xt718911nz6b https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt718911nz6b/data/mets.xml Tevis, Julia Ann Hieronymus, b. 1799. 1878  books b96-8-34458888 English Printed at the Western Methodist book concern, : Cincinnati : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Teachers Biography.Tevis, John, 1792-1861. Sixty years in a school-room  : an autobiography of Mrs. Julia A. Tevis ... / to which is prefixed an autobiographical sketch of Rev. John Tevis. text Sixty years in a school-room  : an autobiography of Mrs. Julia A. Tevis ... / to which is prefixed an autobiographical sketch of Rev. John Tevis. 1878 2002 true xt718911nz6b section xt718911nz6b 


SIXTY YEARS IN A SCHOOL-ROoi:




         a'rij autobiogftphy


                    OF



MRS. J U LIA



A. TEVIS,



    PRINCIPAL OF SCIENCE HILL FEMALE: ACADEMY.


             TO WHICH IS PREFIXED



AN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. JOHN TEV[S.



          "Here I 'l raise mine Ebenezer,
             Hither, by thy help, I 'm comz;
           And I hope, by thy good pleasure,
             Safely to arrive at hoine.-









             CINCINNATI:
PRINTED AT THE WESTERN MIETHODIST BOOK CONCERN.
                  1 878.

 



























Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1878,


            BY WILLIAMI AT. ROGERS,


In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

 























                TO


        tIlt J. Ptt

MY ONLY AND WELL-BELOVED DAUGHTER,

            This molih

    IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.

 This page in the original text is blank.

 


PREFACE.



   Two considerations have prompted the prepa-
ration of the following Autobiography: First, the
earnest and oft-repeated request of my dear hus-
band that I should do so; second, the hope of
doing good, by furnishing information and encour-
agement to th6se who are engaged, or are about
to engage, in the responsible and laborious duties
of teaching, especially to those who have charge
of female boarding-schools. An experience of fifty
years in any pursuit can not fail to bring some
knowledge which a novice may find valuable. I
propose no dogmatic theories; but simply state
facts, and give my opinion as suggested by the
thread of my narrative. As to the value of the
information thus given, those will judge who take
the trouble to read what I have written.
   Although accustomed to use the pen all my life,
this is my first attempt at authorship. I have
dressed my narrative, as I do my person, accord-
ing to my own notions of good taste. I no more
affect a fine style than a fashionable dress. If my
language is intelligible I am satisfied. The period
is past when the flippant criticisms of vanity or the
idle remarks of ignorance could give me real pain.
I do not despise the opinions of the wise and

 

2PREFACE.



good, nor do I covet the applause of the frivolous
or hypercritical.
   My numerous pupils will doubtless recognize
many scenes and circumstances here recorded. I
have not intentionally written one word which
could wound the feelings of the most sensitive.
My heart glows with the warmest affection for
them all, many of whom I have known and loved
in other relations.  Amid the weary toils and
perplexities incident to the management of a large
boarding - school I have had much to cheer and
comfort me, and nothing more than the grateful
affection of my pupils.
   It seemed to me right and proper that the
biography of my sainted husband should precede
my own, not only because he has entered the bet-
ter land before me, but because he was my leader
in all things good and useful for thirty-seven years.
The light of his pure and manly character shone
like a lamp in my pathway, cheering with its bright
and steady beam the darkest seasons of our pil-
grimage. His foot-prints are still luminous, light-
ing me onward to our long-sought home in heaven.
Our lives were one in common hopes and labors,
in common joys and sorrows, bound together in
the blessings of one home of love; and now the
memorials of these lives, bound in one volume-he
still leading the way-will go forth to the world.
                            JULIA A. TEVIS.
  SCIENCE HILL, March, i865.



2

 




                CONTENTS.



             ketth of Rev. John Levis.
                                                  PAGE.
INTRODUCTION,.      .     .   .  .   .   .   .      9
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH,. .  .                     13
OBITUARY,.   .  .   .                              36



           ixty Yeas inq it dhool-cooix.

                  MRS. JULIA A. TEVIS.

