Early biography, travels and adventures of Rev. James Champlin, who was born blind ; with a description of the different countries through which he has traveled in America, and of the different institutions, etc., visited by him; also an appendix, which c

Front matter

EARLY BIOGRAPHY,

TRAVELS AND ADVENTURES

REV. JAMES CHAMPLIN,

Preface To The Second Edition

The favorable reception of the first edition by the public, which in a few months exhausted the one thousand copies, has induced me to offer a new edition in a revised and improved form, for their favor and patronage. In taking the liberty to present this little work to the public, for their perusal, I think it probable that a representation of some of my motives for doing so will not be amiss. Then, in the first place, I would inform my readers, that if I have made any advancement in the world, either in learning or virtue, it has been chiefly by my own perseverance ; and having traveled considerably through the United States, it has been the opinion of some of my friends that I ought to prepare a work of this kind ; not for their own individual gratification, but for the benefit and interest of others, who like myself, though in different circumstances, may be struggling under difficulties. I have therefore, through their solicitations, though in bad health, and having many other things to attend to, prepared the work. Were this the only reason for writing my biography, its appearance would hardly be thought admissable ; but when its pages are examined, I hope it will not only be found to contain some useful descriptions and statistical remarks, but many practical and useful lessons in the principles of morality. The author, therefore, trusts that the work may be read in schools with profit to its readers. And if it shall be found useful in the instruction of the young and rising generation, it certainly will have accomplished an important object ; for it is upon the proper formation and direction of the young mind that the virtuous actions of mankind depend ; and it is those actions upon which will depend the safety and welfare of this free and enlightened

4 PREFACE.

republic, of which they are soon to become citizens. If, therefore, this work should succeed in its principal object, of encouraging its younger readers to persevere in their efforts to improve their minds in the pursuit of knowledge, and their hearts in virtuous prnciples, under the greatest obstacles and discouragements, and afford any interest to others in its perusal, the author will deem his humble labours in preparing it well spent.

It is further to be remarked, that this volume, instead of abounding in gorgeous ornaments, in which many works deal largely, presents its matter in a plain and simple manner, that it may be the better adapted to all capacities. Should this plainness and simplicity of style be urged as an objection to the work by those who are fond of foreign and high-sounding phrases, I would say to such that the beauty of language does not always consist in its brilliancy, but rather in its clear adaptation to the understanding. It has been said by some one that there is no task so hard as that of pleasing every body, and, while the better policy might be, in most cases, to aim first to please ourselves, yet I must acknowledge that I have not, in the arrangement of this work, been fully able to accomplish this object. For I have, in many cases, been obliged to be very concise in giving relations which I considered of importance, whereas, if the compass of the work had been larger, I would have been able to make better arrangements in regard to my matter. But there is one particular in which I think I have been successful. I mean that of observing truth in all its parts.

The observations which will be found in the following pages upon religious subjects may be objectionable to some, yet as they have been the result of experience and mature reflection, it is thought when they are examined by the serious and candid reader that the opinions of the author will not be entirely exceptionable.

It may also be remarked here, that it ought not to be expected by the public that a perfect work should be put into their hands, and especially a work of this character. For though all possible pains have been taken by the author to make it interesting and instructive to all, he is still aware that there are imperfections attending the work.

PREFACE. 5

Having thus given a slight outline of his views in presenting his publication to their notice, the author will close this short preface by expressing a hope that it may continue, in its improved and enlarged form, to be favorably received, and that its faults may be excused and his labors rewarded by an intelligent, benevolent and magnanimous people.

Chapter VIII

A continuation of the Author's Inquiries; He hears an interesting sermon, and receives some encouragement therefrom ; Social amusements ; His Parents' removal ; Description of the journey and country over which they traveled, 40 CHAPTER IX.

