Tag Archives: New York

Building upon the Work of Past Genealogists

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As I have done genealogical research over the years, I occasionally find myself returning to the same families and records, and after a while things look familiar and I realize that I am doing work that I have already done. At one point, in my attempts to organize and clean out some paperwork, I happened upon some old research correspondence of my Great Uncle Theron. He apparently had paid a professional genealogist to do some research on the family of Samuel and Rebecca Eggleston. This letter was among the files I received from his daughter Ruth years ago and I am sure that I read through it then. I received it after I had already found the deeds and most of the documents mentioned. Through my research I had added children to the family.

Genealogy the Old-Fashioned Way

I began genealogical research before digital took over, but I am impressed by the information gleaned in 1961 by this researcher who had to hunt down records in different locations. This involved more work than my scrolling through microfilm at the Family History Library, and certainly more than done by clicking around on websites. This researcher likely contacted the Onondaga County Historian and requested all the information they had available. This included deeds, which I found at the FHL by searching indexes and deed books on microfilm and then making copies to take home and study. It is interesting to me that he found the deed where Samuel Sr. sold land to Benjamin, but not the deed where Samuel sold land to Nathan for “love and affection”. This would have been very helpful to Uncle Theron. That Benjamin was Samuel’s son wasn’t specified in the deed, but on page 3 of this letter, he suggests “there may have been a son Benjamin”.

He did present the possibility of a son Nathan on page 3: “there may have been another son Nathaniel, but we are not sure about this.” He gave detail about Benjamin’s family, but for some reason Theron didn’t add Benjamin to the family records. Records of the Rose Hill Baptist Church would also have been helpful if the Onondaga County Historian had searched them.

This researcher did determine through a Pension Record, that the Samuel Eggleston buried in Shaneateles was not the same one who served in the Revolution (bottom of page 1). He also pointed out an apparent conflict with a former researcher’s conclusion that the Washington County Eggleston’s were not ours. To clarify, he employed a researcher in Washington County, New York.

Also cited and discussed was the work of an earlier researcher, Frank E. Robbins, who wrote a paper in 1941 on The Egglestons. Robbins “Eggleston in the Michigan Census” published in Nov/Dec 1944, DSGR Magazine, has been very helpful to more current researchers. This researcher, however, didn’t just take Robbins word on the family as quoted on page 2. He sought to verify that information. The enclosed copy of notes accompanying this letter, consists of a nine page Research Log of his search of Connecticut records. It includes searches of deeds, probate records, Church records (what appears to be the Pendleton Hill Baptist Church provided more information that the Congregational Church records) and the well known sources of the Barbour and Hale Collections. These were sources that I also searched.

This researcher seemed to reference Henry R. Stiles work “the author of the Eggleston family in Windsor”. He concluded, as I and most everyone has, that Joseph of R. I. and Stonington could not have been the son of Bigot born in 1651, but could be a grandson. (page 2 ) He also concluded, as most early researchers did, that with the exception of Elisha, Isaac’s family all went to Washington County, NY.

It took much more study of deeds and other information not available at that time, to confirm that Isaac’s son Joseph stayed in Connecticut and it was Joseph’s son Joseph who went to Washington County with Isaac’s sons. (See my Article published in the Connecticut Nutmegger June 2005) Now we are pursuing a theory that some of Elisha’s sons may have gone there as well.

He mentioned a couple of marriage records that remain a mystery to me: Mary Eggleston in 1740 and Isaac in 1755.

Toward the end of the letter, he brought up Anna Browning, and mentioned the Rhode Island William Browning who married Mary Wilkinson, as a clue since Anna named a son Wilkinson. There seemed to be some confusion about Anna’s supposed birth date not fitting with the family. Many have been confused about the birth dates of this family. I have changed them back many times to my estimates on FamilySearch and others have changed back to some that I know can’t be right. I do think Anna belongs to this larger R.I. Browning family, but haven’t determined exactly where.

Earlier Eggleston Research

Also in Uncle Theron’s records were some letters from the 1930’s. The first addressed to his sister Florence, which referred to “instructions of your brother, Theron”, who apparently initiated the research. The intent seems to be preparing names for Temple work on both the Eggleston and Burgess families. There is not much detail given, but apparently the researcher felt confident in proceeding with Temple Work.

In 1933, Theron wrote to a researcher in Washington D. C. who he apparently found mentioned in “The Handbook of American Genealogy” as being connected to Egglestons. The information Theron gives in this letter obviously comes from the Temple work done by his father Orson Hyde Eggleston.

Theron suggests that dates may not correct. I eventually learned that some of the other information was not correct, or at least incomplete. Most dates are obviously estimates, and places as well. Orson may not have known that the family was in Connecticut before migrating to New York, where he and his father were born. These records do give us a good idea of what Orson knew, had been told, or assumed, and also what Theron knew and assumed.

Orson’s Temple Work

Orson Hyde Eggleston gathered genealogical information and went to the Logan Temple in 1914 to do proxy Temple ordinances for a number of ancestors. My father was given these handwritten sheets by a cousin. Later when I visited cousin Ruth, Theron’s daughter, she gave me similar sheets that her parents had apparently filled out for work that they had done. I found the microfilm of the Temple work done in the Logan Temple in 1914, handwritten in the margin of the pages as film #177873. These indicate that the work was done “instance of Orson Hyde Eggleston”, though others were proxy for some of the ordinances.

Compiled sheets of Temple Work done by Orson Hyde Eggleston – legal sheets folded to show relationships
Compiled sheets of Temple Work done by Orson Hyde Eggleston – legal sheets folded to show relationships
Pages from the Logan Temple microfilm showing corresponding men and women

The first sheet shows the Mr. Eggleston born 1700 – #27 with Orson’s relationship as 3rd great grandson. Mrs. Eggleston born born 1702 – #26, is the woman who corresponds with him. Isaac born 1723 is 2nd great grandson – #25, with Joseph next to him as 2nd great grand nephew – #26. Anna Browning corresponds as the wife of Isaac with relationship also as 2nd great grandson. She is #7 on the page, which doesn’t show in this image. It is interesting that wives are not listed in the far left column for these two as with many others. The woman who corresponds with Joseph’s relationship is #44 Karin Springer born 1727, 2nd great grand nephew-in-law. Samuel Eggleston #20, born 1748 is great grandson. There is no corresponding great grandson for a woman, except Mrs. Ambrose Hill, #31, who would be the mother of Samuel Jr.’s wife Elizabeth Hill. Rebecca Eggleston #29 born 1750 is listed as 4th Cousin.

The typed pages from the Logan Temple microfilm when placed with the men and women side by side seem to match up: Mr. and Mrs. Eggleston as 3rd great grandparents, Isaac and Anna Browning as 2nd great grandparents, Samuel and Rebecca as great grandparents/4th cousin, and Samuel Jr. and Elizabeth Hill as grandparents. In between are Joseph and Karin Springer 2nd great grand uncle and aunt.

My Conclusions

Through my research, I concluded that there probably wasn’t an Ambrose Eggleston, son of Samuel and Rebecca #20. I found no records for such a person, but have left him on FamilySearch because I know if I delete him, someone will add him back on. Samuel Jr. and Elizabeth Hill did have a son Ambrose, likely named after her father Ambrose Hill. I think Orson was confused and put an Ambrose in both generations when there was only one.

I concluded that Samuel’s wife Rebecca was Rebecca Eggleston. Orson’s record of Temple work and the genealogical information he submitted to the Utah Genealogical Society gives her name Rebecca Eggleston. I think Orson knew that was her maiden name, but Theron assumed her maiden name was unknown (in the letter) and that Eggleston was her married name.

Orson’s did Temple work for both Samuel’s father Isaac and his brother Joseph and who appears to be Joseph’s wife Karen Springer, but no other members of their father Joseph’s family. This raises the question of why he even knew that Isaac had a brother Joseph. I determined that Joseph and his wife Caron were the parents of Rebecca. That is why their work was done and Orson knew that. Theron didn’t mention Karen in this letter, probably because she is listed on the Temple record as Orson’s 4th cousin. She was his 4th cousin, because she was her husband Samuel’s first cousin. She was also Orson’s great great great grandmother. Further confirmation of this is the will of Joseph Eggleston which names his wife as Coran. It also lists daughters who would have all been married at the time, with the first one as Rebecca Eggleston.

Using Work of the Past to Create a More Complete Record

I have come to realize that part of my research must be looking at the work of previous researchers, taking another look at the same documents they saw, and asking questions about what they knew and how they came to certain conclusions. I feel that I have benefitted from partnerships with those who did research long ago and are now on the other side helping out.

We are fortunate to have the information Uncle Theron gathered. I have to wonder how many of younger generations are gathering information quickly online that has already been researched and compiled. Sometimes I wonder if we are all doing the same things over and over again, just with newer technology? And gathering data does not always result in coming to correct conclusions.

Eggleston Family Members in Marcellus Baptist Church Records Part 4 1825 and later

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The old church records that my father and I found at the Rose Hill/Thorn Hill Baptist Church on our visit in 2001, proved to be a wealth of information about our Eggleston family. The Articles of Faith and Covenant, along with church membership lists are in a previous post. The first excerpts of entries pertaining to Eggleston family members from the beginnings of the church in 1807 until 1811 are in Part 1. Part 2 covers entries from 1812 to 1816. Part 3 continues with 1816 to 1819. This post, Part 4 includes entries from 1825 and later.

1825

Nathan Eggleston began to have difficulties with the church in 1825.

Aug 13 1825
Voted that Dea Nathan Thompson and Br. Ebenezer Edwards be a committee to visit Brother Nathan Eagleston learn the state of his mind and report his case at our next church meeting. .

Nathan Eggleston’s case was resolved rather quickly, or at least the church did not spend much time in labor with him. Fellowship was withdrawn by vote on September 10, 1825.

Monthly Church meeting Sept 10th 1825
Dea N. Thompson and Br. E. Edwards reported that they had visited Br. Nathan Eagleston and that they found him in a very cold (dead) state of mind and that he had no desire to travail with the church and that he refused to attend this church meeting when requested so to do and further that he believed it the duty of the Church to exclude him from the fellowship. After sundry inquries made by the Brethren
Voted that we are at the end of labor with Br. Nathan Eagleston

1826

In 1826 Abraham Eggleston began to have difficulties with the church.

Feb 1826
Br. Abraham Eggleston came forward and manifested that his mind had been laboring under difficulties for a long time and thought that he could not walk with the church any longer and thought it the duty of the Church to exclude him from the Church It was suggested by some of the Brethren that we appoint a committee to visit Br. Eagleston a try to help his mind.
Voted that Brethren Amasa Sessions John B. Hoxey and Lemuel Smith be a committee to visit Br. Eagleston and report his case at our next monthly Church meeting.
The committee appointed to visit Br. Abraham Eagleston not all being present . Br. Sesions however made a favorable statement on the subject and requested another committee to visit Br. Eagleston and report his case at our next Ch mtg.

By August 1826, the church had come to the end of laboring with Abraham and fellowship was withdrawn from him.

24 (12) Aug 1826
After considerable time spent in conversation on Br. Eggleston’s case it was Voted that we are at the end of labor with Br. Abraham Eggleston. Voted to withdraw the hand of fellowship from Abraham Eggleston

1828

Benjamin Eggleston, son of Samuel and Rebecca Eggleston, along with his wife Elizabeth were baptized in May 1828. Unlike his brothers Samuel and Nathan, Benjamin was a faithful member and later served as a Deacon.

May 21, 1828
Came for the following persons:
Benjamin Eggleston
Elizabeth Eggleston

1832

By 1832, Benjamin Eggleston was a Deacon. There were many mentions of him through these later Church books, though we did not copy all of them.

1837

In 1837, Benjamin Eggleston was chosen Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the First Baptist Religious Society of Marcellus.

May 1837
At a meeting of the board of trustees of the first Baptist religious society of Marcellus held at the house of I. Mills Benjamin Eggleston was chosen chairman Charl. A. Calkins secretary & treasurer, Aaron Allen collector & S. C. Baker Sexton
Voted that 8 cords of wood be bought at 7/per cord of Charl A. Calkins & a collection taken on the 4th Sunday in May to pay Eld. B. W. Capron $3.00 for his service the past year in cleaning the house & building fires. E. Sesions B. Eggleston & A. Kneeland be requested to keep order below & J. Smith R. Hoxie & C. Calkins in the gallery. Eld B. W. Capron be requested to keep the key build fires, & sweep the house.

1841

In 1841 Benjamin Eggleston was chosen Trustee, along with his son-in-law Stepehn Vandenburgh. Stephen was also chosen as Clerk.

Theodore Eggleston, son of Benjamin, was Trustee years later, probably 1861 or 1867.

This concludes the transcriptions of pages that my father and I photocopied in 2001. We only copied pages that we noticed information about Eggleston family members, though we made some notes from other pages that were not copied. There likely were other mentions that we missed.

