The Kentucky Ranger | Page 2

in order. His eyes are dark blue, and can twinkle with merriment or
blaze with indignation. His mouth is of medium size, mobile, yet strong;
when closed the drooping corners give the face a set expression. Great
firmness and decision are shown by the broad but rounded chin, which
forms a base for a smooth-shaven countenance. His frame is large and
powerful and is overlaid with muscles hard as iron and elastic as steel.
His hands are large and have a Samsonlike grip in them. A long coat of
homespun cloth is well fitted to his body, with waistcoat and trousers
of the same material. A black stock loosely tied about his neck sets off
a white shirt of coarse linen. His whole make-up gives one the
impression of fearlessness, determination and energy, mixed with
gentleness, kindness and charity. Humor shines in his face like heat
lightning in a summer cloud.
Jasper Very's parents were pioneers from the State of Virginia. Hearing
of the fertility and beauty of Kentucky they, like many others, decided
to emigrate to that land of promise. In 1785 they, with their infant son
Jasper, started out to brave the perils of the wilderness. Perils there
were in plenty. Kentucky at that time was the scene of repeated Indian
raids, ambuscades, burning of homes, scalpings, and other atrocities.
The Red Man was determined that his choicest Hunting Ground should
not be possessed by the White Man. The Indians were met by such
hardy and invincible scouts and frontiersmen as Daniel Boone, Simon
Kenton and George Rogers Clark. For years the conflict was carried on
until finally the savages were driven out of the state and its marvelous
valleys and hills were left to the white man there to fulfil his destiny as
the aborigines had theirs before him. The Very family escaped the

horrors of battle, massacre and captivity. They settled on a site of great
natural beauty in Lincoln County, near the Tennessee line.
While the physical surroundings of the Verys were fairly entrancing,
we are sorry to confess that the moral environment was anything but
elevating and desirable. In fact the neighborhood was considered one of
the worst in all the newly settled country. It received the name of
Rogues' Harbor and well deserved the title. Many of the settlers had
committed crimes in the Eastern States and had fled to the wilderness
to escape punishment. They composed a majority of the people of the
district, and when arrested for breaking the law swore one another clear
in the courts of justice. At last the respectable people combined for
their own protection in an organization called the Regulators. Several
bloody encounters took place between the Regulators and the outlaws
before order was established in the community.
Jasper Very was a lively youngster from the start, and surely Rogues'
Harbor was not the best place in which to bring up a vigorous and
vivacious boy. He early showed elements of power and leadership,
having a remarkably strong and well developed body, being a stranger
to fear, a wit and a wag, and loving the rude sports and pastimes of the
period. Apart from the home there were few opportunities for mental or
religious training. Schools were few and scarcely worthy of the name.
No newspapers were published in that section. Sunday was a day set
apart for hunting, fishing, horse-racing, card-playing, dancing and other
amusements.
It is little wonder that Jasper became a wild and wicked boy. He was a
leader among his fellows in the rough sports of the time. His father
gave him a race-horse and he became renowned among his companions
for fearless riding. At card-playing he was skillful and lucky. But
Jasper had one blessed, restraining influence which doubtless kept him
from going the full course of sin and folly--a devout, humble, praying,
Christian mother.
Happy the boy who in the slippery paths of youth can lean upon the
loving arm of a godly mother.

When sixteen years of age Jasper experienced a great change of heart
and conduct. It was the turning point of his life. With his father and
brother he attended a wedding in the neighborhood. With others he
took part in the uproarious merriment of the occasion. Returning home
he began to think of his wicked ways, and at once felt condemned. His
mind became so agitated that his body was affected. His heart
palpitated in a very violent manner, his sight left him, and he thought
death was at hand. Very sure was he that he was not prepared to die.
Falling on his knees he cried to God to have mercy on his soul. Though
it was late at night his mother heard his cries, sprang from her bed, and
was soon at his side praying for