Once in two weeks I was allowed to go to church, which opportunity I always improved.
I liked to attend church, for I could see so many folks, and the habit which I then acquired has never to this day left me, and my love for it dates back to this time in my youth, though the attractions now are different.
I shall never forget how frightened I was at the great eclipse which took place on the 16th of June, 1806, and which so terrified the good people in every part of the land.

They were more ignorant about such operations of the sun fifty-four years ago than at the present time.

I had heard something about eclipses but had not the faintest idea what it could be.

I was hoeing corn that day in a by-place three miles from town, and thought it certainly was the day of judgment.

I watched the sun steadily disappearing with a trembling heart, and not till it again appeared bright and shining as before, did I regain my breath and courage sufficient to whistle.
The winter before I was fifteen years old, I went to live with a house carpenter to learn the trade, and was bound to him by my guardian till I was twenty-one years old, and was to have my board and clothes for my services.