By the time of these later records, Benjamin and his family were the only Egglestons remaining in Marcellus and being associated with this church.

Note:

In my book, The Joseph Eggleston Family: Seven Generations from Joseph (d.1767) of Stonington, Connecticut to Joseph (1885-1965) of Utah and Wyoming (Including Maternal Lines: Hill, Burgess, Titus, Sammis & Johnson)  church record entries for specific people are discussed there under the heading CHURCH RECORDS. Background information about this church is included in Appendix B THE BAPTIST CHURCHES.

Eggleston Family Members in Marcellus Baptist Church Records Part 3 1816-1819

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The old church records that my father and I found at the Rose Hill/Thorn Hill Baptist Church on our visit in 2001, proved to be a wealth of information about our Eggleston family. The Articles of Faith and Covenant, along with church membership lists are in a previous post. The first excerpts of entries pertaining to Eggleston family members from the beginnings of the church in 1807 until 1811 are in Part 1. Part 2 covers the years 1812- 1816. This Post, Part 3 continues from 1816 to 1819.

1816 Continued

Electa Eggleston, daughter of Samuel Jr., was baptized into the church in 1816. Some early databases placed Electa as the youngest in the family with an estimated birth date of 1812, which would have made her very young at this time. The Baptists did not baptize small children. The birth date for Electa in family letters is May 20, 1799, which would place her baptism the day before her 17th birthday.


May 19 1816
Joseph Enos and Electa Eggleston were Baptized and received into the church

Samuel Eggleston Jr. began to have issues with the church in 1816. This may have been a precipitating factor for his move from the area in 1817. The first mention was in September of 1816, when Brothers Amasa Chapman and Salman Hunt were sent to visit him. It is interesting that at the same meeting, Samuel’s brother Nathan was sent to visit Wyllis Manley.

Samuel’s case was brought up again at the September 21st meeting, however Brothers Chapman and Hunt had not visited him. They were encouraged to do so. Nathan Eggleston and Brother Chandler had also neglected to visit Brother Manley.

Sept 3rd 1816
Voted the Br. Amasa Chapman & Salman Hunt visit Br. Samuel Eagleston and report to the Church meeting.
Voted that Br. G. Chandler & N. Eagleston visit Br. Wyllis Manley & report next church meeting.
Sept 21 1816
Church met for business at Br. A. Hunt, according to previous appointment. Prayer by Eld Morton. Voted Eld Morton Moderator. The case of Br. Samuel Eggleston was then called up and it appeared that Br. Chapman & S. Hunt had neglected to visit Br. Eggleston consequently Voted they should still visit him. Br. Chandler states that he and Br. N. Eggleston have not visited Brother Wyllis Manley. But as he spoke his mind at last covenant meeting it was thought best for the brethren to visit him individually.

1817

In 1817, other members of the Eggleston family joined this church. Laura Eggleston joined along with Samuel Hovey, Polly Hovey and Jedediah Brown. The record indicates that they joined “by letter”, meaning that they had come from another church with a letter recommending them.

This Laura Eggleston was a mystery to me at the time I first saw these records. I had no idea how she fit into the family. It was some time later that I learned, through other Eggleston descendants, that the other Nathan Eggleston’s wife was Laura. This Nathan is probably the Nathaniel, mentioned as brother of Oliver in the church records. Nathan and Laura were the parents of Leonard Eggleston, who was on Marcellus Baptist Church membership lists.

Oliver Eggleston also joined the church that year. The record specifies that he had a letter from the church in Salem dated 4th March 1809. Salem is in Washington County, New York, where most of the Eggleston lived prior to coming to Marcellus. It is interesting that Oliver had this letter for several years before coming to Marcellus.

Oliver was most likely a son of Joseph Eggleston, who had migrated to Marcellus with Samuel.

1817 21
Covenant Meeting the Church appearing to be in great union. The following persons were united to the church viz. Samuel Hovey, Polly Hovey, Laura Eggleston Jedediah Brown (by letter) and Alpheus Winchester was restored to the fellowship of the Church
1817 Oliver Eggleston was received into our Fellowship by letter from the church in Salem dated 4th March 1809

The case of Samuel Eggleston was brought up again, after his being labored with. He apparently was reluctant to continue with the church, but the church postponed his matter until the next meeting.

Br. Samuel Eggleston being present was labored with faithfully but could not be prevailed upon to take up his travail with the Church. Voted to postpone his matter until next church meeting.

At the next meeting March 11, Samuel seemed to have a change of heart, so his matter was suspended.

1817 March 11
Met for business at Br. Salmon Hunt. Prayer by Br. A. Kneeland. Voted Br. A. Kneeland Moderator. Deacon Thompson reported that he had visited Br. Samuel Eggleston he say Br. Manifested a desire to travail with the church and he hoped that he should be able to make satisfaction to the brethren. Voted to suspend the matter with Br. Eggleston for the present.

April 4, 1817, Elizabeth Eggleston was given a letter of recommendation. This was close to the time that Samuel and Elizabeth sold their land in Marcellus and moved to Springwater, New York. Elizabeth apparently was a member in good standing and given the letter to join another church.

Oliver Eggleston had problems with the church in April 1817. It is interesting that Laura Eggleston, who joined at the same time he did, supported the charges against him. His brothers Nathaniel and Edward and Edward’s wife also refused to defend him. Oliver’s time in the church was short and what happened to him after that is not known.

A complaint was brought against Br. Oliver Eggleston for using profane language at Different times previous to his joining the church (he joined this church by a letter which he had for some years signed by Elder Warren) This charge was supported in evidence by Br. Wm Hunt & Sister Phebe Hunt & Laura Eggleston. Also by his Brother Nathaniel. His Brother Edward and his wife refuse to clear him. Br. Oliver has been labored with at different times and invariably denies the charge or says he has no recollection of ever swearing or taking the name of God in vain…
Voted to Withdraw fellowship from Oliver Eggleston.

September 7, 1817 the church voted to withdraw fellowship from Samuel Eggleston. Samuel had sold his land in April 1817, so he may have already moved away. Possibly, he did not request a letter of recommendation at the time Elizabeth did, or he moved before the church had voted on his status. It is also possibly that they had not yet moved, or he had come back briefly.

Voted to withdraw fellowship from Samuel Eggleston
Samuel Eggleston is excluded

1818

Years after his difficulties with the church, Truman Skeels was finally excluded in 1818.

The whole transaction appears to be the fruit of a dishonest principle. Viz. to say it is right to run in debt and give a man worthless security without telling his creditor of the fallacy.
After laboring with him some time nothing could be gained accept he said he had done wrong by assuming debt after that he had determination taking the benefit of the act.
Voted unanimously that we are at the end of labor with him.
Truman Skeels is Excluded
Voted the clerk shall write Truman Skeels a letter of Exclusion

In April 1818 Elizabeth Eggleston was Dismissed. Since Samuel and Elizabeth had already moved away and Elizabeth had been given a letter or recommendation, there is some question about whether this is a different Elizabeth. I didn’t see any mention in the records of an issue with an Elizabeth Eggleston prior to this and the term dismissed would not seem to indicate that she was excluded because of problems, but just that she had moved or left in good standing.

1818 April 26
Elizabeth Eggleston Dismissed

Abraham Eggleston, apparently the son of Joseph Eggleston, was baptized in December 1818. It is interesting that the record mentions that the others baptized with him related their experiences, however it does not say that Abraham did.

1818 Dec 26 Covenant Meeting
A much larger number of the church were present than common there also appeared to be more union in church than has been for some time past. Tryphene Allen related her experience and was fellowship as a Christian. . .Fanny Sessions related her experience of mind and received fellowship from the church. . .
27
Elder Alphred Bennet Preached and administered the Lords Supper
Abraham Eggleston Tryphene Allen & Fanny Sessions were baptised and united to the church.

1819

In July 1819, the church received word that Samuel Eggleston had joined another Baptist Church. The record did not mention which church, as it did with the mention of Daniel Moore and Susanna Tanner joining the church in Harmony. Susanna Tanner was the wife of Amos Tanner, son of Thomas Tanner and Phoebe Eggleston. Phoebe was a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Eggleston. Many of the Tanner children had moved to Harmony in Chautauqua County, New York along with Nathan Eggleston and some of Benjamin Eggleston‘s children.

July 1825
New information that Br. Samuel Eagleston has united with another Church of our faith and order. Also that Brother Daniel Moore and Susanna Tanner have united with the Baptist Church in Harmony

Note:

The Marcellus Baptist Church Records continue in another blog post: Part 4 1825 and later.

In my book, The Joseph Eggleston Family: Seven Generations from Joseph (d.1767) of Stonington, Connecticut to Joseph (1885-1965) of Utah and Wyoming (Including Maternal Lines: Hill, Burgess, Titus, Sammis & Johnson)  church record entries for specific people are discussed there under the heading CHURCH RECORDS. Background information about this church is included in Appendix B THE BAPTIST CHURCHES.

Eggleston Family Members in Marcellus Baptist Church Records Part 2 1812-1816

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The old church records that my father and I found at the Rose Hill/Thorn Hill Baptist Church on our visit in 2001, proved to be a wealth of information about our Eggleston family. The Articles of Faith and Covenant, along with church membership lists are in a previous post. The first excerpts of entries pertaining to Eggleston family members from the beginnings of the church in 1807 until 1811 are in Part 1. This post, Part 2 covers the years 1812- 1816.

1812

Isaac Skeels, who later married Samuel Eggleston Jr.’s daughter Anna, joined the Marcellus Church June 7, 1812, along with his brother Truman Skeels.

Jun 7
John Alport, Truman Skeels & Isaac Skeels was this day Baptized and received into our fellowship

1813

The Skeels began to have difficulties with the Church shortly after joining. Nathan Eggleston and Luther Manley were sent to visit Simeon Skeels, Isaac’s father, and request he attend a meeting. Deacon Thompson had received a letter from another church mentioning a difficulty with Simeon Skeels and the wife of Jedidiah Hurd. Unfortunately, I did not copy the next page, so this issue is left hanging.

May 15 1813
At Covenant meeting upon a request from Brethren in Camillus.
Voted to send Eld. Harman, Joshua Chandler, Amasa Kneeland & Truman Skeels to set in council on the 20th inst.
Voted at church meeting on Saturday next at 1 o’clock at Deacon Thompsons.
Voted Deacon Thompson, Amasa Sessions, Amasa Chapman, Nathan Eagleston & Luther Manley a committee to visit Mr. Simeon Skeels and request him to attend said meeting.
May 22 Brethren of the church met for Church meeting at Deacon Thompsons according to a previous appointment. After prayer Deacon Nathan Thompson moderator.
Then received a letter from the Church in Gorham stating a difficulty against Brother Simeon Skeels for harboring the wife of Jedediah Hurd. After hearing the above letter and also from the above committee who have visited Brother Skeels. Proceeded to enquire into the merits of the case. 1st Did the wife of Jedediah Hurd have liberty from him to come to Marcellus. Ans. it appeared she had $9 an order from J. D. Hurd and other circumstances. 2nd Has Brother Skeels refused to . . .

Later in the summer of 1813, probably August, Betsey Eggleston was baptized along with Sally Berry. There were a number of Betsey Egglestons. One, Samuel Jr.’s wife had been baptized in the early days of the church, her name being given as Elizabeth in that record. John B. Eggleston married Betsey Hoxie about 1810, so this could be her. Benjamin Eggleston married Elizabeth Wiltse and they were active members later.

15
Received Sisters Sally Berry & Betsey Eggleston into our Fellowship by baptism

1814

Simeon Skeels difficulties had not just been with his previous church. Another issue was brought before the church in 1814. This was about dificulties he had with individual of the church and refusing or neglecting to attend to the difficulties. Nathan Eggleston was again one sent to work with him.

I am including this letter of exclusion for Betsy Johnson because it is probably typical of those letter than some of our family members received.

March 11 1814
Church met agreeable to appointment at Deacon Thompsons after prayer & singing. Voted Deacon Hiscock moderator. Brethren Nathan Eagleston and Wyllis Manly inform the Church that they have cited Br. Simeon Skeels to attend here today. Br. Skeels being present says he has neglected his duty as stated above—and Further says he will attend to the difficulty with those individuals in two weeks. Voted to postpone the above matter with Br. Skeels until next Church Meeting.
Betsy Johnson letter of exclusion “To our once covenanted Sister Betsy Johnson you are hereby informed that in consequence of your unchristian conduct your neglect of travail with the chutch and your refusing to head the church when called upon, we have put you away from amongst us. Yet our desire and prayer to God is that you may find repentance twards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and yet be. . ..

This matter between Simeon Skeel and Brother and Sister Hurd was apparently resolved in April.

