USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
GEORGE P. RICHARDSON, Esq., a resident of Lynchburg, was thought to have a very decided talent for the drama. He often appeared in the company of Thespians, sustaining his parts with ability, and eliciting warm applause from the audi- ences of Lynchburg. A reverse of fortune occur- ing, he was induced to resort to the stage as a means of support. He accordingly became mana- ger of the Richmond Theatre, and though his career was a brilliant one, yet it resulted to him in no pecuniary benefit. Soon afterwards he em- barked for England, and appearing on the boards of Druly Lane Theatre, he there met with a severe disappointment. His performance was not appre- ciated, and in a brief time he returned to his native country .* The first strolling players who appeared in Lynchburg were "Brown's Company," who visited the town in 1821. In this company were
* It is not remembered whether he took to the stage on his return.
120
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS.
some superior performers. Placide at that time was a young and handsome man, possessing fine manners and a beautiful countenance. Many ro- mantic stories were told of this young actor, and it was said that whilst in Lynchburg he formed a devoted attachment. * In after years Placide was a distinguished performer in the Northern theatres, doubtless having gained a pro- per appreciation of himself, and obtaining sufficient confidence in his powers during his performance in Lynchburg.
A few years after, Herbert's Company made a considerable sensation in Lynchburg ; but the last strolling company performing in this old theatre was "Cargill's Company," which appeared in Lynch- burg during the year 1828, and remained* there
* This Company came to Lynchburg in considerable style, being conveyed in carriages and buggies, and their wardrobe, &c., being brought in baggage-wagons. But after remaining there twelve months, they prepared to leave the town by going in batteau boats down the river. An inhabitant of the place enquired of Beverly Snow, a well known free colored man, what mode of conveyance the Company designed taking. Where- upon this well known individual, with his customary deferential manner, replied: " I believe, sir, that the play-actors have con- cluded to glide smoothly down the stream," which was certainly one of the greatest euphemisms, under the circumstances, ever uttered in Lynchburg. Beverly Snow was a highly respected free colored man, and, with his worthy wife, Judith Snow, kept an oyster-house at the corner house afterwards occupied by Col-
121
OF LYNCHBURG.
nearly twelve months. These performers were really good, not at all resembling the celebrated one of Mr. Crummles in Nicholas Nickleby, nor was it ne- cessary for them to resort to sending out in person the "Phenomenon," in order to engage tickets. Mr. Cargill was a gentlemanly man, and Mrs. Cargill was said to be lady-like and educated, whilst the beautiful Mary Cargill, their daughter, was univer- sally beloved and respected in Lynchburg. Those good old days have long since passed ; the old the- atre no longer occupies the spot where it then stood, whilst Dudley and Masonic Halls are now used for such performances. But the great defect in Dud- ley Hall is, that the audience have all to sit in front of the performance, and rather lower than the stage. The absence of scenery, too, is felt sensibly ; and the Avon Troupe neither compares with the companies mentioned above, nor the Thes- pian Societies which formerly existed in Lynchburg.
lins as a saddler's shop. This free man waited, we believe, on Mr. Van Buren whilst President, and he afterwards kept an eating-house in the West.
11
122
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
METHODIST CHURCH IN LYNCHBURG.
"JOHN WESLEY was more learned, and, in all re- spects, better fitted to become the leader and founder of a sect. His father was rector of Epworth, in Lin- conshire, where John was born in 1703. He was educated at Oxford, where he and his brother Charles and a few other students lived in a regular system of pious study and discipline, whence they were denomi- nated 'Methodists.' After officiating a short time as curate to his father, the young enthusiast set off as a missionary to Georgia, where he remained about two years. Shortly after his return in 1738, he commenced field-preaching, occasionally traveling through every part of Great Britain and Ireland, where he established congregations of Methodists. Thousands flocked to his standard. The grand doctrine of Wesley was universal redemption, as contra-distinguished from the Calvinistic doctrine of particular redemption. Wesley continued writing, preaching and traveling, till he was eighty-eight years of age, his apostolic earnestness and venerable appearance procuring for him everywhere profound re- spect. He had preached about forty thousand sermons, and traveled three hundred thousand miles. His highly useful and laborious carcer was terminated on the 2nd of March, 1791. His body lay in a kind of state in his
123
OF LYNCHBURG.
