Other sects still more democratic, still more in keeping with backwoods life and thought, largely supplanted it.
Methodism did not become a power until after the close of the Revolution; but the Baptists followed close on the heels of the Presbyterians.

They, too, soon built log meeting-houses here and there, while their preachers cleared the forest and hunted elk and buffalo like the other pioneer settlers.

[Footnote: Ramsey, 144.] To all the churches the preacher and congregation alike went armed, the latter leaning their rifles in their pews or near their seats, while the pastor let his stand beside the pulpit.

On week-days the clergymen usually worked in the fields in company with the rest of the settlers; all with their rifles close at hand and a guard stationed.

In more than one instance when such a party was attacked by Indians the servant of the Lord showed himself as skilled in the use of carnal weapons as were any of his warlike parishioners.
The leaders of the frontiersmen were drawn from among several families, which, having taken firm root, were growing into the position of backwoods gentry.