Our Shaker Heritage Return to Part I
	Part II: The Runyon Family at Pleasant Hill - 1809 to 1913 Note: Shaker journal entries and letters have not been edited for clarity or for errors in spelling or grammar. In some cases, stories or letters have been excerpted or shortened. Information that appears within brackets has been added for clarification. 1809 - 1819 - By 1814 Phineas and Charity Runyon, Joseph and Jane Runyon, Emley and Lydia Runyon, Martin and Patience Runyon, and Marcy Runyon Badgett and her husband John had arrived at Pleasant Hill and were organizing into various Families. By the end of this period we see an example of the spiritual manifestations that were becoming more common within the village. Summer 1809 - Joseph Runyon Believed in the summer of 1809. Residence Fayette Co., Ky . Removed to Pleasant Hill March 2, 1810.  Mov'd with his Family from Fayett Co, near Lexington to Pleasant Hill March 1810, settled in the old fraim house John Bryants family came the same month, Jenny [Jane] Runyon mov'd from their to the log School house in the spring of 1811 (OP) 1809 - We built a log house, weatherboarded it & lathed & plastered it, which made quite a comfortable dwelling house. We moved in it in September. Bid a dieu to our camp. I would just observe we pinned the Shingles on with lindel pins. We thought we was too poor to buy nails. (OP) Fall 1809 - Late in the fall of 1809, we collected our children in a log house at the East Family, under the care of Ursula Thomas and Polly Hutton; this is the first of the society's giving up their children, we built this house for the spetial [sic] purpose and when the Children mov'd down to the Center family in the big log house; this was taken for an office; this was the first office our trustees ever had to transact business in; they took possession of it Jan 1811 (OP) February 1810 - ...Family removed from there [fraim house] to give place to the Runyon and Bryants... (OP) March 1810 - ...an entire new Family established at the fraim house Joseph Runyon with a verry large family and John Bryant and his family and in the fall James Congleton and his family from Bourbon Co all three make quite a respectable Family. (OP) February 1810 - Jane "Ginny" Runyon Believed in Feb. 1810 (Bio) 1810 - Nancy Runyon Ryan becomes a Believer. Born May 27, 1787 in Rowan County, North Carolina, daughter of Joseph and Jane.  Nancy Runyon married Thomas Ryan in Fayette County on November 23, 1807 and is believed to be the woman referenced in the 1835 David Crouch interview (see 1835 entry). According to Pleasant Hill records Nancy Ryan became a Believer in 1810 and arrived at the Shaker community at Pleasant Hill in the Spring of 1815. Fall 1811 - ...the Congletons, Bryants and others come to Pleasant Hill and were located at fraimd house Joseph Runyon and Eunice Roberts were their Elders till in the fall of 1811 when Joseph went to the loghouse to teach school, then James Congleton took his place as Elder at the fraim house. (OP) December 27, 1811 - John Badgett and Family [Mercy Runyon, wife] mov'd from Madison Co to this place Dec. 27, 1811 settleed on the cliff set out the following month, the following spring mov'd to the fraim house; Jan 1813 mov'd to the East Family (OP) February 19, 1812 - ...the fraim house was occasionally occupied by young Believers that would occasionally drop in for a time till at length the place was evacuated and the buildings mov'd away. (OP) April 13, 1812 - You have doubtless heard considerable about the late earth quake On the 16th of December, at about half past two in the morning, we were suddenly waked from a sound sleep by an uncommon shaking of the house and everything in it. (Letter, WRHS) August 1812 - Embly Runyon was born Sept 22 1784 in Rowan County N Carolina set out about the first of August 1812, mov'd here from Madison County the next week Lydia set out the same day that he did she was born in Madison [Co., Ky] in the old fort at Boonsburoug [sic] their children was all born in the same County Lydia was they mov'd in the old fraim house when they came here the next summer they mov'd to the North Family, When the Center Family mov'd into the three story stone house Embly Runyon mov'd there two (OP) Fall 1812 - Phineas and Charity Runyon, "the parents and grandparents of all the Runyons, Ryons, and Badgetts on Pleasant Hill" Believed and removed from Madison Co. Ky to Pleasant Hill in the fall of 1812. (Bio) Fall 1812 - Phineas and Charity Runyon believed and removed to the old fraim house in the fall of 1812 (OP) January 7, 1813 - The North Family mov'd up to the log school house it stood about 20 rods north of the three storyed Center stone house, then occupied by the School Family, the Children having been collected there in 1811 December 21, 1813 - Martin Runyon mov'd with his Family from Madison County Ky to Pleasant Hill Dec 21, 1813, removed with Patience and a part of his Family mov'd from the fraim house Jan. 1815 (OP) June 1814 - Included among the 128 Believers of legal age who signed the first Church Covenant were Joseph Runyon, Emley Runyon, Phineas Runyon, Marcy Runyon, Vincent Runyon, George Runyon, Ginny [Jane] Runyon, Sally [Charlotte] Runyon, Lydia Runyon, Charity, and Mercy Badgett (Hutton, p.24) March 14, 1815, Friday - Today Patience and Martin Runyon mov'd from the West Family to the North Family and Lydia Balance and Matilda Runyon mov'd form the North Family to the West Family and Betsy Runyon from the East Family to the West Family; these are both Martins daughter Spring 1815 - Nancy Runyon Ryan arrives at Pleasant Hill in the Spring of 1815.  