Jay County IN Archives History - Books .....Chapter XIII 1896 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com December 8, 2007, 11:51 am Book Title: Reminiscences Of Adams, Jay And Randolph Counties CHAPTER XIII. VINE COTTAGE, REDKEY, May 9th, 1896. The grand army, Epworth League, May unfurl their banner high; The foot of their soldier may be on earth, And the top may reach the sky. Their grand aspirations may ascend To the great Shepherd that dwells on high; The angels of love and mercy will descend, And crown their labors by and by. Even the very honored name they bear, Is grand, the name of Mr. Wesley's home; In that home was talents, rich and rare, As will be read in history yet to come. The grand army, Epworth League, Will be enrolling soldiers more and more, Until they meet their illustrious Captain, Upon the sacred and Heavenly shore. They may meet Him by the river, There they may cross the rushing stream; By the Dear Saviour he may be resting, Beneath the palms of evergreen. Then songs of praise they will loudly sing, To Him who died to save us all, Until the courts of Heaven ring, When the Epworth roll is called. Composed and written by Mary, wife of Rev. D. B. Sutton. VINE COTTAGE, February 20th., 1894. The very name of this honored organization indicates noble principles, aleviation or remedies of wrong or suffering. This is the third anniversary of the Woman's Relief Corps in our beautiful city. Yet we remember in 1861, the great foundation of this noble work was laid, when our brave soldiers offered their bodies as a sacrifice to maintain the glory of our flag. The beautiful emblem of our liberty, which but for their bravery would have been trailed in the dust. I remember with what anxiety the ladies worked that they might send such things as would relieve the wounded and suffering. They sent delicacies to relieve their hunger; they sent soft linen and precious ointment to be aplied to the wounds they might receive in defending our loved country from oppression*. The patriotic and loyal ladies followed with such relief as distance and circumstances would admit. It was among daily anxiety and prayers and the sacredness of many tears that the foundation of this organization, the W. R. C, was laid and sealed with the loyal and brave blood of our country. Their grand work and prayers may ascend To the great Captain that rules on high; The angels of mercy and love may descend And crown their labors by and by. MRS. D. B. SUTTON. (A tribute in honor of General Washington's birthday. George Washington is the grand, illustrious name, That gained for our world such honored fame; It is to celebrate his birthday, with pleasure and delight, That we have assembled in this room to-night. We now are gathered in this beautiful hall With those, like him, that went to their country's call, To defend for us the glorious flag he had raised, That filled our country with happiness, cheer and praise. On January 22nd this wonderous infant, George, was given, As an angel sent from the shining courts of Heaven, To teach, love of country and of liberty, should be our fame, Signed by George Washington, our President's honored name. He had grown from childhood to strong and interesting youth, Always observing the laws of honesty and sacred truth, Until the people of our country united as an independent band, And gave him the highest office that could be given in our land. He stepped into wedded bliss: he met Miss Martha when passing along the flowery path of life, He was attracted, and asked her if she was willing to be his true and loving wife. I am willing, she said, to take you as my husband and my guide; Your splendid wisdom never would misuse my station by your side. Their home was to them as Eden, bright and pleasant and fare, Nothing but pleasure and happiness could enter there; They ever plucked from love's embrosial tree In this life we hope they will through all Eternity. Composed and written by Mary, wife of Rev. D. B. Sutton. VINE COTTAGE, REDKEY, May 5th, 1896. Rev. D. B. Sutton, local elder in the M. E. church and one of the local pioneer ministers of Jay County, Indiana, was born March 8th, 1816, in Ohio, Green County. He is the youngest except one, of a family of ten children. All except him have gone to the great beyond or glory world. He received such education as the school privileges of that time and period offered. He was early converted at a camp meeting held in Green County, Ohio, sixty-five years ago. Through all these years that have intervened since that hour, he has never wavered in his faith nor faltered in his duty. In the meantime his interest in the M. E. church began to attract attention, and his brethren recognizing his ability and integrity and seeing in him the requisite qualities of leadership, called him early to engage in public service. During his early days his parents moved to Green County, Ohio, where he resided till the date of his marriage1, which was March 23rd, 1836, when he was united in holy matrimony to Miss Mary Roberts, by Rev. Brown, of the Ohio conference. She was born in Berkley County, Virginia, August 4th, 1815. She came with her parents early in life to Chillecothe, Ross County, Ohio. This was my earliest recollection of a home, my parents .having settled there shortly after their marriage, where they established a home like the ancient Patriarch. They erected an altar from which each morning and evening ascended the inscene of prayer and praise. They also furnished a chamber for the prophets, and many of the toil worn preachers rested there. If any of those veterans are still living they may perhaps remember my sainted mother and father, and recollect incidents of association with them. My ancestors were nearly all Methodists. I can recollect Father Finley, Father Collins and Mr. Bascom in his oratoral brilliancy. Those I heard proclaim a full and free salvation. When -I was 16 my father moved to Green County, Ohio, where Mr. Sutton