NOTE: All words have been typed as they appeared in the
Journal.
Decb. 1826
Monday morning Dec. 1826
On this morning about half past eight o’clock, I left Mother’s in company with brother Wm. We traveled on to Pucket’s Ferry on the Saluda River, 8 miles, and there we met with our brother in law, George Nickels. We three went on together to the Rev. John T. Pressly’s that night and stayed with him. The day was somewhat disagreeable. It rained on us from near Ligon store to the river, then some little afterwards. The weather was cold and the wind blew piercing. I rode in the gig most of the day. Expenses were nothing.
Tuesday morning. 9 o’clock. After breckfast, here brother leaves us. He takes the road......................on our journey for Georgia. From the Rev. J. T. Pressly’s we went on to the ferry on little river, I crossed free. From there to Barkesdale’s ferry on Savannah River, crossed there also free. We rode from there on to Washington, Wilks County, Georgia that night, we arrived there about 7 o’clock at night. Put up at Alexander’s tavern, after supper, George and myself went up street to the Presbyterian Meeting-house, where we heard the Rev. Mr. Webster preach. After service we returned to the tavern, and shortly afterwards, some person having let Mr. Webster know that there was a preacher of the Presbyterian order here, he immediately called at the tavern to see me., and invited me home with him all night. Treated here very ....ndly, early the next morning I arose and went up to the tavern and eat breckfast and started. The day was clear and pleasant. I was charged $1.50 Nickels, $1.75 cents. There was a revival of religion commencing here.
3. Wednesday morning we left this in company with a Mr. Smith from E. Tennessee, a Merchant, who had been at Augusta to purchase goods for to supply his store. We went through Lexinging, a handsome little town, and proceeded on that day to a Mr. John Mayne’s, four miles from Athens. Here we were very hospitably received. Had a considerably long conversation on religion. The people was of the Methodist persuasion. I was not charged anything for my night’s lodging. This day was dark, foggy, cold and somewhat missty all day we never saw the sun during the day. We rode about 40 miles.
4. Thursday morning we went through Athens, a town of considerable size, situated on the River. Two miles beyond this we separated with Mr. Smith of Tennessee. He took the right and we the left hand towards Larensville in Guinette county. Passed by Pentecosts, jugtavern, into the hog mountain road and a way into Alen Coleman’s 1 ½ miles below B’s Mill on the Alcovy River. Stayed all night here for nothing. This was another very dark missty and cloudy day, we never saw the sun until near night. We traveled near 57 miles. The land nothing but poor hills and nobs, desolate looking places.
5. Friday morning. Left C’s at sunrise, went in by Elijah Foster’s, we spoke and then went on to Mr. Morrow’s on Yellow River, took breckfast and had our horses fed, charge nothing. 4 miles from here to Laurensville. We went on to Laurensville, a very flourishing little Town, here enquired for John Mills, the Blacksmyth, found him, and after a short conversation, George Nickels and I parted. We went on to find Andrew Hunter in the lower edge of Guinette, and I stopped and took dinner at the Tavern with J. Mills. After dinner, he rode out with me to Stewarts, the Silver Smiths 2 miles from town. Stopped here a short time. Then went on to Mr. Joseph Coney’s 4 miles farther on Yellow River. The place where I was sent by order of presbytery. Here stayed all night. The day was clear and pleasant.
6th. Saturday morning. Stayed at Mr. Coney’s until evening, and then went to his Son’s, J. C.’s and preached that night. And notwithstanding the night was cold and the warning short, there was a considerable number assembled. I stayed at young Jos. Coney’s.
7. Sabbath. This day preached to a large and respectable assemblage. The people appeared to pay good attention to sermon. I went this night to Mr. John Weed’s, about one mile from Mr. C’s.
8. Monday. This morning I took my leave of these people and went on to Mr. Stewart’s, the silver smith’s, and took dinner and had my horse fed. I then went on to Laurensville and preached by candle light in the academy, the house was crowded with hearers and we had good order. In the village there are a male and female teacher, a Mr. Wilson, a Presbyterian clergiman, and a Miss Farrow are the proprietors.
Presbyterianism flourishes considerably here. The greatest number, and also the most intelligent and respectable citizens are professors of one church or other. There are also a great number of Methodists and some Baptists.
9. Tuesday. After breckfast, expenses nothing, I went down to Covington county seat in Newton. Put up with a Baptist clergyman, Mr. Hand, Thomas J. Hand. Preached in the courthouse, there was not a very great collection. There is an academy here taught by the Rev. Mr. Hand. There are a great number of professors but mostly of the Methodist order. My expenses were nothing here. Mrs. Hand’s maiden name was Arrington, formerly an attendant on Mr. Loury’s ministry near Louisville.
