USA > Ohio > Shakers of Ohio; fugitive papers concerning the Shakers of Ohio, with unpublished manuscripts > Part 9
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
On the 19th of February, 1843, the Church was notified that Elder Freegift Wells, with consent of the Eastern Ministry, had resigned his office of First Minister of Union Village, in
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
favor of John Martin, and would return to his former home at Watervliet, New York. On June 25, Elder Wells nominated Jesse Legier to the second place in the Ministry, and on July 9th took his final leave of the Society at Union Village, and set out on his journey the 13th.
REIGN OF JOHN MARTIN 1843-1859. .
According to the edict for the removal of John Martin, that worthy stood in the Ministry since June 25, 1839. It was not a
LARGEST RESIDENCE. CENTER FAMILY
quiet reign, nor was there anything but might have occurred in a period of sixteen years in any similar community. During the incumbency of Elder Wells the large Center House was projected. It was finished January 13, 1846. This is the most imposing building ever erected in Union Village. The walls contain 1,000,- 000 brick. The next day after its completion the First Family consisting of 170 persons, 112 of whom occupied the building, took supper in it. Although the brick was burned on the Shaker property and the timbers from their woods, and the greater part of the labor performed by the Community, yet the expense was so great that retrenchment was made and economy strictly enforced on the estate. During its erection a sad accident occurred, which
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THE SHAKER COMMUNITY OF WARREN COUNTY.
resulted in the death of Elder Andrew C. Houston, who, on Octo -- ber 7, 1844, fell from the third story and died the same day. His- death was not only a shock but also a great loss to the Society,. and by his attainments was equal to any office created by the In- stitution.
Malcolm Worley, the first Shaker convert in the West, and the recognized leader of the "Great Kentucky Revival " died,. August 3, 1844, aged 82 years. His children, who had renounced Shakerism, consisting of Joseph, Joshua and Rebecca, commenced legal proceedings to recover the lands he had deeded to the: Church in 1812. The claim was put forth that Malcolm was not: sane. This suit dragged along until 1848, when the Supreme Court decided in favor of the Shakers. The suit cost the latter $1,200, and had they lost the case it would have taken the land on which the principal buildings stand.
In 1843 the use of meat on Sunday was interdicted. The question was seriously agitated of abandoning the use of flesh altogether, but was decided that every person must be their own judge. In 1848 all the hogs were sold, but afterwards a few were kept to eat up the offal. In 1843 the raising of turkeys was abandoned as a matter of economy.
As inventions increased and the population of the Society decreased, the various employments also changed. The stock was now imported from abroad, and the Durham stock of cattle,, secured in England, gave the Shakers a great reputation for im- proved brands. A spirit of speculation seized some of the com -- munity, but was frowned down by the older members. Garden seeds and brooms became a great source of revenue. Development: and growth intellectually, were more or less active ; for the subject. of literature and the acquisition of books received more and more .: attention, but resisted by the conservative leaders who held that science was destructive to religion and dangerous to Christian character.
Out of the Miller excitement of 1846, when it was declared that the time was at hand that all earthly things should end, there was added 200 souls, whose minds had been swept by the delusion.
7
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
These people found relief in Shakerism, and constituted the great- est accession ever had at one time. They were mostly sent to Whitewater, were faithful and active' adherents, and possessed of the missionary zeal.
It has ever been a cardinal principle of the Shaker faith to be charitable and benevolent. They have been exceedingly gener- ous to the various communities when in distress, and also to individuals appealing for assistance. During the great famine in Ireland in 1847, the Society contributed 1000 bushels of corn.
That Quakers should become persecutors was not dreamed of in our philosophy. On April II, 1847, a Quaker girl, whose father had died a Shaker, “ went to Lebanon to choose a guardian, and persisted in choosing Elder Hervey L. Eads in spite of all out- side persuasions to the contrary and could not be turned from her purpose. The Court had previously agreed that if the girl should - choose the said Elder Hervey, they would sanction the choice, and turn the said girl over to him. 'This however they did not do, and so her outside relations forced her away. She was taken to a place about 14 miles distant, but ran away in the night, and was back to the West Brick the next morning, having traveled the whole distance afoot and alone. But a few days after, the Quakers came and took her away by physical force and violence. And to make assurance doubly sure, they sent her to the state of Michi- gan, there to remain till she was of age. The persecuting spirit of enmity shown by these Quakers on this occasion was astonishing."