In May of that year her twin sons, Lawson and Wesley Ryan (born November 24, 1808), [and reported daughter Nancy Ryan (Jr.), born January 17, 1812], joined her at Pleasant Hill.(Bio) She may also have had a daughter Jane Ryan, born August 28, 1810 (unverified). February 19, 1816 - [Joseph Runyon went to Frankfort with the wagon to sell carpets] (Runyon family genealogical notes) August 17, 1816, Saturday - Today William Watson from Madison County joined this Society he is a small man with a remarkable large hump on his back; At this time there is a great many in this Society, doctoring for Cansors (namely) Sally Runyon, Comstock Betts, Mariah Saylor, Rachel Hutton, Ibby Gass, Patsy Wilhite, Tiney Verbrick, Nelly Flemins and Abram Fite these are all doctoring for cansors; Allmost evry little pimple or wart is construed into cansors by the doctors. (OP) August 31, 1816, Saturday - Today the Children mov'd from Lebanon to the West Family, Betsy Moran has the care of them, also today William Runyon (Seign) arrived here from Union Village; At this time there is 106 members in the West Family. (OP) December 12, 1816 - John Badgett Seign was appointed Deacon [of the East Family] (OP) January 12, 1817 - The society was divided in two classes in their meeting in Seignor class or Order led by the Ministry and the Junior Order led by John Dunlavy. About this time John Dunlavy James Congleton Betsy McCarver and Lydia Runyon and Jimmy Congleton were set a part to take charge of young Believers that were coming to visit, and to counsel and heare openings, and to go out preaching as occasion required they lived at the Center Family Except James Congleton he lived at the East Family, In this time John Dunlavy was engaged in writeing the Manifeso [sic] (OP) March 8, 1817, Saturday - This day was a rainy day, Today Ephraim McBride mov'd from Lebanon to the Roben Denny farm, Today Betsy Baxter departed this life. I believe with old age, she was the Mother of Patience Runyon who joined this Society in 1813, her Mother came here to stay a little while with her daughter, and being so old and feble she slipped off; she never joined this Society. (OP) May 12, 1818 - William Badgett was appointed farm Deason in place of Philip Linebak who mov'd to the West Family and the insueing winter William Badgett was releas'd and all the farms belonging to the Church was given into the hands of the public Deacons (OP) August 28, 1819 - Martin Runyon mov'd from the East to the CF [Center Family] and took AF [Abram Fite] place [as Center Family Deacon] (OP) 1819 - The East Family Dwelling, built of Shaker-made brick, was completed. In 1826 Mercy Runyon was living in the Elders room here. Amy Runyon worked here as a nurse and caretaker of girls.  Betsy and Amy Runyon died here. 1819 - [Regarding the spiritual manifestation of William Runyon] If there had been a drum in the meeting house it would have made no more noise than his feet and hands did. He would beat his hands on the seat where he sat. At the same time his feet would beat, and it roared like thunder...Could be heard across the road by the first family who showed up in their windows and wondered what it was. We would say in truth it is the most solemn sight we ever did see. (Letter to the New Lebanon ministry by Samuel Turner) 1820 - 1839 - This is a period of much activity for the village.  For the Runyons it means the passing of Charity in 1827 followed by Phineas in 1831.  Emley's wife Lydia passes away at age 34.  All of the younger generation, seventeen of the 30 children who choose to depart, leave during this period. February 23, 1820 - "...about the middle of October, William Runyon, a young man about 21 years old (Son of Joseph Runyon) on Sabbath day evening...had a very strang felling come over him, he was as cold as a corpse, and seased with a violent jerking he was much alarmed, ...Jethro Gill...said it was the nervus fever, and that he had been acquainted with it...the best and only mean was, to give tartar, blister, and blead, & a warm bath as quick as possible and if any thing saves his life it would be that; but said; he had no hopes that his life would be saved...First they put his feet into warm water to bleed him, but it was with much difficulty, for he was so hard jerked that it threw the water on the floor and it was verry difficult to bleed him, but they made out; The next thing they prepared a warm bath, and had him in it very soon...they gave him a large dose of tartar, and put five blisters on him...