USA > Ohio > Shakers of Ohio; fugitive papers concerning the Shakers of Ohio, with unpublished manuscripts > Part 32
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What seemed intended to be the weightiest charges in the publication were certain things therein alleged against James Smith, Jr., who was a Believer, and for which there was a plaus- ible pretense. James' wife, Polly, having deserted him on ac- count of his faith, and he refusing to give up his children to - her, furnished the old man with many charges of oppression.
The advertisement of Col. Smith did not go unchallenged, but was answered publicly in a spirited manner by Richard Mc- Nemar, who not only exposed its falsity, but also cited its author to prove what he had alleged, or else bear the character of a
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slanderer. The answer was little regarded, and it appears that Smith and his associates had no intention of prosecuting the mat- ter in a lawful manner.
During the month of July the Shakers were secretly informed that a subscription was being circulated for the purpose of rais- ing a mob and that John Davis and the two Wilsons were active agents. Having been publicly accused of the matter they denied that there was any such thing in agitation. On August 23, an intimation was given that Col. Smith, with a number of men from Kentucky, were over and engaged in collecting others to assist in carrying off his grandchildren. On the next day, Fri- day, it was learned from credible authority that five hundred men were to assemble on the following Monday at Capt. Kilbreath's, distant about three miles, and intended to come as a mob and take off the Smith children and enact other outrages. The next day the news became more definite, and in the afternoon Wade Loofbourrow, a young man living near Hamilton, informed them that he had seen the written instrument which the designing party had signed, but did not read it; that it was in the hands of Major J. Potter at Hamilton Court the day before; that the mob was a subject of common conversation on that occasion ; that he heard Major Potter say that five hundred were subscribed; also, that Rev. Matthew G. Wallace was forward and active in the busi- ness ; that Major Potter would be second in command; that the: Springfield Light-Horse would be on the ground and many more. of the baser sort from Springfield, the Big Hill, from around Hamilton and from the vicinity northwest of the village; that the party would appear on Monday; and that he came purposely to inform them and desired to tarry that he might witness the result .. The same evening information came in from every quar- ter of their preparations and threats of abuse; that they meant. to tar and feather Richard McNemar and drive the old Shakers; out of the country and restore the rest to their former faith and method of living.
The following Sunday. (August 26) some of the party at- tended the religious services, especially Captain- Robinson, who, avowed that they would be on the ground the next day for the purpose of violence.
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The State's Attorney, J. Collet, and the Sheriff of the county, T. McCray, both of Lebanon, went to the place of rendezvous and warned the party of the unlawfulness of their intentions. Attending the Sunday services were Dr. Budd and Dr. Bladgley, of New Jersey ; Colonel Stanley, from Cincinnati, and D. Corneal; a noted young man from Kentucky. They determined to re- turn the next day and witness the event.
Early Monday morning, August 27, all the Shakers of Union Village might have been seen at their usual avocations, just as though no note of warning had been received. About 8 o'clock strangers began to come in from different quarters. Early on the ground was Francis Dunlavy, first Circuit Judge of the State, intending that the peace and dignity of the law should be up- held. Dr. Bladgley, with some company who had rode out to meet the mob, returned at noon with the information that the troops would arrive in less than an hour. About I o'clock the troops appeared, entering by the Dayton road from the north, marching in order and finally halted in front of the Meeting House. A number of the officers were in uniform and the troops armed and generally equipped in regimental order.
The peace-loving men were active with the troops and the undisciplined multitude. It is more than probable that through their intercession the expedient was reached of choosing a com- mittee to state to the Shakers their proposals and to receive and return answers. A committee came forward and faced the dwelling house of the old Believers. They requested three of the original men (meaning John Meacham, Benjamin S. Youngs and Issachar Bates) to come forward in order to confer with them on the occasion of the people's assembling, observing that a committee was chosen for that purpose, consisting of twelve men then present, among whom was one .chief speaker. As only Benjamin S. Youngs of the three called was present, assent was given that two others might be called. Standing in the yard at that time were Judge Dunlavy, General William Schenck and J. Corwin. As the mob's committee contained twelve persons the Shakers desired that these three gentlemen might be per- mitted to act with them, but this request was denied. Judge Dunlavy then asked, "Have you any objections to by-standers ?"
