USA > Ohio > Madison County > The history of Madison County, Ohio > Part 130
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Having disposed of our cargo, we sailed for Hamburg. On the voyage, we came near being cast away between two islands. There had been an easterly swell and a westerly gale; these uniting, the current, into which we were drawn, set with great force toward the land. We were just at din- ner: our danger, for a few moments, was indeed very great, but by great exertions we were saved. At Hamburg, I had the pleasure of seeing the King and Queen of Denmark. The King was in a row- boat with a hundred men; the Queen was seated in a sail-boat. The excitement was intense, thousands upon thousands having gathered to wit- ness the imposing scene. Having laid in a cargo of cheese, we sailed for London. Arriving in sight of this great city. many things attracted our attention. One sight, I remember, was harrowing in the extreme. At almost every bend of the river, we beheld a gibbet. In these were hanging criminals, whose bodies were in various stages of decomposition. In all cases they were to hang until the flesh dropped off their bones. Going into the harbor, the Captain ordered a man to run up the colors. "Which ?"
was asked. "Danish," was the Captain's reply Now it happened on that very day, an embargo had been laid on all vessels belonging to the Danes. Swedes, Prussians and Russians. Of course we had made a serious mis- take. Had we run up the American colors, all would have been well.
The abuse I there suffered is inexpressible. The press gang, often visited the ship, and tried every means to get me. Sometimes they would threaten, then again they would coax, and then try to buy me off.
On one occasion, one of these wretches stole from me a new pair of shoes. I met one of them on shore the next day, and charged him with the theft. He was so indignant that his rage knew no bounds. He swore with- out stint. I, also was angry, and nothing restrained me but the fact that
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I was on foreign soil. My sufferings so deeply impressed me that my feel- ings of indignation are still aroused at every recollection, though the occurrences were more than seventy years ago.
Our next voyage was from Plymouth to Bordeaux, France. I recall many things that there impressed me deeply. Among others a garden of great beauty near the city. It was said a gentlemen of great wealth had left an immense fortune to his son, who having a strong taste for gardening, had laid out vast sums of money in making this spot the scene of the won der and beauty it was. It was surrounded by a beautiful fence, and also by a hedge. The walks, which were wide enough for two to walk abreast, were also bounded by hedges. These were so accurately trimmed, that the slightest variation from a straight edge could be observed. Every variety of flowers and shrubs grew here. In the center was a curiosity in the form of a labyrinth. This consisted of many walks with so many windings that
we were soon lost. After repeated trials we gave up the effort, seeing we invariably came back to the point of departure. At length, some one more experienced than we, piloted us out. From Bordeaux, we sailed to Barston, Point-Peter and Jacknell. At the latter place occurred an incident, illustra- ting English feeling against the United States, on the ground of our peace- ful attitude toward France, with which England was then at war. A British man-of-war, had been kept cruising around the barbor, and a few days before our arrival an American brig from Baltimore was boarded, the brains of the watch were knocked out and the vessel taken to England, simply because she had a French cargo. The cargo, was condemned and the hull liberated. For this reason the authorities sent eighteen marines on board to protect us.
Just upon the eve of our departure from this port, a circumstance occurred worthy of note. We were in a great hurry to weigh anchor, having been so long from home. It became dark just as the last barrel was to be put aboard. The man whose duty it was to fasten the can-hook to the chimes of the barrel did his work so imperfectly that it held just long enough to be brought over the comb of the hatch, when the hook slipped, letting the barrel fall so hard, as to break one head; the man below sprang forward and raised the barrel in time to save about one-third of the contents, which I have omitted to state, was wine. The crew regarded the accident as a rare good fortune, and determined to drink what was saved. We in- vited every American in the port. I need not say we drank largely. Before leaving, I met with the Governor of the island, who was a black man. When we met, he politely lifted his hat, and I, of course, returned the salu- tation. He was regarded as an excellent officer.
