History of the M.E. Church, Vol. IV - Media Sabda Org

By 1820 Methodism was thoroughly established in all this country, with districts and circuits
belonging, some to the Genesee, some to the Baltimore, others to the Virginia, and still others to the
Ohio Conferences; more than half a hundred itinerants were sounding the gospel among the
mountains and valleys from Lake Erie to far into Western Virginia, and thousands or zealous
members were rallying into classes and incipient Churches. They were laying the foundations of the
Erie, Pittsburgh, and Western Virginia Conferences.
Passing further westward, into the "great Northwestern Territory," we again meet Quinn, whom
we have so often followed over the ground just surveyed, but who had now been borne away by the
surges of emigration. In 1804 we find him traveling the Hockhocking Circuit, Ohio, an immense
field, comprising not only all the settlements of that river, but those of the Muskingum, and of the
Sciota from the high bank below Chillicothe as far up as the site of Columbus, and those also of
many other streams. He was still a pioneer and founder, forming societies in almost all the sparse
communities. His family was placed in a cabin, exposed to Indians, and, in his occasional visits
home, he had to carry flour to them more than forty miles. He went through the country scattering
the "good seed" of the gospel broadcast. Occasionally one of the bishops reached and cheered him.
Whatcoat found his way thither. "I shall never forget," says the itinerant, "the sweet and heavenly
smile with which he met me. While holding my hand he said, 'I first found thy footsteps on the Lake
Shore in 1801; next I found thee in Winchester, Va., in 1802; then met thee at the altar, in Light
Street, Baltimore, in 1803; and now I find thee here! Well, we must endure hardships as good
soldiers of the cross. The toils and privations of itinerancy are great; but Christ has said, Lo, I am
with you alway, even to the end of the world."'
Thence Quinn passed to Sciota Circuit, where he had about thirty appointments, the nearest being
fifty miles from his family. Emigrants from Kentucky were now pouring into this region, and among
them were many zealous Methodists. At one of his meetings "a very dignified and elderly looking"
woman, a stranger, remained to attend the class, in which she said, "with a full soul, and with eyes
swimming in tears, 'I am, through the infinite mercy of God, a child of his, and, by blessed
experience, know I enjoy the pardoning love of the Saviour. I am a widow, recently from Kentucky.
I have a large family of children. I have traveled nine or ten miles to enjoy this means of grace, and
to invite you to preach in my cabin for the benefit of my children and my unconverted neighbors.'
Her words were with power, and it was manifest that the love of Christ constrained her, that she was
filled with the Holy Ghost. While she spoke, the same flame was kindled in the hearts of others, and
some shouted aloud for joy. After the class Quinn learned that the stranger was Jane Trimble, mother
to Governor Trimble, and grandmother to Joseph M. Trimble. On his next round he preached at her
double cabin, on Clear Creek, three miles north of Hillsboro. At this meeting, it is probable, no
professor of religion was present except the pious widow and the preacher. After the sermon, as there
was no class to meet, he stated that it was the last round on the circuit, and, as he had soon to leave
for Conference, he could not preach to them any more, but that his successors would. He then sang
one of the songs of Zion. At that period his voice warmest melodious and sweet. The tones of the
music, accompanied with a holy unction, melted every heart. While singing, he passed through the
room, and shook hands with every one present. All were more or less affected. Young Mrs. Trimble,
first wife of Allen Trimble, and mother of Joseph M., though once a professor of religion, became
conscious of her backsliding and lukewarmness, and the absolute necessity of the reclaiming grace
of God. Her anguish of spirit was so great she could conceal it no longer. She first went out of the