I was born in the year of Our Lord 1723 on the 19th day of March in York, Virginia, unto honest and God-fearing parents, Isaac & Ann Collier, who instructed me from my earliest years in the fear of God, the duties of family, and the virtues of diligence and perseverance.

It was in the York, Virginia Colony, through the acquaintance of neighbours and mutual
friends, I came to know Mr. Josiah Smith, a respectable and industrious man with whom I found companionship and affection. Our acquaintance grew in time, and, by God’s good providence, we were united in holy matrimony in Surry County Albemarle Providence of Virginia the Year of 1747. Together we established our household in York Virginia and set ourselves to the work of building a life and raising a family. We would be blessed by the Lord with 7 children. Many hands make light work.

Though I found comfort in the familiar sights of our dear lands in Virginia, This being a Port City there was often much excitement and many goods and people arriving. Despite there being much indeed familiar and settled the area grew congested and cumbersome. And then Providence opened a new path before our family. We gathered our courage and in the year 1747 we undertook the long and arduous journey to traverse the great Carolina trail (in the future will be called the great wagon trail) to the York District in the South Carolina Colony.

We were in search of a place where we might establish our home, enjoy religious freedom, utilize the resources of the land, and provide a better future for ourselves and those who would come after us.

After our arrival in the Southern Carolina Colony, we settled in an area in the northern part where there were rolling hills and lands to be cleared. It was a wild bit of land that we would set our hearts to tame. The open woods make for the most beautiful view of the terrain and God’s handiwork and there were water ways near. The dirt was a red color and dense. Despite the views, quickly I would become acquainted with the life and labours required of a young woman upon the frontier.

The frontier demanded industry from all who dwelt there, and I learned to make good use of my hands and my time. I was occupied with the keeping of the household, the preparation for vegetable and herb gardens and preservation of food, as well as the spinning of fi bers and making & mending of garments, the rhythm of sewing is my favored task. We also devoted time to the making of basic tools needed in our home such as candles and soap and items needed to serve my family. In all these duties, I endeavoured to conduct myself with patience, thrift, and a thankful heart, keeping in mind the scriptures contained in the Psalms of being a virtuous womanthst works with her hands in deligence.

The duties of a wife and mother on the frontier are many and can seldom be laid aside. I am mindful of household stores and seek always to make certain that nothing needful was wasted. The work is often diffi cult, yet I regard the care of my family not merely as a duty, but as a calling entrusted to me by the Lord.

As I mentioned, The Lord hath graciously blessed our marriage with Seven children, whom I endeavour to raise in the Christian faith including, virtues of honesty, obedience, charity, and perseverance. The raising of so large a family doth require much labour, patience, and sacrifice, yet it bestows upon me great joy. It is my earnest desire that each of my children should know the Lord Jesus, hunger for the wisdom of the Scriptures, respect their neighbours, work diligently, and grow into men and women who might live honourably before God and serve their community faithfully.

Though I left the land of my birth, I have come to regard this new colony as the place where in the Lord hath established my family. I remain grateful for the courage of those who sojourned the great wagon trail before me and for the providence that brought us safely to this place we call home. Whatever hardships we have encountered, I have sought to meet them with faith, industry, and trust that the Lord will not give me more than I can handle. Many a time I felt I was on the brink of the breadth of my abilities and strength but God is faithful and doth see me through. The Lord has faithfully guided my family and I have hope that He will continue for generations yet to come.

If you happen to cross paths do come and sit for a spell and let’s get to know one another. Until then may you go with God and may you be blessed. With Sincerity, as ever, Eliza (Lana)