USA > Ohio > Shakers of Ohio; fugitive papers concerning the Shakers of Ohio, with unpublished manuscripts > Part 18
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"January 9th. An Irishman by the name of John McDaniel, 36 years old, a farmer.
11th. A Dutchman by the name of (came here), 51 years old. Weaver. Went off.
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
24th. Virginia Harris is brought here by her -, she is four years old.
. 27th. George Grub was placed under our care by his mother.
29th. David Eastwood, E. Sister Adaline and Peggy Patterson brought home from Dayton two girls, one by the name of
30th. Two boys came here from Dayton.
26th. Eliza Welchhammer went to the world taking her five chil- dren, and Peters' child.
26th. Martha Parker turned off to the world.
February 1st. John McDaniel turned off to the world.
4th. Joseph Barret came here a boy 10 years of age without father or mother.
12th. John Short, Henry and George Grub and Joseph Barret ran off to the world.
12th. Two boys and two girls was brought home from Dayton by David Eastwood, Elder Sister Adaline and E. S. Matilda Williams, by the names of Wm. James Edmond, aged 16 years; Thos. Wardlow, aged 10 years, they both set out on the 14th of February, 1857. Names of girls, Hester Ann Petitt, 10 years, Caroline Wardlow, 10 years, they both set out.
14th A girl came from Dayton with David Eastwood, by the name
L of
18th. Geo. Grub came back and obtained another privilege.
25th. Geo. Grayham turned off to the world.
27th. Wmn. Boswell went to the world.
March 4th. Godlib Myers and his family moved away, to the great joy of us all.
5th. John Carrol and John Hayden went away to the world.
7th. Martha Harris turned off to the world. But received back in three months.
February 27th. Richard Murphy an Irishman came here and set out.
March 16th. John Sherman turned away to the world, has had three privileges.
19th. Wm. Adams went to the world.
20th. Richard Murphy went to the world having two privileges, he- coveted and took.
23d. John Carrol came with a wagon and took his wife 'and three children away.
April 14th. Charles McCormick (aged 12 years last December 12th) came here to live, from N. Port, Ky. His mother is a widow.
29th. Wm. Nichols went to the world, having had three privileges. 30th. America Hughes went to the world.
May 8th. Joseph and Lydia Ann Stoker was taken away by their parents.
9th. Mary Carrol came and took her two girls, the first of May ..
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
14th. Wm. Harris, or Barret, came and obtained a privilege, and on the
18th. he went off. We considered him not a fit subject, about 12
years old.
18th. Sarah Ann Turbavill went to the world. Marvin Banister turned off to the world April 15th. Joseph Edmonds came here and obtained a privilege.
25th. James McLaughlin, an Irishman, obtained a conditional priv- iledge.
June 1st. John Thompson, an Englishman, came here.
6th. Hiram Hughes was taken away by his Father.
12th. Henry Grubs went away.
July 1st. John Thompson, an Englishman, united.
4th Ann Flemon moved here for the purpose of uniting.
4th. Wm. and Joseph Edmonds went to the world. George Grubs and Charles Shorts going along. Emma Jane and Frances Virginia Mc- Nichols (four and six years old) were bound to us by their mother the last of June, 1857.
8th. Wm. Williams, an Englishman, shoemaker, set out.
13th. Elder Brother E. Rice visited Springfield, and found Reuben Miller struggling for freedom, but his age and surrounding circumstances will operate to keep him in bondage.
16th. Thomas Wardlow was taken away by his parents.
20th. Elder Sister Adaline, and David Eastwood, bro't home from the Dayton poorhouse two boys, viz., Washington Montgomery and Stephen Martin, the first 12 and the other 4 years old.
24th. Thomas Williams and Elder Sister Adaline, bro't home from Xeny Poorhouse 2 boys, and a girl, the oldest 13 years, Name Howard Ransbottom, youngest boy 4 years old, Name Stephen Martin, and a girl 7 years old, Name Clarry Dore Stephenson. ,
26th. Elder Br. E. R. brot home a widow, (by the name of Cath- erine -) and her 2 children, viz., (and Aug. 19th she was taken away)., and a boy by the name of Jacob Banjest, who was bound by his mother until 16 years old.