chapel at London, the day previous to his interment, dressed in his clerical habit, with gown, cossack, and band-the old clerical cap on his head, a bible in one hand and white handkerchief in the other. The funeral service was read by one of his old preachers. When he came to that part of the Service, which reads-' Foras- much as it hath pleased God to take unto himself the soul of our deceased BROTHER,' his voice changed, and he substituted the word Father-and the feeling with which he did this was such, that the congregation, who were shedding silent tears, burst at once into loud weep- ing .* At the time of Wesley's death, the number of Methodists in Europe, America, and the West India Islands, was eighty thousand; they are now above a million, three hundred thousand of which are in Great Britain and Ireland."
CHAMBERS' Sketch of John Wesley.
The old Methodist Church of Lynchburg was founded in 1804, and, since that time, it has con- tinued in a high state of prosperity, enjoying the pastoral care of able ministers, and numbering many active, influential members. The first re- collection of this place of worship, is in the year 1819 or '20, when the church was principally under the care of the Rev. JOHN EARLY. His constant, untiring labors, have, since that time, never ceased,
* Southey's Life of Wesley.
124
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
till, by imperceptible degrees, the Methodist church, in upper Virginia, has spread like a great vigorous tree, around whose roots are continually springing up smaller ones. Notwithstanding the active em- ployment and frequent travelling necessary in his profession, Bishop Early has spent a great portion of his ministerial life in Lynchburg, which through time and eternity will continue to feel his influence. A. small, beautiful rose, designated as "the miniature rose," was many years since introduced into Lynch- burg by Bishop Early, who has always had a great fondness for flowers. A few small shoots were brought by him from one of his circuits, and by him distributed amongst his friends, and from these plants have descended all that numerous family of roses now seen in upper Virginia. Frequently, where other plants would not grow, this tenacious, hardy shrub would flourish, and, in its progress from year to year, eradicating more delicate plants, and sometimes, in its course, wholly uprooting from the soil, weeds, thistles, and even brambles. A strong analogy exists between this simple plant, in its sure, rapid constant progress, and the labors of Bishop Early, which have been arduous, incessant and un- remitted, till Methodism in the upper country has become established on a sure basis, other systems, where less zeal has been manifested, giving way before its animating worship.
Bishop Early was married, in 1821, to ELIZABETH
125
OF LYNCHBURG.
RIVES, a young lady of great worth and piety. She was then in all the freshness and bloom of early womanhood, and it might naturally have been sup- posed that she would sometimes, like other young persons, be allured or carried away, particularly in conversation. But she was grave, modest, digni- fied-never losing sight of what was due to herself as the wife of a minister, and never forgetting that the great business of a Christian professor was to show forth the beauty of holiness, not only with her lips, but in her life ; and, doubtless, much of the prosperity of the Methodist Church has been owing to her influence, together with that of other eminent females. Though only a small child, the writer remembers with peculiar pleasure, an evening spent, at that time, with Mrs. Early,* in company with a few other friends. It was whilst Mrs. Early was a bride-the bright, beautiful flush of health was on her cheek, her mild, thoughtful eye beaming with love and kindness-and her image, as she then appeared, will ever remain deeply engraven on memory; whilst her recent departure from our midst, has tenderly recalled incidents and scenes long past and nearly forgotten, t but now cherished with pensive retrospection.
* At the house now occupied by Henry Dunnington, Esq. ¿ This excellent lady died during the spring of 1857.
126
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
About the year 1821, the Rev. GEORGE W. CHARLTON made Lynchburg his residence. He was a man of splendid personal appearance ; and, being gifted with great eloquence, he exercised a sway and influence which has rarely been exceeded. His church was crowded, his catechism schools were full, his society was as much sought by the gay and worldly as by the grave and pious. He lived in the house of Mr. John Thurmon ; and, though Mr. Charlton might have much contributed to the brilliancy of society, yet he rarely accepted invitations, never to parties, and very rarely would he meet more than a few friends on a social visit. He was, indeed, a zealous young minister ; and his sermons were so striking, that the attention even of the most worldly, was arrested. During his resi- dence in Lynchburg, Mr. Charlton was attacked with hemorrhage of the lungs, and the delicate state of his health, at this time, was such as to awaken the warmest interest, not only of members of his Church, but of the affectionate little band of children, whom he taught every Saturday at the Methodist Church. He left Lynchburg, after a residence of two years, during which time he greatly contributed to the influence of the Church, many members being added to its communion during his ministry. A few years after this time, Mr. Charlton married a lady from the lower country,
OF LYNCHBURG. 127
and since that time he has resided almost constantly in Petersburg.
