Ohio History Journal

ORIGIN, RISE, PROGRESS AND DECLINE OF THE

WHITEWATER COMMUNITY OF SHAKERS

LOCATED IN HAMILTON COUNTY,

OHIO.

BY J. P. MAC LEAN.

While engaged in collecting the material for the article on

West Union, I engaged in a correspondence with Elder Charles

H. Sturr, general manager of the Whitewater community. He

invited me to make him a visit, and I should have the freedom

of all the archives of the society. I determined at once to accept

the invitation, and although the distance is about forty miles I

decided to drive through. The route took me diagonally across

Butler county from northeast to southwest, which was quite hilly,

and the greater part of the distance the roads were muddy. The

worst mudhole I struck was Hamilton, the streets being full

of chuckholes. The lower road from Hamilton to Millville was

so out of repair I had difficulty passing over. Early on the morn-

ing of May 30, 1903, I started on my journey.

Fifteen years before, I was familiar with every nook and

corner of the county. I had geologized all its fossil beds, and

searched out all its archaeological remains. Either I or the gen-

eral aspect had changed, for the views did not have the same

appearance. There was a wornout air almost everywhere. The

roads were in the worst condition I ever saw them, and the

poorest I had seen in years.

Although I had never seen the Shaker lands, the moment

I struck them I knew I was on their possessions. The fences

were in good condition, the lands cared for, and there was the

general aspect of thriftiness. When I caught sight of the first

house, my opinion was confirmed that I was on the lands of the

SHAKERS, for the same style of architecture, solid appearance, and

want of decorative art were before me. I knocked at the door,

which was opened by a small lady. I asked her name, and she

26 Vol. XIII.           (401)

402       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

replied "Adaline Wells." I was astonished. I had supposed she

was no more. She is eighty years old but could pass for sixty.

She is spry, animated, and possessed of a clear mind. I passed

on to the Center family, and was there greeted by Elder Sturr,

who made me feel at home without any ceremony. I was as-

signed quarters in what is called the Office. My lodgings con-

sisted of two rooms, of three beds, with good furnishings. I was

here under the care of Eldress Julia Ann Bear, who has been a

member since 1846. My meals were furnished me separately,

and as I partook of the viands, two ladies engaged me in con-

versation.

The Shaker lands are situated on the Dry Forks of the

Whitewater, in the northwest part of Hamilton county, with

400 acres in Butler county. The farms, for the most part, are

level, composed of black soil, with a circular ridge of hills sur-

rounding them. The view is pleasing to the eye and furnishes

ample material for a beautiful landscape painting. The posses-

sions comprised, in one body, are 1457 acres. In 1825, there

was purchased on Dry Fork Creek, 215 acres at $6.50 per acre;

in 1827, 40 acres at $1.26 per acre; 305 acres of Congress land

at $1.20 per acre; in 1829, 135 acres for $2,000; 1835, 137 acres

for $3,000; 1838, 197 acres for $7,000; 1847, 30 acres for

$1,000; 1850, 200 acres for $10,000. In 1827 Joseph Boggett, a

member, deeded his farm of 160 acres.

During the daytime, Elder Sturr was with me the greater

part of the time, conducting me over the premises and through

the buildings. He showed me all their collections of books, with

the invitation "If you see anything here you want, take it." I

obeyed the mandate. I was not invited to the services on Sun-

day, and knowing that public meetings were no longer held, I

did not seek admittance, although I should have been present

otherwise. I staid in Elder Sturr's room during the service,

examining old documents. I could hear the singing and noted

there were excellent voices among the young sisters. After

services Eldress Amanda Rubush and Matilda A. Butler, called

on me, and engaged in conversation. Eldress Amanda's private

room is handsomely decorated and her collection of china shows

off to advantage. In the afternoon I called on the venerable

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.     403

Henry Bear, now in his 91st year. He joined the society during

the Miller excitement in 1846, and from that time till 1901 was

an officer in continuous service. He is still hale and hearty, and

ever ready with a reason for the hope that is within him. He

undertook to make a Shaker out of me, but his efforts fell on

unfruitful soil. However I enjoyed my little visit with him.

The Society has forty-three members, including minors. The

Society takes children out of orphan asylums and rears them;

but few become permanent members. Elder Sturr has been a

member of this Society since he was three weeks old, and for

twenty years was a trustee, and during the last two years has

filled the office of Elder, succeeding Elder Bear. He is sociable,

well-informed, and utterly devoid of all ostentation. If it were

not for his "yea," and "nay" you would not suspect his creed.

This, however, is true of nearly all of the Ohio Shakers.

My visit to Whitewater will be remembered as one of the

most pleasant incidents in my life.

MANUSCRIPTS.

There are comparatively few MSS. at Whitewater. Elder

Sturr found the church record in parts, thrown into the coal bin,

ready for the furnace. The scattered pages he carefully ar-

ranged in their proper places, and then copied the same into a

separate book. Into the same book he has copied from other

MSS., especially the diaries of Ebenezer Rice, Stephen Ball and

Henry Rice. The early church records are made up from the

MS. of Calvin Morrell. 1884, Elder Sturr commenced a jour-

nal which he has continued down to the present. After consoli-

dating the various MSS., Elder Sturr has taken the pains to

classify some of the important transactions. But owing to the

loss of a great part of the church records, his consolidated MS.

is neccessarily incomplete. What follows, in this article is almost

wholly taken from the Sturr MS.

DARBY PLAINS.

In 1801 a movement commenced in Lyndon, Vt., which gave

rise to the Christian (New Light) Church in New England. Be-

lievers of this order from Connecticut and Rhode Island settled

404      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

on Darby Plains, Union township, Union county, Ohio, seventy

miles northeast of Union village. Their leader was Douglass

Farnum, but known among his adherents as Elder Farnum.

There was also a young preacher, by name of Nathan Burlin-

game. In the year 1818 the work of confession of sins broke

out among them, which was blown into an excitement, and

within ten days, several hundred were drawn into the movement,

all of whom set about to right their wrongs. Unfortunately some

of these confessions were made in the presence of those who were

destitute of that charity that covereth a multitude of sins. This

resulted in many forsaking their good resolutions and turning

against their former friends.

The work among the people at Darby Plains became known

at Union Village. Continued reports finally caused David Dar-

row to send forth messengers of inquiry. During the month

of June 1820, Richard McNemar and Calvin Morrell were dis-

patched, with instructions to find out their state without com-

mitting themselves. Elder Farnum received them with an af-

fectionate embrace and saluted them with a kiss. There was an

interchange of good feeling, during which Elder Farnum gave

an account of the revival work they were engaged in. On the

following day, in presence of some of the neighbors, the nature

of confession was under discussion. In the afternoon, in an

adjacent grove, a public meeting was held, addressed by both

McNemar and Morrell. The third day the messengers returned

to Union Village.

On August 5, Douglass Farnum, Samuel Rice, Sr., and

Elijah Bacon, arrived at Union Village from Darby Plains, and

next day (Sunday), Farnum spoke in public meeting. On the

₉th, Ebenezer Rice and others from the Plains arrived. Darrow

was greatly pleased with Farnum and declared him to be "the

weightiest man that ever came to the Village." He "appeared to

be a man of great government over himself, and notwithstanding

great plainness of speech was frequently used towards him, he

remained a mild, quiet spirit, and in all things behaved himself

discreetly. He acknowledged the weight of our testimony and

did not venture to contradict in a single instance." Two years

later he died on the Plains of Sandusky.

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.     405

Samuel Rice made a most excellent impression on all who

saw him, "His unfeigned simplicity and honesty created in all

who conversed with him universal esteem and good will. He

drank deep of the living waters, and appeared to be perfectly

satisfied with our testimony."

Late, in the same summer, another visit was made to the

Plains, and in return, (probably August 9), a wagon load came

to Union Village, consisting of Ebenezer Rice (son of Samuel),

Archibald Bates and their wives, and Almira Burnham. Early in

the spring of 1821 another visit was made to Darby Plains, but

as all the preachers were absent, except Bates, "who was a quib-

bler, we found it would be of very little use to continue our

visits."

Calvin Morrell "never felt released in relation to the people"

on Darby Plains, and as "some circumstances took place which

brought the Darby people once more into remembrance," it was

decided by Darrow that he and Samuel Sering should make

another effort. On October 3, 1822, they proceeded on their

journey. Upon their arrival at the Plains they learned that

Nathan Burlingame had started that day on a preaching tour and

would not return for two weeks. "Nathan, being warned of

God in a dream, returned next day, and was greatly pleased with

the Shakers' visit and conversation." After laboring a few weeks,

with fair prospects of success, the two brethren returned home,

bringing a good report. While discussing the feasibility of an-

other mission, a letter was received from Samuel Rice, Sr., stat-

ing that many of the people were sick of fever. The next morn-

ing the same two brethren started posthaste for the Plains.

"When we arrived there all was gloomy indeed. Many who a

few weeks before were rugged and cheerful, were now reduced

to skeletons, and felt weak in soul and body. We made the best

of the situation. The sickness had begun to abate and the people

looked and felt much better every way, when we had discharged

our duty." After an absence of three weeks they returned home.

On November 23, 1822, Nathan Burlingame made his first

visit to Union Village, and with him came Samuel Rice, William

and Zilpha Burnham and others. They were kindly received,

and anxious for the decision of Nathan, knowing that his people

406      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

were waiting to see what course he would pursue. He keenly felt

the responsibility of his position, but after due deliberation, he

cast his lot with the Shakers, and was followed by all who came

with him.