A description of part of West Tennessee ; Remarks upon the manners and customs ; Character of the Author's new acquaintances, 49

Chapter XVI

The Author becomes acquainted •with an extraordinary younc man, with whom he is sent from home ; Remarks upon his character; The manner in which the Author was received in his new situation ; Progresses very rapidly in his studies ; Becomes very much attached to his teacher, to whose opinions he becomes a proselyte ; Receives a course of moral instruction ; Finishes his studies and returns home, gy

CONTENTS. 9

Chapter XVII

The Author privately elopes from his parents ; His journey ; He arrives near a little town in the south-western part of the State of Kentucky, where he receives a situation as teacher ; He is sent for by his parents, and returns home, 94

Chapter XVIII

The Author takes a school in his own town ; Becomes concerned for the welfare of his soul ; Embraces religion ; Joins the church, and is shortly afterwards authorized to preach, 100

Chapter XIX

For singular reasons the Author is induced to commence the study of Law ; He is very successful in pursuing his study ; He applies for a license, but is disappointed in obtaining it, and abandons the profession, 106

Chapter XX

The Author becomes dissatisfied with the doctrines of the Christian Church, and discontinues his membership ; Some of his objections to the church : He becomes a member of the Methodist Church, in which he is afterwards authorised to exhort. 112

Chapter XXI

The Author receives information from a friend in Mass., which induces him to take a tour to the city of Boston ; His journey through a part of Tennessee and Virginia, with a description of the important towns, etc. J 17

Chapter XXII

A continuation of the Author's travels ; He arrives at Richmond ; Description of the city ; He goes on board a vessel bound for Plymouth ; His sea voyage, and description of the different cities visited by the way, 124

Chapter XXVIII

The Author makes another tour ; Incidents thereof; He commences a correspondence with the Superintendant of the Ohio Institution for the Blind ; Receives a situation in that Institution ; Description of it, with remarks upon other benevolent institutions in Ohio ; Conclusion, 176

Appendix

Extract from an Address delivered by the Author to the Methodist Anti-Slavery Society of the city of New Bedford, Mass., 189

Extract from a Lecture delivered by the Author to the Methodist Church, in Newport, R. I., 194

Extract from a Sermon preached by the Author at Madisonville, East Tennesee. 196

Extract from a Discourse upon the 5th chapter and 4th verse of Matthew, by the Author. 202

EARLY BIOGRAPHY

OF

REV. JAMES CHAMPLIN.

CHAPTER I. Introductory remarks ; His ancestors, parents and birth

As it is the principal object of this work to interest and instruct the young mind, it is not thought necessary by the writer, to give any relation which does not directly or indirectly produce this effect. It will be seen by the public, in examining not only the newspapers and other periodicals of the present day, but many biographical writings which are in high repute, that instead of presenting to the mind of the reader subjects of interest and importance, anecdotes which are trivial in their nature are used to supply their places. I do not object to hearing an anecdote occasionally in these writings, provided it produces any good effect upon the mind of the reader ; it may therefore be the case, that my reader, in perusing this book, may occasionally find a short interesting story. But perhaps it may be thought that I am meddling with a subject foreign to the task proposed, viz : that of giving you a narrative of my early life. Then to my object.

It is well known by all who are acquainted with the history of America, that as soon as the colonies planted by the English began to be in a flourishing condition, and when persecutions arose in any of the European countries against those who would not worship God according to the faith and order of those countries, many of those who were thus persecuted made this country their place of refuge.

It was by this spirit that the puritans were influenced when they launched their feeble barks into the boisterous Atlantic, and through the kind providence of God were permitted to reach the coast of America and commence a settlement at Plymouth. Many other companies and families left the civilized countries of Europe under the same circumstances, and came to a country where it was evident that they would not only be exposed to the intensity of the weather, but to the barbarities of the uncivilized savage. And as my ancestors came from great Britain about the time of some of the remarkable persecutions against those who would not subscribe to the articles of faith believed by the sovereign of their country, it may be reasonably supposed, that this was one great reason for their coming. However, be that as it may, they settled themselves in the States of Rhode Island and Connecticut, which were then but thinly inhabited, the lands of which were rich and productive. What their prospects in life were when they came to this country I cannot tell, neither do I know how many came. It must have been at least two centuries since their emigration from Great Britain ; for my parents and other relatives can only give me some general information concerning their coming. My grandfather on my father's side, Stephen Champlin, was born and raised in the State of Rhode Island, and when it became necessary for the Americans to assert their rights by revolting from the mother country, he united with his fellow countrymen in the common cause of liberty. The struggle was loner and desperate ; but the American cause being just, and being aided in this great and noble achievement by a superintending Providence, they were enabled, after suffering with cold, nakedness and hunger, to gain liberty for themselves and their posterity after them.

