Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1845-04-16
An lnterresting Narrative

An Interesting Narrative
Many of our readers have doubtless read the little
narrative below; but such, will pardon the
republication for the sake OF those whom the story
may be entirely Ifs to be hoped that the reccol.
lection of these instances of hardship, and the hyhon-
ed, yet calm and manly courage with which they were
encountered and overcome, may the double pur-
pose of Christening repining at " at call 'ard
times" and of leading us, to a mode OF action in our
much Wanted reforms" more elevated; maniiesting
less the excitement of impulse, and more the guidance
of reason Ed. Sentinel.
SOUR story will carry The reader back little
more than fifty years, when all north Of tine Ohio
river was an almost unbroken widerness-the
mysterious red mars home. On the other side
bold and hardy band from beyond the mountains,
had built their log cabins, and were wing to re-
claim the wilderness.
To them every hour was full Of peril. The
Indians would often cross the river. steal their chill
dren and horses, and kill and scalp any victim
with weapons al their side !; and on the Sabbath
met in the grove, or the rude log church to hear
the word of God, with their rifles in their hands.
TO preach to these settlers, Mr. Joseph Smith,
Presbyterian Minister, had left his parental home
east OF the mountains. He it was said, was the
second minister who had crossed the Monongahe-
sylvania and became the Pastor of the Cross
Creek and upper Buffalo Congregations, dividing
his time between them. He found them wiling
and united people but still unable to pay larry
which would support his family. He, in common
with all the eally ministers, must cultivate farm.
He purchased one on credit proposing to pay for
it with the salary pledged TO him by his people.
Years passed away. The pastor was unpaid.
t.t,to in
was abundant, but there was no market. II could
not be sold for more than twelve and half cents
in cash. Even their salt had to be brought across
the mountains, on pack horses-was worth So
per bushel, and 81 bushels of wheat was often
given for one ofsalt.
The time came when the last payment must be
made, and Mr. Smith was told he must pay or
leave the farm. Three years salary was now due
from this people.
For the want of this, his land, his improvements
upon il, and his hopes Of remaining among below
ed people, must be abandoned. The people
were called together. and the laid before them.
They were greatly moved. Counsel from on high
was sought. Plan after plan, was proposed and
abandoned. The congregation were unable to
pay the 1.-THE of their debts, and no money could
be borrowed.
following week. In the meantime, it was ascer-
tanned that Mr. Moor, who owned The only mill
in the country, would grind wheat for them on very
moderate Terms. At the next meeting it re-
solved to carry their wheat to Mr. Moore's MILL
Some of them gave fifty bushels, some more.--
This was carried from fifteen to twenty miles on
horses to the mill.
In month word came that the -four was ready
to 60 to the market. Again the people were CALI
ed together; after an earnest prayer the question
was asked, "who will run the flour 10 New Or
leans!' This was startling question; the work
was perilous in the extreme; months must pass
before the adventurer could hope to return, even
should his journey be fortunate. Nearly all the
way was wilderness; and gloomy tales had
been told Of the treacherous Indians. More than
one boats crew had gone on that journey, and re-
turned no more.
Who then whould endure the toll, and brave the
danger?
j.. The young shrunk back and the middIeaged had
their excuse. At length hoary headed man, an
elder in the church, sixty four years of age. arose.
and to the establishment of The whole assembly said
"Here am |, send me. The deepest feeling per.
vaded the whole assembly. To see their old ell
der thus devote himself for their good, melted
them all to tears. They gathered around father
Smiley to learn that his resolution was indeed
taken that, rather shan lose their pastor, he would
brave danger, toll. and even death. After some
delay and trouble, two young men were induced,
by the hope of large reward, TO 60 as his assist
ants.
A day appointed for starting. The young hhd
old far and near, from love to father Smiley, and
their interes. in the object of his mission, grher-
ed together, and with their pastor at their head
came down from the church, fifteen miles, to the
bank of the river,t TO bid the old man farewell Then
prayer was offered by their pastor. A parting
hymn was sung. "There," said The old Scotch
man. unite the CABLE and let US see what the Lord
will do for u.s." This done and the boat foated
away. More than nine months passed and no word
came from father Smiley. Many prayer had
been breathed for him. but what had been his fate
was unknown. Another Sabbath came. The