USA > Ohio > Shakers of Ohio; fugitive papers concerning the Shakers of Ohio, with unpublished manuscripts > Part 25
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-28th. A while before day we were suddenly awakened by a heavy shower of rain and against daylight our camping ground was all afloat with water - about 9 o'clock the rain ceased, the clouds broke away and we had a fair af- ternoon - We pushed on within sight of the town before sun set. We had warning of the Press Gang and stoped till nearly dark, then pushed up on the opposite side of the river very silently and crossed over to the camp at about 10 o'clock -
-29th. We are now all together and all most every thing wet with the rain for the boat had no cover on it only what was made by coverlets and such kins of cloths -
John Woods arrived from Union Village - with the good news of love and incouragement from the Church -
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Samuel G. Whyte arrived from South Union with another message of love and good feeling to all the suffering Pilgrims - all of which felt quite refreshing and animating to us at the present28
-30th. Six of the Brethren started back to Busro on some bus- iness
October 1st. Nothing material -our chief imployment was fixing our tents - taking care of the stock, and provideing something to live on for our plentifull fields and gardens were at Busro and the disorgan- ized malitia rideing over them without remorse -
A heavy rain fell last night which rendered our situation more un- comfortable - so much stuff wet and all to handled over, and over till it was dryed - and the ground wet and muddy -the sick were in quite a disagreeable situation -
By this time we understood that the council of the Church at Union Village was, for us to move on by the way of South Union Logan county Ky, a distance of 112 miles from the red banks, thence on to Pleasant Hill Mercer County K. y. 40 miles from South Union and so on to Union Village Warren County Ohio - 150 miles from Pleasant Hill -29
It now became necessary to send back to Busro for some property that had been left - for so it happened that, in the hustle that there was more halled to the boat than could possibly be put on board of it - and so a great part of the beding of our pritty large family - and a great part of the wareing cloths of another was left - For which James Brown- field started back to Busro on the
-2d of October and took some horses with him intending to get some more horses there that had been returned by the Press gang of the first company that had went up to the relief of Fort Harrison. And so pack as many horses as he could manage with such articles as were most needed at the present - At the same time some of them were makeing shingles and puting a roof on the boat and preparing it for ascending the Ohio river to Cincinnati - And on the
7th Joel Shields and James Neely arrived from Pleasant Hill with two big waggons and five horse teams - And besides 1500 pounds of flour they brought us many blessings of love and friendship. for all of which we felt very thankful - for we could not get flour in the settle- ment even for the sick and weakly -
8th. The waggons were partly put together and nearly ready to start - The boat is also loaded and ready to push off - All were now waiting for the return of James and the rest of the brethren from busro - We felt anxious to leave the Camping ground - in consequence of being afraid of the Press gang - Our cattle and horses were all scattered and concealed among the cane- and part of the waggon wheels taken off and rolled into the water - so that we were all the time in jeopardy -
Friday, 9th, the waggons and foot people, with the cattle and sheep,
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all started - leaving the Elders with a few others to wait the return of James and the rest of the Brethren from Busro -
-10th. All the Brethren returned but James - He had hired a waggon and was fetching on a load of those articles which he intended to pack on horses when he started to Busro -
And so Elder Archabald, Eldress Ruth, and Eldress Rachel, with some that had just come from Busro, started on after the waggons - and left the boat ready to start the next day -and the load that James was comeing with had to be left in store at Squire Marses - The ferry- man -
So the waggon and foot people started on friday and the boat started on sunday following - and the journal must now go on in two columns as it was begun -
OF THE WAGGONS.
October 9th after we left camp about a mile one of the waggons over-set, with one of the Sisters on board of it - but she was not hurt nor any thing broke -it was soon set up and in motion again - we went on about 7 miles and en- camped for the night -
-10th. The road was very muddy, and it was with difficulty that we got along about 13 miles
- 11th. Just after we left camp, a heavy rain came on, and in about an hour the foot people were all dripping wet. and the road ex- tremely muddy and bad - an other waggon over set, but without any material damage - The ground and woods was so wet at night that it was difficult to get fires a going, and a great part of the night was spent in drying wet clothing - lodging uncomfortable -
-12th. Some time after we left camp two of the oxen give out in the yoke, which caused some delay - however two horses were pro- cured to supply their places, and so went on till night
OF THE BOATS.