The war being over, my grandfather was permitted to return to his native home ; and marrying at an early age, he settled himself on a farm in the township of South Kingston, where he for several years supported himself and family by cultivating his lands. In those days it was not thought strange, to see the families of not only the common people, but many of the higher classes, when they gave entertainments of any kind, to serve their meals up in pewter dishes. And, as dancing in those times was a favorite recreation, it was taken as a high insult, for an individual, after having received the assistance of his neighbors in the harvest field during the day, not to give in the evening what was then called a social dance, in which almost all of both sexes and ages united. The fathers who lived in those days, not only taught their children economy and industry, but also to prize the lately purchased liberty which they enjoyed.

My grandfather's famity consisted of ten children, several of which were helpless ; my readers will therefore not think it strange when I inform them that though he lived to an old age, he did not in his whole life accumulate much wealth.

My father, Thomas Champlin, was next to the youngest son, and was born Feb. 22d, 1792. His education was quite limited, and what his father gave him he received before. he was able to assist him much in the business of the farm. He lived with his father until the age of nineteen, at which time he obtained his permission to hire himself out to a farmer who lived on the sea coast, where he continued a year or two. As he then, like most young men now, believed strongly in the truth of the scripture maxim, that it is not good for man to be alone, he thought it expedient to settle himself it life ; he was therefore married to Mary Wilber at the age of twenty-one.

After his marriage, he settled on a farm owned by a relation ; but about this time there was a great deal of emigration from the State of Rhode Island and the adjacent States to the western parts of the State ol New York ; and having some relations who had previous to that time removed to that country, who represented to him the advantages it possessed over the country where he then lived, he was induced to remove thither.

When he arrived there he was employed by a gentleman to attend to the business of a public house, in which capacity he remained about two years. He afterwards was interested in the mercantile business ; but still thinking that he might find a place better adapted to his interest, he purchased a team, and having obtained a proper assortment of goods, he taveled through Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, to the State of Tennessee. He here found a place where he thought he could succeed in business, and in partnership with his brother and cousin, he commenced selling goods at Blain's Cross Roads, at which place I was born, March 24, 1821. My parents had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, of which I was the third child ; and it is remarkable, that of the ten children, five were bom blind.

Chapter II

Family remarks ; Years of childhood and early impressions.

How thankful ought that parent to be who. having many children, has none upon whom God has laid the hand of affliction. My parents are like the parents of all others, not perfect ; consequently, if it had been according to their desires, their offspring would all have possessed sight. But God ordered it otherwise. How often in early years have I heard my mother say, how happy should I be if you all could see. But this is a false conclusion ; for I have dwelt among families who possessed the right use of all their faculties, and I have found that true happiness did not exist there. Hence I conclude, that there is none so truly happy as those who are perfectly resigned to the will of God. Perhaps one great reason of my parents' sorrow was, that they considered those who are born blind as incapable of even getting an honest living, much less of becoming useful members of society. Then the blind were considered by the major part of community, as the savage considers those among them who are too old to help themselves — a kind of unfortunate dependants, yet in some degree claiming their sympathy. Who could have thought in those times, that there would, in a few years, be several excellent institutions erected in the United States, where the blind might not only be taught to get a living, but become useful. These things have all come to pass ; and those who but a few years ago were considered as useless and inactive members of society, may now exercise a beneficial influence among those with whom they are associated, and answer the great end for which they were created.

I remarked that my father settled himself at Blain's Cross Roads, in the eastern part of Tennessee, at which place I was born. The partnership entered into between my father and his brother and cousin, to which I alluded before, continued about two years ; and my uncle and cousin proved to him by their actions during that time, that they possessed no small share of knowledge in defrauding. The time was long enough to en*- able them to break him up. He was then brought to realize the force and correctness of the old maxim, that relatives are not always the most suitable persons as partners or associates.