On his last visit to Lynchburg,* he accompanied Miss MILLER, a female Methodist preacher, who was, with her traveling companion, Miss HILTON, making a tour of the State. Notice having been given that a female would preach at the Methodist Church, that building was crowded to overflowing long before the hour fixed for the service. This remarkably interesting lady did not ascend the pulpit, but stood within the altar, taking for her text-" The Spirit and the bride say, Come ;" and so profound was the silence which reigned throughout the church, that not a word was lost of her beautiful and touching address ; and several of the sentences of that discourse, heard in childhood, are still remembered. At one time, her eloquent appeal being in these words :- " Oh, immortal spirits ! bound for the bar of God, what madness hath possessed you ?"
At that time, the Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH was the stationed Methodist minister of Lynchburg. He was a very young man, but even then giving promise of what he has since become. The eloquence of his preaching, his zealous prayer- meetings, his pastoral visits, were all greatly blessed ; so that, during the summer of 1828, a
* In the spring of 1828.
-
128
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
revival took place in his church, which, for perma- nency of effect, has never been equalled. The gayest and most careless were led to inquire the way of salvation, many converts were made, and large numbers were added to the Methodist Church ; but a part of them connected themselves with the Episcopal Church, continuing to this day its de- voted members. In the fall of that year, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Ellice M. Miller, the female preacher ; and since that period, his history and brilliant career have placed this distinguished man so before the public that farther comment is here unnecessary.
Rev. WILLIAM MARTIN resided a few miles above Lynchburg ; but, together with his excellent wife, he spent the greater portion of his time in the city. He was a very good, harmless, old man, of middle stature, and not possessing any great intellectual gifts. He used, however, to say, that from one certain text he could preach a sermon, in which he would acknowledge no superior. That favorite dis- course was from the text :- "Is there no balm in Gilead ? is there no physician there ?" He described himself as having been in his youth a remarkably handsome man; and he had been heard to say, that, attending at that time a ball, dressed in shorts, knee-buckles, ruffled shirt, &c., he found himself in the dance vis a vis to General Washington; and Mr.
129
OF LYNCHBURG.
Martin alleged that he considered himself a much handsomer and finer looking individual than the Father of his Country. All of uncle Martin's foibles were innocent, and there is no doubt that he was an humble, sincere Christian, and a man of most upright and exemplary character.
Mrs. ELIZABETH MARTIN,* wife of Rev. William Martin, was a lady of great mental attainments, joined to deep and fervid piety. She was very lovely in personal appearance, and exercised a great influ- ence in Lynchburg, where she was much beloved. The members of the Methodist Church, as well as others, considering it a privilege to have her as a guest-her example was an inestimable benefit, and her prayers a protection to a household. Sur- viving for some years her venerable partner, she, from that time, made the hospitable mansion of Mrs. Ann Irvine her principal residence. Mrs. Martin died early in the spring of 1831, and those who had the privilege of beholding this sainted woman during the last few weeks of her life, will ever regard that time, when looking back, as a Boca in their earthly pilgrimage. During the whole of her last illness, she sat erect in her arm chair, habited with her customary neatness, and,
* This lady was a niece of Edmund Pendleton.
130
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
whilst in that position, her gentle spirit took its flight to a heavenly home. Her chamber was at the time filled with a concourse of sorrowing friends, many of whom sent messages to their re- latives in Heaven. Some comments were, at the time made on this ; but it seems a holy, beautiful thought, mingled with poetical feelings, all of which we find so sweetly embodied in Mrs. Hemans' " Message to the Dead." The funeral of Mrs. Mar- tin was preached at the old Methodist Church, and none can forget, who heard that eloquent discourse, or listened to the sublime words of "The Dying Christian," sung by the choir of the Church, which, at that time, numbered the finest singers in Lynchburg.
