Tag Archives: New York

Benjamin Eggleston

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Samuel and Rebecca Eggleston family

When I began researching, family records only listed two children of Samuel and Rebecca Eggleston – Samuel Jr. and Ambrose.

Samuel Sr. and his wife Rebecca moved from Argyle, Washington County, New York to Marcellus, Onondaga County, New York early in the 1800’s. A deed shows that they sold their land in Argyle in February 1801. On July 22, 1801, Samuel bought land in Marcellus from Luther Manley. This land was 100 acres of Lot #52.

I found two other deeds, which turned out to be my discovery of two other sons of Samuel and Rebecca. March 16, 1809, Samuel deeded about one third of this land to Nathan Eggleston for 50 cents and “for and in consideration of the natural love and affection he hath and beareth to his son the said Nathan.” June 29, 1810, Samuel deeded the remainder of his land to Benjamin Eggleston for $300. There was no “love and affection” clause with this deed, but all indications were that Benjamin was also his son. Samuel Jr. had bought his own land nearby.

This is my abstract of the deed of land from Samuel to Benjamin:

29 June 1810 SAMUEL EGGLESTON of Marcellus sold to BENJAMIN EGGLESTON for $300 part of Marcellus Lot 52 bounded on the west by lands owned by WYLLYS MANLY and LUTHER MANLEY and on the north by land owned by NATHAN EGGLESTON containing 68 and 2/3 acres. Signed: SAMUEL EGGLESTON. Witness: DANIEL KELLOGG 29th June 1810. Recorded DANIEL KELLOGG. (Onondaga Deeds Book P p. 382-383 FHL film 0870719)

Searching for Benjamin Eggleston

Samuel Sr. was not listed in the 1820 Census, but that year Benjamin Eggleston had an extra male over 45 in his household. In 1830 this was an 80-90 year old, and in 1840, 90-100 years old. It appears that Benjamin took over his father’s farm and cared for him until his death.

1830 Census Skaneateles, Onondaga, New York
1840 Census Skaneateles, Onondaga, New York

Burial and Probate Information

The discovery of these land records led to more research which found burial and probate records. More information was found through research on Benjamin’s wife Elizabeth Wiltse.

I found in a History of Spafford, Onondaga, New York a bio of Deacon Benjamin Eggleston. It quoted from his and family members’ headstones. (His and his wife’s are shown below) Most of the information here seems to have come from his will, dated February 18, 1865 and probated March 23, 1868. Mentioned were his wife, Elizabeth and children: Myron; Rolfe; John; Theodore, who married Sarah A. Gardner; Delilah Goodridge; Adeline Wood; Catherine Coon; Rebecca, who married Austin Wyckoff of Navarino, NY; Mary, who married Augustin Vanderburgh, son of Stephen and Maria (Calkins) Vanderburg; Ruth M. Eggleston and Sarah E. Patterson. (Spafford, Onondaga Co, NY 974.765/S1 V3c FHL)

This gave me enough information to add Benjamin and his children to the family and fill in as many details as I could find in census and other records.

Discovery

After doing this research for some time and piecing together Benjamin’s family, I finally discovered something that had been under my nose – literally – for some time. As I was cleaning up my messy desk one day in early 2001, I discovered a note I had scribbled and the lights went on in my brain. Occasionally as I researched and made connections online, people would ask me about various Egglestons. This note was about a contact from Barbara about a Berry or Benjamin Eggleston. At the time I had been contacted by Barbara, this name meant nothing, so I just put the note with others. Now it all made sense.

I was able to contact Barbara and we shared information. She sent me copies of some correspondence from 1987, information that appeared to have been compiled by some local historian, and a copy of a “Family Record” written for a 1911 family reunion. This had wonderful information about Benjamin’s children, including a son I was not aware of because he had died as a child and was not listed in Benjamin’s probate record.

The 1911 Eggleston Family Record

The “Family Record” is a brief history of the family of Benjamin and Elizabeth written for a family reunion held in 1911 in Chautauqua County. by C. W. Patterson. His record begins and ends with these statements:

More than a century ago the great, great grand parents of some of this gathering were born. Berry Eggleston in the year 1783 and his wife, Elizabeth Wiltsie was born Jan 1, 1789. They were married in 1808 and came to Onondaga Co. where they took up and cleared their farm on which they lived until their death, Benj. in 1868 and Elizabeth 6 years later, 1874 . . .

