1870 Smallpox Epidemic in Ogden, Utah

The Death of Lurania Eggleston

Lurania Powers Burgess Eggleston

I had known from family records that Lurania Powers Burgess Eggleston, the wife of Samuel Eggleston and my great great grandmother, had died July 6, 1870. This date is on her headstone in the Ogden City Cemetery. The circumstances of her death took some time for me to unravel and understand.

A notice in The Ogden Semi-Weekly Junction of Wednesday Morning July 6, 1870, stated:

“Died. In this city, of scarlet fever, at 3 o’clock this morning, LURANIA P., wife of Mr. SAMUEL EGGLESTON, aged 61 years and 11 months. The funeral will take place a 5 o’clock this evening, when the friends of the deceased are invited to attend. Mrs. Eggleston was born in Cayuga County, New York. She was baptized in June 1841, moved to Nauvoo in 1842. In 1847, she went with her family to Winter Quarters and in 1862 she came to Utah.”


The Ogden Semi-Weekly Junction 6 July 1870

This seemed pretty straight forward, that Lurania had gotten sick and passed away. It was not unusual at the time to bury someone quickly after their death. This newspaper was a semi-weekly paper, being published on Wednesdays and Saturdays. At that time, Lurania’s sons Reuben and Orson would have been working for the paper. I assume they rushed word soon after her death and had the notice written shortly before the paper was printed that day. Perhaps they actually went in and typeset it themselves.

At some point, I visited the Ogden City Cemetery and stopped in the office to see the Sexton Records. The sexton record indicated the cause of Lurania’s death as smallpox. This was different from the “scarlet fever” stated in the paper. Of course, the family may have been unsure of exactly what disease she had and reported what they thought. The other option might have been that they and/or doctors realized it was smallpox but intentionally did not want to alarm the public.

More Deaths in the Family

I remember learning that Orson had purchased cemetery plots at that time. Also listed in the sexton records were the death of two of Reuben’s children during that same summer. Four year old Cora Gladys died July 26 and seven year old May Julia on August 6, 1870. The cause of death was given as smallpox for one and the other was blank on the record.

I found a biography of Emeline Eggleston, wife of Reuben, written by Disey Eggleston Richardson in the DUP files. This mentioned that two of Reuben and Emeline’s children, Cora Gladys and May Julia were stricken with black small pox in 1870. It added that they were quarantined at Farr’s grove, as were others who were exposed. These two girls could have been easily infected by their grandmother.

In a Biography of William Nicol Fife, I found information about the Smallpox epidemic in 1870. According to his account the disease was brought into Ogden by an Indian Squaw in May 1870. He indicated that “the first person taken down with it, a Mrs. Eggleston died.” Later a few others became sick and were sent to Brick Creek [Burch Creek].

Mr. Fife indicated that he personally built a lumber room for the afflicted and furnished them with food and necessities. He also “followed up the disease with disinfectants” and personally placed yellow flags in front of every affected house. By July, forty cases were quarantined at Farr’s Grove. He indicated that the Mayor assisted him with this and later became sick himself. His case was mild, yet he was also moved to the grove. By the end of July there were 89 cases.

Quarantine Sites

There were two quarantine sites set up during 1870, both of which have connections to the Eggleston Family. Farr’s Grove was land owned by the Farr family near the mouth of Ogden Canyon and not far from where I grew up. Samuel and Lurania’s daughter, Mary Elizabeth, had married Enoch Farr, a son of Lorin Farr. This was his family’s land. I remember the orchards that were still there during my childhood. Created on this land was Lorin Farr Park, which is very familiar to me and everyone around. The swimming pool there was even made famous through the movie “The Sandlot.”

The other quarantine site was Burch Creek, which is actually the neighborhood where I have lived for the past 40 years. Before our marriage, my husband lived in the basement of his Aunt and Uncle’s home which has Burch Creek running through their back yard. Our home is a couple of blocks away. This area was originally settled by John Stephens, the father of Constance Stephens who was Orson Eggleston’s first wife.

