The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-03-21

IrCumStanceS,unleSS ne is OF u uuoy dHt
energetic, determined temperament.
What of a few disappointments? Still
persevere; the winds will not always
blow empestuously; the waves will not
al ways dash rudely against our bark,
Neither will dame fortune always
frown. 8a. giia1s ~ fwla
AN INTERESTING NARRATIVE.
Our story will carry the reader back
little more than fifty years; when all
north of the Ohio river was an almost
unbroken wilderness-the mysterious
red mans home. On the other side, a
bold and hardy hand from beyond the
mountains, had built their log cabins
and were trying to subdue the wilder
ness. al gFrs ag iljt ra i-3f6,t
| TO them every hour was full ofper-
lii. The Indians would often cross the
river, steal their children and horses,
and Kill and sea ANY victim who came
in their way. They worked in the field
with weapons at 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.. Jo-
sepb Smith, a Presbyterian minister,
had left his parental home east Of the
mountains. He, it was said, was the
second minister who had crossed the
Monongahela river. He settled in
Washington county, Pa, and became
the Pastor Of the Cross Greek and up
per Buffalo congregations, dividing his
time between them. He found them a
willing and united people, but still un-
able to pay him a salary which would
support his family. He, in common
with all the early ministers, must cult
vate 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. Little or no money was
in circulation. Wheat was abundant,
but there was no market. 1t could moi
be sold for more than twelve and hall
cents in cash. Even their salt bad tc
be brought across the mountains or
pack horses--was worth eight dollars
per bushel, and twenty-one bushels Of
wheat were often given for one of salt.
The time came when the last pay.
ment must be made. and Mr.. Smith was
told that he must pay o, leave his farm
Three wears salary was now due from
the people.
For the want Of this, his land, his
improvements upon it, and his hope of
remaining among a beloved people, mus
be abandoned. The people were cal
led together, and the case laid before
them. Thev were greatly moved
Counsel from on high was sought. Plar
after plan was proposediand abandon
ed. The congregation were unable te
pay tithe of their debts, and no mo
ney could be, borro wed. T..
| In despair they adjourned, to NEE
again the following week. In the
meantime, ii was ascertained that Nj
Moore, who owned the only mill in
the country, would grind for then
| wheat on moderate terms. At the mex
meeting it was resolved to carry theil
wheat to Mr.. Moore's mill. Some gave
fifty bushels, some more. This wa'
carried from fifteen to twenty-six mile'
on horses to the mill.
| In month, word came that the floul
was ready to 60 to market. Agar
the people were called together. AT
Ter an earnest prayer, the question wa
asked, who will run the flour to New
| Orleans2 This was startling ques
ton. The work was perilous in thu
extreme. Months must pass before
the adventurer could hope to return
even though his journey should be for
tunate. Nearly all the way was ;
wilderness; and gloomy tales had beer
| told of the treacherous Indian. More
than one boats crew had gone on tina
journey. and came back no more.
Who then would endure the toll ant
brave the danger. None volunteered
The young shrunk back, and the mid
dle-aged had their excuse. Their las
scheme seemed likely to fail. At length
a hoary-headed man, an elder in the
church, sixty-fnur years OF age, arose
and to the astonishment Of the assem-
bly,, said, Here am ], send me-" The
deepest feeling at once pervaded the
whole assembly. To see their venera
ted old elder thus devote himself fol
their good, melted them all to tears
They gathered around old father Smi
ley, 10 learn that his resolution was in
deed taken; that rather than lose theil
pastor, he would brave danger, toil,and
even death. After some delay anc