On January 8, 1823, Issachar Bates and Richard McNemar

started to Darby Plains, and returned the 2₄th. No farther rec-

ord of this trip.

In March, William Burnham and Nathan Burlingame and

his wife were at Union Village. "This was a profitable visit

to Nathan, for he received much counsel from us, especially in

relation to the order of gathering young believers together."

Nathan returned and gave his whole time, with great devotion,

to the work. Within a few weeks he had converted several

families. It was now decided to form a community on Darby

Plains, and the plantation of Samuel Rice was selected as the

most eligible for a beginning. Nathan was instructed to give

up his land, with all that might accrue from it, to Martin Sim-

mons and Gideon Brownell, who were very poor, and move

to the new gathering order.

On April 23, 1823, Calvin Morrell, James McNemar, Nancy

Rollins, Phoebe Seely and Samuel Sering set out for Darby,

-four in a carriage and one on horseback. Owing to the con-

dition of the roads the journey was very tedious. Some places

the mud was knee deep to the horses, and this continued for

a mile at a stretch. On the fourth day the party reached

its destiny, and found the people in high spirits, and determ-

ined to work in union and obedience. The visitors held public

meetings, and bore "a heavy testimony to the world; so that

persecution was stirred up and the wicked did some mischief

to our wagon and stoned us with stones." The missionaries

extended their labors to the Scioto, where they visited John

Sell. The party returned to Union Village, May 2₉th. The

Darby people were left making every arrangement for laying

the foundation of a society and village, with bright prospects

of success.

On August 5th, Calvin Morrell, Samuel Sering, Charity

(Peggy) Houston and Thankful Stewart set out for the Plains.

The people were found to be doing well, and the brethren as-

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.   407

sisted them in building a meeting house. Also a second mis-

sionary trip was extended to the Scioto. The believers on Darby

now numbered forty. Having completed the work allotted, the

party returned to Union Village on the 2₉th.

INTEREST IN WHITEWATER.

Whilst the energies were being devoted to Darby Plains,

a woman by name of Miriam, wife of Joseph Agnew, in the

spring of 1823, visited Union Village. She came from the dry

fork of the Whitewater, and reported that some time previously

a great revival of religion broke out among the Methodists,

and that the work was now on the decline and likely to leave

the subjects of it short of the object desired. Her story was

affecting, and produced intense interest in all who heard it.

She united with the Shakers, and then returned to her family,

after extending a very pressing invitation for a visit to her

neighborhood. Soon after Richard Pelham and George Black-

leach were dispatched to the new field, who opened the testi-

mony, and among those who believed were Joseph and Brant

Agnew. Several other visits were afterwards made. Samuel

Sering and George Blackleach set out July 10th and returned

the 16th. By autumn the number of believers, including their

children, amounted to about thirty.

ORGANIZING AT WHITEWATER.

The Darby settlement was an enterprise that required pro-

found attention. By the fall of 1823 it was realized that the

location was a sickly one, and that the district was held by

military claims, and that the rights in many cases proved a

source of litigation. The Shakers were fearful that if they made

extensive improvements their labors might be lost.  On the

other hand the country about Whitewater was not only a good

locality, but the rights were indisputable. By combining the

two settlements into one, a good foundation would be laid for

a strong Society. These considerations decided the authorities

at Union Village to remove the Darby people to the White-

water.

408       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

According to previous arrangements, on December 2nd,

Calvin Morrell and Stephen Williams set out for the Plains in

order to give notice and administer the gift felt for them. On

the way they met Nathan Burlingame and James Thompson.

The gift was cordially received at Darby, and the party re-

turned on the 9th, bringing Martin Simmons and Jefferson Rice

along with them. On the 10th, the whole party started for the

Whitewater with the addition of Matthew Houston. All put

up with Brant Agnew, who received them cordially.

Almost immediately persecution showed itself.  One of

their horses had one ear cut off and the other partly so; the

curtains of the wagon were nearly all cut away and the inside

defiled; the gears were injured, and the doubletrees thrown

into the creek, and were not recovered until months afterward.

Nothing daunted, the brethren were called together and the

object of the visit presented. The news was received with

every manifestation of good feeling and satisfaction. Having

surveyed the field and visited the several families the party re-

turned to Union Village.

On January 1st, 1824, Calvin Morrell set out alone for

Darby Plains. He found the people in high spirits. He dis-

patched Martin Simmons to Whitewater in order to procure a

small place for a temporary residence for the people. The money

was principally furnished by Samuel Rice, Sr., yet such was

the zeal manifested by all, that every one cast in their money

that they might have an interest in the joint investment.

Having completed the necessary arrangements for the re-

moval, Calvin and Nathan started for the Plains of Sandusky

in search of widow Susan Farnum and Polly Clark. On their

arrival they learned that both had removed to Kingston, forty

miles distant. Thither the brethren went and after much serious

labor with them, gained their consent to move to Whitewater.

The first move appears to have been made in February,

by Nathan's family.  He hired a team, and with a two-horse

wagon moved the most valuable part of his property, and set-

tled on the forty-acre lot that had been purchased by Martin

Simmons on the Whitewater. This property cost $200 and the

deed made to the trustees for the good of the whole. The party

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.    409

proceeded by way of Watervliet, near Dayton, where it received

much kindness and help. Another part of the Darby people

began to move on February 9th. They proceeded by way of

Union Village, where a four-horse wagon load of provisions

joined them. In the meantime (January 22) Richard Pelham

and George Blackleach had been dispatched to Whitewater as

advance assistants.

At Union Village the Darby people were joined by Thomas

Hunt, who went with them to Whitewater, where all arrived in

safety. They first stopped with Anthony McKee, but after ten

days got possession of their new land, and moved into a

cabin eighteen feet square, with a lean-to in the rear. Necessity

compelled them to use this until larger quarters could be ob-

tained.

Calvin was now dispatched to the Plains again to super-

intend the removal of other families, mostly poor people who

had to be helped. For this purpose several teams from Union

Village were sent. "Nothing worth mentioning took place until

they were all landed at the place of destination, where homes

were provided for them as speedily as possible. Some crowd-

ing and scolding naturally took place, but no one was materially

injured in soul or body. Most of the people seemed pleased

with their new situation, and seemed in high spirits. The mov-

ing continued throughout the summer, and near a year had

elapsed before all got down." The following are the names of

those who moved from Darby Plains, and who remained faith-

ful to their cause: Nathan and Emma Burlingame, Samuel,

Sr., Samuel, Jr., Jefferson, Ebenezer, Caleb, Lucy and Mariah

Rice; John and Lucy Easterbrooks, James and Dorcas Wells;

Zilpha and Polly Burnham, Polly and Susan Champlain,

Susannah Farnham, Sarepta Henman, and Martin and Char-

lotte Simmons, with their children.  Those who believed at

Whitewater were Joseph Brant, Caty and Miriam Agnew, Jo-

seph and Peggy Boggett, Sarah McKee and Samuel B. Crane,

with their children. There were others who finally seceded, but

their names are not preserved.

410       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

DISCOURAGEMENTS.

In the early history of this community there were a number

of circumstances that produced discouragements and other un-

comfortable feelings, all of which, by due perseverance, were

overcome. Those who came from Darby Plains were subjected

to the same fever that afflicted them formerly, which made them

feel that their constitutions were broken down. For the most

part, these people were poor and the land procured for them

was thin and not calculated for raising grain, and only of that

three acres cleared. The land rented did not produce well, prin-

cipally owing to sickness, the brethren were not able properly to

cultivate it. Added to this, they were destitute of proper nourish-

ment for the sick. None, however died. What little they had

was husbanded for the winter. They had no hogs and no money

to purchase meat. The help they received from Union Village,

and what could be spared by those previously on the ground,

in a measure tended materially to relieve their wants. Calvin

Morrell has preserved the following: "Meat with them was

scarce. Sugar they had little or none, and milk but seldom.

Bread was greatly lacking, while tea and coffee were out of

the question. It was Lent with them nearly all the year round.

Their common manner was to buy a side of bacon and make

sop for their johnny cake. The sop was made by mixing a

sufficient quantity of milk and water with enough meat cut in

small pieces to make the composition somewhat greasy, and the

whole was fried together until the meat had nearly vanished.

This was used morning and noon. For breakfast they had herb

tea. For dinner potatoes and sauce. For supper milk porridge,

but more commonly water porridge. When wheat could be pro-

cured it was mixed with Indian meal, with rye mixed with

the Indian corn for a change.

In the summer of 1825 a spirit of infidelity crept in among

the believers, which caused confusion and distress. Under the

labors of Calvin Morrell, Phoebe Seely and Mary Bedle-sent

from Union Village-this reign was ended by a portion with-

drawing and others restored to the faith.

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.     411

LANDS PURCHASED.

It was a matter of great anxiety to have a sufficient num-

ber of acres lying contiguous in order that the colony might

have proper support. Calvin Morrell, Nathan Burlingame and

Ebenezer Rice traversed the surrounding country in search of

suitable lands. There were offers of land, but none seemed de-

sirable.

It was finally decided to purchase the lands of Mull and

McCance lying on the dry fork of Whitewater, which pre-

sented a good mill site. Union Village purchased the 100 acres

lying on the west side of the creek of William McCance at $6.50

per acre. The Whitewater believers bought the land on the

east side of George Mull for $1,200. It contained 115 acres.

