It can be truly said of Elder J. M. Grant that he has left "footprints on the sands of time," for I saw them and took courage.
May the sons of this noble man emulate the glorious traits of a father who was so honored of heaven.
WAR HILL.
BY J. MORGAN.
ELDER J. M. GRANT CHALLENGED TO DEBATE—BOONE'S HILL CHOSEN AS THE PLACE—HIS ANTAGONIST GETS SIX MINISTERS TO HELP HIM—DEMORALIZED MINISTERS SEND FOR ANOTHER TO ASSIST THEM—INGLORIOUS DEFEAT OF THE EIGHT—ONE OF THEM ABSENT-MINDED—CHANGE OF NAME TO "WAR HILL."
Traveling through the State of North Carolina, I met with many reminiscences of President Jedediah M. Grant, who performed a mission there many years ago, making a vivid impression on the minds of the people, and converting quite a few to the truth.
An old gentleman, who is not a member of the Church, but who was a warm friend and ardent admirer of Elder Grant, relates a graphic and interesting account of a debate that the latter held with some ministers, in what is now Surry County.
Upon the advent of the "Mormon" preacher into that particular locality, a minister of one of the denominations challenged him to debate, which challenge was promptly accepted, and the necessary preparations were immediately made. A chairman and judge were selected, rules adopted to govern the discussion, and the well-known locality of Boone's Hill was chosen as the place to hold the debate. It was the birthplace and former home of Colonel Daniel Boone, the first white settler of Kentucky, and the building located there was known far and near as Boone's Hill Church.
After the preliminaries had been arranged, the minister appeared to have become a little nervous, and requested the privilege of bringing in a friend to assist him.