The Winterthur Library

Edward Deming Andrews Memorial Shaker Collection

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

Creator: Union Village, Ohio, Community.

Title: [Letters and copies of letters to other Shaker communities, chiefly New Lebanon, N.Y.]

Dates: 1805-1839.

Call No.: ASC 1048

Acc. No.: SA 1245, 1247-1251, 1253, 1254

Quantity: 53 items

Location: 29 E 4

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

There were several Shaker communities in Ohio. The letters in this collection originated in Union Village, founded in 1806 (but not so named until 1812). That community was much interested in the other Western Shaker communities: Watervliet (also founded 1806), Whitewater (founded 1824), and North Union (founded 1822, originally referred to as Warrensville), all in Ohio, and West Union, Indiana (founded 1810, originally called Busro; disbanded 1827). And the members of Union Village made and received visits from Pleasant Hill and South Union, Kentucky. The Western Shakers made visits to the Harmony, Indiana, community, and were interested in some other religious groups established west of Pittsburgh.

SCOPE AND CONTENT

Each letter in this group carries the name of one of five places in Ohio: Turtle Creek, Lebanon, Warren County, Cincinnati, and Union Village. Not until 1812 was Union Village adopted as the official name of the Shaker community with which all of the letter writers were associated. It had been founded in 1806, one year after the first letter in this collection was written. These letters, therefore, reflect the concerns and activities of both Shaker missionaries and Shaker settlers, chiefly from a place called Union Village.

While many topics are covered in these letters, four stand out: early survival, daily activities, persecution and destruction of property by “the world,” and relations with other Shaker communities. Of these four, the last arguably offers the most information to the reader. Apparently, Ohio and Kentucky Shakers frequently paid visits to one another and commonly reported to the home ministry at New Lebanon, New York, on what had transpired during these visits. In 1822, for example, a writer from Union Village comments upon the way that the community at South Union, Ky., had handled its slaves. (The Kentucky Shakers had freed them. Many of these ex-slaves chose to remain in the community.) In 1826, two-thirds of a letter reports on the situation at West Union, Ind., where a Shaker community was folding. Besides the Shakers themselves, other religious/social organizations are discussed in the letters. The Harmonian (or Harmony) and Halcyon societies are favorite subjects. Of the latter, one writer notes: “The Halcyon Society are a people that have had the greatest light in point of doctrine of any Denomination that has been before them (except the Believers)….” The last letter in the group describes the many visions received by members of the community in 1839. In addition to their substantive messages, this group of letters also contains the politesse typical of Shaker communications.

ORGANIZATION

In chronological order.

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

The materials are in English.

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

Collection is open to the public. Copyright restrictions may apply.

PROVENANCE

Gift of Mrs. Edward D. Andrews.

ACCESS POINTS

People:

Topics:

United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing.

Shakers – Hymns.

Shakers – Songs and music.

Halcyon Society.

Harmony Society.

Shakers - Ohio - Union Village.

Shakers - Ohio.

Religious communities – Ohio.

Religious communities - Ohio - Union Village.

Visions.

Persecution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

Location: 29 E 4

SA 1247.3 letter, John Meacham, Benjamin S. Youngs, Issachar Bates, Turtle Creek, Warren Co., Ohio, to elders & brethren, June 1, 1805.

On April 28 had a sacrament, and many came. Would have had more but John Thomson of Springfield used his influence to prevent them. [lengthy discussion of the meetings of April 28 and May 12 and Thomson’s discourse against them.] Even Richard McNemar was prevented from speaking. There is a group at Redstone, about 60 miles from Fort Pitt, who might be interested in their message, if anyone could be sent. Prophecy of Mr. Kitchel of Orrington, on his death bed. Describes the land, and how much it costs. Tells about land of Malcolm Worley and Richard McNemar, and about McNemar’s preaching. Still encouraged about finding followers, although their lives have been threatened. Want to know if their letters have been received; can write them in care of Worley. A copy of R. Rathbun’s letter would be useful in their work. D. Mosly would be useful to them in their work.