These purchases put new zest into the hearts of the be-

lievers. The winter of 1825-6 found the people making prep-

arations to take possession of their new farms. Many thou-

sand rails were made and hauled. The fences, on the little

place they were about to leave, were put in good repair. Im-

provements were first made on the west side of the creek, for

there the settlement was to be made. The crops were put in,

and two of the sisters came to cook. Then the cabins were

moved and some new ones put up. In June some of the Union

Village brethren arrived, in order to assist in building the

houses. Just as fast as the cabins were constructed they were

occupied, and this was continued until all had been moved.

They found the soil favorable to agriculture, and their crops

were abundant, and their gardens produced beyond expectations.

Apples were plenty and peaches abundant. The corn averaged

sixty bushels to the acre. Of broom corn they planted eight

acres. Hogs were also raised.

During the month of July the children were gathered in

the school order, and over them were placed James Wells and

Susannah Farnum.

The records are silent as to the first officers. It may be

inferred that Calvin Morrell had general oversight, with Wil-

liam Davis as farm deacon and Phoebe Seely and Mary Bedle

in charge of the sisters. Nathan Burlingame was the preacher.

412      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

It was he, with Polly Burnham  and Susannah Farnum, that

furnished the money to pay for the Mull farm.

In 1827 a lot of 40 acres, adjoining the first purchased lot,

was bought at $1.26 per acre, after first buying off the parties

who made claim to it. In September, 305 acres of Congress

land, lying near New Haven (Preston P. 0.) was entered at

$1.25 per acre.

During the month of March, the principal part of the young

believers of West Union arrived for the purpose of making

Whitewater their home. This was done because, owing to the

fever-stricken locality, West Union was broken up, and the

members scattered among all the western societies, save that at

North Union.

This year the brick meeting-house was constructed, 45 x 35

feet and two stories high. The time occupied from its com-

mencement to its being finished was four months. The first ser-

vice held in it was December 2, 1827.

OFFICERS APPOINTED.

The first specific reference to officers occurs both in the Union

Village and Whitewater records for May 2₄th, 1828. The lat-

ter states that "E. Archibald and Sister Eunice moved to White-

water, and with them came Joanna Wallace. From this time

the Society was considered under the care of the two first-named

persons. Calvin still continued here."

On account of ill health Phoebe Seely went back to Union

Village, and Mary Hopkins-late of West Union, on April 19th,

1827, was sent to take her place.

The eternal fitness of things was not always-perhaps rarely

-observed in the appointment of officers.  Elder Archibald

Meacham was now appointed at the head of affairs, although

he was a conspicuous failure at West Union. His appointment

and that of John Meacham, as first at Pleasant Hill, Ky., and

David Meacham as first in the Ministry at Union Village, in

1835, must be ascribed to a gross abuse of favoritism. All the

documents that have come under my inspection have led me to

infer that these three men were mediocre. Certainly they per-

414      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

formed no service of value to Shakerism in the West. Back of

all this, we find that Joseph Meacham was among the early con-

verts of Ann Lee, and was the senior Elder after the death

of Ann Lee and the first Elder, and it was he who began the

organization of the several Societies. He brought his wife and

entire family into the Shaker fold. John, Archibald and David

were the sons of Joseph, and thereby hangs the tale.

The same day Eldress Eunice Sering started for Whitewater

to take first charge of the sisters, having removed out of the Min-

istry's order at Union Village.

On September 18, 1828, "Mary Bedle moved back to Union

Village, having lived here three years as one of the Elder Sis-

ters."

On October 30, 1828, Archibald Meacham, Calvin Morrell,

Eunice Sering, Mary Hopkins, Susannah Stout and Joanna Wal-

lace moved into the upper part of the meeting house which indi-

cates that they were in the Ministry order.

During this year a large frame building was erected for

the family. Assistance, in the way of artisans, was rendered

from Union Village. The village at Whitewater, at this time

was what now constitutes the North Family. The Center Fam-

ily then had no existence.

IMPROVEMENTS AND EXTENSIONS.

During the month of September, 1828, a dam was commenced

across the creek and timbers prepared for a saw mill, in which

work the brethren generally participated. As the race was long

several interruptions occurred before its completion. By April

29, 1829, the work had sufficiently advanced as to enable them

to commence sawing. On November 5th a grist mill, 30 x 36

feet was framed.

Brant and Joseph Agnew sold their farm of 160 acres for

$1,000. Samuel Rice, Sr., also sold his farm, on Darby Plains,

for $800. Eli, a brother of Ezra Sherman, who was a West

Union believer, sent word he had sold his farm, fifty miles up

the Muskingum river, and desired to move to Whitewater. Cal-

vin Morrell and Ezra Sherman were sent to assist Eli. They

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.    415

tarried in the neighborhood some days and held a public meet-

ing. When they started on their return many of the friends

and relatives collected and set up a general wailing and uttered

threats against the Shakers for ruining Eli's family, and for

two miles followed the wagons. Thirty miles down the river

they stopped at Josiah Sherman's, who also wanted to join the

Shakers. They built a boat and in it the two families descended

the river. All were kindly received at Whitewater.

The farm of Joseph Sater, comprising 135 acres, was next

purchased for $2,000. In April, Brant Agnew moved on this

land. It proved productive and there was a good yield of corn,

oats and potatoes.

During the year (1829) the Shakers continued selling

brooms and garden seeds; and during the winter made mats

in sufficient quantity to pay for all the meat purchased by the

Society. These mats sold for from $2.25 to $2.35 per dozen,

the same price received for their brooms.

LEGAL AND MILITARY TROUBLES.

At Union Village, October 22, 1829, just as he was ready

to start to Whitewater, Elder Archibald was arrested by a con-

stable for a claim of $99.99, made by an apostate, James Wal-

lace, for work done at Whitewater, while he (Wallace) was a

member at Union Village. The justice allowed the claim.

As the Shakers were always averse to war, the militia offi-

cers caused a lot of oats to be seized and sold for failure in

military duty. In turn the Shakers prosecuted the constable and

captain in action for trespass and damages. On the day of

trial the justice called to his assistance another squire, who was

major of the regiment. The testimony of the Shakers was set

aside and the decision was, "No cause for action." An appeal

was taken but never brought to trial.

On April 1₉th, 1830, another military order was received

demanding fines. This being refused, all their hogs were driven

off. The next day Ebenezer Rice, one of the trustees, went to

Cincinnati to consult a lawyer. The upshot was the Shakers

416        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

paid $20 to have the suit withdrawn. This would indicate that

the Shakers - Quakers also- had no redress in law.*

THE COVENANT.

For some reason unexplained the Covenant had never been

signed by the Believers at Whitewater, although all the deeds

had been made to the trustees; though the names of the first

trustees are not given.   On February 9th, 1830, Richard Mc-

*The militia officers did not always have their own way. The

Quakers often outwitted them. Springboro, Ohio, has long been known as

a Quaker community. The colonel of militia was one Sweeny, who lived

at Ridgeville, and he was particularly severe on the Quakers for not mus-

tering. Among the Quakers were three rollicking brothers, young and

full of mischief, viz., Alfred, Hanse and - Thomas. Sweeny had the

regiment drawn up in a large field, armed with cornstalks, broom handles

and other makeshifts. He straddled a small horse possessed of a spike

tail. At the proper time the three brothers, well mounted, leaped the

fence, two of whom galloped up on either side the doughty colonel, and

the third in the rear. At the same instant all plied their whips to the

spike-tailed steed, which gave a bound, with the lashes descending thick

and fast. Around the entire field three times the racers ran, and then

the boys spurred their horses over the fence and were soon out of reach.

Military dignity must be upheld. As the reins of justice in Clearcreek

township was in the hands of the Quakers, redress must be sought else-

where. Sweeny went before a justice in Lebanon and swore out a war-

rant charging the boys with riot. The father retained Tom Corwin, who

had even then gained a national reputation. The trial was held in the

court house which was packed with interested spectators. Evidence all

in, at the proper time Corwin arose, all eager to hear what he might have

to say, for the case was plain against the boys. The speaker paid a glowing

compliment to the militia, and in the very midst of his panegyric, he

stopped, waited a moment, and then in his inimitable way, described

the race around the field, which brought roars of laughter from the au-

dience. Then he resumed his laudatory praise of the militia, pictured it

in glowing terms as the arm of defense of our homes and native land.

Again he stopped short and gave another description of he race around

the field. Once more he launched into an eulogium of the valiant militia,

described their uniforms, their gallant bearing and redoubtable courage.

Suddenly, with the gravest of faces he again pictured the race around the

field which brought forth another storm of applause. Corwin saw that

the crowd and migistrate were with him, and he rested his case. The

boys were immediately discharged.

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.   417

Nemar arrived, who had been instructed by the Mount Lebanon

Ministry to visit all the western communities in the interests

of the new covenant that had been recently adopted. In this

mission Richard devoted all his time while sojourning at White-

water. This was not fully accomplished until March 1st, when

he returned to Watervliet, Ohio. No record is preserved of

those who signed the Covenant.

CONFLAGRATION.

The brethren, when time could be spared, devoted their

energies towards buildings and other improvements. On May

17th (1830) they began to frame a barn which was raised June

14th, its dimensions being 70 x 35 feet.

At 11 o'clock on the night of June 19th, a fire broke out

in the kitchen, in the building occupied by the children, and

in less than twenty minutes three of the buildings were com-

pletely wrapt in flames. Nearly all the household goods and

clothing were consumed. Happily no lives were lost. Evidence

pointed out that it was the work of an incendiary.

On July 13th, Abner Bedle and three sisters arrived from

Union Village in order to inquire into the extent of the loss.

