The Travels Of Great Grandfather Weaver With The Preachers

Contributed by Robert Jones

County Coordinator's note: This document mentions a couple of visits to Cotton Gin Port in Monroe County.

A Song

Come loving Brothers hear my song
I’ll tell you how I’ve got along.
In old Virginia I was born
yea born again to heavenly morn
Where first I got the victory

But with confusion I confess
I soon lost sight of Jesus face.
The laws of God I did transgress
I grieved the Spirit, fell from grace
And thus I lost the victory.

In this dark station I did remain
Near two and twenty years the same
Except ten years, ah to my shame
Without the power had the name
O, victory, victory, victory.

At first a conscience I did make
of little sins which I’d commit
But soon more liberties did take
upon the Church I turned my back
And lost the show of victory

O Lord, how wondrous is Thy grace
which show’d to me my wretched case.
Restored me to thy smiling face
And gave my soul Thy love to taste
Oh victory, victory, victory.

Soon after I was thus restored
I agonized and praised the Lord
That He would more rich grace afford
And help me to fulfill His word
And fully get the victory.

Soon after this He did impart
complete salvation for His part.
He purged my soul. He washed my heart
I walked no longer in the dark
Then first I shouted victory.

When first this blessing I obtained
Christian perfection’s what I mean
I did not know what was its name
But peaceful love is just the same
Which makes me holler victory
The way I came to find it out
Old Brother Jinkins brought about
he preached so plainly all my soul
and since that time I’ve had no doubt
But what I got, the victory.

Altho the blessing I had got
I persevered , I tarried not
determined in Heaven to have my lot
to overcome whether or not
Lest I should lose the victory

I to this end did fast and pray
for thirteen weeks ate once a day
a dozen times I’d go away
and in the snow would often stay
and wrestle for the victory

One day a deist said to Bill
“What path is this or can you tell”?
“This path”, said Bill “ leads to the place
Where father goes so oft to pray
and struggles for more victory”.

I oft was tempted, sorely tried
But still in God I did confide
I laid all sinful thoughts aside
and took my Savior for my guide
Who gave me first the victory.

Tho Satan plays and barks about
like Mingo’s fist whose teeth are out.
I still press on the heavenly rout,
limping along and loudly shout
for victory, victory, victory.

I soon shall reach the heavenly land
and join the blood washed happy band
With palms of victory in my hand
Ever before the throne to stand
and praise the Lord of victory.

Now brethren you have heard my song
perhaps you think it is too long.
Long, true it is, awkward and young
and don’t inform you how I come
fully to get the victory

May heaven bless you every one
Enable you to overcome
May Jesus say well done, well done
Come up to heaven it is your home
And ever have the victory Amen, Amen.

In the year 1810 I traveled with Brother Lawner Blackman P. E. of Nashville District. At first I walked entirely. I traveled from one preaching place to another for some time until a friend (may God bless him) gave me a horse. So great was the kindness of Brother Blackman that he nursed me like a child.

July 11, 1810, I heard him preach the funeral of Captain White. “O death where is thy sting” was the text. It was good to be there next day when he preached on the subject of Baptism. It was thought in a masterly manner.

July 13 camp meeting on Jones creek commenced and we had good times. At that time preachers were scarce and Brother Blackman preached seven times. He did the same at many camp meetings. How has times altered. How gloriously has our ministry as well as our membership increased more than a hundred thousand. Our next camp meeting was at pastors on Nashville circuit.

July 20 at this meeting I heard that great man of God Rev. Mr. Crutchfield preach three times. He has gone to reap the reward of his sufferings. The next camp meeting was on Duck River Circuit from thence we went on round the district and attended ten camp meetings in succession. Some of them were attended by Bishop McKendree.

James Guinn, Frederic Stiers, William Crutchfield, John Page, John McGee and others. Some of them have no doubt gone to rest from there labors, but the most of them are still standing upon the wall of Zion.

January 5,1811. After various unimportant souls I heard Bro. Blackman preach on the fruitless fig tree, Luke 13, C, 9. v. I then traveled with several other preachers occasionally, particularly Rev. Peter Cartwright and John Lewis. We had some good times in places. In June I heard Rev. Mr. Davis of the Baptist order preach “Lord Bless All Denominations”

June 21. I went to Edy-grove camp meeting where I heard Bro. Blackman again.

