Plymouth advertiser. [volume] (Plymouth, Ohio) 1853-1988, 1854-12-15
.elerteh Misrellan
Story Of Father Smiley.

Perhaps some Of our readers have al
ready seen the subioined interesting narra-
tive, which was published in the papers
some years ago, from the pen OF Rev. Jas.
w. Miller We find it in the Old Redstone
by DR.. Smith, which we noticed few
weeks ago; and though not now to us, we
read it with such zcst that we suppose our
column may well bear a repetition of it.
"Our story will carry the reader back
'to the period when all north OF the Ohio
river was an almost broken Wilderness
the mysterious red mans home, On
the other side, bold and hardy band from
beyond the mountains had built their log
cabins, and were trying to subdue the will
derness. To them every hour was full Of
peril. The Indians would often cross the
river, steal their children and horses, and
kill and scalp any victim who came in
their way. They worked in the field with
weapons at their side, and on Sabbath
met in grove or rude log church, to hear
the word of God, with their rifles in their
hands. TO preach to those settlers, Mr..
Joseph Smith, Presbyterian minister,
had left his parental home east of the
mountains. He, it was said, was the sec
ond minister who had crossed the Monon-
gahela river. He settled in Washington
county, Penna., and become the pastor of
the Cross Greek and Upper Buffalo con-
gregations, dividing his time between them.
He found them willing and united peo
pie, but still unable to pay him salary
which would support his family. He, in
common with the early ministers. must
cultivate a farm. He purchased one on
credit, promising to pay for it with the
salary pledged to him by his people,
Years passed away. The pastor was un-
paid. Little or no money was in circula-
ton. Wheat was abundant, but there
was no market. 1t 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
eight dollars per bushel, and twenty one
bushels of wheat had often to be given for
.one of salt. The time came when thelast
payment was to be made, and Mr.. Smith
was told he must pay or leave the farm
Three years salary was now due from his
people. For the want of this, his land,
his improvements upon it, and his hopes ol
remaining among beloved people, must
be abandoned. The people were called to-
,gether, and the case laid before them; they
were greatly moved; counsel from on high
was sought; plan after plan was proposed
,and abandoned; the congregation was una.
BILE to pay 1.-THE of their debts, and nc
money could be borrowed In despair
they adjourned to meet again the follow
ing week. In the meantime, it was as
certained that Mr. Moore, who owned
the only mill in the country, would grinc
for them, wheat on reasonable terms. A
the next meeting it was resolved to carr,
their wheat to Mr.. Moore's mill; some gav'
fifty bushels, some more. This was car
ried from fifteen to twenty-six miles, OF
horses, to mill. In month, word com
that the flour ready to g6 to market. Agail
1.-THE people were called together After al
earnest prayer, the question was asked
rs'"Who will lrun the -four to New Orleans?'
This was a startling question. The worl
was perilous in the extreme, months mus
pass before the adventurr could hope t
return, even though his journey should b
fortunate; nearly all the way a wilderness
and gloomy tales had been told Of tn
treacherous Indian. More than one bsat'
crew had gone on that journey apd cam
back no more. "Who then will endus
the toll, and brave the danger ?" y.
None volunteered-the young shranl
hack, and the middle-aged had their ez
II cuse. The scheme at last seemed likel
to fail. At length hoary headed mar
an elder in the church, sixty-four years {
nee, arose, and to the astonishment Of. th
assembly. said, Here am I--send me.
Ths deepest feeling At: once prevailed Il
whole assembly. To sec their venerate