10th Wednesday. I left Covington going a west direction, crossed Yellow River at Briant’s bridge 3 miles from C. and there to the snapping sholes on South River 7 miles to Mr. George McGill’s. These sholes is the end of navigation. I stayed at Mr. McGill’s this night and next day till 3 o’clock. The people here are indeed a very kind people.
The land here is tollerable good, and is selling from two to 5 dollars an acre. On this river at these sholes there is a great trap fishery for catching shad.
11.Thursday. I came up this evening to Mr. Russel’s Tavern in McDonough County
seat of Henry, enquired for Doctor Stokes, but he had gone out of town and was not to
be in until the next day. The finishing.
12. Friday. I stayed at the tavern until after breckfast, then was conducted by Mr. RusselovertoStokes’s boarding house but he was not at home, and I stayed there until about 12 o’clock at which time he came home. I took dinner and supper here with Stokes’ and after night preached to a very small number of people. I stayed all night with Dr. Stokes. Paid nothing for my dinner and supper at Stokes’ boarding house, nor at the Russel’s tavern.
13. Saturday. This morning I saw Mercer Babb. I started before breckfast and came down to Mr. George McDill’s, preached to but a small collection of people. The place of preaching was a small distance from McDill’s gate at a stand.
14. Sabbath. This day was clear and nice. A vas concourse of people assembled. I preached two sermons to them, they behaved really well, went after dinner to James Gastons one mile off.
15. Monday. It rained near all night, and after breckfast this morning, then broke off. The good people gave me nine dollars and a quarter for my labours among them. Thomas McDill, and James Gaston came with me about 15 miles. Came through a very poor part of the country part of the way, a very rich one the other. Came on by where Wm Rodgers lives, and the Hollingsworths. The country about them is very hilly not so very rich, but from them up to near Decator, is really good. I came on to Decator the distance of about 42 miles. There found Doc. Calhoun the first man. Put up at William’s tavern, eat supper, and C. and myself went up to Mr. Lemmon’s, a member of Mr. Kirkpatrick’s church. I preached to a house crowded full and the doors also full. The people behaved well. After sermon I returned to Mr. Lemmon’s, stayed all night. Saw James Stokes. Charged nothing for either my horse or self.
16. Tuesday. I left Decator in company with a young man, a mechanic, formerly from Virginia, he came with me 10 miles. I this day came through a vast tract of good country on to the Chattahoochee. Traveled a north and northeast direction all day. Crossed the Chattahoochy into the Cherokee Nation at Rodger’s ferry and stayed with him all night. He was a good old Methodist and charged me nothing for a nights lodging and breckfast next morning. This, his ferry and dwelling, are about 13 miles from Laurensville, Guinette County.
17. Wednesday. This is a fair and clear day. I took a new blazed way from this into the Alabama road one mile and a half of Blackburns on the old federal road, and after going along the Alabama road ½ mile, took a little road and crossed the Hightower River and went in the Tennessee road, about 27 miles from Rodger’s. In this part of the road there is some of the very best of land. I saw no house but one from the time I left Rodger’s till I came on the Alabama Road. I went to judge Daniel’s this night. The whole distance 42 miles.
18th Thursday. Paid 75 cents for my night’s lodging. This morning my horse is foundered, and has been very sick the overnight, and has beat himself very much. Traveled alone this day to judge Morton’s, a large white house, the entertainment good. Paid 87 ½ for lodging and turnpikeage. This was a very wet day until after 12 o’clock. It then cleared off cold. 30 miles traveled. This is mountainous country.
19. Friday. I left Martin’s with a sorrowful heart. My horse was so bad foundered that he could scarcely walk. I came on to Van’s 15 miles, took breckfast, and had my horse fed, and paid 37 ½ cents. This is a splendid brick building and well finished off, outside and inside. Came on this night to the widow Wolf’s, a half breed, was well used. Whole distance traveled this day 28 miles.
20. Saturday. I paid this morning 75 cents for my supper and horse the over night. Then came on to Mr. Taylor’s 12 miles, took breckfast and had my horse fed, paid 37 ½ cents. In comeing here I turned off the main road about a half a mile back. These people are half breeds, or rather more so. They are remarkably friendly and sociable, much more so than I have yet seen. This river I cross here so many times is called the Sickamoga. The country is hilly and poor except on the watercourse. Here it is rich. Paid here 37 ½ cents for my horse fee and breckfast. Then I came on to Coody’s 7 miles, stopped and stayed all night. These appear to be very clever decent people. I truly am this night tired and nearly worn out. I feel considerably depressed in spirits. O the fortitude, perseverance, and resignation that a missionary of the cross of Christ needs. Had not God given them many great and exceeding precious promises for to rely on they would certainly shrink back from the undertaking. O the difficulties and hardships, to which they are exposed. My heart truly feels sorrowful and greatly discouraged, but O that the Lord may strengthen me, and incourage me in his work. Paid for the night 75 cents.
