James Hervey Otey Papers

duty imposed. But he lived to see the fruits of his spiritual husbandry in the erection of Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Arkansas into episcopal sees, and faithful, earnest men appointed to the duties of the episcopal office in each of these dioceses. A rich heritage this, for the Church; but purchased "with the blood and manhood of this true warrior for Christ."

He was the patron of learning and Christian education.

The valuable papers which he has, from time to time, contributed to the promotion of his noble enterprise, and the unwearied laborious efforts, unduanted by opposition or indifference, to establish Church schools and institutions in the Diocese, bear witness to his enthusiastic love and life-long devotion to the cause of sound learning and religious education.

Though fitted by nature and high culture to tread with grace the higher walks of literature, yet was he never decoyed from the chosen work to which he had coonsecrated himself, body, soul and spirit. To the sterner duties which attend the rugged way of his sacred calling, all else was subordinate. Dipping the pencil in his own heart, in so strong colors did he sometimes paint the singleness of aim, the dauntless self-denial, and unrelenting self-immolation--if need be--the burning seal, the active, vigorous faith, the inflexible purpose, the resolute perserverance, the purity of intention, and the personal holiness of life, indespensable in him who aspired to the service of the altar, that many a candidate presented to him for Holy Orders trembled and, almost shrank from the assumption of such tremendous vows, such fearful responsibilities, until strengthened and encouraged by words of holy cheer from that kind heart which beat beneath the robes of office. These wise counsels were oftentimes as salutary to the robed priests who sat around him, as to those who tremblingly stood waiting for the laying on of his hands, and the solemn investiture of a Deacon's misson or a Presbyter's prerogatives.

By genera; consent his name has been enrolled among the great minds of the American Church, and occupies a proud eminence in that order of the ministry which has ever been distinguished for talents, learning, and piety. He acquired, under difficulties that few students of theology at the present day are called to encounter, a store of sound theological learning which any one might covet. Of him it can truly be said, "he was mighty in the Scriptures;" and few could apply them with with such marvellous skill and quickness. In some departments of theology he had few equals, and fewer superiors. In

Though fitted by nature and high culture to tread with grace the higher walks of literature, yet was he never decoyed from the chosen work to which he had coonsecrated himself, body, soul and spirit. To the sterner duties which attend the rugged way of his sacred calling, all else was subordinate. Dipping the pencil in his own heart, in so strong colors did he sometimes paint the singleness of aim, the dauntless self-denial, and unrelenting self-immolation--if need be--the burning seal, the active, vigorous faith, the inflexible purpose, the resolute perserverance, the purity of intention, and the personal holiness of life, indespensable in him who aspired to the service of the altar, that many a candidate presented to him for Holy Orders trembled and, almost shrank from the assumption of such tremendous vows, such fearful responsibilities, until strengthened and encouraged by words of holy cheer from that kind heart which beat beneath the robes of office. These wise counsels were oftentimes as salutary to the robed priests who sat around him, as to those who tremblingly stood waiting for the laying on of his hands, and the solemn investiture of a Deacon's misson or a Presbyter's prerogatives.

By genera; consent his name has been enrolled among the great minds of the American Church, and occupies a proud eminence in that order of the ministry which has ever been distinguished for talents, learning, and piety. He acquired, under difficulties that few students of theology at the present day are called to encounter, a store of sound theological learning which any one might covet. Of him it can truly be said, "he was mighty in the Scriptures;" and few could apply them with with such marvellous skill and quickness. In some departments of theology he had few equals, and fewer superiors. In Christian Evidences, on the great doctrines of the Divinity of Christ and the Atonement, on the Christian Ministry and the Church Polity generally, he was a giant in strength; and woe betide the

