USA > Ohio > Shakers of Ohio; fugitive papers concerning the Shakers of Ohio, with unpublished manuscripts > Part 17
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
The first reference in the Union Village Record is for Jan. 23, 1808; the next, Sept. 12, 1810, and the next, Feb. 2, 1813, which states: "About this time, the Journal ( Peter Pearse's), in speaking of the Society on Beaver creek (sometimes called Beau- lah) calls it Water Vleit. It is likely the naine was changed about this time. Hereafter it will be so called." The name was taken from the Shaker Society of Watervleit, New York.
ORGANIZED AS A SOCIETY. .
The above visitations would indicate a well organized So- ciety, though not standing alone. The Believers were strong enough to have a permanent order in March, 1806, and at that time John Stewart was appointed first Elder, and with much ac- ceptance, filled that office for two years and four months. In the beginning they did not own the property in common, some of whom still remained in Dayton, though frequently warned to leave through the papers. Opposition to some extent continued which culminated in a mob, of the baser sort, in May, 1811. The Shakers boldly met the mob as it intruded on their premises, and
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
drove them away, without causing violence. After this open opposition ceased.
The deeds to their lands were carefully entered upon the Church Records by Richard McNemar, which in 1882, amounted to 800 acres of land.
The Society was under the direct supervision of the Min- istry of Union Village and so continued up to the time when Issachar Bates assumed the reins of power. The Society never was numerically large, nor could it so have been under the rapid and useless changes in the officers made by the Union Village Ministry. Whenever temporary assistance was needed Union Village was always very prompt in sending the necessary num- ber of brethren. Visits were very frequent between the two So- cieties, which were kept up until the general decline became quite marked, when they gradually grew less.
A sawmill must have been early in operation and the log cabins abandoned for frame dwellings. The grist-mill was run- ning in 1812, and in July, 1813, the tannery was in operation, and in 1814 the cooper shop, wooden ware industry and woollen factory were doing business. In 1815 brooms were made for the market, and in 1819 blacksmithing was done for the public, while the wagon shop had become quite a source of revenue. In all probability the above industries were in operation before the respective dates mentioned.
On March 8, 1813, Richard McNemar arrived in the village, and taking sick on the 15th Nathan Sharp arrived to bring him home.
Elder John Houston died September 21, 1817, aged 46.
In 1820 there was a Mill and a School Family, but in 1823 one Family is called the West and the other the North, while the following year there appears to have been a West, a North and a Center Family, besides a residence for the Young Believers. In 1823, Alexander Hughey was elder and Jean 'Patterson eldress at the West Family. The same year William Martin was elder and Prudence Grunin eldress at the North Family. Oct. 30, 1823, Electa Morrell succeeded Molly Kitchell as eldress, but I know not at which Family. The trustees in 1822 were Jethro Boyd
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
and Thomas Johnson. In 1825 William Burnham and Nathaniel Taylor were deacons, and on June 1, 1826, the latter was trans- ferred to the Center Family. In 1827 Joseph Eastwood was an elder and Jean Patterson an eldress, probably at the North Family.
THE BLESSING AT DAYTON.
The most amiable relations had been existing between the people of Dayton and Believers, insomuch so that the incident of the mob of 181 I had been fully forgiven. The great difference accorded to the Shakers by the denizens of Lebanon and those of Dayton was a matter of remark among Believers. About the year 1820 a Shaker brother of Union Village had a vision, in which it was revealed that the Shakers should place a curse upon Lebanon and a blessing upon Dayton. In their early history Shakers were ever obedient to heavenly commands. David Dar- row felt that the command must be obeyed. The first messenger selected was Francis Bedle, who demurred and even refused to perform the mission. Finally he gave his consent provided Richard McNemar should be his attendant. McNemar disap- proved of the whole scheme and thought it should be passed over; but, being obedient to higher powers, he reluctingly con- sented. Together the two brethren rode on horseback through the principal street of Lebanon, waved their hats and pronounced woe upon all persecutors. The same day they appeared on one of the streets of Dayton, riding rapidly, waving their hats, and pronounced the blessings of God upon the town and all its in- habitants. News of the action of the Shaker missionaries, in Dayton, spread upon the wings of the wind, over the banks and hills of the Miami and Mad rivers. The farmers regarded the Shakers as possessed of deep religious foresight. Dayton had made but slow progress. There were farmers who now believed the town having been blessed by holy men- of God would become prosperous. Some rented and others sold their farms and moved to the town, giving it an impetus which has ever so continued. Of Lebanon and its enterprises, on the other hand, its local his- tarian, in his "Centennial Sketch," has been forced to proclaim that its population has remained stationary for four decades.