SA 1247.1 three letters in one:

Richard McNemer [sic], Turtle Creek, to dearly beloved, Sept. 25, 1805; and

Jenny Luchie McNemer, Turtle Creek, to “dear sisters,” no place, Sept. 25, 1805;

Sarah Walles and Nancy Bedeet, Turtle Creek, Warren County, Ohio, to “loving sisters,” New Lebanon, August 16 [no year, but 1805]

From Richard: Thanks for sending the “genuine gospel” – has been searching for it for 15 years. [additional religious expressions]

From Jenny: thankful to God for having received the everlasting gospel. [additional religious expressions]

From Sarah and Nancy: don’t know them, but wanted to send thanks for sending the gospel to them. “We send these lines to you in token of the small measure of love and union we feel to the people & work of God….”

SA1247.2a-b two letters in one, endorsed “a copy of two letters from a brother and sister at Ohio:

Richard McNemer and Jenny Luchie McNemer, both at Turtle Creek, both to unnamed recipients, both Sept. 25, 1805.

Copies of the letters described in SA 1247.1, above

SA 1245.1a-b letter, not signed, Lebanon, Miami County, Ohio, to beloved deacon, March 17, 1806.

Thanks for letter. Describes the house which they have started building, and also describes the building materials (black walnut shingles, white oak clapboards). Lists expenses “we have been at since last summer,” including land, cows, food, cloth, tools, etc.

Note: letter has tears; handle with care.

SA 1245.2 letter, David, John, Daniel, Solomon, Issachar, and Benjamin, Lebanon in Miami (Ohio), to elders & brethren, March 19, 1806.

Religious expressions. Richard McNemar and John Dunlavy are helping the young Believers a great deal. [Mentions some other converts.] Write a bit about the religious revival in the area. Thanks to Ebenezer for his letter. Glad Peter Peese is to come, but would also like another strong brother, if possible, preferably one that can sing. Their sisters [names them] are strong in faith. Setting a time to meet the people being sent to them.

SA 1245.3a-c letter, unsigned, Lebanon in Miami, Ohio, to mother, elders, brethren & sisters, August 13, 1806.

John M. and John W. are to return to New Lebanon. Importance of letters for maintaining a sense of togetherness. Compared to Mother Ann’s long ocean voyage, it is a short distance from New Lebanon to Ohio. Our trials are much less than hers. Both communities working towards the same end. Many false tales are spread about them. One of Rathbun’s books is much read. Many spectators at their meetings, and are starting to behave better. Have not been able to spend much time spreading the gospel as have had too much temporal business.

SA 1245.4 letter, John Dunlavy, Lebanon at Miami, Ohio, to Ebenezer Cooley & other brethren, New Lebanon, N.Y., August 17, 1806.

[Dunlavy is writing in order to tell the people in New Lebanon more about himself.] Had been a Presbyterian minister until met Richard McNemar, who introduced him to a new meaning of the gospel. [More about Dunlavy’s spiritual growth.]

SA 1247.4a-b letter, Samuel Rolins, Turtle Creek, to brethren, August 17, 1806.

[note: 1247.a is in two pieces]

[writes of his religious struggles and his acceptance of Mother Ann’s teachings.] Thanks for sending brethren and sisters to them.

SA 1245.5 David, Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, to the deacon, no place, November 2, 1806.

Thanks for letters – makes them feel part of the whole fellowship. Have finished lower lofts of house and moved in. Will use the old cabin for a kitchen as too expensive and time-consuming at present to build a new kitchen. Issachar’s and Benjamin’s work in Kentucky. News of Runnels family and conversion of Daniel.

SA 1254.1 John Meacham, Cincinnati, [Ohio,] to David Meacham, Watervliet, N.Y., November 25, 1806.

Landed goods [contents not specified] at Columbia and stored them. Then met up with Peter Peas and others from Kentucky, and loaded goods into their wagon. Encloses letter from David [possibly the letter above, SA 1245.5]. All at Turtle Creek are well.

SA 1245.6 copy of letter, David, brethren and sisters, near Lebanon, Ohio, to deacon, brethren and sisters, New Lebanon, January 14, 1807.

Elder John and all goods arrived safely on November 27 – great thanks for the articles, the symbols of their love for the community in Ohio. Sends thanks to the communities at Canterbury and Harvard. Thankful to the two Nathans for coming with John and the goods. Ruth and the sisters grateful for their letter.

