CHAPTER I.


Nativity of her Parents.--Their removal to America.--Her Birth.--Parents
settle in Pennsylvania.--Omen of her Captivity.

Although I may have frequently heard the history of my ancestry, my
recollection is too imperfect to enable me to trace it further back than
my father and mother, whom I have often heard mention the families from
whence they originated, as having possessed wealth and honorable stations
under the government of the country in which they resided.

On the account of the great length of time that has elapsed since I was
separated from my parents and friends, and having heard the story of their
nativity only in the days of my childhood, I am not able to state
positively, which of the two countries, Ireland or Scotland, was the land
of my parents birth and education. It, however, is my impression, that
they were born and brought up in Ireland.

My Father's name was Thomas Jemison, and my mother's before her marriage
with him, was Jane Erwin. Their affection for each other was mutual, and
of that happy kind which tends directly to sweeten the cup of life; to
render connubial sorrows lighter; to assuage every discontentment and to
promote not only their own comfort, but that of all who come within the
circle of their acquaintance. Of their happiness I recollect to have heard
them speak; and the remembrance I yet retain of their mildness and perfect
agreement in the government of their children, together with their mutual