21. This morning paid 75 cents, my horse is very lame, can scarcely walk. I came on two and one half miles to Brainard, the missionary station, and put up here for the Sabbath. Found here the Rev. Mr. Worcester and his wife, he however was not at home, and Mr. Ellsworth and his lady, he is the principle teacher of the boys and his lady is chief cook. Miss Sawyer is the principle among the girls. Mr. Veil and his lady attend to domestic affairs. Mr. Funnel a blacksmith. Mr. Blunt and his cooks. I stayed and preached once on the Sabbath.
22. Monday. My horse is very little better. This day I visited all the different rooms and classes, heard them recite, and lectured a short time to them, and sang and prayed with them and then left them. This night it snowed and your other missionary came in and they would have me to preach again to their other students. I conformed to their request.
23. Tuesday. I stayed this day until one o’clock, and then left this and went to one Mr. Ross’s, a white man, living at the lookout mountain. This day was cold and disagreeable. Ross lives 7 miles from the Missionary station. One of his black family having died, he requested of me the favor of delaying on the next day and speaking a word for them. I believing that the rest would be for my horses good, consented to do so. I paid for my boarding and care of my horse 2 dollars during Sabbath and Monday and part of Tuesday.
25. Wednesday. This morning is one of the coldest I have as yet experienced. As soon as breckfast was over and the coffin was finished I commenced preaching. I gave a short discourse from these words, Job. 14, Ch. 1st V. “Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.” There were several full blooded Indians, some half breeds and a number of blacks, they conducted just tollerably well. The old man Ross very ardently insisted that I should stay with him that day and night, as it was so extremely cold. I could not however, but started on my way a little after twelve o’clock. I was charged nothing for myself and horse. This was one of the coldest days I ever felt. I really thought my fortune hard, but when thinking of my dear Redeemer’s difficulties, and his aples. and followers troubles to preach the gospel I then was perfectly easy and satisfied. Paid five cents tole gait. This night I traveled late after the big star was down, and never was so cold before. I came on to the Tennessee River and there stayed. Here there was a company of wicked hog-drovers. This is Vann’s establishment.
26. Thursday. I paid one dollar for my night’s lodging and passage over the Tennessee River. I then came on to Jasper C. H. 5 miles and took breckfast at Russel’s tavern, paid 50 cents, and then came on to the top of Cumberland Mnt. and stayed at one Gibson’s, an indifferent house of entertainment. This day I never saw the like of pigeons. At the foot of Cumb. Mt. there is a tole gait at which I paid seven pence.
27. Friday. I paid 62 ½ cents my mornings bill for supper, bed and horse feed. Then came on through Winchester one mile and put up at one, Mr. Benj. Dechard’s, one of the Cumberland Presbyterians, and he is a very kind man indeed. I went with him to society this night in town and there found a very pious and feeling and apparently living set of Christians. I spoke to them a short time and prayed with them. We had an interesting meeting, then came home. And Mr. Deckard, knowing that I did wish to hire a horse, offered me his large mule to ride down to the people of Lyncoln County. I thanked him and gladly accepted his offer. I paid nothing for the night etc.
28. Saturday. After breckfast I left here humbly riding upon a mule, yet joyful that I was so highly favored, I came on down to Fayetteville, there came in with Hugh Parkinson, an elder of Elk River congregation and he conducted me to old Mr. Taylor’s an elder of the same, where we stayed all night. Here is the place assigned by Presbytery to me to visit. From about 11 miles above Fayetteville the good land commences, and continues along down here. This resembles Old Kentucky.
29. Sabbath. This is a very cold windy and snowy day. I went to the meeting house preached to a considerable congregation, never scarcely suffered so much with cold in my life, after sermon, came home to Mr. Taylor’s.
Monday. This is certainly the most bitter cold weather that ever I felt in all my travels. I stayed all day here, had several visitors and spent the night.
30. Tuesday. The weather this day moderates a little. I had the good fortune to get young Mr. Hamilton to undertake to go with the mule back and to bring down my horse. Stayed all day here again.
31. Wednesday. This is fast day. We attended church and after sermon I went home with Mr. Johnothan Anderson and stayed with him this night
32. Thursday. This day Mr. Kidd came over for me and I went and spent this day and night with him.
33. Friday. I went home with Mr. Eli Tailor and spent this day and night.
34. Saturday. 6th Jan. 1827. I went over Elk River to Mr. Brown Parkinson’s.
7th. Sabbath. This day I spoke to a respectable little society. I stayed all night here again and had the tooth ache badly. I got little or no sleep this night with it.
8. Mon. Mr. Park and I went and got my tooth drawn out. And this day went over to his brother in law’s Mr. Bingham’s and stayed all night.