& put him into bed it took three of the Brethren to hold him in bed. He was faithfully tended that night...when his blisters was cured he was as well as ever, & has remained so ever since, and is now able to dance two hours after a common meeting and says he feels stronger after he has done than when he begun." (Letter written by Samuel at Pleasant Hill) 1820 - The Meeting House, the spiritual center of the community, was completed.  Worship services were held here with the first floor constructed free of pillars to provide room for dancing. Second floor apartments housed the village ministry which included George Runyon. "The Ministry, who are the central executive of the whole order, consists of two brethren and two sisters" (SC) March 5, 1821 - "...you requested me to tell you how to direct letters to us...I suppose there would be no danger but that letters would come safe to us, that were directed to Joseph Runyon, or Abraham Wilhite, but we would recommend Francis Voris as the most proper person to direct letters to, as he is more extensively known than either of the others; and besides, he has the first gift of care in the society. Joseph Runyon has been one of the office Deacons heretofore, but now stands with William Balance in care of the young believers, the number of which is about 140. Joseph is a verry agreable brother and has given good satisfaction so far." (Letter from Pleasant Hill to Rufus Bishop, New Lebanon) January, 1823 - "...Instead of the irregular resort to church, which prevails in other places,-groupes of men, women, and children in their gayest dresses, thronging the road, without any unusual solemnity of manner; instead of the collection of gossippers [sic] about the door and in the porch,                            who stop till the first hymn has made a good beginning, before they enter the sanctuary; he will see sundry processions of men and women, leaving the several dwelling houses in the settlement, and with every external mark of gravity and seriousness, dressed in a plain uniform, moving in order to the place of worship; and when arrived there, entering it with decorum, and repairing to their plain wooden benches,-the men on one side and the women on the other,-and maintaining till the commencement of their service a more grave and reverential deportment, than is commonly found among the mass of any congregation...Sometimes after assembling together and sitting a while in silent meditation, they were taken with a mighty trembling, under which they would express the indignation of God against all sin. At other times, they were affected under the power of God, with a mighty shaking; and were occasionally exercised in singing, shouting, or walking the floor under the influence of spiritual signs, shoving each other about, or swiftly passing and repassing each other, like clouds agitated by a mighty wind. From these strange exercises, the people received the name of Shakers, and by some were called Shaking Quakers...We have heard their whole numbers estimated at 6000, and the value of their land at 800,000 dollars...whatever they do is well done; and whatever they offer in the market, is in good reputation, and sold at a good price. Among themselves they are said to be harmonious and friendly; and in their treatment of others to be fair, sincere, and obliging...as the fruits of their labors are constantly yielding an accumulation of wealth, the purchase of new spots for settlement is the most obvious investment of it. The nature of their community is of all others most favorable to this process of transplanting; as all the common ties of local attachment are broken among them" (The North American Review, Volume 16, Issue 38, January 1823 Cedar Falls, Iowa )   July 19, 1823 - Lydia Runyon (age 34) deceased. She stood in the Eldership about four years in the Chh. (Bio) November 3, 1823 - Silas Runyon, [age 15], son of Martin and Patience, departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list) December 19, 1823 - Martin Runyon is to attend to the divisions of the income productions & C of all kinds both food and rament and other equally between the Familys (OP) December 19, 1823 - Martin Runyon was set apart to divide all the produce articles produce and the like equally among the Familys, and James Congleton Jun and Elihue Shields took his place as Family Deacons and on the 15 of May James Congleton was released leaving it in the hands of Elihue. (OP) February 19, 1824 - Polly Badgett [age 18] departs Pleasant Hill (Bio) November 15, 1824 - Martin Runyon was again appointed Family Deacon in place of Elihue Shields released (OP) June 26, 1825 - Polly Runyon [age 18, future mother of Jane and James Sutton] departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list) July 1, 1825 - Hardin Badgett [age 17] departs Pleasant Hill (Bio) July 20, 1825 - Wesley Ryan [age 16] departs Pleasant Hill (Bio) October 19, 1825 - Harvy Dunlavy was appointed [Center] Family Deacon in place of Martin Runyon, Harvy was mov'd from the EF for the purpose (OP) February 15, 1826 - The North Family broke up and dispersed among the other families to make room for some young BelieversElder Sister Mercy Runyon [daughter