Pisgah History, Part I, Giles County, Tennessee, TNGenWeb Project (TNGenNet)

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Giles County, Tennessee
Pisgah History - Part I
By W. Thomas Carden

A Giles County TNGenWeb Project

PISGAH HISTORY
By W. Thomas Carden
August 18, 1904

The idea that there is a better place "farther on" led many to this County when it was new. Others thought an unsettled section held advantages for them they did not have in the older settlements of the United States. Some, in adventuresome spirit, were ready to ally themselves with any dare devil project. Whichever motive, it was that moved the primitive denizens to make this virgin country their abode, proved in time that they had chosen wisely; or destiny, providentially, led them to this land of corn and swine, where liquor and honey flow - a goodly heritage for their children.

This place was chosen as a "resting place" early in the nineteenth century. By 1806 to 1813 the afflux of emigration had established a permanent habitation. Work was begun to clear "the forest primeval" and trees were felled to build dwellings. Difficulties were plentiful. Facilities were few for the severe tasks.

But the frontier people were brave and persistent. They joined forces and helped each other. It was the custom to have log-rollings, house raisings, husking bees, workings, quilting parties, and many other gatherings where a community would unite and speedily perform arduous labor. Many hands and willing hearts soon transformed the howling wilderness into a prosperous neighborhood. In the good old days we hear the older people talk of good fellowship predominated. It was a mutual practice long continued to be friends and neighbors in deed and in truth; and the fashion to assist one another lasted for years. These features were times "long to be remembered". While the men did the work the women prepared the dinner - a feast fit for a king. Mirth and careless joy ladened the air. Often, when the shades of night appeared, buxom damsels, with sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks, and gallant beaux, drew together. "Uncle Pomp" took his seat near the open fireplace and began melody upon the violin which had been brought from "Ole Furginey". As the strains grew louder and faster the dancers took the floor. The older heads eagerly gazed upon the scene or sat together smoking and conversing about old times and places, and faces they had left behind. An outlook perhaps, was kept for the wiley indian. Cider and ginger-cake, pure hand-stilled "spirit-frumenti", and delicacies unknown to this day and time were abundant and free for all on these occasions. When the hour grew wee they dispersed and wended their way to their humble home to meet again at the next time. The maidens were attired in those days with homespun garments, dyed to suit their fancy: with log-dye and indigo or sometimes with native herbs, or ochre. Now and then a fortunate lady owned a peafowl silk gown which some ancestor had brought or imported from England, and her rustling skirts were the envy of all feminine eyes. The men wore copperas dyed breeches made of the same material the women adorned themselves with. Coon Skin caps were worn. Later on, now and then, a man seen with a broadcloth suit of clothes, which made him a cynosure with the less wealthy, for none but those in affluent circumstances could afford such, as it cost $25.00 par yard. Shoes were made at home on wooden lasts. The shoemaker went. to the woods and made his own pegs. Thread was made from flax, and pointed with bristles taken from a hog' s back. No lefts or rights were made but the shoes were straight and had to be changed from one foot to the other every morning.

The diet consisted of pumpkin-bread, pork, corn bread, sweet potatoes and opossums venison, turkey and other game, sassafras tea and milk, with coffee and biscuit on Sunday mornings. Wild honey, berries and fruits were often utilized in the dietary. The residences generally, were one room log cabins with stick and clay chimneys. There were no sawmills and all the lumber was sawed with a whipsaw. The cabins mostly were floored with puncheon (i.e. with logs split in halves and hewn smooth) and chinked and smoothed. Many candle sticks are found in homes of today, kept as heirlooms, which were used in those days. The fireplaces were very wide, back logs six feet long could be burned in some of them. The cooking was done on the fire as there were no cooking stoves. Ovens, gridirons, spiders and pot-racks were the utensils most commonly in use. J. H. OLIVER has in his possession a pot-rack 200 years old, which was brought from Ireland by his wife's ancestors. Above the door rested the trusty rifle, hunting horn, powder horn, bullet moulds, and hunting knife. The rifles were of flint-lock pattern. There were but few books, no mails, and now and then a stray newspaper.

Letters were hand-carried, being sent in care of any chance traveler. There were no wagons, most of the traveling was done on horseback. Ox carts were used for hauling purposes. "Buck and Ball" made a faithful team and were instrumental in setting this country more than the noble horse.

John BIRDWELL who came from North Carolina in 1809 and Kinchen BASS were three weeks in making the trip from Bunker Hill* to Pulaski and back, owing to the density of the grapevines and canebrakes. There was but one pole cabin in Pulaski then, so say the older men, although Giles County was organized that year.

* Ed. Note: About fifty miles north northeast of Pisgah as the crow flies.

There was but little money in circulation and it consisted chiefly of "shinplasters" -- paper bills of small denomination.

Land was granted by the government in 5000 acre tracts. Several early settlers became extensive planters and owned large numbers of slaves. Slaves were salable property, being very valuable. The price ranged from $500 to $1500 according to size, age and quality. A robust child at weaning was worth several hundred dollars. Cotton, corn, tobacco, hemp and flax were staple crops. Some wheat was raised and was harvested with reap hook. The first scything blade or cradle was introduced in this section in 1840. Many were suspicious of it, saying it would knock down all the wheat. The wheat was trampled out with oxen or flailed.

The place known as Lower Elkton on Elk River was the shipping point for all of this County. Supplies and merchandise were brought up Tennessee River and transferred to rafts and flatboats and carried up Elk River. Each community selected patrolmen to keep slaves from escaping and to hold them in subjection. The colored people devised many schemes to evade the patrolmen. Bloodhounds were kept and a fleeing slave had small show to make a successful dash for liberty. The citizens were honest and trusting. Houses, cribs and smokehouses were never locked.

