Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1853-10-21
Characteristic Sketches.
FATHER JONES.

nm ~ttIo-
As we turn around and look to the
''amen corner" we recognize an old ia
miliar face. 1t is not a handsome one.
and we seriously doubt whether it ever
was. Its owner looks feeble and old, bu-
he was not always SO. He was young
once and when young that frame which
now moves sluggishly being palsied, was
stalwart. Then too, that tongue which
now will not obey the mandates of the
will, could roll forth words almost inces-
sanity, and at pitch of voice that could
be heard for miles. There are yet living
those who say that at q camp meeting
two and half mile from Madison, thirty
one years ago, he cried "fre'' in an ex-
hortation, so loud and distinct, as 20 be
heard in the town, and create al -
Anecdotes Of olden times also yet told
by the fathers and mothers, who knew
him thirty years ago, which illustrate
that his frame was not feeble, and that it
was sometimes used to good purpose. Ten
years ago we were pointed toa spot, by
an old. citizen Of Wayne County, on
which was trial Of strength about thir-
ty two years ago. A camp meeting was
in progress, and much interest was man
ifested. Many had been converted,
many others were seriously seeking God,
and nota few were cut to the heart,
though unwilling to yield to the draw
ings ofthe spirit. Among these was a
man from Ohio whose wife had been con-
verted. He, in order to resist his con-
victions, and shake them of, raved about
the enc ampment as mad man. He took
his wife, by violence, from her friends, and
dragged her outside OF the encampment
and was about to drag her away from the
ground. Some one, seeing him, inform
ed Mr. Jones, who went to protect her.
She was sitting upon log weeping Bit
terly, and he was walking to and fro,
clapping his hands in defiance Of man
and disappearing in defiance OF God
Mr. Jones not waiting the modern style
Of introduct ion, seized him, and in an in
slant brought him to the ground on hi,
face, and very deliberately sat upon
him. OF course the PROSTATE man strug.
gled to get free, but he struggled in
vain. His hands were in the grasp OF
hands that let not 60. He then swore-
he swore profanely, and threatened ven
gence by his own hand, and even aske,
God to damn the preacher and ever.
body else that prayed, as IL to enlist Coo
in bis purposes Of vengeance. In repl,
the preacher said "you must pray sir, o
Twill not let you up" At this he swor,
again.
Mr.. Jones then called on the prison
er's wife TO pray for him. She prayed
as converted wife can pray for bias
pheming husband. He was again aske'
toprsy. Again he swore, and refuses
TO pray. Another was called on 4
pray, and then another, and yet h,
would not pray. He however ceased Il
struggle as, at 6rst, to get loose. Mr.
Jones then began to pray. His faitl
laid hold on Gods promises. by thi
; time scores OF praying people were abou
him. not as idle spectators, but as per
! sons deeply interested In the result OF tn
contest. They prayed also, and In
short time, me man began to weep an
pray and he continued to pray till h
protested peace In believing. Years al
forwards Mr.. Jones met him In Ohio
striving to serve God.
Many events, not less interesting an
novel, could be recorded Of this vencl
able man, II space would allow. b.
we dare not trespass. He sits near u
with an occasional tear in his eye, a
u occasional nod Of his head, as an all,
: sion is made TO the old landmarks, an
an occasional shake, as his heart feal
u for the ark Of the Lord. In truth
9 loves old times, old customs, and o
people. But the strong man bows not
: much from the effect Of age, as a paralyt
shock which has robbed him, APPARENT
u Of at least ten years Of active life. b
J. not only has strength Of body been los
y but his most intimate friends think tn
l. his mind has also suffered. We belize
70 he thinks so himself, though perhaps n
J. to the same extent Of others. Lii
the old war horse that Frances to II
:, sound Of martial music and even impr
. IDENTIFY desires to rush into the heat OF d
battle so Father Jones, at conferenc
"a or campmeeting becomes FESTIVE. Son
;, of his brethren smile, ut times, at q
rejuvinating effects of such occasion
!, and would gladly indulge him in anoth
N and another battle, but they think III
it would be disastrous to himself and
!. the cause. He is some sixty three y el
:. Of age.
p 6r-C. +. CLARKsos acknowledg
sh his obligations to Mr.. Gray Of Scipio
ly a pair of fine Shanghai chickens. TIL
be are noble fellows, and Mr.. Gray has
lr- plenty more of the same sort.