                     CHAPTER I.
BIRTH AND PARENTAGE-REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE IN
   KENTUCKY,.   .   .   .  .   .   .   .   .  .    40

                    CHAPTER II.
FIRST DAYS IN SCHOOL, .  .   .   .                 54

                    CHAPTER III.
MR. HILL'S SCHOOL AT WINCHESTER, VA-BERKELEY SPRINGS-
   THE WAR OF 1812, .  .   .   .   .   .   .       67

                    CHAPTER IV.
REMOVAL TO GEORGETOWN, D. C.-INCIDENTS OF THE WAR OF
   18I2,                                           81

                     CHAPTER V.
GENERAL SAM. HOUSTON-COLONEL POSEY-CAPTURE OF WASHING-
   TON CITY BY THE BRITISH,. .  .   .   .   .   .   91

                    CHAPTER VI.
SCHOOL OF MISS TAYLOR IN WASHINGTON-LIFE IN WASHING-
   TONIN1815, .   .  .   .   .   .   .   .  .   . 107
                                               3

 



4



CONTENTS.



                    CHAPTER VII.
                                                  PAGE.
THE SCHOOL OF MRS. STONE-RECOLLECTIONS OF HENRY CLAY-
   JOHN C. CALHOUN-JOHN RANDOLPH-WVILLIAM WIRT,  .   117

                   CHAPTER VIII.

THE MASON AND M'CARTY DUEL-MADAME LA COMPTESSE DE
   NEUVILLE,  .   .   .  .   .   .   .   .   .   . 130

                    CHAPTER IX.

A WINTER IN WASHINGTON SOCIETY-MRS. MADISON-MRS. MON-
   ROE, .   .   .   .   .   .   .  .   .   .   .   139

                     CHAPTER X.

REVERSES-LEAVE HOME AND FRIENDS FOR WYTHEVILLE, VA.  . 151

                     CHAPTER XI.

SCHOOL AT WYTHEVILLE-THE FAMILY OF GENERAL SMYTH,  .  i6i

                    CHAPTER XII.

SCHOOL-LIFE AT WYTHEVILLE,.  .   .   .   .   .   . 175

                    CHAPTER XIII.

SCHOOL-LIFE, CONTINUED-FIRST EXAMINATION,  -  .  .    184

                    CHAPTER XIV.

REMOVAL TO ABINGDON, VA.-ENTERING THE FAMILY OF CAPTAIN
   SMITH, OF THE MEADOWS, AS GOVERNESS-MRS. RUSSELL, THE
   SISTER OF PATRICK HENRY,. .   .   .   .   .   . 194

                     CHAPTER XV.

LIFE AND CHARACTERS AT THE MEADOWS,. .   .  .   .   203

                    CHAPTER XVI.

ABINGDON FRIENDS-RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS,            2. .   - 214

                    CHA-PTER XVII.

THE METHODISTS AT ABINGDON, -   .   .   .  .   .   226

                    CHAPTER XVIII.
EARNESTNESS AND SIMPLICITY OF THE EARLY METHODISTS-JOINING
    THE CHURCH,.   .   .   .   .  .   .   .   .   . 233

 



CONTENTS.5



                   CHAPTER XIX.

CAMP-MEETING AT SULPHUR SPRINGS-CONVERSION,



PAGE.
. 247



                   CHAPTER XX.
MARRIAGE TO THE REV. JOHN TEvis,



257



                   CHAPTER XXI.
CONTINUANCE AT THE MEADOWS-VISIT TO MOTHER RUSSELL,



265



                  CHAPTER XXII.
LEAVING ABINGDON-JOURNEY TO KENTUCKY, .



274



                  CHAPTER XXIII.
RETURN TO THE HOME OF MY CHILDHOOD, .



285



                  CHAPTER XXIV.
ARRIVAL AT SHELBYVILLE-MEETING OF KENTUCKY CONFERENCE-



KAVANAUGH-BASCOM-MAFFIT,



 297



                   CHAPTER XXV.

MR. TEVIS IN CHARGE OF THE CHURCH AT LOUISVILLE-PREPAR-
   ATIONS FOR SCHOOL,.   .     .



                  CHAPTER XXVI.

SCIENCE HILL FEMALE ACADEMY FOUNDED, MARCH 25, 1825,



                  CHAPTER XXVII.
THE FIRST SESSION AND THE FIRST EXAMINATION,



                 CHAPTER XXVIII.
MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOL-RELIGIOUS TRAINING OF PUPILS,



313



321



327



335



                  CHAPTER XXIX.
HON. CHARLES A. WICKLIFFE-JUDGE DAVIDGE,  .  .  .   348


                   CHAPTER XXX.
BEREAVED-CONFERENCE OF i828-BISHOPS M'KENDREE, RoB-



5



ERTS, SOULE, .



