In May 1809, the Committee on Missions of the Presbyterian General Assembly appointed James H. Dickey to “travel as a missionary” and assess the state of the Presbyterian churches on the western frontier. Setting out from his home in Paris, Kentucky, the following July, Dickey journeyed 1,500 miles and delivered 90 sermons over the next three months. On several occasions, the jerks erupted among his audiences: along Cathy’s Creek in Maury County, Tennessee; at the small settlement of Jefferson on the Stones River in Rutherford County, Tennessee; and at James McGready’s Canoe Creek Meeting House in Henderson County, Kentucky. Dickey dispatched a copy of his journal, organized by numbered entries, to Presbyterian leader Ashbel Green in Philadelphia on January 25, 1810. Contextual notes appear in square brackets.
25. Thursday [August 24, 1809]. Crossed Duck river again, & went down ten miles to Cathey’s creek. Preached to a mixed multitude of Seceders, Presbyterians, Baptists, & Methodists. One took the jirks, another old lady shouted. People in general were serious…
41. Monday [September 18]. Preached to a considerable number from 1 Peter 2:7. People very attentive, some much affected. One Shouted, another had the jirks. Received $4.00….
62. Monday [October 16]. Preached to a crowded & attentive audience. During the occasion the people appeared solemn. Nothing remarkable occurred, except that 3 or 4 had the jirks very violently.
Source
James H. Dickey, Journal, June 26, 1809–January 25, 1810, 6, 10, 15, box 84, Simon Gratz Collection, 1734–1919, Collection 0250B, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