Having obtained an inventory of the same, after two days they

returned. On the 21st Joshua Worley arrived from Union Vil-

lage with a wagon-load of property, consisting mostly of cloth-

ing and provisions, to the amount of $157.00.

The school family being left without a home, the brethren,

on August 30th, laid the foundation of a Tapia house, 40 x 20

feet, on the land purchased of Sater. By September 21st about

half the second story was completed.  On a dark night, the

wicked tore down the four corners level with the ground. The

season becoming late for such kinds of buildings, the work was

covered and left for the ensuing summer. This necessitated

the removing of cabins and fitting them up for winter usage.

CHRONICLES.

In 1831 it was concluded to put in two run of stone in

the grist mill. Ezra Sherman and Edward Burnham were sent

Vol. XIII-27.

418       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

on October 1st to West Union, with a yoke of oxen for a pair

of stones that had been abandoned here in 1827. They were

gone a month. During the fall the first land purchased (40

acres) by the Darby people, was sold for $225. May 27th, on

his personal request, Calvin Morrell returned to Union Village,

having been with the Whitewater people from the fall of 1825,

zealously devoting his time and talents in building up the little

colony. On November 11th, previous, Daniel Sering had been

sent as aid to Elder Archibald, and he remained till January

16, 1838. After the departure of Calvin, Richard McNemar

remained for several days, arranging matters for the permanent

security of the estate. On the 30th the trustees named were

Samuel Rice, Ebenezer Rice and Brant Agnew. Deeds of trust

were made and subscribed to by Ebenezer Rice and Ezra Sher-

man.

In February a frame house for the South family was com-

menced, 18 x 40 feet, with a stone cellar. The first account of it

was in the year 1824 when it was a log cabin 18 x 18 with a

lean to; in 1826, there were other log cabins, but number and

dimensions not stated; the meeting house, 45 x 35, erected in

1827; in 1829 the first saw and grist mill; in 1830, a barn

70x 35; in 1830 a frame house 40x 20, afterwards used for

the boys' residence.

In 1832, August 8th, commenced constructing a brewery.

September 1st, commenced a dwelling 30 x 52 feet. The brick

house was finshed in April 1833.

In January 1834, a frame barn, 30 x 60 feet was commenced

at the South family, -carpenter work contracted for $65, and

oak shingles made and put on $40, all material furnished on the

ground. The barn was finished in July; August 25th commenced

building a brick work house 24 x 40. September 28th, Rachel

Hall was appointed to succeed Mary Hopkins, the latter being

recalled to Union Village.

March 1st, 1835, the farm of Aaron Atherton, consisting of

175 acres was purchased for $3,000, payable in three installments.

It was decided to raise the money by fattening hogs; so all hands

assisted in raising corn. At Center family, June 18th, a horse

stable 28 x 45 was raised; August 27th, a brick kitchen 20 x 38

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.                419

was built at South family. On December 20th, 75 hogs sold for

$1,425. The amount owed on Atherton farm was deposited in

bank, so successful had the society been during the year.          This

left no outstanding debts.

For this year (18₃₅), we first have a list of members, and

also the information that a new covenant had been signed. The

list of inhabitants, with ages, is thus given:

CENTER FAMILY.

BRETHREN.                              SISTERS.

Archibald Meacham    ..........                                   58         Eunice Sering ...............  42

Daniel Sering ...............   45                                    Rachel Hall .................                  32

Ebenzer Rice ................    43                                    Sarepta Hinman ..........                  31

Ezra Sherman, Jr.............  32                                    Emeline Jackson   ............            21

Samuel Rice .................    74                                    Peggy Boggett ..............               70

Joseph Boggett .............. 77                                    Sarah McKee ...............                  72

Joseph L. Carson.............                                         65         Lyda Woodward ............                                         53

Ezra Sherman, Sr ...........  72                                    Lucy Easterbrooks ..........           42

John Easterbrooks ..........                                        50         Anna Sherman ..............   41

Thomas Ganes ..............   55                                    Polly Burnham                              .............                            43

Nathaniel Massie ...........                                         32         Zilpha Burnham               .............                            68

William   Easterbrooks ........                                 20         Minerva McGuire ...........                                        46

James Callahan                 .............                            24         Susanna Champlain .........                                       45

Edwin Burnham               ............                             22         Sally Tucker ................    39

William  Agnew              .............                            20         Elizabeth Callahan  ..........                                      25

Fisis Jackson ................                     16     Nancy McKee ...............                   25

Samuel Easterbrooks ........                 16     Louisa Farnham   .............                 21

Samuel Agnew     ..............                                       15         Eliza McGuire ..............  19

George Gray ................                     15     Phoebe Agnew   .......... ....                 18

Jacob Brown           ................           15     Hortincy Brown ...........                    18

Theodore Agnew    ............               9       Lyda Gray ..................                      17

William  Herington ..........                 11     Hannah Boggett ............                   29

Benjamin Hill ..............                     18     Emma Burlingame ..........                  17

Moses Alien ................                     42

Micajah   Banze .............                   34

SOUTH FAMILY.

BRETHREN.                              SISTERS.

Joseph B. Agnew.............                  49     Amanda Agnew     .............               12

Manly Sherman .............  37                                    Saloma Brown ..............                12

James A. Agnew .............                  32     Rachel Tucker ...............                   7

Aaron Stroud ...............                     16     Phoebe Howard .............                   7

Josiah Burnham    ............                                        15         Ann Hall ...................       31

420 Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

SOUTH FAMILY-Concluded.

BRETHREN.                         SISTERS.

William Agnew .............                    15     Susannah Farnum ........... 51

John  Whitney  ...............                  15     Polly  Champlain  ............  40

Calvin Easterbrooks .........                 14     Louisa Jackson .............. 24

George Woodward ..........                   12     Susan Easterbrooks .........                  19

Isaac Sherman ..............                    10     Louisiana Stroud ............                   19

Marietta Agnew .............                   18

Rebecca McGuire ...........                   17

Lucy Woodward ............                                         16

Rhoda Hinman .............                    15

Adaline  Wells  ..............                   14

Eunice McGuire ............                    12

Jane  Sherman  ...............                  11

Martha Tucker ..............                   6

Total males 35, females 42; or in all 77.

The records of Union Village for May 25, 1837, speak

of Ebenezer Rice, Ezra Sherman, Sarepta Hinman and Emaline

Jackson "of the deaconship of Whitewater" being on a visit. If

they were "office deacons," then their office possibly was that of

trustees.

January 24, 1838, Edwin Burnham moved into the Elder's

lot, having succeeded Daniel Sering. A little later Louisa Far-

num moved into the lot with Eldress Eunice Sering.

December 20, 1838, the farm of Daniel Long, comprising 197

acres was purchastd for $7,000.

In the fall of 1839, a horse stable, 45 x 28 was built at the

South Family. Same year 17 acres of broom corn was raised and

made into brooms. This had already become one of the regular

sources of revenue.

ARRESTS EXTRAORDINARY.

As late as 1840, the great mass of mankind, even those sup-

posed to know the general policy of the Shakers, were ready to

believe incredible stories concerning them, and even mob vio-

lence feared. In the fall of 1839, a widow, named Mary Black,

with her two boys, aged respectively 14 and 9, and a girl stil

younger, left the Whitewater Believers and went to Kentucky.

In March 1840, the officers of Bracken county notified the au-

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.    421

thorities in Cincinnati that the county was in a great uproar on

account of two boys who had been emasculated by the Shakers.

The boys were ordered sent to Cincinnati and there examined

by Drs. Hiram and Jackson, who pronounced the report to be a

fact. On the 25th of March the marshal of Cincinnati came with

a state's warrant, and the deputy sheriff with a capias for Elder

Archibald Meacham, Joseph Agnew, Manley Sherman, William

A. Agnew and John S. Whitney, who were arrested and that night

at five o'clock were incarcerated in the jail at Cincinnati. So

great was the excitement that the prisoners were hurried through

the streets as privately as possible on account of the multitude.

No food was given them and they were locked in filthy cells,

where emanated such odors as almost suffocated them. For bed-

ding one small dirty blanket was furnished. On Thursday morn-

ing the 26th, they were let out of the cells after spending a wake-

ful night, and about 8 o'clock breakfast was served them in small

black dirty tin pans, on each of which were very hard pieces of

coarse cold cornbread, about four inches square and a piece of

cold boiled beef's heart. All declined eating. At 2 o'clock, came

bread with soup. Some eat a little of it, but others refused. A

little later, Mr. Brook, the inn-keeper, on Main street, who had

always been a friend of the prisoners, sent in a good dinner, for

which all felt very grateful. That night all were again locked up

in cells. Friday morning Mr. Brook sent them a good breakfast,

and soon after Ebenezer Rice came and conversed with them

through the grates, and handed a letter to Elder Archibald from

Eldress Mary Hopkins, who wrote words of comfort to the dis-

tressed and persecuted brethren. But the brethren were not cast

down, for they believed that God would open a way for their

deliverance. At noon they were visited by a number of the

brethren and sisters, and some of the neighbors called, shook

hands through the grates while tears coursed down their cheeks.

At four o'clock, the afternoon of the 27th, the brethren were con-

ducted to the court house where their trial was already in pro-

gress, and witnesses testifying. The room was crowded. At

sunset the brethren were hurried to the jail followed by the

rabble venting out their curses and reproaches, and yelling that

hanging was too good for them. Supperless they were again

422      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

thrust into their reeking cells. On the morning of the 28th,

Ebenezer Rice and James Agnew furnished them with an ample

breakfast. At 9 o'clock, by a different route they were again

conducted to the court house, but in going up stairs, the rush

of the multitude was so great that the party was kept together

with difficulty. They were surrounded by officers for protection.

