Life and Letters of Rev. Aratus Kent Introduction

If the Churches in Rockford who contribute so liberally chose to sustain him on that field, I am quite willing (so that my reasons are understood for the position I take, especially as he is regarded as highly useful in his other field of Shireland).

I do not know what were the sources of information to which Br. Goodwin has access, but I think if he had been with me in my investigations, we should now agree on the question of prospective usefulness though we might not in relation to the hindrances. The position of a local agent is one of great delicacy but I think that I have incurred the ill will and censure of Presbyterian Missionaries quite as often as of Congregationalists since I have been an agent. But I have learned pretty thoroughly that there is a class of Home Miss. who are glad to find occasion to question the motives of the agent and sectarianism is a very convenient string to play upon.

I ought to make other remarks that the 4 Presb. men appear to me to give evidence of piety, decided piety, though perhaps one has not always spoken and acted discretely. And the same may be said of Mr. Hodges, if I may judge from the discrepancies in their statements. But I cannot allow my eyes to be taxed further.

Yours, Etc.

A. Kent

_____

Quarterly Report

In looking over my diary, I find that I have during the quarter, preached 16 times, have baptized 15 adults and 2 children, administered the Lord’s Supper 3 times have made 55 pastoral visits, attended 24 prayer meetings, visited at their houses 13 missionaries and conversed with 10 others at the Gen Assoc. and received $45.45/100 in money.

My preaching is so generally in school houses or other ...over which we have no exclusive control that I am obliged to listen to men of other sects when I would rather preach than listen.

I give these statistics to show that I have done something but it does by no means reveal all that a missionary accomplishes in moving about among the people which float over these prairies. And it should be noted that the population in all new settlements is comparatively a floating population and at once more difficult to reach and then they pass away without leaving any trace of the labour bestowed upon them.

A. Kent

A. Kent

Chicago, July 16/61

Dr. Coe

Dear Sir:

He siad he has sold the farm on which the mortgage rested for $1600, but it was when the money was deranged and he could recover it. He would probably sell in the fall to the same man. He had a prospect on getting the amount now due sooner.

He was anxious you ahould have called to converse with him. I urged him to write and explain the matter to you more fully.

Yours,

He has recently buried his wife who was siter to your missionary Mr. Leonard of Fulton, Ill.

_____

Galena, Aug. 29, 1861

Quarterly Report

Dear Sir:

In looking over my diary, I find I have a record of having preached 17 times, addressed 6 Sab. schools, attended 4 prayer meetings, made 50 pastoral visits, called on 9 Home Missionaries, administered the Lord’s Supper twice and baptized one child.

In May I made a trip to Ogle & Lee Counties and visited Messers. Brewer and Seton and preached for the former.

In July I accompanied Rev. W.J. Johnston of Lena to Forreston where we both preached and administered the Lord’s Supper. It is a gratifying fact that after preaching there once in four weeks for 2 years and receiving in all $79 which has all been reported to you I have organized a Church that promises well. There are now 23 members with a prospect of the addition of some more...And as I could not go there but once in 4 weeks, they have now employed Br. Johnston for 1/2 his time, and have made up for him a reliable subscription of $300.

Perhaps you may recollect that Mr. Halsey a banker some 2 or 3 years ago applied to you to do something for Forreston where his son lives. You referred him to me and I am happy now to report so pleasing a result. It should be stated that this church is made up of families scattered among...

In connection with my trip to Chicago and attending the Anniversaries at Beloit & Rockford I called on Mr. Champlaign as requested by Br. Coe and spent a Sabbath with that dear old man, Rev. Mr. Kellog of Wayne, formerly of Vermont as was “somewhat filled with his company”.

In July I made a tour into Whitesides County, taking with me Mr. Avery a Theo student. We explored together a larger destitution and each preached twice on the Sabbath. And we visited some 20 families. This includes Sharon where Br. Martin once laboured. This, like many other churches back from the R. Road is running down, as the enterprising members move into the Rail Road villages. I go there again Sept 15.

I have just returned from a trip down the Il. Cent. R.R. spending a Sabbath with a little church at Maroa and one my return a Sabbath at Pana and calling on missionaries at Minonk, El Paso and Wenona and visiting ministers and friends on the way until I reached Cairo where I found Brs. Grant and Goodale who were there to obtain a chaplaincy. We went over to Birds Point and I did what I could to further their views with my acquaintances from Galena. In the evening we attended a prayer meeting at Cairo in the Presbyterian Church. It was a meeting of much interest. And the question was asked whether the prayers of the church would avail as much to secure peace as the oaths of the ungodly do to protract the war.

I believe this one of our great national sins the churches are so backward to rebuke it.

During these tours I have distributed most of the annual reports.

When I reached home on Monday I found my wife very ill. We feared on Wednesday that she would not live but she is partially relieved. My own physical system is a good deal out of tune.