of Joseph and Jane] mov'd into the Elders room in the East (OP) February 15, 1826 - Salome Badgett [age 28] deceased (Bio). Her hymn "A Pretty Lesson" appears in Paulina Bryant's hymn book (Bio) April 19, 1826 - A family was established at the grist Mill chiefly composed of the former North Family the lot of Elders being the same (namely) Elder Brother William Shields and John Congleton Elder Sister Marcy Runyon and Mariah Saylor (OP) October 20, 1826 - John Badgett, Jr. [age 26] departed Pleasant Hill (Bio) June 14, 1827 - Asa Runyon [age 21], son of Martin and Patience departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list) August 9, 1827 - Charity Runyon [wife of Phineas] died at Pleasant Hill (Bio) December 17, 1827 - Jinny Badgett [age 25] departs Pleasant Hill (Bio). March 28, 1828 - Lawson Ryan [age 19] departs Pleasant Hill (Bio) May 6, 1828 - Benjamin Runyon [age 18] departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list) August 25, 1828 - William Badgett [age 33] departs Pleasant Hill (Bio). 1828 - "I have never seen, in any country, villages so neat and so perfectly beautiful as to order and arrangement, without, however, being picturesque and ornamented as those of the Shakers." (Quote from James Fenimore Cooper, 1828) March 31, 1829 - Nancy Ryan [age 17] departs Pleasant Hill (Bio) April 7, 1829 - Robert (Comstock) Runyon [age 17] departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list) May 18, 1829 - Guilford D. Runyon [age 27], a shoemaker at Pleasant Hill, departed Pleasant Hill. He returned and was admitted to the Junior Order the following June. Removed thence into the Chh. October 1, 1836. (Bio) August 24, 1829 - Lawson Runyon [age 21], son of Emley and Lydia departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list). Lawson's hymn "Contentment" appears on page 231 of Paulina Bryant's hymn book begun 1854, recording earlier hymns. (Bio) September 28, 1829 - Peggy Runyon [age 19] deceased (Bio) 1830 - [The population of Pleasant Hill is at 500] (Desroche) Jan 20, 1831 - Micajah Burnett John Congleton Benjamin Dunlavy Love Monfort Amy Runyon Malinda Tyson and Sophiah Gregory signed the Covanent in presence of A Wilhite and J R Bryant (OP) January 21, 1831 - Phineas Runyon [age 87] deceased (Bio) January 27, 1831 - Abram Fite Jacob Voris David A Balance Minerson Gregory and Matilda Runyon (Martins Matilda) signed the Covenant. (OP) March 14, 1831 - Katharine (Kitty) Badgett [age 19] departs Pleasant Hill (Bio) April 25, 1831 - Charity Runyon [age 21], daughter of Martin and Patience, departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list) August 6, 1831 - Sally Runyon [age 17] departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list) Spring 1834 - James Sutton, age four, son of Polly Runyon and Isaac Sutton, is brought to Pleasant Hill in May 1834 followed by his two-year-old sister (Mary) Jane Sutton, on June 7, 1834. August 9, 1834 - after we attended a public meeting; they sung a hymn, then Elder John Runyon spake to the world, a few words, drawing their attention to good order (INY34) October 22, 1834 - Matilda Runyon [age 31], daughter of Martin and Patience, departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list). Listed as Defaulter (Bio) 1834 - Started in 1824, the Center Family Dwelling that stands today, was completed in 1834. Served as the home for the First Order."...composed of such persons as have had sufficient time and opportunity practically to prove the faith and manner of life of the Society, and who are prepared to enter freely, fully, and voluntarily into a united and consecrated interest. (SC)" William Runyon and Charlotte Runyon both died at the Center Family building. March 13, 1835 - Joel Green and Matilda Runyon Josephs daughter signed the Covanent in presence of A Wilhite and John R Bryant. (OP) 1835 - "Mr. Crouch had a sister that married a Ryan. That sister's son, living in Mercer married into a family of Runyons. Runyons lived on this side of the Kentucky River, between there and Lexington. The whole family (of the Runyons?) joined the Shakers, and younger Ryan's wife thought she must go too. She left twins lying in the cradle and went. This brought Ryan into conflict with one, whom he beats himself severely. Another one, that came to his house, he beat nearly to death. The man thought to go to the law but the magistrate advised him to keep away and let Ryan alone. For the more minute details in this account I am indebted to Mrs. Crouch. Little things are erased from men's minds, while they are retained by women." (David Crouch Interview c. 1835 [portion], Draper Collection Manuscripts Vol 12CC225-29) January 25, 1837 - Marcy Runyon [age 44] deceased. Was an Elder Sister in the Chh. for six or seven years (Bio) April 3, 1838 - Guilford D Runyon Rachel Voris Peggy Voris Annis Moran Elenor Hatfield and Margaret French signed the Covanent in presence of J R Bryant and A Wilhite. (OP) June 8, 1838 - Visit__The Ministry from  Pleasant Hill arrived here on a visit. Viz. E. James Rankin, E. Ann Cole, & Sis Sarah Jenkins.