Remembering Rev. Peter Cartwright - 1785 to 1872

Today (September 25) is the death anniversary of one of the greatest of all Methodist circuit rider preachers, Rev. Peter Cartwright.  One of the reasons he is one of the most celebrated of all early American frontier preachers is because of his autobiography which he wrote toward the end of his life.  I even found this book on Kindle version.  For more information about him, click on this link from a previous article and this previous sermon that I delivered at the Lancaster Campground.

Here are some highlights of this remarkable man's life and ministry in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.

-         Methodist Circuit Rider Preacher, 1785 – 1872 (B-day & Death in September)

-         Born in VA and died in Illinois

-         Converted at Methodist camp meeting at age 16 in KY.  Became preacher in 1802. Ordained by Francis Asbury.

-         Was the circuit rider for the Lancaster, Ohio Methodists in 1806 (12 years before the founding of the church.)

-         Was part of the 2^nd Great Awakening baptizing 12,000 converts

-         Lost to Abraham Lincoln for US Congress seat in 1846.

-         Autobiography is what has made him most famous Methodist Circuit Rider.  This includes several incredible stories that leave you laughing, crying, and appreciative of Methodists preachers and the challenges they faced during that time period.

-         Called himself “God’s plowman.”

-         Helped found Illinois Wesleyan University.