The indians evidently were in large bands in and around this place. There are traces of fierce battles with them. On Emmet SUTTON'S farm and between John S. HARWELL'S farm, on Bradshaw Creek, there is a trench yet distinct which encloses about 30 acres, with embankment for fortification. In the trench now grows a large Poplar tree. Above this place, near Jake MORTON's home, is a large indian graveyard. A few years since Dr. GRANT in exploring this burying ground found a skeleton in perfect state of preservation. One remarkable thing is that the teeth are perfectly sound when found. The corpses were encased in hard clay and the vaults were lined with rock. The graves had head and foot stones. There was a huge pile of rock on Bradshaw the Indians threw up.

Spear heads, arrow points, skinning knives, pipes, and other relics have been found in many places. The spear and arrow points were made of chert which was mined in several places in Ohio. There is no such stone in this State. These weapons were not made of flint as commonly supposed. The pipes were made of red stone from Lake Michigan. This fact shows that the Indians were migratory.

PISGAH HISTORY
By W. Thomas Carden
August 25, 1904

Pisgah is noted far and near on account of its being, and having been, prominent as a site for religious worship. The chief feature in its history is the church and campmeetings. Methodist itinerants were generally first in striking out into unknown territory or else shortly followed emigrants into new settlements. The Methodist Church has ever been a missionary body: and the heralds of the cross sent out, or who voluntarily went, under its auspices, often were instrumental in establishing law and order. They were heroes, good citizens, and indefatigable leaders in the advancement of civilization. Intrepid, humble, simple, honest, they were examples for the pioneers and proved a blessing to every community they labored in, by their good deeds, earnest advise and Godly counsel.

The next Methodist preacher, of whom any record is made, in this section was John CRAIG, who came here in 1811. In 1812 T. STILLWELL preached here. I do not find any reference to these men further than these mere facts. The territory embraced in what is now the Tennessee Conference was known as the Cumberland Country in early days. Before 1801, Conference lines had not been drawn and Conference names were not known. The first Conference within the bounds of the Tennessee Conference was held in 1802, in Sumner County, at STROTHER'S Meetinghouse, near the head of Big Station Camp Creek. Bishop ASBURY presided. The minutes of this session show the name attached to the Conference for the first time - it was Western Conference, with three districts, viz; Holston, Cumberland, and Kentucky. In 1806 the Mississippi District was added and embraced this part of Tennessee. In 1812 the Nashville District is recorded and the first session of the Tennessee Conference was held November 12, at Fountain Head, Bishops MCKENDREE and Asbury, presided. William B. ELGIN was secretary. In 1813 the Western Conference was divided into the Ohio and Tennessee Conferences, the latter including all the work in Tennessee, Mississippi and Illinois. Reverends CRAIG and STILLWELL were doubtless sent out by the above named Conferences. North of this place, on the branch near the old OLIVER home, the first campmeeting in these parts was held in 1811 or 1812, probably in the first named year. Dissatisfaction arising in regard to the location led to the camps being moved on top of the hill in 1814, and the name Mount Pisgah was given the place.

Reverend Alexander MCDONALD was so well pleased with the change that he gave ten acres to the Methodist Church and it remains until this day in possession of this church. The change from the valley to the top of the hill was a wise move. Five roads joined on the hill, wood and water were plentiful and the air was purer and sweeter, which made the change more convenient and adaptive in many respects for continued services. The location selected is where the present church stands and there could scarcely be found a more suitable spot for a church edifice anywhere. It is a pre-eminently appropriate location.

There is a slight confusion as to who served as preacher here in these days. One record gives the name of Bray ADY as Circuit Rider for the year 1812. And another the name of T. STILLWELL. Perhaps they traveled the work together. John LEMASTER served in 1813. Benjamin EDGE was here in 1814. Learner BLACKMAN was Presiding Elder of Nashville District which embraced this work. The first campmeeting was a small affair. In 1814 Learner BLACKMAN, Presiding Elder, and nineteen other preachers, were present, and a great revival was held.

The society here was the second organized in Giles County, but it has been regarded as the first. It was instituted at the home of Reverend Alexander MCDONALD, in 1812. The first Methodist Church in this County was built near Cross Water Creek, about six miles southeast of Pulaski. This society was organized in 1811, It was a log house named Rehoboth. Later a frame building took its place and was destroyed by the Federal Army during the Civil War. It was built by Reverend Aaron BROWN, his brothers, David and Lewis, Reverends Samuel HARWELL, Sr., and Coleman HARWELL. Reverend Aaron BROWN was the father of Governor Aaron V. BROWN.

For several years the circuit Rider and local preachers preached at the home of Reverend MCDONALD, who lived where R. C. SMITH now lives. In 1817 or 1818 a house of worship was built just behind where the present house sits.

While Pisgah was the second society in the County, Bee Springs claims the distinction of having the second Methodist Church, which was a log house that was burned accidentally in 1815.

It is claimed that the old Zion Baptist Church was the first church built in the County. It was built in 1809 or 1810.

Bethesda Church was built in 1819. James PAINE, James ABERNATHY and Lewis BROWN, were chiefly those who erected the house. Philip BRUCE chose the name and dedicated the Church. The name signifies house of mercy. Mt. Zion Church, on Bradshaw Creek, was erected in 1818, near the residence of Reverend Coleman HARWELL. A society was formed earlier. This church is twelve miles east of Pulaski and is surrounded by a fertile section of the country. It was built by Coleman HARWELL, Lewis WILLIAMSON, and Levi SHERRILL. Coleman HARWELL, local elder, George DAVENPORT, Catherine HARWELL, Lewis WILLIAMSON,Levi SHERRILL, Elizabeth SHERRILL, Stith M. HARWELL, local elder, Nancy WILLIAMSON and Nancy HARWELL, were the names on the roll at that time.

