USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > Part 17
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* See Howe's History of Virginia for a most interesting sketch of Margaret Lynn, grand-daughter of the Laird of Loch- Lynn, and the mother of William Lewis.
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She married Mr. McFarland, of Pittsburg, and, when she left the paternal roof, she traveled through a wilderness country, infested with hostile Indians, till they reached that place, where they did not consider themselves safe, constantly ex- pecting attacks from Indians. Among the more friendly, she was a great favorite, and, in her house, she had a room which she called her museum, filled with articles of their ingenious manufacture and with all manner of curiosities. She could converse with several of their tribes, and, on some occasions, she interpreted in their councils. Once, when they least apprehended danger, a war whoop was heard, her husband taken prisoner, the tomahawk raised, and she averted her eyes to avoid witnessing the fatal stroke. The river was between them, and she, with her infant and maid servant, of course, endeavored to fly, knowing the inevitable consequences of delay. After starting, the servant reminded Mrs. McFar- land of her husband's money and valuable papers, but she desired the girl not to mention any thing of that sort to her at such a moment; but, regardless of the commands of her mistress, the servant re- turned to the dwelling, bringing all the money and as many of the papers as she could hold in her apron, overtaking, in a short time, her mistress, as the snow was three feet deep. On looking back, they saw the house in flames, and, pursuing their
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journey, they, with incredible fatigue, reached the house of Colonel Crawford,* a distance of fourteen miles. Mrs. McFarland was very nearly exhausted, having carried her infant child the greater part of the way, but, through the kind attention of her friends at Col. Crawford's, she was soon restored.
She remained under the hospitable roof of Col. Crawford, till her father, hearing of her situation, sent her brother, Col. William Lewis, to bring her home, and they travelled the whole distance on horseback, using pack-horses for their baggage. Throughout the space of three tedious years, the brave heart of this remarkable womant was buoyed up with the firm hope and belief that she should again behold her beloved husband alive, and at length she received intelligence that he had been carried captive to Quebec, where he had encoun- tered incredible hardships; but the chiefs had agreed, that if a heavy ransom was paid, he might be restored to his friends. Of course, this was done with the greatest alacrity; his brother going on, and returning with Mr. McFarland to Staunton.
In a short time, the husband and wife returned to their desolate home at Pittsburg, where they
* Col. C. was afterwards inhumanly burnt at the stake.
7 Judge Breckenridge, of Kentucky, who well knew and esteemed this noble-hearted lady, said that "he never saw such a woman, and that she ought to live in history."
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literally found nothing left; the Indians having destroyed house, stock and every thing pertaining to their establishment. They re-built their dwell- ing on the same spot, and for many years they happily and peacefully resided there, leaving a large family all respectably settled about Pitts- burg, with the exception of two of her sons, who engaged in the fur trade.
Many years after her return to Pittsburg, Mrs. McFarland came on a visit to her parents at the Sweet Springs, attracting every one by her vivacity and intelligence, and leaving in the hearts of those of her connections, then almost in infancy, a last- ing remembrance.
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REV. WILLIAM S. REID.
Rev. WILLIAM S. REID was a native of Pennsyl- vania, and was born about the year 1776. Early in life emigrating to Virginia, he settled at Hamp- den Sydney College, where he studied for the min- istry, which he afterwards adorned by his zeal, piety and eloquence. He married Clementina Venable, a young lady belonging to one of the first families in Virginia, and she was eminently qualified for the wife of a minister. Of excellent disposition, amia- ble speech, and a heart without guile, she joined to these the most enthusiastic, tender and romantic devotion to her gifted husband, the cords being only strengthened as she became older.
Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Reid came to Lynchburg, where he established the first Presby- terian Church of that place, presenting the ground on which to erect the building, and preaching for some time with little or no salary; and for many years he was the beloved pastor of that Church, walking in all the ordinances of the Lord blame- less ; but about the year 1828 or '29, a division oc-
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curred in his Church, putting to a severe test his Christian character, as some of his oldest and most influential members went over to the new side; but after this time, Mr. Reid continued zealously to ad- vance the cause of Christianity by his faithful min- istry for many years. Mrs. Clementina Reid was a lady of great excellence, and she has left in Lynchburg a remembrance of herself that will never be effaced from the hearts of her friends.