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They answered, "Yes." It was insisted that the three Shakers should go alone with them to the woods. Unreasonable as the demands were the Shakers consented. Benjamin S. Youngs, Peter Pease and Matthew Houston withdrew with the committee to a woodland lying about sixty rods south of the dwelling house and half a mile south of the Meeting House.
The leading characters of the committee were Matthew G. Wallace, a noted Presbyterian preacher, chief speaker; Doctor Squire Little, a Newlight; Captain John Clark, and John Fisher. The names of the others have not been preserved. Wallace be- gan in the name of the people to state their grievances, observ- ing that the Shaker principles and practices had caused great disturbances in the minds of the people and led to the extinction of civil and religious society, which they are determined to up- hold; that their system was a pecuniary one and led mankind into bondage and oppression; and that the people were determined to bear it no longer. The committee insinuated that they were in a capacity to prevent evil being done and perhaps prevent much blood being shed, because as the people were fully resolved on a redress, provided the terms were complied with, that were pro- posed. After speaking in extenso, in this matter for some time, the following conditions were the only ones that would be ac- cepted, and which would prevent forcing a compliance by violent measures :
I. The children of the late James Watts should be given up to their grandfather; it being alleged that the said James Watts, at his decease, gave his children to his father. It was hoped that the propriety of this would readily be seen.
To this the Shakers answered: "We had not seen the pro- priety hitherto, as we supposed the mother, under whose care the children now were, had the greatest right to them; and asked them if it was recorded, that the said James gave his chil- dren to their grandfather? They answered that it was not. We told them that we could not give up that which was not in our possession. The children were with their mother, and under her care, and we exercised no authority over them. We were sure that the mother and children might be seen by any two or three civil men, and if the parent was willing, and the children
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wished to go, it was not our wish to have them retained; nor if any demanded them, and chose to force them away, would any violence be used to prevent them."
2. That old William Bedle be permitted to see his grand- child, a son of Elijah Davis, alleging that the said child came away (from his father) and was forcibly brought back contrary to his inclination.
To this it was replied: "That the child was under the care of his own parents ; that we had not any control over him; that we did not usurp the parents' rights over their children, but we doubted not that the child might be seen," etc., etc.
3. That the children of James Smith should be given up. To this the observation was offered that the Shakers were doubt- less well acquainted with the circumstances relative to these chil- dren.
To this the information was offered : "That the children were under the care of their father; that they were now in the hands of the authority, and that a suit in court had commenced respect- ing them."
4. In presenting the next demand the speaker observed that it probably might seem hard, and then declared that the weightiest proposition was, that the Shakers must cease publicly to inculcate their principles, and their practices must cease; that no dancing on the Sabbath or any other day should be permitted; or else all should depart from the country by the first Monday in De- cember next.
This demand was tantamount to a renunciation of faith and practice, mode of worship, preaching and manner of living.
These terms were a declaration that if acceded to all would be well; and if not they should be enforced by violence. It was requested that these propositions should be reduced to writing, . but Wallace stated that what had been proposed was short and could easily be remembered without writing. The reply was made that as the proposals were short they could readily be com- mitted to writing, but the point was abruptly refused.
It is worthy of mention that although the committee had solemnly agreed not to admit or suffer any of the party near- them while they conferred together, yet during the conference
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there was present a number of false witnesses and accusers stand- ing by, particularly the apostate John Davis, who brought false accusations. Again and again the Shakers asked the committee if their replies were understood, and every time the answer came in the affirmative; but still the Shakers were urged to comply, for it was impossible for them to resist a thousand men.