__ They were accompanied by William Runyon. Wll of whom we are glad & thankful to see. (Shaker Village of South Union, Ky, 1836 - 1840) 1839 - Amy Runyon working as a nurse at East Family (Bio) February 19, 1839 - Guilford D. Runyon left this Society he was raised here from a child Now 36 yrs of age. (Center Family Journal) [Guilford, who had departed the Society in 1829 only to return, was now expelled from the Society because of his plans to marry Kitty Ferrell of New Orleans. She died before they could be married and he lived in the town of Harrodsburg the remainder of his life.] 1839 - [The Trustee's Office, with twin spiral staircases designed by Micajah Burnett, was completed. The Trustees, the legal and financial leaders of the community, worked and resided here.  Charlotte (Sally C.) Runyon was among the first to live here.] 1840 - 1859 - The Testimony of Emley Runyon is written; Emley dies a few years afterward. The rest of Phineas' children who became Believers also pass away: Martin and his wife Patience, Joseph and his wife Jane, Mercy and her husband John. September 27, 1840 - Martin Runyon [age 62] departed this life 9-27-40 before 12 Sabbath evening (Center Family Journal) He was a Deacon in the Chh. for several years, and an assistant Trustee awhile, down river trading (Bio) April 1, 1841 - Charlotte (Sally C.) Runyon "among the first to move in New Office". Charlotte appears to have been working as a Trustee, making "at least annual trading trips to Lexington." (East Family Journal) April 1, 1841 - Charity Badgett moved in new office as cook (Center Family Journal) September 7, 1841 - Pleasant Hill, Ky, September 7, 1841. I can testify of a truth that I feel thankful that ever the sound of Mother's pure gospel reached my ears, and that I embraced and obeyed it; for I count it a treasure more valuable than gold or silver or all the pleasures and enjoyments this world can afford. An I am thankful to God, that through his mercy and kindness, and the help of my good Ministry and Elders, I have been enabled to help my faith, and hold my union and relation to the people of God until the present time. And having been so favored and noticed by Mother, as to be chosen for one of her instruments to speak through, I feel thankful with all my heart, for the many precious gifts and blessings she has bestowed on me, and for that blessed power with which she filled my soul and body; for it has wrought a great work in me, by humbling my pride, and bending my stiff and stubborn will; and helped me to purify my soul and purge out that spirit that is opposed to Mother's humiliating and simplifying work; and I am thankful for it, for I want to harbor nothing in my breast that is offensive to God. Yea now I an return my humble thanks with a grateful heart, to my blessed Mother and her ministering Angels, for all their manifestations of love and kindness, and the heavenly treasures that have been bestowed on me; I do count it the greatest blessing I could enjoy, to be so noticed of my heavenly Parents.  While under the power and influence of Mother's spirit, I have seen her touch souls often and fill them with the power of God, and minister to them beautiful gifts, and I was made partaken of the same. I never shall cease to remember with thankfulness these heavenly things, which my eyes have seen, my ears have heard, and my hands have handled of the word of life, and the powers of the world to come. And I solemnly promise before God, that I never will forsake my Mother; but I will treasure up all her good counsel and instruction, and labour to put it in practice; for it is my determination to be faithful and obedient in Mother's work and call, and bear a daily crop, and be subject and obedient to my visible leads in all things; and give up my own will, and labour to be a simple child of Mother; for in this I know Mother will own and bless me.  Yea I will give up all, and bear my crop faithfully, and with patience endure to the end, for the sake of my souls salvation. I also feel thankful to my good Ministry and Elders, for their kind labors, their charity and forbearance, and their protection to my soul. I will labour to keep good union, and increase in all good things, that I may prove myself worthy of the privilege I enjoy. I was born September 22, 1784 and embraced the gospel the first of July 1812. Emley Runyon (Testimony of Emley Runyon) October 27, 1842 - All the Brethren and Sisters in the Center Family signed the article of agreement to quit the use of all strong drink and also the use of tea. Coffy, tobacco, and the use of swines flesh in part. (Morse, p. 111) December 1842 - Jane "Ginny" Runyon mov'd from shop to Center house middle room 2nd story (OP) 1842 - "There is no union of the sexes, and every Shaker, male and female, is devoted to a life of celibacy. Rumor has been busy upon this theme, but here again I must refer to the lady of the store, and say, that if many of the sister Shakers resemble her, I treat all such slander as bearing on its face the strongest marks of wild improbability." (Quote by Charles Dickens, 1842) 1842 - "On the whole, they lead a good