About the year 1825, Father HERSEY, "the walking circuit-rider," made his appearance in Lynchburg. He was an eccentric, but really ex- cellent man, of striking appearance, and with a manner of speaking at once most fervid and eloquent. He had unfortunately become involved in debt, and in order to extricate himself, he wore clothes of the plainest kind, made of coarse fabrics, and he walked to all of the different churches within his circuit, appropriating the money thus saved to the liquidation of his debts. By this course of frugality and self-denial, he insured the respect of the community, who were always ready to listen to
131
ÔF LYNCHBURG.
him attentively, even though he told them the truth with severity. This venerable man survives, and is, we understand, still a member of the Baltimore Conference.
It is proper to mention in this place, the name of Mr. THURMON, who was a devout member of the church, aiding in its extension by his blameless life and example. When very young, he had held, during the Revolutionary war, an employment in the army, and to him were accorded the honor and privilege of residing for a length of time with Washington and La Fayette, in that small stone building in the city of Richmond, now so rever- enced on account of its distinguished inmates at that time. When General La Fayette visited Rich- mond in 1825, Uncle Thurmon* made him a visit at that place, habited in the same clothes which he had worn whilst living in the stone-house with him- self and General Washington. The interview was extremely interesting and affecting, La Fayette receiving him with open arms, whilst down the manly cheeks of the brave, gallant Frenchman flowed tears of emotion. Uncle Thurmon possessed nearly, or quite as much influence in his church as a
* This venerable man was always spoken of in Lynchburg as Uncle Thurmon.
132
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
minister of the gospel. He, with the other elders of the Methodist Church, sat inside the altar, with their faces turned towards the preacher, and when- ever a part of the discourse touched them particu- larly, they expressed audibly their approbation, in such words as " Amen, even so, Lord ;" " God grant it." These expressions, uttered fervently, so stimulated and animated their preachers, that truly they might have been styled " Boanerges"- for it was then that those burning words were utter- ed, which pierced the consciences and entered the hearts of the hearers, so that multitudes would throng the altar, inquiring, with tearful, agonized accents, " What must I do to be saved ?" Mr. Thurmon lived to a great age, passing away calmly from earth, and leaving to his numerous descendants, the rich inheritance of his blameless, well-spent life.
JOHN THURMON was a worthy son of this most excellent man. He was by trade a saddler, carry- ing his piety into the workshop as well as the church. He was a man of most kind, benignant feelings, remarkably gentle and affectionate in his disposition, and at all times showing that love to his neighbor, so enjoined in the Word of God. In no act of his life has more good resulted than in the establishment of the first Sunday school in the State of Virginia. In the year 1817,
133
OF LYNCHBURG.
he was the principal agent in the formation of this Sabbath school, which was held in the old Metho- dist Church, and from which have emanated all the other Sunday schools in the State, and the immense benefits resulting from the first one will be felt through time and eternity. Several members of Congress owed their first education to the Sabbath school, established first in Lynchburg.
John Thurmon married a daughter of the late Mrs. Essex, and for many years they resided in a neat white house, not far from the Reservoir. He died in the year 1855, leaving a numerous family, nearly all of whom are inhabitants of Lynchburg. Many female members of this Church possessed great · influence, being gifted with eloquence in prayer and exhortation, so that they greatly strengthened their minister's hands ; but, out of a large number, only two of this class will now be mentioned, both of them eminent for all of the social virtues, as well as for usefulness in the Church.
Mrs. ESSEX* was, for many years, a resident of Lynchburg. She was married, when very young, to Mr. Simpson ; and she was the mother of Mr. James Simpson, and of Miss Jane Simpson, well- known in this community. After the death of Mr.
* We think she is a native of Fredericksburg.
