Judge John George Jackson helped push a covered wagon out of the mud in 1805.

A 1805 Harrison County, (West) Virginia incident published in The Weston Democrat, Weston, WV, 12 April 1869, page 3.  John George Jackson was the son of Col. George Jackson.

 

“Historical Reminiscence.–In the year 1805, the first covered wagon that was ever seen in Harrison County, was driven in by John Reynolds, Esq.  The news of his coming had preceded him, and at Clarksburg, [WV] where the United States District Court was in session, Hon. John G. [George] Jackson presiding, it caused great excitement.  Runners were sent out and watchmen stationed on the most commanding points to watch for his approach.  As soon as the wagon appeared in sight, Judge Jackson adjourned court, and, accompanied by the entire bar, officers of the court and spectators, marched down to Elk Creek, and there awaited its approach.  The road where it crossed the creek was very steep, the horses tired and broken down, and consequently the wagon stuck fast in the mud.  Judge Jackson with twenty or thirty companions, jumped down into the mud, and putting their shoulders to the wheels, pushed the wagon up the bank and on to the court house.–A meeting was immediately organized, at which Judge Jackson presided, his linen coat still covered with mud, and about twenty-five or thirty young men were appointed to escort Mr. Reynolds to his farm which was about five miles below town, which they did; and having procured axes, went cheerfully to work, and before [they] left had cleared about six acres of land, and put up a substantial cabin, into which they moved Mr. Reynolds and his effects, and then returned home.  This incident, which we give as it was related to us by an eye witness, serves to show the old-time hospitality which existed in earlier and better years.”