Ezra Sherman had not been idle all this time. He had

retained Bellamy Storer for the defense. He labored hard with

the mayor and marshall to have the boys examined by other

physicians. After a great amount of pleading and intercession

the marshall finally agreed that the boys might be examined by

Drs. Groce and Lakey. These physicians soon saw that the boys

labored under a natural deformity, and no privileges had ever

been taken with them. While the trial was going on they entered

the court room and stated to the mayor the true status of the case.

All the officials and lawyers arose and shook hands with the

brethren individually, and with tears in their eyes dismissed them

with congratulations of joy. The brethren embraced each other

on their happy deliverance. Storer declared publicly that it was

a manifestation of the power of God.

But the trial was not yet over. The two boys and their

cousin, who appeared to be their guardian and the principal in the

prosecution, were examined, and then sent to jail. The brethren,

with the other believers, fourteen in all, immediately set out for

Whitewater, where they arrived at 5 P. M., greatly to the delight

of the entire community.

I have been informed by members who had lived at White-

water, that there was great distress of mind in all the community

during the incarceration of the brethren; that even the hoary

head of Elder Archibald was not respected by his tormentors.

Anxious to know what the Cincinnati papers of that period

had to say on this outrageous persecution, I wrote to Mr. Eugene

H. MacLean to look up the matter. He replied. "I looked up

the back files of the Chronicle and Gazette for March 1840, and

can find no mention of any such occurrence as you mention, al-

though I went over the papers column by column. Indeed there

was no local news at all, save brief mention of ward meetings."

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.    423

I have seen accounts of this in some books relating to Cincinnati,

but I am unable to give the titles. I think "Bench and Bar"

is one of them.

The Union Village records, in commenting upon the affair

adds, "As if to add injury to insult, the greedy cats charged $300

for fees; besides incidental expenses that would of course accrue

in the prosecution."

The Whitewater records contain no farther information for

1840, and nothing for 1841, save a few changes in members.

The Union Village Records give accounts of visits between the

two communities, and also of certain members going to White-

water to instruct and assist in making brick.

IMPORTANT CHANGES IN OFFICERS.

The Union Village Ministry, on a visit to Whitewater,

August 11th, 1842, announced the following changes: Elder

Archibald Meacham should be released from his office and re-

turn to Mount Lebanon, and Eunice Sering is also released and

to return to Union Village. The eldership and trustees to be

reorganized and composed entirely of their own members.

Edwin Burnham was appointed first elder and Ebenezer Rice

second. Joseph Agnew was released from the care of the South

Family and moved to the Center to act as a trustee. Ezra Sher-

man was released as a trustee, and moved to the South Family

as first Elder, and Allen Agnew as second. Hannah Boggett

succeeded as first elder, and Louisa Farnum as second. Polly

Champlain as Eldress with Susan Easterbrooks at the South.

The weeding out of all the officers does not in itself im-

ply that circumstances demanded it, nevertheless such was

sometimes a necessity.  Sometimes it was simply expedient,

sometimes the abuse of arbitrary power. In the present in-

stance it was probably felt that a general change would be in-

the best interests of the society.  Elder Archibald "did not

wish to be removed, but it was thought best, although it was

regretted by many."

424       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

CHRONICLES, RESUMED.

In 1842 a shop 40 x 18 feet was built; also a two-story

house 24 x 17, with a porch on one side, now called the Nurse

House.

In 1843-4 the large dwelling house was built 54 x 44, with

an extension 60 x 30 feet,-.the first three stories high and the

second two stories. On April 1, 1844, twenty-eight of the Un-

ion Village brethren arrived to assist in raising the house.

August 22, 1844, Joseph Agnew released as a trustee and

moved to South Family as First Elder with Ezra Sherman sec-

ond; Edwin Burnham was transferred to Union Village and

went November 27th.   On December 3d Moses Eastwood arrived

from Union Village to become Second Elder at South Family,-

Ezra Sherman removing to the Center Family. The Union

Village records state that on October 29th Philip F. Antes was

established as Elder Brother.  This would make him   Burn-

ham's successor. He continued in office until September 11,

1847. March 15, 1845, Ezra Sherman became trustee in place

of Philander Banister. A general move in the families took

place October 1st. Harvesting lasted forty days,--the acreage

for the year was, rye 3, oats 30, grass 80, broom corn 25, pota-

toes 5, pumpkins 4, corn not stated. Commenced doctoring by

the water cure method which proved a great success. Previous

to this the botanic or Thompsonian system was used to great

satisfaction. This last was introduced by Calvin Morrell who

gave much time to its study.

March 4, 1846 the use of tea, coffee, tobacco and intoxicat-

ing liquors were renounced. Built a new saw mill.

SECOND ADVENTISM.

While the doctrine of the second visible, personal coming

of Christ is no new doctrine in the Christian Church, yet it re-

mained for William Miller to create a wonderful excitement

on that subject during the nineteenth century.  The earliest

date fixed upon for the advent was February 10, 1843, and the

next was the 15th, and then April 14th. The disappointment

426        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

in not realizing the promised event did not relax the zeal of the

preachers engaged in this promulgation. In all parts of the

country the cry of warning was raised.        Farmers left their

crops unharvested, and mechanics forsook their tools.*

A   commotion such as that of Miller and his followers

would     elicit the  Shakers' attention.   Four   Second   Adven-

tists visited Whitewater in March, 1846, and on the 6th

Joseph Agnew went to Cincinnati with them. Their meetings

in Cincinnati were attended by Joseph Agnew, Ebenezer Rice

and Ezra Sherman, and several were brought to Whitewater

by the brethren. Joseph went to Rising Sun, Ind., to see some

of the Adventists there. On the 18th, Joseph brought home

with him, their principal preacher, Enoch Jacobs. The inter-

est manifested by the Shakers brought numbers of the Advent-

ists to Whitewater. Meetings were held in union and both sides

took an active part. At one time twenty persons came. These

sojourners became quite a tax on the Shakers, and it became a

question of what to do with the visitors. Among them was Henry

B. Bear and his wife, Julia Ann, both having expressed a deter-

mination to give up all for God. In 1846, there were 200 of the

Adventists gained to the Shakers of Union Village and White-

water, most of whom were assigned to the latter place. Eldress

Julia Ann Bear informed me that she never had seen any of

the reputed "white robes" in which to be clothed to receive

Christ, nor did she ever hear of such a thing until some time

* During the month of February, 1869, I heard two Second Advent

preachers holding forth at East Jaffrey, N. H. They were uncouth looking

men, but gave every evidence of sincerity. Their whole burden was to

prove that we were living in the last day. One took his argument from

Nahum II. The "flaming torches" (v. 3) were the head-lights on loco-

motives; the "chariots" (v. 4) were passenger coaches; "they shall jostle

the one against another," refers to cars coming together while trying to

stop them; "they shall run like the lightnings," means their great speed;

also a train on the N. Y. Central called "the Lightning Express:" "He

shall recount his worthies" (v. 5), means the conductor collecting the

tickets; "they shall stumble in their walk," refers to the inability to walk

straight in cars when in motion; "they shall make haste to the wall there-

of," refers to passengers entering their seats and leaning against the

side of the car; "the gates of the rivers shall be opened," means draw-

bridges.

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.        427

after she had become a Shaker. The new members proved to

be zealous workers. A list of the names of those Adventists

who became Shakers was made out and placed in the archives,

but cannot now be found.

SPIRITUALISM.*

Strict orders had been given out by the Mount Lebanon

Ministry that the revelations made during the reign of spirit-

ualism should be kept.    Nothing is mentioned of these manifes-

*On October 19, 1903, I came into possession of the archives of

North Union and Watervliet. Among the loose papers I found a brief

record of Whitewater Spiritualism, of which the following is an exact

copy, taken from first leaves detached from a book:

"Where as, We have lately received in structions from the Ministry

of Union Village that it was the will and in structions of our heavenly

Parrents, that all of those Sacred Communications which had been

given Through our Heavenly parrents and there Ministering angels,

for a few years past, should be carefully recorded and as far as it is

is in our power we will labor to it as we had heard By letters from New

labanon that there was a powerful Work of God going on among the be-

lievers in the Eastern Societys and that the work was very hart touching

and a wakening and Many Promises given through Visions and inspired

Instruments, that our Heavenly Mother wold thougraly purch and purify

her children on Earth and fit and prepare them for the in crease of the

gospel. Also that Mother wold Visset every Sosiety of believers both

East and West.

"The above information from the East, Caused us to Look and wait

with great anxiety for the fulfilment of those pretious Promises which

we firmly believed wold certainly corn to pas as Mother had promised,

and our earnest prayers was that our Blessed Mother wold pour out her

Spirit upon us at White water for we fealt poor and needy and so our

prayers cotinnued without much mannifestation, of the fulfilment of the

promises which we had     received, Until the 16 of August in the

year one thousand Eight hundred and thirty Eight At which time the

power of God was showered down upon the boddy of believers at this

place like a mighty rushing wind, it being Sabbath Day while attending

publick Meeting and Many Spekaters present, That remarcable Manne-

fest of the power of God Seamed to Seaze the greates Dart of the as-

sembly of believers, Such Mighty Shaking we never will before it wold

Seam Sometimes that some individuals wold be Shaken all to peascis, This

Mighty Shaking continued till the Close of the Meeting and with a num-

ber much longer, and for this Notice of the power of God we fealt ex-

ceeding thankful and that our blessed Mothers hand now began herewith

428        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

tations until 1847, or after the marked decline had commenced.