12
134
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
Simpson, her first husband, Mrs. Simpson married the Rev. Mr. Essex, at that time a minister of the Methodist church. Her only daughter, Miss Eliza Essex, became the wife of Mr. M. Lyman, now a resident of Lewisburg. Mrs. Essex was a lady of a very strong mind and excellent heart, and was moreover gifted with a remarkable command of language, and a facility of expressing herself both gracefully and eloquently, particularly on religious subjects. She joined to those gifts a knowledge of medicine, which greatly extended her influence throughout Lynchburg and the adjoining country ; and so skillful and well-informed was she in her profession, that she might aptly have been styled " The Baudelocque" of upper Virginia. This ex- cellent lady died many years since in Lynchburg, leaving a void in the Church to which she belonged, not easily supplied.
Mrs. MARY BROWN was a native of Bedford county. Her maiden-name was Mary Hancock, and she was a sister of Ammon Hancock, a well known merchant of Lynchburg. Her memory will tenderly be cherished by a large circle of friends in the city ; nor can she ever be forgotten by those who have shared her kindness and hospitality. Though passing often through the deep waters and fiery furnace of affliction, she was ever the patient and submissive Christian. Twice was her domestic
135
OF LYNCHBURG.
hearth invaded by death in violent forms-one of her sons being instantly killed, by a loaded wagon passing over him; and a few years subsequent to this heart-rending event, a younger son came to his end in consequence of the accidental discharge of a gun in the hands of a school-companion. Yet, after the first burst of sorrow, she was enabled to see the hand of God even in these mournful casualties. In perfect harmony with her holy, exemplary life, was the triumphant scene in her chamber of death; and, standing on the confines of eternity, she discerned so clearly, through faith, the promised land, that her last words were, " Joy, joy ! I am almost home !"
Can we wonder at the growth and prosperity of a Church, which numbered amongst its worshipers such women as Mrs. Mary Brown ? Would that her example might stimulate all who remember her, to press onwards to the high mark of their calling in Christ Jesus; so that, at the solemn hour of dissolution, they may, like her, feel, that
" Jesus can make a dying bed, Feel soft as downy pillows are, Whilst on His breast I lean my head, And breathe my life out sweetly there."
136
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
THE EXPERIENCE OF MRS. ELIZABETH MARTIN.
Mrs. ELIZABETH MARTIN* was born September, 1750, in the county of King & Queen, Virginia. She is the daughter of Mr. John Pendleton, who was a man of respectability and a member of the Church of England. Her mother died when she was young, and her father intermarried a second time; but she still continued with him till she was seventeen years of age, when she was married to William P. Martin, her present husband. She tells her religious experience nearly in the following words :
"From my youth I had a propensity for different diversions, particularly for dancing. My fondness for this last was such, that when at a ball I scarcely could even think of taking ordinary sustenance. I was so fascinated with music, company and mirth, that I was entirely led off from thinking of a future state, or making preparation for death and judgment. At six- teen years of age, I enjoyed a remarkable share of
* The above article is taken from "The Evangelical Maga- zine," a religious paper, published in Lynchburg as early as 1810. It was sent in by James Brown, Esq., of that place, after the work was in press; and, to the numbers in upper Virginia, who loved and reverenced this remarkable woman, a perusal of her experience will doubtless be interesting.
137
OF LYNCHBURG.
health, and was blest with a good constitutien, both of which I sadly impaired by overheating myself at a dance, and then going out into the night air. By One particular instance of this kind of imprudence, I laid a foundation for a long and dangerous spell of sick- ness, from which I never entirely recovered. My case was thought desperate by the physicians : still, I was not afraid to die, and only regretted the thought of leaving my friends and relations in this world. But I was destitute of religion, and had never once heard that our nature must be changed-that we must be born of the Spirit, before we can have a right to the Kingdom of Heaven. It was a time of great darkness, and I had no one to take me by the hand and lead me into the paths of peace and happiness. I had not, however, the least opposition to religion, or the pro- fessors of it-except only, that once I was offended with a preacher whom I thought carried matters too far.
" For several years after my marriage, I still indulged myself in the gaieties and follies of the world. We lived in a neighborhood of dancers, with whom I freely joined, still entertaining the fashionable opinion that it was not wrong. In this opinion I was joined and strengthened by my companion, who also was fond of merriment himself, and played on the violin. Thus we spent our precious time together, in partaking of the frothy and trifling things of this world, unthoughtful of the hand which supported us, and wholly taken up with the 'things that perish in the using.'
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.