The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-10-30

Who Died at Baldwin Sunday.
Because of his activity as a free state
man and his association with Jim
Lane, the Rev. Mr.. Fisher was particu-
larry marked by the noted guerrilla
Cuantrell and his men, and the story
of the border preachers escape from
capture and death during the Law
renee massacre is one of the most
thrilling and remarkable incidents of
that terrible affair.
Ofered a Senatorship.
DR.. Fisher was one of the few men
who ever refused the United States
senatorship. When Senator Jim
Lane committed suicide Governor
Crawford announced his intention of
appointing DR.. Fisher to fill the va
caucy DIR. Fisher was then presiding
elder OF the Baldwin City district.
When received the message from
the governor that he desired my pres
ence, said DR.. Fisher, my wife and
i went to our private room and laid
the matter before God in prayer, pray
ing that He might guide me Alright in
making decision"
The decision was against accepting
the appointment, DR.. Fisher explained
his position to Governor Crawford and
returned home. The next day the COVER
nor again summoned him to Topeka
telling him that he had decided to make
the appointment. DR.. Fisher refused
TO accept it. Governor Crawford finally
appointed Major e. G. Ross.
Mr.. Fisher Hides Out.
At the time of QuantrelTs raid on
Lawrence, August %, 1868, the Rev. Mr.
Fisher was at his home on furlough on
account of sickness. On the morning of
the massacre Mrs. Fisher arose early,
it being her intention to take the chill
dren and spend the day hunting wild
grapes. Looking out of the window she
saw a body of horsemen approaching
and called to her husband that she be-
neved Quantrell and his men were COM
ing.
DR.. Fisher bounded to the window just
in time to see the guerrillas shoot down
the Rev. Mr. Snyder, who was in his
own yard milking his COW. Hastily put
ting on few articles of clothing DR..
Fisher ran from the house. taking with
him the three oldest boys, William. aged
u; Edmund, aged 10. and Joseph, aged
z. 1t was their purpose to reach Mount
Dread. on which the Kansas university
buildings now stand. and hide in the
bushes there. DIT. Fisher found himself
too i'll to run and sent the boys on ahead
returning. himself, to the house. The
boys reached places of safety but Rob
bic Martin. who was running beside
William, was killed bya guerrilla. When
DR.. Fisher reached his home again he
ran to the cellar. His wife asked him
why he had returned. and he replied
that he was too i'll to run far.
well trust i'm the Lord and pray
that He may save you. I viii pray also
and do all L can for YOU" responded the
brave wiSe.
Raiders Search the Cellar.
Mrs. Fisher, carrying baby in her
arms, had not long to wait. Four of
the raiders rode up to the house and
VIII TO g,.3Y.a
her husband was.
do you think she replied, that he
would be fool enough to stay about the
house and you killing everybody you
can2 No, sir he left with the little boys
when you first came into town
II know better" replied one of the
guerrillas, hes in the cellar. Where is
Terrified by this truthful statement.
Mrs. Fisher stiu maintained a brave
demeanor.
1T is not very gentlemanly for you to
doubt the word of a lady she declar-
ed, "and, besides, L don't want you to
swear in the presence of the children.
The cellar is open. If You think he is
there, go look for yourself"
Taking her at her word, the guerril-
las started for the cellar. In trying to
light one lamp, one of the men turned
the wick into the oil tank and sent Mrs.
Fisher upstairs for another lamp This
they lighted and began their search.
While all this had been going on DR..
Fisher had been lying under the floor,
where he could hear all that was said.
The cellar extended under only part OF
the house, and the dirt from the exca-
walton had been thrown up under the
floor. The minister crawled behind this
pile Of dirt and burrcwed into it as
much as possible. In their search the
guerrillas passed so close to him that
ne could have touched them. Deserib-
fng his sensations at that moment DR.