9. Jan. Tues. We went home to his house and then down to his brother’s, Hugh, Pr. and stayed there that night.
10. Jan. Wednesday. I stayed and studied here.
11. Jan. Thurs. Mr. P. and I went down to old Mr. Leghorn’s and over some land close by in that settlement. I came back home to his house that night.
12. Jan. Fri. This day studied until evenight and then went over to Stewart’s and Cochern’s and stayed there all night.
13. Jan. Sat. Several of us went over the river. I stayed at old Mr. Taylor’s.
14. Jan. Sab. We attended sermon, at Bethel, and I returned after sermon by old Mr. Tailor’s, eat dinner, and went over to Anderson’s and stayed all night.
15. Jan. Mon. This morning Mr. Kidd and myself went up to the people of Head Spring and stayed all night at McAdam’s.
16. Jan. Tues. We had sermon here at this place today, and then on to Mr. Carpenter’s and tarried all night there. O but it is cold weather.
17. Jan. Wed. This day we start for Maury County. And landed at old Mr. Scott’s. We tarried all night with him.
18. Jan. Thurs. We went on to Mr. Wm. Galloway’s and not finding the Preacher there we went on the tailors, where I got my coat mended and paid 37 ½ , and then came back to Wm. Galloway’s, found the preacher, and tarried all night here.
19. Jan. Frid. We stayed with Mr. Galloway until after dinner, and then we went over to Mr. Matthew’s esq. Stayed there this night.
20. Jan. Sat. We went in company with Mr. Harris about 6. Then went on by ourselves down about 6 or 7 miles farther to old Mr. Heart’s a member of Union congregation in Maury County, we stayed all night with him.
21. Jan. Sab. We attended sermon at Union. There was but a small collection of people out on this occasion. We went this evening to Mr. Faries’.
22. Mon. We came up to old Mr. Scott’s, and had sermon at his house. There I found my cousin James Bryson and I went with him this evening.
23. Tuesday. Mr. Kidd and Wm. Hamilton and I came on this day up to Mr. Carpenter’s on the Ridge between Elk and Duck Rivers, there we met with the Rev. Mr. Galloway and J. Anderson.
24. Wednesday. We went to Head Spring and G. and myself spoke to the people. I stayed at Mr. McClain’s. Rec’d 3 ¼ Dollars.
25. Thurs. This day we came on down to Mr. Anderson’s, and took a small rout over some land. Here we saw some of as good land as I would wish to see.
26. Friday. Anderson and Myself went to visit old Mr. Hughs, who was supposed to be lying on his death bed. He is a man well acquainted with the scriptures, and apparently a very pious man. I spent truly an agreeable day with him. This evening I went to old Mr. Taylor’s.
27. Jan. Sat. After dinner Henry Taylor and myself went over Elk river to Mr. Cockern’s. I stayed with him this night.
28. Sab. We attended preaching at Mr. Brown Parkinson’s. There was a very large and respectful assembly here this day. I tarried here all night.
29. Mond. Several of the congregation assembled in to see me start on my mission. I left Mr. B. Parkinson’s about 9 o’clock. Parkinson went with me to the Alabama line joined with the Tennessee. This day I went through a tract of rich, rich country. Passed through Hazelgreen and Huntsville, nice little towns and came on to one Mr. Turner where I paid him 87 ½ cents for my nights lodging. 33 miles.
30. Tues. This morning I rode on to Ditto’s landing on Tennessee River. There put up at Dr. Wily’s and at 12 o’clock preached to almost the empty walls. There are a great number of people here in this little town but they are a most desperately wicked, disapated people. I had a thought of spending the day with the people of that place, but when I found that even when there was sermon at their doors, they would not come to it, stood without talking and swearing, I thought it was high time for me to be traveling, therefore I put off as soon as sermon was over and I got my dinner. Dr Wily paid my ferriage over the river. O the wickedness of man. I went this evening to a Mr. Cay’s on Cumberland Mt. 8 miles from the river. 3 miles to Dr. Wily’s, 8 to Cay’s. Total 11.
31. Wed. I traveled part of this day in the edge of the Cherokee Nation. I took breckfast and had my horse fed at one Mr. Henderson’s, and paid him 50 cts. and came on this night to Blountsville, preached there to a small society of well behaved people. Paid nothing for my night’s lodging. 40 miles.
1. Feb. Thurs. I left this village and crossed Big and Little Black Warrior Rivers and took breckfast at the widow Hamby’s and paid her 50 cts. and came on in to Ione’s Valley to one Mr. George Nash’s. 38 miles.
2. Feb. Paid 75. This morning, having heard of John Crawford who was living about one mile off the road, I concluded that I must go and see him. I went to his father in laws old Mr. Irwin’s, and took breckfast, and then went down to Crawford’s. After this I came on to Mr. Alexander English’s son’s house about 14 miles from where I stayed all night. He is a Ceceder.