Joshua BOUCHER, with Clifton TUCKER as junior preacher, traveled this section in 1815. Thomas L. DOUGLASS was Presiding Elder. Joshua BOUCHER was a noted preacher. He was born in West Virginia October 23rd, 1872. His father was cruelly killed by the Indians, and he was raised by his grandfather in Kentucky. In early life he was very gay. His education was deficient. He lamented this misfortune all of his life although he had splendid natural ability. He was an accomplished musician, playing the violin as few could play that melodious instrument. He came to Alabama in 1808. It was then known as the Territory of Mississippi. He joined the Church in 1806 and was a class leader and exhorter for some time. In 1811 he began to preach. He served here in 1815, and in 1830. Pulaski and Elkton were preaching places on the work with this place and several others. He was on the Forked Deer District, when it extended from Pulaski to the Tennessee River above Florence, thence west to the Mississippi River to Memphis, up the River between Memphis and Paducah, then up Tennessee River to mouth of same, all the country on Wolf, Hatchie, Forked Deer and Sandy Rivers, last, taking in the counties of Wayne, Hardin, Humphries and Lawrence. He was Presiding Elder of the Richland and Huntsville Districts, and was an active itinerant for thirty two years. While serving the Richland Circuit, 1830, he was appointed to the Tennessee District.

Philip BRUCE, who was closely identified with Giles County, was a celebrated minister, who participated in campmeetings here for several years. He was born December 25, 1755. In 1800 he did much revival work in North Carolina with good results. He and Reverend Elam STEPHENSON were intimate friends. The latter brought part of BRUCE's belongings to Tennessee in 1813. Arnold, Seaborn, and Joel BRUCE, brothers, came with him and settled in and around Bee Springs. Philip BRUCE was simple and childlike in manner, but was a flaming evangelist in the pulpit. He was so gentle and kind that no young and timid preacher was embarrassed to preach before him. He was also a school teacher. He never married. He lived with a brother and buried by the side of his mother and two brothers who sleep near Bee Springs. He died, May 1825. The Virginia Conference erected the handsome granite shaft over his grave. He was a member of that Conference and was a Methodist preacher for fifty years. In 1816 Benjamin KING was preacher on the Richland Circuit, this place being on that charge. Miles Harper was associate preacher. In 1817 no Bishop was present at the opening of the Tennessee Conference, October 30, to November 8, at Franklin. Peter CARTWRIGHT opened the session and Thomas L. DOUGLASS presided. Bishop R. R. ROBERTS came later. Reverend Alexander MCDONALD, a local deacon of this place, was elected to elders orders and ordained at this Conference. John SEATON was sent to this place. He afterwards transferred to the Mississippi Conference.

Eighty dollars was the salary paid a single man. A small allowance was made for wife if the preacher was earned. Horse-shoeing was gratis and gifts of woolen socks were helpful. Preachers did not board. It took one month to make the circuit. For quite a number of years the Richland Circuit had about twenty eight appointments. Six days were given the preachers to rest in. Pulaski, Elkton, Delrose, and Lynnville, Pisgah, Diana, and the present Richland Circuit constituted the Richland District.

Miles HARPER, who was on this work in 1816, afterwards was Presiding Elder of Cumberland District. Bishop Robert PAINE began his ministry under HARPER about 1818.

PISGAH HISTORY
By W. Thomas Carden
September 1, 1904

Alexander MCDONALD, one of the earliest settlers of this place, was a local Methodist preacher and surveyor. He was a large landholder and a man of varied attainments. He was prominently connected with the founding of the church at this place. Services were held at his home before a house was built. He owned the R. C. SMITH farm and the BURT place. His house was used as a fort for the people of this section, against Indian attacks, until the Red Men were driven from this country. He was a learned man and was the author of a book on baptism. Bishop E. M. MARVIN was clouded in his views on this much controverted subject until he read Reverend MCDONALD's book, which attests the merits of the volume. This preacher settler went on his preaching tours with his rifle in one hand and the Bible in the other and a hunting knife placed in his belt, ready to combat either Indian or Satan. Frequently he encountered both of these formidable enemies. It is related of him that he had a habit of going to sleep during preaching, and one night at a campmeeting service an amusing incident occured. He had a stentorian voice. A tedious preacher was delivering a prolific sermon on some dry subject and Reverend MCDONALD fell a victim to the wooing of Morpheus as usual. The preacher finishing, called upon MCDONALD to conclude. MCDONALD, suddenly awakening at the call of his name, thinking he was surveying, in a voice that could be heard more than a mile, called out: "One time out; count your pins". He had several children. Elihu MCDONALD was the father of Mrs. George DISMUKES and Mrs. S. A. R. SWANN, of Pulaski. Levi MCDONALD was the grandfather of Mrs. Newton H. White, of Wales. Levi had three daughters and one son. The son died a prisoner of war at Camp Douglas.

The descendants of this remarkable man request information in regard to the book Reverend MCDONALD wrote that they may procure a copy for a souvenir. Any trace of a copy of the book will be appreciated. Two sons were preachers. Charles MCDONALD was a local preacher. Learner Blackman MCDONALD was a member of the Alabama Conference. Elizabeth MCDONALD, a sister, married Reverend Lewis GARRETT, a noted Methodist divine in 1820. John, Robert, Joseph and James MCDONALD, were relations of Alexander MCDONALD but what relation I did not learn. They were campers here in campmeetings and moved to Mississippi. Mr. MCDONALD, through reverses, lost his fortune. He moved to Mississippi and died, after an eventful life, in reduced circumstances.

Thomas L. DOUGLASS, the presiding elder of this district three or four years, was one of the most distinguished preachers in the Tennessee Conference. Re was secretary of that conference for fourteen turns and was president of the conference twice - the last time in Pulaski, November 1833. Bishop mckendree was present but did not officiate.

