It wasn't until Betsey Carroll married a thoughtless,
irreligious man that she found God.

Betsey Reid married Timothy Carroll on this day in 1808. Betsey had been born in Townsend in 1790, but unlike her siblings and neighbors, belief in God meant nothing for her.

She described Timothy as "a thoughtless, irreligious man." Then, spotted fever broke out. Betsey and her husband returned to her father's home to a fate of certain death. Except, they didn't die. In fact, Betsey heard a voice forgiving her for her sins and bidding her peace.

In 1812, the couple bought a piece of Bakersfield wilderness and lived there for the rest of their lives. The Carrolls held religious gatherings in their home, since there was no church.

The Vermont Book Of Days photo of Betsey Carroll's journal in the collectons of the Vermont Historical Society.

December Archives | December 13