3. Sat. I came home with the old man English and stayed until Sab. Morning. 3 mile.
4. Sab. His family and I went to sermon at Elyton. There was a large assembly, and conducted well. I went home with Joseph Hodges. I received nothing for my services. 12 miles.
5. Mon. I stayed this day with Mr. Hodges.
6. Tues. I left T. Hodges to go to Coosy Valley. But Cahaba River being between me and it, and the River being raised by rain so as I could not ford it, I concluded that I would head it, and did so. I traveled this day up Ione’s Valley up to near the head, to one McAdams. I stayed at a place called the Big Spring. It rained on me all day. This night I stripped off and dried my clothes and things in my saddle bags.
7. Paid 62 ½ . This was a rainy dark morning. I hated much to start out in the rain, but had to do so. I found by enquiry that there was a creek which would swim my horse a short distance from this place, and therefore my passage, the roadway into the Cahaba Valley, was not passable. I enquired if there was no way of wading the creek. The reply was, that there was none without going part of the way through the woods. I was afraid to try it my lone and endeavored to hire the old man to go with me but as it was raining so hard he would not. I then resolved to try it my lone. There was a little path way for about 4 miles, then for 5 or 6 miles there was not. I concluded that I could steer the course right, but got lost and wandered about up and down through the mountains for the greater part of the day. In the evening, however, I got out into the Cahaba Valley to one Watson’s, and there stayed all night. I was wet through all my clothing, cloke, coat, jacket and shirt. A wonderful day’s rain indeed.
This day I saw a great many deer skipping about over the hills.
8th.Th. This morning is fair. I stayed until after breckfast, and was charged nothing. The man was so kind as to take his horse and put me into the trail which crossed over the mountains into the Coosy Valley. The distance was only about 12 or 15 miles. I got along tollerably well this day. I landed at tailor Lockridge’s this night in Coosy V.
9th. F. After breckfast I started down the valley to Wm. Flemming’s and when attempting to swim my horse across Kelley’s Creek, I had like to have gotten my horse drowned. However we both preserved. I came on to Wm. Flemming’s this night.
10th. Sat. I stayed here all day and this night.
11th. Sab. This day we had sermon at Wm. F’s. There was a considerable collection of people for such a thinly settled place. The people conducted with becoming respect. This night I stayed also here.
12th. Mon. After dinner I went over to Hugh Wiseman’s and stayed there this night. H. W. lives about a quarter of a mile off Wm. F’s.
13th. Tues. I left here and came down the V. to John N’s and stayed with him this night.
14th. W. This morning I left John N’s and went up to Robert N’s, stayed a short time, and then went on by John Strain’s and from that down to John W.’s. I tarried here this night.
15th. Th. I stayed here from this till Monday morning all except one night I went over to stay with Mr. Elliott, Wiseman’s son-in-law.
19th. M. This day I came on down to John Seely’s and here spent the night 5 miles below Willson Hill.
20th. Tu. This day I turned into the Cahaba river and went into the falls of it at a little town called Centerville, and went on 5 miles below this on the river and stayed at cousin Jonathan Potts.
21. W. This day I rested and preached here at night.
22. Th. I came on down the river to old Town, and then took the ridge road to Selma, and stayed this night at a Baptist friend’s house, 8 miles from Selma.
23. Fri. Having made some enquiry for the peoples name that I was sent to, came on to one of them by the name of Craig, esq. Here I stayed this day out and Saturday.
24th. Sat. During this day I stayed at esq. James Craig’s and studied over some things for sabbath.
25th. Sab. We attended church and there were but few considering the day and the thickness of the settlement of the country. One woman fainted during the second prayer. The Rev. Alexander came this afternoon to attend a Bible class at this place. We then appointed sermon at Craig’s after night. There were a considerable number attended this evening. I, in the first place gave them a short sermon, and then A. gave them an exhortation. Nothing for my labours.
26th. Mon. I stayed here until after dinner, and then went in company with some of Mr. Craig’s family to the other side of Cahaba River to one Mrs. Johnston’s, where I had appointed to preach on Tuesday.
27th. Tu. On this day there were a considerable number who attended at this place. The people were in appearance very much pleased, and would have me to stay another sabbath with them. I considered and did so.
28th. W. I went up into Perry county, and stayed with one esq. Thomas Craig’s. From Johnston’s nearly up here there are large prairies the distance of 16 miles.
March 1st. Thur. This was a most tremendous day of thunder and rain. And consequently I stayed here another night and day.
2nd. Fri. By appointment we had sermon up here in 1 ½ miles of Craig’s. There were but few out here this day. I went home with James Johnston and preached at his house by candle light, there were but few here also.