April 2 1814
Church met agreeable to appointment. After singing and prayer Br. Skeels being present says he has attended to the difficulty which he has had with individuals of the Church which was proved by Brethren Nathan Eagleston and Amasa Sessions. Voted Satisfied with Br. Simeon Skeels on their labour with him. Br. Simeon Skeels then brought difficulties as follows against Br. Thadeous L. Hurd Viz. 1st Br. Thadeus L. Hurd has once settled all matters of difficulty with him and afterwords denied it or said he had a difficulty with him 2nd For not attending to the above difficulty in a Gospel manner…3rd He says Br. Hurd has reported that he (Br. Skeels) has said one thing at one time and denied it at another time. Voted to receive the above difficulties to labour after learning that Br. Skeels has taken Br. N. Eaglestone and Br. Sessions to labor with him. After considerable conversation Br. Skeels and Br. Hurd & wife said to be satisfied with each other. Voted we are satisfied with them.

Later in 1814, Simeon and Isaac Skeels apparently were becoming involved with Universalism. Nathan Eggleston was sent with Deacon Thompson to visit them.

Sept 26 1814
Brethren appointed to visit Brethren Simeon and Isaac Skeels made reutrns. Voted we are not satisfied with those brethrem. Voted Deacon Thompson & Bro. Nathan Eggleston shall be appointed to visit Brethren Simeon and Isaac Skeels to learn their sentiment concerning Universalism and cite them to our next church meeting.
Nov 12 1814
Church met at Brother John Hunt to set in order things wanting in Gods house. . .After singing and prayer Bro. Harmon was chosen moderator. Deacon Thompson made returns that he with Bro. N. Eagleston had visited Br. Simeon Skeels (Br. Isaac being in the army) and cited him to attend here to day he was not present. Deacon Thompson also stated that in conversation with Br. Simeon Skeels upon the subject of Universalism he stated that he hoped there was no future punishment but did not answer definitely that he believed all men would go to heaven at death or not. Voted that we still are dissatisfied with Br. Skeels. Voted Brethren John Hunt & Ebenezer Lewis shall cite Br. Simeon Skeels to attend next church meeting and answer the Church 1st then reason of his hope why there will be no future punishment and why he has not maintained a gospel travail with the church.

1815

In 1815, apparently after church leaders and members working with the Skeels, Isaac excluded from the church.

Oct 19 1815
Br. Isaac Skeels being present says his mind is much the same it was at the last church meeting after much conversation and labor with him.Eld. Harman then arose and give him the second admonition. We then voted to withdraw our Fellowship from Br. Isaac Skeels. Voted that the Clerk write and read a letter of exclusion next sabbath.

1816

Though Isaac Skeels had been excluded, the church was still working with Truman Skeels in 1816. Nathan Eggleston was sent with John Hunt to visit him.

Feb 29th 1816
Voted Br. John Hunt & Bro. Nathan Eagleston to visit Brother T. Skeels, W. Manley, L. Manley & Calvin Manley and request them to help eld. Harman and make [ ]. . .

Bro. J. Hunt & Br. N. Eggleston say that they have visited the Brethren to which they were appointed and they informed them that they would visit Eld. Harman and settle with him.

Note:

The Marcellus Baptist Church Records continue in another blog post: Part 3 1816-1819.

In my book, The Joseph Eggleston Family: Seven Generations from Joseph (d.1767) of Stonington, Connecticut to Joseph (1885-1965) of Utah and Wyoming (Including Maternal Lines: Hill, Burgess, Titus, Sammis & Johnson)  church record entries for specific people are discussed there under the heading CHURCH RECORDS. Background information about this church is included in Appendix B THE BAPTIST CHURCHES.

Eggleston Family Members in Marcellus Baptist Church Records Part 1 1807-1811

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The Records of the First Baptist Church of Marcellus

The old church records that my father and I found at the Rose Hill/Thorn Hill Baptist Church on our visit in 2001, proved to be a wealth of information about our Eggleston family. The Articles of Faith and Covenant, along with church membership lists are in a previous post.

This post begins a discussion of specific entries in the record that pertain to members of our extended family. Because there are so many, I have divided them into four blog posts, in chronological order. This Part 1 covers entries from the beginning of the church in 1807 until 1811.

1807

The Church Record book began in 1807 and Eggleston family members were some of the first to be baptized into this church. Thomas Tanner was the husband of Phebe Eggleston, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca. After Phebe’s death, he married her sister Karen. Joshua Covey was the husband of Rebecca’s sister Karen/Coran Eggleston. Charles Richards was married to Betsey, probably daughter of Joseph Eggleston, Rebecca’s brother. They were all baptized the same day, March 7 (possibly 27th) 1807.

On the same page and also baptized in March 1807 was John Eggleston. John and his wife Rachel lived near the other Egglestons in Marcellus. He is somewhat of a mystery, but likely was another son of Samuel and Rebecca.

Samuel Eggleston Jr. was baptized April 19, 1807, along with his brother Nathan. Samuel’s wife Elizabeth was baptized on May 24th.


March (7th?) 1807 Thomas Tanner & Joshua Covey & Charles Richards & Cyril Johnson Was baptized and joined this church.

March (?th) 1807
David Robbins, Joseph Humphrey, John Egleston, Sally Winchester was Baptised & joined this church

April 19th 1807
Samuel Eagleton Jr. and Nathan Eagleston Was baptised and joined this church.
Sunday May 24th 1807
Elizabeth Eagleston & Hannah Humphrey & Betsy Johnson was Baptised and joined this Church.

1808

In 1808, some family members began to have issues with the church. Joshua Covey was the first. In September 1807 brethren were sent to visit Brother Covey. Apparently after months of work with him, he was restored to fellowship April 22, 1808.

Saturday April 22, 1808
Joshua Covey was restored to fellowship

1809

1809 brought difficulties for Thomas Tanner. This appears to be the beginning of a time of reform because several church members were identified as having difficulties needing to be addressed.

Saturday Jan 7th 1809
At our church meeting Made choice of Deacon Jesse Manley Moderator. Voted that Deacon Thompson, Joseph Humphrey, Jesse Manley, Joshua B. Bearss, Elder Harman, Deacon Kneeland & Amasa Kneeland to visit the following brethren to wit, Thomas Tanner, Daniel Mingus, Wm Collins and go with Brother Eldridge to look into matter between him & Adams.
Saturday Feb 4th 1809
At our stated Church meeting made choice of Deacon Thompson moderator. On hearing the returns from Brother Tanner Voted to suspend labour until our next Church meeting in course. Returns were then made from brother Mingus. The church voted to have an extra church meeting to labour with brother Mingus. The church voted satisfied with brother Collins. Brother Eldredge being present spoke for himself. A majority of the brethren voted satisfied.

In spite of efforts by the brethren and being given an opportunity to “confess his wrongs,” Thomas did not comply and the church voted to exclude him from membership. This was announced through a letter read in public the next Sunday at the school house.

There are no details in the record to indicate what “wrongs” Thomas needed to confess. It is interesting that his problems were originally called to the attention of the church along with several other men, which may indicate that it was a time the church felt a need to reform members. Thomas did not return to the church.

March 11th 1809
At our Stated Church meeting Deacon Jesse Manley was chosen moderator. Brother Tho Tanner being present was called upon by the Church to confess his wrongs; but not complying the church voted to exclude him. A letter of exclusion to be read in public on Sunday 19th inst, at framed School house. Brother King being present was called upon to confess to the satisfaction of the church.

Later in 1809, Brother J. Eggleston, probably John, was cited. At the same November meeting, Charles Richards was excluded.

Nov 1809
Voted Br. Hunt cite Br. Winchester. Elder Harmon to cite Br. Bears and Sister Wentworth Br. Chandler & Br. Thompson to cite Brother Mills J. Eaglestone & Johnson. Br. John Kneeland to cite Wm. Collins and wife. Voted Br. A. Kneeland write a letter of exclusion for Taylor and read tomorrow. Also voted a letter of exclusion for Charles Richards.

John Eggleston’s difficulties were mentioned further in November 1809. Apparently the church member’s efforts with him were successful. On the 6th (probably December) he confessed to their satisfaction.

Thursday Nov 10th 1809
The Church met agreeable to appointment (Extra Meeting) After singing and prayer made choice of Elder Harmon moderator. Brethren J. Hunt, Eld. Harmon J. Chandler Dea Thompson and Dea. Kneeland made returns that they had cited the following brethren to attend this meeting agreeable to their appointment to wit. Br. E. Winchester Br. Bears Sister Wentworth, Bro Mills Br. J. Eggleston Br. Johnson Br. Collins and Sister Collins.
6th
Took up labor with Br. John Eggleston for his neglect of duty in not fulfilling his covenant obligations with his brethren. On his confessing his faults Voted satisfied with him.

1811

Thomas Marsh, who later married Samuel Eggleston Jr.’s daughter Lucy, apparently moved back and forth across Skaneateles Lake, or at least transferred membership from the Marcellus Church to the Sempronius Baptist Church. He was given a letter to take to the Sempronius Church.

May 1811
“The Baptist church of Christ in Sempronius to whom it may concern This certify that Brother Thomas Marsh is a member of good standing in this Church with us and as such we recommend him to any Church of our faith and order and when joined as such dismised from us. By order and in behalf of the Church. Ezekiel Sayles Ch Cl Sempronius May 11th 1811
A true copy attest A. Sessions

Note:

The Marcellus Baptist Church Records continue in another blog post: Part 2 1812-1816.

In my book, The Joseph Eggleston Family: Seven Generations from Joseph (d.1767) of Stonington, Connecticut to Joseph (1885-1965) of Utah and Wyoming (Including Maternal Lines: Hill, Burgess, Titus, Sammis & Johnson)  church record entries for specific people are discussed there under the heading CHURCH RECORDS. Background information about this church is included in Appendix B THE BAPTIST CHURCHES.

Eliza Eggleston Barron

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I would really like to have known Aunt Eliza Eggleston Barron. The glimpses we have of her, especially from her letters, give me the impression she was quite spunky and would have been an entertaining storyteller. Her life was not necessarily easy and was not very long.

Eliza’s Early Life

Eliza Eggleston Barron was born March 25, 1810 in Marcellus, Onondaga, New York. Family records had estimated her birth as 1802, but there appeared to be confusion with her sister Electa. Eliza was the youngest daughter in the family. In genealogical information sent by Orson to his father in 1876, he gave this birth date for Eliza. Eliza died November 4, 1869.

Eliza married Carr D. Barron May 9, 1840 in Owasco, Cayuga, New York. He was born February 15, 1809 in Owasco, Cayuga, New York. Eliza and Carr Barron moved from Springwater, Livingston, New York to Michigan, apparently before her sister Electa and family came.

Glimpses of Eliza’s Life through Letters

Much of the sense I get of Eliza’s personality, I gain from a letter she wrote to her brother Samuel June 8, 1862 from Groveland, Michigan. She wrote:

Groveland, June 8, 1862

“It is a long time since I have written to you. You must excuse my neglect for it is quite a task for me to write a letter. My health is not very good but I work some and attend to my business. Carr’s health is poor but he works as hard as ever. Two years ago last fall he had a fit of the palsy, the second one. It was a long time before he could work much. It hurt his speech and memory but we are mortals subject to decay. I suppose you will want to know about the children. Almon will be 21 in August next. Mary was 19 in April and Sarah 17 in May. Barton is 10. They are healthy children and a great help to us.”

Letter from Eliza Eggleston Barron to Samuel Eggleston

After this general family news and health report, she told her brother Samuel about other family members. This is what she had to say about their younger brother Ansel:

“Five years ago this summer Ansel come her head up and pockets full of gold. He said he was on his way to Pennsylvania to get some money that was a comeing to him. He staid here a week and then left and in January after he came here again poorer than Job turkeys. He said he had come from Des Moines and he had left Mary there. She had a boy and he dident know whether it was his or not. He had started for California. He staid here four weeks and then wrote to Mary to come here in about two weeks she came and such a bundle of rags you never saw. She had on an old black calico dress narrow and nasty. It was all she had. Ne bed nor bedding. We found them house, stove, chairs, bed bedding, dishes, and a cow. Through that summer and the next winter he tot into a shop to shoemake and made a living. After that he took a notion to go on his own hooks and wanted Carr to sign with him but he refused and he has been mad at me ever since. I think he is kind of ticklish property. He is now at Holley a shoemaking. They now get a good living.”

Later in the later she mentions, as if she forgot and then just remembered, “”Ansel has 3 boys.” Eliza also shared with Samuel some information about a contact with another Eggleston regarding genealogy. She seemed to want direction from Samuel about how to respond to this person.

“I had a letter the other day from Rev. A. Eggleston, Broome Co., N.Y. He wants me to give him the births, marriages and deaths of my father, mother, brothers and sisters, all except you and their children and grandchildren, if they have any, and all their names and ages, who they married and their occupation. I think he must be crazy. He give his address Broome Co., N.Y. but not the Post Office where it was mailed was rubbed off. . . Write as soon as you get this and tell me if you know what postoffice to direct my letter to him. Your affectionate sister

Eliza Barron

Write soon and direct your letter to Goodrichville, Genesee Co., Mich.”