At length, we set sail for New York. A run of fourteen days brought us to the city. We anchored in the sound, and there lay at quarantine for many days. True, we had been examined, and pronounced healthy, yet so terribly was the yellow fever prevailing that the authorities feared to allow us to land. Imagine our feelings-we had been six years from home, had endured incredible hardships -- now we were in sight of our dear native land, and yet dared not go ashore. But as all things have an end, so had our imprisonment, and we were once more free.
Having been paid off, I bade my shipmates and Capt. Adams farewell. Preferring coin to the paper money I had received. I started for the bank to make the exchange. On the way, I stopped at a silversmith's, and bought a watch. Having arranged my money matters, I started for home by way of Philadelphia, by coach. [ had never learned the use of money, and
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never having had so large an amount in my possession, I spent it freely, feeling rich and living high. Reaching the city, I put up at a private room and lived in considerable style, frequenting the barber's, having my hair powdered, wearing a ruffled shirt, and seeking amusements in various ways. Meantime, I just escaped shipping again for a three years' voyage on an East Indiaman. Going aboard, I met the last man just coming from the cabin, having signed his shipping papers. I told the Captain my desire; he said, " Had you been an hour earlier. I could have taken you, but now we are full." The next day a packet arrived, bound for Alexandria, Va. In four or five days, we reached our destination. Approaching the wharf, I narrowly scanned the people on shore, and they seemed to be returning the compliment. Among that crowd on the shore was my brother, who at the time was engaged in driving a team from Frederick County, Va., to Al- exandria; neither of us recognized the other.
Being so near the capital. I determined to visit it, and also George- town, having often heard my father speak of these cities. I hired a boat- man to take me up, but had only gone a short distance when I found I had forgotten my trunk. However, an additional 50 cent piece induced him to return for the missing article. Having looked about Washington as long as I desired, I made inquiry at the post office for the direction home. The re- ply was, that I had better take the stage for a place, the name of which I have forgotten. At that point I tried to hire a horse, but no one would trust me. Seeing I could do no better, I started home on foot. I took it very leisurely, greatly enjoying the scenery. My design was to reach home a little after dark, in order to surprise my parents. I aimed to go to Lower Marlboro, there being also a town called Upper Marlboro. It happened I was directed to the upper town, and by that means went five miles out of my way. An old negro directed me to Nottingham. Crossing the fields, I saw a negro coming toward me on a pony. Accosting him, I said, "Old man, what will you take to carry me to Nottingham ?" " Can't do it, massa." "Why ?" "Hoss too small." "I'm small, too." "You can't ride." "I will." " If you must, give me a dollar." Handing him the money, I jumped on behind, and rode into Nottingham.
The ferry-boat was just pushing off as I reached the river. My father -as I supposed-was living on the other side. I cried out to the ferryman to stop. The people, hearing me, were alarmed, and ran to their doors to see what was the matter. One man asked, "Are you a mechanic ?" I an- swered " No." Then, seeing the boat was gone, I inquired if he knew Mr. Watson. " Very well," he replied, " Walter Watson moved up the country one hundred miles. He was down two weeks ago, with a drove of horses. Who are you ?" I told him my name, and he asked if I had not an uncle in that place. I replied I had, but I did not know where he was now. He said, "Come along with me, and I will show you his house." Reaching the dwelling, I entered without ceremony. My aunt not recognizing me, was much surprised to see me walk across the room and deliberately hang up my hat. I then made myself known. My dear aunt was overjoyed, and the servants who had known me rushed into the room and manifested their joy, in true negro style. The evening was spent in giving an account of my adventures by sea and land. The next morning. I crossed the river in the ferry-boat, in order to visit another uncle. While crossing, I gave the boatman some account of my voyages. Reaching the shore, I saw a man with two horses, whom I knew to be a friend of my father's. I spoke to him, calling him by name. He seemed scarcely to notice me, and spoke
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slightingly; not knowing me, I did not stop to explain, being stung by his coldness. He inquired of the boatman my name. Having learned who I was, he went to my aunt's and got the whole history of my voyages, and be- ing then on his way to my father's, he was the first to tell them of my re- turn. Going to my uncle's, I found him and his two sons at work in the fields. Having told him my name, he called the boys, who came running to greet me, and, gathering me up in their arms, carried me, pack and all, into the house. My aunt, upon seeing me, gave thanks to God: "See," said she to her husband, the goodness of God in preserving this child." All were melted into tears. Several days were spent with these dear friends Nothing could exceed their kindness. The boys furnished me with the best horse and saddle the place afforded, while I, in turn, furnished them a great deal of amusement by my awkward attempts to keep my place in the saddle. Sometimes, they would suddenly start on a rapid trot, while I could scarcely hold on, even at a slow walk.
