My father was a fine looking man, very intelligent, and full
of energy, but addicted to the accursed cup. He could control
his appetite very well until he went to a town, or city; then when
his friends would persuade him to take a drink, he was large
hearted and easily persuaded; when he took one drink, he was
like a crazy man for more, and thought he was rich, and would
give his last penny away. Then when he had no money to buy
drink with, he would pawn his clothes, and come home to his
large family and broken-hearted wife without a penny to buy
food, and all in rags. And we little children would run and hide.
Our young lives were full of terror and hardships. This is the
reason we were left in poverty, with a sickly, broken-hearted
mother and eight helpless children; not one in the wide world
to come to our rescue.
Yes, I am a drunkard's daughter, with all the other dark trials to go through. I have never given this to the public before, but feel led of God to let the world know how the Lord has called and lifted me out of the depths, that He might be all and in all, to prove that no flesh shall glory in His Presence. The Lord must be doing the work, and it is not by human wisdom, but by the Spirit of the Living God.
My mother was left with eight children to provide for, and almost destitute. Then began the battle of life with us all. My mother was obliged to seek work in various ways. My oldest sisters and myself had to leave home and work by the week. We had not only ourselves to provide for, but also our brothers and sisters at home. It was very hard for my sensitive nature to go among strangers. I was discontented and homesick. I wanted to go to school where I could learn, for I longed for an education, and I often cried myself to sleep over this matter. I would have my books in the kitchen, where I could read a verse and commit it to memory; then read another, and so on, thus improving every opportunity while at my work. I had no opportunity of going to church from my earliest recollection. My heart went out in strong desires to know of God, when eight years old. Two of my sisters were converted in a Methodist meeting. I went once or twice. My heart was melted with the Savior's love, but they seemed to think children had no need of salvation, and I was kept back.
At the age of thirteen I attended a meeting of the Disciples