T. L. DOUGLASS was a native of Person County, North Carolina, and was born in 1781. He was licensed to preach in 1800 and joined the Virginia Conference in 1801, and made quite a reputation as a forcible preacher. He transferred to Tennessee in 1813, and was appointed to the town of Nashville. The second year he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Nashville District. He was in the campmeeting of 1820 at this place and wrote of the meeting in his journal. There were seventy two conversions and sixty five accessions to the church. He introduced Robert PAINE into the ministry.

Samuel SANSOM came to this work in 1818 and remained two years. He was an able man. He was followed by Joseph BOUCHER, who stayed one year. Mention has been made of him. In 1821 Elijah KIRKMAN was here for one year. He was a prominent minister. In 1822 Coleman HARWELL, Sr., and John M. HOLLAND served Richland Circuit. This was HARWELL'S home. That year was HOLLAND'S first year. There were- thirty nine in the class of HOLLAND. Ten went to Virginia and only eighteen remained in Tennessee until received in full connection. HOLLAND was talented and filled many places of honor. This was the Huntsville district that year and was changed back to Nashville district in 1824.

Lewis GARRETT, Jr., and Ambrose F. DRISKILL cane in 1823. DRISKILL afterwards became a well known preacher and was Presiding Elder of this district. Lewis GARRETT, Sr., father of the circuit rider of that year, married Elizabeth MCDONALD of this place in 1820 and settled in Giles County in 1824. He was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, in 1793. In 1822 he was Presiding Elder and Superintendent of Missions of Jackson's Purchase in Kentucky and Tennessee and located in 1824. He moved to Arkansas and joined the conference in 1859, and died in 1869.

German BAKER was the next preacher. William B. CARPENTER was his associate. BAKER was secretary-of the Conference in 1825 and 1826, and was a celebrated dispenser of the Word.

In 1825 Nathaniel R. JARRETT and Henry B. NORTH were sent to this place. JARRETT was the son of a preacher and was a native of North Carolina. He came to Lebanon, Tennessee in early life. He was a tower of strength and widely known as a pulpit orator. He died in Mississippi in 1862, aged 61 years.

Before going further, it is better to give a sketch of Learner BLACKMAN, of whom mention has already been made. He was one of the best educated and strongest early preachers. He was a son of David and Mary BLACKMAN and was one of eleven children. He was a native of New Jersey. He joined the church when sixteen years old and joined the Philadelphia Conference when nineteen years old. The people on his first charge thought he was a negro before he arrived. He was a mere stripling and at his first appointment a local preacher was selected to preach and did so. BLACKMAN concluded and the congregation were mortified at their mistake when they heard him. He was gifted as few are, and could hold large crowds spellbound with his preaching. In 1805 he was missionary to Natchez and was fourteen days getting there. He rode alone, horseback, through the wilderness. When night came he would tie his horse to a tree, take his saddle bags for a pillow and a blanket for cover, and would resing himself to the care of the God he served.

In 1806 he was Presiding Elder of the Mississippi District, and in 1808 he came to Tennessee and was appointed to Holston District, which he served until 1810. Then he came to the Cumberland District for two years. During the years 1812-13-14, he was on the Nashville District. He was at this place in campmeeting. He married the widow ELLIOTT, nee ODUM, of Sumner County, in 1815 and started north for a visit. At Cincinnati, while crossing the Ohio River in a ferryboat, his team became unmanageable and plunged into the water, dragging the preacher with them and drowning him. He was a brilliant man and in his day the most polished shaft in the work in the South. His Widow married Joseph T. ELLISTON, of Nashville. She died a few years ago at an advanced age. They entertained many preachers and had one room designated as ''The Bishop's Room".

Learner BLACKMAN was a great favorite of General Andrew JACKSON and was his Chaplin in the war of 1812. Once BLACKMAN was praying during a rain shower. Jackson was making frequent "amens" but now and then would say, sotto voice, "Boys, keep the powder dry".

Lorenzo D. OVERALL, John BROOKS, associate, and Benjamin F. CLARDY, Supernumerary, were the preachers for 1826 at this place. OVERALL was a splendid preacher. He labored for many years and died at a good old age.

Wilson L. MCALLISTER and Thomas Payne were the pastors in 1827. MCALLISTER was a native Tennessean, and was an Itinerant thirty four years. He was secretary of the Conference in 1833. He went west and was Presiding Elder in the Indian Mission Conference. He died in Texas in 1859. Three of his sons were preachers.

In 1825 Gilbert D. TAYLOR was pastor, William M. MCFERRIN, Junior, and Coleman HARWELL, Supernumerary. This District was Richland District from this year until 1834 when it was changed to Huntsville.

Dr. TAYLOR was born November 18, 1791, at Hare Forest on the Rapidan River, Orange County, Virginia, in the same house General Zachary TAYLOR, a relative, was afterwards born. He studied medicine in Philadelphia and came to Pulaski in 1811. In 1812 he was made surgeon to General Jackson's Army and served the whole campaign. He was very wicked when young. It is said that he came to campmeetings here to scoff and at night after preaching would gather all the rough men and boys at the shelter and would hold mock services, TAYLOR doing the preaching. In 1816 he was stricken down at a campmeeting at this place and was converted. He was licensed to preach in 1819 and offered himself to the Tennessee Conference but was refused on account of his views on slavery. Later he was admitted on trial in this Conference, and ably filled many important places, During the Civil War he lived in Pulaski and did a great many commendable deeds of charity. He died in that town August 6, 1870, aged 79 years.

John W. JONES and E. F. ENGLISH in 1829 were the pastors of this church.