355

 



CONTENTS.



                  CHAPTER XXXI.
                                                 PAGE.
A PUPIL "OLD ENOUGH TO BE KEEPIN' COMPANY Now "-RE-
   FLECTIONS UPON EARLY TRAINING,. .   .   .  .   367


                  CHAPTER XXXII.

AN ADOPTED DAUGHTER-EARLY DISCIPLINE OF CHILDREN,  . 372


                  CHAPTER XXXIII.

LANCASTRIAN SCHOOL AT GEORGETOWN, D. C.-RITTA,  .    391


                  CHAPTER XXXIV.

SCHOOL FRIENDS-JUDGE THOMAS MONROE-REV. VALENTINE
   COOK,   .   .   .   .   .  .   .   .   .   .   400

                  CHAPTER XXXV.
WHAT SHOULD PUPILS LEARN -MY MIOTHER'S DEATH,  .  . 412


                  CHAPTER XXXVI.
A DISAPPOINTED MUSIC TEACHER-AN ANECDOTE,    .   .   423


                 CHAPTER XXXVIT.
VISIT TO BLUE LICKS-THE BATTLE-TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA,
   WITH INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES,.   .   .   .   . 430


                 CHAPTER XXXVIII.

THE ROSE QUEEN, .  .   .   .   .  .   .   .   .   453

                  CHAPTER XXXIX.

CLOSE OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 1839-A TRIP TO THE MOUNT-
   AINS OF VIRGINIA-THOUGHTS UPON TEACHERS AND TEACH-
   ING-AN EXEMPLARY TEACHER, .   .  .   .   .   . 460


                    CHAPTER XL.

PLEASANT MEMORIES-AMANDA AND OTHERS,. ,   ,   .   471


                   CHAPTER XLI.

CLOSING REFLECTIONS-THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL, .  .  .   . 479



6

 



















AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

                 OF

       Vkev. j ohs TIevi,



   OF THE KENTUCKY CONFERENCE.



" But God forbid btat I should glory, save in the cross of
        our LordJesus Christ."-Paul.

 This page in the original text is blank.

 



                INTRODUCTION.



THE following Autobiography furnishes a brief, but char-
T    acteristic, sketch of Mr. Tevis. His friends wvill see the
same simple honesty, strong moral sense, and earnest piety,
which marked his energetic life running through every para-
graph. To him, "Life was earnest, life was real," and he
lived and labored in accordance with his convictions. His
creed was in his heart, and formed the basis of his character.
Duty, in his vocabulary, was not a conventional term, used
for the sake of euphony or embellishment, but a wvord of sol-
emn signification, implying relations of obligation and respon-
sibility to God and his fellow-men.  It was his guide in all
things.  Theories and adventitious circumstances had little
influence upon his decisions; and, when a question was once
decided, action promptly followed. With an ardent and im-
pulsive temperament, which many make an apology for impet-
uosity and irregularity, he maintained a consistency and uni-
formity of Christian conduct seldom seen in ordinary life.
Over mind and heart, over reason and passion, his conscience
ruled supreme. This I take to have been the prominent feature
of his strongly marked character.
   As a business man, but few surpassed him in those qualities
essential to success in the pursuit or the use of wealth. Clear
and far-seeing in his perceptions, he was never tempted to
uncertain speculations, but confined his plans to the simple
methods of legitimate increase. Strictly honest, to the value
of a cent, he measured the commercial obligations of others
by the same standard. He paid his debts with punctuality,
and collected his dues from others with the same exactness.

 


