Chapter 21—In Rochester, New York
In April, 1852, we moved to Rochester, N. Y., under most discour-
aging circumstances. At every step we were obliged to advance by
faith. We were still crippled by poverty, and compelled to exercise the
most rigid economy and self-denial. I will give a brief extract from a
letter to Brother Howland’s family, dated April 16, 1852:
“We are just getting settled in Rochester. We have rented an old
house for one hundred and seventy-five dollars a year. We have the
press in the house. Were it not for this, we should have to pay fifty
dollars a year for office room. You would smile could you look in
upon us and see our furniture. We have bought two old bedsteads
for twenty-five cents each. My husband brought me home six old
chairs, no two of them alike, for which he paid one dollar, and soon
he presented me with four more old chairs without any seating, for
which he paid sixty-two cents. The frames are strong, and I have been
seating them with drilling. Butter is so high that we do not purchase it,
neither can we afford potatoes. We use sauce in the place of butter, and
turnips for potatoes. Our first meals were taken on a fireboard placed
upon two empty flour barrels. We are willing to endure privations if
the work of God can be advanced. We believe the Lord’s hand was in
our coming to this place. There is a large field for labor, and but few
laborers. Last Sabbath our meeting was excellent. The Lord refreshed
us with His presence.”
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Death of Robert Harmon
Soon after our family became settled in Rochester, we received
a letter from my mother informing us of the dangerous illness of my
brother Robert, who lived with my parents in Gorham, Maine. When
the news of his sickness reached us, my sister Sarah decided to go
immediately to Gorham.
To all appearance my brother could live but a few days; yet con-
trary to the expectations of all, he lingered for six months, a great
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