All this family were all of the old New England type being large of frame, strong and robust, upright and honest of character, sober and industrious and God fearing people, an honor to any community. We can any of us be proud to be descendants of these honorable forefathers.

Correspondence

This is the letter Barbara received with information on this family, which references the above family history:

Barbara told me that she had gotten information from her uncle, Ralph Scott before he died. He was mentioned in this letter’s P.S. as being at a more recent family reunion. Ralph was the one who told Barbara that Benjamin’s son Franklin had died at age 3, which was obviously the reason he was not on other records. She mentioned that her uncle had in his basement in Detroit, family bibles, old letters, post cards, and pictures.

Interestingly a typed sheet, prepared by CNYGS (Central New York Genealogical Society) in Syracuse, included mention of the Administration of the estate of Thomas Tanner, among other details about various Egglestons. This note from “Memoirs of Phillipe Maton Wiltsie and His Descendants” by Jerome Wiltsie Sr. (1908) p 123 was in the middle of that sheet:

“Benjamin Eggleston m Elizabeth Wiltsie dau John & Polly (Burns) Wiltsie. She was b 1794, died in 81st year. Son: Theodore Eggleston, b 1830, res Sherman, Chautauqua Co.”

Benjamin’s Life

With this new information I was able to get a better picture of Benjamin’s life and family.

Benjamin was born in 1783. His birth place is different in different Census records: Washington County, New York, Connecticut or Rhode Island. Most likely he was born in the Stonington, Connecticut area.

Benjamin married Elizabeth Wiltse in 1808. Elizabeth was born January 1, 1789 in Vermont, a daughter of John Wiltse and Mary Burns. John Wiltse was one of the early settlers of Marcellus and was a neighbor of the Egglestons.

Information in a Wiltse history mentioned that Elizabeth and her husband Benjamin Eggleston resided in a house that her father built at Marcellus until 1865 when they moved to Sherman, Chautuaqua, County. It appears from census, land, and other records mentioning the “Eggleston farm near the Wiltse farm”, that the Wiltses were neighbors of the Egglestons. Benjamin bought his father’s land in 1810, when he had only been married a short time. Perhaps his father-in-law did build his house, but it likely was on his father’s land.

Benjamin did purchase some land in Chautauqua County, which he later sold to sons Myron and Rolfe. But it does not appear that he ever lived there himself. If he did, it would have been for a very short time. The Family Reunion sheet seems to say he lived in the same place until his death. Benjamin was buried in Marcellus, in the Thorn Hill Cemetery. Theodore however, though living with his father until 1865 at least, and possibly until his death, did move to Chautauqua County where he died and was buried.

It appears that Benjamin became quite a prosperous farmer and respected member of the community. A history of the town of Spafford listed Benjamin among the early settlers of the area. Since Benjamin was quite young at the time his father came to Marcellus, it is most likely he came with him. His brothers also probably came about the same time. The reason Benjamin was listed and not his father or brothers, is probably because he stayed and became a prominent member of the community, rather than that he came first. Benjamin also acquired a good deal of land in the area. He sold land in Marcellus to his sons Theodore and John.

In his later years Benjamin apparently lived with Theodore. Theodore and his wife Sarah did not have children for many years, so as Benjamin aged it would have placed a great burden on Theodore to farm his land. In the 1860 Census there appears to be hired laborers listed with the family. (This Census is very difficult to read and the names cannot all be made out). Benjamin’s daughter Ruth did not marry until she was quite old. She was living with them and probably helped to take care of her aging parents.

Marcellus Church Records

Benjamin and his wife Elizabeth were baptized and joined the Thornhill Baptist Church May 21, 1828. He would have been about 45 years old, so joined the Church at a much older age than his brothers had and after Samuel and Nathan had moved away. Why he was not baptized at a younger age is unknown. Perhaps his brother’s later experiences with being excluded from the church influenced him.

