The Rev. Jameon, Bowie County, Texas *********************************************************** Submitted by: V Richardson Date: Apr 2000 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tx/bowie/bowitoc.htm *********************************************************** Whatlington Manuscript The Itinerate Preacher In an early chapter it was stated that during the first three years, or nearly three years of my residence in Bowie, it had been my misfortune to be debarred from church attendance, nor heard a sermon during that time, and now, I shall record briefly, an account of my first opportunity and privilege to listen to a REAL sermon, and the very divine who delivered it. This was in 1869 - fifty-two years ago, and at old Myrtle Spring. His name was Jameon, -- Rev. Jameon, as he was variously and admirably called, but what his first name was, if then known, is now forgotten. Some little time previous to the meeting at Myrtle Spring, he had come, an utter stranger, to old Boston, from somewhere "down east", but being well, and abundantly supplied with credentials and endorsements proper or otherwise, and there being at the time, a vacancy in the pulpit at old Boston, and a good preacher badly needed, it was concluded by the brethren to give this eminent, worthy man of God a hearing on the following Lord's day. His very able effort on that occasion met with the full approval of the church, and Rev. Jameon was unanimously "called" to supply the long felt want. It was but a little while until the name and fame of this great preacher spread all over the county, and to widen and extend the sphere of his great work and influence in the Master's vineyard, and the little flock at Murtle Spring, likewise long without a Shepherd, one Sunday in each month was graciously granted it, at so much per. It was my privilege and exceeding great pleasure to listen to the reverend gentleman, and equally distinct is my recollection of the impression he made upon my mind at the time. He was apparently, about thirty years old, tall and of commanding appearance, and withal, was one of the handsomest men I had ever met. From his august and dignified manner and bearing and also from his conversation gentlemanly and scholarly, and his fame which had preceded him, I was expectant and fully prepared to hear something far beyond the ordinary, from this wonderful man. I was not disappointed. His opening prayer I thought, and still think, was the most eloquent, feeling and forceful appeal I had ever heard. It is enough to say that his somewhat lengthy discourse was equally grand, completely captivating his hearers, and greatly edifying to the good brethren and sisters here assembled. It was truly a glorious time for the church. The noble brother must be rewarded. The plate, or hat rather, was passed around and many, many shekels went to supply the pressing needs of this holy man of God. The church at old Boston had, it was later learned, donated a good big sum - several hundred dollars - for the relief of the aforesaid pressing needs of the beloved pastor, and, it was quite evident a little later, that his mission to Bowie, to him at least, eminent satisfactory. He spent a few days, before his next monthly appointment at Murtle Springs, visiting the members here, and gave it out that he was called, as a delegate or something, to attend a Conference or Council of ministers at Jefferson, and humbly asked, on that account, that his absence, for the following Sabbath, be excused. With deep regret, this was granted. He now stated that, if any of the brethren and sisters or others had watches or jewelry - bracelets, lockets, gold finger rings, etc., in need of repair, he would gladly take it to Jefferson, have the work done while there, and bring it back on his return. Jefferson was the nearest point where such work was done, and how kind and considerate of Brother Jameon. "Wouldn't it be too much trouble"? asked many. By no means, he assured them, saying that he would pay for all the work done, and they could repay him later. Several fine old gold and silver watches and much valuable jewelry was entrusted to the good brothers keeping and he went on his way rejoicing. Among the watches, I remember Rome Barkmans was a very fine pure gold, many jeweled timepiece, and very highly prized as an old family relic. Old Boston had also contributed its share, besides, as brother Jameon had no conveyance of his own, a member of Old Boston church, Uncle Julious Battle, lent him his two horse buggy and pair of splendid horses, to speed the man of God on his noble mission in his Master's Cause. Time moved on apace and everything and everybody was "calm and serene". The date of his return was nearly here, and a few more days would bring back their beloved pastor. The Rev. Jameon was finally something like a week or ten days behind time, and some "doubting Thomas" was heard to wonder if the Rev. Parson was just exactly "all that he professed to be." This doubt spread abroad, and naturally there was consternation in the camp of Israelite's. A delegation went to old Boston. No one there had heard a word from brother Jameon. Brother Battle and others hurried to Jefferson in hopes of finding the good brother, who, many feared, had met with foul play. Alas, no such man or preacher of that name was known or ever heard of in Jefferson; no council or association of ministers recently held, and none contemplated. Evidently the Rev. Jameon was on a still hunt for "suckers", and from the account as related, had obviously, found them at Boston and Murtle Spring. After several days-vain search and inquiries, they returned to Boston, sadder and very much wiser. Sometime afterwards, brother Battle, I think, recovered one of his horses, and two or three months later it was learned that the Rev. Jameon alias something - name now forgotten, was an escaped convict; had been caught, and was again as inmate of the Louisiana penitentiary. Nothing more was ever heard of the Rev. Jameon. "Sic transit gloria mundi." Thus was my first sermon, after an interim of nearly three years, I fear, did not materially add to my spiritual well-being.