still fresh amongst this people; whose memory is enshirned in their hearts; he too, the loving and the loved Tomas, was laid in the dust. These were the tribulations, falling at the intervals like blows of a hammer, which wrought out, link by link, that golden chain of patience, and experience, and hope, in that great heart, until it was tender and gentle as a ministering angel's towards all the children of sorrow. Cut off from him in his later bereavements and trails, we know only from the testimony of those whose high privilege is was to be near him, the latest graces which the trial unmasked as he wat passing under the rod appointed for the sons of God. "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth ever son whom He receiveth." But with him the discipline of trail-- without which there can be no perfecting of Christian character--without which there can be no companionship with Christ, no brotherhood with the Son of the Highest--without which there can be no adoption to the title and the hertiage of the Sons of God--with him this holy, blessed discipline of trial has served the appointed purpose, and is over. His conflicts are ended. "The rough toil, the weary way, the heat and cold are past; the tempest no more breaks over his head, and the rude wind is still." HE IS AT REST Long may the memory of his hold example remain, like the foot-prints in the sand, to guide our footsteps through this dangerous, desert world! "**** I have read Of holy men, in Christ who fell asleep, For whom no bitter tears of woe were shed; I could not weep. And thou thyself art one, O man loves, and truth without alloy! The Master calleth; and, thy work well done, Enter the joy." And while "we bless God's Holy Name for all His servants departed this life in His faith and fear," oh, let us "beseech Him to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of His Heavenly Kingdom." Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our on Mediat and Redeemer. Amen

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"The unfortunate men whose crimes have reduced them to the unhappy condition of convicts, are in a great measure cut off, necessarily, from the common sympathies and charities of humanity. They may, perhaps, behond all others, take up the lamentation, "No man cared for our souls." They have no opportunity of hearing the owrd of God read, to remind them of the solemn accountability which awaits them after a life of crime has terminated in death. Many of them, besides being young, and therefore, affording just grounds of expectation to hope for reformation in their care, cannot even read, and the privilege of uniting in Christian worship, and in the case of the penitent of participating in the ordinances of the Christian religion, is beyond their reach, unless it be furnished, through the instrumentality of individual zeal and private charity. Ministers of the Gospel have, occasionally, from time to time, at the suggestion and some times at the request of the Governors of the State, visited the penitentiary, and there performed religious services. Such is the only religious instruction and comfort which they have received in the dark day of their calamity.

"Evidence is not wanting to prove that these services, performed, as they have been, under every disadvantage, to make good impressions, are highly valued by the convicts themselves. And this was particularly true during the prevalence of the Asiatic cholera when some ministers of the gospel adventured their lives, voluntarily, to administer to the wants and consolation of the sick and dying.

"It must be obvious, however, to reflection, that such services to be beneficial, as an instrument of moral reform, should be performed regularly and statedly. Your memorialist has too much respect for the wisdom of the Legislature to enter upon the task of constructing a formal argument to show how efficient and agent religious instruction may be made in the work of reclaiming offenders against good morals and the laws of the land.

"It is a subject which requires only thought to commend itself, at once, to the grave and serious consideration of every patriot and statesman wherever the employment of such an agency has been restored to, in the State prisons of other commonwealths and in some instances provision has been made by legislative enactment to that end, it has been attended by the most marked and decided evidences of benefit to the unfortunate victims of the law, and to the order, efficiency and safety of the institutions themselves. And surely we may reasonably hope that if men may be deterred from the perpetration of crime, by the sanction of human laws, much more may they be reclaimed, from a course of iniquity, and be brought to form good resolutions of amendment when under the endurance of legal penalties, they are reminded of the solemn reckonings that await all offenders, at a tribunal which is unerring in its decisions, and from which there is no appeal.

"Your memorialist, in earnestly praying the Legislature to give attention to the interesting subject, ventures, most respectfully, to suggest that provision be made by law for the employment of some minister of the gospel, as chaplain for the penitentiary, whose duty it shall be to perform religious services and offices for the convicts therein, at such times and under such regulations as the wisdom of your honorable body shall prescribe. And your memorialist as in duty bound will every pray 'that all things may be so ordered and settled by your endeavors upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety may be established among us for all generations.'"