and I were united in marriage. The pleasant associations that we enjoyed while living in Green County have been the subject of grateful recollection, and it is with feelings of no ordinary character that I address these few lines. It recalls vividly to my mind many pleasant scenes. In 1845 we bid a due to our home and all its hallowed associations, the friends of our youth. We came to Jay County, which was almost a wilderness. Mr. Sutton had to open the road before we could get to our intended home. We soon erected a small cabin with four window lights in one side and a stick chimney, and blankets for doors. Here as formerly our room was soon' enlivened by the cheerful presence of kind friends. By industry and economy and proper improvement of time we soon became more comfortably situated. There was a great many wild animals infested this uncultivated country, such as wolves and deers, and turkeys, and wild hogs, and some of the more dangerous animals, would often approach the houses. Some ladies were brave enough to shoot at them to the great delight of the settlers and sometimes would meet one of the reptile tribe that tempted. Eve. Sometimes they would offer battle and effect their designs, to the great suffering of the individuals. But notwithstanding, we had our disadvantages we had our pleasures. There was a grand quality of socibility among the people. One instance we had a great number visiting at our house, I jestingly said to Mr. Sutton, "please step out and kill a wild turkey for dinner." He went to where they ranged and killed three at one shot. They were sitting on the fence. It gave great amusement to the visitors. At another time he killed two deers at one shot. Many others were fortunate in obtaining wild meat for their families. Sometimes there would be wagon loads of friends go and assist some lady quilt and the gentlemen would gather at the same place and assist in rolling logs and clearing. They would have grand enjoyment in each others society and partaking of a fine dinner, such as the new country afforded, rare delicacies When we had week day preaching we would lay our work by and attend without fail. It often would last all day and sometimes part of the night. In times of quarterly or two days' meetings, we would take home with us fifteen or twenty persons. We worshiped in log houses or cabins. The dear Savious met with us and we were happy. Our benches were made of split timber, and no person thought strange of it. I could name many things that would seem strange to the people in this advanced age. In our united efforts to serve the Lord we sometimes traveled through muddy roads and deep water. It will not be long until all of those land marks will be gone and will be known only in the hearts of grateful people. We may forget the gratitude we owe to those brave men and families. They have toiled and denied themselves the comforts of life to give the following generation. They have conquered the forrest and subdued the wilderness and made it to but and blossom as the rose with the richest flowers, and to bring forth fruit in most bountiful profusion for the enjoyment of rising generations. How thankful we ought to be, how sacredly should we cherish their memory. They occupy in the temple of fame a place which in the great rush of modern life, people are apt to pass by unnoticed. If their hard labors of years ago were borne in mind they would be recognized as being the more worthy of earth. The great foundation that was laid by our pioneer citizens; the wilderness was cleared, but on it was made the great and marvelous improvement of to-day. Too much credit cannot be given to these enterprising citizens for the grand work that has been accomplished, to the great advantage of all the people of Jay County. The original town of Redkey was laid out under the name of Mount Vernon about; the year 1848. The first store and first postoffice was established one-half mile south of the present location. From that time forward to the time of finding of large quantities of gas, the town has steadly increased. Redkey has enjoyed a steady growth; the population is 4,000. We have three large glass factories, heading and hub factory, slate factory, three saw mills, one grist mill, one fine elevator, a very fine $25,000 school building, and a new M. E. church costing near $15,000, and square after square of imposing and city-like brick business blocks, miles and miles of cement and brick sidewalks. With our large natural gas territory and the prospect of oil in the near future, will make Redkey the metropolis of the great Indiana gas and oil field. We are situated at the crossing of the Panhandle and the L. E. & W. railroads. It gives great opportunity for shipping. We are favored with one of the best lumber yards in the state, and also a fine printing press and postoffice of modern style. The muddy roads have given place to miles of fine pike; the log cabins are something of the past, and instead there are large and valuable frame and brick residences, and grandly improved farms. We cannot do justice between now and fifty years past, the contrast is too great. VINE COTTAGE, REDKEY, May 9th, 1896. Dear Sister Lynch:—I have not been well since you was at our house. I fear I have not done justice to this imperfect history. But I have done the best I could under the circumstances. Some pieces of history that I will send have been printed years ago. The one on temperance I composed and wrote years ago, to be read at a temperance meeting. An editor was there and wished to print it. It recalls to my mind the real circumstances in connection with it, that you may please return the history. I have had a very imperfect education. I only went to school six months in all, and that was to a country school. Mr. Sutton and I have been married sixty years last March, 23rd, 1836. He was born March 8th, 1816, and I was born August 4th, 1815, so we are 80 years old. He engages in all the activities