3rd. Sat. His family and I came down this evening to David Chesnut’s in the settlement where I preached on Tuesday last.
4th. Sab. We all came up to Mrs. Johnston’s. Here were collected a considerable congregation, and appeared much affected with the subject. I went home this evening with Col. and Dr. Johnston, a distance of about 15 miles.
5th. Mon. This morning in company with the Rev. Alexander I started for the people of Covington County, came on and crossed Alabama River one mile above Portland. And then crossed pine barren Creek, on the tole bridge. 12 ½ cents, and came on and stayed all night at a good old Methodist brother who only charged us 75 cts. for our supper and horse feed, etc.
6th. Tues. We came on this morning to Widow Bonner’s for breckfast 11 miles. Then we shortly separated and I went on to one Mag. Bovey’s a formerly of Abbeville District South Carolina. I was well treated and charged nothing, living 2 miles from Belleville.
7th. Wed. This day I came on to one Bab’s store, here stopped and took dinner, was charged nothing, and then came on to MacFarlin’s an elder in the Presbyterian church. Day travel from Bovey’s to Murder Creek, 10 miles. And 7 to Bab and 14 to McFarlin’s.
8th. Th. After breckfast I came over ......... and came on to Mr. Mitchell’s, the place appointed by synod, and stayed here this day and night.
9th. Fri. William Mitchell this morning went over to Josiah Bradley’s and from that to Matthew B’s where I stayed this night.
10th. Sat. I remained here until the breckfast was over and then went over to the Widow Bradley’s, took dinner, stayed until evening, and then returned to Matthew Bradley’s again this evening.
11th. Sab. This day was cloudy and very warm. I came to Mr. Mitchell’s, the place intended for sermon to be at, found a small, but quite a respectable assembly of people. We had a quite pleasant day’s meeting. I stayed here this night.
12th. M. This day I stayed with Mr. Mitchell’s family and attended to my studies until evening, then went over to the Widow bradley’s and then spent the evening and night.
13th. T. After breckfast we came over to Matthew Bradley’s and about 12 o’clock, word came that Mr. Mitchell had returned from Pensecola, we then went over to see him and spent this night there.
14th. W. The male members met here this morning to see what they wanted, as to their church affairs, and after some time’s conversation they requested some time to reflect on the subject, then asked me to return in a short period, and then they would have made up their mind on the subject. After this I left them and went on to one Mr. Rab’s, and stayed all night.
15th. Th. After breckfast I came in company with Mr........ up to Mrs. Bonner’s in Wilcox County. 25 miles.
16th. Fri. I left here after breckfast, and came on this day up to Mr. Joseph Jones’s esq., son in law to Widow Bonner. Here I passed this night.
17th. Sat. I remained here this day and night also.
18th. Sab. We had sermon at Robert Jones’s this day after which I returned to Joseph Jones’s.
19th. Mon. I went over to Robert Jones’s and tarried with him this day.
20th. Tues. We went out to see some of the country, and after surveying some of the Pine Barren land we returned and stayed all night here again.
21st. W. Mr. Jones and I went down to James Bonner’s and here in company with Samuel Bonner, James, we took a survey of the land here. I stayed with James Bonner this night.
22nd. Th. After breckfast I left this, crossed Pine Barren river at Christian’s Ford, and went on to Dr. James W. Glenn’s about 8 miles from the river. I found Glenn the same old thing yet as formerly.
23. Fri. This morning I went up to Portland a small town 3 miles from Glenn’s on the Alabama River. Then returned to Jones’s esq. 25 miles from this Joseph Jones’s.
Sat. 24. I tarried all day here and made some preparation for the sabbath.
25. Sab. We had sermon at Robert Jones’s. There were a considerable collection of people at this place.
26th. M. I came down in company with the widow Bonner and her son Wm’s family to her house, and there stayed this night.
27th. Tu. This morning I start for the people of Covington again. I went into the old federal road 3 miles from here and went down it to ...... 2 miles, went in by ....... mills , and machine and stayed at Rab’s.
28th. W. I came on to McFarlin’s one mile from Jones’ ferry on the Sepulga River. Visited his son in law’s.
29th. Th. I came over the river and came on to D. Mitchell’s.
30. F. I went this day to Josiah Bradley’s, stayed here this day and night.
31. Sat. I stayed here this day and night.
April 1st. Sab. We attended preaching at D. Mitchell’s only a few collected.
2nd. M. I left here and started for Tallahassa. I went 8 miles to the falls of Conega River, called Montazuma and here took the left hand going on east and noreast course 16 miles to Fagan’s. 7 miles beyond this I took a little narrow path and went on to old Mr. Coon’s, was charged nothing.