Paper is watermarked: initials GR under a crown(?) and a lady in a circle under a crown.

SA 1253.1a-b copy of a letter, with a hymn, David, John, Warren County, Ohio, to “beloved and respected parent [mother],” May 15, 1807; with cover sheet “copy of a letter sent from Ohio”

Thanks for letter; religious expressions. Much sickness from February-April, and Prudence Farrington died [her illness described later in letter]. John [the letter writer] describes his recent illness in detail. David, Benjamin, and Richard had made a journey among the Indians. Prudence had been “more than common lively cheerful & loving” in the weeks before her illness. While ill, she was able to sing a new laboring song, including moving her hands and feet. At her request, all the community shared a drink of milk with her. [gives details of Prudence’s last hours.] Gives words of a hymn to her which was sung at Sabbath service after Prudence’s death, beginning “Farewell loving sister, farewell in the Lord….” The hymn was composed by Richard. Issachar, Malcolm, and William Davis recently returned from Kentucky, where all were in a “middling state of prosperity.”

SA 1247.5 letter, Malcolm Worley, Turtle Creek, to Mother, September 9. 1807

Thanks to her and the eastern churches for sending the gospel and missionaries, brethren, and sisters, [names them] to him and his house. Also thanks for the stock buckle, hats, combs, and tobacco box.

SA 1247.6a-b letter and poem or hymn, no signed, not addressed, Turtle Creek, September 13, 1807

Am enclosing a copy of The Kentucky Revival. [includes some more information about the revival.]

The poem begins “The mole’s little pathways are far out of sight/ from the lofty eagle that flies in the light….” It has 10 stanzas.

SA 1253.2 letter, David & John in behalf of the family, Warren County, Ohio, to “beloved and respected parent [mother],” September 13, 1807

Thanks for letter. Was decided it would be better to try to meet those who were coming at Wheeling rather than at Chillicothe, which Constant and some others were able to do, and they came by boat to Cincinnati and then on to Turtle Creek. Have much work to do – called on to help many. Religious expressions, thanks, and greetings.

SA 1247.7 letter, David, Ruth, and the rest, Lebanon, Miami Country, [Ohio], to “best beloved parent [mother] [and others],” Canaan, N. Y., December 12, 1807

Joseph Allen arrived safely. Thanks for letters and support. Issachar, Richard, and Matthew Houston had set out on a missionary trip to Cumberland, but stopped when they reached the Barrens [in Warren and Logan Counties, Ky.] and stayed there instead. Made great impression on several, including John Rankin. Discussion of writings, but they must soon stop as other work needs to be done.

SA 1245.8 letter, David, Ruth, and those with them in Ohio, Lebanon, Miami Country, to elder Nathaniel and those with him at Hancock, Mass., December 12, 1807.

Thanks for letters. Joseph Allen arrived. [Tells of Allen’s trip by keelboat from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati. Repeats some of the information about the missionary to the Barrens as related in the letter above.]

SA 1254.2 letter, Peter Peas, Ohio, to Richard Spier, no place, December 12, 1807.

Thanks for letter. After a time of no persecution, their barn was set on fire on November 29; able to save horses and a few small things. [Describes the barn which burned.] Lost food crops, fodder for livestock, and broomcorn for brooms. Have built a new stable.

SA 1253.3 letter, from mother’s children in Ohio, Warren County, to Mother and those with her, July 21, 1808

Several [lists them] have been to Kentucky and the Wabash river in Indiana. Describes their new meeting house. Just began to print their book and don’t think it will be ready in time to get it to New Lebanon this year.

SA 1253.3 letter, from mother’s children in the west, Warren County, Ohio, to Mother and those with her, October 24, 1808

Have suffered many disappointments in the publishing of their book, but think Constant will be able to deliver a copy to them in January. Missionary trips.

SA 1245.9 letter, Hortence, Lebanon, Ohio, to Nathaniel and Dana, July 12, 1809.

Greetings to those with whom she once lived. God is working in this distant land.

SA 1248 note, unsigned, Turtle Creek, Warren County, to Deacon Richard, June 24, 1811.

