because of their previous military training and experience.
    Moses Riggs exemplifies the ordinary citizen who had no previous experience in military affairs, but when the American Revolution came, he signed on for a full term of service. During this time he received his initial training and came to see regular service under Washington and other important American military leaders.
    Nathan Mansfield represents a third group of patriots who served in the American Revolution, essentially as volunteers. These men performed many vital services to the American cause. This "grass-roots" support for the patriot effort held off British attacks until the regular troops could arrive on several occasions, and by sometimes marching to the aid of the regular troops or a besieged Colonial city to aid the regulars, they gave extra support to the Continental efforts when in their most desperate straits.
    It was through the combined effort of the professional soldiers with their previous military training, the American Revolution patriots who had no prior military service but became regulars for the Colonial cause, and the volunteers who aided the regular soldiers in emergency situations, which made the American Revolution a success.

Chapter 11

THE REV. ELIJAH WOOLSEY, METHODIST CIRCUIT RIDER IN 1814

    The Rev. Elijah Woolsey, a Methodist circuit rider in this area in 1814, preached to a scattered flock. His circuit included the Derby Methodist Church; Pines Bridge, which has since moved and become a Congregational Church; Christ Church, Quaker Farms, which is now solely an Episcopalian Church, the two Methodist Churches in Seymour, formerly known as the Humphreysville M.E. Church and the Great Hill Methodist Society; and the Pleasant Vale Church of Oxford,