During September, 1850, a sensation was caused about two girls who had been bound to the Society, and on a writ of Habeas Corpus were taken to Lebanon. After a full hearing before the Court they were remanded to the custody of the Shakers. In the early part of the year mob violence had been threatened (on what pretext the Hampton MS. does not state), and even some des- peradoes gathered at the cross-roads in a threatening manner.
An incendiary burned the cow barn at the West Brick, on December 12, 1854, with all its contents, consisting of 22 cows and 4 calves.
April 1, 1857, a tract of land, containing 1,500 acres, was pur- chased in Clinton County, Ohio. The object was to start a
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THE SHAKER COMMUNITY OF WARREN COUNTY.
colony, but as the enterprise proved a failure, some years later the tract was sold for $30,000, - the purchase price having been $18,000.
" Jehovah's Chosen Square " is first mentioned in the Hamp- ton MS. for September 7, 1845, where the whole Society was want to meet in the summer season, and there preached, announced their faith, good resolutions, sang, marched, danced, etc., from two to three hours, - then marched home singing most of the way. This spot was an enclosed piece of ground of half an acre,
NEW COW BARN.
in the woods, about two-thirds of a mile from the Center Family, to the North East.
During the reign of Elder Martin the population is given as · follows : In 1845 there were living at the Center House 107 per- sons, 74 at the South and 76 at the North, or 257 in all; in 1849 there were belonging to the First Order 153 persons, and 74 to the Second Order, or 227 in all ; in December 1850 there were 164 belonging to the Center and 72 to the South Family ; in May 1853, there were 241 members, and in April 1857 the membership num- bered.264. "Up to this time, we had little foreboding of the fear- ful decimation we were destined to experience in later times."
Owing to pronounced eccentricities exhibited by Elder Mar- tin, in 1859, the Eastern Ministry having been consulted, de-
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
·puted Daniel Boller, second in the Ministry at New Lebanon, to visit Union Village. On January 30, 1859, Elder Boller an- nounced that Elder Martin was released from the first gift and Elder Aaron Babbitt should succeed him, with Peter Boyd as second in the Ministry and Elder William Reynolds was placed in the First Order of Eldership. These appointments were rati- fied and confirmed by unanimous vote of the Church, and Elder Martin was directed to place his mantle upon Elder Babbitt.
REIGN OF AARON BABBITT, 1859-1868.
Elder Aaron Babbitt, as First in the Ministry moved into the Meeting House February 3rd, 1859. For the first time, in several years, the Church Covenant was read, both to the First and Second Orders, on the 27th.
Elder Babbitt was called to pilot the ship through the stormy . scenes of the Civil War. The war spirit, despite all efforts to the contrary, seized possession of some of the younger members, who enlisted. Others were drafted, and a fine imposed for not attend- ing general muster. Through the machinations of Samuel J. Tilden, the entire local conscription at New Lebanon, fell on the: Shakers. Secretary Stanton decided that the Shakers, as fast as drafted should be furloughed, which was afterwards confirmed. by President Lincoln. Although the Shakers opposed war, re- fused pensions and grants of lands for military services, observed national proclamations for Thanksgiving or fasting and prayers, yet they were not unmindful of the distress caused by such con- flicts. To the Sanitary Fair, held in Cincinnati, in 1863, the Shakers contributed the following: 14 barrels tomato catsup, I barrel sauer krout, 5 barrels dried apples, I barrel green apples, 4} bushels dried sweet corn, 8 dozen brooms, 5 boxes garden seeds, 10 gallons gooseberry sauce, and 5 gallons apple preserves, - the whole valued at $158.50. Their energies were somewhat paralyzed by being called upon to relieve the distress of their brethren at South Union, Kentucky, who suffered from the horrors of war.
Occasionally the Shakers have received members who had gained considerable notoriety. In 1859 Richard Realf became a.
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THE SHAKER COMMUNITY OF WARREN COUNTY.
member. He had been John Brown's secretary during the Kansas troubles. He had undergone much suffering in establishing free- dom in Kansas, and was often in the greatest of dangers. He announced he was weary of the world and wanted rest. Being a man of uncommon abilities, he was placed where he could rapidly learn the thoughts of Shakerism. He soon became the greatest preacher ever connected with Union Village, and was heard with delight by both believers and unbelievers. His stay, however, was brief. He soon longed for the ways of the world, became a Major during the Civil War; afterwards was entangled by the wiles of a woman and committed suicide.