All of the Western Societies had been favored by the angelic

in every deed, and from this time the good work gradually increased,

and there soon began to be chosen Insrements who ware inspired to deliver

the Council and instructions of our Hevenly Parrents, through whom we

received Many Pretious gifts from the Spiritual world, which to us has

fealt to one of the greatest Blessings that was ever given since Man dwelt

on Earth. Thease blessings finally became so frequent and in such a

bundance, that for Sumtime we kept no correct record of those wonder-

ful communications, But we labored to treasure them up in our harts as

Much as we was able, and We can truly say that we have from the first

commencement of our Blessed Mothers good Work, fealt thankful with all

our Souls for the kind notice of the Many blessings which we have re-

ceived from our Heavenly parrents, All of which has been calkulated

to purge and purify our souls by an honest confesson and bring us dow

in to a Spirit of humiliaty and simplicyly and true obedience so that we

could larn to fear god and walk humbly and gain true love and union

with one a nother and Larn to set a good examble before all people, and

thus this blessed work continued to progress in till the latter part of the

year 1839 at which time we began to receive books and litters through

Mothers chosen and in Spired instruments, but it was some time before

there was any gift for thease books letters to be read and written by

Mortal power. But in January in the year 1840 we received a gift from

the Ministry at union Village to have those Spiritual B'oks and leters

written by mortal power. And after we received the gift to have them

read, we received a great many written communications from our Heav-

enly parrent and others. Ministering Spirits, which we hace Mostly com-

mitted to record. Nearly every individual through the Sosiety has been

blesst with some written communication to Strengthen and in courrage

them to be faithful and truly obedient to their Vissible lead.

"The Lot of Elders at this place have received Many pretious com-

munications, in the form of book and litters and a number of theas

comunications seamed to be of a publick nature, and a number of others

seamed to be to us as individuals, so that we feal at los to now how to

make the right Selection, not fealing our Selves to be competent judges

in this matter. Therefore we have concluded to coppy all those that

appear to be the Most of a publick Naure and such as we have received

nearly as we received them, and leave the matter to the judgment and de-

sisson of that gift and authority that is apointed in the East for that pur-

pose, as we do not wish to hide our one tillant.

"We feal that we have been Noticed and blest by our heavenly

parrents for more than we felt that we was worthy of, yet we can testify

with thankful harts that the believers at White water have been greatly

Blest with Many heavenly Blessings fead our Souls"

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.       429

hosts, before visitations were made at Union Village. There

the heavenly messengers were anxiously looked for and when

they came it was like a "whirlwind." According to the Church

Record there, the break-out commenced on William       Moore

August 8, 1838. So the influence must have been felt at White-

water ere that date. All that I find is under date of Septem-

ber 26, 1847, as follows:

"Sabbath was announced by Mother (The Holy Spirit),

through two witnesses, Rhoda Hinman and Aletha Percel that

four mighty Angels of judgment would make us a visit shortly to

help every honest soul to awake and prepare for an increase in

the work of God, by putting away all sin, and laboring for

an increase in the true fear and love of God and for each

other. Every soul in this part of Zion that would not hear and

obey would be cut off.    30th. was announced through four

witnesses that the Angels of judgment had come according

to promise.   The instruments were commanded to not sleep

until the Angels had made their visit in the different room

and done their work. At 12 midnight the Angels and Mother

Ann visited every children and all. Ezra Sherman was chosen

to speak for the Angel of Light the other three to be witnesses.

Stephen Ball, Aletha Percel and Rhoda Hinman witnesses. The

same Angels and witnesses went to the North Family and the

same testimony was to them to prepare for a great increase in

the work of God, by confessing all sin and laboring for love and

union, to be prepared to gather in souls who would shortly

come. Had a meeting admitting outsiders. As many as 200

came and was present to hear the instruments proclaim from the

Then follow six pages of narratives of Spirit doings, giving a daily

record for January, March, April and May 1839. I give some extracts.:

"Sabbath evening while Eldress Eunice was sitting in the Room

there was a light seen to encircle her around for a number of minutes

And in that time, she could not move, a number more lights seen in the

Room that evening, and musick heard."

"There was singing heard in the kitchen, it moved from place to

place Around the room, it was very heavenly."

January 17. "A good many different operations, and lively exercise.

A voice was heard, saying, good spirits dwell with you all the Time. Some

lights seen, resting on the people, all manifesting That mother's spirit was

with us."

430      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

mighty Angels the same testimony. the meeting lasted over

three hours causing many to fear and tremble."

So far As I have pursued any inquiries, I find that Spiritual-

ism has a stronger hold at Whitewater than in Union Village.

Still, there may be more of it in the latter place than I conjecture.

JUDICIAL PERSECUTION.

The free exercise of religion is guaranteed by the Constitu-

tion of the United States. What the Constitution of Ohio was

from 1811 to 1847 I have not taken occasion to examine. But

whatever that constitution was, or whatever laws might have

been enacted, all must conform to the Constitution of the United

States, and the judiciary is sworn to obey the principles of the

General Government.

Stephen W. Ball,-still a member at Whitewater-de-

sired the possession of his two daughters, - his wife being dead,

and children with their maternal grandparents. On October 6,

1847, Judge Moore decided that Stephen could not have his

minor children because "the law of Ohio was if a man joined

the Shakers, he forfeited all right and title to his children." The

case was carried to the full bench, and set for the ₉th, then the

2₃d, and finally November ₅th, when the bench was equally di-

vided, two for and two against. Case was again assigned for

February 4, 1848, and again for the 26th, when judge Johnson

decided that Stephen could not have his children unless he would

leave the Shakers. An appeal was taken to the State Supreme

Court, where on April 1₉th, five judges decided "that any person

joining the Shakers, deprived them of their natural right to their

children."  Two judges dissented.  Comment is unnecessary.

The record does not state why the case was not carried into the

Federal Courts. In after years one of Stephen W. Ball's daugh-

ters joined the Shakers. Fannie became a very successful teacher

at Wateryliet. While teaching there she consented to marry

Ephraim Frost, and on June 12, 1872, both withdrew from the

Society. Later, with their son, they re-united at Whitewater.

Ephraim desired again to leave, though Fannie was satisfied to

stay, but under threat of having her son taken from her if she

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.     431

did not comply, she left the Society once more to accompany her

husband. She is now a widow.

GARDEN SEED ENTERPRISE.

It was in 1847 that the Whitewater brethren started on

a successful career of raising garden seeds for the markets. Trips

for selling the seeds were made in different parts of the country.

One trip was called the Northern, another the Missouri River,

another the Western Land, another the Kentucky, etc. The

greatest amount received for one year -if I correctly notice,-

was in 1857, when $5,704 was realized, with a total traveling

expense of $416. This enterprise came to an end in 1873, be-

cause many firms began to put out garden and flower seeds in

fancy colored papers and boxes, also in different size packages.

"That our seeds did not take, as they were put up in a brown col-

ored paper and a plain stained box. It was conclusive we must

keep up with the times or step down and out, which we did."

CHRONICLES RESUMED.

In 1847 the floods in the Miami and Whitewater were the

highest ever known and attended with great damage to property.

In consequence, on February 1st, the Shakers commenced grind-

ing breadstuffs for the public, because other mills were either

destroyed or damaged. During the year a two-story brick wash

house 30 x 60 feet was built. Bought of Michael Shuck 30 acres

for $1,000. August 20th, Phillip Antes was released from the

First Eldership and Ebenezer Rice was appointed to succeed him.

December 25th, it was decided to give up the eating of pork,

which has been maintained to the present. However pork is set

before visitors. I was favored with it at every meal while at

Whitewater.

In 1848 a horse-power shed, a wagon shed and a dye house

were built.

In 1849 a two-story wood house, 20 x 60 (for Center Fam-

ily), milk house with cellar (North Family), and sheep barn

30x 120 feet were built. Spinning machines started. Julia-Ann

Bear, on June 23d, became Eldress in place of Susan Ann Easter-

brooks. December 26th, small-pox broke out.

432       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

A farm of 200 acres, containing a brick house and barn

was purchased of William Walker for $10,000 on February 1st,

1850. During the high water of March 6th, the stone dam was

washed out and fences gone. August 2₄th, thirty brethren from

Union Village came to help rebuild the mill dam. November

19th, George Rubush was appointed first Elder and Lewis Gor-

don second at the North Family.

In 1851, burned 140,000 brick, and December 11th, for

first time used a circular saw.

DEATH OF AN EASTERN MINISTER.

The only notice I have seen of the death of one of the

Mount Lebanon Ministry is that of Rufus Bishop, at Whitewater,

August 2, 1852. The Mount Lebanon Ministry, then consisting

of Rufus Bishop, Amos Stewart, Eliza A. Taylor and Asenath

Clark, arrived at Whitewater, July 30th, from Pleasant Hill and

South Union, Ky. "August ₃d, at half-past two in the afternoon,

the funeral began, attended by this Society generally, and some

20, mostly Elders from Union Village. The meeting continued

some two hours, -first by singing some verses composed by

Elder Harvey (H. L. Eads), and Elder Oliver Hampton. Elder

John Martin (first in the ministry at Union Village), spoke some

very appropriate remarks for the occasion, followed by the East-

ern Ministry. Two verses given by inspiration was sung of El-

der Rufus' welcome into the company of the Redeemed, fol-

lowed by testimonies from the Elders of the different families,-

first Union Village, then Whitewater. Several messages were

given out by inspiration. More verses were read, - other speak-

ing. Elder John Martin made the closing remarks. All moved

to the grave: Western brethren going before the carriage, four

at the sides. Western Ministry followed the carriage containing

the corpse; Eastern Ministry followed next; the Elders of

Whitewater, then Union Village Elders next, then the elders

from the different families; then all the folks, old and young, fol-

lowed, marching four abreast. After the corpse was buried, the

singers sang a hymn; a message given by inspiration through

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.    433

Elder Oliver Hampton. All returned home in the same order as

they went. Several hymns were sung on the return to the house.