About a letter of attorney.

Paper watermarked: I Adam & Co

SA 1249.1 copy of a letter, David and Ruth, Union Village, Ohio, to the ministry, no place, April 20, 1813.

Thanks for letters. Much sickness over the winter. [Names several who had died.] Religious expressions. Recount of the gift of a vision of a visit from Mother.

SA 1249.2a-b letter, David, Union Village, Ohio, to Deacon Richard, no place, August 13, 1814.

Thanks for letter and presents. The donation was given to Elder Archibald because of the losses in his family, but he intends to save it for a meetinghouse. He brought good news from Busrow [Busro, Indiana, later called West Union], where crops look good and a gristmill has been added to their sawmill. Things are difficult at Jasper [South Union] at present. Several have gone to help them, especially to help them set up a fulling mill, grist mill, and printing press. Not all Western Shakers are in debt.

SA 1249.3 letter, Solomon Tencey & Rachel, Union Village, Ohio, to the elders, no place, December 10, 1814.

Have been awaiting letters, but have decided to write anyway. Names people who had died. Also much sickness and some deaths at Busrow, including Eldress Ruth. Also news from South Union and Pleasant Hill, including illness and death. John Lockwood may be moving his family to New Lebanon.

SA 1249.4 copy of a letter, Solomon, Union Village, Ohio, to the elders, no place, March 25, 1815.

Thanks for letters. Religious expressions. New believers. A little news from Busrow, South Union, and Pleasant Hill. Have decided that it would be better for John Lockwood to remain in New York, unless Mother decides otherwise. As for the cards [for a carding machine], they have a found a source for them, so no need to attend to their earlier request. Still awaiting information about Charles Woods. The gristmill is in operation. Clothing business is going well. News about Hezekiah.

SA 1249.5 copy of a letter, unsigned, Union Village, Ohio, to the elders, no place, March 25, 1815.

“Elder timber is very scarse among us, however there is in each family brethren and sisters appointed to have more care than the rest as temporary elders or upon trial.” Names the leaders of South, North (children’s order), youth’s order, mill, East, and West families. Also smaller families, but leaders not named. No chief elders or eldresses in the yellow house opposite the meetinghouse. Recently proclaimed war against the flesh and devil, and there is much spirit in the families. News about various brethren. Children are excelling in reading, spelling, and writing, all learned from scripture, not a grammar book. Other news, mostly related to their war against flesh and devil. Encloses poems [which are no longer with this letter].

SA 1249.6 copy of a letter, David & Ruth, Union Village, Ohio, to the elders, Ebenezer and Calvin, North Family, Mount Lebanon, October 23, 1815.

Thanks for letters. Their war against the flesh and devil attracted more of the world’s people to their meetings; mostly the visitors were orderly. The rumor spread that on March 26, the Shakers were going to kill the devil, so throngs came. “John Dunlavy and Matthew preached to them powerfully thro’ the day and then dismissed them.” Attracted some new believers, including members of the Halcyon Society [names some of them]. Religious expression, especially about salvation. Some illness and death. Information about the Halcyon Society. Joseph Francis has come to them; says he was at Watervliet, N.Y. last year. Thinks Charles Wood and Chester Wood are the same person.

SA 1249.7 copy of a letter, David & Ruth, Union Village, Ohio, to respected parent, no place, April 15, 1816.

Many at Union Village wished to send her thanks, because they know that they shall never see her – she cannot travel to them, nor they to her. So, leave has been given to all who wish to write her. It is not necessary for her to answer the letters.

SA 1249.8 letter, Tence, Union Village, to Eldress Dana and Sister Sara, Hancock, April 17, 1816.

Am well. When Peter returned to New Lebanon, had gathered small gifts for friends at Hancock, Enfield, and Tyringham, but somehow only the Enfield gifts were taken east. But is now forwarding those gifts [which included a buckeye for Daniel and a beechnut for Sabra]. Sends love from Father and Mother.

SA 1249.9 copy of a letter, David & Ruth, Union Village, Ohio, to elders, brethren and sisters, no place, September 21, 1816.

