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Profile of Mac Waller
Beginning of the story
REMINISCENCES OF H.M. WALLER . . . Continued
During these years of evangelizing he preaches as regularly as possible for his home church, Eola.
By this time the city of Independence springs up, and the brethren gathered there called him to preach for them. He decides immediately, so drives over and meets Bro. Hodgin, now of Independence, and Mr. Van Dyne and Bro. Wm. Osborn. both now of Salem.
They say:
"Why, Bro. Waller, we are not ready. We didn't expect you so soon. We have no place to meet in. When shall we commence?"
"To-night. Go out and announce meeting for to-night in the schoolhouse."
His first audience of about twenty persons, all told, was badly mixed, for Independence at this time was not the "loveliest spot on earth." He won the respect of all, even the toughs, and soon the house was crowded, and a grand, good meeting followed.
Some exciting scenes are witnessed and some strange experiences had, but the meeting closed with a fine ingathering, there being fifty-four baptized, and seventy-four in all.
In November, 1876, he sells his ranch and moves to Monmouth, that his children may have better educational advantages. Soon after they are in Monmouth, his daughter was married to Bro. J. S. Stump.
It appears that a Waller daughter married Joseph Solomon Stump, the brother of Mary Stump Campbell, T. F. Campbell's second wife. The parents were David and Catherine Stump of Monmouth.
Early the following spring he and Bro. T. F. Campbell were selected to solicit funds for the college at Monmouth. Others had tried and utterly failed to raise enough to clear the institution of debt.
They now proceed on the following plan: They take subscriptions on the pledge that if the whole amount is raised, the whole amount subscribed is raised, the whole amount is to be paid. If the whole amount is not raised, none of it is to be paid. From this agreement there is to be no deviation.
After some months the whole amount is raised, then they go back over the ground to get the cash or notes. After much exposure and time the amount is returned to the President of the Board, and the college is in fine shape. Through somebody's neglect, many of these notes were left to run till they were outlawed, and as a result were never collected. The college remains in debt. During this year or more thus spent in behalf of the college he preaches very Sunday, and often during the week.
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