Care of the Sick

Though Mr. Fife mentioned building a lumber room at Farr’s Grove, this quarantine may have consisted mostly of tents being set up with some medical people there to care for the sick. The locations suggest that the main idea was to get these people away from the general population and public places where people might gather. At that time, these places were outside of “town.” Mr. Fife stated:


“[I] got good kind nurses for the sick, and by strict regulations in the camp and the city the contagion was prevented from spreading any further. About half the people in camp I furnished with supplies from Z.C.M.I. at the expense of the city. A great portion of the time I was on the move day and night, and though handling most of the sick people in taking them to the grove, I was not attacked by the disease.”

Autobiography of Wiliam Nicole Fife cited in Orson F. Whitney, History of Utah, Vol 4, p. 163, Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah 1998 (Geo. Q. Cannon & Sons, 1904)

I learned by scanning through microfilm of the 1870 Ogden Junction, that this epidemic afflicted Ogden and the surrounding area for much of the year. Having the quarantine site on their land was not good for the Stephen’s family, having afflicted sixteen of them, according to Mr. Fife. John Stephens died Dec 3, 1870 at his residence near Burch Creek of smallpox.


The Ogden Semi-Weekly Junction,
3 December 1870

End of the Smallpox Epidemic?

An article in The Ogden Semi-Weekly Junction of December 14, 1870 stated:

Burch Creek–

The small pox at Burch Creek has, up to date, attacked sixteen persons, all members of the Stephens family. “Doctor” Ryle who has them in charge, pronounces them all, with the exception of Father Stephens whose death was announced last wee, in a state of convalescence, and expects that in a few days they will have entirely recovered.


The Ogden Semi-Weekly Junction, 14 December 1870

These accounts have some conflicts about the timing of this epidemic. Mr. Fife indicated the beginning of this epidemic as May, suggesting that Mrs. Eggleston would have died earlier than her July 6 death date. People would have been people quarantined by the time of her death, according to Fife’s account, so it would seem they would have known what Lurania died of, and she should have been quarantined as well.

Mr. Fife indicated that “ Only seven of the 89 cases were fatal and the epidemic was over by the end of October,” which doesn’t fit with the newspaper accounts that John Stephens died in December and his family members were still recovering. Of course, these accounts are based on the recollections of individuals.

If the numbers reported are correct – 89 people became sick, 16 of those were members of the Stephens family; and 7 died, including Lurania, Cora Gladys, May Julia and John Stephens. With four of the seven deaths being connected to the family, I wonder how many other family members got sick but recovered.

Uncle Howard Cheney Was a Doughboy

Joseph Howard Cheney
Joseph Howard Cheney in his World War I Uniform

I have always thought this a great photo. It is only after doing some research into the military service of Howard Cheney, that I can appreciate the proud, though somewhat terrified look as he stands at attention in his uniform.

Joseph Howard Cheney

Joseph Howard Cheney, was my grandmother’s brother, making him my Great Uncle. I have come to see him as Great in another way. He was born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on June 20, 1891, the fifth child and fourth son of Selar Cheney and Mary Alice Wilson. His childhood in Jackson Hole was probably adventurous, but could it possibly have prepared him for what was to come?

Howard, as he was called, was a young man as World War I raged across the ocean. The United States was slow to join her allies in this War, waiting and watching until officially declaring War on April 6, 1917. Howard likely read available newspapers accounts and maybe thought about this War as he worked on his ranch.

The first U.S. Draft began in June 1917 and Howard was one of the first to register on June 5, 1917. He was 25 years old. On his registration card he indicated that he had no disability or exception to service.

Private Joseph Howard Cheney

Howard enlisted on May 24, 1918. He was sent to Camp Lewis in American Lake, Washington for training. Having been to this very place earlier this year, I can picture that. Camp Lewis has now morphed into Joint Base Lewis McChord, where my son-in-law was stationed.

Howard served as a Private in Battery A 145th Field Artillery 40 Division. On August 5, 1918, he sailed on the ship Scotian from New York City to France. Unfortunately, there are few available details about his service other than that he served in France until the end of the War. Just knowing about the horrors of this war and the devastation caused to France, we can assume that it was a frightening and horrible experience. Howard was not wounded, though one must wonder if he carried home unseen wounds.

The Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, ending this Great War. Howard left Bordeaux, France on December 23rd and arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey on January 5, 1919. He was discharged January 24, 1919 at Logan, Utah.

Article in Jackson’s Hole Courier
30 January 1919

Return to the Ranch in Jackson Hole

Howard returned to Jackson Hole January 26, 1919 and resumed ranching. He married Pearl Estella Mangum November 7, 1923. They had five children and raised four to adulthood. Howard farmed and fed his family through the Great Depression.

Howard with his children

With the entry of the United States into another World War, Howard again dutifully registered for the Draft. He was then 50 years old.

Howard died on the eve of Independence Day, July 3, 1949 in Brigham City, Utah at the relatively young age of 58.

Joseph Howard Cheney
Howard and Pearl in Brigham City

After his death, Howard’s wife Pearl applied for a Military Headstone for his grave. She was living in Brigham City, Utah at the time of the application, July 3, 1951. She had the stone marker shipped to her son-in-law Keith Shinkle of Victor, Idaho to the Wilson, Wyoming Post Office, which was on the other side of Teton Pass. This granite marker was placed on Howard’s grave in the South Park Cemetery, in Jackson, Wyoming.

Joseph Howard Cheney
Joseph H Cheney Headstone
South Park Cemetery, Jackson, Wyoming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

David H. Johnson Water Wars

Introduction and Disclaimer

I have been intrigued by the story of Uncle David Johnson since my father told it to me years ago. I always found it rather sad.  I have done some digging in an attempt to get a better understanding of what really happened. Some families may be embarrassed by this kind of story and even refuse to discuss it. I find these kinds of things fascinating. They kind of bring out an inner detective in me.

With many such stories, there is the family version and a somewhat different version given through records. Some of the family version is what my father has remembered, being just a child when all these things happened.

I have poured though David’s numerous petitions, trying to make sense of them. They have the outward appearance of formal legal documents, but they are rambling, disjointed, repetitive, and confusing. The ones I have copies of are dated 1958-1960, so were written long after the incidents.

I searched legal records at the Utah State History office and found even more petitions among the court documents. Some of the newspaper articles I have read have obvious errors.

I of course, have my own biases and perspective based on my experiences. I will try to present what I have learned and what conclusions I have made, as well as what questions I still have.

The Family Story

The story my father told starts with David being a very successful farmer.  The land west of Ogden was alkaline. David developed a drainage system which leeched the alkali from the soil. He raised very good crops there, much better than his neighbors, which raised suspicion and allegations that he was taking more than his share of water.

The picture in my mind as I heard Dad’s story was of a wild west shootout with David in a ditch shooting to defend himself. David was shot in the head. The other guy was shot too – but he died. David was convicted of murder and served a life sentence in the Utah State Penitentiary.

Through research I realized that this was just the final chapter of David’s story, which had many more interesting details.

Water Wars Part One

David Johnson homesteaded some land in Ogden Valley as a young man. He was married at age 25 in 1900, so may have already owned this land for a while before his marriage. He had a dispute there with some of the neighbors over water rights. He outlined this dispute in a document titled “Attachment to Brief on Appeal” apparently drafted as part of an appeal to this first conviction.

David owned 160 acres located at the mouth of Wolf Creek Canyon in Eden. The officers of the Eden Irrigation Canal Company at that time were George Fuller, Ben Colvin and Virgil Stallings. David apparently had two shares and an allotted time to water his land, but one week when there had been rain, he diverted “surplus” water to a narrow strip of land, where it would run into the canal.

David was accused of stealing the canal water, was found guilty by a Justice of the Peace and fined $1200.00. David appealed this decision to the District Court.

The details in David’s petition are rather confusing, but the sense I get is that he felt that the Canal trustees had resources and power and pressured him to abandon his land. He was rather young at this time, and according to my father, he agreed to sell rather than face legal consequences. David sold this land in February 1904 to Anthon F. Anderson.