October 11th. With a fair wind and a good sail well rigged, we pushed off from the old encamp- ment - and with 36 passengers on board we stemed the current of Ohio 24 miles all in good glee - except the rain made some what against us - tho' not much
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-12th. We had to put our shoulders to the poles, and by hard pushing we got along 15 miles -
SUSANNAH COLE LIDDELL.
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OF THE WAGGONS.
- 13th. After we had left camp about a mile the oxen that had been released from the yoke were miss- ing - which caused a halt of about an hour, and considerable hunting - however they were found, and we moved along slowly - till near camping time, when the rain began to fall freely - we had a wet night and bad lodging -
-14th. All wet this morning. boath Bed and wearing clothes - the rain still increasing - the road extremely muddy and slippry - The foot people have a very disa- greeable tramp of it indeed -- we traveled only 7 miles this day, and stoped for the night at Mager Will- sons, who was very clever - he let us put the cattle in an vacant field, and give us all the shelter he could boath in his house and horsemill - so that we were tolerably accommo- dated -
-15th. Soon after we started from Willsons we met Matthew Houston30 and Samuel Whyte just from South Union with four led horses, on which some who were the most needy. Set of for South Union immediately -
About the middle of the day we met Francis Whyte and Robert Gray from South-Union with a waggon nearly loaded with provis- ion - They brought a quantity of the largest sweet potatoes we had ever seen -
About two hours before night the rain began to fall bountifully, which prevented us from getting but little good of our fires till after midnight - We encamped at a meeting house in which all the chil-
OF THE BOATS.
-13th. We pushed on 14 miles. had some rain through the day and a wet uncomfortable night- Our Perianger, we find is somewhat troublesome
-14th. We had to lay too all day on account of the rain were kindly treated by a clever Old man and two of the brethren helped to make a coffin for a woman that had died in the settlement - Here we got some potatoes -
-15th. A wet disagreeable day to walk the runing boards of a keel-boat - however we pushed off early and poled along about 10 miles and encamped for the night --
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OF THE WAGGONS.
dren and most of the sick found shelter from the rain - about one O. clock the rain began to slack, and we made up our fires and be- gan to dry our clothes, so that by daylight we had got tolerably well dryed -
-16th. Against 8 o. clock all were on the road and in motion, and in pretty good spirits - one waggon wheel broke down, which caused some difficulty, but soon started again - About two o. clock Samuel Whyte met us the second time with nine led horses - which was a great relief to the foot peo- ple - we traveled 14 miles - the day was clear and pleasant
-17th. Early this morning the wheels were all in motion and went on well too, for just about sunset we arrived safe at Jasper Spring where our kind friends received us with every degree of friendship they possibly could manifest - they devided familyes-moved into close quarters and cleared out some of their mechanical shops to make .room for us - In short they done every thing in reason to get us all into their houses - for all of which we felt very thankful for it was the first spot that we had found to rest on, in any kind of peace, since the 15th of September - The weather clear and fine - .
- 18th. We are now, all at South Union among strange people, which many of us never saw be- fore - but notwithstanding all that - we were cordially entertained among them for three days free of all expenses on our part - A num- ber of our horses were shod -
OF THE BOATS.
- 16th. Pretty hard poling but we got along slowly - We sold our Perogue for 9 dollars and was glad to get clear of it - for it had - become troublesome -
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-17th. Pushed off early and went on well till in the afternoon, when we met with some difficulty by running on logs that was partly concealed in the water however we got through without receiving any injury -it was late before we could get to shore, and then had to camp among the rocks after push- ing 15 miles -
- 18th. We had some fair wind up the river - of which we were very glad for it floated us along pleasantly about 15 miles Some of the company are yet afflicted with chills and fevers -
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OF THE WAGGONS.
