Book Description

These memoirs, by Wesson George Miller, deal mainly with the early history of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Wisconsin. Miller was born in upstate New York in 1822 and later emigrated with his family to Waupun, Wisconsin. Because he already had teaching experience as a Methodist, he was soon persuaded to take temporary charge of the Brothertown Indian Mission on the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago. Later, he was appointed pastor to Green Lake Mission (near Ripon), Watertown, Spring Street Station (Milwaukee), and Fond du Lac, eventually returning to Spring Street, Fond du Lac, and Ripon. He discusses Methodist Conferences in detail, providing insight into contentious issues such as slavery, and taking a strong position in support of camp-meetings. Miller also provides information about Lawrence College (Appleton, Wisconsin), major epidemics, and Native American singing traditions.