AN EARLY VISIT TO MEMPHIS KEMPER B. DURAND

Bishop Jackson Kemper spent ten days in Memphis in 1838, where he expected to meet with Bishop Otey of Tennessee. During his stay in Memphis from January 17-27, 1838, he noted in his daily diary his observations about the town and its citizens. In addition, he wrote a lengthy letter to his daughter.

Consecrated in 1835 as the first Missionary Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Jackson Kemper (1789-1870) was assigned a territory which included what is now the states of Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Indian Territories in Oklahoma. Within several years, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Dakotas were added. His general task was to establish and strengthen the Episcopal Church in these areas.

From January to June, 1838, at the request of Bishop Otey of Tennessee, he traveled down the Mississippi from St. Louis, his headquarters for several years, to Memphis, Vicksburg, Natchez, and New Orleans, then eastward through Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, consecrating churches, ordaining priests, holding services, baptizing, confirming, marrying and burying the members of his church. By one estimate, before he settled in Wisconsin in 1859, he had traveled over 300,000 miles.

My interest in these writings arose from celebration by Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis of its 150th anniversary. Knowing from family genealogy that Bishop Kemper, my great-great-grandfather, had made this trip, I investigated the original records in the Wisconsin Historical Society Library to see whether he had had any connection with the founding of Calvary Church in 1832. Although his writings show that he assisted in the affairs of the struggling congregation while in Memphis, he apparently had no connection with the small church commenced six years earlier.

Significant help in the "translation" of the documents was received from Dr. John Harkins, Shelby County Archivist, and from the Rev. Dr. Robert M. Watson, Jr., of Memphis.

EXCERPTS FROM THE DIARY OF BISHOP JACKSON KEMPER JANUARY 17, 1838 - JANUARY 27, 1838

I went to the post office on Saturday, the 13th instant and found there Bishop Otey's letter. I consulted Minard, Dr. Hoffman, J.P. Doan and Captain Shorter, all appeared to think I must go - to St. Charles where I was going to began to prepare. I preached on Sunday on Death and the Major attended to money matters on Monday-packing-writing lettersand finally started this afternoon at one-quarter before three. We are now

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at Herculaneum taking in load. Have but few passengers - have a stateroom to myself. The weather is remarkably mild. Gracious Savior! To thy protection and guidance I commit myself. Make me an instrument of good. May I ever feel and know that to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

18. We stopt most of last night at Herculaneum to take in load - then I believe on account of darkness. The weather has greatly changed - wind from the north and quite cold. It would have been well for me to have brought my great coat and buffalo moccasins. Learned from Mr. Mitchell of Hannibal that Dr. Ely has made an appointment -- and that a great deal of the land he entered for others was returned upon him. Marion is not growing - it was sickly the past summer - and the water was high all around it. The railroad from it to Palmyra has not been made. Finished today's letter to Caren. Propose as a plan during my absence from St. Louis - a letter every other day - write in the diary daily - and one verse of Greek Testament daily. I have read today in the British Critic. About 5:30 p.m. we passed the mouth of the Ohio.

19. Friday. We stopt last night between 9 and 10 at Mills Point to land some ladies - and then traveled steadily on- the night quite dark and clouded until breakfast time, when we stopped to wood and I went on shore on Arkansas for the first time and saw a cane brake - the leaves said to be evergreen - they are lancet shaped. The morning perfectly clear, but I find it excessively cold while washing. On board a fellow traveler of the Flora Woolfolk, has his wife with him and is going to Vickburg - lives in St. Charles City, Missouri on road to Palmyra 25 miles from St. Charles. Cousins carpenter of the boat is one of the leaders of the Baptist of St. Louis says I could live cheaper at New Orleans than St. Louis - servants being the only article dearer in New Orleans. Spoke kindly of Dr. Hoffman and his efforts to secure our Church to the Baptist. Says Captain Cable is a committed Christian - a Methodist - and one of the most careful and best pilots on the river. Stopped at Randolph one purpose to let me inquire for Bishop Otey - not yet arrived there! and I determined to go on to Memphis. Randolph is on the second Chicksaw Bluff. Saw a Doctor Rorie on the shore who said the Bishop was expected. Left a message with him. At Memphis between two or three. The landing below the town -at Johnson's Tavern - then sought out Major Bowman - very kindly received - and invited to stay at this house. Paid for my passage from St. Louis $15.00, cent, fifty - servant of the Major's, 25. Mr. Skipwith of the Navy a planner of Arkansas - Mr. Beatty, a vestry man who says Bishop Otey has an engagement here next Wednesday week. I am almost tempted to return to St. Louis as I have much to do and have made so many sacrifices. Mrs. Hart a zealous Episcopalian. Have come from the mouth 225 miles - to New Orleans 8 [00] miles. Major Bowman is superintending a road of the National Government in Arkansas, which