If this Rev. A. Eggleston was crazy, as Eliza says, then I must be too. I understand the mindset of a genealogist trying to gather family information. In fact Eliza’s nephew Orson asked for the same kind of information when he visited her family while on his mission.

Eliza’s Passing

In a letter to Samuel dated March 5, 1873, their brother Ambrose wrote that he did not know where Eliza was. “I have had no correspondence with her since I moved into Allegany.” Apparently they had not kept in touch, and he was not aware of her death. At the time Orson was on his mission in Michigan in 1876, Eliza was dead. He did spend some time there with his Uncle Carr and cousins.

Eliza Eggleston Barron died of cancer November 4, 1869 in Groveland, Oakland, Michigan. Unfortunately her death record does not give her parents names and has her birthplace as New Jersey, not New York.

Death Record of Eliza Eggleston Barron
Death Record for Eliza Barron, the last entry showing on this image.

Eliza was buried in the Ortonville Cemetery in Oakland County, Michigan. There is a large Barron marker there.

After Eliza’s death, Carr married Sarah M. Beach Thurston March 2, 1870. She was born July 6, 1812 in Gates, Monroe, New York. They had no children.

Stillwater Baptist Church Membership Lists, Stillwater, New York

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The following are membership lists in the records of the Stillwater Baptist Church in Stillwater, New York.

Signers of the Original Covenant

Those signing the original Covenant:

Lemuel Tayler
John Carpenter
Ephraim Woodworth
Ezekiel Sayles
Benjamin Collins
Beriah Keele
Gabriel Strang
Gideon Freeman
Stephen Freeman
Peter Clements
William Robbins
George Edmonds

Sarah Sayles
Caty Strang
Mary Green
Kaziah Keele (dead)
Rodah Titus
Hannah Bryan
Lois Richman
Mary Freeman
Elizabeth Collins
Caty Cool
Anne Clements
Freelove Chatfield

A LIST OF THE NAMES OF THE MEMBERS OF STILLWATER CHURCH (United)

Elder Lemuel Powers
Elder David Irish (Dismn)
Deacon John Andrews (Dis)
Deacon Lemuel Taylor (Dis)
Jonathan Lawrence (Dis-by letter)
Ezekiel Sayles (Dis-by letter)
Gabrial Strang (Ded)
Gideon Freeman (Dism by letter)
Augustus Green
Thaddeus Histed (letter)
Mordecai Sayles (Exc)
James Cool (Exc)
Peter Valentine ( )
Ebenezer Smith
Matthew Vananburgh (Exc)
Silvanus Sayles
Bill Smith

Thomas Holmes (Exc)
Andrew Sprague (dis by letter)
James Green
James Ackerman
Eleazer Millard (D d)
Philip Munger (died)
Edy Millard (Exc)

Benjamin Irish
Benjamin Munger (Decd)
Joseph Munger (Dsimis by letter)
Enoch Higgons (Dismis by letter)
Naoh Mead (Dismis by letter)
Seth Burgess (dismis by letter)
Jotham Bassett (Dismis by letter)
Thomas Higgons (Dismis by letter)

William Roberts (died)
David Fisk (Exc)

Sarah Sayles (Dismis by letter)
Caty Strang (dead)
Mary Green
Rhoda Titus (Dismis by letter)

Mary Freeman (Dis)
Caty Cool (Dis)
Anne Clements (died)
Jerusha Thompkins (Dismis)
Phebe Freeman (Dismis by letter)

Esther Histed (letter)
Sarah Wright (Ex)
Elisabeth Saxton (Dismis by letter)
Olive Taylor [ ]
Mary Smith
Rebeckah Mott
Mary Vananburgh
Phebe Sayles
Mary Newland (dead)
Deliverance Sotherland
Adosha Williams (Dis)
Huldah Green
Jane Holmes (Dismised)
Hannah Dunham Burgess (Dismised)
Anne Rogers

Martha Burlingame (Dismis by letter)
Huldah Millard (Dismis by letter)
Anna Andrus
Abigail Baker (Dismis by letter)
Sarah Olney (Dis)
Phebe Roberts (Dis)
Dorcas Fuller (Dis)
Sarah Munger (Died)
Hannah Munger (Dismis by letter)

Joseph Chamberlain (DecD)
Daniel Guy (Dismist)
Benjamin Culver
Jonathan Jenkins (E)
Charles Deming (ex )
Josiah St. John (Dis)
Stephen Massly
Daniel Rogers
Robert Leonard (Exc)
Daniel McBride (Dism by letter)
Gilbert Warren (Dis)
John Rowley (Decd)
Seth Burgess Jun (Disms by letter)
David Evits
Rial Newland (Dis)
John Waters (Dis)
Stephen Sayles

Reuben Moore
[ ] St. John(Dism by letter)
John St. John (Died)
Alexander Weed (Dism by letter)
Michael Rogers (ex)
Roger Wilcox (Dism by letter)

John Summerton (Dismis )
Daniel Campbell (Dism by letter)
Joel Burgess (Dismis by leter)
Abraham Sayles
Jacob Wiltse (Dismis by letter)
Proctor Denton (Dis)
Briggs Sherman(Dism by letter)
Jacob Miller
John Thurber (Dismis by letter)
William How (Dismis by letter)

Abigail Munger(Ds)
Elisabeth Irish (Dism)
Freelove Potter
Sarah Mosher
Abigail Lee (Dis)
Abigail Olney (Dis)
Mercy Irish (Dismis by letter)
Sarah Rogers (Dis)
Susannah Newell (Dis)
Mary Stephens (Dis)
Elisabeth Seely
Elisabeth White
Keziah Millard (Ex)
Delight Woodworth
Sarah Palmer
Lucinday Marshal
Lydia Head
Dorcas Rathburn (Dis)
Phebe Rathburn (Monger)
Jerusha Histed (Dism by letter)

Rodah Carpenter ( )
Jane Lawrence (D )
Patience Jenkins (Died)
Lydia Wright
Mary Histed (Deceas)
Eunice Rathburn (Dis by letter)
Elenor Crawsby (Dis)

Martha Ostrander (Dis by letter)
Mercy Waters (Dis)
Persilla Waters (Dis)
Elizabeth Moore
Catherine Sayles
Deborah Strang
Jane Warren
Anne Seely Sayles

Samuel Munger
Abjah Smith
James Seely Jun
James Seely
Luke St. John (died)
David Woodworth
Daniel How (Dism by letter)
John Baker
Francis West
Lemuel Taylor Jun (Dismis by letter)
Joseph Wilber (Dimis by letter)
[ ]mitering Irish (Dism by letter)
Isaac Fuller (Dism by letter)
Edward Thurber (dismis by letter)
Like Hill (Ex)
Abnor Thurber
George Richardson (letter)
Van Ness
Benjamin Wing (Dis)

Sarah Deming (Dismis by letter)
Elisabeth Cropsey (Dis)
Achsa Rogers (died)
Mary Rogers (Excon)
Esther Denton (Dis
Ava Myres
Mary Willcox (Dis)
Rebeckah Summerton (Dismis by letter)
Mary Cole Brown (Dis)
Nancy Carpenter (Dismis by letter)
Tabitha Olney
Phebe Sayles (Dismis by letter)
Sarah Miller (dis)
Olive Crawford ( )
Ester Miller
Abigail Holsted
Elisabeth Irish (Dism by letter)

Anna Munger
Elizabeth St. John (died)

Sarah Ayers (Dis)
Rodah Steward
Elisabeth Campbell
Prudence Hayes
Achsa How Marcy (Dis)
Eunice Irish (Dismis by leter)
Hannah Andrus Munger
Sarah Walters (Died)
Chloe Scibley Brown
Abigail McBride (Dismis by letter)
Rebeckah Southward
Dorcas St. John (Dis)
Nancy Ford
Lucy Pettit (Dis)

[Chapman crossed out]

Eunice West (Ded)
Sarah Taylor (Dis)
Abigail Thruber (Decd)
Rebecka Beets (Dism by letter)
Abner Thurber (crossed out)
Mary Sayles (Decd)
Amy Bostwich

Ephraim Knowlton
Peter Grooms
William Grooms
Daniel Derbeshaw
James Essine
Mathew Neally
Joshua Miller
Ephraim Dunham
William Goslin (Died)
Prichard Clute
Timothy Wooden (dead)
George Alford
Joseph Peck
Nathaniel Upham
Arnold Waide
John Baker
John Bell
Lent
Andrew Evens
Abraham Walton
Thomas Hosier
George Elsworth
William king
Philip King

Elizabeth Knowlton
Anna Wooden
Margara Welden
Mathiah Tockrider
Jane Dunham
Marget Gossen
Elisabeth Dunham
Martha Gossen
Mary Jeosten
Levina Derbeshan
Ane Thaber
Rachel Baker

Abigail Goden
Molley Alford
Phebe Peek
Lucy Evans
Sarah Lodue
Patience Briggs
Phebe Daly
Jane Chase
Catherine Daly
Hannah Hensley
Mary Knowlton
Jane Hosier
Elisabeth Bell
Patience Wooden
Rebekah Sayles

Mary Wiley
Anna Grooms
Rebeckah Upum
Elsay Elsworth

On the side of page
Jerusha Flint
Martha Walds
Ruth Arnold

Millton Brethren and sisters over the cape

John Holmes
Thomas Merick
Joseph Wood
Benjamin Bennet
Othniel Palmer
Williams Norton
Robert Acherman
Randel Hasel
Elijah Price

Grant Price
Silas Brown (Ex)
Andrew Alger (deceased)
Gideon Hoyel
Daniel Couch
Charles Dale

Joshua Mann
Joel Corkens
Rufus Price
Salmon Child
George Loveless
Samuel Reid
Nathaniel Corkins

Hannah Bryam
Anne Wood
Hannah Holmes (Dismed)
Bethiah Corkens
Eunice Woodworth
Rookslany Ackerman
Experience Hewet
Sarah Starr
Hannah Price
Silance Palmer
Mary Washburn
Beilah Price
Olive Bacon
Eunice Reid
Mary Rose
Ruth Olney
Olive Child

Martha Isam
Abigail White

41
Milton Brethren & sisters Dismised

Hemlockbrook Brethren & Sisters (Greenfield)

Gershom Saxton (Dis)
Warren Carpenter (ex)
Nathaniel Saxton (dis)
Samuel Conklin (Dismis by letter)
Seth Corkens (Ex)
Rowland Potter
Ambrose Newland (Dis)
John McCarty
Jonathan Fish Jun (Dis)
Elihu Ward
Moses Leonard (Dis)
John Griffin (Dis letter)
Pardon Fish
Josiah Wilber (Deced)
Thomas Windover
Jonathan Fisk Jun
Joseph Dooler (Dead)

Jacob Finehout (Dis)

Hannah Fisk (Dead)
Hannah Hill
Mercy Irish
Elisabeth Saxton (Dis)
Susanna Saxton (dis
Ruth Fuller
Elisabeth Cady (dis)
Esther Knapp
Rodah Fish
Deisre Windover
Elisabeth Griffen (dis letter)
Elisabeth Conklin (Dis by letter) 30

Ballstown Brethren and Sisters

Lazarus Hollister
Clement Youngs
Joneth Holister
William Betteys
Nehemiah Seely (Dis by letter)
Daniel Thomas
Thomas Proctor
John Cloinwiser
Benjamin Ide
John Cutler
Gideon Luther

Sarah Hollister
Anna Youngs
Mary Betteys
Jane Burns
Deborah Seely
Susannah Miller
(Ballstown cont)
Rachel Cloidenwiser
Abagail Seely
Huldah Lasay
Hannah Wakeman
Mary Cutler
Lydia Smith
Mary Luther 24

Fishcreek Brethren and sisters:

Jonathan Dendal
Seth Crosel
Henry Knapp
Alpheus Lewis
Hezekiah Dunham
Joseph Coon
Timothy Carrier
Jonathan Psat
Jonathan Pettet
Rufus Ballard
Zacheus Tayler

Niles Tayler
Solomon Carier
Benjamin Rayler
Thomas Jordan
Daniel Miller
George Coon
David Cross
Hezekiel Betts
Tamsom Davis

Mary Pendal
Mary Crosbie
Jasmine Knapp
Thankful Lewis
Mary Dunham
Martha Coon
Mehitabel Carier
Anna Sweet

Agnes Pettit
Nancy McCutchen
Hannah Miller
Levina Webster
Nanny Clements
Freelove Chatfield
Rebeckah Blanchard
Rebeckah Perkins
Alva Morgan
Sarah Potter

The above Brethren and sisters were set off a church by themselves in February 1791 and Elder Samuel Rogers joined with them.