Of the ministerial course of this beloved man, it is not here the intention to write; the effects are too well known throughout the State, and they will continue to be felt through time and eternity ; but tenderness of emotion impels us to offer a brief tri- bute of him as a teacher, which station he occupied for many years in Lynchburg, by presiding over one of the best female schools in the State of Vir- ginia. His thorough knowledge of the structure of the English language, his happy talent for impart- ing instruction, and exciting interest in his pupils ; his scientific attainments, his graceful manner of illustrating by experiments, his impartiality, his firmness, tempered by gentleness-all these secured to him eminently the respect and regard of his scho- lars, who will carry with them through life the most affectionate remembrance of Mr. Reid, mingled with retrospections of the past most pleasing.
How many ladies scattered over the United States has he educated, and how many of the same have 28
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beed joined by him in the holy bands of matrimony, and for how large a number of these has he not prayed beside a bed of death, and rendered the last solemn services over their graves ! And how many, as they approached the hour of death, have blessed God that they have been instructed by this beloved pastor.
" Oh! blessings on his kindly voice, and on his silver hair, And blessings on his whole long life, until he meet me there ; Oh ! blessing on his kindly heart, and on his silver head, A thousand times I blessed him, as he knelt beside my bed."
The first coronation of the Queen of May ever known in Virginia took place at Mr. Reid's school. Miss Edgeworth's beautiful story of "Simple Su- san"* had just appeared, and its perusal had ex- cited in the pupils the strongest interest, mingled with a desire to have a celebration. It was told to the writer by one of the pupilst who was then at this school, that late in the day on the first of May, they requested of their teacher a holiday, choosing unanimously for their Queen Eliza Clopton, the most beloved of all their school companions. This rustic
* Wilson, in the " Noctes Ambrosiane," speaks of Miss Edge- worth as the authoress of "Simple Susan." May not this great and good man be as justly distinguished as the author of "Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life ?"
The late Mrs. Hobson Johns.
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fête was conducted with great simplicity, and in the hearts of surviving class-mates will ever be most tenderly remembered. At that time, and for many succeeding years, there were no luxurious arm- chairs in Lynchburg, and one venerable elbow-chair was every May-day conveyed to Mr. Reid's, and from it the May Queen gently swayed the sceptre over her flowery realm. That chair, from which these lines are penned, sweetly recalls the blithe, happy time when Eliza Daniel was Queen of May. Her smiling blue eyes, her brown hair, surmounted by her wreath of dewy flowers, her graceful form draped in white muslin, are yet present to memory. On her bosom was fastened, by an old-fashioned brooch, a bunch of white rose buds ; their stem was broken, and already in their early fragrance and beauty were they fading. What could have been more emblematic of her brief, happy life, than this childish scene? The flowers of hope and love fading in early womanhood, the stem of her affec- tions broken and crushed, as were those pale flow- ers, her own life evanescent as her May-day reign, and in the lapse of years, nought left to friends but sweet memories of the past, treasured in their hearts, as pearls of her life's brief story, and by them prized as the most sacred relic of by-gone days.
In the year 1841, Mrs. Clementina Reid de- parted this life, leaving in the hearts of her family
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and friends, a void never to be filled. Her death materially affected the health of her devoted hus- band, and though he submitted to the heavy be- reavement with Christian fortitude and resignation, still he was never the same after her departure. Surviving his wife ten years, Mr. Reid was tenderly cherished by a large family, who could not but es- teem it a privilege to administer to the comfort and
happiness of this, their estimable parent.
His
death was deeply felt by the whole community in which he lived, and a sketch of his life, by an able divine of Lynchburg, appeared at the time of his death, bearing ample testimony to his worth and of the esteem in which he was held by other denomi- nations. A large family survive him. Miss Reid, and his two sons, William S. Reid, jr., and S. V. Reid, being residents of Lynchburg; and with the exception of Mrs. Martha Calhoun, Mrs. Spencer, and Mrs. Wilson, the rest of the daughters of this family reside in the Western States. This finished scholar and eloquent minister deserves a far better memorial than a passing tribute, and it is to be hoped that some one intimately acquainted with the interesting events of his life, will compile at least a small volume for the purpose of publication, embel- lished with a portrait of Mr. Reid ; a suggestion of this sort will doubtless be warmly responded to by friends, former pupils, and their descendants scattered over the United States.