and comfortable life, and, if it were not for their ridiculous ceremonies, a man could not do a wiser thing than to join them. Those whom I conversed with were intelligent, and appeared happy. I spoke to them about becoming a member of their society, but have come to no decision on that point." (Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1842) August 7, 1844 - Matilda Runyon [Joseph's daughter] gave up kitchen & took charge of cutting out and sewing (Center Family Journal) October 19, 1844 - Emley Runyon [age 66] died at Pleasant Hill, was a member of the Church when it first organized in June 1814. Was an Elder & Deacon alternately four or five years. (Bio) "We again witnessed a solemn scene of death. Brother Embly Runnion's [sic] funeral commenced at 10 o'clock and was attended by many of our heavenly Parents and thousands of holy Angels and purified souls. The scene was solemn indeed, as was manifested by an incessant flow of tears during the occasion. The following hymn was sung: Awake my soul, O do not slumber Time doth swiftly pass away Arise and join that faithful number Who'll stand the trying day Lo, how soon earth's splendid pleasures Will all fade and be no more Then O my soul secure a treasure That ever will endure" (Charleston manuscript - Filson Club in Hutton, p.54) April 28, 1845 - Joseph Runyon [age 80] deceased. Was an assistant Trustee awhile, and an Elder in the Gathering Order three or four years. (Bio) August 27, 1845 - Betsy Runyon, daughter of Martin and Patience, appointed second Eldress in the First Order, where she continued till March 2nd, 1861. (Bio) March 17, 1846 - Vincent Runyon [age 56] deceased.  He was second Elder in the First Order from the 19th of Jan. 1824 till Dec. 20th, 1838 (Bio) March 22, 1846 - [Lucinda Shain (Schoen]) received her song -- a typical Shaker gift --on March 22, 1846, from "Br. Vincent Runyon and others of our deceased friends, who played it on their instruments of music." Vincent, a believer of British and Huguenot stock, had died only five days before, at the age of fifty-six. Both he and Lucinda, who was then 44, had come to Pleasant Hill with their parents and their siblings in its first wave of converts. Through most of Lucinda's life, William [Runyon] was the dominant musician at Pleasant Hill. In the gift of singing he had no equal there. For more than fifty years his "shrill, melodious voice rang with clarion tones, through the consecrated halls & sacred sanctuaries of this holy hill, cheering the minds & thrilling the hearts of the pious worshippers & beholders." (Patterson, p. 348) January 1847 to June 1859 - Amy Runyon caretaker of girls, East Family, released because of declining health (Bio) January 15, 1847 - After 15 years superintending office kitchen [Charity Badgett was] released and moved to Center [Family] (Zachariah Burnett's Journal) May 28 to June 8, 1847 - Betsy Runyon visited South Union community with others (South Union Journal) August 1847 - visitor Tuntstill West from Monticello Ky came to see his relations viz Runyons, Suttons & Ryons (Zachariah Burnett's Journal) October 31, 1847 - William Runyon went to steam mill & on return to ferry...boat pushed off as horses entered, seeing danger he made a sudden effort to turn round when his famous horse, Wily, lost foot hold, fell& was stabbed by steering iron on side of boat, died immediately. Greatly lamented! (Pleasant Hill Journal) August 27, 1848 - Prudence (Sally) Badgett [age 53] deceased (Bio) December 1849 - James Sutton departs Pleasant Hill (Bio) [1850 Mercer County census shows him living in the household of Letta Williams] 1850 - [Census shows William Runyon, as a stonemason born in Kentucky] (Bio) August 24, 1850 - Jane "Ginny" Runyon [age 83, sometimes referred to as "Jenny"] deceased at the First Order at 4 a.m., was Family Deaconess in the Chh. 15 years (Bio) October 29, 1850 - After ten months, James Sutton returns to Pleasant Hill and is "sent to saw mill to work with the carpenters." (ZB Journal) March 27, 1851 - It is the understanding here that the society is going down gradually and steadily, on the male side of the house. The older brethren are dying off rappidly, and the young ones are running off more rapidly... (Letter, WRHS) November 7, 1851 - "I suppose there are as many apostates in the world as there are believers yea more and that they are a hungry miserable wandering class of mortalsO if they could only be persuaded of the things that pertain to their peace where they are first called but so it is they will not consequently they seek rest but find none, there being no peace for the wicked.  