Keyondeross Creek over the lake Brethren and Sisters (Saratoga)

John Keader
William Barlow
Ephraim Bennet
Timothy Wood
Henry Person
Benjamin Richman
Stephen Richman
Wiliston West

Samantha Keader
Betty Barlow

Abigail Derbeshear
Hannah Huntley
Lois Richmon
Elisabeth Person
Hannah West
Esther Cross
Hannas Corins
Lorania Chapman
Dorcas Chapman

Names of the Brethren & Sisters at Nipmos (Half Moon)

Names of the Brethren & Sisters at Nipmos (Half Moon)

Ephraim Martin
John Gifford
Jeremiah Carpenter
Ebenezer Gifford
Timothy Fuller Jun
Millard Boyce
Nehemiah Wallace
Aaron Case Jn.
James Fuller
Barnaby B. Maxwell
Abner Darling
Benjamin Gifford
Timothy Gifford
Joseph Benedict
Josiah Carpenter
Thurston Jonklin

Amy Fuller
Elizabeth Miles
Margaret Jackson
Sarah Wright
Sarah Allen
Thankful Wilcox
Elenor Boyce
Jane Carpenter
Jane Porter
Hannah Gifford
Fanny Fraser
Alice Akins
Diana Richardson
Mercy Case
Huldah Fuller
Anna Lee
Charlotte Sprague
Hannah Darling
Sarah Fuller
Phebe Purdy
Patience Maxwell
Anne Nettleton
Elisabeth Preston
Bythiah Fuller
Hannah Martin
Ruth Gifford

The following is sending to the association? 1822

The following is sending to the association? 1822

Dismissed:
Abner Thurber (by letter)
James Sayles (by letter)
Eld S. Rogers (Deceased)
Mary Enos (by letter)

The number of Members returned in 1823 was 158 but had aught to been but 157 as North Munger was forgotten

Since sending to the Association in 1823 dismissed by letter & Deceased:
Wealthy Rowley (Dec)
Hannah Hill (Dec)
Deborah Ferres (Dec)
Margaret Johnson (by letter)
Stanard (Do)
Daniel Salsbury (Do)
Phebe Wandle (Do)
Lott Burge (Do)
Hannah Burge (Do)
Polly Burge (Do)
Lymus Wilcox (Do)

1824 December
Elizabeth White
Ruth Shawbolt

Returned in 1823 157
Added in Do 2
159
Excluded 3
Deceased 3
Dis by letter 8
14

159
14
145 present number in June 1824 145

Added
Polly Dunham
Miller (by bap)

(Excluded) Polly Child (27 Jul)

Ruth Sayles (by letter)
(Excluded) John Shepworth
(Do) Abraham Rund
(Do) Hannah Wilde
(Do) Bron (black boy)

Excluded From Church
Betsy Ford
Martha Monger (in Oct 1822)

4 crossed out names

Excluded in 1824:
Ruth Rowley
Hasma Munger
Esther Dickerson
Wm. Foote
Gideon S Moor

The following are such as have been dismissed in the 24 July 1818

An Undated List:

John Holmes
Augustus Green
Gershom Saxton
Samuel Tayler
Daniel Fenton
Warren Carpenter Jun
Thaddues Histed
Mordecai Sayles
James Cool
Lazarus Hollister
Clement Youngs
Smith Holister
William Betteys
Thomas Merrick
Peter Valentine
Nehemiah Seely
Daniel Thomas
Thomas Procter
John Cloidenwiser
Ebenezer Smith
Mathew Vananburgh
Seth Crowell
Jonathan Lawrence (Deacon)
Silvanus Sayles
Benjamin Ide
John Caton
Orias Scribner
Joseph Wood
Benj. Bennett
Elnathan Finch
Alpheus Moer
Bill Smith

Jonathan Newman
Thomas Holmes
Andrew Griggs

Jerusha Tompson
Phebe Freeman
Esther Sayles
Sarah Histed

Sarah Holister
Anne Youngs
Mary Betteys
Jerusha Histed
Jane Burns
Deborah Seely
Susannah Vanvlack
Rachel Cloidenwiser
Elizabeth Saxton
Lydia Tayler
Abigail Seely
Huldah Layra
Sarah Wood
Hannah Wakeman
Olive Tayler
Mary Smith
Rebeckah Mott
Mary Vanamburgh
Hannah Baker
Phebe Tayler
Mary Crowell
Rachel Sumner
Deborah Caton
Mary Swetland
Hannah Lamphere
Deliverance Tinney
Anna Wood
Hannah Holmes
Hannah Fish
Hannah Hill
Dosha Fish

[ ]than Bendal
[ ] Green
James Ackerman
Daniel Ashley

Huldah Green
Mabel Moor
Bethiah Calkin
Jane Holmes
Mary Bendal
Jemima Knapp
Hannah Dunham
Anna Grinnold
Esther Weeks
Olive Ashley
Martha Burlinggame

A list of the members of this church that we considered in standing and returns to the association made accordingly this 24th June 1818

A list of the members of this church that we considered in standing and returns to the association made accordingly this 24th June 1818

Augustus Green (crossed out)
Ebenezer Smith
Sylvanus Sayles
James Green
James Sherman
Benjamin Colver
Daniel Rogers
Stephen Sayles
Samuel Mungers
Abjah Smith
James Sealy (Dec feb 10)
David Woodworth
Abner Thurber
Van Ness
Rowland Potter
Elihu Ward
Pardon Fish
Thomas Wendover
Daniel Campbell
George Loveless
Stephen Richman
John Thurber
Isaac Fuller
Elijah Dickerson
Daniel Monger

Females:

M. Smith
Huldy Green
Anna Rogers
Ester (Crossed out Dismissed)
Anna Andrews
Freelove Potter
Sarah Mosier
Elizabeth Sealy
Elizabeth White
Delight Woodworth
Sarah Palmer
Lydia Head
Deborah Strang
Jane Warren
Miers
Amy Sayles
Tabatha Olney
Abigail Holsted
Elizabeth Campbell
Hannah Monger
Cloe Brown
Rebecah Southword
Mary Rose
Nancy Ford
Amy Bostwich (Deceased 1818)
Hannah Hill
Mary Irish

List of Names Continued:

List of names continued Males:

Samuel Tompkins (Ex Jun 25 1821)
Benjamin West
Pardon Ealms (dismised)
Cornelus Rowley
Samuel Lawrence (Dis by letter Nov 1817)
Jeremiah Bishop
Timothy Monger
Elijah Sayles

Stephen Mix
Rial Newland (Deceasd)
Josiah Woodworth
Elder Saml Rogers
Conrad Lermahorn
Real Woodworth
Anson Palmer
Samuel Monson (Excluded)
John Lawrence (Dis by letter)

List of names continued Females:

Ruth Fuller
Esther Knapp
Rodia Irish
Desire Wendover
Eunice Rathburn
Anna Dickerson
Sintha Downing
Lucy Pooler
Susannah Thompkins
Betsy West
Loise Monger
Anna Rowley

Usley Ealms (Disniss)
Elizabeth Ford
Elizabeth Comstock
Ruth Steward
Mary Jones
Mary Moore
Elizabeth Ketcham
Margaret Johnson
Abigail Lawrence
Deborah Olney
Anna Patrick
Luritia Chandler
Jerusha Hunt
Betsy Monger

Polly Eihilet
Naomi Monger
Abigail Ealms
Abigail Rogers

The forgoing are the number given to the association an the 24th June 1818

Added since 24th June 1818
James Miller (by letter)
John Ford (by baptism)
Edward Ford (by baptism)
David Rowley (by baptism)
Benjamin Leggett (by letter)
Jacob Legit (restored dismisd)
Lott Burge (by baptism)
Edward Ford (crossed out)
Sidney Hurst (by baptism)
Cyrus Wilcox (by baptism)
Abraham a Couland (by Do)
Henry A. Ferris (by bap)
Ephraim Newland (by bap)
Gideon Moore (by bap)
William Foot (by bap)

Polly Lullard
Esther Ford
Sally Rogers
Phebe Smith
Mary Van Amber
Lydia Pooler
Olive Woodworth (Dismised)
Loice Whitney
Esther Smith
Polly Hosford
Hannah Burge

The foregoing are the number given to the association in the year 1818 June 24th
females 67

Added since 24th June 1818
Abigal Shadbolt (P 169 by bap)
Sally Lee Histed (Dismiss)
Polly Newland (Do)
Rachel Miller (by letter)
Sophia Ealms (by Baptism)
Betsey Finch (by letter)
Polly Robbins (Do)
Martha Monger (by letter June 1819)
Julian Able (by Baptism)
Lavina Ford
Phebe Sayles (by letter)
Lydia Leggett
Sarah Hewet (by Baptism)
Betsey Ford

List of such as have been added Continued

List of such as have been added Continued
Males
Samuel Hewet (by baptism)
Joshua Finch (by baptism)
Jonathan Smith (by baptism)
William Van Schauch (by baptism)
David Newland (by baptism)
John Linsey (by baptism)
James Sayles (by baptism)
Elisha B. Sparks (by letter)
Samuel Moore (by baptism)
Sampson – a black boy (by baptism)
Abraham Rundle (by baptism)
Ezra Hill (by baptism)
James Riley (by baptism)
Charles Patrick (by baptism)
Simon Rowley (by baptism)
Samuel Denton (by baptism)
Thom Church (by baptism
Daniel Salisbury (by letter)

Females
Deborah Ferris
Phebe Hartwell
Betsy Van Schauch
Elizabeth White
Elizabeth Sayles
Eliza Rowley
Ruth Rogers
Anna Clemons
Eliza Foot
Esther Dickerson
Charity Monger
Sally Dickerson
Minerva Pooler
Patience Wilcox
Prudence Daines
Hannah Owins
Sarah Rogers
Polly Burge
Sally Bull
Almira Newland
Hariet Newland
Hannah Wi8lde
Lette Rundle
Betsy Woodworth
Jane Sheffinorth
Betsey Ford
Emile Foot
Dorcas Wilcox
Polly Place
Barbary Wilcox

Jonathan Finch
Daniel Munger
Saml Tompkins
David Woodworth
Daniel Rogers
P[ ] E[ ] (crossed out)
Saml Moore
A[ ] (crossed out)
David Newland
Isaac Patrick (letter)
James Miller
Ephraim Newland
David Rowley
Henry Ferres
Gideon Moore (crossed out)
Wm E[ ] (crossed out)
Saml Hewet
Joshua Finch
Samsom black boy (crosse out)
Ezra Hill
James Riley (crossed out)
Charles Patrick
Peter E[ ] (crossed out)
Daniel Salisbury (crossed out)
Elijah P. Olmsted (letter)

Member though of since the list went out of my hands (viz)
Charity Pravis
Sine Dunham (by letter)
Polly Dunham

Rebecca [ ] (crossed out)
Anna Rogers
Elizabeth White (crossed out)
Delight Woodworth (deceased)
Deborah Strang
Esther Denton
Nancy Ford
D[ ] (crossed out)
Anna Dickerson Baker
Sarah Monger Haton (cross out)
[ ](crossed out)
Anna Rowley (crossed out)
Lucy Pooler
Susanah Tompkins
Cintha Hewet – Doway
[ ] (crossed out)
Elizabeth Ford
Elizabeth Comstock (cross out)
Mary Moor
Sally Pettis
Margaret Johnson [ ] (cross out)
Abigail Lawrence
Susanah Tompkins
Debrorah Olney
Jerusha Hunt
Luritia Chandler
Betsey Munger
Esther Ford
Sally Rogers
Sally [ ] (Crossed out)
Esther Smith
Polly [ ] (crossed out)
Adey Munger (crossed out)
Judith Wilcox
Polly Sayles
Christion Wright (letter)
Nancy Scott B.[ ]
Clarisa Adams
Polly Newland
R[ ] (crossed out)
Saphura Ealms
Polly Robins
Betsy Finch
Julyan Able
Polly Chase
Betsy E[ ] (crossed out)
Eliza Rowley

Anna Clinton
Eliza Foor – Laurence
Esther Dickerson (crossed out)
Charity Munger (crossed out)
Sally Dickerson -Wing
Minerva Pooler Robins
Patience Wilcox Lagget (Deceased Sep 5)
Prudence Adams
Sally Bull Newland
Almira Newland Bull
Harriet Newland
Lecta Rundle
Betsy Woodworth Mort
J[ ] Sheff[ ] (crossed out)
Betsy Ford Stratten
Emily Foot Colins
Dorcas Wilcox
Polly P[ ] Munger (crossed out)
B[ ] Wilcox Dunke (cross out)
Phebe M[ ] (crossed out)
Susanah Foot (crossed out)
May Denton
Anna Patrick (letter)
Elizabeth Finch
Abigail Rogers
Lidia Olmsted
Marah Miller (crossed out)
Rachel Miller (letter)
Betsy Ford D. B.
Sally Steder Ford
Rebeckah Hill
Abigal Ealms
Lidia Pooler McK[ ]
Charity Munger Leavit

A List of Names being. . . Stillwater Now in Standin at this Date June 15, 1816

A List of Names being. . . Stillwater Now in Standin at this Date June 15, 1816
(This appears to be very similar to one dated 1818, which was in the record prior to this. That list had different notations and names crossed out. This one has some additional names)