I NTRODUCTION



His success in managing his extensive and complicated busi-
ness affairs is the best proof of his qualifications in this respect.
   Just and upright in all his business transactions, he was
equally conscientious and discreet in his charities. The poor
always found him a friend; not in word merely, giving good
advice, and unwilling to give any thing more substantial, but
a friend indeed, seeking them out, and relieving their necessi-
ties with a liberal, but provident, hand.  Real want never
appealed to him in vain; indolence and vice seldom deceived
him. The blessings of the poor followed him to the grave,
and the benedictions of the widow and orphan descend on his
memory. He was, by common consent, the guardian of the
poor in the village where he lived; and many a humble home
mourned sincerely his death. Could the grateful tears of pov-
erty avert the desolations of Winter, perpetual Spring would
bloom round his tomb.
   Mr. Tevis's religious character was strongly marked. His
religion was not a sentiment, not a creed '" fenced round with
holy texts," but the life of his soul. He lived " by faith in
the Son of God."  This spiritual life was supported by con-
stant intercourse with the mercy-seat. He loved the silent
communion of the closet; and there, with his " Father in
secret," daily "renewed his strength."  The regular and
prayerful reading and study of the Holy Scriptures was a daily
habit. The devotional parts of the Scriptures were especially
his delight. Here his spirit gathered strength for the conflicts
and labors of life. "Prayer was his native air," his "vital
breath." The family altar was not a mere "household orna-
ment," but the shrine where, as priest of the family, he offered
up morning and evening sacrifices. Like Abraham, he " com-
manded his children and his household after him;" and while
he observed himself " the law of the Lord," he required all under
his authority to do the same. Family worship, observance of the
Sabbath, and attendance upon the public worship of the sanc-
tuary were, in his view, matters of the first importance, not to



IO

 



                   INTRODUCTION                          II

be neglected for business, pleasure, or any other consideratton.
Especially was his respect for the "Sabbath of the Lord"
worthy of all praise. The servants knew it as a day of rest.
Cooking was not allowed, except what was absolutely neces-
sary. Feasting on Sunday, that vice of Christian households,
was never known under his roof while he was master.
   As a preacher, Mr. Tevis belonged to the old school.
Thoroughly imbued with the spirit of Wesleyan Methodism,
he was not only evangelical in his creed, but in his matter and
manner as a preacher. He believed the Articles of Faith, as
held by the Methodist Church, to be Scriptural; and he was
prepared to defend them against all opposers; not by quota-
tions from the Fathers, but by the Word of God. Yet, with
all this, he was very catholic in his feelings, and fraternized
heartily with all the orthodox denominations, and often filled
their pulpits with acceptability. He loved all who love the
Lord Jesus Christ. His personal ministry was greatly blessed.
His imagination never led him astray from the simplicity of the
Gospel. He was made presiding elder at a time when only
the best preachers were appointed to that office.
   He sleeps in Jesus. His grave is situated in one of the
most lovely spots in Grove Hill Cemetery, near the beautiful
and quiet village of Shelbyville, Ky.
                                            WV. G. E. C.
   SCIENCE HILL, 1865.

 This page in the original text is blank.

 


           REV. JOHN TEVIS:


    AN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.



                    CHAPTER I.

I WAS born January 6, 1792, in Baltimore County, Ma-
   ryland. My parents were descended from a reputable
English ancestry, and were themselves regular and worthy
communicants in the English Church, previous to the
American Revolution. One of the earliest recollections
of my life was family worship on Sabbath, and the regu-
lar catechetical instruction, not only of the white children,
but also of all the younger servants in my father's family.
It is to be regretted that family worship and systematic
religious instruction of children and servants in the fam-
ilies of professed Christians should be so much neglected.
By faithfully discharging these primary duties we fulfill
the injunction to "train up our children in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord," and may reasonably expect
an early development of virtuous and pious principles
in them.
   My father, with several brothers of my mother, served
in the Colonial army, in defense of their country. They
were attached to what was known as the "Maryland
line."  One of my uncles died in the army at White
Plains.  There were many traditional incidents of the
Revolution treasured in our family. Some of these pos-
                          2

 

RE V JOHN liE VIS.



sessed more than a mere personal interest, involving as
they did historical facts connected with the leading events
of the times.  But they are gone, with the thousand
unwritten stories of suffering and heroism; gone, with the
actors, to the darkness and silence of the forgotten past.
   My early education was limited to the elementary
instruction imparted in a "common school" at that day.
This would by no means compare with the improved
system of common-school instruction of the present, but
extended to little beyond the rudiments of a plain English
education. It was sufficient, however, for ordinary pur-
poses, and furnished an active and enterprising mind with
the knowledge necessary to guide it in all the practical
duties of life. Education can not create mind, or supply
energy, but must be chiefly valued as an instrument for
doing good. The degree requisite for this purpose will
depend upon the general intelligence of the community,
and the nature of the pursuit in which one is engaged.
No person values a good education more than I do, or
rejoices more in the improved state of our common
schools.
   My childhood and youth passed rapidly and pleasantly
awvay, surrounded by the endearments of a virtuous and
happy home. From a very early day, serious thoughts
of my responsibilities as an immortal being deeply im-
pressed my mind, and many earnest resolutions of
amendment were formed.    Under the influence of a
sound moral training, and the restraints of a well-regu-
lated household, I maintained the reputation of a moral
young man; and this reputation was not undeserved.
When about twenty-one years of age, my religious con-
victions became so strong as to render me at times very
unhappy. I read the Holy Scriptures with care; also



