A Short History of My Forefathers, etc.

[the following was copied from Scrapbook of the Rev. John Moyers of Jefferson County, Tenn. May 1840. by Ruth Carpenter Hall--Scrapbook was owned by Finis Myers of Weatherford, Texas]

My grandfather, Christopher Moyers, was of German extraction, read that language fluently, and was fond of books.

He emigrated from Culpepper Co., VIrginia when my father was about 21, to Jefferson Co., Tenn, and settled  on Long Creek. where he built one of the first grist mills of the county. He planted a fine orchard. And the Milbeur apple tree and the August pear of superior flavour was brought from Virginia and flourished in his orchard from which Tennessee has been richly supplied; this was about the year 1790.

He was an industrious farmer, an upright and honest citizen but never professed religion.

My grandmother Susannah Moyers was a thorough going housewife, best of cooks, fond of the dance and Christmas holidays. At these festivale a vast variety of sweetmeats, etc. were prepared. But she also never professed religion. Grandfather lived to be about 75 and grandmother about 99 years. They both lie buried  side by side in their orchard.

My grandfather John Blackburn  was of Irish descent and emigrated from Virginia about the same time that Grandfather Moyers did, and settled also along Long Creek near it's headwaters. He was an industrious farmer and a Justice of the Peace. He lived an exemplary life, was a member of the Old Presbyterian Church and was long an Elder in that Honorable sect of religion. He was low of stature, of fine Personage, very plain, extremely strict in observing the Christian Sabbath, the gospel of Christ, and the sacred Ordinances.

He long wore a beautiful white beard, died full of hope, immortality and Eternal life, numbered his three score  years and ten [70]  and lies buried in the churchyard at Dandridge with Jirinet [Janet or Jane] his wife.

My grandmother Blackburn, who did possess much affection, social love, and friendship, was very courteous, of fine snssibillities, a good housekeeper, very exemplary amd Religious. She lived about 75 years and then died. [the fate of mortals].  [NB. Both grandfathers owned good farms and were blessed  with plenty.

My own dear father's name was James, born in Virginia about the year 1767, 27th March, was of middle stature, heavy built, face open countenance, very friendly--had dark hair, hazel eyes, very expressive. He was a loving husband, an affectionate parent. He was much given to books, fond [...] & sacred music, was a sweet singer, and had a goodly share of plain human.

Also he was upright, honest Professor of the  Christian Religion, a Member of the Old Presbyterian Church, full of the gospell of the grace of it's Ministers & Holy Ordinancees.

His intellect was clear, if not shineing, of Strong Mind, & good Judgement: Was also a good farmer, Kept Plentiful Table; And provided well for the wants of his children.

He was faithful to keep Prayers in his family while his helth woulf permit: he kept his bead occanionly near 6  years & had to struggle with a disease of the kidneys and bladder, together with a general Consumption of the Nersous system, & died at last in his Old Mansion House, on the bank of Long Creek, in hus 71.year & buried on the Hill that fronts his  beside Sister Grissey, And Our two CHildren Malinda M & James A Myerson the 18.th day of Febr. 1838.

My mother is yet living at this date of Feb 1840.

I have written the following lines of Poetry, Occasioned by the death of my Father . James Moyers,

Dear Father I will weep for .[..]

Gone too your narrow dwelling [...]

Adieu for a while, I am [...]

NOTE BY Don Myers: each line of this poem is missing the words on the end of each line. Refer to original text to see the problem.