INCIDENTS AND CHARACTERS IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF METHODISM IN
CHARLESTON, SC, AND ALABAMA

By

The Reverend John Elmore DuBois

Edited by Elizabeth A. DuBois
(c) 1998  DuBois Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

TWO [cont.]
Dunkards; A Tragedy

        The next incident that I shall notice was the advent of a
prophet.  He was of the sect of Tunkers, or Dunkards, as they are
sometimes called. 

He predicted the destruction of the world by water in a short time.  He
preached in the market places, at the street corners and in the public
squares.  His dress was plain but unique.  He wore a long robe or gown,
with a girdle about his loins.  His hair was long and his beard
unshorn.  He had a grave and serious manner, and bore himself with the
dignity of a true prophet.  Money he would not receive, and clothing
only as one garment after another wore out.  He preached the doctrine of
repentance and baptism by immersion.

As he passed along the streets in his odd dress, with his long hair and
flowing beard, he created quite a sensation, especially among the boys
and the ignorant classes.  Nor was his influence confined to these, as
he stood upon the streets and preached, or in the market places and
poured forth his terrific prophecies; for one lady of note and
intelligence suffered herself to be re-baptized at his hands, very much
to the mortification of her family and her friends.  Although his
prophecies created quite a stir and much needless trouble, it is
unnecessary to say that the predicted flood did not come.

 In the year 1816, as well as I remember, a camp-meeting was held near
Charleston, which could be reached by water.  On Saturday morning
several sailing vessels, filled with passengers, left for the
campground.  In the early part of the day the wind blew a sweeping gale
and produced a very rough sea, but in the afternoon subsided and the sea
calmed.  The vessel on which I sailed did not leave until after 12
o'clock.  Our voyage was delightful; but as we neared the camp-ground we
saw one of the vessels that had left early in the morning upside down. 
It was then very calm, and the river not very wide, so we entertained a
hope that all were saved; but when we arrived our hopes were not
realized.  There were several lives lost.  All that attempted to swim
ashore were drowned, except Mr. J. W.  Houck, of whom I shall have
occasion to speak hereafter.  A boat that preceded our left clinging to
the wreck of the other.  The loss of many lives, however, cast a gloom
over the encampment.  

        How necessary to attend to the Savior's admonition, "Be ye
therefore ready."  

        For full particulars of many incidents, we refer the reader to
Mr. Wood's book.

Jno. DuBois
Eutaw, Ala.

[To be cont...]

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