At 2 o'clock the conference adjourned for one hour, that the Shakers might in that time give a positive answer. All the elder brethren and sisters there present were assembled together in an upper room of the residence near the Meeting House. Judge Dunlavy, General Schenck and Squire Corwin were invited to take part in the consultation. In their presence the committee of Shakers stated the proposals and demands and the answers agreed upon, with the observation that the requirements were unreasonable and unjust, particularly because no person was al- lowed to be present at the conference who might serve as a wit- ness against the unlawfulness or injustice of their demands; and also of the unreasonableness of grandfathers demanding to be given up to them their grandchildren who were under the care of their own parents. The three invited guests took no part in the meeting, but appeared to be much affected and feelingly in- terested in the cause of justice. When the meeting ended Judge Dunlavy and General Schenck went out and found Dr. Little, one of the committee, in the yard before the house, and talked to him in an affecting manner on the illegality and consequences of the concourse of people.
The hour having expired Benjamin S. Youngs informed Dr. Little that they were ready to meet them, and accordingly both committees retired to the same place in the woods, and there delivered the following answer :
"I. Respecting the children demanded to be given up, we observed, that we had already stated what we had to say on that subject ; adding, that all adults among us were free, and that it was contrary to our principles and our practice to oppress any, or hold them in bondage.
2. Respecting our faith which we held in the gospel, we esteemed it dearer than our lives, and therefore meant to main- tain it, whatever we might suffer as the consequence. And as
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to our leaving the country, we were on our own possessions which we had purchased with money obtained by our own honest in- dustry: It was our endeavor not to owe any man anything; we had not a cent of any man's money ; we enjoyed our own peace- able possessions in a free country, and were entitled to those lib- erties (including the liberty of our consciences) which the laws of our country granted us."
In the course of the first sitting of the committee the Sha- kers observed that things were misrepresented and wrongly re- ported concerning them; that there was no evidence of the ex- istence of those things of which they were accused, and that the reports came from prejudiced persons ; that there was no need of all this concourse of people; if wrong had been done in any matter the laws of the country made ample provision for a redress of grievances. To all this Wallace replied that the means required too lengthy a process, and that the people would not wait the issue of such measures. It was necessary to rehearse some of these facts during the sitting of the second conference.
While these proceedings were transpiring, about the Meeting House, the school house, the children's family, and the first family of young Believers, there was a vast and promiscuous concourse of armed men and spectators, some disputing, some inquiring, others railing out against and endeavoring to scatter falsehood, and urging the propriety of banishing the Shakers out of the coun- try by violence. Women of the baser sort, who were in fellow- ship with the riot, had placed themselves within sight of the buildings, on the edge of the woods, waiting to see the Shakers destroyed ; others, of the same cast, were taking an active part in urging on parties of the mob to take away, by force, children of their connections, and other such like acts of violence. In the meantime there were men of talents and good principles who engaged in contesting those violent measures agitated by the mob party, urging the Shakers' right of citizenship from their peace- able deportment, and the unconstitutionality of infringing upon their right, which had never been forfeited by any misconduct.