"The order in the East at this time was to appoint some

twelve or more brethren to go before the corpse. These were the

persons that performed the duties at the grave. Since that time,

owing to lack of members, that plan has been abandoned." On

the following day the Eastern and Western Ministry started for

Union Village.

CHRONICLES RESUMED.

During the year 1862, a house for drying fruit, 20 x 28,

and a cowbarn 40 x 168, were built. On January 1st, commenced

making broom handles, and in February commenced running the

saw mill day and night. December 23, Louisa Farnum became

Elder Sister at Center Family and Julia Ann Bear, Eldress at the

North, with Elizabeth Gass as second. December 24th mill dam

and fences carried away.

In 1853, a brick school house 20 x 30, and a two-story brick

house 18 x 36 were built. On January ₃d, it was decided to aban-

don water power at the mill, and introduce steam. The cost of

the change was $2,000. Had $87 worth of sheep killed by dogs,

for which damages were received. A McCormick reaper was

purchased. August ₄th, a company of sixteen went to Lawrence-

burg, Ind., to see the telegraph and railroad trains.

In 1854, a brick henhouse 17 x 44 and 14 feet high was built.

Bought the Mering mill lot of 70 acres for $1,300. Purchased

twenty China chickens ranging from $1 to $20 each; also a bull

and heifer for $1,OOO; two cider mills for $80; barn burned by

lightning and another unroofed at South Family.

In 1855 a brick office, front three stories 45 x 30, kitchen

part two-story, 43 x 22, a milk and loom house at South Family

12 x 16, and a frame at the South Family house 18x 36 were

built. The Society now numbered seventy persons. The Gath-

ering Order was removed on May 1₇th, from the North to the

South, and the children to the North. Elders and Eldresses at

the South, George Rubush, John Hobart, Elizabeth Gass and

Polly McClain, and at the North, Matthew Carter, E. Frost,

Julia A. Bear and Hester Frost.

Vol. XIII-28.

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.    435

In 1856 a wood house at the Office, 24 x 18, a house for

dyeing cloth, and a one-story frame at North were built. Pur-

chased near Cleveland 2,500 evergreen trees at two cents each.

The Union Village Ministry arrived on September 17th, and de-

cided that a part of Whitewater people should remove to Water-

vliet. Those selected were Ebenezer Rice, Matthew B. Carter,

Ezra Sherman, Lewis Packer, William Adams, Thomas Streets,

Francis Vaun, Charles King, Matthew Traver, Mary, Rebecca

and Emily Adams, Adaline Wells, Matilda A. Butler, Mary Ellen

Stroud, Sally McBride, Hester Ann ReVoux, Mary J. Lewis and

Berthany Williams. All left on the 2₃d September. The Union

Village records add the name of Ramuth G. Bunting. This re-

moval necessitated certain changes. Stephen Ball was made first

Elder, and with him John S. Hobart second. Josiah Burnham

and Frederick Faulhaber, Trustees. On October 12th Frederick

Faulhaber, Joseph Agnew, Louisiana Stroud, Lucy Woodward,

Susan Rubush and Polly Burnham moved into the Office. On

December 1st commenced to weave bonnets.

In 1857, built a two-story addition of brick to the nurse

house. Bought 944 acres of land for $15,000, in Clinton County,

Ohio, adjoining that purchased by Union Village. In April, Jo-

siah Burnham and Marion Moss took cattle there to pasture.

April 3, 1858, grain barn was burned by an incendiary, losing

threshing machine and 120 bushels barley. On 1₇th, a robber

entered the office, threatened one of the sisters and Joseph Agnew,

broke open the desk, scattered the contents on the floor, and

escaped, securing but little booty. October 1st, Henry Bear trans-

ferred to the Center as Elder and Stephen Ball to the South as

Elder.

March 3, 1859, Louisa Farnum was released as first Eldress

at Center and Lucy Woodward took her place. Lewis Gordon

moved from the North to the South and Stephen Ball from the

South to the North, changing places as Elders.

April 14, 1860, John S. Hobart became crazy and on 28th

was taken by sheriff. June ₄th, he entered suit against the So-

ciety, for $10,000 damages, alleging that he was injured by being

dragged through the streets of Cincinnati, and also for false

imprisonment. June 25th, had Henry Bear and Stephen Ball

436       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

arrested by the U. S. Marshall and taken before the U. S. Com-

missioner at Cincinnati on the accusation of opening and detain-

ing his letters, but being unable to prove his charges, the case

was dismissed. The suit for damages was heard November 16th,

and decided in favor of the Shakers. During March, set out 165

apple and 200 pear trees.               .

December 21, 1861, "Stephen Ball released from Elder at the

North, George Rubush first. Josiah Burnham at the North,

Ebenezer Rice as second at Center with Elder, H. B. Bear."

NAMES OF MEMBERS IN 1862.

The Ministry from Union Village arrived October 16, 1862,

and changed the three families into two; the South, Gathering

Order, changed to the North, and the South to be a part of the

Center. George Rubush, Ezra Sherman, Elizabeth Gass and

Amanda ₉Rubush, Elders at the North; Stephen Banll and Man-

ley Sherman, Polly Burnham, Mary Middleton, Lucy Devolve,

Margaret Nickles, Molly Dupler and Eliza Cook to live with the

boys at the South.

At Center with the South- Elders Henry Bear, Ebenezer

Rice: John Easterbrooks, Joseph Agnew, Lewis Gordon, John

Clark, George King, John Atcheson, John Wisenborn, Charles

Wortman, Charles Faraday, Josiah Burnham, Frederick Faul-

haber, Elmer Butler, Washington Rubush, Oliver Atchison, Isa-

iah King, William Burnet, Edward McBride.

Brethren and boys at South: Elder Stephen Ball and Manley

Sherman, with following boys, Elijah, Ora and Daniel Starkey,

Thomas Andrews, Charles Brock, Charles Almon and George

Merrick. Boys under Ann Vann at Center near Office: Charles

Sturr, Robert Morrison, Edward Donaldson, Lafayette Packer

and Alfred Doyle. Sisters: Eldress Lucy Woodward, Nancy

McKee, Susanna Farnum, Minerva McGuire, Susan and Polly

Champlain, Lucy and Susan A. Eastabrooks, Susan and Martha

Rubush, Elizabeth Sharp, Ann Vann, Louisianna Stroud, Eliza

McGuire,  May A. Wheeler, Rachel Hall, Julia A. Bear, Julia

Middleton, Harriet Thompson, Lucinda Packer, Jane Starkey,

Matilda Butler, Susanna and Marietta Faraday, Emily Flagg,

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.    437

Sarah E. and Hannah J. Bryant, Fanny Ball, Amelia Dobson,

Josephine Deming, Polly McClain, Lottie Wheeler, Sisters at

South, seven, previously given. Girls at Center: Caty Walker,

Ovanda Brock, Arecia Columbia, Olive Flagg, Lamora Brooks,

Betsey Allman, Luella Carpenter, Aurilla Lacy, Antonette King.

These two families were under one interest of the Center.

Of the North Family,--Elder George Rubush and Elder

Ezra Sherman, John S. Hobart, Dennis and William McBride,

Alexander Butler, Wilson Davis, John Freeman, James Starkey,

William  Merrick, Nelson Atchison.  Eldress Elizabeth Gass

and Eldress Amanda Rubush. Eliza Carter, Mary Faraday, Pris-

cilla Rubush, Isabella and Mary E. Merrick, Mary Donaldson,

Rebecca Clark, Melissa and Catherine Carpenter, Lydia Brock,

Albina Kilgore, Jane Allman, Mary Gass, Rosetta Worts, Rhoda

Gray, Catherine Sturr, Emaline Brooks, Eliza Hobart, Marinda

and Lotta Sirk, and Adelia Doyle. The total population at this

time embraced 118 persons.

THE MORGAN'S RAID.

On July 13, 1863, "one of the boys was at the mill at Harri-

son and saw Morgan's raiders coming down the hill west of town.

He came home and reported the news. Frederick Faulhaber, on

a fleet horse, rode out until he came in sight of them, and then

hurried back as fast as he could, -receiving the fire of the

enemy, but was soon out of sight. He spread the alarm, warn-

ing the neighbors to hide their horses. Several heeded the warn-

ing and took their horses above the North Family and there

hid them. They took from the South Family two horses, but

this was the extent of their damage to us, save a few meals and

hindering us in the harvest. The main army encamped on the

main road between Harrison and New Haven (Preston, P. O.),

but extending their pickets and horse thieves for several miles

each way, searching the cornfields and thickets for horses, rob-

bing private residences of such things as they wanted, and if any

refused they were roughly treated. At Harrison they entered all

kinds of shops and stores, taking whatever they chose. At Leon-

ard's store they took $4,200 in money besides $6,000 worth of

438      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

goods. At Davison's about $6,000 all told. The loss in Harrison

was about $50,000. At New Haven they cleaned out both the

stores. At Frost's $300 and Thompson's some $500, and in the

vicinity 100 horses. They treated our folks very respectfully,

and did not enter our buildings. They departed towards New

Baltimore, and burned the big covered bridge across the Miami.