From the time of his baptism, Benjamin was very involved in the Church. In May 1837, he was chosen chairman of the board of trustees of the First Baptist Religious Society of Marcellus. In 1841, he and Stephen Vandenburgh were chosen trustees. He would have been involved in decisions and planning for the original church building and the present building, which was built in 1849. Benjamin was mentioned in Mortuary Notes and also in a newspaper notice of his daughter’s marriage as “Deacon”. As Deacon, Benjamin had many assignments to visit brethren and sisters, participated in meetings, and other activities.

Benjamin’s son Theodore married Sarah A. Gardner, whose father Sylvester Gardner, was the Pastor of the Thorn Hill Baptist Church at the time. This family was also a neighbor as they were listed next to each other on the 1850 Census.

In August 2001, I was able to visit this Church in Marcellus, New York. The Pastor showed my father and I the church records and allowed us to make some copies. We were also able to visit the graves of Benjamin and his wife Elizabeth in the cemetery there.

Death of Benjamin Eggleston

Benjamin died January 9, 1868 and was buried in the Thorn Hill Cemetery behind the Church in which he was an active member. His headstone inscription reads: “Our Father Dea Benjamin Eggleston left us January 9, 1868, in the full assurance of a blissful immortality, through Christ his Saviour, age 85 years.” The Spafford Mortuary Records published by the Onondaga Historical Association also added the line “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the Death of his Saint.”

Headstones of Elizabeth and Benjamin Eggleston
Headstone of Benjamin Eggleston behind the Church. Elizabeth’s stone is lying on the ground. (Photo taken in 2001)

Elizabeth died August 31, 1874. She was buried alongside her husband in the Thorn Hill Cemetery. Sadly upon our visit in August 2001, we found her headstone lying on the ground. The inscription reads: “Our Mother Elizabeth, wife of Dea Benjamin Eggleston Departed this life August 31, 1874, age 85 years, 5 months.” The Mortuary Records added the phrase “With a good Hope in Christ of a Blessed and glorious Resurrection to Eternal Life.” The 1875 New York Census listed deaths during the year ending June 1, 1875 and listed Elizabeth Eggleston age 85 died August 31 of old age. A Wiltse Family history gave Elizabeth’s birth as 1794 and indicated she died in her 81st year.

GATHERING THE FAMILY OF SAMUEL AND REBECCA EGGLESTON

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The Samuel and Rebecca Eggleston Family

When I started research, according to existing records, the family of Samuel and Rebecca Eggleston consisted of them and only two children: Samuel Jr. and Ambrose. These were the only two children listed in Orson Hyde Eggleston’s records of temple work done, and I am sure that his records were the source. I have always doubted that Ambrose was a member of this family. I have never found any other records showing that he existed. Maybe Orson had heard his father talk about “Uncle Ambrose” and placed him here? Orson’s father Samuel did have a brother Ambrose, most likely named after his mother Elizabeth’s father Ambrose Hill. Samuel Jr. and Elizabeth named many of their children after Hill family members. I haven’t seen other Ambrose in our particular Eggleston line, so the inclusion in Samuel’s family seems a mistake to me.

Finding Benjamin and Nathan through the Land

I started digging into land records after taking a class at our local Family History Center on “U. S. Migrations”. I poured through indexes and deed books on microfilm at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. This first page of a letter to Uncle Theron from a genealogists he hired, mentions a deed where Samuel sold land in Marcellus to Benjamin Eggleston.

This is my abstract of that deed:

29 June 1810 SAMUEL EGGLESTON of Marcellus sold to BENJAMIN EGGLESTON for $300 part of Marcellus Lot 52 bounded on the west by lands owned by WYLLYS MANLY and LUTHER MANLEY and on the north by land owned by NATHAN EGGLESTON containing 68 and 2/3 acres. Signed: SAMUEL EGGLESTON. Witness: DANIEL KELLOGG 29th June 1810. Recorded DANIEL KELLOGG. (Onondaga Deeds Book P p. 382-383 FHL film 0870719)

This deed hints strongly that Benjamin was Samuel’s son, which is further confirmed by Census records below.