Water Wars Part Two

After selling his land and leaving Eden in 1905, David lived in Ogden City for several years. He first lived on Jefferson Avenue and then later in West Ogden on E. Ave. He bought a farm in Kanesville, in Weber County in 1914.

On June 2, 1929 David had another dispute over a bill for pasturage. This one was with a neighbor named Carl D. Johnson (no relation). David fired three shots at this other Johnson, one going through his hat. Carl Johnson hit David and knocked him down with a shovel. David was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and intent to commit murder.

Complaint of assault with intent to commit murder 1929

The case was transferred to the Court of Justice of the Peace Gladwell in Burch Creek (now South Ogden).

Salt Lake Tribune 6-13-1929

Salt Lake Tribune 10-16-1929

Water Wars Part Three

Adjacent to David’s land in Kanesville was land owned by John Kap. David claimed he had been threatened by Kap and Kap’s brother-in-law Chris Bowhuis, “If you don’t leave this country at once and give us your land ditch and water in this street, we are going to kill you and bury you like a rat.” Apparently they had dug a “grave” already for him.

David asserted that the State of Utah had denied all right held by David H. Johnson of land ditch and water as stood in this street. This had been acquired by Weber County on the construction of Utah Central Railroad in 1876, and when the road grade was built, it dug up the Salt Lake Valley hard pan rock, and stopped the flow of such under ground water coursing west to the lake. The State of Utah engineer, George M. Bason accorded this to David H. Johnson by State filing No. 9727 April 1925. This was proved up on and recorded January 1928. David Johnson used this for 11 years to May 19, 1936.

Map drawn by David

The Shootout

May 19, 1936, John Kap went to this ditch which was adjacent to Johnson’s land, armed with a 22 rifle and shovel. David was working on his land as Kap passed. David described the incident:

“As I Johnson took up a 22 rifle loaded with a long bullet and walked to my ditch in this street a legal appurtenance to my land, and saw Kap and Bowhuis dug grave and threw all into the gutter east of the pile of dirt, crawled to the pile of dirt to see where old Kap was; he was standing with his 22 rifle resting, pointed at me and fired a 22 bullet into my head, and then Kap walked to me living to stiff to raise up, when I shot old Kap in the center breast bone in self defense.”

Apparently Chris Bowhuis called the Sheriff’s office and Deputy Gaylord Taylor arrested David and took him to the Dee Hospital. According to his own account, David had a

“small wound in the frontal hair line about two and one half inches above the superorbital notch; the bullet of a short 22 calibre bullet was found two and half inches back of entrance. The X-ray picture is on file at the hospital. J. Howard Jenkins (Hospital Principle). The morning of May 20, 1836 the hospital informed the county Physican, doctor Feller, who examined this head and reported death is imminent unless the foreign body is removed at once from this man head. The hospital X-rayed his head and Doctor Feller parted to scalp to show the bullet, then shaved the bullet down to the part he removed it.”

John Kap was apparently also taken to the hospital. His wounds were described in court transcripts:

“The X-ray picture reveals he was shot from the front of his body with a long 22 bullet that struck his center breast bone; and entivraly turned to the right, and lodged in his left lung. Juryman you see the metal specks shattered all over his cut open breast, from the bullet striking his breast bone.”

John Kap died May 27, 1936. Apparently he was recovering from his wound, but later died of a lung hemorrhage. David was then charged with murder.

The Trial

The main witnesses at the trial were the family members of the victim and the police officer. I question whether David had very good legal counsel. David fell asleep at his preliminary hearing, and reportedly got angry at the Judge at times during the trial. The Judge also indicated that David had given varying details at times and he did not believe some of his claims.

Ogden Standard 6-2-1936

The Story From the Judge

The letter that Judge Leslie Wade wrote to the Parole Board gives his summary of the charges and the trial with additional details. He explained the dispute about the water and a statement David made to the Watermaster that he would kill Kap if he attempted to take water from the ditch. At 6 pm on May 19, Kap went to the ditch armed with a shotgun and a shovel, and with his brother-in-law Chris Bowhuis on lookout for any trouble.