Elias TIDWELL and Nathan S. JOHNSON, were here in 1830: TIDWELL was returned with William A. SMITH in 1831. TIDWELL was a splendid preacher. Wilson L. MCALLISTER was here again in 1832 with Samuel B. HARWELL who served the work in 1833 with Henry ROBINSON as junior preacher.

James TARRANT was pastor in 1834 with Richmond RANDLE, junior, and G. D. TAYLOR, supernumerary. TARRANT was from Virginia. He traveled for ten years and quit on account of bad health. He was a talented preacher. He died January 1859. Two or three sons became preachers. RANDLE made a widely known minister. He was a member of one General Conference. He died while serving as Chaplin in the Southern Army and was a member of the Louisiana Conference at the time. His son, Robert, belonged to the same Conference.

PISGAH HISTORY

By W. Thomas Carden
September 8, 1904

The ball of history is not composed of one even skein but o'string, scrap, tid-bits, broken threads, dropped ends, knots-and tangles and designs of many colors and shapes. The material to work upon is fragmentary and incomplete. There are few living to interview. It is sometimes difficult to get them in a reminiscental mood. Time is a measured distance which changeth not - a circle we travel, passing perhaps the starting point of those who have passed before. Mankind only is going onward and seeing different scenes and passing out into the great beyond. Many customs of long ago are obsolete and almost forgotten. One should have been an eyewitness to fully appreciate the spirit and significance of many of the usages and scenes of earlier days. A compiler of historical data is therefore be set with hindrances without number. old times were good times. Life was simple and untrammeled. There were no demands of an ultra fashionable realm to acquiesce to or any outrageous styles or fads to follow. Frugal habits, economical pleasures and circumspect aspirations, together with pure "mountain dew" and "home-made" tobacco made life long and blissful. The cornucopia of heaven lavishly blessed their labor and hospitality and contentment reigned supremely. Maple syrup and "Johnny Cakes" with sweet, freshly made butter and a glass of cool buttermilk made healthful, mirthful people. One's mouth will water to hear the old folk tell of these good things. Every household had a "Johnny-board" -- a plank about three feet long and two feet wide, glazed until it was slicker than grease and shone like a bald head beneath the scorching rays of an August sun. The cakes were made of wheat batter. They were put on these boards and held obliquely before the fire. When one side was cooked it was turned over. Then there was the ash cake -- bread cooked upon the coals. Corn, with the shuck on was roasted in the embers which made it a succulent dish -- and this is the best way to cook corn.

Jugs with red corn cob stoppers were in every home. Whiskey was cheap. There was no tax on it. It sold for twenty five cents per gallon in 1840. The preachers would take a dram in those days. Yet there was not much intemperance. "Marse John MCCORMICK says he remembers at a log rolling two gallons of liquor was brought and only one man took a drink and he only took a small dram during the day. Grist mills were run by over-shot wheel power, with a race to carry the water. Corn was ground on burr-stones. Wheat was ground on stones and then put into a bolting chest which was operated by turning a crank. In the antebellum days there were no buggies or two horse wagons in this section. Mesdames Camp and Phillips of Elkton, drove to campmeetings in carriages which cost $1,200 each. They had livered colored coachmen who deigned not to notice common negroes. Andrew BALLENTINE, of Pulaski, paid $800 duty on a carriage imported from England. James Owen and John MCCORMACK were two days going to Pulaski and back with an ox team. They carried 1,200 pounds of pork which sold for twelve dollars. With the money they purchased twelve acres of land. People never dreamed of selling eggs. This valuable product was fed to hogs. Negroes, who had purchased their freedom, had franchise rights in Tennessee until 1834. Oh, how the negroes sang as only that song-gifted race can sing. Although under the galling rules of bondage, and often receiving the cruelest kind of treatment, the poor sons of Ham stooped to serve their taskmasters.

The negro is a born poet and musician. He delights to behold things beautified. They composed their own songs. Some of these were real genius of poetry -quaint, plaintive, full of pity and tenderness. I recall a verse of one of their songs, entitled "Lucy Neal". "Away down in Alabama, Dar is cotton in the field; And dar is where I fell in love, with my pore Lucy Neal, Oh, lovely Lucy Neal! My pore Lucy Neal And if I had her by my side, How happy I would feel".

The doors were rarely closed. Should one go to prison he was pointed out as an object of greatest disgrace and was shunned and feared by all. But this fact nowise proves that there was no lawlessness. There were some rough and dangerous characters in this section whose reckless escapades and misdemeanors resulted in their tragic deaths or they became fugitives from justice.

Wicked men attempted to break up the campmeetings. One old negro sold liquor for some time around the camps. Many of these foes of Christianity became penitents were converted and became useful members of the church. Others were arrested by officers and tried in civil courts. Some fled the country and many left the grounds. The campers kept guards day and night until this lawlessness was eliminated.

There were forty seven annual campmeetings held on Pisgah's hill. The meetings, the oldest living people remember, were held in a large shelter, located a few yards in front of where the present church stands, facing north and south. At some of the meetings there were more than one hundred tents with two hundred families camping. People came for miles around to attend. The attendance at times was estimated to be from 2,000 to 3,000. The elite of Florence, Alabama, and other places would come. To adequately describe a campmeeting scene baffles my skill.

