THE FARMERS' UNION. 219 



the purpose of cleaning up the graveyard. At this gathering the ques- 

 tion of an organization among the farmers was discussed at some length, 

 in a conversational manner, and, as a result, ten or twelve of those pres- 

 ent agreed to meet in a short time and form what was to be known as a 

 farmers' club. 



It was the intention at first to make it a secret organization, but 

 there were several who had agreed to come in that were members of the 

 Primitive Baptist Church, which did not permit its members to join 

 secret organizations. In view of this, and with a strong desire to retain 

 them as members, the idea of secrecy connected with the organization 

 was given up. The club grew rapidly, until it numbered forty or more 

 members. It met twice each month, and discussed political, social, and 

 agricultural questions. At these meetings the condition of the farmers 

 and the best method of bettering their condition was a topic of frequent 

 and earnest debate. That something was wrong, and an immediate 

 change necessary, all were compelled to admit ; but as to the best and 

 surest manner of bringing about these needed reforms, there was, as is 

 usually the case, a diversity of opinion. After a time, a want of inter- 

 est in the meetings, or personal business, or some other reasons, caused 

 one member after another to drop out, until the club virtually disbanded, 

 after somewhat over a year's existence." 



I give [says Brother Tetts] the history of this farmers' club because, 

 from the experience gained during its brief existence, the foundation 

 was laid for the Farmers' Union. Some of the same men who formed 

 this club and remained with it to the end were foremost in the organi- 

 zation of the Farmers' Union. In the fall of 1884 I met Brother 

 Samuel Skinner in the streets of Ruston, Louisiana. He had just sold 

 his short crop of cotton for a short price, and was feeling none the best 

 over the prospect for another year. I had also disposed of my crop, 

 and found that my receipts did not meet my expenses. Brother Skin- 

 ner and I had, on several occasions before, talked over the situation, 

 the causes and remedies, and our views as a rule coincided. On this 

 occasion, under such circumstances, we talked of the matter more ear- 

 nestly than ever, and decided to take some steps toward organizing the 

 farmers for mutual protection and assistance. 



After further discussion, it was agreed to make an effort to organize 

 in Lincoln Parish. Brother Skinner promised to come to my home on 

 Christmas eve, so we could consider carefully all the details and call a 

 meeting for the first of January. For some reason he failed to keep his 

 engagement, and it was not until March following that we met for that 

 purpose. When he came, I furnished him a copy of the constitution 