June 28. Camp meeting on Cross Creek commenced. The times were as so usual I spent some days after this with Bro. Cragg and others and heard them preach several times. I trust to good effect.

July 12. I went to a camp meeting near Bro. McDonald’s near to mount Pisga camp ground as it is now called. Bro. Cragg, Nixon Jones and others attended with Bro. Blackman. From thence we went to a camp meeting on Flint Creek Madison Co. Alabama where Rev. David Thompson, Robert Hancock, John Cragg and others were the principal assistants of Bro. Blackman.

July 26. Camp meeting came on at Esq. Norvell’s near Salem, M. H. Here we had some more preachers than usual. Times began to be better.

Aug. 2 camp meeting came on near Carthage. Here as usual we had profitable times. The next camp meeting was on Goose Creek. Rev. Samuel Sellars was there with several others and the times were some better than usual . Twenty eight professed religion. From thence Br. Blackman and myself went on to Stones River Circuit camp meeting. Rev. Lewis Garrett, Turner Saunders, William B. Elgin and several others, eminent preachers, attended and we had good times.

Aug. 21,1811 Bro. Blackman preached in Nashville. I hope good was done. The next camp meeting was at Fountain Head.

Aug. 24 Yellow Creek camp meeting came on next. This was the last I attended that fall. 250 souls professed religion at the several camp meetings I attended in 1811. I traveled about with several preachers the remainder of this fall and winter but principally with Bro. Cartwright.

May 1, 1813. I commenced traveling with Bro. Blackman. I went with him to the Rev. Isaac Congers near Fayetville , Tenn. and heard him preach his child’s funeral. This child was about 5 years old and was called to death. This child had prayed and manifested considerate knowledge of God from the time it was four years old. It is gone to rest.

April 6 we went to hear Rev. Josiah Brandons on Coffee Creek where Bro. Blackman preached again. Next day camp meeting came on near Winchester where we had a comfortable time. After several small meetings we went to a camp meeting on Lebanon Circuit at Hoges meeting house.

June 26. Here I heard the Rev. Thomas L. Douglas the first time he had visited the western country. Several others eminent preachers attended and we had good times. From thence I went to Esq. Norvals Salem meeting house and had another quarterly meeting.

July 23 we went to a camp meeting within 6 miles of Columbia. Bro. John Johnson was there with several other good preachers.

July 30 we went to Antioch camp meeting and from thence to Dover. At both of which places we had tolerable times.

Aug. 13 1813 camp meeting came on at Ebenezer. Again here, as usual, souls were happily converted to God and Christians blessed. The next camp meeting came on at Bro. Garner’s on Hickory Creek . Here I heard Bro. Cunningham and other good preachers. The Lord was there to bless the dear people. The next camp meeting was at Bro. Snell’s near Shelbyville. Blessed be the name of God. He was there to make bare his arm of power. We still pursued our rout from one camp meeting to another namely Sept. 9 at McDonald’s, Sept. 17 at Windrow’s, at which places we had good prospects and refreshing seasons. After this I heard Bishop Asbury and McKendree preach several times.

Dec. 18, 1813 Bro. Blackman had a quarterly meeting in Nashville. I hope good was done tho not much appearance. After this I traveled about with Bro. Cartwright awhile and had some blessed seasons. The next camp meeting I was at was at Fountain Head July 1, 1814. I went with Bro. Crier from this meeting to Bro. Martins where God blessed us in a glorious manner at family prayer. Blessed be God for family religion.

July 29 we went to Cainy Fork Creek meeting where the preachers and people seemed to enjoy the spirit of religion and twenty professed religion. Next camp meeting came on at Ebenezer, Williamson county. Here I heard Bro. Douglas, Bro Hennings, Bro. Harper and others and the Lord favored us with His help. The next Friday camp meeting came on at Salem meeting house where I heard Mr. Newton, a Presbyterian preach free grace upon the whole . This was a good meeting. Before I proceed any further, I must inform my readers that I take my last notice of my dearly beloved Lawner Blackman with whom I traveled many miles. He helped me and took care of me with as much tenderness as if I had been his child. He went to see his friends and was drowned in the Ohio River. He is gone, gone to his eternal home. Few greater men ever lived than he but God will provide for His children and church. He will supply, yea, has supplied His place and

While we are toiling here below,
he’s singing hymns above.
We soon shall meet to part no more
and shout redeeming love.

