David Jones Visits Piqua

       When we left off our story of David Jones’ travels through the Ohio country, he had just rejoined his party after having been lost in the wilderness.  We pick up his story there.

       Saturday 9 [January 1773], Mr. William Butlar [Butler], by an accident having got part of his goods wet, was so retarded in his voyage, that we overtook him, though he set out several days before us.  In company with his canoes, we passed a place where some rude Indians were, who had behaved insolently to Mr. Butlar. Our canoe-men, understanding the disposition of Indians, for their safety, made themselves near half drunk, and as they passed the Indians made such a horrid bustle, that the Indians were afraid to molest us, as they said afterwards.

       I THOUGHT at first this was only an excuse for excess, but was afterwards convinced that Indians are extremely afraid of any person intoxicated; for they look on such as mad, and among themselves in such a condition are always for killing.  Encamped this night near the crossings of this river, and slept safely, though not without fear. ¹

     When I read this account, I immediately thought of another David many years before who, in attempting to flee King Saul, feigned madness so they he could dwell safely amongst the Philistines (I Sam. 21:10-15).  The idea in pagan cultures was that those who exhibit clear manifestations of insanity are controlled by powerful spirits.  The ruse worked here for Jones’ compatriots as well.

      [Sunday] 10 Being the Lord's day, but as none is kept here, moved up as far as a place called Kufkinkis.  It is common here to disload some part of the canoes, and from hence carry the goods on horses to the towns.  The land here is level and good, and it is said that the place takes its name from an old Indian of the same name, who used to winter here.  This river comes much nearer to some of the towns, but as it is very crooked, it makes the distance so great, it is judged expedient to disload part here.  Near us were encamped some Indians, which were going to Pickaweeke [Piqua] an Indian town near to Deer Creek.

       Monday 11, Mr. Butlar and Mr. Nailar concluded from hence to take part of their goods by land, on horses brought from the towns for that purpose.  Being very desirous of leaving the canoe, as the season was now cold, requested Mr. Butlar and Mr. Kelly to intercede for me to obtain a horse from the Indian that was going to Pickaweeke.

       I HAVE reason to esteem these gentlemen for their assistance on this occasion, for with fair speeches and good treatment, a horse was granted to me; but it is probable a large reward was viewed by the Indian, for they are very mercenary.

       Set out about 11 o'clock, and came that night to Paint Creek, which is esteemed about fourteen miles; the last part of the road is near due north.  The Indian name of this creek is Alamoneetheepeeca, the English of which is Paint Creek. This creek takes its name from some kind of paint that is found in or about it. It comes from the west, and empties into Siota [Scioto], near where we encamped.  The water is clear and beautiful, demonstrating that it originates from good springs. On some branches of this creek are situated some chief towns of the Shawannees, to be described hereafter.

       Tuesday 12, having taken breakfast with Mr. Butlar and Mr. Nailar, set out for Pickaweeke in company with my Indian friend, whose name is Cutteway, his wife and some others.  It may be well thought that my journey was solitary, for three words of the Shawannee language were not known by me, and as little English by my fellow-traveller [sic]; so that we could converse none by the way.  The day being cold induced us to ride fast, so that about two o'clock we came to the town.  About one mile from the town my Indian friend cast off, and hid part of his load, and leaving the women behind, made signs for me to ride on with him.  Perhaps the reason of his conduct was, lest we should be molested by drunken Indians; for when they are intoxicated, their abuses are not confined to white people, but they will even rob Indians. Drawing near the town, many thoughts arose about the event, for to me it was not known that there was one white man in town; but all anxiety was removed by seeing Mr. Joseph Nicholas, a former acquaintance when at Fort Pitt.  With kindness he received and entertained me with such refreshments as the situation afforded.  While we were refreshing ourselves Mr. John Irwine came in, and invited me home with him.  Mr. Irwine's chief habitation is in a small town, situated W. N. W. of Pickaweeke about three miles.  By the English it is called Blue Jackets Town, an Indian of that name re-siding there.  Before this is described, it is proper to take notice of Pickaweeke—it is situated south of a brook that, east of the town, empties into Deer Creek.  It takes its name from a nation of Indians called Picks, some of them being the first fettlers—the word signifies "the place of the Picks."  Now it consists of about one hundred souls, being a mixture of Shawannees and other nations, so that it is called a Shawannee town.  It is the most remarkable town for robbers and villains, yet it pretends to have its chief men, who are indeed very scoundrels guilty of theft and robbery without any apology or redress. Some of these took four or five mares from Mr. McMechen on Ohio, nor was there any prospect of redress.  Leaving this, went with Mr. Irwine to his habitation.  This town is situated east of Deer Creek, and north of a large plain.  This creek is clear and beautiful, appearing useful for mills and healthful for the inhabitants.  The buildings here are logs, their number about twelve.  This is a peaceable town, and in it lives Kishshinottisthee, who is called a king, and is one of the head men of this nation. The English of his name is Hardman. ²

