From "The Cloud Family" by Thomas Maxwell Potts (1911-1912), p 81-84
Quoted from a sketch prepared by Miss Elizabeth Siep of Baltimore, Maryland."Rev. Robert Cloud, son of Robert and Magdalen (Peterson) Cloud, was born August 21, 1755, in Brandywine Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware and died June 5, 1833 at Lexington, Kentucky aged 77 years, 10months, 14 days. While a soldier of the Revolutionary army he was converted to Methodism under the preaching of Rev. Webster in Hartford County, Maryland. In 1777 be began his labors as a Methodist minister, which were continued without interruption for more than half a century. For more than twenty five years, he was an itinerant in the M.E. church, traveling through the states of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, suffering his full share of the hardships, incident to his calling at that period. He was stationed at Philadelphia and in New York City he was Presiding Elder during the years 1790 and 1791.On March 25, 1779 he married Rachal Matson, who was born July 4, 1759 at Edgemon, Chester County and died April 30, 1839 in her 80th year. "A perfect woman nobly planned," whose beauty and intelligence, (existing portraits and autograph letters testify to both) were equaled by her piety. They lived together in devoted union for more than fifty Years in 1812 Mr. Cloud, on account of impaired health, determined to locate in a more salubrious climate and with his wife and their son Enoch and little daughter Polly, drove in his own carriage to Lexington, Kentucky where his elder son Caleb was practicing medicine. But here was not his rest. for here he found the field white to the harvest and soon he was constantly engaged in preaching, forming societies and build churches which he turned over to the itinerants, while he went in pursuit of more lost sheep. -- "The wilderness (of Ohio and Kentucky) heard his voice and did rejoice." So he continued to labor until his death in 1833. His wife survived his six years. Robert Cloud was considered a good preacher, skillful in debate and convincing in argument. His style was fervid, yet logical and clear, indicating a trained intellect rather than that rude eloquence which seemed to be the natural gift of so many of the early Methodist preachers. The specimens of his hand writing in existence are beautiful examples of the are of penmanship, with engrossing capitals, Old English lettering and script like copperplate. Pioneer and circuit rider he certainly was, but not of the rough, uneducated type, so dear to literature. Robert Cloud is frequently mentioned in Wakely's "Lost Chapters from the Early History of Methodism in America". In 1786 Gilbert Coutant, a gentleman of Huguenot descent and a prominent merchant of New York, was converted by his preaching. In the account book of the Stewards of the Old John Street Preaching House, the name of Robert Cloud often appears; and we also read of his wife's quarter age. This is the first time a preachers wife is officially recognized. In the Autumn of 1786, Robert Cloud went to Staten Island and a great revival followed his Labors. While there he was challenged by a Baptist minister to public discussion of the points of difference between Methodism and Calvinism. He accepted and triumphed. A great concourse gathered to hear the debate, and at its close, the expression in his favor was almost unanimous. Methodism on Staten Island owes its firm establishment to Rev. Robert Cloud."
