As is always true of a book requiring much research, the authors have been dependent on personal assistance generously given from many quarters. This help has been both extensive and various. We regret that it is not possible to acknowledge its specific character in each instance, but among those to whom we are chiefly indebted, I should list the following: Charles Henry Ambler, Virginia Ashbaugh, E. Hugh Behymer, George W. Bennett, T. Hassel Bowen, Lin D. Cartwright, Garnett Dean, Rose Demurest, Thelma Dodge, Enos E. Dowling, N. W. Evans, F. P. Farmer, Winfred E. Garrison, Irvin T. Green, W. H. Hanna, Roemol Henry, William B. Kennedy, F. D. Kershner, Robert E. Kleesattel, Elizabeth Meek, R. H. Miller, James DeForrest Murch, Mrs. Margaret Neal, C. D. Pantle, Charles Penrose, Rhoda Perry, Mrs. Ada Pilchard, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rayl, Claude E. Spencer, Agnes L. Starrett, Paul Stauffer, Jr., Paul H. Stevenson, Virginia Stevenson, Dwight Ward Stevenson, Harriet Thomas, Bradford Tye, Dean E. Walker, B. R. Weimer, Mrs. R. H. Wynne, and Eva Jean Wrather. In addition, three of the late daughters of Robert Richardson--Mary B. Chapline, Fannie R. Thompson, and Emma R. Wharton--contributed valuable papers and personal accounts. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Dr. Richardson have helped enthusiastically and in large measure; from among them I would mention Mrs. Margaretta Armstrong, Virginia Freeman, Charles A. Lambie, Jr., N. R. Howard, Encell C. Richardson, George G. Richardson, and Nathaniel Robert Richardson. [9]

      In particular, I wish to mention President W. H. Cramblet, of Bethany College, who first suggested the publication of the work and who has shown a keen interest during its writing and given substantial support in the issuance of the book to the public. Mrs. Cloyd Goodnight, widow of the coauthor, has been most encouraging and cooperative at every turn. I am also indebted to my colleague, Dr. Howard Elmo Short, professor of church history, who read the entire manuscript and suggested several clarifying revisions. Burton Johnson, book editor, whose patient hours spent on any book always far exceed the call of duty, has rendered many services; among these none is more important than a suggested rearrangement of the opening chapters which has greatly increased the interest of the story.

      My wife, DeLoris, has devoted unnumbered hours to the role of an unpaid research assistant and typist. Without her help it is doubtful whether the book would have been written, and certainly if it had been written it would have been a much poorer volume.

D. E. S. [10]

[HTB 9-10]