Apparently however, this researcher or the people he contacted in Onondaga County missed this earlier and more enlightening deed:

16th March 1809 SAMUEL EAGLESTONE of Marcellus sold to NATHAN EAGELSTONE for and in consideration of 50 cents . . paid by NATHAN EAGELSTONE. . and more particularly for an in consideration of the natural love and affection he hath and beareth unto his son the said NATHAN EAGELSTONE part of Marcellus Lot 52 containing 31 and 1/3 acres. Signed: SAMUEL EAGELSTONE. Witness: DANIEL KELLOGG. Recorded 16 Feb 1836 A. EDWARDS, Clerk. (Onondaga Deeds Book 61 p. 35-36 FHL film 0869687)

Deeds don’t get better than this one for proving a relationship. Samuel Sr. had originally bought 100 acres of land in Lot #52 in 1801, so these two deeds split that land. Samuel Jr. had bought 52 1/2 acres of land nearby in Lot #59, which he sold in 1817 when he moved to Springwater.

Census Hints

When I looked at Census records, I found Samuel Sr. was no longer listed on Census records after 1810. There was no Samuel in Marcellus in 1820. Samuel Jr. had moved to Springwater, Livingston County, New York before 1820. But Benjamin had an extra male over 45 with him in 1820. In 1830 I found Nathan and Benjamin next to each other in Skaneateles, which had been created from the part of Marcellus where they lived. Benjamin had an 80-90 year old man living with him.

In 1840, Benjamin had a male in the 90-100 year age category. Samuel Sr. died June 20, 1840, apparently not long after this census was taken. I felt confident that Benjamin was his son. Benjamin, the youngest in the family who was living on land his father had purchased, was taking care of him in his old age.

Finding Phoebe and Karen Tanner

It was indirectly through this Nathan that I found two sisters. Settlers of the Beekman Patent by Frank J. Doherty, mentioned that a Nathan Eggleston had been granted guardianship of the children of Thomas Tanner of Marcellus. (Vol. 4 p. 678.) Doherty mistakenly attributed this record to Nathaniel, son of Samuel’s brother John. Being from Onondaga County Probate Records, (Onondaga Co LofA 3:23, 97) it appeared to me to be this Nathan of Marcellus. (The summary of Samuel’s family on p. 677 of Vol 4, is very brief and only lists son Samuel.)

This bio of Nathaniel Eggleston summarized, between mention of records from a variety of New York Counties, “Nathan (sic) Eggleston of the Town of Marcellus was appointed guardian 13 July 1819 over Amos Tanner, age 16 and Asa Tanner, age 16, sons of Thomas Tanner dec’d. He was also appointed guardian over Solomon Tanner, Phebe Tanner and Van Rensselaer Tanner on the same date, different document.”

In looking up these Tanner children, I benefited from work done by the Tanner family and posted on FamilySearch. They identified Thomas’ wives as Phebe Eggleston and Karen Eggleston. It was especially exciting for me to find Karen, since we share the same name.

Thomas had first married Phebe Eggleston, probably in Washington County, New York sometime before 1790. Thomas Tanner was on the 1790 Census of Argyle, Washington County, NY with 1 male over 16, 1 male under 16 and 1 female. He brought his family to Marcellus before the Egglestons all came, being one of the first settlers of the town. He was on the 1800 Census there, while the Egglestons were still in Argyle.

Phebe and Thomas had children:

Thomas Jr. who would have been the son in the 1790 Census. He died before December 22, 1814, near the time that his father did, and possibly in the War of 1812; Samuel Tanner who was born in 1792 and was the administrator of his father’s estate; Nathan Tanner, who would have also been an adult when his father died; Amos and Asa listed as 16 years old in the guardianship record may have been twins or the record may have been indicating that they were over 16 but still minors. Amos is the only one with a known birth date of 1800; Phoebe, listed in the guardianship record, was born in 1805; Solomon was born in 1808 and is also in the record; and other records list a Rebecca born about 1810, who apparently was no longer living when her father died. She may have been born around the time that her mother Phebe died, perhaps both dying during or shortly after childbirth.