In July 1859, an organized band of robbers, from Indiana, made preparations to rob the community, but the design was ex- posed by a member of the gang, and all necessary precautions taken to thwart the purpose. About the first of March 1860 quite a large amount of wheat and clothing were stolen, and shortly after a great number of shirts were taken. The thieves proved to be apostates.
On March 4th, 1865 the Society lost by fire the Old North House with its contents, which contained a tin shop, broom shop, carpenter shop, shoemaker shop and sarsaparilla laboratory. The loss was about $10,000. This loss was aggravated by the fact that the Society was now $12,000 in debt. Although the constitution forbid indebtedness, and many members were opposed to incurring such a burden, yet the leaders decided that such, at times, was wisdom.
Knitting machines were introduced in 1861. Previously the sisters and girls wrought goods by hand, and their work was sought for in the markets, knitted mittens and gloves sold readily at $6 per pair.
The industries consisted of raising garden seeds, preserving and packing herbs, manufacturing woolen goods, brooms, flour, oils, extracts of roots for medicine, sorghum and of cattle. In 1862 there was manufactured 2 barrels of grape wine, 30 gallons of currant wine and 60 gallons of strawberry for medicinal purposes.
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
There were many things that agitated the colony during Elder Babbitt's reign. The Shakers had taken great care of children, but nearly all of them had left the community on arriving at lawful age; so that the care-takers were now few in number, and some- what enfeebled by age. It became a serious matter whether any more should be received. The questions of insurance against fire and a change in the mode of dress were seriously discussed. In 1867, owing to thedepleted condition of numbers, there were grave fears expressed that the Colony might become extinct. In 1867 the Eastern Ministry reprimanded the Community for regarding a proposition to have the Society incorporated. " Can it be pos- sible," say the Ministry, "that either the leaders of people of Union Village, have lost sight of the only true Order of the Church of Christ, and now wish to recede from their loyalty to Gospel Principles, and instead thereof, introduce a wordly form of Government ? We do not perceive that any temporal advantage of importance would be derived from the introduction of laws gov- erning corporate bodies, but we do see wherein it would sap the foundation on which Christ's Church must stand. Should we become a body politic, appointing our officers by ballot or vote, we then should be left to drift with the worldly tide and the Pow- ers of Earth and Hell would most surely prevail against us. But while we stand firmly on the Rock of Revelation, and maintain a Covenant - consecrated whole, our sacred inheritance will re- main secure from the ravages of worldly influences. Never, while reason remains with us, can we extend the least toleration as union toward permitting any Society of Believers to become an incorporated body."
The population of the Church on March 17, 1859 was 255; on January Ist, 1865 it was 167, and 152 at the close of 1867.
On the 20th of July; 1868, the Eastern Ministry, then on a visit at Union Village, divided the temporal interests heretofore existing between the First and Second Orders of the Church, and set off each Family to itself, as far as finances, lands and houses were concerned. On the 26th, the same Ministry an- nounced that Elders Aaron Babbitt and Cephas Halloway were released from their gift in the Ministry, and should take the
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THE SHAKER COMMUNITY OF WARREN COUNTY.
Eldership at the First Family ; Elders Amos Parkhurst and Wil- liam Reynolds should be the Ministry, and Elder Philip F. Antes to be First in the Eldership of the Second Family.
REIGN OF AMOS PARKHURST 1868-1875.
The reign of Elder Amos Parkhurst commenced on July 27th, 1868. It was not marked by any special occurrence, although questions of vital interest to the Society transpired. The question of great importance was that of indebtedness, but the manner in which it was contracted does not appear. The blame is laid largely on the shoulders of Aaron Babbitt. There had been a large purchase of land, which the Hampton MS. condemned, owing to the paucity of their membership. Besides small tracts there was purchased 257 acres, in 1864, at $70 per acre, and in 1869 another tract costing $9,000. In 1875 the indebtedness of the Society amounted to $20,000, on which there was paid 8 and 9 per cent. interest. When the truth was revealed to the Society, all were appalled. Changes were at once made in the trusteeship. Money, at a reduced rate, was borrowed from other Communities of Believers, and the entire products of a portion of the estate was devoted to the payment of the debt. This was placed in the charge of Elder William Reynolds, and the first year liquidated $2,000 of the indebtedness. In 1869, the woolen factory was dis- mantled, as it could not compete with similar mills. August 6, 1870 an incendiary burned the large grain and stock barn, the loss about $25,000.