In a few days, my father sent a cousin for me. with a horse. Returning to the point where I left my trunk, I found no one wanted to buy it, and, as I would not give it away, it was a serious question how to manage it. I proposed to my cousin that a circingle which he had brought with him, be put through the handles of the trunk and that it be strapped to my back. Thus mounted, I had not gone two rods before down came trunk, rider and all. Being determined to succeed, I remounted, and, by bracing myself in the stirrups with all the skill I could command, we reached Alexandria. where the trunk was left for my brother to carry home at his next trip. We then started directly for my father's, Frederick County, Va.
On the way, we met with my brother, in company with Jonathan Minshall, who afterward became my brother-in-law, on their way to Alex- andria with their teams. Near by the place of our meeting was a little public house. We were so ignorant as to know no better way to express our joy than to turn aside there, and eat and drink all the proprietor had.
It was late in the evening when we reached home, where we found the whole family had gathered, expecting us. At the bark of the dog, all ran to the door. Imagine the joy all felt at the return of the long-lost son.
For several days but little was done, besides listening to my tales of wonder. Young people came from a great distance to see the sailor boy and hear him talk.
In the fall of 1803, a protracted meeting was held at Newtown, by the Rev. James Quinn and the Rev. Mr. Mathews. The meeting became one of great interest and power, so much so that many people attended from distant towns and counties. Two of my sisters were converted dur ing the early part of the meeting, and also two of my younger brothers. An older brother and myself would accompany the rest to the church and then going to the tavern, would spend our time there until the service closed. My eldest sister threatened to inform father of this fact. This, we felt, would never do, so we consented to go into the church with theru, har- ing agreed among onrselves to slip out and return before the meeting closed. When our two younger brothers were converted, we were greatly enraged. As for the girls, we said, they were older and could do as they pleased; but the boys, we believed, were frightened into their religion. One day we determined that, should such excitement occur that night as we had before witnessed, we would enter the house and bring our brothers out. Accord- ingly, we took ou: stations at the door. Soon the interest became intense; the people became very happy, and many of them gave expressions to their
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feelings of joy, in songs and exclamations of praise to God. With an oath, we started forward. I had agreed to take one and my brother the other. We kept close together until we came near to where they were standing. The boys were some distance apart. I remember reaching for my little brother, and asking, "What are you doing here?" He looked at me and I saw the tears of joy rolling down his face as he said, "David, my soul is happy." I emember no more-nothing as to where I was or the flight of time-until I was clapping my hands and shouting, "Glory to God." My brother also failed to do as he intended, but he succeeded in reaching the door. I here record the fact that Jonathan Minshall was converted at the same meeting.
During the time intervening between this and the following New Year's, my brother tried every means to discourage us, being determined to get us back into the world. Some time after this meeting there was a camp-meeting held at a place called the "White House," a distance about twenty miles from us. We attended that meeting. My brother James was greatly op- posed to our going, and determined to secure a load for Alexandria, so that the team should be engaged. At length father interposed his authority. James could do nothing more than nurse his anger, which he continued to do. The meeting was an excellent one. Upon our return, James tried to disturb me by ridicule, using such language as "How much grace did you get ?" " I suppose all the tears shed there could be put into a small bottle," etc , etc. He continued his opposition until New Year's Day, 1805. At that time, Rev. Mr. Phelps held a watch-night meeting at his house. James attended. Rev. William Hughes, a step-son of Father Phelps, preached. During the preaching, I saw James trembling. At first I supposed it to be ague, but soon I saw him praising God; the lion had become a lamb, and the bitter scoffer had become a professor of religion. This was Saturday evening. On Sabbath morning there was a love-feast at Newtown. James attended, much to the surprise of the people, very few knowing of the change he had experienced. After a few had spoken, he arose to give his testimony. Every word seemed to come from the depths of his heart; a Divine power seemed to fall upon all present; all wished to hear his experience, and yet they could scarcely restrain their joy.