Yours,

_____

Decease of Rev. Elias W. Kellogg

Died at Ring Wood, Ill. on the 6th Inst [October 1861] Rev. Elias W. Kellogg aged 66. He was buried at Wayne Center where was his missionary field. Occupying the study where he prepared his last sermon, I send you a few lines to give “aid and comfort” to other Home Missionaries amid the toil and sacrifices they endure in the prosecution of their life work.

He was born in Sherbourne, Mass., but his parents early removed to Vermont, and, at the age of 7 he was committed to the guardianship of an Uncle. He made a Profession of his faith ere he had reached his majority, and for some years indulged the hope of entering the ministry; but when the way seemed to be shut against it, he retired to the farm. Encouraged, however, by his pastor, he resumed his long cherished purpose, and after two years of study, he was licensed to preach the Gospel, when like his divine master he began to be about 30 years old.

His ministry of 36 years was exercised mainly in the feeble churches. During 25 of those years he received Home Miss. aid, and of the eleven churches he served, some became self-supporting while he laboured with them, and he always evinced the greatest solicitude to develop this token of self respect.

In 1855 he removed to Northern Illinois where this minister first enjoyed his acquaintance and was cheered by his genial spirit. Though now feeble and infirm he was prompt in meeting every appointment, even when his exposures involved much self-denial, and having preached on the...day and again on the subsequent Sabbath, he went wearily the next day to an ecclesiastical meeting, which brought on an attack of the disease from which he had suffered terribly before and there he laid down to die. It was a large upper room furnished and prepared by Providence. His agony was excruciating, and he was incapable of many words. But to the only child in attendance he said in the night watches when they were alone, “I lay off my mantle. You, my son, may put it on except where it is rent.”

He has entered into his next and we my Brethren are admonished that the judge standeth at the door.

His was an earnest ministry, and he was eminently successful and greatly beloved by his people. A striking proof of this I have before me, in a letter from a young brother in the army in Missouri written the day before his pastor’s death.

He was happy in his work. His diary makes record of his gratitude; happy in his family, all of whom he regarded as in heaven or on the way thither; and happy in the numerous spiritual children given him as the fruit of his labours; for he was permitted to witness many precious revivals under his ministry.

He was a model man to illustrate the possible achievements of a resolute mind steadily pursuing one object through life. He had but limited advantages; had but a meager income, sometimes less than $300; and himself and his family in feeble health. But under the impulsive power of love & spirit he has accomplished more in his profession than many of higher natural and acquired endowments; and the history of his eventful life, if it were fully written out, would furnish new proof that the maker of worlds “has the seven stars in his right hand” - new proof that the Head of the Church does provide for the support and safe keeping of his servants.

A. Kent

 

Oct. 22, 1861

It was stated too to me by the Deacons that the Church had resolved to make out the whole salary for the year to assist him in payment of the debt due on the house. And I was directed to ask the society to do likewise by giving her the further sum of 25 for the same purpose if their funds would allow.

A. Kent

P.. There is a prospect that his son now preaching at Buda will be called to take his father’s place.

Galena, Nov. 15/61

This is intended as an application for aid. It would seem to me desireable that he should be sustained on that field and yet in the present embarrassment of your fubds I think you would be waarented in cutting down to $100 this application. I laid my plans in Oct. to explore the field but was prevented. With the one suggestion I forward it.

A. Kent

Galena, Nov. 15, 1861

Rev. D.B. Coe, D.D.

Dear Sir:

I here with tender my resignation of the agency with which your society had honoured me.

It has for some time been decided on in my own mind but the pressure of other duties and the extreme weakness of my eyes just now had prevented me from saying what I would, at the close of a service which has furnished full employment to hand and heart for the last 14 years.

In taking leave of your Society, I cannot but look back & recall many incidents connected with the invitation of Dr. Peters to come as a H. Miss. to the lead mines in “29 and with the invitation of Dr. Badger in “47 to the agency which I now resign and I congratulate my Brethren of your Com. and the Home Missionaries. with whom I have spent so many pleasant seasons on the success that has attended their labours.

I have witnessed great changes since I came to the Prairie State. One illustration of which is quite pertinent. I rode home last Monday from my Sabbath Service with a vacant Ch. more that 200 miles in a warm and cushioned coach without fatigue or expense : a journey which 25 years ago subjected me to exposure of “life and limb” from streams and trackless swamps and boundless prairies without road or land marks, or houses of entertainment. During the period my agency covers, I have traveled almost constantly and have enjoyed the hospitality of very many of the best families and in return have communicated as God has enabled me in Counsels, in books and religious tracts, and in some instances, I have contributed freely from my small income in aid of missionaries whose straitened condition called for commiseration but could not be relieved immediately by the Society.

I frequently meet with persons who remind me of words spoken and of books given them when they were children.