After this I roved about like a lost dove; I went away down in South Carolina near Charlestown, to Augusta in Georgia, and round about through Virginia, East Tennessee and Kentucky. Sometimes with one and sometimes with another. Brother McGee, Cartwright, Miles Harper and others with whom by whose kindness I was compensated for the loss of Bro. Blackman. After this I came to Bro. Douglas and was with him at many of his camp meetings where God displayed His almighty power in a signal manner.

Oct. 23, 1815 I went to conference at Bethlehem where I heard a great deal of fine preaching.

Dec. 9 I attended a quarterly meeting where I heard Bishop Asbury again, dear man. After a lifetime spent in travel and indefatigable labor he is gone to reap his reward. After this I spent some time in traveling with Bro.’s Johnson, McGee, George McNelly and others. We had some blessed seasons.

July 12, 1816. I attended a camp meeting at Kenerly’s chapel with Bro. Cartwright and others. We had a refreshing time. From thence I went to Bro. Lott and traveled some time with him. From Bro. Lott I went to Bro. Douglas and was at his camp meeting at Ebenezer on Lebanon Circuit. This commenced the 16th of Aug. 1816. Thirty seven professed religion. From thence we went to the camp meeting on Wasen Circuit where the Lord manifested His power and about the same number was converted. Next camp meeting came on at Snells again where about twenty eight persons professed religion.

Sept. 13 we went down to Madison County to a camp meeting at Bro. McGee’s where about eighteen professed to be converted.

Sept. 23 we got to another camp meeting at Pisga, Bro. McDonald’s Richland Circuit. Here God displayed his power in an uncommon manner and about sixty were the happy subjects of conversion. Blessed be the name of God for all His wondrous works. The number of numbers had increased so fast on the different circuits that the camp grounds were generally enlarged and of course more people attended and under the presidency of Bro. Douglas these camp meetings seemed to promise general reformation. Blessed be God, the work is still going on.

The next camp meeting was at Pruett’s Lick, Stone River Circuit. Here thirty professed religion. From this camp meeting I went to one at White Oak where Bro. Cartwright presided. The times were dull. I attended with Bro. Cartwright at the following camp meeting. Oct. 4 at Antioch where 10 professed conversion. Oct. 10 Christian Circuit where twenty professed religion. We then went on to conference which was held in Franklin County Oct. 23. From this conference I went awhile with Bro. Overall, then with Bro. L. Farrett nearly round their circuits. The times were in some places pretty good.

Feb. 23, 1817 I went to Bro. Norton on Fountain Head Circuit and went one round with him. We had poor day times. Sunday March 30th I heard Bro. Cartwright preach at Henshaw School house. I went with him to his and Bro. Axley’s quarterly meeting near Hopkinsville, KY. and the people rejoiced in their God. From thence I went to Bro. Overall’s quarterly meeting on White Creek where we had a great and good preaching and some prospect of good. I went with Bro. Overall and heard him preach on the great wonder in heaven, Rev. 12, C 1 verse. Lord bless the young man. I reckon this text is to big for him. Now I generally find young preacher, that is (Some of them) fond of great thing. I returned to Bro. Lewis Garnett again and heard him nearly thirty times. I was at his camp meeting on Cross Creek where about twenty professed religion.

July 1, 1817 I returned to Bro. Douglas District and went to Bro. Hearns’s camp meeting. I heard him preach thirty four times. The work seemed to prosper more under him than any preacher on the district with whom I traveled. That year at his camp meeting July 11, 1817 on Duck Circuit at Pruitt’s Creek about sixty six professed religion. I went to a two days meeting at Bro. Wright’s where I heard Bro. Cragg preach. We had good times. This was August 9 and 10.

Aug. 14. The camp meeting came on for Lebanon Circuit at the old camp ground Ebenezer; here as usual we had glorious times. Fifty four professed to be converted. Brother Lindsey McGee and other eminent ministers attend with brother Douglas at his meeting.