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BRICK DWELLING.
On January 15, 1820, a number of joiners arrived at Water- vleit from Union Village to give a week's work towards finishing the new brick dwelling, which was 44 x 50 feet. This house was occupied on the 31st October following. Assistance must have been further needed, for July 9 there were 14 sent to assist in the harvest.
July 12, 1821 a company arrived from Union Village to help raise a large barn, and returned the 14th.
October 9, 1822, Robert Baxter and a number of recent converts were transferred to Watervleit.
SICKNESS.
The summer of 1823 was a very sickly one, but the nature of the disease is not stated, but probably some form of malaria. As early as August 9th there was much sickness and several deaths. By September 19th it became very sickly. The disease must have again broken out the next summer, for on September 19, 1824, there were many sick.
THE GOLDEN AGE.
The Western Societies enjoyed their golden age, or great- est degree of prosperity when the future appeared to be bright and full of promise. The golden age of Watervleit commenced during the eldership of Issachar Bates and continued through that of Richard McNemar, his successor.
The Society at Watervleit had become discordant. There was confusion, and strong opposition made to the Elders, the Deacons and to one another. In order to bring peace and sub- mission, David Darrow sent Issachar Bates to take general charge, as first Elder, with Joshua Worley for second. Both arrived at Watervleit Oct. 24, 1824. Soon after John Martin and James Ball were appointed trustees by the Union Village Min- istry. At once Elder Issachar commenced regulating matters, insisting upon the Shaker rule of confession, and settling all mat- ters of difference between them. It proved a difficult task to per-
CENTER FAMILY RESIDENCE.
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
form; but Issachar so adroitly managed the affairs as to retain the confidence and respect of all. While thus engaged the trus- tees paid off the indebtedness of the Society, and the last of the year the North brick house was completed and a family con- stituted in it. By January 1, 1825, affairs had been so righted that it was agreed to build a new meeting house, - a frame 40 by 50 feet. The frame was raised May 25th and 26th, assistance being rendered by a large number of brethren from Union Vil- lage. It was occupied in June. This is a large · frame, two- story building facing the large Center Family brick building. The upper story was never finished, - it being designed for the use of the Ministry, in case that order should ever be assigned to them separately.
Elder David Darrow was buried on June 27, Elder Issachar was present with a large number of Watervleit Believers. He- returned on July 4th, accompanied by the Ministry, who now put forth efforts to quiet all contentions that existed. In a good degree this was effected. On being asked if they were satisfied with Elder Issachar as their successor, all responded in the af- firmative.
The possessions were now extended by the purchase of 100 acres of land for $2,000, and the erection of a two-story dwelling house on it, 40 by 30 feet, for the use of recent converts, called Young Believers. A saw and grist mill were built, with other improvements.
Joshua Worley proved himself to be a good assistant; but in February, 1826, he was transferred to Union Village, and his place was taken by Robert Baxter.
In 1827 an unfortunate schism broke out among the young and ambitious. They contended for a division of the property, which meant the end of the community. Being defeated in their designs, quite a number withdrew from the Society; which how- ever did not take place until 1832. These were mostly young people of both sexes. This division was largely due to the mis- management and breaking up of the West Union Society.
March 19, 1832, David Price was sent from Union Village. to act as gardener and peddlar.
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
LITERATURE.
The reign of Issachar Bates imperceptibly passed into the hands of Richard McNemar. Early in the year 1832 he removed to Watervleit and at once engaged in correcting and straighten- ing out the records of the Society. On April Ist he assumed the principal burden and care of the Society, which was not favor- ably entertained by Issachar.
September 29th, Malinda Watts, Samuel Tuttill and his son Bostwick removed from Union Village and took up their residence at the West house with a view to keeping up a Gath- cering Order.
Wherever the hand of Richard McNemar was felt literature .and the dissemination of truth were brought to the front. Pub- lishing interests commenced with him within two years after the founding of Shakerism in the West. When he died it was the practical death of Western publishing interests among the Shak- ers of Ohio. Within three months after he became lead at Water- vleit he republished "Brief Exposition of Shakerism" that first appeared from the press at Albany in 1830. To this he added 22 pages of additional matter, partly his own, but mostly from the pen of David Spinning, devoted to answering sundry inquiries and objections that had been offered by non-believers.
