Autobiography of Dr. J. J. Polk: to which is added his occasional writings and biographies of worthy men and women of Boyle County, Ky. ..

Front matter

M.

Gc

976.901

Preface

The life of an individual, when written by himself, becomes public property. Its truthfulness or its falsity is to be judged of by those with whom he has been intimately associated. His thoughts are private property; but, when published, are open to the criticism, approving or condemnatory, of the reader. His life may be a plain statement of facts ; his thoughts are but the emanations of an active mind, impelled by the uncontrollable influences of prepossession and education. These facts and thoughts, in conjunction, make the whole character of the man.

The following history of an humble individual was written some years since, and intended rather as a diary for private reference than as an autobiography for publication. But, at the solicitations of many esteemed friends, he has consented to give it form, and bring it before an indulgent public, with the hope that it may do good, or at least be preserved by his children as a sacred memento of a life endeared to them by parental affection.

The author does not indulge the hope that his life can become of general interest to the reading

PREFACE.

public, as it is merely local in its facts and application ; but rather that it may give pleasure to a small circle of friends with whom he has been intimately associated for half a century.

The Sketches wdiich he has added were written, some of them when the incidents alluded to had been long past, and others when they were of recent occurrence. As some of them, therefore, were penned from the recollection of events that had occurred years before, they may be slightly incorrect in dates and some few~ unimportant particulars, but in the main they are correct and reliable.

He wrote the Biographies, long subsequent to the death of the individuals themselves, as tributes of respect to their memory, believing that they would possess an interest for their relatives who are still living, and might perhaps furnish profitable examples to persons who were wholly unacquainted with them.

Contents

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

PART I. — Ancestry, account of — Removal to the colonies — Settlement in Delaware — Change of name — American freedom, devotion to — Father's removal to Kentucky — Dangers from Indians — Locates on Lane’s Run — Eldest

son drowned — The author born 11

PART II. — First recollections — Hatred of kings — War of 1812 — Death of author’s father 14

PART III. — Apprenticeship — Religious convictions — Finishes his trade at Lexington — Escapes the seductions of bad women 18

PART IV. — Reading valuable books — Wife, first acquaintance with — Her parents — Religious impressions — Connection with the church — Thomas T. Skillman, his character— John M. Hewitt — Aaron Keiser, colored man — Marriage — Commences keeping house — Visits to the

sick 22

PART V. — Desire to become a physician — First child born — Removes to Danville — Purchase of Olive Branch office — New and old court question — J. Q. Adams elected president — Espouses the caus.e of Mr. Clay — Religious

labors 28

PART VI. — Sale of printing office — Becomes a book merchant— Increase of family — Death of third son — Cholera in 1833 — J. G-. Birney, the abolitionist — Prevents a mob — Becomes an editor again — Sale of book-store — Removes to a farm — Licensed to preach — Studies medicine — Commences the practice 32

CONTENTS.

PART VII. — Removes to Perry ville — Church at Thomas Moorman’s — Popularity as a physician — Increase of family — Sycamore meeting-house — Success as physician— Enters into partnership with Dr. W. T. Polk —

Antioch Church 38

PART VIII. — Trial by committee of church— Presidential election, 1860 — Loyalty to the government — Assistance to Union soldiers — Battle of Perry ville, 1862 — House a hospital — Appointed surgeon — First spell of sickness —

Ilis assistance sought by rebels — Votes for Mr. Lincoln,

1864 — Appointed postmaster 43

PART IX. — Devotion to temperance cause — Devotion to Sons of Morality — Devotion to emancipation with colonization— Devotion to abolition of Sunday mails 47

DRAMA OF LIFE.

A true picture 49

SKETCHES.

Lexington 57

The Market-place 61

“The City of the Dead” 63

Harrodsburg 66

Perry ville 68

Danville..... 71

A Comparison 74

Fable No. 1 75

Fable No. 2 76

General Speed S. Fry 77

Southern Rights 78

The First Temperance Society in Perryville 80

Methodists 81

Natural Phenomenon 83

CONTENTS.

