The Conference at this session was again called upon to send one of its members abroad as a Missionary.  Rev. L.N.  Wheeler was sent to China.  He was presented at the Conference with an album containing the photographs of the donors as a token of remembrance.  The writer was selected to make the presentation speech, as he had known him from his childhood.

Brother Wheeler, before he engaged in the Ministerial work, devoted several years to editing and publishing secular papers.  He entered the Conference in 1858, and had been stationed at Two Rivers, Byron, Empire, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan.

Having been advised with by the Mission Board at New York during the year, as to his qualifications, I was prepared to expect the appointment, fully persuaded that it would prove both creditable to the Conference and profitable to the Mission field.  While abroad Brother Wheeler had charge for some time of the Mission press.  He rendered efficient service in the China Mission during the seven years of his absence.  But, on account of failing health, he was compelled to return in 1872.  He is now stationed again at Manitowoc.  He is a man of superior talent, and is greatly esteemed.

I had now completed my term of three years on the Spring Street Station, and my next appointment was very much in doubt.  I had been solicited to accept invitations to several stations, and also the Fond du Lac District, but in each case I assured the good brethren that I deemed it best to let the Bishop and his Cabinet decide without prejudice, and assign me work where they believed I could serve the general cause to the best advantage.  Had I allowed myself a preference, it would have been some quiet station of moderate responsibility, where I could have rallied my enfeebled health.  Besides, I had a doubt whether I ought to be put on a District so soon again, after having completed two full terms before I reached my fortieth year.  But it is vain to speculate in advance.  At the close of the Conference, I found myself appointed Presiding Elder of Fond du Lac District.

The appointment was a surprise to both myself and family.  But accepting the situation as a legitimate feature of the Itinerancy, we entered at once upon the needed preparations for a removal to Fond du Lac.  The removal, however, was to be preceded by an event that, by separating the family, would render the change exceedingly trying.  I refer to the marriage of our eldest daughter to Capt.  Frank P. Lawrence, of Racine, thereby breaking a link out of the chain that had so long and pleasantly bound us together in the family circle.  But, having previously learned that life’s difficulties are best overcome by turning towards them a brave bearing, we prepared for the nuptials.