some of our waggons repaired - our `shoes were mended, and more such like deeds of charitable kind- ness, than could be writen on many sheets of paper - for all of which we surely felt very thankful -
On this occasion the four follow - ing short lines were written by one who had more feeling than poetical genius of expression -
What thanks to our friends do we owe Their love we shall ever retain We cannot forget all their kindness bestowed Though we should nere see them again William Douglass -
Here we received a very great pledge ot love from Union Village - Elder Peter Peas,31 with three other brethren came to our assist- ance with four waggons - some barrels of bread and biscuit-some bags of shoes &c. besides many other blessings of love and en- couragement from the Church - for all of which we surely felt very thankful to our good friends -
Our company was somewhat re- duced at South Union - some be- ing sick and not very well able to travel - After mature consideration it was concluded for 30 to stop and make South Union their home32 - . The sheep were also left -
-20th. Early this morning all were in motion, we began to hoist our baggage and make ready for the road - And after taking a kind and affectionate fare-well of our strange friends. and those of our own company that stayed at South
OF THE BOATS.
-19th. We had some wind by the help of which and the good use of our poles and oars we got along about 12 miles during the night we caut some fish - which helped to make us a good breakfast next morning -
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-20th. After taking a good' breakfast, we pushed off, and poled 15 miles. our hunters killed five· turkeys And the boarding appart- ment was surely well directed by the Sisters on board - for which' they have our sincere thanks -
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OF THE WAGGONS.
Union - we marched out to the road and started for Pleasant Hill - soon after we started the rain began to fall - which continued all day - the road was muddy and · walking quite disagreeable - we traveled 15 miles to Big Barron river, and got about half the wag- gons over before dark - and so we encamped on boath sides of the river -
-21st. The remaining part of the waggons were got over, and atter breakfast we moved along 16 miles and encamped for the night in the barrons
-22d. One material circum- stance that affords us considerable comfort, ought to be noted here - which is this, that the weather and road is both very good - this oc- curence is almost entirely new - We traveled 17 miles -
-23d. The road and weather is -still good and we have got along tolerably well -
-24th. Nothing material - we
OF THE BOATS.
.
-21st. Passed Blue river Is- land, had very strong waters and by hard pushing we got along 12 miles - and stopt for the night -
-22d. We had some fair wind which helped us along considerable. This day may be remembered by a little scrap that took place between us and another boats crew - We overtook them, but soon found that they would not admit us to go be- fore, and we did not want to be laging behind, neither did we like their company - And in order to get clear of them on reasonable terms, we concluded to cross the river - which they soon discovered - and started across too - they found we were going ahead and strove to give us a broad side with the bow of their boat- W. P. threw a spike pole at her stem, but missed his aim and fell overboard - but soon got in again - And af- ter exchanging a few boat-mens compliments - we pushed off and saw them no more - we made out 23 miles - a good days push -
-23d. Fine weather and all in good spirits we pushed along 18 miles - and encamped -
-24th. We had some pritty
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OF THE WAGGONS.
moved along tolerable well till we passed over 21 miles of the hills and valleys of Kentucky - and en- camped for the night -
-25th. Was rather a wet day, tho not with heavy rain - the road somewhat muddy - but we got along pritty well - some 10 or 15 miles - we encamped half a mile from the road, in order to get for- age for the horses and cattle more convenient - had a shower of rain in the night - which disturbed us some little -
-26th. We traveled 15 miles, crossed Mulders Hill-the day was rather wet and disagreable - whe had an uncomfortable night - chills and fevers returned on some that had got nearly well -
-27th. Nothing material, the road muddy and slippry - all in pretty good spirits, and got along tolerable well considering -
-28th. One of the waggon wheels broke down - the load was distributed among the other wag- gons - and as the body was much woren we concluded to burn it with the broken wheel and save the Irons-This day we had to face a cold Northwest Storm of wind and rain - the road was very bad. and we made but little progress -we encamped early at a convenient
OF THE BOATS.