Perry yille National Cemetery 98

Methodist Church in Danville 101

Methodist Church in Perryville 105

Woman’s Rights 107

Man’s Rights 108

Children’s Rights 109

Thrilling Incident Ill

Battle of the Boards 113

Glad I owned no Horse 115

Drunkard’s Dream 119

The only Ghost I ever saw 121

The Devil in his True Form 129

REFLECTIONS OF AN OLD MAN.

men 193

Chapter XXVIII. — The right to an opinion 196 BIOGRAPHIES

Low Sutfield 206

Carter Tadlock 210

Dr. Nelson Crane 212

Miss Polly Bradburn 215

Duncan F. Robertson 217

Aunt Tabitha Cocke 220

Mrs. Margaret Fulkerson 223

Death’s Doings 225

Mrs. Agnes Tilford 226

John Tompkins 228

Thomas Prewett 230

Dr. John Fleecy 233

Thomas Durham 235

Jeremiah Briscoe 237

Samuel McGinnis 238

Statistical Table 255

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

PART I.

Traditional account of ancestry — Their removal to the American Colonies — Settlement in Delaware — Change of name — Their patriotism and devotion to the cause of American freedom — Father’s removal to Kentucky — Exposure to dangers from Indians — Settlement at Bryant’s Station — 1786, located on Lane’s Run — Hostile Indians in the neighborhood— Increase of family — Eldest brother drowned — The author born.

Tradition says that, toward the end of the sixteenth century, Ephraim Pollok, a plain, honest man, lived in the south of Scotland, near the English border. Pie was a Roundhead, and as such was persecuted when the Anglican Church was in the ascendancy.

The American Colonies were just then receiving accessions to their population from the mother country. Ephraim had long sighed for freedom — freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from kingly power. Therefore, with his own and other families, he made a hasty preparation, and embarked for the eastern shores of America. They landed

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safely, after a perilous voyage, at the point in Delaware where Georgetown now stands, and immediately busied themselves in preparing a home.

Shortly after his arrival in America, he dropped the letters l-o from his name, and from that time his proper cognomen became POLK. This change may have been accidental, but it was most probably designed.

In his new home his family increased in number, and enjoyed all the sweets of domestic happiness. At his death, his youngest son, who was also named Ephraim, became possessor of the old manor-house. He married and became the father of four sons and two daughters. Like his father, he was for the times a rich man. His youngest son he likewisenamed Ephraim.

He had scarcely seen all the members of his family reach the years of maturity before the struggle between the colonies and the mother country began. At the first sound of war, father and sons flew to arms in defense of their homes. Through the whole contest they bore unflinchingly their full share of dangers and privations ; and by their daring and personal sacrifices won unfading laurels.

Victory had hardly crowned our arms and peace been declared, when the family was scattered, each member of it seeking a new home. A number of them came to the West, to peril their lives again in

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a war with the red men of the forest. My father, Ephraim, jr., was among the emigrants. After a tedious and dangerous journey, three families arrived at what was then called Limestone — now Maysville — in the then Territory of Kentucky. Following the most direct trail of emigration— the path made by the wild buffalo as he moved from the Ohio to the saline regions of the interior — they found their wTay to Bryant’s Station, near Lexington. Here separated those who had traveled together eight hundred miles on a flat-boat, and many miles through unbroken forests.

My father moved north-east ; and in the year 1786 located on Lane’s Run, in Scott County, five miles east of where Georgetown now stands. The family at that time consisted of father, mother, and one daughter. Hostile Indians were frequently seen in the neighborhood, and about the time of his settle- >■ ment there murdered two members of a family living a mile from his house, and carried the remaining two into captivity. One of these, a woman, having made her escape some time afterward, returned to ^ the neighborhood; the fate of the other was never known. As soon as it was known that the murder had been committed, pursuit was made, but without overtaking the savages. Their danger from that source was now at an end, but new hardships arose I C from another quarter. The dense forests were to

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be cleared, and the virgin soil prepared, before proper sustenance could be obtained for the family.