26th. John Thompson and Wm. Williams went to the world.
20th. McClothling, James, came here; James got sore eyes and went to get them cured.
August 12th. Wm. Hirsch, a boy about 12 years old, German.
10th. Dianna Morehouse came here, and set out (Irish), 58 years old.
25. Wm. Hinch ran away to his mother in Dayton.
September 18th. Washington Montgomery was taken back to the poor house (thief).
18th. Elizabeth Hill (from Cincinnati) and her 4 children, viz., Robert G. Hill, born May 24th, 1847, May Hill, March 15th, 1850, Frances
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
Elizabeth, January 14th, 1854, Henery S., November 22nd, 1856. and on the 22nd Elizabeth set out to be a believer.
20th. The Grub girl was taken on trial. October 14th George Grubs went off.
21st. James McGothling came back and obtained another privilege, the last of September.
29th. A boy about 11 years old by the name of Edward Hill, came. here to live, from London.
November 4th. Sent a boy home to Cincinnati by the name of Joseph Pursell.
5th. Walter Vann, and Ann his wife, with their two girls by the name of Anna M. and Eliazbeth M., came here from Phila. to be Be- lievers.
4th. James H. Oliver came here desiring to see Elder Jolin (Mar- tin) for to get a gift to live either at Union Vill. or here, he lived at N. U. (North Union). Joseph and his sister - Edmonds came here and obtained a priv. on trial, until they were secured to us by Indenture.
10th. Richard Wilson (coulered) and coulered girls by the name of Martha and Sophrona Melone, aged and 13 years, these girls were adopted into his family, he gave them to us to bring up.
16th. Michael Brant set out, he came from Cincinnati (40 years).
16th. Evans Williams, Welshman, set out, from Portsmou', 24 years.
17th. Patrick Doul set out (Irish) from Hamilton.
December 4th. Barney Rourka set out, he is Irish, 31 years old, shoe- maker, gone to world.
5th. George Smith set out, he is typesetter, 21 years old, from Dayton.
Hester Ann Pettitt came back, was bound until 18, November the last.
13th. Michael Shandly (Irish), 48 years old, set out with us.
George Smith (typesetter) backed out December 9th.
19th. Lucy Lemmons was kindly invited to go to the world. She went.
Lydia Ann Edmonds was taken to her mother (sister to Wm).
20th. Boy by the name of Wni. Green, 2 years old, without father or mother ; he united.
20th. Englishman by the name of Robert Wilson united, turned · off soon.
22nd. Henery Bankman, German, 66 years old, he united.
21st. Mary Elizabeth Ryley was taken to the world.
30th. Ambagini Harris went to the world.
VALUE OF JUDICIAL DECISIONS IN OHIO.
Under date of July 13, 1857, I find it recorded that Elder Ebenezer Rice was in Columbus. What he records is significant
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
and needs no comment : "Visited ex-Judge Swan, who pro- nounced the decree against Elder Brother Ebenezer* some 32 years since for joining the Shakers, which was that he should cease to have from that time forward any parental authority in his family, and the little of this world's goods in his possession should all be given to the wife. The judge said that we had out- lived those prejudices, and took quite an interest in helping me to get orphan children."
CHRONICLE RESUMED.
September 16, 1857. Finished burning 120,000 brick at a cost of $2 per thousand.
The year 1858, similar to the two previous years was noted for admissions and withdrawals. The journal naively records that they were "thronged with visitors both from the world and Believers." The mill race and forebay received repairs. On April 28th it was learned that the $1,000 loaned to "a paper maker" was lost, as he had failed.
From March 18th to 26th, 1859, the Union Village Minis- try was present, during which time it made the following changes : "Moses Eastwood was released from being Elder Brother and Matilda Williams released from Elder Sister title, but still remains as lead of the aged family who live at the North house. Thomas Streets released from being Deacon, and Charles Flagg appointed to fill his place. David Eastwood removes to Office at South Family."
