Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-02-09

drew Jackson taste 'the Pierian
spring." and Judge Smith
Lay foundation for renown,
And all the honors of the gown"
William H. Crawford, Governor David
Johnson, Rev. Mr.. Walker, Colonel
Thomas Taylor, Isaac Sadler, (the
poeD, and innumerable others, who
have played their parts in life's drama,
and played them well-exeunt omnes!
know not that one survives, who
studied at the feet Of this Gamaliel.
DR.. Alexander was a Scotchman by
birth, and a staunch Whig from the
beginning Of the contest. All through
section for his efforts in the cause.
When the Rev. Mr.. Tennent was sent
on his tour through the upper country
in ITS, DR.. Alexander was one Of his
active assistants by calling his congre-
cation together for him to address. He
rested at night at DR.. AS residence
and the men Of the vicinity listened to
-"the sense
Bettered by the speakers eloquence." p"
This was so irresistible in it's flow,
few could withstand it's influence; and
when the choice oratory of the public
speaker failed, he would afterward
converse individually with the most
prejudiced, and the clear argument and
winning manner usually converted the
obstinate. Mr.. Tennent visited con-
gregation of DR.. Alexander's on Thick
ETY.. An extract from his quaint jour-
nal says: Rode thirteen miles-cross-
ing Broad river at Smiths ford-to a
meeting house of Mr.. Alexander's on
Thickety, where I found him preach
ing to crowd Of people assembled to
meet me. When he had done, mount
ed the pulpit and spoke near two hours.
The people seemed convinced and after
writing an Association from memory,
refreshed myself and drank out Of a
cowbell. They signed the Association
and retired seeming contented."
DR.. Alexander established a hospital
at his residence. I understand this
place Is now owned by Jack Smarr,
Esq. My information may be incorrect
as to locality. This infirmary was Of
great benefit, especially when the
scourge Of smallpox prevailed. Many,
after preparing their systems for the
disease, were taken to DR.. Alexander's
to be inoculated with the pox and
would remain under his care till we'll.
This was before the wonderful discov-
cry Of Jenner's mode Of vaccination
was introduced, and DR.. Alexander's
beneficent establishment was much
valued and esteemed by the surround
ing country. His strong efforts for the
Whig party made him so very obnoxi-
Gus to the opposite side, that he DEEM
ed it a necessary precaution usually to
ascend the pulpit, gun in hand, to have
it ready for self-defense, in case Of any
outrage. What a picture to the minds
eye! The rude place Of worship amid
the primeval forest-the few aged men
all armed to some extent-the anxious
faced women-the pale, care-worn chill
dren, and the frail, lame preacher
who, with rifle in hand, limps up the
aisle and ascends the pulpit! The car
nal weapon Is put aside, and the voice,
of supplication is heard, for spiritual
weapons to fight the good fight Of
faith; to be Of good cheer through evil
as we'll as good report. Amen. A
hushed silence fell throughout the lit
tie group as the words Of the chap
ter are read; for precious food are they
for weekday memory. Then comes the
text, followed by the brave exhorta-
ton to endurance, trust and faith In
Gods love, for he will surely avenge
his elect, who cry to him day and
night. The services ended, few words
to one another about absent husbands
and sons, an interchange Of the last
news from the battlefield, camp or
nrison, a warm pressure and shake Of
the hands in farewell, and they take
the paths to their several lonely dwell
ings, encouraged by the words preach
ed that day for the onerous trials and
duties of the week begun.
DR.. Alexander continued in the exer-
else of his ministerial functions until
very aged. His mind was weakened,
and his articulation so indistinct, from
feebleness and loss Of teeth, that one
could not understand what he said, suf-
ficiently to keep the thread Of his dis
course I remember seeing and hearing
him. He was a small old man, with
nothing which struck me as remarka-
BILE in his appearance, except that he
wore a close-f1tting white linen skull
cap. After he relinquished his school,
the Rev. George Reid took charge of
the academy at Bullock's Creek for a
few years; but soon removed else
where.
I have tried, but without success, to
learn the period of the Rev. William
Cummings labors at Bethel. This
church was organized as early as the
year 1764, by the Rev. Mr.. Richardson,
though they did not have a regular
preacher until in ITO, when the Rev.
Mr.. Balch took charge. The troubles
of the war, it is probable, caused his
removal, for during the Revolution
he emigrated to East Tennessee. l
think Rev. Mr.. Cummings preached In
this congregation soon after the war.
This is conjecture merely from concur
rent testimony. While living In the
Bethel congregation, he opened school
of good standing, and numbered among
his pupils, too, the future hero of New
Orleans, General Andrew Jackson. |
know this from his own lips. 1 dined
with General Jackson in 1882, and the
pleasure of my entertainment at the
White House was greatly enhanced
by the presidents lively recollections OF
his schoolboy days in York, and the
enjoyment he evidently derived from
our mutual "reminiscences, and my abil-
ity therefrom to give him the later his
tory of many of his early friends. In
his inquiries the old veteran used a
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