The camp covered several acres and were arranged in rows forming a square. The campers came generally on Friday and stayed until the following Wednesday, often longer. These meetings were great social events. Young men were very gallant and vied to show ladies attention. At night the camps presented a weird spectacle. Negroes built brush fires behind the tents where they prepared the next days food, kept the babies, and attended the stock. "Keep dat pot biling", some old colored woman would command a young slave, while she lulled her own pickaninny and her "white folk's chillun" to sleep. Other darkies were humming songs. Some were as happy as the white people. The horses were neighing, the oxen mooing and the cocks crowing. The shed was lighted with tallow candles. Penitents filled the straw covered alters. It was nothing to have one hundred conversions at a meeting and as high as two hundred were converted at one campmeeting. Moans, prayers, shrieks and shouts filled the air and reverberated in all directions, making a din that could be heard for a great way off. After repairing to their tents often a "mourner in Zion" found salvation and the shouting would break out afresh. Many friends and kindred would rush to that particular tent to rejoice and in a short while the whole hill would be a mighty shouting host, "hallelujahs", "amens" and "glories" staccatoed from every radius. Or someone would start a familiar song after service and it would be taken up from tent to tent until it welled into a chorus of thunder. The gospel was preached in power and demonstration. It was no rapid dissertation or learned homily, but an earnest, heart-felt, presentation of bare truth. The influence generated was so overwhelming that it was irresistible. Some times the preacher could not finish his sermon because of the cries for mercy and the shouts of praise. Sinners under conviction did not take time to reflect but fell prostrate. Those who lived near enough not to camp, at times on the way home, would stop and sing and pray with some sin-stricken person who could go no farther , until that person was converted. On the road at midnight it was not uncommon to find such groups. That was great revival times. The like has never been seen in this country since. Thousands of souls claim Pisgah as where they found "the pearl of great price". This is a sacred hill held in hallowed memory by scores throughout the four corners of the earth. Many prominent ministers and laymen were converted at this place. The expenses were borne by the campers. It cost quite a number over $100 a meeting to entertain their friends and visitors. The preachers slept in the church house and had featherbeds. In the tents on one side earth was thrown up and covered with straw over which was spread sheets and quilts. People slept on this, which was divided into stalls like a livery stable.

One Saturday evening Reverend John C. BURRUS, while speaking, said: "There will be a corpse here before this time tomorrow". The next day an old lady named GRIFFIN suddenly expired. She had always wanted to live to see all of her family converted. Her youngest child was converted and she said, like Simeon: "Lord, now lettest thou servant depart in peace", and died. She was the second one buried in the graveyard here. This prophecy had a profound impression upon the audience and many were ready to believe the preacher to be a prophet.

Thomas MARTIN, of Pulaski, founder of Martin College, persuaded Andrew BALLENTINE to visit the campmeeting. Mr. BALLENTINE had served four years in the British Army in India and was a successful business man in this County. At the conclusion of the service in his rich brogue, Mr. BALLENTINE said: "Why men, oi niver hoied the loike. Oi got a glimpse of the celestial city as recorded in the Rivelation".

William F. BALLENTINE, a relative of the above, lived near this place and owned a 660 acre tract of fertile land. which now belongs to his heirs and assigns.

Dr. C. N. ORDWAY, a native of Massachusetts, who was raised under the puritanical "Blue Stocking" discipline, came to this County and married a Miss GOODE, the only daughter of a wealthy planter of Elkton. He attended the campmeetings here, and said that he had never seen such, and that it was a Revelation to him.

"Young America" was present in droves, as usually that generation is on large occasions. At the spring, which is on Dr. R. E. AYMETT'S lot, they met and settled their difficulties by fisticuffs hair-pulling, biting and scratching.

Dr. A. L. P. GREEN, a wonderful and magic preacher, participated in these meetings. He was a rare conversationalist of rare charm. He could preach only great sermons. The discourses were long but they were strong and he never had a word to add when he finished. He was also skilled in piscatorical sport and enjoyed angling, being successful in this as he was in preaching.

A great deal of enmity existed in those days between the believers of the Armenian creed and those of the Calvinistic faith and each side slapped at the other at every opportunity. At the campmeetings on Sunday the preacher most adept in polemics was put up. The man selected invariably chose a doctrinal subject and defended his views without glottis. The Methodist had many able men. Among the most famed in these parts was Fountain E. PITTS, who "hit between the eyes". will give an instance or two to show how PITTS handled the subject: One day he said that he could tackle predestination, election and redemption but final perseverance had been a Chinese puzzle until he was converted to its theology.

He had started to a campmeeting, walking, with all he owned in his saddle pockets, when he overtook a man driving a cart with a bull and a steer hitched thereto. He asked the man to let him ride. The man said- "This is a Presbyterian team. If you will take this limb and frail the bull I will take this stick to the steer". PITTS said that they got there by final perseverance, and that that doctrine would do if it tacked on to faith and genuine repentance. Another time he said no one but a red-faced Baptist, a dancing Methodist, and a lying Campbellite, believed in predestination. The last time he was at this place was 1849.

Martin B. WOODS, a camper, was a wealthy planter who lived near Brick Church. He owned a gin which stood near the Presbyterian Church. A large wooden screw with horse-power attached by means of a lever was used to bale cotton. When a bale of cotton was pressed the creaking was deafening. If preaching was going on, for about ten minutes, not a word could be heard and the preacher stood with moving lips. The Church wanted to buy the land but WOODS would not sell a foot. Steps were taken to stop the nuisance and WOODS was indicted for disturbing public worship. He was acquitted. Mr. WOODS had a large family. Among the number were several beautiful daughters.

PISGAH HISTORY
By W. Thomas Carden
September 15, 1904

George W. CASEY was pastor of this church in 1835, with R. WILLIAMS as junior preacher. Dawson PHELPS and Henry P. TURNER followed: Charles B. HARRIS and J. P. STANFIELD, 1837: Jared VAN BUREN and T. P. HOLMAN, 1838: James GAINES and E. C. SLATER, 1839: VAN BUREN was returned in 1840 with William BURR, junior preacher. This year the Holston and Memphis Conferences were set off from the Tennessee. In 1838 this district was called the Pulaski District and changed back to Huntsville District the next year.