Happy to have received the pamphlets and packet. Sorry to hear of persecution. Religious discussion. Mentions their “labours with the world in relation to their unjust laws to force men to bear arms or pay an equivalent….” Mentions that they in Ohio had not paid draft fines, nor were any drafted, nor do they pay muster fees. However, the constable has threatened to take property. Information [with names] of some new believers, but some Halcyon Society members are too infected with that group’s views. Lists some of the leaders of the Shaker community, and the different families. Meeting of parents and children to read them their rights and responsibilities. News from West Union. Harmonian [i.e. Harmony] Society from near Pittsburgh now lives about 50 miles from them, and “are almost one people,” but the language difference puts up barriers. Some news from South Union and Pleasant Hill as well. Two apostates from Union Village have gone to South Union. Sickness in the community, and one death. Have not heard from Hezekiah.

SA 1249.10 copy of a letter, David, Union Village, Ohio, to Deacon Richard, no place, September 21, 1816.

Have heard of their unseasonable weather, and writes about their bad weather, grasshoppers, drought, leading to poor crops. A spark from the blacksmith’s chimney set a dry meadow ablaze, but the brethren were able to get that under control. Have wheat enough to make bread for the winter but little hay for the cattle. Heavy smoke in April. “They allow that the season has been such as never was known here before.” Jonathan Davis’ lawsuit has been settled; it was thrown out of the Supreme Court. “The world here at present appear to be quiet and peaseable towards Believers….” Kentucky also having a drought.

SA 1249.11 copy of a letter, David, Union Village, Ohio, to Richard, no place, October 20, 1817. (endorsed: Father David to Deacon Richard.)

Elijah Davis’ son ran away from West Union and took refuge with wicked John Davis, who refused to let his father see him. The Shakers got a writ to force the boy back, but no one would execute it. Finally, some Shakers were able to get the boy back, but wicked John roused a mob which threatened the village. They did not do much harm. The boy remains with his family, but the worldly neighbors still mutter against the Shakers. Watervliet, Ohio, has also had problems with the world. A man left that order and has returned with base men to try to persuade his wife and children to leave, which they do not wish to do. The apostate and a mob were able to kidnap the youngest children, but the wife and elder children escaped from him. Many false reports and slander are being printed in the newspapers. Crops are good.

SA 1249.12 copy of a letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to elders, brethren and sisters in the first order of the church, no place, October 20, 1817.

Thanks for letter; glad all well; religious expressions. Labored with all the members, “to open their minds… [and] to purge them….” The elders, David, Ruth, Solomon, and Tency, visited the other Ohio communities, and also the Harmony People. Gives information about that society, how similar to and how dissimilar from the Shakers, and a bit of their history. Since they don’t speak English, “it was difficult to communicate our faith and light to them….” Gives a report on health, and names those who have died. Have some visitors from Pleasant Hill. Eldress Lucy not able to travel with them.

SA 1249.13 letter, Issachar, Union Village, to the Ministry, New Lebanon, January 29, 1819.

Report on West Union. Had much fever beginning in August, but held prayer meetings and only 1 died. [Lists members who were diligent nurses.] Am glad to see all god works increasing in Union Village, and an improvement in the buildings. All well at Pleasant Hill, too. Closes with a note to Deacon Richard, which was transcribed from the wrapper.

SA 1249.14 copy of a letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to elders, no place, February 10, 1821.

Thanks for letter. News about Mark and why he did not return to West Union. He is missed there as now they have “no clothier to dress their cloth.” Another clothier has been sent. Had a gift to labor and purge, with much confession. Some new converts. David Cory went to West Union to teach them to make bricks so they could build a house and kitchen, their first permanent buildings. They are behind other communities in this regard because of the tumult and upheaval of war a few years ago. South Union reported that they moved into their meetinghouse in the fall, and John Rankin was living with them. Visitors from Pleasant Hill announced that the community was out of debt to the world for the first time ever.

SA 1250 letter, the ministry, Union Village, to Deacon Richard and Brother Peter, no place, February 10, 1821.

Fall was too dry to do much sawing; crops and apple harvest good. Brethren built a threshing mill [describes it], and two brick houses are finished. Another is almost finished, and the brick house at Watervliet is finished. Legislature passed a bill to allow them to pay their military fines with work on the highways. General Harrison supported the law exempting them from all military fines. Ask what they know about John Taylor of New York. Have started sugar making. Killed an ox.