       In our next post, Lord willing, we will see what happens to Jones as he visits the Shawnee.

Christ, not man, is King!

Dale

1)      David Jones, A Journal of Two Visits Made to Some Nations of Indians on the West Side of the River Ohio in the Years 1772 and 1773 (Burlington, NJ: Isaac Collins, 1774), p. 35.

2)      Ibid., p. 35-8.

An Untimely Passing

       In our last post we left David Jones speaking with some Indians at Ft. Pitt in the summer of 1772.  We’ll pick up his story there.

       July 28, parting with all friends at Fort Pitt; set out for the Jerseys; passed through the settlement of Monongehela, preaching in various places; came to my own house in the latter end of August; found all well, through the kind providence of God, who doth always preserve us through all the dangers of life.

       Health was so much impaired by the great fatigue of this journey, that it was with reluctance a second was undertook; but fearing the bad consequences of disappointing the Indians, was resolved to proceed on all events. Left my house and family on the 26^th of October all well, but alas! all of them I never saw more. My parting at this time went so to my heart, that it seemed as if this journey should finish my days on earth. It was like death itself, but for my word's sake would go: but had it been known how little in reality the Indians cared for my visit, might have contented myself at home.

       For the conveniency [sic] of carrying provisions, and as a defence against storms, went this time in a covered wagon [sic], in company with a person desirous to see the new country, with a view of settling there. Our carriage rendered our journey less expeditious, and in the event proved considerable loss to me; for the axletree broke in the Allegini [sic] mountain, going down to the Great Crossings—parted with it on such disadvantageous terms, that about five pounds loss was sustained. Met with discouragements also while in Philadelphia, for there some money was expected to pay my interpreter, but none could be had, only one gentleman, as I parted with him, put three or four dollars in my hand. Some were so good as to trust me a small sum in such goods as were necessary for my journey.—It filled me with some astonishment to see professed christians so unconcerned about the conversion of the heathens! When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on earth!

       Messieurs [John] Baynton and [George] Morgan were kind enough to furnish me with some necessaries for my journey, and it is hoped that it will not incur displeasure to give credit for their generosity. We travelled so slow, and could make so little way over the Allegini [sic] mountain, that we arrived not to Redstone till November 17.

      How hard it must be for all missionaries, who leave home and family not knowing whether or not they will see them again in this life.  Certainly the faithful minister of the Gospel will go forth trusting in the all-benevolent God whom he serves, but what discouragements must he overcome in his work?  Even Jones admits here that the Indians he was laboring and suffering to serve seemed to be generally indifferent to his work.  Added to that is the further frustration of the lack of support for the work from fellow Christians back home.  Praise God for Christian businessmen! Baynton and Morgan were from the firm of Baynton, Wharton & Morgan which was based in Philadelphia and was actively engaged in the trans-Appalachian trade amongst the various native tribes and others.  Whatever their motivations for supporting Jones may have been, at least they were willing to spend some money in promoting his work.  Are we supporting the work of foreign or domestic missions in our day?