In 1832 McNemar published quite a number of Covenants, among which were those adopted at Watervleit December 7, 1818, and January, 1833; the one at Union Village in 1810, January 15, 1812, and December 31, 1828. The first Covenant in Ohio, drafted by Benjamin Seth Youngs, in 1810, I have given in full in my "Bibliography of Shaker Literature." As that book fully discusses Shaker literature in Ohio, it is not necessary further to enter upon that subject in this connection.
COVENANT MEMBERS.
To the Watervleit Covenant of 1833 the following names were signed :
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
SISTERS' NAMES.
BRETHREN'S NAMES.
Salome Dennis
Issachar Bates
Eunice Bedle
Richard McNemar
Malinda Kitchell
Robert Baxter
Betsey Milligan
Ashbel Kitchell
Eliza Davis
Henry Miller
Peggy Naylor
James Ball
Mary Ann Duffey Jane Patterson
James Milligan
Rachel Zane
Alex Hughey
Caty Eastwood
David Grummon
Eleanor Jackson
Thomas Williams
Kezia Hughey
John Rue
Elizabeth Simonton
James Martin
Esther Ball
John L. Eastwood
Elizabeth Maxson
James Grummon
Esther Eastwood
John Maxson
Matilda Rue
John Davis David Price
Polly Dewitt
Samuel Tuthill
Betsy Eastwood
John M. Eastwood
Matilda Williams
Noah Spafford
Edith Gee
William Slater
Polly Ball
Daniel McLane
Sally Kimal
Isaac Houston
Jane Gallagher
James M. Patterson
Hannah Mayze
Alvah West
Frances Silence
David Eastwood, etc.
Polly Rice
- Abbey Rice
Nancy Rice, etc.
This list does not include those in the Gathering Order.
The Covenant of 1818 shows that James Patterson and Na- thaniel Taylor had immediate charge at that time, of the Society. The probability is that there were, even then, three families, viz., Center, North, and West, or Gathering Order. In 1833 the Chief Eldress was Salome (Edith) Dennis, who had previously been at West Union. At this period the public speakers in the Society, besides Issachar Bates and Richard McNemar, were Henry Mil- ler and William Phillips. These four took regular turns, two speaking each Sunday.
Peggy Patterson
William Phillips
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
CONCLUSION OF M'NEMAR'S REIGN.
Not only did McNemar look after the spiritual welfare of the Society and literary productions, but the temporal outlook re- ceived his attention. On May 7, assisted by a number of breth- ren from Union Village, a large barn was moved.
June 30, 1835, the Union Village Ministry made the follow- ing changes: Eldress Salome Dennis is removed to Union Vil- lage and Eunice Bedle takes her place, and Eliza Davis to live with her; James Ball becomes an Elder, second to McNemar ; and Alexander Hughey removes to the Office as trustee in place of James Ball. On December 28, McNemar was released from the Eldership, but did not return to Union Village until January 13, 1836, and with him came Ashbel Kitchell and Malinda Watts-Kitchell.
The only other reference for 1836 I find is that on May 26, the Ministry at Union Village set out for Watervleit in their new carriage but the "springs did not do well," but their object or what they accomplished must be of no moment, for the result is not mentioned. Perhaps a mere junket. However, on January 24, 1837, the Ministry, accompanied by Matthew Houston and James Ball, proceeded to Watervleit, where Matthew was in- stalled to be "a counselor resident."
CHRONICLES.
On March 25, 1837, "Matthew Houston and the Lot of Elders from Watervleit arrived (at Union Village) on a visit. (27.) The Watervleit Elders attended meeting this evening at the Centre family ; this evening was overwhelming in point of spiritual gifts and sensation, - The heartfelt humility and con- trition, together with the melting expressions of thankfulness and love to the way of God, caused the tears to flow from our Watervleit Elders." They returned home the 29th.
The meat having spoiled, the Union Village brethren sent them 250 pounds of salt pork on Oct. 3rd.
The Union Village Record for Aug. 30, 1838, shows that James Ball was the Elder Brother at that date, and it is probable that he was the immediate successor of McNemar. Elder Sister
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
Eunice Bedle went to Union Village April 25, 1838, to receive medical treatment, and returned Aug. 30th.
SPIRITUALISM.