Elisha CARR and Cornelius MCGUIRE were here in 1841. Reverend CARR was a Godly man. He was a native of Tennessee. In 1831 he was admitted into Tennessee Conference and was a preacher for thirty five years. He died in Nashville, February 2, 1866. His methods in all matters was unique. He was a missionary to the negroes and was a real reformer among them. His catechism of them was original and often mirth provoking, yet he impressed them effectively. He would ask questions in a blunt way. One time he asked a lady if she was raising her children in the fear of the Lord. The lady was a spinster. He repeated the question to a married woman who had no children, and never took notice of the result. In 1842 Thomas L. YOUNG and I. W. PHILLIPS were on this charge. YOUNG was the son of Thomas YOUNG, a camper at this place. He died while traveling this work. James HENNING and one named ECHOLS came in 1843. Sion RECORD and Albert G. KELLY 1844: L. D. HARWELL and Goldman GREEN, 1845: Mention will be made of Reverend later-well later. Reverend GREEN was a great exhorter. With his remarkable eloquence he played upon the emotions of his hearers, until all were melted into tears. He could shake a multitude as few preachers could. There were twenty four appointments this year with three campmeetings - Salem, Shiloh and Pisgah. There were 200 conversions. The pastors had to preach twenty four times a month, hold class meetings and attend to the other duties of the pastorate.

SMITH W. MOORE and W. H. HUGHES were on this circuit in 1846; W. R. HUSBANDS and George W. LENTZ, 1847; Dawson PHELPS and William R. WARREN, 1848; Loyd Richardson and William M. HARWELL, 1849; A. Jackson GILMORE and Jessie RICE, 1850; J. R. MCCLURE and William BROWN, 1851; the same with James MCCRACKEN, 1852; Loyd Richardson and Samuel D. OSBORN, 1853.

Reverend Elam STEPHENSON was a noted preacher who lived in Giles County many years, near Bee Springs. He was third son of James STEPHENSON, a captain in the Revolutionary War, and was born in Iredell, now Alexander County, North Carolina. He was the first of the family to join the Methodist Church. His parents were Presbyterians. He was licensed to preach in 1813, and came to Tennessee that year, settling near Bee Springs. He attended the second campmeeting at this place and many subsequent meetings. Four of his sons were Methodist preachers. Peter RANDOLPH, a wag of this place for years, said that he had been called to preach seven times, but before he could accept, a STEPHENSON answered the call. James C. STEVENSON was a local preacher, who made a reputation of being a man of power. He was born June 23, 1813. He married Miss Margaret BROWN, a sister of ex-governors Neil S. and John C. BROWN. Eleven children were born of this union. He was licensed to preach September 1838 and was a minister for sixty one years. In 1842 he took the place of Elisha CARR on this charge. In 1843 Thomas L. YOUNG died on this work and Reverend STEVENSON took his place. There were twenty seven or twenty eight appointments. There were over 1,000 conversions on this circuit that year. In 1861 he was on the Elkton Circuit in the stead of Mark WILLIAMS who was made Chaplin of the 3rd Tennessee Infantry. In 1864 he was invited by the Presbyterians at Swan Church, in Lincoln County, to preach for them. He preached for twelve days, and had 120 conversions and fifty accessions. He was an invalid five years and died February 23, 1899, aged 86 years and eight months. His wife died thirteen years and twelve days before he did. Reverend Abner A. STEVENSON lived to be very old and was a Godly man. Reverend Elam A. STEVENSON was a member of the Tennessee Conference several years but he transferred west and died.

Reverend John B. STEVENSON was a member of the Tennessee Conference and helped L. D. HARWELL on this circuit in 1845. He went to the North Alabama Conference and died in 1890.

William BEATY, James DUGGER, Nicholas GRUBBS, John and James McKnight, James DERR, Jessie CREASY, Sam HALL, Richard BLOW, Henry BRIGGS, Robert WILLIAMS. Thomas EVANS, Hartwell and Robert LUCY, Richard MILLER, Dr. G. D. TAYLOR, Lewis and Edward WILLIAMSON, Cornelius MCGUIRE, Thomas MCCRACKEN, William CONNOR, John KENNEDY, Charles C. ABERNATHY, Alexander and Paschal TARPLEY, Adam BELL, and William WEBB, were regular campers here for years. Raleigh BROWN with sons-and daughters were excellent singers. Finis, William ("Good Billy"), Alexander, John, Sallie, Milly, Susan, Prah and Martha, his children, were splendid workers at the campmeetings. Thomas F. BROWN, a one-time useful member of the Tennessee Conference for several years, was the son of "Good Billy" BROWN. Earnest W. BROWN, a member of the same conference at present, is a son of Thomas F. BROWN. Jeff, a son of John BROWN, -was a local preacher in Alabama. Davis BROWN, brother of Raleigh, had two sons who were preachers -Henry, who was an itinerant, and James D. Milton, son of James D. BROWN, belonged to Tennessee Conference a number of years, and was located in the bounds of North Alabama Conference. William Davis BROWN was a member of "Old Jerusalem" for several years and located.

Thomas BATTE, of Elkton, was a camper. He was gifted in prayer and exhortation and worked in the altar. He was the father of Dr. William BATTE and Dr. Summerfield BATTE, who was accidentally killed in Pulaski fifty years ago last April near where the new Methodist Church stands, by the discharge of a pistol in the hands of a careless policeman.

Henry BIRDSONG, son of John H. BIRDSONG, was a local preacher, who died in 1891, aged 71 years. Reverend Meshack BOYCE was another camper. He had two sons preachers, William, who traveled awhile, and Leonidas, who preached awhile.