Augustus Green
Ebenezer Smith
Sylvanus Sayles
James Green
James Aeraman
Benj’n Colver
Daniel Rogers
David Crofts (EX P157)
Stephen Sayles
Jacob Miller (letter Dismiss)
Saml Mongar
Abjah Smith
James Sealy
David Woodworth
Abner Thurber
Van Ness (Dis)
Ephraim Dunham (Ex 160)
Rowland Potter
John M Carter (exed out)
Elihu Ward
Pardon Fish
Thomas Wendover
Jonathan Fish (Dismsd)
Reuben Moore (Ex 168)
Daniel Campbell
George Loveless
Stephen Richman
John Thurber
Isaac Fuller
Elijah Dickerson
Daniel Monger
Saml Tompkins
Benjm West

Females:

Mary Smith
Hulda Green
Anna Rogers
Ester Weeks (Dis)
Anna Andrews
Freelove Potter
Sarah Mosier
Elizabeth Seely
Elizabeth White
Delight Woodworth
Sarah Palmer
Lydia Head
Elizabeth Moore (Dismissed)
Catherine Sayles (Dismissed)
Deborah Strang
Jane Warren
Alaia Miers
Ame Sayles
Tabatha Olney
Abigail Holsted
Roda Steward (Dis)
Elizabeth Campbell
Hannah Monger
Chloe Brown
Rebekah Southword
Mary Rose
Nancy Ford
Ana Bostwich
Hannah Hill
Mary Fisk
Ruth Fuller
Esther Nap
Rodia Fish
Deisre Wanover

Cornelius Rowley
[ ]m Lawrence
Jeremiah Bishop
Isaac Patrick
Jesie Day (Excluded)
Timothy Mongar
Elijah Sayles
Stephen Mix
Royal Newland
Josiah Woodworth
Edler Saml Rogers
Jesse Andrews (Dismissed)
Conrow Scheremahorn
Saml Savory (Dismissed
Rial Woodworth (June 15 1816)
Anson Palmer (P158)
Samuel Morison (162)
John Lawrence (165)

Ennas West (Deceased)
Anna Dickinson
Sintha Downing
Lylia Polar
Susanah Tompkins
Daniel Mongar (xed out)
Sarah Newton (Dismissed)
Betsey West
Jane Barber (P120 Ex)
Lois Mongars (Dis)
Anna Rowley
Usley Elms
Elizabeth Forad
Elizabeth Comstock
Ruth Steward
Mary Jones
Mary More
Ellizabeth Ketcham
Margarate Johnson
Abigail Lawrence
Deborah Olney
Rial Wood worth (crossed out)
Martha Risden (Dismissed)
Josiah Woodworth (crossed out)
Timothy Mongar (crossed out)
Isaac Patrick (crossed out)
Anna Patrick
Luritia Chandler
Jerutia Hunt
Betsey Mongar
Polly Child
Esther Sayles (PP157)
Nayoma Mongar
Levina Sayles (letter)
Abigal Elms
Abigal Rogers

Polly Sallars
Esther Fear
Sally Rogers
Phebe Smith
Elizabeth Andrews (Dis)
Mary Van Namburgh
Azuba Woodworth (Dismis)
Sally Savery (Dismised)
Lydia Polar
Olive Woodworth
Lowis Whitney
Esther Smith
Polly Horsford
Hannah Burgh
Mary Mongars (Dism June 15 1816)
Judath Wilcox (P157)
Mercy Aspinwall (158 Dis)
Polly Sayles (158)
Sady Pette (159)
Christian Wright (160)
Nancy Seath – a black woman (161)

Orson Hyde Eggleston

by

Orson Hyde Eggleston

Early Life of Orson Hyde Eggleston

Orson Hyde Eggleston was born October 3, 1841 in Niles, Cayuga Co. New York. He was born four months after his parents, Samuel and Lurania Powers Burgess Eggleston, were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was named after Orson Hyde, whom his parents had apparently met in 1832 when he came to the area as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In July 1842, when Orson was less than a year old, his father Samuel moved the family to Nauvoo, Illinois. Orson would have spent his early childhood in the growing town of Nauvoo. In early 1846, the Saints were driven from Nauvoo and the Eggleston family left in the spring. They went to Winter Quarters where another son, Samuel was born and died in August 1847.

Orson indicated in a handwritten biography that “my father not having means to come west with the Pioneers moved back across the Missouri River to Iowa, lived for a time at Traders Point, then went to Council Bluffs and lived for a time, then went 7 miles north to Crescent City.” The family remained in this area until 1862. Orson would have received his schooling there. He apparently learned the printers trade in Pottawattamie County, along with his brother Reuben. The 1860 Census listed Orson H., age 18, as printer. Orson was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints December 30, 1860 at the age of 19. He indicated that in the winter of 1860-61 his parents renewed their covenants by baptism and he was also baptized at that time. He was also ordained an Elder that winter, as was his brother Reuben.

Migration to Utah

In the summer of 1861, Orson came to Utah with his brother Reuben and his family in the David H. Cannon Company. The rest of the family remained in Council Bluffs until 1862. Orson mentioned in a brief biography that “in the spring of 1862 I was called to go to the frontier as a teamster and in 1863 I was called and went the second time, went to the little town of Wyoming the outfitting point that season assisted Joe N. Young in forwarding the Saints and on the return trip was appointed commissary of the train.”

By this time, Church leaders in Utah had discontinued the handcart companies as an inexpensive means to transport the large numbers of Saints immigrating from Europe. There was then a good supply of wagons and teams in the Salt Lake Valley and the railroad had moved further west, making it possible for teamsters to leave Salt Lake in the early spring, travel to the outfitting point where the railroad ended and bring the Saints to the Salt Lake Valley before winter set in. Orson being a young, single and likely healthy man, was called to assist with this work. It appears that Orson returned to Utah with his family in the summer of 1862 and returned with them in the James Wareham Company. The Deseret News of September 16, 1862 included a Report on the immigration.

“The day was warm in G. S. L. City. Elder Amasa M. Lyman & Charles C. Rich & Co. arrived in Salt Lake City. Capt. James Wareham’s Independent Co. members—Samuel, Lurania, Orson H. & Mary E. Eggleston; Edwin, Eliza R. Charlotte & John F. Eggleston”.

Records indicate that Orson made a third trip in 1864 with the John R. Murdock Company.

Life in Ogden, Utah

Orson and his family settled in Ogden, Utah. Weber County land records show that Orson owned one acre of land, Lot six of Block 27 Plat A, Ogden City. Orson and Reuben were ordained Seventies in the 53rd Quorum the winter after they arrived in Ogden.

Orson apparently became an involved member of the community. The Deseret News of July 4, 1863 included a detailed account of the festivities in Ogden for the holiday. The day began with a flag ceremony at dawn, followed by the band parading through town. Then a breakfast was served at the home of Richard Ballantyne at 7 a.m. A large parade followed at 9:00. The 10th of 16 entries in this parade was described as “12 young men under the direction of Mr. Orson Eggleston.” Following the parade there were speeches and music.

On November 18, 1865 Orson was elected Captain in the Nauvoo Legion in the Weber Military District, Company C Infantry, 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment 1st Brigade. He received a commission from Gov. Charles Durkee. The Nauvoo Legion was the local Militia. It was named after the Militia of Nauvoo headed by Joseph Smith. Because the Saints were isolated in Utah without any military to defend them, in fact the U.S. military being in the position of enemy for some time, the Nauvoo Legion was established to provide protection and defense. A Deseret News article of August 13, 1869 included a report from Ogden including an account of the re-organization of the Weber County Militia, first Regiment, first Brigade. Listed as a Captain was Orson Eggleston.

In 1868 T. B. H. Stenhouse began publishing a newspaper in Ogden and Orson and his brother Reuben were hired as compositors. This paper only lasted until October 1869, but by December 1869, a number of enterprising townspeople had organized the Ogden Junction Publishing Co. The first semi-weekly Ogden Junction was published January 1, 1870. Orson and Reuben Eggleston were among the first compositors employed on the paper. The editor of this paper was Franklin D. Richards and Charles W. Penrose was associate editor.

First Marriage to Constant Ann Stephens

On December 4, 1864 Orson married Constant Ann Stephens, the daughter of John Stephens and Elizabeth Briggs. The family settled in Weber County where her father built the first reservoir in 1856. At the time of their marriage Orson was 24 and Constant was almost 16. They were the parents of 11 children.

Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Orson served a mission for the Church to Michigan in 1876-77, leaving his wife home with five children. Orson kept a journal of this mission, which is currently in the Archives of the History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He was called on the mission October 7, 1876 at General Conference. It was common for mission calls to be made from the pulpit at General Conference. He was one of 36 missionaries called on Missions to the United States at that Conference. Orson stated in his journal, “I was called by the General Conference to go on a mission to the United States.” Though the mission was to the United States, he served mainly in Michigan. Perhaps he had some choice in that. He had many relatives in Michigan with whom he was able to visit, teach and obtain genealogical information.

Orson was blessed and set apart for this mission by Elder Orson Pratt October 21, 1876 in the Historians office in Salt Lake City. He did not have a great deal of time to prepare for this mission. He left Ogden November 15, 1876 with an Elder Porter and headed toward Chicago, stopping first in Council Bluffs. Orson visited with his brother Edwin who was living there. He also visited “A host of friends all of whom seemed glad to see me.” Having grown up mostly in the Council Bluffs area, Orson would have had many friends and acquaintances still there.

After leaving Council Bluffs they stopped at Missouri Valley 24 miles north of Council Bluffs where they spent the night with some of his wife Constant’s cousins. They were members of the Church and he indicated they “had a good time taught them the Gospel and encouraged them in the latter-day work which they had already embraced.” From there they continued to Iowa, stopping at Marshall and then traveling north to Parkersburg, where Orson visited his Uncle Ambrose Eggleston. Ambrose was a Baptist minister, so they probably had some interesting conversations regarding religion.

Orson did not have much success as far as convert baptisms, however he did visit family members and gathered a great deal of genealogical information. He sent this information home in letters to his father.

July 3rd the Ogden Junction reported:

“Elder O. H. Eggleston returned on Sunday evening from a mission to the Western States, having left Ogden on the 15th of November last. He labored principally in Michigan and Iowa, and reports the people in some sections as being inclined towards anything rather than religion– mines being the principal item of interest. He had fair success, however. The latter part of his labors were at Council Bluffs Iowa; where he worked in conjunction with Elder James A. Little of Toquerville. Elder Eggleston has not had good health during the past two months.”

Another report was published in the Deseret News 10 November 1877:

“Missionary—Elder O. H. Eggleston, of Ogden, called upon us to-day. He recently returned from a mission to the State of Michigan, where he was busily and successfully engaged in the ministry about eight months. Since his return, he has suffered severely from the effects of a fall from a building in Ogden, on which he commenced work soon after his arrival home.”

Second Marriage to Mariett Orinda Farley

On July 11, 1879 Orson married a second wife, Mariett Orinda Farley, the daughter of Winthrop Farley and Angeline Calkin. Mariett was born August 17, 1855 after her family had migrated to Utah. At the time of this marriage, Orson was 37, Constant was 30 and Mariett was 24. Orson and Mariett had nine children.

Orson with Mariett and their children

Third Marriage to Annie Christine Johnson

February 10, 1881 Orson married a third wife, Annie Christine Johnson, the 17 year old daughter of Danish immigrants, Peter and Anna Maria Madsen Johnson who lived near his home in Eden. Annie Christine was born November 7, 1864 in Salt Lake City. Orson and Annie Christine had five children.

Move to Eden, Utah

In the fall of 1877, Orson moved to Eden in Ogden Valley. Orson’s handwritten biography stated “while living in Eden I married Mariett O. Farley and Anna Christine Johnson as plural wives.”

Upon moving to Eden, Orson purchased the home of Richard Ballantyne, who had been the first Presiding Elder in Eden. Elder Ballantyne moved to Ogden at that time. This house still stands in Eden across the street from the Eden Park. Though remodeled over the years, it was reported to still have a pioneer root cellar in 1977.

Home of Orson Hyde Eggleston

Orson’s home in Eden.

Eden was one of three small towns in Ogden Valley. This rather isolated valley was used as a pioneer herding ground in the 1850’s. A few cabins were built by the herders, but the first permanent settlers didn’t arrive until 1859. Travel into the Valley was very difficult until a road was built through Ogden Canyon. The valley had previously been a camping area for the Shoshone Indians and they continued to camp there in the early years.