Soon the parents were blessed with another daughter, then a third, and afterward a son. When two years had elapsed, a deep gloom was thrown around them by the accidental drowning of this son in a spring, near the house. Another son was given them in place of the one that was taken — Jefferson J. Polk — born March 10, 1802.

PART II.

First recollections — Father’s implacable hatred of kings and kingly power — Teaching his children — Makes them pledge fidelity to the Government and Constitution of the United States and to Mr. Jefferson’s administration — Preparations for the war of 1812 — Father determines to join the army — His death — Sorrow of the family — Determination of the author to learn a trade.

My first recollections of parental government and teachings commenced at six years of age. My father, still bearing implacable hatred to kings and kingly power, took great pains to instill the same spirit into the minds of his sons. His leisure hours and the long winter evenings were employed in rehearsing the conflicts between the Whigs and the Tories, and in giving an account of the hard-fought battles in which he and his brothers had participated during the Revolutionary War. He was very particular to make

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

his sons pledge fidelity to the government, constitution, and laws of the United States, and especially to Mr. Jefferson’s administration. Taught by such a father, and imbibing such principles, it might reasonably be expected that my infant mind would be completely Americanized . Love of country, hatred of George III., of British red-coats, and of American aborigines, were the first emotions of my young and patriotic heart.

Only a few years passed before I witnessed in person the drilling of soldiers for another sanguinary conflict with the British and Indians. I was then ten years old. The history of that struggle need not be given here. I remember that every success of the American arms was a matter of joy and thanksgiving in my father’s family. The crowning victory was the battle of New Orleans; and the news of Jackson’s triumph over Packenham determined my father to join the southern army in the spring. He set about making suitable preparations for the intended campaign; but Providence interposed, and before the middle of March, 1815, the disease called the cold plague deprived the army of an experienced soldier and the family of its head. His illness was short, and the announcement came unexpected from the good man who stood over him — “ He is dead ! ” In that sad hour I turned to my mother — she was in tears. I turned to sisters, brothers — all were weep-

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

ing. I left the house, and composed myself as best I could under the circumstances. It was the first death I had ever witnessed.

After the funeral rites had been performed, the family — six sons and five daughters — consulted and agreed that the boys — none of us over sixteen years of age — should clear the estate of debt (about two hundred and fifty dollars), and build our mother a comfortable dwelling. In accomplishing this work we were counseled and greatly assisted by the same good man who closed our father’s eyes in death. Having in two years accomplished the work, my eldest brother and myself determined to attend, for a short time, the neighborhood school, and after acquiring the rudiments of an English education, to leave home and learn trades.

My first day’s experience as a school-boy is still fresh in my memory. The school-house was an old log building, situated in a thick forest. Entering the room, the great object of interest to my eyes was the school-master, an old and infirm man, seated with ruler in hand at one end of the apartment, beneath a rack in which lay a number of tough, seasoned switches — the emblems of one part at least of his daily duties. As it was the first day of the session, he read his rules. They seemed to my mind unused as I was to school-life, to demand implicit obedience, and so terrified me that I turned my head

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

neither to the right nor left, but kept nry eyes fixed for the most part upon my book, occasionally indulging in a sly glance from undmj/my bm#s at the teacher and my neighbor on either sid$? As I saw the latter gazing round withfimpunit^^ soon became bolder, and allowed my^gyes, once a while, to rove from the task that/wrfs spread before me. Notwithstanding thi^‘^/'was ^egarjfed as a good boy. Although play-tinie ” I entered into the

sports with 'Wal, find generally excelled, I was always a fa/orite with my companions, and never permitted my play to interfere with my studies. Commencing at the alphabet, I studied with such diligence that on the following day I was able to spell, and in one week could read with tolerable fluency in Webster7 s Spelling-book . kn 3. comparatively short time I was able to read one of Colonel II. SI. Johnson’s speeches in Congress (one of the reading books of the school). At the end of three months I quit school.