Raleigh July 16th 1859

My Dear Sir,

Your letter from Beersheba Springs has been forwarded from Hillsborough & has just reached me at this place, where I have been for the last six weeks, holding court. I am sorry to inform you that I shall be engaged in like manner for the next six or seven weeks. So, you see, it is impossible for me to join the assemblage of trustees of The University of the South on the 10th of next month. Although I felt much interest in the establishment of such an Institution & deemed it a high honor to be associated with a body so as [trustable?] & [reverend?] as the Bishops & most earnest & intelligent of the Clergy & Laity of our Church, yet I [regretted?] from the beginning my nomination to the body of Trustees, as I could promise it so little "material" aid, & [can't?] with hope to be of much use in Council, both for want of experience on such subjects & also of opportunity to attend the meetings of the Board. Having been again called to the Bench last winter, my former head on hopes of usefullness with you vanished altogether; and I begged Dr. Curtis, when he went to Convention - which I could not attend - to have me left off. He failed to do it, & gave for excuse, that he did not know whom to put in my place! - These [facts?], I give, because I hope you will never think me willfully in [or fault?] with respect to my [ating?] to the Church or Letters, and I wish to let you have some ground for the good opinion I [coach?]. I sincerely rejoice at the success in the collection of funds & hope that future efforts will be as well rewarded as the past. I wish very much I could join you, & I would, were it possible. I beg you to tender my respectful acknowledgments to Mr. Armfield & to forward my highest considerations to the Bishops & Clergy, and to each assured of the rest & warmest regards of, Dear Sir,

Your friend verily kindly,

Thomas Ruffin

New York Sept 6. 1859

To the Rt. Rev Lord Bp. of Durham &c

My dear Lord,

I have been charged with the duty of applying to yr. Lordship for a copy of the statues, regulations &c which govern the University of Durham & any other publications which have been made officially touching its management or as I may say, regulating its "inner life" The purpose for which these documents are asked is simply to assist a committee charged with the duty of framing a Constitution & laws for the government of a University in an extensive plan, in this country & in connection with the Church.

Any parcel or packet which you may please to place at our disposal, may be sent for transcription, to the Hon. Geo. W Dallas - the U.S. Minister at London, or to the U.S. Consul at Liverpool.

Through this last named agency, I have sent to your Lordship a set of Capt. M. F. Maury's "Wind and Current Charts" which may be added to your own collection of scientific treasures or presented to the University of Durham as you may choose. I remain my Dear Lord in the [?] of [?] Church yr faithful friend & affec- Br.

James H. Otey Bp. of Tenn-

Unofficial Copy

Washington, September 7, 1859.

My dear Sir, You will receive herewith the copy of a letter, which has been just addressed to me by the Right Rev. Bishop Otey whose high character and great respectability are well known to you. He is zealously engaged in a most interesting and useful work, which commends itself to the favorable consideration of every reflecting person. Bishop Otey is aware that you cannot interfere officially to aid him in the accomplishment of the object he seeks to attain, but he hope you may have it in your power by friendly personal representations to promote the views of the Com[Next line mostly cut off.]

of the publications indicated which may be useful to the infant University.

I recommend this subject to your favorable attention and coöperation, trusting that opportunities may offer, which may enable you to be useful as desired without any action in your official capacity.

I am, Dear Sir, With much regard, Truly yours, [illegible]

Hon: Mr. Dallas