The Somerset reporter., 1894-03-29
For the Reporter.
Elder James White and the
Second Adyentists.

was made of Elder James White. son
of Deacon John White of Palmyra. who
became a prominent minister of the
Seventh day Baptist Second Adventists.
In November last, one of their ministers,
Elder Whitney of Boulder. Colorado,
with an assistant, came to Canon City,
bringing with them tent for habita-
ton, aud a large circular tent for public
meetings. They were here several
weeks holding services every evening.
Elder Whitney was at the college at
Battle Greek, Michigan, three years and
vas personally acquainted with Elder
White and his father. He had also a
book, the first part of which was an
autobiography of Elder White. and part
second narrative of the sufferings and
ahor- Of his wife written by herself.
Elder Whites mother was Elizabeth,
or BFsey smith, granddaughter of
ltf- samuel Shepard Of Exeter, y. H..
q ue oi The most able and distinguished
FUaptist preachers of his time. She was
AL smiahlc and pious woman, a fit moth
~ for such a sou. After he was twenty
one years old he attended the st. Adams
Academy few terms and this ended
ms -cholastlt education, but he was one
who Is ever being educated AS the years
gllde on. For while he was only an
eXhorter; he had very modest estimate
OF his abilities, aud hen at the close of
meeting where he was one of the
speakers. he was addressed as Elder
White by lady who invited him to her
mouse, ne was overwhelmed with his
niea OF the responsibilities of the elder
snip. IN MS zeal to spread the Second
ADVENT doctrines he devoted almost his
whoir Time TO 1t. He was II fluent and
forclble speaker and an unusually good
singer, and was acceptable in the more
intelligent and wealthy communities, but
he thought he could be more useful by
laboring in the small Her and more remote
places, regardless Of popularity or self
interest. IN early life he was strongly
inclined to belief in Milerism, but
when the event proved the fallacy of
that theory. he adopted Second Ad-
yentisn as ii modification and neces-
sary sequence of Millers calculations.
In 1916, at the age of 26. he married
Ellen &. Harmon, a native of Gorham.
| but then living in Portland. She was "A
II wonderful woman, kindred spirit,
herself preacher, devoted to the work
as he was, willing and efficient CO.
laborer with him. More will be related
of her further along. They were some
times reduced to the very verge of
poverty. Spending their labors mostly
in rural places, they we're supplied with
food, but money was sca;ce and very
'tle came into his hands. He was
sometimes compelled to appear before a
respectable audience with patches on the
knees Of his trousers. On two different
years he was forced to resort to the
bayfield, to earn money to buy clothes.
aud at times cut cord wood to obtain
means of living. Once when living in
New York state he received an earnest
request to attend special meeting in
New Jersey. lie had no money to paw
X. K. fare, but they got ready to go and
waited. A man came driving to the
door, his horse blowing and sweating ;
he asked if any one there was in pressing
need of money; he was so impressed
with that idea he had driven II miles as
fast as he dared to push his horse. He
then handed out ten dollars and they
reached the station in time to take the
train.
As Elder White became better known
and his abilities better appreciated, he
was assisted to start denominational
paper. 1t was published in Paris, Maine,
then in Middleton, Conn, and in Sar-
atoga Springs. His writings and man
agemrnt of the paper incrcas d his
reputation. Men of wealth became
converts. and when it was decided to
start II college at Battle Creek, Michi-
gan, Elder White was chosen president.