The L.D.S. residents of Eden were originally a branch under the direction of Captain Jefferson Hunt of Huntsville. They were known as the North Fork District of the Hunstville Ward of the Weber Stake. Richard Ballantyne was the first Branch President from 1865-1874. Josiah Marsh Ferrin was the second Branch President from 1874-1877 with Henry Holmes and Peter Johnson as counselors. The Eden Ward was formed June 10, 1877, around the time that Orson moved there. Josiah Ferrin was first Bishop, with Peter Johnson and Enoch Burns as Counselors. Orson served as Sunday School Superintendent after moving to Eden. He was also listed as YMMIA Superintendent. Orson was ordained a High Priest March 3, 1878 by Bishop Josiah Ferrin and was called as second counselor in the Bishopric at that time, replacing Enoch Burns who had moved to southeastern Utah. Orson served in this Bishopric with first counselor Peter Johnson, whose daughter Annie Christine he later married. In January 1879, after the death of Peter Johnson, Orson was made first counselor. After this Bishopric was released November 1, 1883, Orson was made Ward Clerk. He served in that position for several years.

The Eden Ward records contain many interesting comments made by Orson, which were quoted in “History of the Eden Ward”. March 8, 1879 he reported: “We have had a first-class day school the past winter and it is yet in session, being taught by Brother Edward H. Anderson of Huntsville.”

In an entry dated January 6, 1881, as Counselor, Orson exhorted all to pay their tithing. He also requested Sunday store trading be discontinued and hoped the brethren from the north end of the valley would take note of this so Brother John Farrell and his family would be able to attend their meetings, and he hoped the ward teachers would notify their people to that effect. Another note dated March 8, 1879 stated:

“Our Sunday meetings have been unusually interesting and well attended the past winter. Our YMMIA meetings have been very interesting, our schoolhouse being filled every evening we hold meetings. There has been an inter-missionary labor kept up between this place and Huntsville by our young men of the two societies and a marked improvement is manifest.”

A Ward Teaching report dated October 29, 1884 indicated that Elder Orson Eggleston said he had heard some complain the spirit of infidelity was growing among some of the young people and said he was sorry to hear it. As conclusion to their book “History of the Eden Ward”, Ren and Melba Colvin quoted Orson as saying on March 8, 1879:

“We are not blessed here as the people are in many places with two or three grades of society; here we are all brethren and sisters, and have but one class of society and that is first class.”

Orson seems to have enjoyed living in Eden. In addition to church service, he was the postmaster for several years.

Orson’s wife Constance was made first Counselor in the Relief Society June 7, 1878. Orson, as Counselor in the Bishopric conducted the meeting when this took place. Constance served in this position until June 17, 1886 when she moved to Star Valley. Mariett Eggleston was called as treasurer of the Primary June 24, 1881.

Deaths and a New Cemetery

Orson lost two children, Samuel Lee and John Stephens in October 1878 during a Diphtheria epidemic. They were probably buried in the Ogden City Cemetery. Orson had bought a plot there, where there are two infants in unmarked graves. His parents Samuel and Lurania were also buried in this plot.

The people of Eden, feeling the need of a Cemetery there, assembled a committee in 1882 to pursue acquiring some property from Orson Eggleston for a Cemetery. This was part of his farm, sitting on a hill which now overlooks the north arm of the Pineview Reservoir. It is now known as the Eden Meadow View Cemetery.

A Ward Teachers report of September 30, 1882 stated:

“Bishop John Farrell stated that he wished to say something in regards to the burying ground for our dead, as the people were not satisfied with it at present. He wished Brother Eggleston to make a statement in regard to the land which has been purchased for that purpose located in his field. He (brother Eggleston) stated that he let the people have the land with the understanding that they pay him $25.00 for the same, which as yet he had never been paid. It was decided that the teachers, in visiting the people, inquire of them if they were willing to buy the land from brother Eggleston and have it fenced in and deed to the people, that they may be sure of a place to bury their dead, and report at the next priesthood meeting what the people are willing to do in regards to this matter.”

November 30, 1882 the committee appointed to see to the grave yard reported their success in purchasing the land for the same and what it would cost to fence it in by itself.” Orson and his family moved to Star Valley shortly after this was all settled, so the only member of his family buried there was his son Joseph who returned to Eden to live. Orson’s father-in-law, Peter Johnson and family were buried there.

Eden Meadow View Cemetery

Eden Meadow View Cemetery with view of Pineview Reservoir

 

Journey to Star Valley, Wyoming

After the Edmunds anti-Polygamy Act was passed in 1882, life became more difficult for families practicing polygamy. No specific incidents have been reported regarding Orson when he lived in Eden, but he may have felt less safe after this time. The government of Wyoming, in attempting to encourage settlers to that territory, did not seem as concerned about the practice of polygamy. They appeared to see Mormon settlers as hard working, stable citizens. Theywere not very cooperative with authorities attempting to enforce polygamy laws. These factors probably influenced Orson to move his family to Star Valley, Wyoming.

In November 1885, Orson went with J. C. Stephens to Star Valley. This was probably his wife Constant’s brother John Cornelius Stephens, as Orson also referred to him as Corniel. Orson left two of his wives with new babies and the other wife expecting and was separated from them for over six months. Orson kept a journal during this time which provides some interesting insights into this experience. It took a week to travel to Star Valley. They stopped in Montpelier to visit Jeff Stephens, a relative of his wife Constant. Jeff accompanied them into the valley. On this journey they got stuck in mud and were rescued by three men who came along. Orson related that they later administered to a sick horse, which did recover. They arrived in the valley November 10, 1885.

In his journal, Orson referred to their destination as the Salt River Valley. Star Valley actually consists of two small valleys, united by a narrow pass. Along the side of the valley is the Salt River mountain range. The Salt River, which is one of the Snake River’s largest tributaries, runs from the southeast end of the valley northward through both valleys. In the summer of 1880, Moses Thatcher, who had been sent by Brigham Young to find areas for settlement of Latter-day Saints in Wyoming, named the valley “Star Valley”.

Upon arriving in the Valley, Orson and his companions visited Bro. Charles C. Cazier, who had been made the Presiding Elder of the few Saints in the valley. When a Ward was organized in Afton in 1887, Brother Cazier was the first Bishop. Orson spent the winter of 1885-86 living in a tent. He was involved in surveying the town of Afton and making plans for a meetinghouse, as well as staking out a land claim for himself. Charles Cazier had been instructed to survey a townsite containing 30 blocks, each of 10 acres. This survey was done using a common carpenter’s square and rope. The townsite was later professionally re-surveyed, finding the original survey off only a few feet.

Life in Afton, Wyoming

Orson obtained a Homestead Land Grant from the Federal Government. It was issued April 29, 1893. It consisted of three pieces of land totaling 160 acres. One was the Southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 15 in Township 32 North Range 119 West North of the 6th Principal Meridian in the State of Wyoming, County of Lincoln. The second was the East half of the Northeast quarter of Section 22 in Township 32 North Range 119 West North of 6th Principal Meridian in Lincoln County, Wyoming. The third for the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 22 in Township 32 North Range 119 West North of 6th Principal meridian Lincoln County.

An early Map of the town of Afton in A History of Star Valley, showed that Orson lived on Sixth Avenue, east of Adams Street.

Postcard with a view of early Afton, Wyoming

Emil Vaterlaus started a newspaper in Afton in 1901 called The Star Valley Pioneer. In 1902 The Pioneer was published on Fridays and publishers were Emil Vaterlaus and his brother Conrad. December 12, 1902 Conrad S. Vaterlaus took over as editor and publisher. The name of the paper was changed to The Star Valley Independent on September 9, 1903. Conrad Vaterlaus continued as editor until sometime around September 1907. Henry H. Billings was listed as editor in a paper dated September 13, 1907. He operated the paper with O. H. Eggleston as typesetter until 1913. Apparently the Vaterlaus brothers recruited Orson to work with them on this paper because of his previous experience in the business.

This photograph shows the building with a sign “The Independent” and two men standing in front. On back of the photograph they are identified as Conrad Vaterlaus editor and Orson Eggleston, Compositor. Typesetting was still done by hand on this paper, which would have been a very tedious job. With Orson’s previous experience however, he was probably very proficient at it.

The Afton Ward was organized in 1887 with Charles Cazier as first Bishop. Orson served as Sunday School Superintendent and clerk of the High Priests Quorum. His wife Anne Christine served as the Secretary of the Relief Society. The Star Valley Stake was organized in August 1892. Orson served as a member of the High Council. A Tabernacle was begun in 1904 and dedicated August 15, 1909. This was a rather impressive structure built of sandstone, of middle English design with a large tower 140 feet tall. Almost everyone in the valley assisted in some way in the building of this Tabernacle, so most likely Orson and his family contributed financially, with labor on the actual building or in fund raising projects.

Afton Tabernacle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Orson practiced dentistry in Afton and his first wife Constant assisted the sick and delivered about 500 babies in the valley. Apparently by the early 1900’s electricity had come to Afton as shown by Orson’s 1911 electric bill.

Life in Polygamy

Orson did practice polygamy freely in Afton. Eventually he had separate houses for his wives. The 1900 Census of Afton listed the family in three households. Orson was head of one household, 58 years old with wife Merry E. [Mariett] age 44 and children. Annie C. Johnson was the head of the next household at age 35 with three children. The next household was Constant Eggleston as head age 51, with two adult and one teenage son.

There was a place in Star Valley called Signal Hill which served as a lookout. It was visible from all parts of the valley and the entire valley could be seen from it. From there smoke from a signal fire warned settlers of approaching strangers and especially federal authorities looking for polygamists. This would have given them time to hide. Another signal was given if the approaching people turned out to be harmless and it was again safe.

Orson was arrested at least one time for practicing polygamy, though he was not convicted. Records for the Fourth District Court, at Ogden July 30, 1892, indicated that the cases of several men charged with polygamy, adultery, and u.c., including Orson Eggleston, were dismissed . U.S. Marshall Eli H. Parsons, made the motion to dismiss because it was impossible to secure evidence sufficient to justify a conviction. This would have been during the time he lived in Afton.

Orson’s first wife Constance eventually divorced him and remarried. Third wife Christine died before Orson, so at his death he had only one wife, Mariett. Orson died February 9, 1917 in Afton, Wyoming and was buried in the Afton Cemetery.

Notes and Sources:

This biography was adapted from the chapter on Orson and his family in my book The Joseph Eggleston Family: Seven Generations from Joseph (d.1767) of Stonington, Connecticut to Joseph (1885-1965) of Utah and Wyoming (Including Maternal Lines: Hill, Burgess, Titus, Sammis & Johnson) and from histories submitted to Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Sources listed in my book include:

History of Orson Hyde Eggleston by Virgie Eggleston Stoffers (Daughters of Utah Pioneers)

“A Short Autobiography of Samuel Eggleston” from records of Laura Eggleston Cutler (Daughters of Utah Pioneers)

Milton R. Hunter, Beneath Ben Lomond’s Peak, A History of Weber County 1824-1900, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, Publishers Press, 1966.

Hilda Faulkner Brown, The Michigan Mormons: Their History from 1831-1952 and a Little Beyond, Provo, Utah: H. F. Brown c 1985. (977.4 K2b)

Melba and Ren Colvin, History of the Eden Ward, Ogden Stake Utah 1877-1977 (1977)

Laverna Burnett Newey, Remember My Valleey, A History of Ogden Canyon, Huntsville, Liberty and Eden, Utah from 1825-1976 (Salt Lake City, Utah: Hawkes Publishing, Inc., 1977)

Forrest Weber Kennington & Kathaleen Kennington Hamblin, A History of Star Valley, Formerly Salt River Valley 1800-1900 (Salt Lake City, Utah:Valley Graphics, 1989)

Lee R. Call, Star Valley and Its Communities, Afton Wyoming, Star Valley Independent, 1970 (978,782 H2s, FHL film 1059486 item 8)

Thaya Eggleston Gilmore, Eggleston, Call, Baxter Family History Book, December 2002

Esshom, Frank, Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah: comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies (Salt Lake City, UT: Utah Pioneers Book, 1913) (979.2 D3) p. 550, 856.

Tripp, Bartlett, 1839-1911, Journal 1861 David H. Canon Company (Church Emigration Book Vol. 3) Church History Department Archives, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Eden Ward Records (FHL film 0025921)

Biography of Orson Hyde Eggleston written for the Genealogical Society of Utah, p. 130-133. Photocopy in possession of the author.

Eggleston, Orson Hyde 1841–Reminiscences and Diary, 1876 Nov-1877 Jan., Church History Department Archives, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, photocopy in possession of the author. listed in Davis Bitton, Guide to Mormon Diaries and Autobiographies, Provo, Utah: BYU Press c. 1977, p. 98.

 

Records of the Stillwater, New York Baptist Church

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Somewhere along my genealogy journey, I acquired a microfilm of the records of the Stillwater, New York Baptist Church from the American Baptist Historical Society. I went through the microfilm and transcribed parts of the records. The following are excerpts from the records:

Organization of the Stillwater Baptist Church

The Stillwater Baptist Church was organized in 1781.