SA 1249.15 copy of a letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry and elders, New Lebanon, April 22, 1821.

Sorry at news of death of Mother [Lucy Wright]. Agree with the decision about the new leaders of the church. All the western communities are well.

SA 1249.16 copy of a letter, David, Union Village, Ohio, to elders, brethren, and sisters, no place, April 22, 1821.

Shock at the news of death of Mother. We must maintain communication in order to remain one church.

SA 1249.17 letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry and elders, no place, October 20, 1822.

Visited West Union, where found a large brick house and the meetinghouse framed, with plans to finish after harvest. Next visited Harmony, which society is close to their own in many ways, but they do not accept that the second coming of Christ has occurred. Then visited South Union, where most were well. Have paid most of their debts and freed their slaves, most of whom chose to remain with them. Then went to Pleasant Hill, where most are well. Deaths at Union Village. Much illness and some deaths at Watervliet. [gives names of leaders at Watervliet, and the houses where they live.]

SA 1249.18 letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry and elders, no place, July 1, 1823.

Am writing chiefly to maintain their union. “If Mark Hinkley should come here we shall give him the best advice we can….” Sister Martha has a lame breast. Have visitors from West Union. Have had some newcomers, and several have been on a mission trip to the Columbus area and to Warrensville [later called North Union]. Not all can fit into the meetinghouse at the same time, so they are divided into 2 groups, and one has the meetinghouse one Sabbath and the other group the next, and they worship at home when not in the meetinghouse. The world are allowed to attend the young believers’ meeting. Send their love. Have not received the amendments to the Testimony and the printing has already started.

SA 1249.19 letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry, no place, June 7, 1824.

Am sending a copy of their Testimony; difficulties of sending books by post. Have distributed most of the copies of the publication sent to Union Village. Report about Whitewater community; moved from Darby Plains because of uncertainty over title to lands and because it was unhealthy country. Also some news of Warrensville, on Lake Erie. Mentions a German community “about 200 miles east of us in this state, that appear to be not far from the kingdom of God…,” with whom they have exchanged visits. [see also next letter.] Discusses the building of a brick house, with interior brick walls, and the advantages of this mode of construction. Mentions other buildings, a new road not yet completed, and millstones. News of Watervliet. Sale of oxen.

SA 1249.20 copy of a letter, David, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry and elders, brethren, and sisters, no place, July 31, 1824.

Counts his age from when he first confessed his sins. Is no more bald than when they saw him last; can read large print without spectacles, but needs them for small print. His teeth are good enough to allow him to chew food. Is losing bodily strength. Describes a recent meeting, during which the believers marched up and down the road, and includes words to a hymn, which begins “March on, march on, o ye little band….” No persecution at present. Many of the world attended their meeting on Independence Day. Books received. News about other Ohio Shaker communities. Mentions the German settlement west of Pittsburgh [which appears to be an offshoot of the Harmony society]. Millstones work well. All well here.

SA 1249.21 copy of a letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry, no place, April 18, 1825.

Received letter; sorrow over their afflictions. Brief discussion of apostates. Father [David] is weakening. Brief reports about the other western communities. Thanks for letters and books. Am sending books to them, as well. Malcolm would like to receive the Millennial book which John is thinking about sending. Also enjoyed the songs sent in the last packet. Request for plans for a loom. Received letter from Alfred, Maine. Robert Owen is in Cincinnati but has not visited them.

SA 1249.22 letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry and elders, no place, July 25, 1825.

Death of Father David [Darrow], with details of his last weeks and funeral. Otherwise, most in health. Several have gone to Warrensville for the summer.

SA 1249.23-24 letter, signed by 16 brethren and 16 sisters, Union Village, Ohio, to the elders, New Lebanon, July 3, 1826.

Note: Two copies of the same letter.

“Our principal object is, to express our faith and feelings concerning the work of God in the present state of our travel, and to manifest our love and thanks to those by whose instrumentality we have been made partakers of that grace of God in which we stand.” Although have lost Father and Mother, they trust in their new leaders Elder Solomon and Eldress Rachel.