3. Tu. I came on to P. River 8 miles, here I had to stay all day, because I could not get over. Mr. Linsey harged me 50 cents, for my horse, supper and ferriage.
4. W. This day I came through a vastly poor country, came into the old 3 notch road and stopped at 2 o’clock at Clay bank, and preached this evening to a small company of people. Was charged 50 cents.
5. Thu. I came on to old Mr. Windham’s, ...took breckfast, was charged nothing. Then went on and crossed the Chatahoochy at ..... paid 6 ¼ cents and came on to old Mr. Miller’s, a heard’sman, and a very indifferent place in every respect, he made me pay him 75 cents.
6. Friday. I came on down the Chatahoochy, took breckfast at one Mr. Pines, charged me 50 cents. I came on down to Brown’s and stayed all night and paid nothing.
7. Sat. I crossed the Chatahoochy and came on through a poor country and crossed spring creek, charged 12½ cents, came on to Flint River charged nothing. And stayed at another Brown’s.
8. Sab. I came over to Mr. Donalson’s but he was not home. I then went over to Mr. Young’s, his nephue and stayed there, there being no opportunity of preaching.
9. Mon. Mr. Young came over with me to Mr. Donalson’s, where I stayed this day and night. This is truly a rich and fertile part of the country. The land is a mixture, parts of it pine and other oak land. The country is high and dry, and some what broken. I suppose very healthy.
10th. Tu. I came over to Mr. John Bouie’s, a scotchman, and here stayed until Saturday.
11th. 12th. 13th. 14th. Sat. this day I preached here to a small congregation.
15th. Sab. I went to David Bouie’s and preached to a considerable congregation.
16th. Mon. In company with Mr. Little, I went through a very handsome section of the country along by Quincy, their county seat across Little River and to his house.
17th. T. After breckfast I started for Tallahassa, arrived there a short time after 1 o’clock, put up at Camron’s tavern, and preached for these people at night. This is a handsome part of the country in which the town is situated, rich and fertile land lies all around it, in every direction. The town is as yet small, but increasing very fast. The people of this place who are anything are mostly Methodist. However there are not many who care much about religion of any kind. The people here are a mixed multitude from the different states in the union. Twelve miles from this, back along the road I came to the notable Lake Jackson, the largest sheet of water I ever as yet have seen. It is 40 or 50 miles round it. There are vast quantities of fish in it.
18. W. I left here very early this morning in order to attend upon an appointment made at the Little’s. The distance being 17 miles from here, there. This distance was accomplished in good time. But few people assembled. After sermon, I went to get my horse to go to Dr. Nickolson, and lo! he was stiff foundered. My feelings at this time were indescribable. My horse was so desperately bad, it did not appear as if he could possibly live, and I so far from home away in E. Florida. However I immediately set about doctoring him, and worked this evening and next morning until after breckfast.
Th. 19th. But having an appointment on Friday about 25 miles above, I started on foot this day (Thursday) to get there on tomorrow by the time for service, and did so with all care. I scarcely ever expected to see my horse alive, but thanks be to Him who rules in heaven and on earth, and does all things well, my horse was spared with me.. I went up to Wm. Donalson’s and stayed all night. And next day, got up to Widow Donalson’s in good time.
20th Fri. There were but few people out here this day. After sermon I came down to Young’s, a son in law of Widow Donalson’s.
21. Sat. I came over to Wm. D’s a short distance form the church and here stayed during the day.
22. Sab. This was a very wet day. The congregation was but small, but larger than what had been expected owing to the unfavorableness of the day. I came back to Wm. D’s this night again.
23. M. In company with Mr. Little, I went down to John Bouie’s, where I stayed until Friday, and being much distressed with the toothake, I went down to Dr. Nicholson’s, where he relieved me by putting some oil of vitreel in it. I stayed here this night.
28. Sat. After breckfast I came back to John B’s and here stayed until Sab.
29. Sab. We attended at Concord church. There was a large and respectable congregation here and apparently heared as if they wished to be benefited. After sermon I came on to Wm. D’s.
30. This evening I went over to John Cray’s, a Methodist, his mother was formerly of Mr. Rodger’s church, Fairfield. These appear to be good people.
1 - 2 May. Tue. I came over to Wm. D’s and stayed until Thursday.
3 - 4 Th. Fr. I tarried at Daniel Bouie’s. This family consists of husband and wife and 2 slaves, a very decent family.
5. Sat. I went over to Mr. Loves and stayed there this day. This is about half a mile from B’s.
6. Sab. We attended sermon at D. Bouies. There was a considerable congregation out this day, and the people appeared to be very much affected under the discourse. This night I went home with Mr. Canida, who lives in the Georgia side of the line.