During the months of May and June, 1870, Durham cattle, to the amount of $11,535 was sold.
Singing school and instrumental music were introduced in 1870.
In 1871, a committee attended the Spiritualistic Convention, held in Cleveland, and participated in the proceedings. The Shakers and Spiritualists, on different occasions held conferences ; but this was finally abandoned, for there was but little in common between them.
The MS. first specially notices recreations in the memoranda for 1871. During the whole period of their history the Elders
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
of the various Communities were given to visits. The general members had their recreations in rides to neighboring towns, picnics in the woods, and the Harvest ride was always celebrated.
The years 1873, 4 and 5 were marked by great agitation and speculation about the revision of the Constitution. It was urged that the leaders had too much and the lay members too little free- dom, etc. It was left to Elder Hervey L. Eades of South Union, to draw up a new Constitution. This production was so faulty as to be rejected. During the depression in the money market, in 1874, the Believers at Union Village gave away 4,300 meals of victuals to the hungry poor.
On the 7th of July, 1875, Elder Giles B. Avery, second in the Ministry at New Lebanon arrived at Union Village, and seven days later the following changes took place : Eldress Sally Sharp, who for many years had stood first in the Ministry was released, and Eldress Naomi Ligier, was promoted from the Second to the First place, and Eldress Adaline Wells, of Watervliet, Ohio, was appointed Second in the Ministry. Elder Amos Parkhurst was made Second and Elder William Reynolds First in the Ministry.
REIGN OF WILLIAM REYNOLDS 1875-1881.
1
Elder William Reynolds became First in the Ministry on July, 14th, 1875. This change appears to have been made owing to the financial stress under which the Society was laboring. This dis- tress was heightened by the failure of a bank in Lebanon, in 1877, in which the Shakers had deposited the sum of $7,568, which was a total loss.
This epoch notes three matters to the Shakers of much im- portance, that came under discussion. From time to time much commotion attended with acrimony, occurred between the pro- gressive and conservative portion of the Society on the subject of the wearing of beard. From the beginning it was the rule that the beard should be shaved once a week, and oftener if the in- dividual was so disposed. The Brethren of the progressives thought to allow the beard to grow immunity would be secured against throat and eye trouble. It was, after much labor and discussion, permitted to those who plead health; then allowed to
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THE SHAKER COMMUNITY OF WARREN COUNTY.
all within a certain prescribed mode; and, finally, the whole subject was left optional. On January Ist, 1881, at a business meeting it was decided that some of the property should be insured. This policy has ever since been carried into effect. Lively dancing and the square step exercise had been a part of the religious exercises from the beginning. May 27, 1880, it was announced that these exercises would cease, owing to the decrease in numbers and the members being too aged.
The intellectual improvement had received quite an impetus. In 1871 a Lyceum was established, which interested the younger portion, and even some of the middle-aged. In it were taught, grammar, composition, declamation, and correct language in ad- dress. There were also rehearsals of comic and absurd pieces, as well as recitations of serious, dictactic, poetic, and sententious character. These proceedings were frowned upon by the Min- istry, but in 1875, the Eastern Ministry being on a visit, after witnessing an exhibition, gave it their approval.
The Shakers took advantage of the Ohio School laws, and came under its provision, so that in 1879, there was a liberal curriculum; a Shaker teacher employed, which returned to the Society $450 per year, which was not a large sum owing to the taxes they paid.
An incendiary, on January 2, 1876, burned the North cow barn with 39 head of cattle. This was supposed to have grown out of a law suit about a rented peach orchard, which the Second Society gained in Court, from an outsider. It was discovered that the employment of hired help was not conducive to the best in- terests of the Society. However, in later years, they were forced to it.
Our Chronicler for 1878, remarks: "We began to feel seriously, during this year, the want of more members and greater efficiency and talent among those who from time to time come in among us. They seemed to belong to a class that were not in possession of either talent, or strength of purpose, such as was necessary to the well-being and perpetuity of the Institution, but we had to do the best we could with them, think- ing they might answer the purpose of tiding over our depressed
1
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
condition, until better times might reach and favor us with better material." The middle of the year 1880, the entire Society num- bered only 162 souls.