strong water - and very hard push- ing to get along 10 miles - Some rain - This evening we landed just below the Falls - more than half our journey is over -
-25th. We lay by all day just below the Falls, rested what we could, and made some preparations for geting up over the falls as soon as we could -
-26th. Unloaded the boat and got the loading halled round the Falls - and run the boat up by the poles and cord - Ell - then loaded up and started again but did not go far, for we were much fatigued. We find it a laborious job to take a keel boat up over the falls of Ohio -
-27th. In consequence of the rain we lay by all day at Jefferson- ville - here we found a Perogue and some other property that we had left in store when moveing to busro in 1811 - we put some of the property on board of the Perogue - and left some yet in store. for which we took a receipt -
-28th. We pushed off early and with the help of some wind we got up as far as the 18 mile Island - and encamted for the night - atl in pritty good spirits -tho' midling tired -
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OF THE WAGGONS.
place - and before dark another waggon, from Pleasant Hill came to our assistence - which was a great relief to some of the sick, and was thankfully received
- 29th. A number are very sick - the roads very bad - but con- sidering all diffcultys we got along tolerable well - And arrived at Pleasant Hill about 2 o. clock. where our good friends received us very kindly. and treated us with much friendship during our stay -
-30th. We stayed at Pleasant Hill all day rested and refreshed ourselves as far as circumstances would admit - the sick was care- fully attended to - Some of our waggons was repared some of our horses shod -and a number of other repares and preparations for the remaining part of our journey were bestowed upon us by our strange friends at Pleasant Hill -
Also Louis Willhite with one of their waggons went on with us to Union Village for all of which we felt very thankful, more so than could be expressed by words.
-31st. We hoisted our baggage and bid farewell with our kind friends at Pleasant Hill and started for Union Village - we crossed Kentucky river and encamped just on the top of the hill - which oc- cupied us the most of the day - tho'the distance was but about 4 miles -
November 1st. We started early made a good days travel - no dif- ficulty occurred -
OF THE BOATS.
-29th. We had some wind by the help of which and the use of our poles we pushed on about 23 miles
-30th. We had some wind and by hard pushing we got along 22 miles -
-31st. With a fair wind we sailed up the river 27 miles and thought we were geting along quite fast and easy -
November 1st. Nathan Pegg and William Price were dispatched at the mouth of big-bone creek to go on foot to Union Village - we pushed on 21 miles, tho' we had some very strong water -
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OF THE WAGGONS.
-2d. We started early - - passed through Lexington soon in the day - here Daniel rankins took the road to Limestone3% __. and all his family (but the oldest son whose name was Daniel) fol- lowed him to the old place on Eagle Creek Ohio - The rest of the com- pany moved on, passed through Georgetown - and turned off the road to a convenient place and en- camped for the night - some rain
-3d. Nothing material - we moved along slowly -the road quite hilly - &c.
-4th. Was a wet day, the road muddy and slippery - walking dis agreeable - we encamped by small creek - the rain fell in copious showers almost the whole night - so that it was impossible to keep up the fires - this was surely a very disagreeable night - in conse- quence of all being so wet and get- ing so little rest - -
-5th. After making up our fires, drying and rubing off some of the mud - we took some breakfast - and moved on in pritty good spirits considering our circum- stances - we traveled about 12 miles no material difficulty occur- red. tho the day was rather wet. and the road very bad -
OF THE BOATS.
-2d. We poled 18 miles and had a very wet disagreeable night-
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-3d. All wide awake and full of anxiety -9 miles hard pushing brought us to Cincinnati which was our last landing - here we met El- der Issachar and Nathan Sharp.30 which afforded us much comfort indeed -
-4th. With the help of two waggons, we unloaded the boat - stored up the property and started for Union Village on foot - walked about 3 miles, and lodged in a large convenient house and was kindly treated by the owners
-5th. Last night may be re- marked for heavy rain. we thought it rather exceeded any that we had seen on any part of our journey before - The morning was wet - the road all afloat with water and mud. We started early and went on well all day. till night overtook us a few miles from Union Village - we then procured some hickory bark for torches - and after rest- ing awhile we set them on fire and went on, so that we arrived safe in Union Village about 8. o. clock where our friends received us with
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OF THE WAGGONS.
OF THE BOATS.
every possible manifestation of kindness and friendship.
