Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1895-06-28
An Interesting Historical Relic.

An Interesting Historical Relic.
The Presbyterian Sunday school of
Bismarck has a most interesting history.
1t was first organized by Mrs. Linda w.
Slaughter, in a tent at Camp Hancock,
in August, 1872, and was taught exclu-
sively by her, undef the name of the
Bismarck Sabbath school, until after the
completion of the Northern Pacific rail
road, in July, 1878, when it was formally
organized under the name of the "Bis-
marck Union Sunday School," with Off
GERS as follows: Superintendent, Linda
W. Slaughter; secretary, Colonel 9. A.
Lounsberry; treasurer, James H. EN-
mons; librarian, Fl. M. White; teacher of
Bible class, John w. Fisher; interme-
date class, Charles f. Hobart; infant
class, Miss Aida Warfeld. After the
completion of the Presbyterian church
the name was changed to the Presby-
terrain Sunday school of Bismarck, and
[. G. Adams was elected superintendent,
succeeded by H. e. Douglas, and later
by John w. Fisher, who served long and
faithfully in that position.
In 1872 a small library of Sunday
school books was purchased by DR..
Slaughter and presented to the Bismarck
Sabbath school. These were numbered
and the number and name of the school
was written in each volume by Mrs.
Slaughter. In 1873 large additions were
made to the library by Rev. D. G. Lyon
on behalf of the Third Presbyterian
Sunday school of Philadelphia, the
Presbyterian missionary who preceded
Rev. I. o. Sloan, and by Rev. H. N.
Gates, on behalf of the Congregational
society. These were also numbered, and
the name Bismarck Union Sunday
school," instead of Bismarck Sabbath
school," was written in each volume by
Mrs. Slaughter. These books were in
constant use during the early years when
reading matter was scarce. At the time
the name of the school was changed the
last time, the first names written in the
library books were crossed, and the name
"P%resbyterian Sunday school of Bis
marck" was written below by the libra
| rian.
After the lapse of SO many years, it
was not believed that any of those little
books could be in existence, but through
the kindness of Rev. Durrie, the courte-
GUS pastor of the Presbyterian church,
two of them have been secured for pres
ervation by the State Historical Society.
They we're found in the belfry of the
church. One of them is entitled
"Memoir of John Lang Bicksteth," on
it's hyleaf is the name"Bismarck Sabbath
School No. l." the handwriting of Mrs.
Slaughter, and underneath, in the hand
writing of Mr.. H.. M. White, is the
name presbyterian Sunday School No.
237." Mr.. White who was then a lum-
Der dealer of Bismarck is now a prosper
u merchant of Fargo-Col. Louns-
berry's Record for May contains a
biographical sketch of him.
AS these little books were borrowed
promiscously by the old settlers of Bis
marck, it is not improbable that some
may still be found in private houses. 1t
is desired to obtain one containing the
name Bismarck Union Sunday School"
and it is hoped that several may be
found, not only for the books, but for all
other articles, objects and relics that are
linked with the early history of schools
and churches and other creditable insti-
buttons. The State Historical Society
has secured rooms at the capitol for the
preservation Of such matter, and it is
hoped that every citizen of Bismarck
and Burleigh county will take an inter-
est in, and personally aid in this work.
Mr.. M. II. jewell, who is one the direc.
tors Of the state society is in charge OF
this work in Burleigh county, and will
receive and take care of all articles left
with him as also will Mr.. Walter F.
Gushing, recording secretary of the
state society at the capitol building.
DEL IEE