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Source: Church History Vol. 3 Chapter 39 Page: 769

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769 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES DERRY, WRITTEN AT THE

REQUEST OF THE HISTORIAN.

Charles Derry, the second and youngest son of Charles Derry and Amelia Littley Derry, was born on the 25th day of July, 1826, in the parish of Bloxwick, and county of Stafford, England. His father died seven months prior to his birth, leaving the widow and one babe, George Derry, who was one year and five months old, besides the unborn subject of this sketch. Mother being very poor, was compelled to seek employment; and after my birth was compelled to separate the children, placing George in the care of her aged parents, Daniel and Rebekah Littley; and at the age of ten weeks I was placed in the care of an aunt; but at the age of three weeks, mother felt it her duty to dedicate me to the Lord, as Hannah of old did the young child Samuel, that I might be in the service of the Lord so long as I should live.

My mother told me this, and of my earliest history, after I had become a man, and presented to her the gospel in its fullness, which she gladly obeyed. She declared that she never doubted God's acceptance of the gift, no matter how wayward and willful I proved to be; and from my earliest recollection, I am satisfied I never was an angel, but was as full of the old Adamic nature as boys generally are. But mother was a God-fearing woman, and constantly bore her children's names before Him who has said, "Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me." She fully trusted in Him.

Mother had secured a position as housekeeper for a wealthy bachelor farmer, with a determination to remain single until her boys were able to care for themselves. This pledge she faithfully kept, and remained in this position sixteen years, sustaining her children and aiding her aged mother, who during this time had become a widow.

When I was about three years old I was placed in grandmother's care; and as soon as I was able to go I was sent to the common school, until I was nine years old, after which I went to work until I was ten, then mother gave me six

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