After we had washed and cleaned up a little - they gave us some. supper - and after awhile we lay down to rest and felt thankful that we had found an asylum of peace. . amidst the tumults of War -
And so ended the journey of the. Boat company -
-6th. This day we had to face a cold North west wind and rain all day - and after traveling till night we were obliged to ly in our. wet cloths - because fire wood was so scarce - this was quite uncom- fortable -
-7th. The rain fell in abund- ance. the road was all aflote with water and mud - the branches and creeks were bankfull- and the traveling was bad beyond discrip- tion - however we got along some- how, about 12 miles and encamped at night, some 3 and some 6 miles from the river - so that we were better accomodated with wood than we had been the night before -
.- 8th. Sabath - This morning we met Elder Issachar, and John Wallace34 just before we got to the river and they gave us much com- fort and encouragement - All moved on with increased zeal to the Ohio - and the Ferry boats were soon in motion and kept a going till all were safely landed at Cin- cinnati - we then moved about five miles and encamped for the night - The weather still wet and disa- greeable -
-9th. We started early on a level but very wet and muddy road, and as all were anxious to
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OF THE WAGGONS.
see the end of this tedious and fatigueing journey, we made a good days travel, and stoped for the night about 6} miles front Union Village, and encamped for the last time -
-10th. Early this morning the trumpet was sounded for a gen- eral move. and all were soon in motion and on the road - and just . about 10 o. clock we arrived safe in Union Village where we were cordially received and kindly treated by our loving Brethren and Sisters -
This and the similar circum- stances that took place at South Union and Pleasent Hill - has made a lasting impression of thank- fulness on our minds which time or distance will never eradicate - The chief part of the people were entertained in the meeting house for a few days, till the different familyes were fitted out and moved to their respective places-The last moved on Satterday the 14th of November - which comes within one day of two months since we started from home on the Big Prairy at Busro -
OF THE BOATS.
Thus we find that the Boat Company arrived at Union Village on the 5th and the waggons and foot company on the 10th of Novem- ber 1812 - And so ended the tedious and tiresome journey -
MEMORANDUM.
After the people were all settled in the vicinity of Union Village and tolerably well situated for house room and provision, the fall and winter become quite sickly -and those who had been exposed to so much cold and wet, had to take the highest heats of scorching fevers - with all its distressing consequences - which caused much tribulation and sufferings throughout the Society - The common application of medical aid seemed to have but little affect for the better in any cases
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
- a fewe weeks passed on and the disease seemed to increase, but more particularly among the youth and children - So that many of them were almost hopeless of life being prolonged from morning till night, or front night till morning - And finally the sufferings of some were terminated in their disolution - For on the 20th of December Rody Rolly departed this life in the 12th year of her age -
December 24th Magia Edgington departed this life in the 10th year of her age - Daughter of John and Polly Edgington -
-27th Nancy Worthington departed this life in the 14th year of her age -
The fever with all its malignant consequences went on almost un- molested notwithstanding every possible known preventative, was thrown in (we might say almost by gallons) to try if possible to stop the rage of the disease - but it eventually had to run its race - and great suffer- ings was the consequence -
And so ended the Remarkable Events of the year 1812
1813.
The beginning of this year may be remembered by the continuation of that distressing sickness which began last fall And tho' it would be tedious to note very particular circumstance that occurred dureing its existence, it may hereafter be a satisfaction to know some of the most particular which is all that can be expected in the present case -
January 4th. Charls Boyls Departed this life in the 13 year of his age -
-30th. Polly Edgington Departed this life in the 36th year of her age - Mother of Magia that died 24th December 1812-
* February 2nd. Amy Legier Departed this life in the 14th year of her age after having suffered extreemly -
Many of the Union Village people were also sick - and three Brethren and two Sisters died before the scene was closed -
The disease was very obstinate, and many of its unfortuneate sub- jects suffered extreemly - However it was mostly cleared off during the course of the winter -
Some of the Brethren were imployed in shop work - some in take- ing care of the cattle and geting fire wood, and others were clearing ground and preparing for the Summers crop -
The Sisters were imployed at their house-work as usual &c. &c. -
When harvest came on some of the Brethren went out through the settlement and reap by the day for wheat -
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