appointment.

A very comfortable church was built at Byron in 1855, under the labors
of Rev. S.V.R. Shepherd, Pastor of the charge. In later years Byron has
become distinguished as the place where the Fond du Lac District Camp
Meetings are held.

Rev. Joseph T. Lewis was received on trial at the Conference held in
Chicago, August 24th, 1842. His first appointment was Elgin, Ill., and
his second, Mutchakinoc. He was born in Wales, and, at the time of his
appointment to Fond du Lac, had been in America only five years. Such
had been his success, however, in acquiring the English language, that
he was now able to speak it with remarkable fluency and correctness.

Brother Lewis was a man of robust constitution, above medium height, had
a strong face, adorned with a Roman nose, and a piercing eye. He had a
vigorous mind, was a thorough student and was already taking rank as a
preacher. During his brief year on the charge, he found time not only to
master the Conference studies, but, by the aid of the writer, to make
considerable progress in the study of Greek. At the end of the year he
reported ninety members. His subsequent appointments were: 1845,
Sheboygan; 1846 and 1847, Beloit. During his last year at Beloit, he was
called from labor to reward. His illness was brief, eight days duration,
but he was ready for the Messenger. Just before his departure, he said
to his most estimable companion: "Tell my brethren of the Rock River
Conference that I die shouting happy." Thus fell, on the 22d day of
May, 1848, one of the most promising young men of the Conference. Truly
it is said: "God buries his workmen, yet carries on his work." The
Conference extended to the accomplished and devoted widow their profound
sympathy. Nor will it be amiss to say in this connection, that the widow