Circuit rider was an important figure in pioneer times in America. There were two kinds of circuit riders. One was a religious man who rode a circuit (regular route) conducting services. The other was a judge who rode a circuit hearing cases. Either kind of circuit might cover great distances.
Preachers, often called backwoods preachers, began riding circuits in what is now the United States during the 1760’s. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement in Great Britain, sent several lay preachers (people not ordained as ministers) to preach the gospel in America. Famous early circuit riders included Francis Asbury, one of the first Methodist bishops in the United States, and Peter Cartwright, a pioneer preacher in Kentucky and Illinois.
Judges began riding circuits in 1790. Congress divided the 13 states into three circuits, with two Supreme Court justices appointed to hear cases in each circuit. This system was changed when more states joined the Union and the Supreme Court had more work to do. Many state judges also rode circuits. Lawyers usually traveled with the judges and would argue cases brought to the court. Abraham Lincoln spent several years riding circuits as a lawyer in Illinois.
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