In the Course of Providence we was [in] this wilderness land destitute of a Preacher for the most part in livily unacquaintance with true religion or Gods love in the sou. And as God was Pleased in his Providence to direct the steps of his servant Beriah Keele into the part of the land to preach the Gospel of peace amongst us. And out of self moving motives God was pleased to bless his labours and as an instrument in his hand made him useful of opening the Eyes and understanding of some ( ) to hear a preached gospel. And by the pouring out of his spirit caused a number to become acquainted as we humbly hope and believe to the saving knowledge of the love of god in their souls. Then M. Keele thought it his duty for some or other to move away and leave us which he did for space of about fifteen months. Then it pleased God to move in his mind to visit again in Company with Elder Joseph Cornel of Man[chester] in August 1781 the Inhabitants of this place being disposed to M. Keele Did give him a call to come again and settle with us as a publick imporver of the [ ]
Then M. Keele attending on a meeting with us on Day the 19th of August 1781 Elder Cornel being present in mercy was pleased to summons up and bring [ ] following persons to own him and his cause and[ ]The world by following him in his Examples being [ ] ordinances of the gospel and being in fellowship with (each) other and with Elder Cornel went forward with and come under his and the care and watch of the [church] at Manchester.

Persons Names first went forward
Lemuel Taylor, Ephraim Woodworth, Exekiel Sayles, John [ ]

 

Conference met according to the former appointment. Elder attended with us opened meeting by Prayer 1ly Elder Enquiring for our fellowship found the same union as at first then come forwards the following persons told what god done for their souls being fellowshipt went forwards in the ordinances and joined with us. Persons names went forwards
Gabriel Strang
Sarah Sayles
Caty Strang
Mary Green
Kaziah Keele

On Nov 20, 1781 In the course of Providence Elder Cornell was directed over to visit us in Nov. following at a conference with us on Wednesday 28th Instant at the house of Ezekiel Sayales opened meeting by prayer. Elder Enquired how we [ ] in our minds and found the union to them then come forwards the following persons told the travail their minds being fellowshipt went forward in the ordinances of the gospel and joined with us

Persons Names went forwards
Rodah Titus
Hannah Bryan
Lois Richman

At a meeting the next day but one being 4-2 day of March [1782] at the house of James Fremans, Come forward the following persons gave declaration of there experience being fellowshipt went forwards and joined with us.—-Persons Names went forwards
Gideon Freeman
Stephen Freeman
Phebe Freeman
Mary Freeman

A Conference Meeting met at the Meethinghouse on Thursday 16 Day of May opened meeting by Prayer Enquired for the fellowship found it to remain good as at first to our Joy and Rejoicing—Then Procceded to enquire of the and sisters how their minds was concerning being set apart as a Church to which all that it was their mind and desire and thought it duty to be set apart as a Church. Then Proceeded to send to the Church at Manchester Desiring to have faithful Brethren for God and his Cause come over as a church. . .

Conference met according to appointment opened meeting by Prayer then come forwards the following persons declared what the Lord had Done for there souls being fellowshipt went forwards and joined with us. Persons Names went forwards
Peter Clements
William Robbins
George Edmonds
Elizabeth Collins
Caty Cool
Anne Clements
Freelove Chatfield

Now agreeable to the former appointment of the Baptist Church of Christ at Manchester being arrived at this place the Bro and sisters having appointed this Day as a Day of fasting & prayer to almightly God for his Presence and Directions in seting apart a Church of christ in this place.
The aforessaid Brethren and Sisters Proceeded by prayer and [sing]ing and by subscruibing to the following Articles and Covenant there were then by Elder Joseph Cornel by and with the advice and assistance of a number of Brethren then present disf as a Gospel Church of Jesus Christ.
To whom the said Elder gave a Solemn Charge to be faithful in loving one another and to watch of each other in the of God for good.
In Presence of
Elder Joseph Cornel
Benjamin Vaughan
Jacob Odle
Nathaniel Boon

(Note: Organization of the West Church about June 3rd 1782 meetings were already standing)

Church Articles of Faith

1st We believe the lord our God is but only one living true god whose substance is in and of himself infinite of being and perfection whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but by himself a most pure spirit invisible and we are to take heed to our selves that we draw no manner of (tom-tude) of the almighty who only hath immortality dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto who is immutable, Immense, Eternal Incomprehensible the almighty according to

2nd We believe in one Mediator between god and man the man Christ Jesus who tasted Death for every man and that all that believe in him shall be saved according to Jon 10.9, Heb [ ], firs epistle Jn 2 & 2

3rd We believe in the fall of man and of sin and the punishment then of according to gm 2:17, Ch 3:22 Mat 25.46, Luke 16.2

4th We believe in gods Covenant wherein he freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ according to Mat Mark [ ]

5th We believe in the Doctrine of Election of grace in Christ and in the perseverance of saints to the end acct to Rom 9:11, Jn 6.39:40

6th We believe in unfeigned Repentance from Dead works and faith towards god wrought by the Diving Spirit acct to

7th We believe such Persons ought to be Baptized confession acct to

8th We believe that such persons should be pray[ful] [ ] laying on of hands accord to Gens 40:14 Acts 2:17 ch 19 2 Tim 4 1:6

9th We believe such persons being in union ought to meet together to partake of the bread and wine in Remembrance of christs broken body and that they Examine themselves and eat of that bread and Drink of the Cup acct to

10th We believe in the Resurrection of the Dead both of the just and the unjust acct to

11th We believe that we shall all appear before the judgement seat of our lord Jesus Christ to give an account for the (deeds) done in the body and that the Righteous shall then enter into life Eternal and that the wicked shall go into E[—ing] punishment acct to

12th We believe that the old and New Testaments is the only [ ] given to the Church of God by the spirit for there faith and practice acct to

13th We believe that Every Person before they are Received into [the] church ought to Declare unto the church what God had [done] for their soul and when the church is satisfied that they [be] received. But notwithstanding if any one brother or [sister] is dissatisfied the Church shall not Receive the person until they Examin unto the matter and cause of the objection acct to

14th We believe that brother ought not to go to law with [ ] but that secular controversies as well as all doctrine [ ] Delivered in Publick or private ought to be settled by the Church acct to

15th We believe that it is the duty of Christians acco[ ] several abilities to communicate of their substance both for the support of the Gospel and the necessary use of the Church and the Relief of the Poor acct to

16th We believe that it is the Duty of Christians to observe the Sabbath Day and to avoid all Servile labour on said day and to assemble together to worship god according to the directions of the holy scriptures also to maintain and practice Prayer in their families acct to

The Covenant

We whose names are hereunto subscribed doth fully freely and absolutely agree to the above said articles and we do by these Presents covenant to give ourselves up to god and to each other in the [faith] of the lord to watch over each other for good as witness our hands

Lemuel Tayler                                        Sarah Sayles
John Carpenter                                     Caty Strang
Ephraim Woodworth                             Mary Green
Ezekiel Sayles                                        Kaziah Keele (dead)
Benjamin Collins                                   Rodah Titus
Beriah Keele                                          Hannah Bryan
Gabriel Strang                                       Lois Richman
Gideon Freeman                                   Mary Freeman
Stephen Freeman                                 Elizabeth Collins
Peter Clements                                     Caty Cool
William Robbins                                   Anne Clements
George Edmonds                                 Freelove Chatfield

The Church being set apart as a Politic body to as God and them selves Made choice of brother Ezekiel Sayles for Clerk of the Church.

Background on the Formation of this Church

It appears that this church, like others, started with a group of people joining together to worship and being led by lay leadership. Eventually, through the help of ministers of other Baptist Churches in the area, a formal church was then organized. At the time of organization, Articles of Faith were written which outlined the beliefs of the church. Though there were many similarities and the same general beliefs stated in the Articles of Faith of the various churches, each could express unique emphasis on particular doctrine or practices. Following the Articles of Faith was a stated “Covenant” which was then signed by the members of the church. This was an agreement by all signing that they accepted and would abide by these Articles of Faith and Practice. Those joining the church later by baptism, would then covenant to accept and abide by these Articles as well.

Beriah Kelle was the first lay leader of this Stillwater Church. After some time the church members wished to have him formally ordained to the ministry. A conference was scheduled with leaders of other area churches, but upon meeting it was learned that Br. Kelle was still a member of another Church and so could not be ordained at that time. He was later dismissed from Elder Drake’s church and ordained as Elder of the Stillwater church. In 1789, complaints were made against Elder Kelle by several members of the congregation.

There was a lengthy investigation, calling for assistance from leaders of area churches including some congregational churches as well as the Baptist churches. Some of the accusers later recanted their accusations, but others stood and eventually Brother Kelle was disfellowshiped. Instructions were given that any continuing to fellowship Brother Kelle would also be disfellowshipped. Some did continue with him and were later disfellowshiped.

The Two Stillwater Churches Merge

Brother Kelle’s disfellowship left this church without a leader. It was then decided that they would join with another Baptist church in Stillwater, known as the East Baptist Church or Elder Lemuel Power’s church. Apparently this original church of Elder Kelle’s was known to them as the West Baptist Church.

In September 1790 Samuel Rogers, Seth Burgess and Ezekiel Sayles were appointed to rewrite the Articles of Faith. Apparently Seth Burgess was a member of Elder Power’s church and Ezekiel Sayles had been with this Stillwater Church since it’s beginning, serving as clerk much of the time. Samuel Rogers is referred to as Elder and the meeting at which the churches were merged was held at his home.

In merging these two churches there would have been a merging of the Articles of Faith, which was what this committee, with representation of both churches, was appointed to do. We do not have access to Elder Power’s original Articles or the revised version. A meeting was held December 25, 1790, at which time the two churches were officially merged “receiving each other in gospel fellowship and do consider ourselves for the future but one church” and “every member that have formerly belonged to both church that are now in good standing by consideration in this union.” At that time, the revised Articles of Faith were accepted and Ezekiel Sayles was chosen Clerk of the Church with Elder Lemuel Powers continuing as its pastor. The Record Book has a new title page: “United Baptist Church Book in the town of Stillwater United Dec. 25, 1790.”

Lemuel Powers served for some time but eventually had his own scandal and was likewise disfellowshipped. Many of his family members migrated to Sempronius and joined with former members of the Stillwater Church there.

There was a Saratoga Baptist Association, which appears to have been organized around 1805. A list of churches belonging to this Association was included in the Stillwater Church records. Among them were the Bottskill Church which withdrew from the organization in 1830, the Stillwater Church which united with the organization in 1814, and Churches in Kingsbury, Saratoga, Halfmoon, Salem, Galway, Greenfield, Ft. Ann and others. The Stillwater Church records mention many of these churches and their leaders. There appears to have been a close association between the Stillwater Church and the Bottskill Church with mention in records of both of visits from the others ministers and conferences.

Notes:

The yellow highlights are my doing, indicating names I was familiar with and other things that seemed significant to me at the time. The explanatory information at the end of this post was taken from an appendix of my book The Joseph Eggleston Family: Seven Generations from Joseph (d.1767) of Stonington, Connecticut to Joseph (1885-1965) of Utah and Wyoming (Including Maternal Lines: Hill, Burgess, Titus, Sammis & Johnson)

Church lists and other information from the records will be shared in future posts.

Lurania Powers Burgess Eggleston

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Early Life of Lurania Powers Burgess Eggleston

Lurania Powers Burgess, daughter of Mary (Polly) Titus and Harvey Burgess was born August 15, 1808 in Sempronius, Cayuga County, New York. Her father Harvey’s family can be traced back to Thomas Burges, an early resident of Plymouth, Massachusetts and the Hopkins family of the Mayflower. Her Mother Mary’s parents came from Long Island where their ancestors were early colonial residents.

The Burgess and Titus familles migrated from Stillwater, Saratoga, County New York to Sempronius, Cayuga County about the same time and quite possibly together. A History of Cayuga county mentions the Burgess family coming in 1796, and being one of the first families to settle Sempronius. Mary’s father Jonas Titus died in 1795 in Stillwater, and his widow and children probably came shortly after that. Both of these families were members of the Baptist church in Stillwater and are listed as original members of the First Baptist Church of Sempronius. The two families were neighbors in Sempronius and probably were very close as Harvey and Mary grew up together in both Stillwater and Sempronius. Harvey Burgess and Mary (Polly) Titus were married in Sempronius around 1802. Lurania was the third of their eleven children.

Skaneateles Lake

Sempronius, Cayuga County is in the finger lakes area of northern New York. It consists of hilly country nestled in between Oswaco and Skaneateles Lakes. The area was largely settled after the Revolutionary War. It was part of what was known as the Military Tract, which consisted of land given by the government to Veterans of the Revolutionary War, though the majority of Veterans given land never lived there. The Burgess and Titus families came as pioneers to this new settlement.

Lurania grew up in this small new frontier town where her extended family made up a large portion of the initial population. Her grandfather Seth Burgess had the first tavern in the area, which probably served as a community as well as family gathering place during Lurania’s early childhood. The first school was in a log building on the Titus farm, belonging to one of Lurania’s uncles. Later a school was built on her cousin Byron Burgess’ land. Lurania may have attended this school in her early years, but most likely attended a newer school built in 1815 at Sayles Corners near her home. The first Town Officers of Sempronius included Lurania’s grandfather and uncle.

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