In the spring of 1805, my father purchased a lease of a Mr. Helphen- stine, which I went to see, expecting that brother James and I would farm it. After looking around the farm. I went to the house, and there saw the girl whom I afterward married. Her mother was dead, and she, only ten years of age, was acting as housekeeper. She politely offered me a chair; we had some general conversation, during which I resolved that if I could succeed I would make her my wife when the proper time had come.
About this time my attention was turned to the West, especially to Ohio. I knew there was better land there than that we were farming. One day I said to father, let us go to Ohio. You have always been a renter here, and have paid rent enough to buy a farm there. We are all working hard and accomplishing but little. At first he tried to persuade me not to think of it, but seeing how anxious I was, he consented to my going, saying if I was pleased with the country he would go, too. Mr. Helphenstine was going West, which I frankly confess increased the attraction. He had four horses and I had one, which just made a team. Accordingly we united, and with- out any special incident, reached Chillicothe, Ohio, in October, 1805, where we remained until January.
We found a Col. Langam, who was going up into the "barrens" to.
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lay " warrants " and divide lands. Mr. Helphenstine and myself accompa- nied the Colonel as assistants. We remained with him until the 14th day of February. On the morning we were about finishing the survey of the 1,700 acres on which I now live, the Colonel said there was a mistake of 100 acres in the survey. We did not wish to run it over again, and Mr. Helphenstine proposed that I should buy it, and thus the survey could stand as it was. I replied, "I have nothing to buy it with." " Yes," the Colonel said, " there is your horse, how much is he worth ?" I replied, "one hun- dred dollars." The Colonel took him at that price. I then gave my watch for $20, which left me in debt $60. I afterward worked ont $20 more. The Colonel had some prairie land in the neighborhood, which he wished broken up, which I agreed to do for $10, on the condition that I should have as much more land as I needed for $2 per acre. We carried the chain on our return to Chillicothe, and having measured fifteen miles from the point of our departure, we came to the cabin of a Mr. Oxford, where we spent the night. In the morning I asked what he would take for that lease. and give possession the following October. He agreed to take the making of 2,000 rails, which offer I accepted. The next day we reached Chillicothe.
In March, we built a cabin about three miles from the city. There I spent the summer and raised a crop of corn, getting one-third of it for my labor. I worked out what I could, for the purpose of getting money enough to return to Virginia. I started back the last day of September. 1806. I found all my friends in good health. and fully prepared to accompany me to Ohio. There were thirty-nine of my connection in the company; of this number, I am the only survivor, April, 1870. There were six or seven wagons, my own taking the lead. We reached Chillicothe, about the last of October. Father moved at once to the place I had rented for him, and Jonathan Minshall and family accompanied him. A few days after our arrival, Jonathan purchased 100 acres of land lying alongside of mine. Some time about the last of December, he and I built a log cabin for him. This was the first house built in this part of the country. We completed it about the 12th of January, 1807. We returned to Chillicothe, and after a few days, probably about the seventeenth of the month, he moved into his new house, and I came with him. No more moved into our part of the country until the following March.
The preacher on the Chillicothe Circuit, had established a society at my father's house. making that the limit of his work on the north. Brother Minshall, his wife, and I, felt our spiritual destitution sadly, coming away from the privileges which we enjoyed in Virginia. I proposed to visit father and consult with him about the matter. When I laid the matter be. fore my father, he said, it could hardly be expected that the preacher would extend his work to embrace us, since it would be compelling him to ride thirty miles to preach to us three. Rev. Mr. Lakin was told of the want we had expressed, and left word that if one of us would be there at his next round, he would accompany us, and preach in our cabin. Accordingly Brother Minshall went down and brought him up, and he preached the first Methodist sermon ever preached in this part of the country. Brother Min- shall, his wife and myself, formed the first class, Brother M. being ap- pointed leader. And it may be said of the members of this class, that there were no absent marks against their names.