        A few days before me the Revd. John Davis came here [Redstone], intending to go with me to Ohio.    It surprised me to see him so much impaired in his health.  Conversed, and found him resolved to go with me, at least as far as Ohio.  Endeavoured to dissuade him from his purpose, fearing the event, (which in time came to pass) but could not prevail; therefore consented, intending submission to the will of God.   When we came to the house of my interpreter, found that some time before our arrival he had, in company with some Delaware Indians, gone far down Ohio; he left word that I might find him about the Shawannee towns, or some where along Ohio.  This was very discouraging, as I knew of none so well qualified as himself to answer my purpose.  Excited with hopes of finding him, in company with Mr. Davis and some more, set out for the river Ohio; but by high waters, and bad stormy weather, our journey was so retarded that we arrived not to Ohio till Dec. 2.  When we came to the house of Dr. James McMechen, formerly neighbour to Mr. Davis, he seemed to forget his complaints, and his heart was exhilarated upon feeing his old acquaintance, and the river Ohio, after such a tedious journey. But alas! dear man, his time was short, for on the  13^th day of said month, he departed  this life, and left me his remains to commit to the earth. My distress was not small on this occasion, for materials to make a coffin, and a spade to dig the grave.  Was relieved by hearing that in a cabin at some distance there were some sawed boards, and a spade could be had in going about eight miles.  Having got the materials, and assisted by a man a little used to tools, made him a coffin.  Happily I had carried some nails with me, so that he was buried with some decency.  During the time of his illness, he was very submissive to the will of God; and was so far from the fear of death, that he was often heard to say, "Oh! that the fatal blow was struck!"  He had a complication of disorders, and all medicines used either by Dr. McMechen or myself seemed to have none effect.  When he drew near his last, he was very delirious, and could give few rational answers, tho' he still knew me, and would always have me by him, till all senses failed.  To compose him a little, gave him a strong anodyne, which had so much effect, that for about fifteen minutes he enjoyed the use of his reason.  In this time he told me, that he firmly believed the locality of heaven—that in a little time he expected to be with Christ, and see and know him as he is now known and as he is not known.  He said his faith in his Saviour was unshaken.  Then he made as humble addresses to God, as ever I heard drop from mortal lips.  Soon after his delirium returned, and never remitted more.  On the 13^th of December 1772, being the Lord's day, about an hour and an half before the sun set, this great man took his final departure from this world of sorrows.  Alas! what devastations and destruction has sin brought upon the human race! that the wise, the reverend head must return to dust! and can we who are alive, love so merciless an enemy! forbid it Lord!—Mr. Davis, it is well known, was a great scholar, possessed of a good judgment, and very retentive memory. He had truly a great soul, and despised any thing that was little or mercenary.  In our journey he told me one reason why he left Boston was, because he abhorred a dependent life and popularity: that if God continued him, he intended to settle in this new country, where he could preach the gospel of his Saviour freely. His address, in all his religious, performances was easy, sweet and pleasing: his private conversation both informing and engaging; though at times he was a little reserved, yet it was only when not suited. And what exceeds all, I believe he was a humble disciple of our blessed Saviour. In this point, was more confirmed by conversing with him in our journey, than what I had been in any part of former acquaintance.

       Being conscious that poetry is not my gift, yet as the following verses are expressive of Mr. Davis's faith, thought it not amiss to insert them here, as an epitaph to that worthy man, viz.

How learn'd, how fam'd, now avails me not!

By whom admir'd, or by whom begot!

Ohio's bank my body now confines

In safe repose, till Christ in triumph shines;

But when the last trump's alarming sound

Shall shake the foundations of the ground:

And Christ in full glory shall descend.

The rights of pure justice to defend:

Then in bright honour shall this body rise.

To meet my dearest Lord up in the skies.

       The remains of this worthy man are interred near a brook, at the north end of the level land adjacent to Grave Creek: about sixteen feet N. of his grave stands a large blackoak tree; on this the name of Mr. Davis, the date of the year, and day of the month, are cut with my tommehock [tomahawk]. This is the present monument; but Dr. McMechen intended a tomb for him. He was the first white man buried in this part of the country, but not long after a child was laid by him. Here a Baptist meeting-house is designed, as the most central place in this part of the country. ²

       What trials David Jones passed through at this time!  He was separated from home, suffering privations in the wilderness and now even bereft of the company of a fellow Christian.  Imagine not only having to bury a friend but having to travel some distance just to obtain the tools necessary for doing the job!  Through all this Jones’ faith remains strong.  Lord, may the same be said for us; may we also be found faithful in spite of our various trials.

Christ, not man, is King!

Dale

1)      David Jones, A Journal of Two Visits Made to Some Nations of Indians on the West Side of the River Ohio in the Years 1772 and 1773 (Burlington, NJ: Isaac Collins, 1774), p. 21-3.

2)      Ibid., p. 23-6.