USA > Ohio > Shakers of Ohio; fugitive papers concerning the Shakers of Ohio, with unpublished manuscripts > Part 19
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ELDRESS CLYMENA MINER
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
That the strict rules were departed from is evidenced from the fact that on May 26th, Henry Fredrick, Moore S. Mason, John Minogue, Ferdinand and Robert Buddinger, Eldress Hester Frost, Florence Bost- wick and Louisa Buddinger went to Dayton to see Barnum's show. November 15th, Henry Fredrick, Eldress Hester Frost and Mollie Mc- Bride went to Dayton to see a medium, but were disappointed."
The year 1893 shows many visits from Union Village and Whitewater.
August 27th, "we had a very good meeting. The Whitewater friends brought a great deal of inspiration with them. We had quite a spiritual manifestation, - Elder Matthew Carter came and spoke through Elder Lafayette Parker. Such meetings as this one creates union and love among the brethren and sisters." December 25th, "we had a very enjoyable time, it being Christmas day. We had a meeting this afternoon and had a great deal of inspiration flowing among the brethren and sisters. Some of the brethren and sisters sang a few songs while the family were eating breakfast. We also had a Christmas tree for the children."
January 1, 1894. was ushered in at midnight by five of the brethren singing songs in the Hall of the South House, and from there they went to the North Family. The day was spent in singing and playing, while two of the brethren were sent to Dayton for oysters and other edibles. Cyrus Teed had visited the Society in the interests of his sect, so this year members of the Koreshans were again present. The Christian Science people, this year, took a deep interest in the community, and some of the Shakers attended their meetings in Dayton. March 17th, finished setting out 1,000 raspberries, 500 blackberries, 6 plum trees, 50 currant and 2 cheries. August 12th, Oliver C. Hampton announced Henry W. Frederick as Elder at the South and Moore S. Mason as Elder at the North Family.
The journal abruptly ends October 31, 1894.
CLOSING PERIOD.
There was nothing special that occurred from 1894 to the dissolution of the society, except the return of Eldress Clymena Miner to take charge once more of the North family, which took place September 12, 1895. During the fall of 1900 Elder Joseph Slingerland announced to the community that it should disband and the members must go to Union Village. He stated there was no hurry about going, so the society began to dispose of its surplus effects at private sale. Then came the sudden order that
224
SHAKERS OF OHIO.
the removal must take place at once. There was hurrying, and a public sale immediately advertised. 1
There was no reason why this community should have been disbanded. The members were fully able to manage their domain. There is a strong suspicion as to the reason, but as it is not abso- lutely known, it will not be stated here. The removal to Union Village took place October 11, 1900. Those who left the North family were Elderess Clymena Miner, Margaret Swayer, Harriet. Snooks, Moore S. Mason, Cornelius Bush and George Hunt, all of whom except Cornelius are at the North family, Union Vil- lage. Those from the South family who moved into the Center family, Union Village, were Eldress Hester Frost, Mary - Mc- Bride, Eliza Jemison, Sarah Ann Cripe and Hattie Snyder. Eldress Clymena Miner is in full charge of the North fam- ily,* which consists of 12 members. Eldress Clymena is the youngest in the family save three. All have the greatest respect for her and defer to her in all things. She is a broad and liberal minded woman, prudent in all things, a splendid manager, and economical. While she has great decision of character, she es- tablishes no rules, but governs by the power of love. When pro- moted to. the office of second in the ministry, she accepted on the condition that she should not leave her North Union people. One of the sisters said. to me: "We are a happy family. I have a good home and I am thankful for it."
At the present time the Watervliet lands embrace 667 acres. The number of acres varied at different periods. Without warn- ing Elder Slingerland sold 60 acres, and the same amount at another time. What was done with the money thus secured the office books do not reveal. The land is under control of the trustees of Union Village. Mr. James H. Fennessey, general manager, was forced to place a mortgage for $40,000 on the property to meet Slingerland's debts. But this has been liqui- dated and the last of the Slingerland obligations has been met. To Mr. Fennessey the Shakers owe a debt of gratitude for saving Union Village from financial ruin. He withstood difficulties which would have crushed a fainter heart. To narrate what he passed
* This family was disbanded October 10, 1906.
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MOORE S. MASON.
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
through would read more like fiction than an actual experience. I have met him when he was enduring blows which would have brought down a less courageous man. I have found him, under all circumstances, a gentleman. He commands the respect of all who know him.
NORTH UNION . PEOPLE.
I have taken special interest in the North Union people, not. only because I first essayed to chronicle their history, but also- because of my associations with them since I published their- story. Ten of the members are still living, and all are at the- North family of Union Village, save three who make their home- at the Center or Church family. Having been interested in the- longevity of the Shakers, I took the life line of seven of the North Union family. Of the other three two were absent and? one refused. Such as it is I give it, recognizing that the full value: depends also on other considerations.
LIFE LINE OF NORTH UNION SHAKERS.
Name.
Age.
Length of Membership.
Life Line.
Eldress Clymena, Miner
70 years
64 years
1
inch
Harriet Snooks*
79
66
11/2
665
Margaret Swayer'
86
72
11/2
66,
Lizette Ryder
30
20
7/8
George Hunt
68
50
11/16
Thomas Mylrea
64
24
1
Harriet Snyder
66
59
11/4
Sarah Corcoran
80
78
6
13/8
The last named has always lived at Union Village, and, im point of service, is the oldest member in Ohio. It will be noticed that the life line indicates that old age is not due to a Shaker life, for under ordinary circumstances all would have reached" their present venerable years. This is not a test. To prove that Shaker life conduces to longevity, the life line should be drawn at: the time of admission, when young, and the subject should live continuously until death among the believers. Doubtless children.
* Died in 1905.
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
die of old age among the Shakers, as well as under other prin- ciples of living.
FRANKLIN, OHIO, August 28, 1903.
NOTE- The account of Watervliet was written at a time when the 'Church Record had been misplaced, but afterwards found. I was in hopes to have said record before me in revising the MS., but unfor- tunately it is in the possesion of the Common Pleas Court of Mont- gomery County, Ohio. The lands were sold for $50,000, the deal to be consummated July 1, 1906. Then came the scare that the title must be quieted, though the 'Shakers had undisputed possession of the lands for more than eighty years. The lawyers caused delays, which continue at this writing. As a large sum is at stake, there is no knowing when the case will be decided. Questions of Shaker property have been fre- quently adjudicated, and their covenant has been held to be binding. Franklin, June 14, 1906:
Since the above was ready for the printers it has been re- vealed that the matter referred to in above note was a hold up to extort money from the Shakers.
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ORIGIN, RISE, PROGRESS AND DECLINE OF THE WHITEWATER COMMUNITY OF SHAKERS LOCATED IN HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO.
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 archeological 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
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
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
229
WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
Henry Bear, now in his gIst 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
230
SHAKERS OF OHIO.
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.
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231
WHITEWATER SHAKER COMMUNITY.
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
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232
SHAKERS OF OHIO.
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-
233
WHITEWATER SHAKER COMMUNITY.
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.
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234
SHAKERS OF OHIO.
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 Ioth, 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 Ist, 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
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WHITEWATER SHAKER COMMUNITY.
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.
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