The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1860-11-22
For the Palladium
OLD SETTLERS OF WAYNE co.
NO. XII.


Among the first Methodist ministers who
travelled the Whitewater Circuit, was the
Rev. Mr.. s., young man of fine ad
dress. and brilliant attainments. He was
active and energetic in the discharge Of his
duties, and scarcely ever failed to meet his
appointments. High waters, or excessive
ly bad roads would sometimes delay him
for few days; but he always passed round
his extensive circuit the full number o
times required by the Conference once
every tour weeks. He rode fine bay
horse which he called Sampson, to which he
became strongly acached--and no wonder
for Samson was his daily companion as he
shreaded the devious and lonely forests
tometines following dim paths, from one
settlement to another; and at other times
traversing the painless woods to head some
Samson. as well as his master, soon learned
all the preaching places. and would often
by his conduct intimate that he could 90 a
more direct course to the place, il allowed
to put into requisition his superior sagacity.
But not being rel ted to the AoyAmms. he
yielded obedience to the rein in his master 8
from his oats or corn several hours longer
than he desired
In those early days, Divine worship was
held in the settlers cabins. or in the groves.
-"God's s first temple were replete
with evidences OF the wisdom and goodness
Of the Creator. Birds, trees, blossoms. and
rivulets sparkling in the sunlight. all con-
spired to exalt and refine the devotional
feelings OF the humble worshiper as he
Looked through Nattr re. Up to Natures God"
kneeling upon a carpet Of grass and flowers,
spread out by the hand of the Almighty.
who has exhibited as much care in painting
the leaves. forming the petals. and filling
the cup Of the wild lilly in the midst of the
Grand Prairie. rs he did in clothing the sun
with light and placing it a centre for our
solar system.
As an evidence OF our young minister's
industry. land piety too. for the "merciful
man is merciful to his beast he was at
tentive to look after the welfare of Samson.
No matter how cold. dark or rainy the night,
he would see that Samson was properly fed ;,
watered. and bedded. Every body became
attached to the young minister, and many
were the encomiums passed upon him and
his horse Samson. whose name generally
came in a kind of necessary adjunct. in gen.
eral parla nee. Towards the close of his
ry couple who classed themselves as be-
longing to the higher circles OF society; i. g.
were made of a little better crockery ware
than the mass Of mankind, because their
fathers owned larger tracts Of land. or had
a few hundred dollars more than their ple
bean neighbors: for rich men rockoned their
wealth by hundreds instead of thousands.
The intended bride groom limited to the
young minister that on his next visit round
his circuit he would be called on to solem-
nize his marriage with the beautiful Dulci-
ma -. who was the belle of the neigh
borhood.
Timely invitations to the wedding were
circulated far and near among a large circle
Of friends and scquaintances. The rural
aristocracy. with one or two distinguished
personages from town. were invited to be
present on the joyful occss sion. The set
time arrived and the nuptials were appro.
priately celebrated in the presence of nu.
merous con course of relatives and guests.
The youngsters Of few families who rank
ed in the humble walks OF life, were not in
vited to the wedding. The modern custom
Of chivareeng with tin pans. horns, gongs.
bull-heads. and shingles. had not then been
by those who felt slghted, or
" no from choice would prefer taking part
in the frolic with the outsiders on such
occasions. There WAS however another
mode of obtaining satisfaction, which was
frequently resorted to; more reprehensible
aud outlandish than turning saddles. cutting
bridle reins, stirrup-straps. and the ike
Ii was TO shave the names and tails OF a few
Of the finest horses on the premises.
Next merning after the wedding the Rev.
Mr.. s. was to make an early start to fill one
Of his appointments. Imagine his surprise
and chagrin when he was told that his ia
vorte Sampson had fallen victim to the
cruel Philis,ines, who had shaved off his
name and foretop. and his tail until it was
As smooth as that Of a rat; and had written
in large capitals covering sheet OF toolscap,
which was posted on his back, The Philis-
tines have been upon thee, Sampson The
poor animal seemed conscious of the NAL
treatment and indi suity which had been Of
fered him. and look ed almost as sorry As his
master, whose modification was impossible
to conceal. What was to be done ! He
would not ride through the country an ami
NAL SO mutilated and dishgured. No. not
even his own favorite Sampson. There was
no time TO be lost. The course to be pur-
sued must be decided upon instanter. A
brief consultation was held. Ii was agreed
that another horse should be forthwith pro.
vided for the minister. and that Sampson
should be turned out to pasture until his
name and tail grew out again, which did
not attain their former flowing proportions
for more than year afterwards.
ELKHoRN.