David was there with a 22 rifle and a .38 caliber revolver. The judge described the incident as David firing first at Kap and then Kap rose up after falling to the ground and fired a shot at David which hit him in the head. Apparently there were more shots fired as Kap walked away.

The Judge also gave some additional background on David, which shows his opinion of him. He stated:

“Mr. Johnson has a rather notorious past history. He lives by himself in a very poorly furnished and very poorly built house. He has several chicken-coops and stables, and a person traveling by his place on the road wouldn’t know which was the house and which was the stable and which was a chicken-coop. I am informed that he has been married, but that his wife died many years ago, and that since about 1915 he has lived alone out in the neighborhood of where he lived at the time of the shooting.”

The Judge did give some indication that all sides were partly at fault in the ongoing water dispute. County Water Commissioners attempted to arbitrate the matter and there was previous court action. Interestingly the Judge stated that he had been involved as David’s attorney in a previous case and later withdrew, which raises some questions about his impartiality in this case.

The Judge also reviewed the earlier 1929 case, disputes in 1931 and 1932 with Kap and Bowhuis, and other petty court actions.

The Judge’s Assessment of David

“He seems to be a man that has brooded over his troubles so long that he is absolutely unable to see anything from the standpoint of the other person. He seems to be of a very sutbborn disposition, and has worked himself up to a stage where he feels that he is going to have his way or he is going to kill some one. As long as he is in this frame of mind, I felt that he is a very dangerous man to the public, or the community in which he lives.”

The Verdict

The jury was given options of finding David guilty of First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder or involuntary manslaughter. David was convicted of Second Degree Murder. He was sentenced to the Utah State Penitentiary for life, a sentence which the judge described as “the extreme penalty which the law allowed me to give him, to wit, imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life.”

Petitions

David filed numerous and very detailed petitions. Petitions were directed to the District Court, the Utah State Supreme Court, The United States Supreme Court, Congress, and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He even has some addressed “To Whom it may Concern” and “If you have a conscience, read this”. Some list David as petitioner vs. the State of Utah, but one has David H. Johnson, plaintiff vs. Warden Turner, the Prison Warden. (The one who said at the time of his death, that Dave was a model prisoner.)

David must have gained some knowledge of the judicial system,  some through experience, and likely through study in prison. He knew enough to create petitions, which contain some legal terminology, but are rather confusing and difficult to follow. He didn’t seem to understand appropriate procedures well.

One petition with handwritten cover page over mimeograph copy. In the top right hand corner the pages are fastened together with thread sewn though.

In his petitions, David cited the Constitution and other laws to try to establish that he had acted in self defense. Part of defense in these petitions involved the allegation that his property had been illegally taken from him. Apparently Chris Bowhuis was allowed to possess David’s “land ditch and water, 6 cows two horses 500 chickens and 5000 value of chattel property and imprison Johnson for life.”

Some of the petitions included hand drawn maps.

Appeals and Parole Hearings

David’s case went before the Parole board a number of times and was denied each time. He was denied Parole in February 1940.

Ogden Standard-Examiner 3-17-1946

A self-prepared clemency appeal was denied by the Pardon board March 17, 1946. Mrs. Kap, the widow of John Kap appeared before the board and said that she would fear for her safety if David was released.

Dec 23, 1951, David made another appeal to the parole board, still saying he was innocent.

It is interesting that the Prison Warden, John Turner, is quoted in this article after David’s death, saying that he was a model prisoner and caused no trouble there, yet the Judge had indicated in his letter to the Parole Board that if David’s attitude changed, parole might be appropriate.

Warden Turner also said that to his knowledge David had never been up for parole or termination. “He may have had desires to get out but apparently didn’t push the matter”. I wonder how well this Warden actually knew David. It does appear that David spent the remainder of his life rather obsessed with trying to get out of prison.

The End of David’s Life and Struggle

David did spend the remainder of his life in prison. He actually was taken to Salt Lake General Hospital and died there, rather than in the prison itself.

Ogden Standard-Examiner Jan 25, 1961

My Impressions

Are we seeing a pattern here? A single incident might lead one to believe that David had indeed been ganged up on, provoked and taken advantage of. But there seem to be repeated conflicts with neighbors which escalated to the point of violence. David clearly had trouble getting along with neighbors and had a hot temper.

