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Editor's Note:
Readers of The Kentucky Explorer have been introduced to the
Rev. John J. Dickey in past issues. Remember that he was a traveling
preacher throughout the eastern part of the state during the
years between 1880 and 1925. He helped to establish numerous
churches and at least two colleges. He was also a teacher and
a newspaper editor. However, his most enduring gift to us today
may well be his diary that he kept faithfully during some 50
years of his later life beginning in the 1880s. In all, over
6,000 pages written in his own hand make up this interesting
digest.
In this journal of his, Dickey often wrote down accounts of events
daily. Much of the material concerns his day to day life. However,
during the late 1890s he began to gather family history on various
families he met in his travels. We are offering these interviews
to our readers in the hope that they will be appreciated in the
sense that Rev. Dickey intended. These interviews were written
word for word as they were given to Rev. Dickey. Nothing has
been changed.
May 7, 1898
Manchester, Kentucky
I was 75 years old today, am in robust health, am enjoying my
work as well as at any previous time in my life. I am not as
active as when younger, but I enjoy work as much and can accomplish
more mental labor in a given length of time as ever before. In
the last year my power of endurance has greatly improved.
I preach with less fatigue than before and recuperate from prostration
much quicker. It is a source of great gratification to me to
be able to ride a circuit of 100 miles and enjoy the exercise.
After so many long years of forced retirement from the itin-eracy,
this marks a wonderful exhibition of God's kindness to me. I
have lately felt that the circumstances would compel me to resume
teaching again for a short time, but I trust that God will make
it possible for me to continue in the itinerancy. I am still
trying by correspondence to get a man to come to Manchester and
do the work of teaching which must be done by someone qualified
by Christian character to lift up the youth of our country, may
such a one be found. I inherited a fine constitution, and only
for the abuse I gave it by sedentary life I might today be as
strong as ever. When I was born my father was 37 years old and
my mother 33. I was the 5th child; my brother James, next oldest,
was six years my senior. I count it a great mercy to have enjoyed
a parentage of such vigorous constitution, so free from any vicious
habits, so chaste and pure in heart and life. What an inheritance!
Again it was good fortune to have a country home rather than
a town or city residence. This gave me exemption from the pernicious
influences of town life. The town fosters idleness and idleness
breeds vice. The town imports an idea of superiority which is
very hurtful to the young, and they lose interest in the great
masses that have not the advantages of culture and refinement
that town people enjoy. I know not how much of life is in this
world yet for me, but whatever it be I am resolved to devote
it to the great work of helping humanity up to God. I place myself
afresh in the hands of my Master and say from the depth of my
soul "not my will but Thine be done."
May 14, 1898
The Anderson Home
I came to this home last Saturday afternoon. Mr. Edwin McElroy
Anderson was fast approaching death. I went to Corinth on Benge
and preached twice Sunday and returned here. Tuesday afternoon,
the 10th, Mr. Anderson died. He professed religion in the morning
and died at 6:15 p.m. He gave a very decisive testimony. I preached
his funeral from the text recording the conversation of the thief
on the cross. A large audience was present. He was buried by
the Masons. The family have given me a cordial invitation to
make my home with them. Yesterday and today I have been helping
the people of this district to carry an election by which a (the)
graded school was to be established. The proposition was lost
by two votes. I have never examined the law before, and I am
glad my attention has been called to it, as I see in it the great
possibilities for many localities in this country and other counties
of the mountains.
May 17, 1898
Manchester, Kentucky
I preached Sunday morning on "Grow in Grace," and at
night on the Judgement. Had a large attendance at Sunday School,
larger than for several months. Have been visiting, reading and
writing this week. A tide in the river, the first this winter
or spring gladdens all hearts. There are at least 10,100 logs
ready for market in this county, worth $150,000. Half of this
has been paid for part of them, those that float, while those
that are rafted are all unsold. Fifty years ago salt was bringing
annually $100,000 into this county, but the population was not
one fifth as great as now. Then there is much more stock taken
out of the county now than at any time.
I got a room today in which to open up my library. I fear the
rats or mice have injured them. I think I can order a Picket
Library, as I can keep them in the same room. It is Judge Dickenson's
office in the yard of his residence.
The war between Spain and the United States goes vigorously on.
There have been a few naval battles, but seven men have been
killed on the American side while perhaps 1,000 men have been
killed of the Spaniards. The Government asked for 125,000 volunteers
and 700,000 offered. It would be easy to raise a million for
this war. It has been the policy of the United States to acquire
territory ahead. Now the question of holding the Phillipine Islands
is being discussed, while the Hawaiian Islands are asking for
admission into the Union. In our present condition these Islands
seem important to us and the disposition to hold them seems to
be a wise one. It may be that time has come for us to take part
in the affairs of the East in order to advance the cause of human
freedom. The nations are apprised by arbitrary powers. Man needs
religion, also liberty.
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