"After the aiders had departed we supposed our troubles had

come to an end. But the next day the Union Army, some 500 or

600 on horses,-Home Guards of Indianapolis-headed by John

S. Hobart, claiming to be authorized by the Government, to take

all the horses he could find. John threatened to burn and kill

if we did not bring in our horses from where we had hid them.

Elder George Rubush ordered his horses brought to the house,

where John and his companions selected the two best, as he

agreed only to take two, if they were brought in.

"This time of excitement continued for days, owing to false

reports being received that more of Morgan's men were coming,

-then it was the Union men."

CHRONICLES RESUMED.

February 29, 1864, Henry B. Bear, Ezra Sherman and Fred-

erick Faulhaber were appointed trustees.

In 1865 sold brooms at $6 and $7 per dozen, and 200 bushels

of strawberries ranging between $6 and $7.50 per bushel.

December 31, 1868, Ezra Sherman became Elder at Gath-

ering Order and Stephen Ball succeeded him as trustee.

February 7, 1870, Stephen Ball was removed to Watervliet,

and Matthew B. Carter removed from Watervliet to Whitewater

to take first charge as trustee. In 1871 steam laundry was put in

at both the Center and North Families.

In April, 1872, Ebenezer Rice was released from second

Eldership, and George B. Amery appointed in his place to live

with Henry Bear. Alexander Butler from the South moved into

Office to act with Matthew B. Carter.

December 23, 1873, Eliza McGuire was appointed Eldress at

South Family in place of Polly Burnham.

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.     439

March 23, 1874, George King appointed Elder at South in

place of George Rubush. October 29, Matthew Carter trans-

ferred to Union Village to act as trustee there. November ₄th,

George Amery removed to Office to act as trustee; Alexander

Butler becomes first Elder at North; Ezra Sherman removes to

Center, and Charles H. Sturr becomes deacon.

In 1875, bank grain barns were built, both at the Center and

North. March 6th, donated $r,ooo to Mount Lebanon to assist

them in the great loss the Society there had sustained by fire.

June 1st, Amanda Rubush becomes second Eldress at South and

Amelia Dobson becomes second at Center. November 16th, suit

instituted against George B. Amery for selling onion seed not as

guaranteed. On the 22d, suit against Society by Harrison Turn-

pike Company. Action on account of George King using a road

along and by the side of the turnpike and toll gate, and striking

the toll-road beyond the gate. The claim was for $40, for passing

the gate eight times. As nothing further appears, it is probable

these suits were settled.

In 1876 a shop for making brooms and carpenter work was

set up. September 6th, Frederick Faulhaber becomes Elder at

the North and Charles Faraday the same at the South.

March 25, 1878, George Amery released as trustee and ap-

pointed second Elder; Wilson Saffin becomes first Elder at the

North in place of Alexander Butler, and the latter removes to the

Office as trustee, and Charles H. Sturr to live with him. Au-

gust 22, George Amery removes to the South, and succeeded by

Charles Faraday at the Center. October 8, on account of the

secession of Eldress Lucy Woodward, Amanda Rubush and Su-

sanna Faraday become first and second Eldress, respectively at

the Center; Julia Ann Bear becomes first Eldress at North, and

Eliza McGuire moves into the Office; George Amery having left

the Society, Joseph Usher moves from the North to the South.

March 25, 1879, Louisa Farnham moved to Union Village

to become first in the Ministry in the Sister's Lot. Ezra Sher-

man becomes first and Wilson Saffin second Elder at the North.

December 29th, Stephen Ball returns from Watervliet to be-

come first Elder at the Center, with Henry Bear second. The

440       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

latter also becomes a trustee. As the Shakers had been schooling

their own children besides paying taxes they attempted to get a

special school district, but failed. It was not until April 20, 1891,

that the school board established a school at the Shaker school

house.

January 27th, 1880, Wilson Saffin removed from the second

Elder at the North and goes to the Center. July 2, Nancy McKee

second Eldress at Center in place of Susanna Faraday, and Kate

Dennis becomes second at the North. November 2d, Henry Bear

is released as trustee and moves to the North as first Elder; Ezra

Sherman removes to the Office as trustee; Charles Faraday be-

comes second Elder at Center, and Charles Sturr, bookkeeper at

Office.

In December, 1881, the sorghum house was removed to the

Boggett farm to be used as a dwelling.

January 1st, 1882, the Union Village Ministry arrived and

made the following changes: Henry Bear becomes first Elder at

Center and trustee; Stephen Ball becomes second, and Charles

Faraday first Elder at the North. May 1₃th, Julia A. Bear is

released from first Eldress at the North and moves to Office in

place of Eliza McGuire. Susan Faraday as first with Carrie

Burk as second at the North.

February 4, 1884, Charles Sturr succeeded Henry Bear as

deacon and trustee. May 21st, commenced roofing cow barn. It

took three men twenty-nine days to put on the 65,000 shingles.

Put up wagon scales. Made two fish ponds. Dried 54 Barrels of

sweet corn. Began to ship first by express for stock purposes.

October 24, 1885, raised a new sheep barn on same spot

where previous one stood. August 1₉th, Matthew B. Carter and

Julia Ann Bear appointed trustees for the Society. A strange

freak of lightning occurred June 13th, during a heavy storm.

It struck the wash house, going in at the door on the west side;

thence up through the floors to the attic, tearing a hole through

the roof by both chimneys; then down the south end to the

cistern, and on its course it took off most of the ceiling in the

ironing room, doing damage all the way. In the upper room were

20,000 silk worms about ready to spin. The children had just

left the ironing room.

Origin, Rise, Progress and Decline, Etc.     441

November, 1886, Eliza McGuire became second Eldress at

Center. In August hot air furnaces were put in at both the Office

and Center dwelling.

During April, 1887, an orchard containing 400 apple trees

and 200 peach trees was set out north of the Office. In Septem-

ber a stone walk was placed around the Office and another con-

necting it with the residence of the Center family.

June 25, 1889, Louisa Farnham returns from Union Village,

where she had lived in the Ministry, and became second Eldress

at Center. The South Family was broken up and moved to the

North. This is the first acknowledgement (though indirect) of

the visible decay of the community found in the Sturr MS.

July 1, 1890, Lafayette Parker becomes first Elder at the

North, in the room of Charles Faraday. August 1₉th, the Mount

Lebanon Ministry arrives and appoints Mary Gass, Eldress at the

North in place of Elizabeth Sharp, - the latter moving to the

Center.

In 1891, a new engine house of corrugated iron was built.

A new boiler and engine for the wash house at North Family.

March 14th, purchased threshing machine and traction engine.

In 1893, a new threshing machine and a traction engine of

15 horse power were purchased. Threshing was done in the

vicinity. This was carried on for some years.

June 25th, 1894, another thresher was purchased, and later

a clover huller, and during the season threshed 33,461 bushels of

wheat, 9,731 of oats and barley and 355 of clover. The house on

the Williamson farm having been destroyed by fire, within forty

days a new two-story with kitchen, was constructed, for the

renter. This is the first indication of lands rented out. Doubt-

less, owing to age and the paucity of numbers, the Shakers had

commenced renting out their lands ere this year.

The Sturr MS. is utterly silent on the subject of manners,

customs and dress, save two items in the year 1895; one of which

(January 6th), states "began to kneel once after meals, after

eating," and the other (July 14th), "change made of worship,

first stand singing a hymn, then sit down, speak, sing or read."

As all the manners, customs, etc., are prescribed by the Mount

Lebanon Ministry, the edict goes out to all the Societies at the

442      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

same time, and hence Shaker Zion is supposed to be blessed with

a general uniformity in all things. During the year, at the

Center a 40-foot steel tank tower, holding 75 barrels, was put

up to supply house and stock.

February 15, 1896, Lafayette Parker was released from the

Eldership at the North, and soon after withdrew, taking his chil-

dren with him. The temporal affairs of the entire estate were

now assumed by Charles H. Sturr. The year was one of tribu-

lation, presenting great trouble with the Ludwig family; all the

boys leaving; all the work and affairs to be looked after by

Charles Sturr; could not run threshing machines because none

at home to call on for assistance; sold one of the machines.

In 1897, steam heating at Center Family and hot water at

Office were introduced.

September 25, 1898, Charles H. Sturr was appointed sceond

Elder at Center, Henry B. Bear being first.

March 21, 1899, the Shakers' suit against the Birdsell Huller

Company was decided in favor of the former. Particulars not

given. Under one roof was constructed a wagon shed and corn

crib. This is the last item of building.

July 5, 1900, John Tyler removes from Watervliet to live at

the North to take charge of affairs there. July 8th, Charles H.

Sturr succeeded Henry Bear as first Elder, and moved into the

building of the Center Family, having lived in the Office since

March 25, 1878. This closes the Sturr MS.

The Sturr papers inform us that the telephone was in use at

the Center Family in 19O1, and the windows of the dwelling were

enlarged in 1902.

OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.

The Elders of the Center Family take rank over the North

Family-the South Family extinct. Charles H. Sturr is first

Elder at Center, likewise Amanda Rubush first Eldress, with

none standing second. John 0. Tyler is first Elder at North;

Adaline Wells, first Eldress and Sarah Smith second. The trus-

tees are Henry B. Bear, Charles H. Sturr, Amanda Rubush and

Matilda A. Butler. Besides the above, the Covenant members are

Frederick Faulhaber, Lewis Robbins, Stephen Ball, Julia A. Bear,