of life, in matrimony and church services, and I continue to write history and compose poetry, as I have done for years past, ever since I could write. Dear sister, you must excuse mistakes that I have made in writing or spelling, especially. MARY SUTTON, Wife of Rev. D. B. Sutton. Mr. Sutton took me when a girl, Into his home and heart, To bear in all his after part, A fond and faithful part. I have never tried That pleasure to forego, And I have never been joyful When he had care or woe. I would rather share his sorrows, Than any other's smiles or glee; If he is nothing to this world, He is all this world to me. He makes a palace of our home, And where we stay a throne There is pleasure for me in his voice, There is affection in his tone. Composed and written by Mary, wife of Rev. D. B. Sutton. VINE COTTAGE, February 21st, 1895. (Composed in her 74th year.) Holy men were impressed in early times by the Divine Spirit to go forth without script or staff, proclaiming the wilderness and the solitary places shall be glad for them, and dessert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. There was a time when this country was shaded With trees and beautiful bloom, And the cirucuit riders took their saddlebags And rode forth to give the Gospel a boom. In the saddlebags they carried the precious Gospel truths, Which they kindly taught, to the aged, as well as to the youths. The saddlebag, was regarded with very sacred awe, As in them was carried the whole Gospel law. A message to be delivered, with true Gospel love, As handed down from the pure courts of Heaven above, With a pearl surpassing grandure or eloquence for, Even so much as the sun would, the dim evening star. The shouts and the songs would go up from the saints, all around They felt that they had gained more Gospel ground, On which they might build a log cabin, a home, In which they might invite the preacher to take his saddlebags and welcome come. And they would receive him as-a messenger sent from on high, To tell them of the joys that awaits them in the sweet by and by, When the labors and cares of this life are all over, And the dear Saviour take us to dwell with him on the golden shore. Our circuit riders took their saddlebags and traveled forth Through the wilderness of beauty and true natural worth, To proclaim, in language most pure and sublime, That there is glory coming in the near future time. When the wilderness shall blossom and bloom as the rose, Then the pious circuit riders will lay aside their saddlebags And put on nice and comfortable clothes. Our salary is just sixty dollars, that is very true, But that is all sufficient, as our wants are very few. The dear Savious has said in His own written word, We shall never want if we trust in the Lord, And our children should never, never beg bread, It was by kind Providence poor old Elizabeth was fed. The preacher's faith grows strong when he takes from his saddle bags The words the Saviour has given to teach him to travel to a mansion in Heaven; The he prays the dear Saviour to direct where to go, Even if he should travel through the mud and cold freezing snow. That he might plant a Bethel in the name of the Lord, In which His sacred name might ever be adored, Then he rises from prayer and looks far ahead, There is a place I can administer, where saints need to be fed. He looks and he listens, as his faith grows strong, He takes up his saddlebags and slowly marches on; He looks until he sees the flames of the clearing mountain high, As though1 it was (the) flames of electricity ascending to the sky. He stops, and he listens, and hears the voice of a singer sounding clear, "Dear Saviour, send us glad tidings of great joy in this wilderness here," The tired preacher slowly walks up to him, and meekly nodding his head, And saying, "Dear brother, I truly have need of some nourishing bread." "Oh, come home with us, we will gladly have you with us eat, We have corn, we have pumpkin, we have vension, the finest of meat." "I will accept the kind invitation and thankfully come, For I am a poor wearied traveler, seeking a rest at some home.' "I have traveled many miles in deep, muddy roads, To bring to you, dear friends, the pure word of God, On which you might feed Heavenly things, With such brotherly love as the true Gospel brings." The voice as of telegraph sounding out clear, "Oh, come to our log cabin, for a Gospel minister is here, To tell us we may have a glorious mansion upon high, Even to exceed the brightness of the sun on the ethereal sky." They met in the log cabin to praise the dear Lord, Their vioces ascended high, as they sang, may his name ever be adored, Our homes have fallen to us in a Heavenly place, For surely Thou hast sent us a preacher to teach us free grace. Just as the faithful old-fashioned clock struck four, The preacher said, "Dear friends, it is time our meeting was oe'r, But we will stay with our dear brother the balance of the night, And praise our dear Saviour again in the bright morning light." Dear wife, just spread a soft blanket upon this puncheon floor, That will make room for the preacher and two or three more. Dear sister, if you need those pillows to lay on the trunel bed, Just hand to me my saddlebags, on which I have so often rested my head. Now we will take sweet rest the balance of the night, We will praise our dear Saviour, if He should spare us to see the morning light; Then we will trust Him to give us bread and meat, the substantials of life, Which will sustain our mothers and children, and dear loving wife. Composed and written by Mary, wife of Rev. D. B. Sutton. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Reminiscences of Adams, Jay and Randolph Counties Compiled by Martha C. M. Lynch Ft. Wayne, IN: Lipes, Nelson & Singmaster Circa 1896 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/jay/history/1896/reminisc/chapterx552gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/infiles/ File size: 18.4 Kb