The names of their children make sense considering that Thomas Jr. was named after his father Thomas; Samuel was named after Phebe’s father Samuel; Nathan was named after Thomas’s father Nathan Tanner (and Thomas’ brother); and Rebecca was named after Phebe’s mother Rebecca (and Phebe’s sister).

Karen Eggleston had married Peleg Cornell back in Washington County, New York. Peleg Cornell was in the 1800 Census of Hebron, Washington County with 2 males under 10, 3 females under 10, he a male 26-45 and she a female 26-45. I have not been able to identify all of their children. I suspect Peleg Cornell born in September 1795 who later lived near other family members in Chautauqua County, New York, was their son. He married Hannah Wiltse, sister of Benjamin’s wife Elizabeth.

Karen’s husband Peleg Cornell seems to have died around the same time that her sister Phebe died. Karen then married Thomas Tanner, who died in 1814.

Van Rensselaer Tanner, mentioned in the guardianship record was the son of Karen and Thomas Tanner. They apparently also had William born 1813 in Skaneateles and possibly an unnamed daughter who died as an infant.

Marcellus Baptist Church Records

The Marcellus Baptist Church records mention almost all of these family members, but not many relationships. Early members were Samuel Jr., Nathan, Thomas Tanner. Benjamin was baptized later, but then became a Deacon.

This was the family composition at the time I wrote the Eggleston book. I included Ambrose because he was on databases. I also mentioned the possibility that John Eggleston who was also in Marcellus early on, might be a son.

Adding Rebecca

One day while on FamilySearch I saw that Deborah, the wife of Winlock Eggleston now had a last name – Earll. Her parents were Nathaniel Earll and Rebecca Eggleston. There were no sources attached that would indicate where this information came from. I did find an email of someone who had submitted information and contacted her. She said that she had gotten information from an Ancestry database. This person remembered a handwritten family genealogy dated 1935. She found a note, but not a copy of this and I have not been able to find it attached to any of the Ancestry Trees. There are several of those which list a number of children for Nathaniel and Rebecca. Marcellus Deeds do have the name Rebecca as wife of Nathaniel Earll. Octogon School Cemetery Records give a death date for Rebecca, wife of Nathaniel Earll as September 7, 1847.

It all started to make sense. The 1790 and 1800 Census of Argyle had more females in Samuel’s family than were previously accounted for, so I had looked for another daughter. The 1810 Census of Marcellus paints a more complete picture. Nathaniel Earll was right in the middle of all the Egglestons on that Census.

1810 Census Marcellus, New York

In the center of this record can be found the whole family. On the left is Thomas Tanner, probably with wife Karen Eggleston Cornell and many children. Next to Thomas is Nathan Eggleston and then Samuel Eggleston Jr. (Simeon Skeels was the father of Isaac Skeels who later married Samuel Jr.’s daughter Anna).

On the right is Jno Eggleston Jr. and Joseph Eggleston. Joseph had a son John, but there was also another John Eggleston in early Marcellus. Next to Joseph is Nathan J. Eggleston, who probably also is a son of Joseph. (Putting together Joseph’s family was a bit more challenging and deserves it’s own post)

Nathaniel Earll is right next to Samuel Eggleston, his father-in-law. Benjamin is next to his father Samuel and next to Benjamin is his father-in-law John Wilsie.

The Children of Samuel and Rebecca Eggleston

Samuel Eggleston Jr. was born about 1770, possibly earlier. He died October 4, 1830 in Springwater, Livingston, New York. He married Elizabeth Hill.

Phoebe Eggleston was born about 1769 and died about 1810. She married Thomas Tanner before 1790 in Washington County, New York.

Karen Eggleston was born about 1771. She first married Peleg Cornell, probably in Washington County, New York. After his death, Karen married Thomas Tanner about 1810.

Nathan Eggleston was born about 1774. He died February 2, 1854 in Chautauqua County, New York. He married Mary.

Rebecca Eggleston was born March 24, 1781. She died September 7, 1847. She married Nathaniel Earll.

Benjamin Eggleston was born in 1783. He died January 9, 1868 in Marcellus, New York. He married Elizabeth Wiltse, daughter of their neighbor John Wiltse.

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.