Friday 22nd. Camp meeting came on at Liberty Meeting house on Cainy Fork Circuit. Here sixty five professed religion. Here the cries of the distressed and rejoicing of the Christians were so great that the preachers sometimes could not be heard. An old lady about seventy years of age who had been occasionally seeking religion forty years was glorisouly converted. Another lady got converted after she left the camp ground on her way home. Dear soul , she was almost ready to sink into despair, but God heard her cries, and set her soul at perfect liberty as she was going on weeping in her carriage. So sensibly was the load removed that she broke forth into the sublimest strains of rapturous joy and praised God aloud even through the town of McMinnville.

Sept. 5 The camp meeting came on at Bro. Snell’s near Shelbyville. Fifty four professed religion here. The next camp meeting cam on near Winchester, Franklin County. It was a very wet and disagreeable time and but five professed religion.

Sept. 19 camp meeting came on at Pisga Richland Circuit. This was one of the best camp meetings that I had ever witnessed. About one hundred and twenty professed religion. It was truly a glorious time.

Sept. 25 camp meeting came on at Reece’s Chapel where twelve professed conversion.

Oct. 10 I was at a camp meeting at Mount Zion which was attended by Bro. James Guinn, Hardy Crier and others. Here twenty one professed religion.

Oct. 17 camp meeting came on at Windrows, Stone River Circuit where about thirty professed religion. From this camp meeting I went on to conference which was held in Franklin Oct. 30. At this conference about 40 professed religion. I suppose when the preachers go to conference they are more engaged in the regulation of their conference than they are to convert sinners and the people generally go to such places with their expectations to high and while hearing such a variety of subjects they forget to pray and trust in God only. After this conference I took a rout through East Tenn. and traveled a while with Bro.’s Edge and Stringfield. I then came down to Madison County and traveled a while with Bro. Hearn on Flint Circuit where we had some pretty good prospects. I left him about the middle of March and went on to Kentucky again and traveled some with Bro. Cartwright and Malone and returned back to Bro. Cragg’s and staid awhile at home. I then went up to Pulasky and heard Br. S. C. Brown a burning and shining light. He has gone to shine in another hemisphere and to enjoy the presence of his God forever. I meandered about from place to place and returned to Kentucky again . I traveled a week or better with John Lewis and went to camp meeting at Kennerley’s.

June 19, 1818 here Bro. Axley was presiding Elder. Fourteen or fifteen professed religion.

June 26 Black Creek camp meeting came on where the prospect seemed quite dull. Several however professed religion.

July 14 camp meeting came on at Mr. Zion on Red River Circuit. Here the prospect seemed some better and about 26 professed religion. Here some of the wicked who cannot bear plain dealings were much offended at Bro. Asley . From this camp meeting I returned to Bro. Douglas again. The first camp meeting I attended on his district was on Lebanon Circuit

July 24. forty two professed religion and 44 joined society. We went on from this meeting to Cainey Fork where 63 professed religion. Here we had great good times of a truth. The next camp meeting was on Nashville Circuit at Thomas meeting house. There 30 professed religion. From this meeting we went to Bedford Circuit and was at a camp meeting at Salem meeting house. The number converted here is not known. After this I went back to East Tenn. again. and was at a camp meeting in Sequachy Valley under the presidency of Bro. John Kennger. We had a pretty good time . Immediately after this meeting I went on with the preachers to conference held in Nashville the 1st of Oct. After conference I was with Bro. Cragg awhile and then went to Bro. Axley again and heard him several times. I then went to Bro. Lindsey and went with him to several quarterly meetings namely on Brekenridge Circuit.

November 21, Hartford Circuit, Nov. 28th Henderson Circuit, December 5 Livingston . The 11th and 10th on Christian Circuit then on Dove Circuit again. Some of these meetings the propsects was truly pleasing. I then advanced toward Tenn. again and was at a two days meeting on the middle fork of (?) Creek. There to me good appeared to be done. I came on to Stones River Circuit and heard Bro. Thos. Maddin several times and then went with Brother Mc Mahon to several of his quarterly meetings for he was presiding Elder of Nashville District that year.