But on the other hand I have sometimes given offense to my Brethren (Pres. as often as Cong) because I did not feel at liberty to recommend the appropriations asked and I have been told that could not sympathize with my poor brethren.

I have had great opportunities for doing good and it is a source of sincerest regret that so many have been suffered to pass unimproved and I earnestly pray that you may find agents who will discharge their duties more faithfully that I have done.

In taking leave of the Ex. Com. I shall not only cherish the memory of Dr. Hall and others who have gone to their rest but acknowledge with pleasure the kindness and courtesy shown me by those who now bear their burdens.

A. Kent

As this will supersede my quarterly report, I hereby acknowledge moneys not before reported

15 Collection in Sharon Pres. CH. 3.67

27 Collection 2nd Cong Ch. Rockford 39.40

$48.07

I wish here to say that my knowledge of churches and of individuals in this region may still be employed in your service if you have occasion to call on me for information or to visit particular churches.

My resources are rapidly drying up by the depreciation of property and in other ways, which makes me the more pleased that I have in days past contributed to benevolent objects pretty freely.

It was my purpose to copy this letter but it is a tax upon my eyes that you will excuse.

May the good spirit teach is our duty and sanctify us for his better kingdom.

Yours, etc.,

A. Kent

Galena, Dec. 2/61

Dr. Badger, Dear Sir:

The enlcosed I have read and written them that they [Cong. Ch. of Homer] are deficient in some 10 or 15 particulars, that when they have preferred another and obtained the required endorsement they may forward it to you directly.

Yours truly,

A. Kent

Galena, Jan. 6, 1862

This application meets with my approval and I trust that their request will be granted if your funds will warrant it. I was there [Wayne Center] last summer and preached for them, and feel justified in expressing this opinion without other endorsement.

A. Kent

Galena, Jan 21, 1862

Rev. Dr. Badger

Dear Sir:

I received a draft yesterday for $200 which together with what has been paid in a draft and what by collections, amounts to my claim on the Society up to Dec. 1, and the 50 which you have added covers the amount of expenses for the year in traveling and correspondence & which amounts to $46.25.

I have therefore no longer any claim on the A.H.M.S.

With great respect,

Yours, etc.,

A. Kent

_____

Rev. D. Clary

Dear Sir,

Having failed for 2 years to attend the meeting of Trustees, and being admonished by increasing infirmities, I think it my duty to tender my resignation, in doing which I am reminded of many valued friends and pleasing associations which my poor eyes will allow me but to glance at.

As ever yours,

A. Kent

Mr. Pres’t

I have written Br. Kent expressing the hope that he will attend the next meeting.

D. Clary

[San Diego, Calif, Dec. 11, 1930]

My Dear Alden:

Yours of the 7th is a great interest to me, especially as it again stirs the glorious memories of the beginning of my family life, in which years ago old Galena had so happy a part.

Today I spent a couple of hours over the contents of my little mahogany and tin boxes which contain a host of sacred memories, and found the enclosed pamphlet on the life and labors of Mr. Kent. It is probably too much to be read at the coming April meeting, but extracts from it will be of interest.

I also enclose a characteristic letter from Father Kent to me. Please eventually return them to me.

Father Kent was almost a stranger to me. Indeed, the only time I ever met him was on the occasion of my wedding trip, when he officiated at our marriage. He was not at home when I first went to Galena to persuade my dear girl to promise me, and up to then I had never met Mrs. Kent, with whom it was mutually a case of “love at first site.”

Of course my acquaintance with Mary Kent was during her four years at Rockford Seminary, from which she graduated in 1860.

Loving, Father

p.s. Give my love to the First Presbyterian Church and the old town of Galena for the blessings conferred on me.

I hope I can be present at the Centennial Celebration in April.

Galena, August 21, 1865

You have requested that I should in due form give my consent to your union with our dear Mary, and as I have no misgivings and no condition I have only to write laconically Yes. I make no conditions because they would not amount to much, and therefor we take you as you take her- for better or for worse.

I have no doubt that you are sincere in your professions, and yet we know that human nature is not a whit in advance of what it was before the flood, and I hope that neither of you will anticipate perfection in the other.

I am pleased to perceive in you that sense of your deprivation in the early death of your parents, which is implied in your wish that I would act a father’s part towards you, and though I do not expect to be much in your company, yet I shall be always happy to give you counsel so far as my experience shall be of any service, but I can confidently entrust you to the same God who fed Jacob and has fed me all my life long and for three score years and 11 has redeemed from evil and crowned my life with loving kindness and tender mercy.

Your Sincere friend,

A. Kent

[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]

Galena, Feb. 1, 1867

Rev. A.L. Chapin D.D.