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WATERING PLACES OF LYNCHBURG.
SMITH'S WELL -- RICHARDSON'S SPRING -- THURMAN'S SPRING-TATE'S SPRING.
" Mr. Pickwick began to drink the water with great assiduity. He took them systematically-he drank a quarter of a pint before breakfast, and then walked up a hill, and another quarter of a pint after breakfast, and then walked down a hill; and after every fresh quarter of a pint, Mr. Pickwick declared, in the most solemn and emphatic manner, that he felt a great deal better; whereat his friends were much delighted, though they had not been previously aware that there was anything the matter with him."
PICKWICK PAPERS .- Mr. Pickwick at Bath.
-
" For the use of the water lately discovered by Luther Smith,* we, the subscribers, do agree to pay to the said
* From the original paper containing the resolutions, with the list of subscribers annexed. Sent by Dr. Fletcher, of Amherst county.
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Luther Smith the respective sums affixed to our names, viz : the sum of $2 for every family during the season, the sum of $1 for every single man during the season. The season to commence from the date hereof, and to ex- pire the first day of October. The money to be paid in advance."
About thirty-eight years since, a man named SMITH purchased a small place on the Richmond Road, about a mile below Lynchburg. Digging a well soon after he settled there, it was found, to the astonishment of all, to be a chalybeate of the strongest character. He then fitted up the place, erecting an arbor, and placing seats around. Then he sent out handbills, distributing some, and care- fully wafering the others on the sides of walls and houses. As these publications greatly extolled the waters, and the terms for season tickets were mode- rate, the good folks of the town rapidly subscribed to his mineral well, and crowds frequented this wa- tering place, twice a day-those unable to walk pro- curing conveyances-so that hacks, horses and two- wheeled gigs might be seen ever wending their way to this Bethesda of Lynchburg. Most remarkable cures were wrought by these healing waters, several persons professing to have been entirely cured of consumption; and Smith's polite attention to his visitors was so great, that he was fast becoming as popular and important a personage as Barrington's
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OF LYNCHBURG.
Dr. Borumborad,* when an unexpected event took place, which forever destroyed Smith's famous well. Whilst at the zenith of his popularity, and at the time of the most wonderful renovation of inva- lids from the use of the waters, the enterprising proprietor receiving an advantageous offer for the place, sold out, departing speedily for the Western country. For a short time after, the well retained its virtues, but in a few weeks the chalybeate taste became more and more faint, till finally all remains of it had disappeared. The new proprietor, de- scending to the bottom, found, to his horror, a par- cel of old nails, horse shoes, frying pans and ovens, and it was then ascertained that the said Luther Smith had been so fortunate as to have had a cha- lybeate well at whatever place he had previously located.
After the failure of Smith's well, Richardson's Spring became a favorite resort ; the tide of beauty and fashion moving in that direction, on a sum- mer's eve might be seen bevies of young ladies, with their admirers, strolling to that watering place. This chalybeate was undoubtedly genuine; two large bubbling springs continually flowing, showed plainly that there were no old nails, horse shoes, or broken ovens there. Uncle John, as Mr. Richardson was
* See Barrington's Sketches, for a sketch of Dr. Borumborad, the Irish Turk of Dublin, with his famous baths.
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familiarly called, was in advance of the German doctrine of water cure, and at this place was an im- mense shower-bath, which must have been a terrible shock to the recipients, as many hundred gallons of water descended from a great height on their de- voted heads. The screams of the sufferers could be heard a half a mile, and altogether the shower- bath at Richardson's Springs must have been a trifle more than Clarence's dream.