Spiritualism probably did not break out until 1839, judged by a paragraph in the Union Village church journal for April 10, 1839: "This morning the Ministry, accompanied by some others, set out for Watervleit. This visit was signified by in- spiration, & intended to help the people in that place. The same marvelous work has commenced at W. Vleit, & moves rapidly." The Ministry staid until the 16th. This is the only reference con- cerning this phenomenon. In all probability its history here was the same as at Union Village, only in a lesser degree. Freegift Wells was now on the throne, Watervleit was easily accessible to Union Village, and doubtless he worked this matter for all that could be obtained from it .*
OFFICERS.
,
January 2, 1841, James Darrow was appointed Elder Brother and that day removed from Union Village to Watervleit. The Ministry arrived on December 30, previous, and staid until Janu- ary 17th. As it is stated, under April 10, that "Br. Matthew Houston removes home from Watervleit, where he has resided in care for a considerable time," and James Darrow "supplies his place as Elder Brother," it is proof that Matthew immediately succeeded McNemar. The record for July 2, 1841, shows that James Darrow was then the Elder Brother and Eunice Bedle was still the Elder Sister. James Ball and Matilda Williams are mentioned in same connection and in such a relation as to indi- cate they stood second. By other documents it is affirmed that Bates was the first of the Ministry at Watervleit; then suc- ceeded by McNemar, who, in turn, by Houston.
Sometime during the year 1840 Ithamar Johnson became
* The spiritual communications were taken down on separate sheets and afterwards recorded in book form. What became of these books I have been unable to discover. I recovered 68 revelations and turned the same over to the Historical Society. Peggy Patterson appears to have been the principal medium.
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
manager of the real estate, for under February 3, 1842, it is; stated that he "removes back home (Union Village) from Water- vleit, - having been there a little more than 2 years, assisting: them in the management of their temporalities." We also find. that on August 2, 1841, that John Martin, James McNemar, P. F. Antes, Timothy Bonnell, Levi McNemar, Wm. N. Redmon, Aaron and Amos Babbitt went to Watervleit to help shingle sev- eral buildings, and returned (to Union Village) on the 7th.
On December 12, 1842, Elder Sister Eunice Bedle deceased .. I find no mention of her successor, but on Aug. 11, 1853, Eliza: Davis was Elder Sister. How long she had so acted is unknown ..
CHRONICLES RESUMED.
On Monday, February 13, 1843, Andrew C. Houston and. Lewis Valentine arrived from Union Village "to serve as wit -. nesses at the execution of their revised Covenant," and departed. the 15th. On June 2nd, assisted by twenty-nine Union Village brethren, a frame building, 36 x 76 feet, was raised north of the. main dwelling. On October 18, James Ball and William Phillips. set out for Union Village, in order to secrete there Frances Ann: Cushwaugh, that she might be saved from being taken forcibly away.
No record for 1844, and the only one for 1845 is the note. (March 29) that four horses and harness had been stolen.
November 20, 1846, the mill was burned by an incendiary. The loss included 600 bushels corn, 60 of oats and some buck- wheat.
January 20, 1847, Richard W. Pelham moved from Union Village to become assistant in the Elders' order. April 15th, Oliver C. Hampton arrived in order to assist in schooling the children. He staid until June 11th.
No references for 1848 and 1849.
February 20, 1850, "Moses Eastwood returns to Watervleit, there to continue." March 25th, James Darrow returns to Union Village, after serving as "first care about nine years." Pre- sumably he was succeeded by R. W. Pelham, although I do not find his name until April 14, 1853.
January 1 , 1851, Oliver C. Hampton arrives to assist in the
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
school, and remains until March 4th. April 7th, Abner Bedle arrives to assist in the trusteeship." During the early season the Society was assisted in cording and spinning by Sanford Russell, of Union Village. October 15th, the Office was robbed of $20.
No reference for the year 1852.
March 14, 1853, O. C. Hampton arrived "to assist in the: management of the children, and staid until May 16th. March: 7th Oliver Hampton visited the Spiritualists at Mechanicsburg,. and on April 14th "Elder Brother R. W. Pelham at Watervleit. writes about the arrival there of four families from Mechanics- burg, numbering of men, women and children twenty-two." Sep- tember 26th Elder Sister Eliza Davis is taken to Union Village- for medical treatment and remains until November 3rd. During: the summer Elder Pelham was taken with chills and fever. Was; attended by C. D. Hampton.
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January 19, 1854, Rachel Hall, of Whitewater, became Elder Sister. June Ioth, Daniel Miller arrives in order to officiate as deacon, but returned to Union Village December 10th. On De- cember 3Ist, Persis Hoag arrived to teach school.