I could say but little in addition to the reportthat would be new or strange our health is excellent just now except the hoping coughnot much increase or diminution of numbersthe good work is going on just as fast as is good and profitable for mortals both in and out of Zion." (Letter from George R. Runyon at Pleasant Hill to I.R. Eades at South Union) 1851 - "They are certainly the most singular and bedevilled set of people that ever existed in a civilized land; and one of these days, when their sect and system shall have passed away, a History of the Shakers will be a very curious book." (Quote from Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1851) 1852 - [The population of Pleasant Hill has dropped to 345] (Desroche) March 8, 1852 - "...The involuntary exercise became so violent that we discontinued the ranks and all united in the dance and the mighty power of God increased and one of the young sisters became actuated upon by the departed spirit of a female of some other Nation, and all her movements and motions dancing and all seemed to prove she had lived to a very old age. She expressed that she was a stranger here and had just now found out there was a gospel, and one of the sisters observed to her that she danced very awkwardly, when she replied she thought she had done mightily considering her age. So in this manner the meeting continued on to the close." (The Spiritual Journal, Pleasant Hill, Monday, March 8, 1852) July 8, 1852 - At 3:30 p.m. Nancy Runyon Ryan "died of epileptic fits" at age 65 (Bio). She "had been subject to fits...was not able to take care of herself, had but little if any sense left, it was a great releasement to the family and a blessing to her no doubt." (Amos Stewart Journal) March 2, 1853 - John Badgett Sen. Of East Family [age 87] departed this life this morning at 7 in [his] 88th year. (Zachariah Burnett's Journal) June 26, 1853 - "On Thursday the ninth, there was a company of strangers who came here to our Office on a visit from the Federal City, among whom were Doctor Graham and his daughter Mary, and it having been ascertained by some means that she was a rapping Medium, it was therefore urged by some of her own company, and also consented to by our people, that they should have a sitting. After an hour and five or ten minutes sitting, they succeeded in having a table mov'd, after which it mov'd alternately at her request to and fro wherever she prescribed, her hands being kept on it together with some three or four other persons, and while thus engaged, many of the brethren and sisters gathered there to witness the strange phenomena. Afterwards they left, and some of our people tried and succeeded in moving the table in a like manner, and since that time it has been practiced successively in each family, and it has been manifested by Holy Mother Ann and the good spirits that it was a gift from heaven to us and that we might keep it, and if done in an orderly way, it would be an increase and blessing to us. We sometimes have answers given in loud, distinct raps, and sometimes the table is mov'd with heavy persons on it." (The Spiritual Journal, Pleasant Hill, June 26, 1853) 1855 - No better opening had presented itself for the proselyting of new members than the Swedish community. Benjamin B. Dunlavy and George Runyon went to Bishop Hill (Henry County near Galesburg, Illinois) in 1855 as missionaries. They preached the sanctity of a female Messiah, and the doctrine of celibacy. They were rewarded for their efforts by the conversion of Andrew Bloomberg and his family. In turn Bloomberg became a missionary and in time was to bring many converts to Pleasant Hill. (Pleasant Hill and its Shakers, Thomas D. Clark and F. Gerald Ham) October 20, 1857 - Patience Baxter Runyon [Martin's wife] deceased at West Family after a tedious illness of a paralytic affection. Happy soul! She was one of the early pioneers (East Family Journal) April 1859 - As early as 1811 the Pleasant Hill society had joint ownership with Union Village of the bull named Shaker. They also used Buzzard.  Both of these animals were prominent in the herd books of that time. In April 1859, when William Runyon and C. Todd went to Alexander's [local cattle sale] to get Sirius, it was presumably not to purchase but to make arrangements for stud service. (The Kentucky Shakers, Julia Neal, 1982) 1859 - "In the State of Kentucky there are two societies - one at Pleasant Hill, about seven miles easterly from Harrodsburg, and 21 miles southwest from Lexington, Mercer County, which contains between four and five hundred members. The other is at South Union, Jasper Springs, about 15 miles northeast from Russellville, Logan County, and contains between three and four hundred members." (Shakers Compendium of the Origin, History, Principles, Rules, and Regulations, Government, and Doctrines of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearance, 1859).          