I14

 

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.



some of Dr. Scott's and Dr. Witherspoon's theological
writings, but never embraced the peculiar views of these
good men. I could not reconcile the narrowness of the
Calvinistic creed with the liberal provisions of the Gospel.
I turned away from the barren theological dogmas of the
schools to the Word of God, and soLIght, by prayer and
study of the Scriptures, to find the path of duty. I did
not seek in vain; for He who has said, " If any man
lack wisdom, let him ask of God, and it shall be given
him," brought me to the "knowledge of the truth as it
is in Christ Jesus."
   I began, about this time, seriously to consider the
duty of uniting myself w ith the Church. While think-
ing on the subject, and disposed perhaps to defer the
step, an aged and esteemed friend urged me to immediate
action. His counsel, seconded by my own convictions of
duty, led me to join the Methodist Episcopal Church on
Sabbath, May 9, 18I3. I wras not satisfied, at the time,
that my sins had been forgiven; but I was sincerely
seeking that blessing, and believed it to be my duty to
identify myself with the people of God. I could not
reasonably ask God to bless me while living in the neg-
lect of a plain duty. It was a cross thus publicly to
pledge myself to follow Christ in the communion of a
people "every-where spoken against," and with whom
my family had not united. I saw then, as clearly as I
do now, perhaps, the great responsibilities assumed in
this act; and I was not ignorant of my own weakness,
and the consequent danger of "failing of the grace of
God."  But God, I trust, accepted the imperfect offering
of myself thus made, and, in about four months after,
made me rejoice in a sense of his pardoning mercy.
This happy event took place while listening to a plain,



I;5

 

RE v. JOHN TE VIS.



but forcible, sermon by Rev. Charles Holliday, from
Hebrews vi, i: "Let us go on to perfection." As he
described the blessed change wrougght by the Holy Ghost
in the heart of the penitent believer, he asserted that the
child of God may know it; as he repeated with peculiar
emphasis the declaration, " He knows it through grace,"
I felt
        "That which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy,
          The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy."

I felt that God had, for Christ's sake, forgiven my sins-
had saved me. This was not a transient feeling, but an
abiding sense of the blessed Comforter's indwelling pres-
ence, which has cheered me through all the way of my
forty years' pilgrimage, and is now the solace of my
declining days.
   According to the custom of Methodists in their social
meetings at that day, I was called upon to lead in prayer.
This was a severe trial to most young converts; but,
strengthened by the Holy Spirit and a fixed determina-
tion to do all my duty so far as I could, "the yoke was
easy, and the burden light." The family altar had long
been erected in my father's house, and I was now required
to assist in domestic -worship.  This, though at first
embarrassing, was a great blessing to me, and, I hope,
profitable to the family.  I -w'as thus early introduced
into the way in which it was God's will I should travel
the remainder of my life.   The thought, however, of
becoming a minister did not seriously enter my mind for
the first year after my conversion.  I did not choose it
as a profession; I entered it from a sense of duty.
   In April, I814, my religion wvas brought to the test
by a severe illness, which reduced me to the verge of the
grave. At one time my recovery wvas despaired of, and



Ii6

 

A UTOBIOGRAPHY.



' 7



I prepared to meet death; and such was my faith and
hope in God that I ardently desired to depart and be
with Christ. Death had lost its terrors, and the joys of
heaven so entranced my heart that I had no wvish to re-
main where I might prove unfaithful to the grace already
given.  I was mercifully restored to health again, and
with it increased convictions of duty possessed my mind.
I felt willing to do whatever God in his providence might
appoint as my work.   An opportunity to try the sincer-
ity of this purpose was soon afforded.    Without my
knowledge, I was appointed to take a list of the taxable
property in one of the districts of Shelby County. This
of course enlarged the circle of my acquaintance, and
presented frequent opportunities to converse on the sub-
ject of religion, and pray with the families where I spent
the nights awhile canvassing the district. I thank God he
gave me grace to acknowledge him under these newv and
peculiar circumstances.  I prayed in families where such
a thing had perhaps never been seen before.   Mly own
soul was refreshed and strengthened, and I trust some
good done to others. It wvas, as I now see, a providential
preparation for the work in which I was about to en-age.
   About the time I finished my labor on the district as
assessor, Rev. WM. Adams appointed me leader of a
class which met some four miles from Shelbyville.  I en-
tered upon the delicate duties of this responsible office
w ith fear and much self-distrust; but found in this, as in
all other instances of severe trial, strength and comfort
imparted.  I soon learned that to be happy I must strive
to be useful.