Mr. Richardson was subject to a few infirmities, the worst of them being a fondness for spiritous liquors ; and when under the influence of these demons, he would commit acts of which, in his sober moments, he would have deemed himself incapable. Married to a pretty black-eyed lady,* whom he was frequently heard in his sober mo- ments to compliment for her resemblance to a wax doll, he one day, whilst suffering from mania- potu, actually shot this worthy helpmate; and it was thought that this tragic occurrence would break up the watering place. But not so; the crowds increased, and many who had previously staid away from motives of economy, or from want of inclination, now went to see the man who had shot his wife, and the wife who had been shot by
* Mrs. Richardson is still living, and if any one wishes to see all of the almanacs printed during the last half century, it is told them that she has them in her possession.
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her husband. For many years this place continued to be a resort for parties of pleasure and for mili- tary companies to hold their barbecues on the 4th of July ; but those good old times have passed away, and military parades, so suitable on that day, have given way to pic-nic parties and Sunday school processions.
Many years since, Thurman's Spring came into notice : bursting out from a large conical rock, it was considered quite a curiosity ; and, in addition to its strong mineral qualities, the water was re- markably cool and grateful. The ground on which it stood was purchased by a man named Williams, who there built a most expensive and inconvenient house-the room designed for a large mercantile establishment, extending over the mineral spring; and a large brick warehouse, built by Williams and standing opposite, gave to this part of the town the name of Williamsburg. The warehouse has long since been destroyed-the spacious dwelling house alone remaining to attest the folly of the builder. Mr. Williams occupied it but a short time, and then the building, like Oliver Twist, was let out to any one whom they could get to take it. At one time, the Rev. Samuel Tompkins rented the apartment containing the spring, there keeping a school for boys; and, whilst they drank in the in- structions of Mr. Tompkins in classic lore, as well as of the humbler branches, going up to drink the
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chalybeate, afforded a pleasant relief to the hum- drum of a school-room-and, occasionally too, one of the more daring of the urchins would, to the terror of the more timid, act a pantomime with the water-gourd, making, like Mr. Swiveller, imaginary eights in the air, and then acting as though he in- tended to discharge its contents on the head of this worthy man. For some years this house was occu- pied by William Thurmon, a son of the venerable patriarch of our town, and the place takes its name from that circumstance.
Many of the present inhabitants of Lynchburg recollect the violent hail-storm occurring in the month of July, 1835. The storm came on so sud- denly that there was no time to shut open windows or to close blinds, in consequence of which nearly all the window-glass in town was broken. The shrubs and trees were much injured, the corn and vegetables destroyed; and, after the storm, enough hail was collected to last several days for ice. A tragico-comico, or serio-comic occurrence* happened at this place then. A young lady resid- ing there was to be married in a few days ;- the wedding cake being iced, was placed to dry on a table, near the open window, and the bridal attire,
* This is not mentioned on our own authority : it was re- lated by Miss -, afterwards Mrs. -- , of -, now deceased.
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just brought home, was spread out on a couch, not far distant. The storm coming very unexpectedly, the panic and agitation produced by the noise of the hail was such, that the cake and wedding dress were forgotten; and, after it was over, on going into the room, there was found a complete mass of muslin, lace and hail-stones-and, to use the ex- pression of old Dr. Humphreys, the cake was found "reduced to an impalpable powder."
The inhabitants now moved to the west end of the town in search of health and pleasure, and Tate's Spring became renowned, as, in addition to the chalybeate, this spring contained a solution of sulphur. The place was owned by a fine, old Vir- ginia gentleman, Colonel Tate, who was a great enthusiast on the subject of machinery ; and, even at that early date, he clearly prophesied railroads and telegraphs, and those steps proposed by him to advance the cause, though to all others they only seemed vague and imaginary, were clearly to his mental vision a glorious ascent to the very summit of the hill of Science ; and it is to be much regret- ted, that this good man did not live to witness the vast improvements effected in his favorite branch- that of machinery .* During his life, he was en-
* Colonel Tate died at least thirty-five years since, and at that time there was probably not a railroad in America. In the Autumn of 1830, a miniature model of a railroad was ex-
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gaged in planning splendid improvements at the spring: a ball-room, extending from one hill to another, across a ravine; an elegant dining-hall; and a company of musicians, who were to play as near as possible to perpetual motion ; but, before any of his schemes could be accomplished, the solemn messenger called him hence. His venerable widow survived him many years, dying at a great age, during the summer of 1857.