Blain's Cross Roads are situated about eighteen miles east of the city of Knoxville. One of those roads is the great eastern road leading from Knoxville to Baltimore ; and the other road, which crosses it, is a public road, one end of which leads to South Carolina, and the other runs across the Cumberland mountains into what is called Middle Tennessee. The traveler, in going towards the east, is continually surrounded by mountains on the one side, and high hills or knolls on the other side for many miles. Though the country is broken and mountainous, the lands which lie on the creeks and rivers, are very well adapted to the raising of most kinds of produce ; and perhaps the greatest objection that could have been urged against that part of the country was, that the minds of the people were not generally cultivated. Whatever may be the opinions of others concerning this country, I feel that it will ever be a dear spot to me ; for it was here that 1 first received my existence. Hence the many pleasing associations that crowd upon my mind when I look back to the years of my infancy, which are too durable to be forgotten in any ordinary period of time.

We look back upon the years of our infant state, when we arrive at manhood, like the traveler who has ascended some lofty mountain, and looking far below him, beholds a beautiful valley strewed with fragrant flowers, interspersed with only now and then a thistle.

Thus it is with human beings when the day of life first dawns upon their view, they look around them, and every thing that they behold appears beautiful. Alas for them ! They little know the snares that lie in their pathway, and that many of the quicksands upon which youth is so apt to run, lie under some of the very beauties which they most fancy Reader, I did not spend the time of my childhood like you ; when your then little heart was made sorrowful by any disappointment, you had only to turn your eyes from the object of your aversion to something that would give you pleasure. While you rejoiced at beholding the dancing butterfly, or

LIFE OF CTIAMPLIN. 17

„. the beautiful colors of the variegated rainbow, I was doomed to bear my little sorrows and disappointments in darkness. How grateful ought you to feel to your Creator for the many blessings you enjoy compared with those enjoyed by many other persons. As 1 was born blind, I was obliged to make use of the other senses and faculties to supply the place of the sense of seeing. I therefore used to spend a great many of my hours in conversation or thinking. It is remarkable that conversation among the blind is an almost universal favorite. You will not find one in a hundred that is not more fond of conversation than any other exercises of the organs or faculties. When I was a boy, this was a great objection made to me by all my associates, and when I could have an opportunity to be with some person who would answer my inquiries, I would converse a whole day, hardly taking time to attend to my meals. If I could have no opportunity to converse, I was either laying some mischievous plans or engaged in something calculated to annoy my parents or brothers. It was a generally received report in the neighborhood where I lived, that I was a shrewd boy; and that I was more skillful in practicing little mischievous schemes on my associates than any boy in the neighborhood, was never doubted.

One of the first impressions that I received in my childhood, was from an old slave, who was hired by my father at that time to assist my mother in her domestic affairs. It was in regard to the moon. As I was with her a great deal, I believed whatever she said, and being with her one evening where she was milking, when the moon was at her full, she gave me the following account concerning this planet. " Dat moon what shines so bright is a gret big burnin fire, and de way dat dey mak it burn da have a little boy up dar dat tots brush and puts on de fire all de time — dat wat make it burn."

This relation, although entirely erroneous, and not worth the attention of a savage, was firmly believed by me for several years afterwards. This will show parents the impropriety of employing slaves and ignorant persons as nurses for their children ; although in so doing they may rid themselves of a little trouble ; yet they are liable not only to have superstitious notions infused into their minds, but to suffer them to become practisers of the pernicious actions of their domestics. However, the impressions received by me from my parents were of a different nature, and served not only to make me love them as parents, but afterwards to love God as my Creator.

There is nothing more durable in the minds of men, than the remembrance of early impressions and scenes of which they were the actors in the days of their childhood. It is therefore important that such impressions be of the right kind, and that parents, who wish to see their children happy and useful in life, should be very cautious what kind of company they are permitted to keep.

CHAPTER 111.

J 1 is parents' removal to another part of the neighborhood; lie becomes acquainted with several new associates; Their character; Death of his younger brother.

My father having failed in business, it was his first, object to secure for his family a temporary home. 1 before mentioned that it was by the management of his partners, in whom he had reposed the most unshaken

LIFE OF CTIAMPLIN. 19

confidence ; and as soon as they found that they had involved him in large debts, such as he was not able to pay, on account of not having received money for goods which had been taken from the establishment by them, they left the country; leaving him in debt to the amount of four or five thousand dollars, with nothing to pay his creditors. My readers will now doubtless think that I am fond of dealing in family matters, and as I am pledged to give them an account of my early life, that it is quite out of place to unfold to the world the improper actions of relatives. They should recollect, that I not only promised to give the account above stated, but to give any other circumstance connected with it which will be beneficial. My father, through the influence of his friends, obtained a small farm in the neighborhood where he then lived, which served us as a home for several years afterwards. I have always been very fond of solitude and retirement, and I found this place very well adapted to my inclinations. Though part of the land lay along the main eastern road, the north part of the farm, where the house was erected, lay at the foot of the Clinch mountains. It was a romantic spot ; and while I describe it, though I am several hundred miles distant from it, I almost fancy myself there, either reclining beneath the shade of a well known majestic oak, as I used to do, or sitting on the margin of a beautiful gravelly rivulet which came rolling down the high rocks of the mountain.

