Mountain Circuit Riding Preacher in the 1870s

 

The "mountain circuit" described in the sources refers to the area where a young Methodist preacher served in the Allegheny Mountains in the 1860s. The circuit covered areas on both sides of the Gauley River, including places such as Bethel, Gilboa, McKee's Creek, Summersville, and Muddlety.

Key aspects of the mountain circuit and the preacher's experience include:

• The people: The mountaineers were primarily of Scotch-Irish and Pennsylvania Dutch descent. They were described as a shrewd, thoughtful, and genial people with a fine native sense of humor. They were generally moral, and it was uncommon to hear them swear or see them drunk. They were also very religious, attending church services regularly. The people of the circuit valued physical strength, endurance and courage, and were not always kind to "tenderfoot" outsiders.
• The churches: The preacher's circuit included both white frame churches and log churches and schoolhouses. The church buildings were often simple, with crude benches and sometimes no backs. The main church in the area was called Bethel.
• Homes: The majority of homes were log houses with two rooms of about equal size and a fireplace at each end. Above those rooms were two large loft areas for bedrooms. The ceiling in the living room was decorated with wreaths and garlands of fruits and vegetables, and it was common to find two spinning wheels in each house and a large loom in the kitchen.
• Travel: The preacher traveled the circuit on horseback, covering long distances. Roads were poor, and travel could be difficult, especially in winter with muddy roads, deep snows, and swollen streams. He often had to ford the Gauley River, and was warned of the dangers of doing so in winter storms. Sometimes, he would travel with others who could offer support and company.
• Preaching: The preacher held services in various locations, and was often met with interest and support. The sermons were often long. The preacher had to be careful not to misquote scripture, as some of the older members of the community would object to such mistakes. The preacher was initially intimidated by the people, but they soon accepted and respected him.
• Occupations: Most of the people on the mountain circuit were farmers. They were also skilled at many trades, including carpentry, stone-masonry, cobbling, tanning and coopering. There were very few specialists such as doctors and dentists. The occupations of the mountain circuit allowed for variety in the work life of its people.
• Revivals: The churches on the circuit sometimes experienced revivals, which were marked by the conversion of many people. The revivals sometimes included unusual behavior, and were not always looked upon favorably by the older members of the community.
• Relationships with other churches: The Baptists and Methodists cooperated well in the mountain region.
• Social life: The mountain people had few recreations, such as court days, election days, funerals, and protracted meetings. The funerals were sometimes delayed for weeks or months after a death. People in the circuit valued community and fellowship, and often visited with one another.
• Wildlife: The mountains were home to various wild animals, including bears, wildcats, deer, and rattlesnakes.
• Civil War: The Civil War had a significant impact on the people of the mountain circuit, and the area was the site of some battles. After the war, there were still divisions between those who had supported the Union and those who had supported the Confederacy.

The preacher's experience on the mountain circuit was formative, and he remembered it fondly later in life. He formed many lasting friendships and became very fond of the people he served.