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Henry O'Neil: The First Fruit of Morris' Ministry
He came from Africa, was baptized with an American name, traveled to the States in search of education and eventually found himself at Taylor University. Although this may sound like the story of Samuel Morris, it is actually the tale of Henry O'Neil, a young Liberian that has been referred to as the "first fruit" of Morris' ministry.
Reade's Recollection of O'Neil
In the biography Samuel Morris (Prince Kaboo), Thaddeus Reade details the story of how Samuel Morris' friend, Henry O'Neil, came to America.
Why Samuel Morris Almost Quit Taylor
"One day [Morris] came to me and said: 'Mr. Reade, may I quit school and go to work?' 'Why Sammy,' said I, 'are you dissatisfied with this school?' 'O, no.' he answered, 'I love the school very much, but I want to work and get money to bring Henry O'Neil to this country.' 'Who is this Henry O'Neil?' I asked. 'Oh,' said Sammy, 'he my brother in the Lord. I led him to Jesus in Africa. He good boy; he better boy than Sammy; he walk close to God. I want him to come here and get an education.' 'Well, Sammy,' said I, 'if he ought to come to America, the Lord will open the way. Talk to your Father about it.' Almost immediately he retired to his room to pray.'
President Reade Inquires About Henry O'Neil
"That evening I wrote a letter to Mrs. Drake, of Illinois, who with her noble husband, had been a missionary in Africa, until her husband died and was buried in that far off land. Henry O'Neil had been in their employ, and I wrote to know if anything could be done to bring Henry to this country. The next morning Sammy came into my office and his face was beaming with joy. 'Mr. Reade,' he said, 'I very happy this morning. Father tell me Henry shall come.'"
Henry O'Neil's Journey Begins
"In a few days from this time I received a letter from Mrs. Drake, saying that measures were already on foot to bring Henry over. In a few months he came, and after spending some time under the tutorage of Miss Abrams, of St. Louis, and perhaps a year at another institution of learning, he went back to Africa to preach to his people."
O'Neil Arrives at Taylor
Nearly a decade after Morris' death, his dream of having Henry O'Neil come to Taylor would be fulfilled. After returning from Africa, O'Neil arrived on Upland's campus in August of 1904.
A Letter to Sammy
Less than a month before Morris' death, O'Neil wrote to Samuel discussing his own struggle with sickness and his faith in the Lord. This letter is the only known correspondence to Samuel Morris in existence.