It will here be proper to remark, that a year before we came to this place, a part of it had been leased to a family, who staid there one year after we removed to it. The family consisted of an old gentleman, aged about sixty, his wife, two sons and a daughter, besides a lad about twelve years of age of whom the old gentleman's daughter was the mother. As this family lived but a short distance from my father's house, and as my father had commenced traveling again, it became necessary to apply to the family very often for little favors. Here again I found a new branch of knowledge open before me, from which will be learned by the sequel, that the knowledge of mankind by experience is not the most pleasant and happy manner of obtaining it. If the knowledge that 1 received in my associations with the younger members of this family had been concerning the arts and sciences, I should have been a much better scholar than I am now ; or if I had been instructed by them concerning religion, I should perhaps have been farther advanced in the christian life ; but it was neither. Then what knowledge did I receive ? It was that knowledge for which the arch enemy of the souls of men is so conspicuous ; such for example as lying, cursing, swearing, and in short, almost every species of wickedness. Although the younger members of the family were known for several miles distant in the surrounding country, on account of their evil doings and outrages committed upon society, they were not so much to blame as their parents, by whom they were taught many of these practices. If ever evil doing was reduced to a perfect science, and practiced as such by any, it was done by these people. It would almost have made the blood run cold in your veins, reader, if you possessed any of that veneration for your Creator which you ought to possess, to have heard an old man, as the father of these lads was, who stood upon the very verge of eternity, calling upon that very Being from whom he received not only his existence, but all the blessings of life, to send his soul to endless torment. But a part of this family have long since finished their unhallowed course among the sons of men. One of the young men, after leaving the neighborhood in which I lived, fell a victim to intoxication, and as I since have been informed, died an untimely death without any prospect of happiness in another world. You may learn, my reader, from this poor young man's example, that there is truth in the assertion made by one of old, that " the wicked shall not live out half their days." En.- posed as I was, and prone to catch whatever was placed within my reach, you may imagine that the pains taken by these individuals to instruct me in these pernicious and wicked practices, were not thrown away upon me. Though f was certain to receive a chastising from my parents if I swore in their presence, I found many opportunities to indulge in this practice.

How easy it is for us, when we have taken one step from the path of rectitude, to take another. It is very seldom that you see the confirmed drunkard, or swearer, or liar enter into the vigorous practice of these evils, or any one of them, suddenly. The drunkard first commences by taking a small dram, perhaps for the sake of fashion ; not that he has any thirst or desire, but for the accommodation of some friends or associates. In so doing, he little thinks that he is laying himself liable to become a victim to drunkenness, and thereby to debase himself far below the brute creation. Thus it is with all such habits, the longer we indulge in them the more we are injured by the bad effects which they produce, and the more we lay ourselves under their immediate influence. However, I did not go so far with the practice of swearing as to hurt the feelings of any one present ; it was either done in the presence of my young associates, who were as fond of it as myself, or for amusement in secret where none could hear me. How natural it is for us, almost as soon as we become conscious of our existence, to do wrong ; but it is equally as natural for us to hide our faults from others.

About this time an afflicting dispensation of Providence took place in my father's family, which put a check in some degree to the commission of the offences of which I have been speaking. It was the death of an infant brother, who, when about fourteen months old, was taken sick with an inflammation of the lungs, with which he suffered a great deal, and of which, though I was young, I was not insensible. I was very much attached to him ; for as I could do little else, I used to nurse him. But he is now in a happier state of existence, and his sufferings have long since been exchanged for a wreath of unfading glory -

Chapter IV

He continues his associations with bad company ; His two brothers are sent to a country school ; He receives some knowledge from them concerning education, and becomes acquainted with an interesting lad ; His character.