After the death of Col. Tate, a ball-room and a few cottages were erected at the spring, and, during the summer of 1828, balls and cotillion parties were held there occasionally; but the last soiree that took place there was attended with so awful a thunder storm, and the beauties in ball costume looked so panic-stricken, besides being deluged with water from the roof, the elderly ladies, who went as chaperones, concluded that the storm was somewhat a judgment on them for seeking pleasure out of town, especially as there was a great revival of religion at that time going on in all the churches of Lynchburg; so that the sound of music and dancing has never since that time awoke the. echoes of the glens and valleys of Tate's Spring.
hibited at the Franklin Hotel of Lynchburg, and with its per- fect, little cars, it was, of course, viewed with great interest and curiosity.
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OF LYNCHBURG.
BAPTIST CHURCH IN LYNCHBURG.
"Our venerable brother professed religion in the twenty ninth year of his age. 'Without conferring with flesh and blood,' he commenced preaching, immediately after his conversion, in the county of Goochland, where he spent the first few years of his ministry. He then removed to Lynchburg, and was instrumental in gather- ing and organizing the Church of that place. His first sermon was preached in the Courthouse."
Religious Herald-Memoir of Elder J. S. Lee.
The Rev. JOHN LEE was, for a long time, the faithful pastor of the Baptist Church in Lynchburg. The members of that denomination being few and his salary small, it was rendered necessary for him to occupy himself during the week as a carpenter, an employment rendered more sacred and honorable from the circumstance of our Saviour, when on earth, laboring with his reputed father and brethren at that occupation. Mr. Lee did much good by his preaching, but his influence is in a great measure to be traced to his mild, peaceable demeanor, and to the happy, cheerful disposition of his good wife,
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who was a native of Goochland county and a mem- ber of one of the best families in that section of country.
That plain old structure, the Baptist meeting- house, attracted very few worldly or fashionable persons ; yet some who worshiped within its walls, were more pure, holy and lovely than could else- where be found. Amongst that number was Mrs. SUSAN MASSIE, a native of Goochland county, and a sister of Mrs. John Lee.
Mrs. Massie had been reared by a devoted aunt, and, in her youth, she had enjoyed all the blessings and advantages of an unclouded prosperity. Very lovely in appearance, courteous and refined in man- ners, it is not strange that she should have been admired, and her hand sought in marriage by many. She became the wife of Gideon Massie, Esq., a member of that family, of whom was General Na- thaniel Massie, one of the early pioneers of Ken- tucky. Some years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Massie settled in Lynchburg, where Mr. Massie employed himself in school-teaching ; and, though he exerted himself in that occupation, his health became bad, so that but for the zeal and energy of his wife, his efforts would have been in- sufficient for the maintenance of his family. It was in this hour of adversity that Mrs. Massie, by her patient, cheerful industry placed her family on a footing with that of the best and highest in
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Lynchburg. A few tried friends of her youth, and the counsel of her pious minister were all she had on which to depend; but calmly trusting in God, and cheerfully performing her duties, Mrs. Massie's Christian character was doubtless strengthened by the trials so patiently borne; and, in after years, she blessed God for the sweet uses of adversity, which had been the means of developing in her children such shining qualities. She showed them the love of God; she taught them, next to a holy trust in Him, nothing could so confer happiness here, as a diligent pursuit of their calling, a whole- some relish and love for their employments. Her precepts were blessed, and she lived to see her daughters settled in life, and her sons prosperously succeeding in business. During a visit to her son Richard Massie, Esq., in the summer of 1837, Mrs. Massie died in the city of Richmond, calmly re- signing her spirit to God, and giving evidence of the strength afforded to the believer in the solemn hour of death. The sons of Mrs. Massie* survive her, and her youngest daughter is a resident of Clarkesville, North Carolina. Mrs. Samuel Burch, of Lynchburg, well known and beloved there, is a younger sister of Mrs. Massie.
Judging from the intense curiosity and excite- ment produced whenever the ordinance of Baptism
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