November 27th. Ebenezer Rice was released from the first Eldership and Matthew B. Carter appointed in his place, and William Britten to live with him. Ephraim Frost was chosen Elder at the Gathering Order, Moses Eastwood to live with him. Matilda Williams and Mary Ann Duffy to be Eldresses in the same order. Ezra Sherman, on December 4th, was appointed Deacon and Warren McCain assistant. During the year a kitchen was put up at the North residence. On December 26th com- menced making brooms, although the extensive trade in yarn was still pursued.
* Sally Rice, June 3, 1823, petetioned the court of common pleas for separation, custody of children and property.
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
The journal for 1860 is a record of what usually takes place during the year. There is an item which shows they were some- what given to superstition. Under date of July 5th it is recorded that "Moses Eastwood, Eldress Matilda Williams and Betsey Kripe went to Miss Fulk's, the charm doctress, to get her to charm a wen off of Moses and the big neck off of Betsey." Sep- tember 4th the record further states that "Moses Eastwood, ac- 'companied by several sisters from the North, went to Doctress Fulk to be charmed for the last time." The final outcome is not stated. From the Union village record we learn there was a new building put up at the North House. The same record, for August 4th, informs us that "Rachel Hall moves home to White- water, after an absence of six or seven years, part of the time as Elder Sister at Watervleit, and the remainder at the first fam- ily U. V."
The journal of Matthew B. Carter abruptly ends at Sep- tember 21, 1860. The Union Village record for February 9, 1867, speaks of "Elder Ephraim Frost, Eldress Adaline Wells, and a girl here from Watervleit."
In 1865 Matthew B. Carter was elder at the South and Moses Eastwood elder at the North family. Under the supervision of the latter the North family became financially prosperous. Jan- uary 3, 1872, he loaned Union Village, for the benefit of North Union, $3000 in government bonds, and on March 19, 1873, had $2050 in bonds in a Dayton bank. On January 1, 1875, the family consisted of Elder Moses Eastwood, Francis Vann, Peter Post, Eldress Mary Ann Duffy, second Eldress Peggy Patterson, Jane Tucker, Eliza Read, Mary Haselden and Betsey Kripe.
In a letter written by William N. Redmon to Erastus Finney and dated Watervleit, Ohio, January 1, 1865, the following occurs :
"We have a joint inheritance (no man having aught or anything to call his own) in real and personal estate. Our land is a dedication to the service of God, -an inheritance to those who will live godly in Christ Jesus; each person possessing and enjoying the benefit of said estate, acording to his needs. The clothing of the brethren is generally alike; the sisterhood dress very modestly and in uniformity, having their heads covered. The sexes partake of the same food, at different
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
tables, and at the same time. We breakfast at 6 o'clock, dine at 12, sup :at 6 P. M., and retire at 9 P. M. We have worship on the Sabbath at 1 o'clock, union meeting of the sexes at 7, of the same evening, and singing meeting at 9 in the morning. Also we have worship and meet- ings every evening in the week, if conditions of health, etc., permit.
"The family consists of 4 elders, two of each sex; 4 deacons, two of each sex, -the female called deaconess. Elders have charge in the spiritual administration and a supervision of the schools; the deacons and deaconesses manage the temporal concerns of the family. We have trustees who stand as a sort of door to the world, - doing the trad- ing of the family and keeping the money of the same. To them the landed estate is deeded IN TRUST for the Society. There is a Children's Order, of the sexes, and a school for the same, - the boys generally at- tending in winter and the girls in summer. These children, principally are orphans. They are kindly and tenderly brought up; living, eating and wearing the same as the family, only some difference in clothing of the youngest girls of calico, etc., in their little dresses."
On August 1, 1868, the Mount Lebanon ministry, in com- pany with that at Union Village, arrived at Watervleit. The former was astounded that the meeting-house had not been used for services since 1865, and that no public meetings had been held since 1834. The church building was ordered to be cleaned immediately, and on the following day a service lasting two and one-half hours was held. The Union Village ministry, for this dereliction of duty, was deposed and a new one appointed. On the 9th a public meeting was held which, during the proper season, was continued until 1873.