Dear Sir,

I obtained of Rev. Mr. Trowbridge Missionary to Eastern Turkey, a photograph of 9 native Armenian Pastors. I have obtained sundary copies, one of which I wish to send to your institution with accompanying explanation. I will send it in frame as you direct or I can send it by mail without frame if you choose to frame it.

We hear that good work of grace is going on in Beloit where at I rejoice, yea and will rejoice.

Oh that God would raise up an exceedingly great army of soldiers who shall be trained by you and others to endure hardness.

With kind regards to my many Christian friends in and out of College.

I remain ever yours, etc.,

A. Kent

P.S. I met Mr. Trowbridge at Synod and at Mr. Curtiss whom he claims as spiritual father. Converted an Ann Arbor.

[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]

Galena, March 6, 67

Rev. A.L. Chapin, D.D.

Dear Br.,

It gives me pleasure to contribute a little in aid of the young Armenian of whom you wrote.

I enclose $10 which you will use for him when you think meet [sic].

Your college is blessed of God and I trust will ere long furnish a large number of faithful land self-sacrificing laborers for the dying heathen. May they be while in Beloit to endure hardness as good soldiers of the Crucified One. The church will want a little army for Spanish Armenia before we shall be ready to send them forth I predict.

Yours, etc.,

A. Kent

[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]

Galena, March 27, 1867

Dear Br. Chapin,

In my letters accompanying a copy of the Armenian Pastors to my sister^278[278] in Brooklyn I incidentally mentioned your young Armenian, and she says, “If I may have the privilege of assisting that young Armenian in preparing to return in his country and labor to evangelize his friends, shall be most happy to do what I can, and write now to ascertain how much is wanted for the purpose and if beyond my means may possibly enlist one or two others. You say assist, so I suppose something has been begun in his behalf.” Please write me in reply and say whether he is truly pious and looking to the ministry, and that in his own country.

God has done great things for Mt. Carrol, Freeport, Lena & Rockford Fem. Sem. and this is his memorial to all generations, A God doing wonders.

Yours truly,

A. Kent

[Chapin Papers-Beloit College]

Galena, Nov. 9th, 1869

Dr. Chapin

Dear Sir:

Rev. A. Kent died here last night. Owing to the relations he has always sustained to Beloit College, I thought you might be willing to write a brief eulogy for the monthly.

I can give you the following facts in his life. He was born in Suffield, Conn. in the year 1794. He entered the sophomore class at Yale under the presidency of Dr. Dwight and graduated in 1816.

After graduating he spent four years in theological studies in New York City; one year as a missionary in western Ohio; one in Mass. and Conn; three in Lockport, N.Y.; one in Conn. with his father; and forty in Illinois as missionary and pastor of the 1st Pres. Ch of Galena, and as agent for the Amer. Home. Mis. Society in Ill., Wis. & Minnesota.

He has preached in fifteen states and territories. He has preached some 800 sermons in about 500 different places.

He assisted in promoting many Sunday Schools and Common schools. He contributed money and service in establishing two female seminaries and three colleges. He assisted eight young men in preparation for the ministry.

His life has been full of good words and food deeds, and his crown will be a bright one.

Yours truly,

Edward G. Newhall, M.D.

P.S. His funeral is to take place on Friday the 12th inst. Sermon by Dr. Swazy^279[279] of Chicago.

__________

Galena, Nov. 17th /69

Pres. Chapin

Rev. & Dear Sir,

Your kind letter of condolence was very comforting to me, and I thank you for the proof of affection to my dear precious husband.

Yes, I "miss him"! O how sorely! none can tell; but such, as have had a companionship of 37 years, sundered; a life long staff, leaned on; broken -- the heart will groan at such a stroke but thus far, I lean on the "Rock" and am trusting in his promise that he will not leave me comfortless," thrice precious are his promises to me now.

This is the first time I have put pen to paper since he fell asleep, tho I have very many such as yours: full of sympathy -- to answer. But as you wished his likeness, and something to aid you in a "record" for your monthly I hasten to say, that I have a large and perfect likeness taken about a year since, and will send it; but am now waiting to have one of the same size taken from a negative of my own, in Chicago, which together with one of his, I have promised to send to Mrs. Clary as soon as 1 receive mine, it may be a week or two before I get it, but I thought I would send one for you with hers, if you can wait. As to his last days, I cannot say all I should like to now, but he longed to be at rest and has been hoping for his release, with peaceful trust a long time; yet as long as he was conscious planning to do good to others. When I look back over his life, the most prominent thought I have always had of him was: that he was stretching his arms around the world. I could send you some, to me, very interesting letters of his; concerning Nebraska and Dakota trips last year, also a little journal or notes of some of his labors in /53 & /56 & /57. These I found but most of his writing of his labors or himself he destroyed, so he told me, after it was done. The notes might be a stimulus to some of your young men to be “in labors often” should you wish for them. I must be assured that I shall get them again for they are precious to me.