For the year 1877, the Hampton MS. speaks on the subject of funerals. "Our funerals have not thus far been described. . They were, and are, devoid of all ostentation, and even the ground in which we are interred, would never be suspected of being a cemetery. It is leveled off and planted in forest trees, and the spot where the remains of our dear friends lay, is not marked by even a head or foot-stone. When one has deceased, the cadaver is washed and wrapped in a shroud. At the proper time it is placed in the coffin and allowed to be viewed by all who desire, and especially at the close of the funeral. All who reasonably can, are required to attend funerals, and if the weather is favorable, also the burial. When the members are assembled, a solemn hymn is sung, and then all are seated. The meeting is then addressed by the Elder, or some one appointed to this gift. This is generally followed by short and sententious discourse from any who feel so disposed. In these expressions of sentiment, as well as that of the chief speaker, an affectionate reference is had to the merits and good qualities that were characteristic of the deceased ; and also to the necessity of living a life here, that shall recom- mend us to the Heavenly Home and the happy scenes to be en- joyed by those who faithfully live in obedience to their highest consciousness of right, while passing through the shades and shadows of this rudimental sphere. The funeral lasts sufficiently long to give every one an opportunity to speak who desires it, and a second hymn, and a last view of the corpse closes the cere- monies."
Eldress Sally Sharp died April 7, 1879, at the age of 80. Nearly her entire life had been spent in the Society. For 39 years she was one of the Ministry, during 35 of which she was First in the Order. She was just, upright and sincere, extremely sympathetic, and took upon herself the sorrows and tribulations of others.
Elder William Reynolds departed this life May 13, 1881, deeply regretted by all. His whole life, after joining the Shakers,
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THE SHAKER COMMUNITY OF WARREN COUNTY.
was given to the upbuilding of the cause he had espoused. He: joined the Society in 1837, and died in his 67th year.
REIGN OF MATTHEW B. CARTER, 1881-1890.
The Eastern Ministry arrived at Union Village on June 9th, 1881, and on the 15th appointed Matthew B. Carter and Oliver C. Hampton to succeed William Reynolds and Amos Parkhurst. The whole church, assembled for the purpose, sanctioned the ap- pointment by the raising of hands.
The greatest event during the reign of Elder Carter, and which distinctly marked the decline of Shakerism in the West was the dissolution of the Colony at North Union, near Cleve- land, after a career of 67 years. On May 23, 1889, the Union Village and Eastern Ministry met the entire Society of North Union, and then decided to break up the Colony and move the members to Watervliet, near Dayton, O., and Union Village. The dissolution took place on the 15th of the following October, the greater part of the members going to Watervliet. The fol- lowing December the North Union property was sold for $316,- 000. Then followed a long law suit. A part of the North Union property was consecrated by various members of the sur- name of Russell. Certain heirs, not Shakers, brought suit to recover the property. The court awarded the property to the Shakers, after costing them $12,000.
Other disasters were encountered. On January 22, 1884,. the Elder at the West Frame Family, absconded with $500 be- longing to that family, and probably appropriated still more. On July 24, 1890, John Wilson, acting in the capacity of Farm. Deacon, took off and clandestinely sold $700 worth of stock and left for parts unknown. In 1885, the Society commenced loaning the Dayton Furnace Co. money, and all told $16,000. By 1890 they realized it was a case of misplaced confidence, and the work of a shrewd lawyer. This loss was total. Added to all this there must be mentioned a destructive cyclone that visited them on the night of May 12, 1886. Several buildings were demolished, and many chimneys of other buildings were blown down; hundreds of acres of forest, ornamental and fruit trees were uprooted;
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SHAKERS OF OHIO.
miles of fences blown away, and some stock injured. So great was the calamity that it required quite a period to recover from it.
Foes within did incalculable damage. April 12, 1890, the woodshed at the South House with a two story building were burned. On the 29th the dwelling, wash-house, with all the laundry machinery, and several outhouses were consumed. This calamity broke up the old South House Family, whose members now became scattered among other families. This was considered the most disastrous occurrence which ever happened in the Community.
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