Feb. 6, 1819 I was at his quarterly meeting on Stone’s River Circuit. At Esq. Norvell’s. I heard him preach a general sermon. Thence we went to Sinking Creek on Bedford Circuit and then to Richland Circuit at Bee Spring meeting house. From thence to Duck River Circuit at Goshen Meeting house. At several of these meetings we had gracious times. I then traveled some with Bro. Stanley on Duck River Circuit. After this I returned to Bro. Lindsey in Kentucky again and attended several of his quarterly meetings where God was pleased to honor His own word and bless it to many. I also traveled some with Bro. Peoples and attended several small meetings where God was pleased to bless His own people. Lord bless the little societies that are dispersed all over the Christian world.

June 12, 1819 I was at a quarterly meeting of Bro. Lindsey or Kenerly’s where six professed religion.

June 19, 1819 camp meeting came on at Cross Creek where we had a good time. About thirty four professed religion.

June 26 Charlotte camp meeting cam on; here also we had good times. From thence I returned to Nashville District again and was at Center Spring camp meeting; About forty professed religion.

July 3, 1819 I went to Cainy Fork camp meeting where about the same number professed.

July 29 I was at a camp meeting at Snell’s near Shelbyville. This was held by Bro. Beecher and others. I was at several small meetings. After this time and went over to Bro. Porter’s district and was at a camp meeting near Winchester where about seventy professed religion. This was truly a glorious time. From thence I went back to Kentucky and attended several camp meetings with Brother Lindsey and others where God was pleased to lay to His helping hand and convert sinners. We then came on to Nashville where Conference was held that year again. We had some intimation of the divine favor at conference. I hope some good was done. After this I went home and staid some time. I then went down in Limestone Circuit and traveled awhile with Bro. Springfield. I intended after I left him to go into east Tennessee awhile but the spring was so bad that I gave it out. I was at a two days meeting this spring in Pulaski held by Bro. Stillwell, Samson Burum and others. The prospect was dull. I beat about on the different circuits till about June. I was at a camp meeting on Duck River Circuit where twenty five professed religion.

July 15 I was at a two days meeting in Ohio County held by Bro. Green. Here five professed religion. It was a gracious time indeed.

Aug. 4 We were at another camp meeting where there was good done.

Aug. 16 we went to a camp meeting on Livingston Circuit where we had a pretty good times. We then went to Hartford Circuit where God poured out His spirit in a glorious manner. About one hundred professed religion and several sanctification’s. Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Next camp meeting was on Christian Circuit at Bro. Sink’s September 8, 1820. Here we had great and good times. Seventy professed religion and sixty joined society.

Friday 15 camp meeting came on at Yellow Creek, Dover Circuit where things went on as usual under the presidency of Bro. Lindsey. All well.

Friday 22 ND of Sept. . we went to Red River camp meeting where thirty two professed religion and 34 joined society.

Thursday 28 we went on to camp meeting on Christian Circuit at Shilo. This was just before conference in Hopkinsville and was attended by Bro. Douglas and others on their way to Conference. About sixty professed regeneration. From thence we went on straight to Conference. Neither of the Bishops was there but all things seemed to go on prosperously . From this conference I went over into the Tonbeckbee Country near the Cotton Gin Port to see my son Frederick Weaver. It so happened that Bro. Hearrn who rode that Circuit had a camp meeting near my son’s where I saw my old friend once again. Perhaps it is the last time. At this meeting about twelve professed religion I tarried with my son several days after camp meeting and returned to Madison County and traveled three weeks with Bro. Springfield. The Sunday after I left him I heard Bro. McMahon preach at Landford’s near Huntsville; just as he was going to the south to recover his health. This was December 21, 1820.

Here I must apprise my readers that I have no regular journal till about the last of July. During is interval however I was traveling about as usual - principally in Kentucky. The Camp meeting of this year were more abundantly blessed than ever, both in Kentucky and Tennessee. At several camp meetings more than two hundred professed religion. Many of these converts, it is true, turned again to the world but none in comparison to the happy thousands who are living ornaments to the religion they profess. From these camp meeting the young converts returned to their different homes and carried the divine fire with them. The extensive spread of Methodism is in part owing to these.

