 24. Attended Monthly Meeting. In the first meeting Elizabeth Evans was engaged in one of the most extraordinary communications I ever remember hearing, being adapted to the children of worthy parents and grandparents. She said there were some who had been visited in an extraordinary manner and who had been unfaithful, but if these would yet be faithful, our Heavenly Father would make them able to fill that place he designed for them, and even make them to be as ornaments in his church. She also gave warning, saying if the children of those who had borne the burden and heat of the day did not come forward and support the principles which their predecessors upheld, that others would be called in from the highways and hedges, for a succession of laborers must be raised up. A very precious feeling covered me during the communication which remained with me throughout the meeting for business, which I thought was a token that I was still an object of the tender mercy and regard of our Heavenly Father, for which I trust I felt thankful. In the second meeting the answer to the first query was read in the usual manner, except it said "Friends were clear of sleeping." One Friend said he was glad the query could be thus answered and hoped it would continue so. But I knew it was not correct, for I had been overcome two or three times, so I felt it a duty to say so, especially after Elizabeth Evans' sermon in the meeting, and, although it was exceedingly mortifying to expose myself, I rose and said : "The answer to the first query regarding sleeping is not quite correct." Isaac Lloyd made some remarks, all of which I did not hear, but I understood one expression he made to the import that he was glad the young man had acknowledged his weakness.

Eleventh month 15. This morning a runaway slave came to our house. He said he was from the eastern shore of Maryland. He was provided by my mother with a suit of clothes and a little money.

Twelfth month 15. My dear brother Asa appears to have been losing strength of late, and his sufferings are very great.

Last Third-day afternoon I had a marvellous escape from being crushed by the wheel of a cart, and I believe it was by an interposition of our Heavenly Father I escaped being killed. For this unmerited mercy I desire to offer a tribute of thanksgiving and hope to keep more in view the awful importance of being prepared to meet death, for who knoweth what a day may bring forth.

First month 11, 1850. Last night I was brought renewedly under a sense of the awfulness of the work of the ministry, to which I have believed for more than three years I should be called if I continued faithful to my Divine Lord and Master. May He, who alone can qualify for every good work and service, continue his preserving arm around me, and I crave that I may not run before I am sent, and before I put forth my hand to this work I wish to feel, woe to me if I preach not the Gospel. The first time I was made to believe without a shadow of doubt concerning the matter was in Eighth month, 1846, when I was brought under a sense of my lost and undone condition. My sins were set in order before me, and such was the agony of mind I cried for forgiveness unto my offended yet merciful Lord God, and blessed forever be His great and glorious name ; He sent forth of his redeeming love and mercy and spake peace to my troubled and guilty soul. It was then shown me with clearness that if I were faithful I should in days to come be made to testify what great things the Lord had done for my soul. I called my dear father into the room and expressed myself freely to him. He extended words of encouragement and next morning told me that he had no doubt of my being called to the work of the ministry if I continued faithful.