John Vassar (1813-1878) grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was 28 years when he had a distinct conversion experience. For a number of years he evangelized in Dutchess County, N.Y., and other cities. He also spent a short time doing temperance work. In 1863, commissioned by the American Tract Society, he began his ministry to soldiers fighting the Civil War. After the Gettysburg fight he was captured by Stuart's Calvary. When questioned as a suspected spy before General Stuart he asked "General, do you love Jesus?" He was promptly released to go back behind the Union lines. "During the...