Thomas, Edward and Lewis MARKS were substantial campers and workers in the campmeetings. Edward MARKS lived to be ninety odd years old and was a member of the church upward of seventy years. He had two sons preachers - Thomas B., a member of the Tennessee Conference and John S., who joined the North Alabama Conference. Thomas B. MARKS was born February 27, 1822. He joined the church October 6, 1840. He was admitted on trial at Huntsville, October 1845, and traveled five circuits and three stations each one year; Middleton Circuit, seven years; Unionville Circuit, five years; Bedford Circuit, five years; Beech Grove, four years; Rich Valley, four years; three years of war, no appointments, eighteen years supernumerary, October 1899, granted superannuated relations, which he held until his death a year or two ago. John S. Marks was a good revivalist. He was superannuated for several years. I think probably he is still alive, but old and feeble. Mrs. Press BUTLER is a sister. Willis MCLAURINE, great grandfather of Honorable Rufus H. MCLAURINE of Pulaski, and Edward BROWN were campers. Joseph YOUNG, and his son, Captain William YOUNG, were campers.

Robert RICHEY was an influential camper. His son, James Harvey, joined the Tennessee Conference and traveled for some time and transferred to Texas.

Robert TINNON, a prominent camper, had two sons preachers - Joseph F., a member of Tennessee Conference, who died in the work, and R. M., a Cumberland Presbyterian. James Franklin TINNON, a present member of the Tennessee Conference, is a son of Joseph Franklin TINNON. He was born August 15, 1853. He joined the church September 13, 1866, and joined the Conference, October 1880.

Nathaniel GRAVES, a camper for years, has a son, William Wallace, in the Tennessee Conference. W. W. GRAVES was born in this county, March 1, 1836. He joined the church in August, 1849. He was admitted on trial in the Conference in October 1860, at Clarksville.

Lewis BROWN, brother of Reverend Aaron BROWN, Sr., lived near Pisgah. He had two sons preachers - Hartwell and Sterling C. HARWELL traveled a few years. His services were greatly in demand. Sterling was a powerful preacher, who had remarkable success. He died in the itenerancy, while a young man. Robert MCLAURINE, William and Thomas WOODWARD, and the SUTTLES and REYNOLDS were campers. A large number of colored people belonged to the Methodist Church in this section, under the campmeeting regime. The name of Bishop R. R. ROBERTS is mentioned among the prominent people converted at this place, by Reverend L. D. HARWELL, in a newspaper account of early times at Pisgah. I think this is a mistake for the following reasons: He was made a Bishop in 1824; and, if he had been converted in the very first meeting, it would have been too short a time for that, for, the first campmeeting here was in 1813. In a sketch by Bishop PAINE the following appears: "Under the ministry of the Methodist traveling preachers, he, and his father's family generally, were converted and joined the church,-. He lived in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, at that time. He came to Tennessee several times and probably was in this section.

Beside the Presiding Elders already mentioned in this narrative are the names of Thomas MADDIN, John B. MCFERRIN (called the Boonerges of Southern Methodism), F. E. PITTS, A. L. P. GREEN, Pleasant B. ROBINSON, R. L. ANDREWS, E. P. HATCHER, A. R. ERWIN. Lorenzo D. OVERALL, R. H. Rivers, Fed G. FERGUSON, Joel WHITTEN, William DOSS, William BURR, and John SHERRILL. In 1854-55 William G. HENSLEY, a well known preacher, served Richland Circuit. William C. HAISLIP was the junior preacher the first year and Joseph J. PITTS the second year.

In 1856 and 57, John SHERRILL was here. George W. ALLEN was with him the first year and Thomas F. BROWN the second year. John SHERRILL was the son of Levi SHERRILL of Bradshaw. He joined the church under Dr. G. D. TAYLOR, in 1829. He joined the Conference 1834, and remained in the traveling connection a number of years, then transferred to one of the Texas Conferences and preached a few years and died in that State.

In 1858, L. D. HARWELL and Charles DUNHAM were here; in 1859 M. G. WILLIAMS and Charles FRANKS; 1860-61, John SHERRILL was returned; 1862-63, Miles Johnson; 1864, John HANNER and W. D. Cherry; 1865-66, John SHERRILL again, the second year a Reverend CLARK assisted; 1867, James M. Locke and A. M. EZELL; 1868, William G. HENSLEY and A. M. EZELL; 1869-70, R. M. HAGGARD; 1871-72-73, John SHERRILL; 1874-75, Jerome B. ANDERSON; 1876, Robinson L. Fagin; 1877-78, John A. MCFERRIN; the present Presiding Elder; 1879, Sterling M. CHERRY; 1880, George S. BYROM; 1881, A. M. EZELL; 1882, George S. BYROM; 1883, J. B. ANDERSON; 1884-85-86-87, R. W. SEAY; 1888-89, G. W. ANDERSON; 1890-91, W. A. TURNER; 1892-93, John G. MOLLOY; 1894-95, J. W. GILBERT; 1896-97-98-99, John H. NICHOLS; 1900-01, J. J. SHAW; 1902, George M. GARDNER, five months; 1902-03, T. A. CARDEN. Some of these dates may be somewhat inaccurate on account of the Conference year being a part of two years; however I think the names and dates are correct as possible. These recent pastors are too well known to give a sketch as such is easily accessible. Reverend S. M. CHERRY was a Chaplain in the 37th Georgia Regiment, Bate's Brigade. He is still an active preacher. John H. NICHOLS is an author of repute. His theological works have gone into several editions and hundreds of thousands copies have been sold. A. M. EZELL is on the supernumerary list. He lives at Sumac, this County. R. M. HAGGARD and Jerome B. ANDERSON are dead. J. J. SHAW transferred to Texas. There has only been two preachers who have stayed the limit. In 1879 this circuit was first called the Pisgah Charge. The three North Alabama Districts were cut off in 1870. Since that date the Conference bounds have been confined to Middle Tennessee.