About two years after this time, father moved up and built a cabin just across the brook from where my house now stands. Preaching was then appointed at his house, where it continued until mother's death, in 1822.
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This sad event occurred quite suddenly. Brother Minshall being at quar- terly meeting at the time, word was sent him to bring the Presiding Elder to preach the funeral discourse. His name was Rev. John Strange, Rev. D. Davidson being preacher in charge. After dinner, he said to me, Brother Watson, you must have preaching at your house now. I said, "I'don't know, we are so poor." My wife said. "We will do the best we can." Brother Davidson replied. "That is all we ask." During the twenty-nine years that intervened, between the organization of the first class and the building of the church now standing at Newport, we had faithful ministers and many excellent meetings. I remember one meeting in particular, of four days' continuance, at which twenty-four persons joined the church at one evening service. This meeting was held by Alexander Morrow.
Before passing from this subject, I wish to record the following inci- dent: Some years after preaching was established here, Rev. J. B. Finley was sent on to the district as Presiding Elder. He would often stop with ns. on his way to his quarterly meetings in London. One day while plowing. I looked up and saw Brother Finley and Rev. Z. A. Morris, afterward Bishop Morris, coming up the road. They stopped at the house, and I left my team to go and welcome them, and take care of their horses. After dinner. I excused myself and returned to my work. Shortly afterward. Brother Finley came out to the field; as he came within hearing he said, " O, Brother Watson, if I had nothing to do but plow, how easy I would feel!" "Why " I said, "What have you to do now?" "This day " said he, "I have a family of twenty-one orphans to feed and clothe, beside the care of the church over which I am placed." He then requested me to go and tell my neighbors that there would be preaching at my house this even- ing. saying. " I will plow, until you return." So he went to plowing. and I started off to publish the appointment. A large congregation assem- bled to hear the word. A dancing-master had, that week, formed a class in London. When I told Finley of it, he turned to Brother Morris and said. " Brother Morris, you owe me a roundy sermon and must preach it to-mor- row." Brother Morris did not say whether he would or not, but Sabbath morning. he did as requested. The sermon was a close, practical discourse on dancing. which the dancing-master had the privilige of hearing, being present.
Perhaps, just here, better than elsewhere. I may record the fact that it was once my pleasure to meet Bishop Asbury. About the year 1818, a camp-meeting was held on the ground now occupied by the town of Me- chanicsburg.
Father and mother, Brother Minshall and wife, Rev. Mr. Sutton and wife, and myself and wife, went up to the meeting.
Bishop Asbury, came in a carriage from Urbana, and preached on Sab- bath at 11 o'clock A. M. I remember his appearance very distinctly, though it was fifty-two years ago.
He was very feeble, so much so that he sat during the delivery of a part of the sermon; his hair was remarkably white. The preachers knew of his coming, and had prepared for him a very comfortable tent. This was the last visit of the bishop to the West.
On July 28, 1807, I started for Franklinton to secure a marriage li- cense. My intended's father gave me an instrument of writing testifying to his willingness that the marriage should occur.
On the way I went in sight of Col. Langam's cabin, near where London now stands; he called to me, and asked where I was going; I told my desti-
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nation and the object of my journey; he asked if I had any testimonials, and when I showed him what I had, he said his name might be of some use, and so he put it down, and I continued my journey.
And now commenced a series of difficulties which severely taxed my courage and patience. I had tied my overcoat behind the saddle; by some means the strings which were of tow, either wore out, or became untied, and my overcoat was lost. The road being obscure, and the grass being very high. I knew there was scarcely any chance of finding it. and hence kept on, following a path made by cattle, until I reached Georgesville, in- tending to secure the services of a Justice of the Peace living there.
Reaching his cabin, I tied my horse to the fence, went in, and much to my distress. found that the Justice had drank so deeply as to be unable to hold intelligible conversation with me. I determined to continue my journey and return so early as to find him sober.
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