USA > Ohio > Shakers of Ohio; fugitive papers concerning the Shakers of Ohio, with unpublished manuscripts > Part 20
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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.
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
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.
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WHITEWATER SHAKER COMMUNITY.
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 ..
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
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. O.) 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-
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WHITEWATER SHAKER COMMUNITY.
E
MEETING HOUSE WITH NORTH RESIDENCE BEYOND. (Elder Charles Sturr in Foreground.)
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
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
241
WHITEWATER SHAKER COMMUNITY.
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
16
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
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.
.
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WHITEWATER SHAKER COMMUNITY.
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 Ist, 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 II 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
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
on October Ist 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 IIth, 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 70 x 35; in 1830 a frame house 40 x 20, afterwards used for the boys' residence.
In 1832, August 8th, commenced constructing a brewery. September Ist, 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 Ist, 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
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WHITEWATER SHAKER COMMUNITY.
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
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
Phœbe Agnew 18
Jacob Brown
15
Hortincy Brown
18
Theodore Agnew
9
Lyda Gray
17
Benjamin Hill
18
Moses Allen
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
29
William Herington
11
Hannah Boggett
Emma Burlingame
17
William Easterbrooks
20
Minerva McGuire
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
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 purchased 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 still younger, left the Whitewater Believers and went to Kentucky .. In March 1840, the officers of Bracken county notified the au-
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WATERVLEIT SHAKER COMMUNITY.
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
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
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.
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