Aug. 2, 1821 I attended a camp meeting at Ebenezer Lebanon Circuit where upon the whole we had pretty good times. About fifty professed religion. Brother Douglas was prevented from attending this meeting constantly on account of the sickness of Brother Sterling C. Brown, the circuit preacher, who was then on his death bed in Lebanon and who shortly after died in the triumphs of that gospel hope which he had so successfully preached to others.

Aug. 17 camp meeting came on at Overall’s in Rutherford County. Here the Lord was pleased to display His power in a gracious way t the conversion of forty eight. Forty joined society.

Next camp meeting came about at Salem meeting house Bedford Co. This was in Bro. Porter’s District Sept. 6, 1821. This was thought to be as great a time among Christians as has ever been witnessed in the western country and about 80 professed religion .

From thence we went to the local conference held at Pisga , Richland Circuit Sept. 13, 1821. Business was dispatched with expedition and correctness under the direction of Thos. D. Porter , P E Here also God poured out his spirit on the people gloriously and nearly 100 professed religion. The Rev. Thos. L. Douglas, John, C. Burrus, William McMahon and others attended. I then went to a camp meeting at Thos. Williamson Country where the Lord was nigh at hand to bless. The number of converts is not known but it was a blessed time.

Sept. 28 camp meeting came on at center on Lebanon Circuit where about 52 professed religion.

Oct. 5 camp meeting came on Zion Meeting house about 80 professed here. Blessed be God for all His mighty works.

Oct. 13 quarterly meeting came on at Stone river Circuit at Salem meeting house. There appeared to be some work here, but not like the preceding meetings.

Oct. 18 camp meeting commenced at Winrows or rather the local conference. Through the course of the meeting considerable good appeared to be done. The number of conversions not known. From thence we went on to Conference which was held at Salem meeting house, ten miles above Shelbyville, nothing very remarkable turned up here. Anyway after conference I went over to Cotton Gin Port in Marion County to see my son and family again. I found them all well and after a few days returned through Madison County home again. I then traveled while with Bro. Brown on Dixon Circuit.
I was at a camp meeting on Lick Creek Apr. 5, 1822 where Bro. Charles Holaday presides. I started from Thence and went to Duck River Circuit and hear Bro. Scraggs preached on Amos 36. this was the 9th of April. I then went down to Huntsville and from thence to Trianna and back to Huntsville again where we had a quarterly meeting . Some good I hope was done. After this I went on the circuit with Bro. McPhail and here I stop.

Here let us pause awhile. Let us reflect on the past and anticipate the future. Not long since the prowling of beast and yelling of savages were heard where temples are now erected and crowded by intelligent hearers. From the eastern shores to the remotest settlements of the west I lift up my eyes and behold the indefatigable heralds of the cross crying “Behold the Lamb of God”. And among the numerous crowds I see thousands falling at the feet of Jesus and owning Him as their Lord and Savior. While this looking on I take fire at the prospect that opens before me and almost forget that I am an inhabitant of the earth. How changed the scene. Not many years ago a few faithful embassadors of the Lord Jesus crossed the Allegheny Mountains accompanied by some armed men with a little biscuit and venison in their wallets bound for the western forts and settlements. What tongue can express the emotions of their hearts when from the lofty mountains they looked over the western country, their destined field of labor. Little did they think that in less than thirty years the whole vast field would be filled with faithful laborers surrounded by happy thousands. What hath God wrought, Happy Happy instruments of this glorious work. You have been commissioned by Almighty God to proclaim His will to dying men. Your work is great, confer not with flesh and blood. Keep your eyes single , your hands clean and your heart holy and God will be with you. Never, never prostitute your sacred office to the thing of this earth. And thus faithfully laboring, you shall see the desire of your own soul, and be satisfied in the complete triumph of God.

Rise crown’d with light imperial Salem rise.
Exhalt thy lowly head and lift thine eyes.
See a long race, thy spacious courts adorn.
See future sons and daughters yet unborn
In crowding ranks on every side arise
Demanding life, impatient for the skies.
The seas shall waste the skies, in smoke decay.
Rocks fall to dust and mountains melt away.
But fixed His word, His saving power remains.
Thy realms for ever last, Thy son Blessiah reigns.