About three o'clock, a public speaker of the party, standing in the street before the door of the Meeting House, proclaimed liberty, that all who had any charges against the Shakers might
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come forward and enter them. A number of charges were pro- duced; but none however that was regularly entered and taken up, except a charge of murder against Amos Valentine, upon the assertion of John and Robert Wilson, two of the before mentioned apostates, who deposed, that when they'lived among the Shakers, the said Amos had a boy afflicted with fits; that he whipped said boy unmercifully; also, that the said boy was whipped by Daniel Moseley, and that the said Amos and Daniel both wished that he was dead; that the boy for some time past - had been missing, and the said witnesses believed that the said boy was murdered, and put out of the way. A habeas corpus was immediately served on Amos and he was put under arrest
until the said boy should be produced. The boy was im- mediately sent for, being at Moses Easton's, about two miles off. About this period of the transaction, the committee was hold- · ing its second session, with the three Shakers before mentioned. Judge Dunlavy, who understood the proceedings of the com- mittee before, followed them to the edge of the woods, and there sat down upon a log, about five rods distant from where the committee was sitting, and there waited to see the issue. Immediately after the Shakers withdrew from the committee, he mounted his horse, in the midst of the assembly, and, with a loud voice, delivered a solemn injunction, that no one violate the laws of Ohio, and required all civil officers present to take cog- nizance of the conduct of any who should violate them. Soon after this, the aforesaid boy arrived, very corpulent and hearty. This was about four o'clock. Judge Dunlavy, understanding the case, gave public information of the boy's arrival, and the satisfaction which was given of the innocence of the party ac- cused, ordered the prisoner to be released, and the people to disperse, as nothing remained for investigation. Nevertheless Capt. Kilbreath refused to comply with the judge's order to release the prisoner, alledging that he was just as high an officer as Dunlavy. Upon this Judge Dunlavy ordered him to be ap- prehended, and put in prison; but Kilbreath being armed with a sword and pistol, and refusing to be taken, the matter there rested. The prisoner; however, was released; but some of the mob treated the judge with great contempt, and uttered the
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most bitter invectives against him for his interference. At this stage of the proceedings, the committee having returned and mingled among the multitude; Judge Dunlavy having given his orders, the mob was thus irritated and thrown into confusion. But the word of command being given, and the party mounted, they moved down the street in a violent career, amid clouds of dust, and halted in a vast crowd facing the dwelling house of the Elders; and after a little pause, Major Robinson, with a loud voice, demanded of those in the house whether they would comply with the proposals of the committee, Yea, or Nay. This was repeated a number of times, crying aloud, "Give us an answer, Yea, or Nay!" but no one answered a word. Then all the people in the house, men and women, young and old, were commanded to come out of the house, and place themselves in a circle on the green before them. But none offered to move.
Then Major Robinson continued his harangue to the fol- lowing effect : that the Shakers must comply immediately with the proposals of the committee, and accede to remove out of the country by the first of December next, to suffer the conse- quences ; and then cried, "Is not this the voice of the people?" which was immediately answered by the mob with uplifted hands, and a general loud and hideous yell, in the most exasperated manner. But as none appeared or answered, they ordered the gates to be thrown open, which, after considerable hesitation, some of the concourse ventured to perform. The doors of the house were now instantly shut and fastened, as hitherto they had been left open. After the gates were thrown open, the house was immediately surrounded by a promiscuous multitude of armed men and spectators, but the main body of the corps remained on their horses in the street. After some consulta- tion among the mob, they proposed a committee from among them, whom they wished to enter and search every apartment of the house, to see whether there were not some held in bon- dage, and such other like instances of cruelty and injustice as were reported. This committee consisted of Major William Rob- inson, Captain John Robinson, Captain John Clark, Captain Cor- nelius Thomas, and one or two others. They entered upon con- ditions of behaving civily, and began their search and exam-
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ination with the young sisters, and asked them, one by one, if they desired to leave the Shakers.
To the question of the mob committee Betsey Seward re- plied, that she was satisfied with the people, and her present place of abode; that she liked it better than among her natural relations; because they treated her more kindly than ever her own relations had done, and that she did not wish to see any of them again, while they remained so wicked. The committee then said, "Let her stay." Prudence Morrell being interrogated, replied, that all the world would be no inducement to her to leave; that she preferred to place her head on the floor and be decapitated than to be taken away from the Believers. Caty Rubart also made a firm reply, in substance as above; and so did Jenny McNemar, and all the rest,-all declaring that they were free to go away, if they chose, at any time, and that nothing bound them but their faith and love. All others, whether brethren or sisters, made the similar replies.