Nothing recorded for 1855.
ACCESSIONS FROM WHITEWATER.
A necessity arose for the strengthening of the Society; and. to do this the members must be drawn from the Whitewater Community. "For some time back, there has been an anxious .. feeling by the beloved Ministry & Church at Union Village that. the little flock at Water Vleit, might receive help & strength, that they might be able to gather & save souls. Accordingly in the. fore part of last month (September, 1856), the beloved Ministry communicated their feelings to the believers at White Water, who: universally expressed their good union in this matter & felt willing to do all they could to help carry out the feelings of the. Ministry & Church at U. V., by giving up as many Believers. from W. W. to go to W. V. to live, as the beloved Ministry- should think best."
The Union Village Ministry together with the Elders at Whitewater made choice of the following: Ebenezer Rice and . Matthew B. Carter, for Elders; Adaline Wells and Matilda A.
14
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
Butler for Eldresses ; and Ezra Sherman, Lewis Packer, Mary Adams and Mary Ellen Stroud for Trustee, Deacon and Dea- conesses, with the addition of Ramuth G. Bunting, Thomas Streets, Francis Vann, William Adams, Matthew Traber, Charles King, Mary Jane Lewis, Hester Ann Revox, Rebecca Adams, Sally McBride, Emily Adams and Bethynia Williams. On the morning of September 23, 1856, the entire party, with Ministry, left Whitewater, in five carriages, for Union Village. Near Hamilton the party was met by 40 Believers from Union Village, and all arrived the same evening at the latter place, where they were welcomed with the greatest friendship. The next day at IO A. M. there was a general meeting of the Believers, when many spoke of their faith. Elder Rice represented the faith and spirit of the migratory band. The Ministry and Church extended "their great portion of love and strength in this meeting to help them to do the work that they were called to do, and a firm as- surance was manifest that the time had fully come for the Be- . lievers at W. V. to be helped, and that the little company of 20 from W. W. were called of God for the express purpose, and no doubts were entertained but that they would be blessed in the undertaking, and be able to perform what they were called to do."
On the morning of the 25th the little band set out for Water- vleit, and first reached the North Family, where the party was welcomed with cheering songs and suitable words. Accompanied by the members of the North Family, all proceeded to the South House, where they were welcomed by 13 Believers, most of whom were young in the faith. Here the pilgrims took up their abode, constituting a family of 33 persons. The house was well furnished, and everything had been placed in readiness for their reception.
The journal shows that all settled down to work as though they had been accustomed to the place. There was the cutting of corn, mason work at the North Family, sowing of wheat, dig- ging potatoes, carpentering, work in the factory, etc., etc., all in rapid succession. Then there were "expeditions" to Dayton, and more distant parts, for the gathering in of new believers and children, in all of which the participants were very successful. The journal shows many accessions through their efforts, - the
1
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NORTH FAMILY RESIDENCE.
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
names being specified. Six months before the arrival of the party 100 acres of land had been bargained for at $53 per acre, and on October 3rd the first payment was made. At the Dayton Fair, which commenced October 6th, the Shakers' cattle took 5 prizes. · The week commencing the IIth was spent in cutting clover seed, repairing cellars, picking and drying apples, putting in pump, etc. The new addition of members put vim and vigor into the Society, and had the same momentum continued, the So- ciety would still have been a tower of strength.
CHRONICLES RESUMED.
November 1, 1856, Richard W. Pelham was released as first Elder and Moses Eastwood was appointed in his place, with Ramuth G. Bunting to live with him.
The record shows there were peddling trips, especially in the line of yarns, which had probably been instituted years before. In December there was a large increase in members, probably most of whom may be classed as "Winter Shakers," -desiring a good home only during the cold weather. During the fall and early winter of 1856, John Sherman was in care of the boys. Provisions must have been scarce during the winter of 1856-7, for a load was sent from Whitewater and arrived January 3rd, consisting of sauce and butter, and a load of potatoes from Union Village on February 7th.
It was found necessary to put an engine in the mill, to use when water was scarce. In January, 1857, an addition to the North House, 30 x 60 feet, was commenced. February 20th, Matthew Carter went to Whitewater in a wagon for willows, apple trees, grape cuttings, currants and raspberries. Returned the 28th.
ADMISSIONS AND SECESSIONS.
As a sample of admissions and withdrawals I give the fol- lowing for the year 1857 :
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