It was but a short time until my mother carried me to Georgetown. As we stood by the counter of one of the stores a tall, gray-haired man entered, and approaching us said: “Sladam, is this your son?” Upon her answering affirmatively, .said the

gentleman, “make a printer of him.” This proposal startled me. Sly mother objected that my education was insufficient. What, thought I, the ignorant,

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raw country boy, used only to chopping cord-wood, working in a brick-yard, and tilling the soil, make a printer! Impossible! The gentleman urged his request, and the bargain was made before we returned home.

Part III

Apprenticeship commences — Incident the second Sabbath — First religious impressions — Progress as a printer — Services rigorous — Indenture for seven years — Letter of recommendation— Finishes his trade at Lexington — First night in that city — Escape from the seductions of bad women.

At the age of fourteen a new era in my life commenced. After having been accustomed in childhood to parental government and the labors of a farm, I wras now, with a very limited education, indentured for seven years to Colonels R. M. and James Johnson to learn the art and trade of printing. These gentlemen were the owners of the Georgetown Patriot office — Major William Sebree, the editor. With much trembling I now stood before the printer’s case , and commenced composing. Fear of the foreman’s displeasure kept me diligently at work. A wTeek passed, and I returned home to report progress. On Monday morning I was again in my place, with the hope that I should be able to accomplish my undertaking. I determined to learn.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

On the Sunday following an incident occurred that shaped greatly my future life. I was in the market-house indulging in a game of marbles with boys of opposite colors. The foreman of the office passing by took me by the arm. and lifted me out of the dust, saying: “ Never let me find you in such company again. You shall go to church once every Sunday/5 From that day forward I touched not marbles, but went to church, and tried to keep good company.

About this time Henry McDaniel, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, preached statedly at Georgetown. He was a “ son of thunder.55 His zeal and earnestness shook the sandy foundations of the most wicked, and even the hearts of the youth. I was brought under conviction by his preaching. I managed to conceal my true feelings, but sought secret places and poured out my soul in prayer to God. Many noticed my seriousness and altered demeanor; but having no one to unbosom myself to or guide me, I soon shook off my guilty fears. I, however, remembered the oft-repeated prediction of my mother, “that I would one day become a preacher.55

I toiled on, and soon found that my new position would eventuate in the enlightenment of my mind, and fit me perhaps for a higher sphere in life. Three years elapsed, and I was a passable printer

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

for a newspaper office. My service was rigorous, I being frequently compelled to spend sleepless nights in order, in the morning, to give the latest news to patrons. My indenture ran for seven years, but the paper was discontinued at the end of three years, and a release was offered me, with a letter of recommendation to all editors and printers. This I readily accepted, and went forth, without money or decent apparel, but proud as any other lord of creation.

I traveled to different towns in search of employment, and after several months of idleness, during which my one suit of jeans was worn threadbare, found my way to the city of Lexington. Here I engaged with John Bradford, sen. (otherwise familiarly known by the appellation of u Wisdom”), to assist him in his printing office, at three dollars per week and my board. The wages were small, but the truth is I was just then ready to work for my board alone. I did not profess to be an experienced printer, as it was against the rules of the craft for a journeyman to work at so cheap a rate. Hence, I was understood to be only finishing my trade. This occurred in the year 1820. I was then eighteen years of age.

The first night of my sojourn in the city came very near stamping my character with infamy. I had never indulged in the use of ardent spirits; I was a stranger; and I found in the office journey-

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men who loved the “ flowing bowl.” They presented me with a glass of cordial, and to appear manly I partook freely, not knowing its strength. Before nine o’clock I was so overcome that I could with difficulty reach my lodgings. In the morning I was myself again, and I resolved from thenceforward to touch not, taste not. I kept my resolution.

But danger soon came from another quarter. I was directed to a certain family where I could get some shirts made. When the work was done, I went to the house for them. This was my second visit. The young ladies treated me in such a familiar manner that my fears were aroused, and I came to the conclusion that a snare had been laid for me. I paid for the work and left, and determined to keep myself aloof forever after from the seductions of bad women.