After searching every apartment of the house the com- mittee expressed their satisfaction. Captain Thomas, more up- right than the others, said he saw a "decent house with decent people in it." Then they drank copiously of cold coffee, went out, and reported themselves as "well satisfied." After this, they returned to their former ground at the Meeting House, and the same committee proceeded to examine the family of the young Believers. All who were interrogated, made firm replies, that they were free, and might go away whenever they chose, but would not; some said they would rather die, than abandon their faith, or forsake the people of God. By this time the committee was under great mortification, and their zeal began to abate, having been disappointed in all their researches, and some persuasion had to be used in order to get them into the school house. Matthew Houston being present at their exam- inations, desired them to go, especially, as they had it reported that the Shakers would not suffer their children and youth to read the Bible. When they went into the school they found Testaments in abundance. Elder Houston observed they might see at least one lie had been told them. They looked at the chil- dren's penmanship, which they acknowledged surpassed their
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expectations. Houston next requested them to ask the chil- dren questions, whether they had enough to eat, etc., observ- ing, that he had children among them, and had long been: absent, and knew not at present how it might be with them. When they asked, First: "Have you enough to eat?" they answered, "Yea! yea! yea! as much as we want," which ran all through the school. Second: "Are you punished more than you deserve ?" They answered, "Nay! nay! nay," and some replied, "We are never whipped." Third: "Do you want to: leave these people? If you do, fear not, we will protect you." "Nay! nay! nay! sounded through the school. . Next the com- mittee was invited to hear the children read, but this was de- clined, declaring they were fully satisfied. Next they were re- quested to go to John Wood's, in order to find that enslaved. woman, of whom they had spoken, and about whom there was. so much agitation (for it was reported that a certain woman was enslaved by the Shakers; those in search had not yet found her, for another select party had searched the Meeting House: for her a little while before, and the Children's Order at John. Wood's had also been searched and examined.) But the com- mittee refused to investigate farther, declaring that all of them were fully satisfied.
No ground of accusation being found or reported to the party, and the generality being wearied and perplexed with the same, and under a mortifying disappointment, were dis- missed; the last of them disappeared as the darkness of night began to creep over the horizon, without leaving behind them any visible marks of cruelty.
Through this whole transaction no visible disturbance or confusion appeared among the Shakers. The greater number kept busy at their usual employments; took dinner in the usual: manner, and entertained such as they could with convenience. They answered those mildly who spoke to them, whether peace- ably or in a taunt. Such as wished to enter the rooms from the noise and clamor, did so, and spent their time in conversation.
That no evil or cruelty was transacted after such formid- able preparations of design, can only be accounted for by the stand taken by Judge Dunlavy, assisted by the persuasive powers,
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of those who came with good intentions, and their love of justice and right.
The foregoing account of the transactions of the mob is taken from the narrative of Benjamin Seth Youngs, written August 31, 1810. When I visited Union Village May 10, 1901, Miss Susan Liddell was sent for. She is among the oldest Shakers, in point of service, in the village, and the best acquainted with its. history. She gave me the additional information which she re- ceived from Shakers who were living at the time of the mob; Judge Dunlavy was a cousin of Richard McNemar ; George Har- lan had a sister who was then a Believer and came to assist. and protect the Shakers; Richard McNemar found it neces- sary to go among the younger members and insist on non- resistance, for there was an indication among them to act in self- defence, and some of the Shakers were struck with whips and knocked down. This was particularly true in the instance of Calvin Morrell, a physician, who had become a convert.
Book A, of the Records, for Dec. 29, 1810, notes that again the Shakers were threatened by mob violence, which would in- dicate that nothing was done with the ringleaders of the mob of August 27.
MOBS OF 1813.
The records of the mobs of 1813 are exceedingly brief. They must have been of small moment or else an interested chronicler would have preserved the details. The first was on May 12, and the following is the sole entry: "Mob at the West Section; trying to take a woman away against her will."
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