7. M. This day I went on and crossed Flint river, and spring creek, and the Chattahoocy to Mr. Brown’s, who lives on the Indian reserve, where I had an appointment to preach. There was a considerable number of people for the thinly settled part of the country. Among whom was Gen. Clark of Georgia, Dr. Jones of Chippoli, West Florida, who were travelers.
8. Tu. I started this morning for the people of Cov. Cou. Ala. But having gone only 15 miles I was hailed by one McDonol who lives on the road, and was almost compelled to spend the day and preach for them in the evening. I consented and did so. And there was a considerable assembly collected. These people were all Methodists. The man that stopped me was himself a preacher among them and his son, and one of his brothers, and the Circuit rider, for preachers of them, and myself made the 8th. After sermon I went home with the same man again and stayed until morning.
9. This day I came on up to one Miller’s and stopped and got my horse fed, and paid 25 cents. And came on by Henry Court house, and on to the Block house on Choctahatchey River, and stayed all night, and was charged nothing.
10. Th. I came on this morning into the settlement where I preached going down at Clay Bank River, and took breckfast, and had my horse fed and paid 50 cents. And then came on to the settlement of the coon’s on P. River. There stayed all night, paid only for my horse feed 25 cents.
11. Fri. This day I came on to one Fag---- took breckfast and paid 50 cents, and then came on to Mr. Josiah Bradley’s. And I stayed in this settlement until next Thursday, and preached to them on the Sabbath.
17. Th. This day I went over the Sepulgas R. to Mr. McFarlan’s and stayed all night.
18. Fri. I went on this day through the village of Sparta, and on to Mag. Bouie’s formerly of Abbeville, and stayed with them this night.
19. Sat. I went on to Ft. Claiborn on the Alabama River where I spent the sabbath.
20. Sab. We had large assemblies on Saturday night, and on sabbath day and night too.
21. Mon. I came up to the Widow Bonner’s.
22. I went up into the Jones’ settlement and stayed here two sabbath days, until the 4th of June.
June Tu. 5. This day I left Sam Bonner’s and came on to Col. Johnston’s on the west side of the Ala. River where I stayed until 12th of June. We had sermon at his house on Sat., and at Liberty on Sab. A meeting house in this settlement.
12th. Tu. I came up to Mr. Chesnut’s, and stayed with him this night.
W. I came over to the Widow Johnston’s, and stayed there until Sat. morning.
Sat. 16.
From Floriday Congregation to Flint River, Lamberts, thence to Spring Creek, Shepherds Ferry, thence to Mrs. Fairchilds - 33 miles, 1 good.
Cross Chattahoochy at Browns Ferry, thence to Wood’s Store - 20 miles midling fare.
½ a mile from the store take the left hand to Henry Old Court House - 33 indifferent
to Dick’s Ferry on Choctahatchy - 7, stop at Wm. Turner’s, good
to Mr. John Kinimy at Clay Bank Creek - 14 tollerable
to Peerman’s Ferry on Pea River - 32. Stop at Samuel Peerman’s (tollerable)
to Edmund Wiggins, Covington County - 14, thence to Mountazuma Seat of Justice - 18
to the Bradley Settlements - 8 Mr. David Mitchell
to Ionespes Ferry Sepulga River, thence to Wm. Rabbs in all - 19 miles good usage
to Niel McLanins a Presbeterian - 15
to Master Sawyers thence to Hudsons Mill
to Sollomon Sprawls - 32 tollerable
thence to James Bonners Esq. - 9 also Reformed
thence Smiths Bridge on Pine Baren Creek to Portland on Alabama River to Col. Johnstons 30 Elder of Apse. Refmd. Church.
Thence to Wm. Johnstons - 16 miles
to Mr. Thos. Craigs Perry County - 25 Elder of Apse. Reformed
to Greensborough - 14
thence to Tuscaloosa - 44 miles
Cross Black Warrior River and then take the turn pike or Boilers Road.
To Russelsville in Russels Valley 110 miles to Squire Hamiltons Member of the Apse. Reformed Church 9 miles
thence to Browns Ferry on Tennessee River 40 Miles (Horse Boat)
thence to Athens Seat of Justice Limestone County 12 miles
Keep the Fayetteville Road 30 Miles then Enquire for Squire Parkersons Elder of Rev.
Mr. Browns thence to Rev. Mr. Galloways Congregation Murry County
thence to Centerville Hickman County 30 Miles on the Direction of the Western District to James McNeelys 20 M. Good fare
thence to Reynoldsberg on Tennessee River - 28 Good fare. Cross the River at Mr. Williams horse Boat
thence to Henry County Major Porters 27 M
thence to Parris – 11 M.
thence to Dressden in Weekly County – 25 M.
to Mr. Nevel Linseys Obion County - 14 M. tollerable
thence to Mr. James Harpers - 14 Miles of the Apse. Refmd.
(Thus ends the available recorded portion of the Journal)
02/10/2007