This brief entry from the travel journal of Ohio minister William Williamson provides a crucial piece of information regarding the unsettled state of religion in the small settlement of Paint Lick in the heart of the Kentucky Bluegrass region. Williamson was concerned by what he witnessed during his visit—and with good reason. Less than a year later, Presbyterian clergyman Matthew Houston and many of his parishioners renounced the authority of the Presbyterian Church and joined Barton Stone’s New Light movement; within two years, nearly all of Paint Lick’s “Schismatic” jerkers would convert to Shakerism and move to the newly formed community at Shawnee Run in nearby Mercer County. Conjectural readings and contextual notes appear in square brackets.
Saturday [June 29, 1804] to Mr. Houstons [and] Mr. Henderson’s found my Mare in good order & Well. Took her to Mr. Millers shop & shod her. Returned to Hendersons & Houston’s. Tarried until Sunday. Proceeded to Paint Lick & Preached on Acts 16:31 & 1 Corinthians 16:22. Then to Mr. Denney’s. Took Dinner. Thence to Mr. Woods. Met with society. Gave two exhortations. Saw much of what is called the jirks. Tarried until Monday. Set out for home with anxious mind.
Source
William Williamson, journal, 1800–1807, June 29, 1804, William Williamson Papers, microfilm, reel 31, Shane Collection, 1716–1860, RG 196, Presbyterian Historical Society, Philadelphia.