    Mr. Tevis's family moved from Maryland to Kentucky, in 18o8.
They settled at first in Bullitt County, but subsequently removed to
Shelby County, where he died.-W. G. E. C.

 

REV JoHN k E vis.



   Near the close of this year the Shelbyville class, of
which I was a member, recommended me for license to
exhort. I accepted, with the belief that if it were God's
will to use me in this way he would make it known in
the humble attempt to do my duty. I asked the presid-
ing elder what evidence I might expect as proof that I
was in the path of duty in this matter. He replied:
- Go forward cheerfully; accept every invitation to hold
meetings; and, if you are in the right path, your own
soul will be blessed and the cause of God advanced by
your labors." This I take to be vise counsel. One of
the first questions asked by Mr. Wesley of those who
professed to be called to preach was, " Have you fruits"
This he explained by another question, " Are any con-
verted under your preaching" This is God's seal to his
own ministry. After receiving license as an exhorter, I
was strongly solicited to assist Rev. W. Adams on the
Salt River Circuit. But the time had not fully come for
me to enter upon this important work. My mind was
thus gradually being prepared to leave all for the cause
of Christ in the blessed ministry of the Gospel. Often,
in seasons of spiritual elevation, when my heart was filled
with a tender desire for the salvation of souls, I felt it
was clearly my duty to preach; but again, in seasons of
mental depression, a fear would interpose lest this should
all be only the heat of my own imagination, "sparks of
my own kindling."  I, however, committed myself to the
"fiery and cloudy pillar;" that is, tried to follow the
indications of God's providence with a cheerful and sub-
missive spirit.  My time was spent in studying the Holy
Scriptures, prayer, and visiting for the purpose of relig-
ious conversation; seeking, by discharging present duties,
to prepare myself for whatever future labors God might



I8

 

                   AUTOBIOGRAPHY.                   T 9

appoint me.   My beloved spiritual adviser, Rev. \V.
Adams, urged me to commence immediately the itinerant
ministry, by joining him on his circuit. His influence,
supported by the growing convictions of my own mind,
induced me to yield, so far as to consent to make the trial.
   It now became necessary to consult my father, who
had designed to make me the farmer of the family, my
brothers all having engaged in other pursuits. I knew it
would be a severe trial to him to see me enter upon the
work of a Methodist traveling preacher; but I also knew
that his circumstances rendered my presence and labor at
home comparatively unimportant, and that he was too
good a man to seriously oppose me in what I sincerely
believed to be my duty.  He thought some previous
literary and theological training necessary before entering
the ministry. This I did not possess, at least in the de-
gree which he deemed requisite. My convictions, how-
ever, would not suffer me to give up the work in which
my heart was now enlisted. My father reluctantly gave
his consent, fearing, no doubt, as I did, the possibility
of a failure.

 

20                REv. JOHN TEVIS.






                    CHAPTER I I.


 H AVING settled the question in my own mind, that I
      ought to give myself wholly to the work of an
itinerant preacher, and having obtained the consent of
my father, I now began to make preparation to join the
preacher-in-charge on the Salt River Circuit. On the
ioth day of March, i8i5, all was ready, and the next day
I was on the circuit. I remained but a few days on this
work, when I was transferred to Shelby and Jefferson Cir-
cuits. Here the life of a traveling preacher began prop-
erly with me, and from this I date my itinerant career.
   On leaving home, my father gave me his purse,
from which I took three dollars. With this small sum, a
good horse, saddle, saddle-bags, and a supply of cloth-
img, a Bible, hymn-book, Discipline, Wesley's Notes,
and the portraiture of St. Paul, as my entire ''outfit," I
began life. The Shelby and Jefferson Circuits had been
united, and preaching at each appointment once in three
veeks was changed to preaching every two weeks.
   Revs. Thomas D. Porter and William M'Mahon had
been the preachers on this work-both very popular with
the people. They were excellent preachers-but few
better. My first effort in this work was made under
unfavorable circumstances. A  large congregation had
assembled to hear brother M'Mahon. I did the best I
could, however. My youth and inexperience appealed
strongly to the sympathies of the people, and, I doubt
not, they bore the disappointment with as much patience