I was soon able, from my short earnings, to clothe myself decently in a suit of jeans. I now sought the company of respectable women, and soon became a favorite with matrons and a few maidens. These were a safeguard to my morals. I talked with them at their homes ; I accompanied them to church; and, as the consequence of such associations, now began to feel the desire, stronger than ever, to gain a name, and become a useful member of society.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

Part IV

Reading valuable books — Diligence in business — First acquaintance with my future wife — Character of her parents — Second deep religious impressions — Connection with the church — First public prayer — Attendance upon religious worship — Character of Thomas T. Skillman — John M. Hewett — A colored man, Aaron Keiser — Marriage — First attempt at house-keeping — Visits to the sick.

I NOW ignored pleasure, and applied myself to the reading of useful books. Besides my daily reading as a printer, I borrowed and read many volumes during my leisure hours. While the journeymen in the office around me were eating, drinking, and sometimes dancing and swearing, I sat poring over iEsop’s Fables, the Spectator, Rollin’s Ancient History, Grecian and Roman Histories, and Homer’s, Pope’s, Dryden’s, Goldsmith’s, Burns’s, Cowper’s, Thomson’s, Campbell’s, and Young’s poetical works. It is true I profited by this reading comparatively little, under the circumstances ; yet neither wealth nor honors could have purchased, at any period of my life, the pleasures I have derived from the above desultory reading. All the above poetical works I read more than once.

“ Diligence in business” was my motto. By it I kept my place in whatever printing" office I entered. Whoever was dismissed, I was retained. Many

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wished to employ me. I changed employers, and became foreman of an office conducted by a Mr. Hunt. Here I met with difficulties, growing out of the jealousy of some of the journeymen who had been put under me. I managed to appease their hate and keep my place.

At this period I visited some of my female acquaintances, and, as I accompanied two of them to their homes, we met a young lady, whose long black hair, falling in graceful ringlets upon her shoulders, and large dark eyes, and elegant form, caught my fancy. I inquired her name. My companions informed me her name was Miss Eliza Tod. I sought an introduction, and soon obtained it. I was pleased with my first, second, and third visits. I also sought and obtained the acquaintance of her parents. Her father was a native of Scotland, a man whose mind was stored with useful knowledge — the best historian of his day. His wife was a Scotch lady of surpassing good sense and beauty— both of them pious. I visited the family frequently, and soon made proffers of love to Miss Eliza. It was my first love. It was reciprocated ; and I now thought myself a happy man.

At this time I became deeply concerned about my soul’s salvation. I attended prayer-meetings, and went regularly to hear Rev. Spurlock, a Methodist minister stationed at Lexington, and Rev.

Nathan Hall, then preaching for the First Presbyterian Church. My convictions deepened. Rev. G. C. Light succeeded Spurlock. In the month of March of the following year, I had come to the conclusion to join the Methodist Church. Soon an opportunity offered. I attended church on Sunday night, in company with my intended. The door of the church was opened, with a strong appeal to the serious, converted and unconverted, to enter. A joung lady, another young man, and myself went forward and joined the church. The congregation was dismissed, and I sought Miss Tod; she had left. I required an explanation ; it was satisfactory.

Here I was committed before God and men to be religious. A new field opened before me — an opportunity for such usefulness as had ever been the prevailing desire of my heart. I attended preaching in the Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist Churches, and heard the discussions between the ministers of these several churches and Dr. Holly, President of Transylvania University, who taught a system of natural religion. I went to inquiry, class, and prayer-meetings, and received spiritual strength and comfort from the orthodox faith. I was soon able to apprehend and embrace the truth as it is in Jesus. I was able to say: “My sins are all forgiven; Jesus is mine, and I am His.” On the profession of this faith, my mind, as was natural, turned to the home

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V of my youth, kindred, and friends. I visited my mother’s house in Scott County, and on Sunday went to Low Sutfield’s, an old preaching stand. Rev. Thomas Rankin, an humble local preacher — since a member of the Kentucky Conference — took his text : “ The Master has come and calleth for thee.” His sermon was sensible, and delivered with power. At the close of the service I was called on to pray. I have never been able to call to mind one sentence I uttered in that prayer; but this I know, it was fervent, and wTith many tears. In the congregation there wTas much excitement. I set up a family altar in my mother’s house ; and, after remaining there a few days, returned to Lexington.