I do believe that David felt that he was being threatened and needed to defend himself and his property. I think he truly felt he was the one being attacked and acted in self-defense.

In the first incident in Eden, David was very young and up against the established leaders of the community. In the last incident, the “victim” Kap and neighbor Bouwhuis were relatives and had other family members taking their side. David’s property was very literally surrounded by the land of these two.

But I have to wonder if some of this feeling like a victim of conspiracies was a bit of paranoia. The mention from the Prison Warden about David being sent to the State Mental Hospital and the institution in American Fork, may suggest that some thought that he suffered from some impairment or mental illness. Also there was mention of a potential insanity defense to the murder charge.

Having some experience with traumatic brain injuries, it would make some sense to me that after the last incident where David was shot in the head, he may have had some impairment because of that. That might account for some things, like not being able to communicate coherently his account and falling asleep in court during his preliminary hearing. Though feelings of persecution and violent responses were evident much earlier.

I still feel that Uncle David’s life was rather sad.

Cemetery Tour – Eggleston Cemetery, North Stonington, Connecticut

The Eggleston Cemetery in North Stonington, Connecticut

I have not yet visited the Eggleston/Eccleston Cemetery in North Stonington, Connecticut. It is the burial place for many members of the early Eggleston and related families in the Stonington area.

Years ago I was given a CD with photographs from someone else’s visit to the Cemetery. I started creating this post – realizing that there were many photographs on this disc – then almost stopped because I realized that Find a Grave and Billion Graves also have photographs of these same headstones. Theirs are indexed by person with other information. I almost deleted the post, but I didn’t. In scrolling through these photos I gained a sense of what it would be like actually “touring” the cemetery. Someday I hope to visit in person, but for now this is my – and yours as well – Cemetery Tour of the Eggleston Cemetery.

Many family members use the Eccleston spelling in reference to this Cemetery, probably because they belong to the families which used that spelling and that is what is on many of the stones. I am using my default – Eggleston – but it is also used by Find a Grave and Billion Graves.

Beginning the Tour

These shots show the entrance to the Cemetery and broad shots which show some of the surrounding area.

 

 

 

Eggleston Family Member Gravestones

 

Charles H. Main

Stiles Eggleston

Almira R. Main

Charles H. Main Jr.

Jesse Main

Abbie, Wife of Jesse Main

Benjamin Eccleston (died 1815)

Calista Eccleston, wife of Benjamin

Ida, daughter of Jesse Main

Mamie, daughter of Benjamin Eccleston

Lydia M. Main, wife of Elias R. Pierce

Elias Pierce

 

 

 

Irtis Eccleston, son of Benjamin and Calista

Jennie Eccleston, daughter of Irtis

 

Emily F. Eccleston, wife of Willard R. Blanchard and daughter of William and Fannie. Also Daughter Mabel A. Blanchard

Otis Blanchard, infant son of Emily and William

Noyes A. Eccleston

Ella Eccleston & Dora N. Eccleston

William N. Eccleston and his wife Fannie M. Miller

Henry Palmer Ecclestone

Lucinda, wife of William Eccleston

William Eccleston

Happy A. Eccleston, wife of Edwin F. Yerrington, and daughter of William and Lucinda

Thankful, wife of Ichabod Eccleston

Isabel, daughter of Edwin F. & Happy A. Yerrington

Latham M. Eccleston

Ichabod P. Eggleston & Claracy, his wife

Claracy, wife of Ichabofd Eccleston

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claracy, wife of Ichabod Eccleston

Thankful, widow of Ichabod Eccleston

 

Maryann Eccleston, daughter of Tracy

Tracy Eccleston

Hannah Main

Hannah, wife of Lewis Main

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lewis Main

Cynthia Eccleston, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth

Ichabod Eccleston

Abigail, wife of Ichabod Eccleston

Emeline, daughter of William and Lucy Eccleston

Sally E. Ray and Avery N. Eccleston

Lucy Eccleston, wife of William

William Eccleston