The journal was renewed by Stephen W. Ball, beginning August 14, 1871. For that year it covers but nineteen lines. The journal of Matthew B. Carter abruptly ends with September 21, 1860, and nothing further occurs until the journal is renewed by Stephen W. Ball, August 14, 1871. The Union Village Record for February 9, 1861, speaks of "Elder Ephraim Frost, Eldress Adaline Wells and a girl here from Watervleit." This is the last reference from that record.
The journal for 1871 covers but 19 lines of manuscript and alludes simply to usual duties, by which we notice the yarn and broom trade interest was still uppermmost. Elder Stephen Ball probably became first elder at the time his journal begins.
For 1872 there are 32 lines. It is related that on June 12th
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
"Ephraim Frost and Fannie Ball went to the world." The whole year is embraced in 16 lines.
The year 1874 is comprised in less than a page. From it we learn that Eldress Matilda Williams passed away January 27th ; April 18th fenced in the 30 acres bought of Fulkerton; June 15th bought 1,169 pounds of wool at 30 cents per pound at Union Village, and same day commenced building a new dry-house, 18 x 30 feet, two stories high." Nordhoff, in his "Communistic Societies," written in 1874, in speaking of Water- vleit says it "has two families, containing 55 members, of whom 19 are males and 36 females, and seven are under 21. They own 1300 acres of land (mistake), much of which they let to tenants. They have a wool factory, which is their only manufactory. This society was founded a year after that at Union Village. It had in 1825 100 members and is now prosperous pecuniarily, having no debts and money at interest. One of its families once suf- fered a slight loss from a defalcation." (p. 206.)
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On July 16, 1875, Elder Giles Avery, of Mount Lebanon, N. Y., accompanied by Elder William Reynolds and Eldress Sallie Sharp, of Union Village, arrived at Watervleit and made import- ant changes. Eldress Adaline Wells, July 23, 1875, was promoted in the second place in the sisters' lot, in the ministry of Union Village; Hester Frost became elder sister, with Emily Adams standing second.
Eldress Mary Ann Duffy died November 9, 1875, and was succeeded by Eldress Peggy Patterson and Ann Anderson, of the Center family, became second eldress at the North family, but left the society April 29, 1876. January 9, 1877, Lavina Rollins, from Union Village, became second eldress at the North family. December 25, 1876, the North family consisted of Elder Moses Eastwood, Francis Vann, Peter Post, Stephen Jones, Joseph S. Bands, Eldress Peggy Patterson, Eliza and Betsey Read and Betsey Kripe.
The year 1875 was noted for its great floods, and much damage was done to the estate.
The journal for 1876, though more lengthy than for any previous year, makes no special record other than the usual routine.
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
June 24, 1877, "opened public meeting. Elder Oliver Hampton spoke- to the people. We had a good meeting." July 8th, "Public meeting to- day. A large audience of attentive people. Elder Oliver opened the- testimony to much acceptance." August 9th. "About this time the sleep- ing room of Elder Moses was entered by two burglars, at midnight, and. demanded his money, threatening to kill him if he made any noise. They rifled the desk, containing mostly old papers of no value, and some small change, amounting to about $2.00. They made their entrance by the west window, second story, by means of a ladder belonging to the- place. After threatening Elder Moses, they clubbed him severely about the head, and then left, taking the drawers of the desk with them, whichs were found the next morning scattered along the pike. No clue to. the robbers could be found."
February 12th, 1878. John Sessman was released from farm Deacon and the care given to Stephen Ball. November 24th, Sessman was re -- leased from the trusteeship and Elder Ball accepted the gift. June 4, the foundation for the new horse barn was laid. October 30th, the cattle- barn at the North Family was burned. Insured for $945. April 3d. "Cal- vin Marsh left for Manchester, N. H., to settle his affairs. It has since been discovered that this man is a fraud, passing under an assumed name; he having lived at Groveland, N. Y., under the name of Charles Mer- riam, with his wife, passing her for his sister. Description: He is above- medium height, dark hair and eyes, of good address, and claims to be a: machinist by trade. His aim in coming here was to get money."
