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Note: This following article was written by David Michael and appeared in the July 10, 1900 issue of the FIRM FOUNDATION on p. 446:
TO THE BROTHERHOOD: Dear Brethren: - It is with some hesitation that I send you this letter, but I am unable to see you personally, I take the liberty to do so.
In order that you may fully understand, I will give you a short history of myself: I was born in Lincoln county, Tenn., January 9th, 1864. My father moved from there in the fall of 1869, and settled near Honey Grove, Fannin county, Texas. In February, 1873, I was taken down with rheumatism; was confined to my bed for six years, could not move myself. I got up and able to go on crutches and in 1881 attended school at Honey Grove, under Prof. J. S. Kendall. In the fall of 1882 my father moved from there and settled near Chico, Wise county, Texas. In 1884 I was taken down again, and in this spell I was in bed eight years; could not use any of my limbs the greater portion of my time. While in this condition, knowing that I would be a bad cripple and that I would have to depend on my education to make a living, I carried on my studies. My mother would place me on the bed, then place my books in such a position that I could read. I could use my left hand a little to turn the leaves. In this way I pursued my studies till the summer of 1892. I got able to sit up all day; began teaching school; taught two private, and one arithmetic school before I could get out of my chair. In the winter of 1894, I got able to go on crutches again. I then began to teach in the public schools of Texas, and have been teaching ever since. In August, 1897, I was ordained by the Sand Flat congregation to preach the gospel. I have been preaching at spare time, doing what I could for the cause of the Master. I have to use crutches only three feet long. The rheumatism has left me, but left me in a very bad condition.
Now, what I want is, to go to St. Louis to be straightened up so I can walk without crutches. Brethren, how much would that be worth to me? I have not walked a step in twenty-seven years; but they assure me that if I come to the institute they will put me on my feet. Then I could do a great deal more work. I find that after five years' hard work that I can make a very little above a living. It will take me ten years to save the money to go on if I have to depend on my own work. If I have to wait that long I had just as well wait the remainder of my life. So after considering the matter prayerfully, and through the advice of a number of brethren, I decided I would start out and visit as many congregations, and see as many brethren as I could, preach as much as I had time, and ask a small contribution for the purpose of taking me to St. Louis to be treated. I am traveling all the time and meeting with fair success; but I find I will not be able to reach enough congregations or raise the money in time to go and be treated this year. So I decided to send out this letter to you. Please bring the matter before your congregation, and if they will give anything it will be thankfully received. If it be no more than one dollar, that will help. I want to go just as soon as I can get the money.
As to my standing, I refer you to the following brethren: John T. Lauderdale, St. Jo, Texas; W. P. Skaggs, Greenwood, Texas; J. W. Chism, Thorp Springs, Texas; R. F. Whitaker, Chico, Texas; G. W. Thompson, Reck, I.T.; John D. Kelley, Combs, O.T.; and the following:
To the Brotherhood. - This is to certify that D. F. Michael was ordained by the Church of Christ at Sand Hill as an evangelist, and as such we recommend him to the brotherhood as a sound gospel man.
R. F. Whitaker } M. V. Shelton } Elders. Now, brethren, if you can help me any, your help will be thankfully received. Send it by check or post office money order, payable at Mangum, O.T. May God bless all the faithful is my prayer.
David F. Michael -----------------
Periodic reports in the Firm Foundation show that David continued to work in the area of Oklahoma. In 1900 he was enumerated in the household of Oscar Lock and his wife Annie E. (Michael). This letter was written by Oscar a short time later:
Mangum O.T. Feb. 25, 1903 Mr. Thos. Michael
Dear Uncle:
With a sad heart will write you the sad news of the death of your Dear Bro. Dave. He was taken sick with a chill Monday night a week and died last Monday night at 11 o'clock. We had 2 Dr. with him but it seems that nothing could be done that would benefit him any. He seemed to be doing very well till Monday about noon and he sank awful fast. But he passed off so easy did not make a frown. It was Pneumonia that he had. We miss him so much and he was so pleasant never had the blues and never was out of humor. He made ever thing so pleasant around him. I put him away awful nice. Will close. Write soon.
Your nephew, O. A. Lock
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