 

A UTOBIOGRAPHVY.



as could be reasonably expected. I preached with much
greater liberty a few weeks afterward to a small conigre-
gation at the same place. I spent the remainder of the
year on this circuit, sometimes greatly comforted, and
often much depressed in spirit; but, I can say, that from
the beginning of my ministerial life to this present time
my victories over self and circumstances have all been
obtained through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
   The Conference met this year at Lebanon, Ohio. I
was received on trial into the ''traveling connection" at
this session, and appointed to the Lexington (Kentucky)
Circuit, with the Rev. Thomas D. Porter as preacher-
in - charge. I received this, my first regular appoint-
ment, from that apostle of American lMethodism, Bishop
Asbury. But little apparent success attended our labors
this year. God only knows what good was done.
   I was comforted by an affectionate letter from my
father during the year, stating, he no longer objected
to my course, but expressed the hope that I would
persevere and do much good. He offered me any pecun-
iary assistance I might need.
   At the next session of the Conference, which was held
in the city of Louisville, Kentucky, I was sent to the Salt
Creek Circuit, Ohio. This was a large circuit lying east
of the Scioto River, embracing Portsmouth, Piketon,
New Richmond, and the Scioto Salt Works. There were
some twenty appointments, which I visited every three
,weeks. The largest congregation on the circuit was at
the old Scioto Salt Works, awhere were many wt orthy
Christians, whom I hope to meet in a better world. Rev.
David Young wvas my presiding elder. He took me to
his quarterly - meeting in Chillicothe, and, to my surprise,
put me up to preach at eleven o'clock on Sabbath.



2 1

 

RE V. JOHN    TE VIS.



Several preachers were present, some of them men of
reputation-such as Beauchamp, Scott, Hinde, Dr. Tiffin,
and others.   Unexpected and strange as it was to be
thus put forward, it pleased God to aid me, so that I
have seldom preached with more comfort to myself or
visible effect on the congregation than on this occasion.
   While on this circuit I learned something of the hard-
ships which the early settlers in the West had to endure.
Many of them were poor families from Virginia, North
Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with but little education or
skill in the art of living. The forests wvere dense, and
the labor necessary to open a farm was so great, that few
did more than clear away a small "patch," on which they
managed to raise a scanty subsistence.   Among them
were many sincere Christians, whose liberality in opening
their houses for preaching, that their neighbors might
hear the Gospel, was worthy of all praise.
   About ninety persons were added to the Church this
year, one or two of whom have since filled his mission as
a minister of the Gospel. The year was altogether a
pleasant and, I trust, profitable one.  It was full enough
of trial and full of mercy-many happy seasons which I
shall never forget.
   Having closed the year's labors, I visited my father
and friends in Kentucky, and then attended the Annual
Conference, which met in Zanesville, Ohio. Here I was
ordained deacon by Bishop R. R. Roberts, and received
into "full connection" as a traveling preacher.   This
year, 1817, I was appointed to Zanesville Circuit, with

   This must refer to the end of 1817, when the Conference met in
the Autumn or Winter, for, according to the law of the Church, he
could not be ordained deacon until he had traveled two years. He
joined on probation at the end of 18i5.-W. G. E. C.



22

 

A UTOBIOGRAPHY



Rev. Samuel Glades as my assistant. Brother Glades
was a deeply pious young man, of good mind and stu-
dious habits. His course was soon finished; he laid down
the cross for a crown only a few years after this, wh-len
with me on the Zanesville Circuit.
   This period was one of labor and trial. We toiled to
cultivate an apparently barren soil. Our presiding elder
was the good, the venerable Jacob Young, much beloved
and honored in the Church. The infirmities of age,
blindness, and feebleness are now rapidly carrying him to
his last home. His sun, though shaded by a cloud,
shines brightly, and promises a glorious setting.
   The Annual Conference met for the year I8I8 in
Steubenville, Ohio. Here I saw, for the first time, that
extraordinary man, Asa Shinn, and heard him preach an
able sermon on the text, "If any man love