July 10, 1879. John Sauerborn was appointed farm Deacon in place of Elder Stephen Ball. December 25th: This day was held as a day of yearly sacrifice. Holding prayer meeting in the evening, the Ministry announced important changes in the leading gift of the family. as fol- lows: Elder Stephen to be released from the first Eldership, and be- transferred to the Center Family at White Water, in the same gift. Bro .. John Sauerborn to fill the order vacated by Elder Stephen, and Alfred E. Doyle to stand with him as second."
Thus ends the journal of Stephen W. Ball.
, MEMBERSHIP IN 1880.
BRETHREN. BORN.
BRETHREN.
BORN. John Sauerborn Nov. 25, 1824
Edward Richards .. . July 22, 1826 Alfred E. Doyle Oct. 25, 1856 T. Jefferson Mckinney Dec. 15, 1858 William Hislop . Aug. 5, 1818
ohn H. Sessman. .Oct. 27, 1844 J. Wallace Lloyd. Nov. 26, 1816 Geo. R. Romaine. .. Sept. 21, 1860 Edmund E. Sauerborn Aug. 14. 1862 Thos. M. Mckinney. . Oct. 22, 1822 George Hutton July 18, 1825
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
SISTERS.
BORN.
SISTERS. BORN.
Hester Frost Mar. 1827
Eliza M. Jameson. .. . May 25, 1825
Mary A. McBride. April 1832
Catherine Sauerborn. ... Apr. 8, 1826
Sarah Romaine. Jan. 22, 1831
Sarah A. Cripe. .Apr. 10, 1836
Mary Hazleton
Dec. 10, 1810
Martha Evans .1842
Mary Adams
Oct. 14, 1814
Katie Sauerborn Sept. 8, 1855
CHILDREN.
Annie L. Windle. Sept. 1, 1867
Nettie Kennen June 2, 1868
Emma Dunbar Nov. 7, 1870
Lillie D. Newcom.
Nov. 12, 1868
Nannie B. Kennen
.Jan. 2, 1873
ADMITTED IN 1880.
Thomas Mann,
Kaspial G. Bieler,
Otto Kunks,
Frederic Mills,
Maud A. Michener,
Louisa Swartz,
Stella M. Billings,
Annie E. Mills.
Etta Mills,
CHRONICLE RESUMED.
On April 3, 1880, the Sisters commenced marketing in Dayton, re- ceiving 35 cents per pound for butter, 13 cents for dried apples and 121/2 cents per dozen for eggs. From the sheep was clipped 180 pounds of wool, and purchased at Union Village and Whitewater 2790, paying 30 cents per pound. On November 19-22 the mercury ranged from 10 to 20 degrees below zero. The cold was steady until February 1st, fol- lowing. The ice house was filled with blocks from 10 to 13 inches thick. During August and September there was much sickness, the complaint being chills and fever.
April 3, 1881, there was a heavy snow-storm, the snow ranging from 6 to 8 inches in depth. In February Elder Moses Eastwood purchased 60 acres from the Boroff estate, but as he did not have "the proper gift" it was sold March 10th. April 3rd, the year's supply of sugar (650 pounds) was purchased at 81-3 cents per pound. The supply of wood (135 cords) at 75 cents per cord for chopping, was paid for The December taxes amounted to $525.
Owing to "some tribulation," the nature of which is not stated, the Union Village Ministry arrived February 3rd, 1882, and moved Elder John Sauerborn to the North House to take charge there, and J. Wallace Lloyd is appointed first Elder at the Center, or South Family. Complaint is made of the paucity of numbers, and more land is let to renters.
Rachel Butler . Jan. 6, 1807
Mary J. Lewis . June 1808
Annie M. Reed. May 1, 1868
Mary Fetter . . 1870
Elnora Reed Feb. 26, 1870
Lottie Dunbar Nov. 1, 1874
GROUP OF NORTH UNION SHAKERS, REMOVED TO WATERVLEIT.
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
Wheat was sold at $1.40 per bushel, corn at 80 cents and potatoes at 30 cents.