SA 1249.25a-b letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry and elders, no place, December 4, 1826.

Much joy in receiving the visit of Elder Archibald and Brother Andrew, and the messages which they brought from the East. “When the new manners of laboring, marching &c were introduced they excited much attention…. Also the white bonnets and white gowns have occupyed the attention of the people….”

Includes the text of a letter sent to West Union, by way of Pleasant Hill and South Union, encouraging West Union “to evacuate that unhealthy country” and to return to their community of origin, that is Pleasant Hill, South Union, or Union Village, or to Watervliet or Whitewater. [From what else was said, much support had been given to West Union, especially since the community had had to be temporarily abandoned during the war. Also, the community was decreasing in numbers, mostly due to the prevalent fever.]

Members are receiving benefits from the steam bath. Elder Peter in declining health and have received his power of attorney so can deal with any lands to which he holds title. Have received a note from West Union that the people there have accepted the advice that they move.

SA 1249.26 letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry, Hancock, Pittsfield, March 26, 1829.

Received their letter asking about Elisha Malcom [probably Malcolm]. They do not know him, and do not know of any relative of Malcolm Worley by that name. He has told them untruths about the spiritual beliefs held by the people of Union Village. Elisha seems to be an “unstable, unsound, & rotten harted [sic] hypocrite.” All the western communities are well and prosperous.

SA 1249.27 letter, the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry, New Lebanon, July 1, 1833.

Note: two sheets sewn together; tears along fold lines: use caution when handling.

Thanks for letter. Writes about the weather from winter to date. Good crops. Visits to and from other western communities, with some news from them. David Spinning had been sent to North Union to assist Elder Matthew, and to replace him as leader when Elder Matthew retired. However, this has also meant that, despite her good work, they had to replace Eldress Lois at North Union because she is the former wife of Elder David, and it was not thought a good idea to have former husband and wife working together as the two leaders there. Lists the crops grown (wheat, rye, oats, meadow, flax, corn, broom corn, and potatoes), with the number of acres devoted to each. Cholera in Kentucky and Ohio, but has not yet afflicted them. Some news from other western communities.

SA 1249.28 copy of a letter, William [Sharp] and Andrew [Houston], in behalf of the church, Union Village, Ohio, to ministry, elders, brethren, and sisters, New Lebanon, September 29, 1834.

Religious expressions and love. Most grateful for the visit [made by Rufus and Isaac]. The sisters were sad that no visitor was sent to them [because the brothers were greeted with hugging, shaking hands, and kissing, and the sisters could not participate in these activities]. Quotes from two songs or poems, and includes a song which was “composed to sing on the departure of our mutual good friends, Br. Rufus & Br. Isaac.” The song begins “Most precious friends come give an ear/ To what we have to say,/ In heart-felt love & godly fear/ This tribute we will pay….”

SA 1251 short letter, Eleazar, Union Village, Ohio, to Elder Nathaniel, Hancock, by Br. Luther, October 11, 1835.

Note was enclosed with a collection of covenants and unspecified things, sent as a token of “love & kind remembrance.”

SA 1249.29 letter, A.C.H. [Andrew C. Houston] for the ministry, Union Village, Ohio, to Brother Austin [Buckingham], Watervliet, [New York,] March 21, 1839.

Glad to hear of the work at “Mother’s ‘ancient Dominion.’” The Believers at Union Village have been receiving many messages and songs from the spiritual world, including from Mother, both sharp reproofs and encouraging and comforting messages. [lists other leaders from whom messages have been received, such as Lucy, Ruth, William, etc.] In meetings, many messages are delivered, with motions and gestures, and visitors from the world “stand and gaze, amazed and confounded.” Describes one particular meeting at which messages were also received from Washington, Lafayette, Christopher Columbus, and Anthony Wayne, and from different ethnic groups, including blacks, Scots, French, and Indians.

Encloses some of their songs [no longer with letter]. Please read and forward to New Lebanon. Also enclosed are some Italian silk worm eggs [no longer with letter, which they prefer. Tells of vision of Margaret McBryan, bringing love from Austin to Union Village.