SC1896_FF1_009

7
{Oct 2-}
I have before mentioned, that my father was
a member of the Baptist church & that he was
a man of great firmness & fortitude. He
was in his manners & deportment, altogether of
the "Old School". He has been raised a Quaker
at least in a Quaker family. I think he was an
orphan at a very tender age. He had a great
contempt for the fashions & innovations of
the day. When I can first remember he wore
a low crowned, broad brimmed hat - & he wore of
no other fashion to the day of his death. Nor
did he change the fashion of his coat, or waist
coat. Perhaps a few years before his death, he
substituted Pantaloons for "short breeches".
He was a man of uncommon industry and
energy. The rising sun, never caught him in
bed. Was a plain farmer, not rich, but independent,
& raised his sons to labor. He took great
pains both by precept and example to instill
into them, the principles of virtue &
morality. He was himself strictly moral
& religious & was what is commonly called
a "plain, blunt man" but without the slight
tint of vulgarity. On the contrary, such was the
sterness & dignity of his bearing that he was
always approached & treated with the highest respect.
After my arrival at manhood, I have
been often highly flattered at the respectful
attentions paid to my venerated father with
his "broad brim'd hat" by the distinguished
men of the day. He was a great favorite
with the Hon~John Breckenridge of Ky
who was a Senator at Congress, & afterwards
during the administration of Mr. Jefferson
Attorney Genl of the U.S. He was also a
great favorite of Mr. Clay's. The last time
I saw him (Mr. Clay) was in Washington in 1844.
The Hon~ Buckner Thurston, then very old, & who
had been a Judge in Kenty was present, & not
recognizing me Mr. Clay told him, who