I entered upon the active duties of Christianity — attended regularly upon the preaching of the Word of God, and was found every Sabbath evening at class. In the Sabbath-school of the Second Presbyterian Church I also taught a class of boys. I was thus thrown into an intimate relation with its pastor, Rev. John Breckinridge, from whose counsel and social instruction I received much benefit. The remainder of the Sabbath I spent in hunting for the poor and sick of the city, talking to them, and often praying with them. In this work I was greatly blessed. I soon became known among the poor. The sick and dying often sent for me, to receive the sympathy and counsel of one they loved. I could

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relate many interesting cases of conviction and conversion upon a dying bed. To God’s name be all the glory!

About this time I left the Monitor office, and assisted T. T. Skillman to print the Western Luminary, the first organ of the Presbyterian Church established in Kentucky. Mr. S. also printed many religious tracts and books; among them Baxter’s Saint’s Rest, Call to the Unconverted, etc. He printed also a stereotyped edition of the Bible. This situation was both profitable and instructive to me ; for at this time I was very ignorant of religious literature. I boarded in the family of Mr. S., and, as was his custom, he held family worship, praying himself in the morning, and calling upon me to pray at night. We often visited together the house of mourning and of death.

uO, who can tell what sights he saw, what shapes Of wretchedness ? or who describe what smiles Of gratitude illumined the face of woe,

As from his hands he gave the bounty forth?”

Eternity alone will reveal the charities of Thomas T. Skillman. He was one of the small number I have met with in life whose heart and hand were ever ready for every good word and work.

I must not omit to mention here another saint, who led me gently into paths of piety and peace — John M. Hcwett, an Englishman, and an elder in

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the Baptist Church. With this pious father I often “took sweet counsel.” I also derived spiritual comfort from conversations with a pious slave, Aaron Keiser, a man whom I found to be a better divine than many who could boast a whiter skin.

My matrimonial arrangements were now completed, but my mind wTas much perplexed concerning this new responsibility that I ’was about to assume. I was to link with my own destiny on earth a young and fair being. Would she be happy or miserable? I was poor, and she had no fortune to offer. I frankly told her all. She, like myself, determined to meet whatever hardships might be before us with a stout heart and firm resolve. Accordingly, on the 10th of September, 1823, our nuptial rites were solemnized. I worked in the printing office until twelve o’clock of the day on which I was married. After the wedding, we made a visit to my mother; and on the Monday following I was found at my place as a journeyman printer. We boarded with my father-in-law about five months, at the end of which time I rented a house, and commenced housekeeping in an humble manner. If I was poor, I owed no man any thing.

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Part V

Continued visits to the sick — Desire to become a physician — Study of the symptoms of diseases at the sick-bed — First child born — Visits Danville and purchases the Olive Branch office — Prints the first number of his paper — New and Old Court Question — J. Q. Adams elected President — Espouses the cause of Mr. Clay — Religious labors.

House-keeping brought with it many phases of life to which I had heretofore been a stranger. My wife and I adapted ourselves to the circumstances under which we were placed, and consequently were happy. We performed our respective duties with cheerfulness. We retired to rest at a reasonable hour, and arose at early dawn. I hastened to my work in the office, and my wife to the preparation of such articles as were demanded by our new mode of life. In my new relation I found greater facilities for usefulness. I still continued my labors of visiting and praying with the sick and dying, often being called out in the night for this purpose.

About this time I began to feel a strong desire to become a physician, believing that as such I could do good to both the souls and the bodies of men. But my poverty forbade that I should enter immediately upon the study of medicine. I, however, studied at the sick-bed the nature and symptoms of the various diseases which came under my