Eldress Peggy Patterson died January 13, 1883. November 7th. John Sessman was appointed Trustee and Manager of Center or South Family. As the wool crop was sold for 16 and 20 cents per pound, the inference is that the manufacture of yarn and cloth had ceased.
October 25th, 1884. Alfred E. Doyle becomes Elder at North Family. April 25th, 500 panes of glass were destroyed by a hail storm. The records show various attempts, by different parties, to impose on the Shakers. As an instance: On February 4th, Marion and Henry Scar- borough came to unite. They had been members at Pleasant Hill, Ky., · and married two women from that Society. They tried to pass off their wives as their sisters, but were foiled.
The journal abruptly ends with October 29, 1884, and we have no further record until January 1, 1889, when Stephen W. Ball again takes it up. It is probable that on that date he became first elder, with residence at South or Center family.
ACCESSION OF NORTH UNION.
The ministry, both at Mount Lebanon, New York, and Union Village assembled at North Union to take into consider- ation the status of that community. It was the united opinion of this body that the society should be dissolved, although 37 in number and amply able to look after the estate. Eldress Clymena Miner was given to understand that if she would accept the North house, at Watervleit, she should also have the lands pertaining thereto. On this promise she decided to move there, but was disappointed in not realizing the promise.
September 10th, 1889, Eldress Clymena Miner arrived at Watervliet, bringing two aged sisters with her,-Rachel and Ma- linda Russell. This was "the first installment of a Ministerial Gift," as the record puts it. On the 12th Eldress Clymena re- turned to North Union. On the 16th "John Hufman and Lotta Pilot came from North Union to help prepare for the move ;" both returned. October 10th, six brethren and four sisters ar- rived from North Union. The last to arrive was Samuel S. Miner, who came the 18th, making a total of twelve brethren and nine sisters. "In the organization of the family at the North, all the North Union family was placed in it, with the exceptions:
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
of Samuel Miner, and two aged sisters, Malinda and Rachel Rus- sell; Stephen Ball, who was the Elder Brother in the South family, was released and placed as Elder Brother in the North family, with general temporal care both families. Samuel Miner was installed as Elder in the South Family. Hester Frost as Elder Sister in the South and Clymena Miner as Elder Sister at the North Family." But the North Union people were destined to seek still another home.
CHRONICLE RESUMED.
During the month of November, 1890, a two-story frame house, with kitchen and porch, 30 x 16, was built on one of the rented farms, . at a cost of $500.
The Mt. Lebanon and Union Village Ministry had a gift, and by consent of the Trustees, 60 acres was sold to L. Moler at $100 per acre. As the people depended largely on their rentals for their sus- tenance, it would appear that the Ministerial "gift" was not in accord- ance with ordinary prudence. The money thus obtained was to build a house and out-buildings for a tenant, and what remained "to be placed safely in the hands of the Trustees."
February 12, 1891, the north end of the shop was fitted up for a dwelling to be used by a tenant. In May a barn 54 x 34 and 18 feet high was commenced at the South Family. Same month a wind-mill was put up to force water into the North dwelling.
October 20th, the Union Village Ministry visited Watervliet and moved Stephen W. Ball to the Central or South Family as Elder Brother, and Samuel Miner was released.
October 21st, 1891, the journal of Elder Ball apruptly stops, and that of Henry W. Fredrick begins December 16th, 1891.
On December 16th, 1891, Henry W. Fredrick took charge as second Elder, Deacon and Trustee, having been brought from Whitewater. Elder Stephen Ball was moved to the North Family and Elder Lloyd became first Elder at the Center Family. The year closed with much sickness, mostly la grippe.
October 21, 1892, Elder Stephen W. Ball left for Whitewater, where he still resides. He was very happy to be at his old home again. April 23, the sum of $1,600 was deposited in Fourth National Bank of Dayton. May 15th, Eldress Clymena Miner was released from the North Family and Harriet Snyder put in her place, with Elizabeth Buddings to live with her. This was the time when Elder Slinger- land removed Eldress Clymena to Union Village to act as Office Deaconess. At the same time he brought Eldress Jane Cowan from 'South Union. Eldress Clymena left for Union Village on the 20th.
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