Wilkerson's History of His Travels and Labors, in the United States, As a Missionary

"And now, in the outset, the writer would notice in the first place his having purchased his liberty in New Orleans, La. as strictly set forth in the Midnight Cry, say on or about the 10th of 6th month, A.D. 1835, and after that of his mother, in Petersburg, Va.; and he being then a member of the M. E. church, he continued in said church as a local minister thereof, for some two or three years. But by this he thought fit to meet with the Conference of the African M. E. Church, in Cincinnati, Ohio, say on or about the 25th of 8th month, A.D. 1838; hence, it was then and there he did join said Conference, under the administration of the worthy head and Superintendent of said Church, namely, M.B. of Philadelphia, Pa. "