November 14, 1859 - August 23, 1861 - Amy Runyon appointed nurse at East Family 1860 - 1879 - The population of Pleasant Hill is declining and only one descendant with the Runyon name is still living by 1880. February 1, 1860  - Mercy Runyon Badgett [age 91] died (Bio) March 2, 1861 - Betsy Runyon was released as 2nd Eldress in First Order, by reason of ill health (East Family Journal) August 23, 1861 - Matilda Runyon [Joseph's daughter] appointed nurse and EH, with Rachel Downing (East Family Journal) December 14, 1861 - Betsy Runyon [age 60] died, among believers 47 yrs, 2nd Elds. First Order 15 yrs (East Family Journal) 1862 - [The population of Pleasant Hill has declined to 250] (Andrews, p.292) September 25, 1862 - Brothers Burnett, Runyan [sic] and Bryan went to Lexington to convey seven two-horse wagons - 5 from the church and one a-piece from the North Family and West Lot for the Confederate Army, by order of an officer who came yesterday. They promised to pay for them in Southern Scrip. The Brethren returned late at night bringing one of the West Family Wagon back by liberty. They received 640 dollars in Southern Scrip. (Hutton, p. 66) Note: this would have been either William or George July 13, 1863 - Amy Runyon deceased of a lingering weakness of many years standing at the East House in her 54th year since the 25th of last August. She was raised in the Church from infancy, & was an ornament to Society to the day of her death, & will doubtless continue to be so in the realms of bliss. (Benjamin Dunlavy Journal 1856-1871) February 13, 1865 - Charity Badgett [age 73] deceased "after several years of confinement with reumatism [sic]" (Bio) Circa 1865 - Four years earlier, the chief singer at Pleasant Hill [William Runyon] came near losing his life when a "furious bull" charged him one cold December morning and "felled him to the ground by a stroke with his horn, and ran over him, dangerously wounding & lacerating him; and he was only rescued...by the timely aid of John Thurman, who at the fearful risk of being himself gored into buzzard bait, beat back the beast with a bludgeon." (Patterson, p.341) January 13, 1866 - Our highly esteemed and much beloved William Runyon died of pneumonia and liver complaint at the Center Family, aged 66 years the 12th day of last July. He filled the place of Family Deacon in the First Order, from the 14th of August 1827 till his decease, being upwards of 36 years. And a faithful steward & servant he was, devoting all his time & signal abilities to the duties of his calling, with a persevering industry & zeal almost unparalleled. Being called when a youth, he spent a long & useful life in support of this noble cause; & by his kindness, benevolence and goodness of heart, he was so firmly & deeply seated in the hearts & affections of the Society, that his untimely end was profoundly lamented in tears of sorrow. In the gift of singing he had no equal. For more than 50 years that shrill, melodious voice rang with clarion tones, through the consecrated halls & sacred sanctuaries of this holy hill, cheering the minds & thrilling the hearts of the pious worshippers & beholders. But that sweet voice we hear no more - it is gone to join in the music of angels in the brighter worlds above! James Parsley absconded from the East Family [January 14, 1866]. What a contrast with the above! (Benjamin Dunlavy Journal 1856-1871) October 17, 1866 - Matilda Runyon [Joseph's daughter] mov'd to Center Family (East Family Journal) May 4, 1867 - Matilda Runyon [Joseph's daughter] mov'd to East Family appointed Family Deaconess in place of Betsy Spaulding (East Family Journal) June 17, 1867 - Matilda Runyon [Joseph's daughter] resigned deaconess East Family, retired to Center Family (East Family Journal) July 2, 1867 - Charlotte Runyon resigned her station at first Office Deaconess and mov'd to Center Family & Eliza Byram took her place at Office (East Family Journal) November 23, 1868 - Matilda Runyon [Joseph's daughter] mov'd to East Family (East Family Journal) March 30, 1869 - Matilda Runyon [Joseph's daughter] [went on a] trip to South Union (East Family Journal) April 6, 1873 - Guilford D. Runyon [age 75] died Sunday, April 6, 1973, buried at Harrodsburg (Bio - see also February 19, 1839) December 7, 1873 - [Jane Sutton listed as having mumps] (Bio) May 9, 1875 -  Dear brother yours of the 22nd all came safe to hand on 3rd inst and was joyfully received for we both seriously believed you had met some serious accident -?- which you had left the shore of time bound for the happy regions above. We are both in tolerable Health at present enjoying a luxurious season of strawberies which is now just at a close & the chery crop quite plentiful of pretty much all kinds, pears and apples bid tolerable fair for a plentiful crop.  our harvest is just commencing and grass and small grain tolerable good with the exception of some appearance of rust occasioned by a rather wet spring. Sister Jane Hutton Departed this life on the 4th inst having been confined to her room & bed mostly with rheumatism for many years, Elder Edmond Bryant and brother Micaga Burnett are both very feble in both body and mind and may not last long, sisters Charlotty Runnion & Sarah Jenkins & several others of the good old vetterens & founders of this place are fast verging to the close of this mortal stage of action to join the happy spheres above.  Our little family are all in tolerable good health moveing around in our regular relation of business trying to gather and lay up some thing to live upon reguardless of the stint and scarcity of money & means there for. We have some ingathering from without who stay but a short time then out and gone again into seek a fortune in some other place or condition The Society in jeneral are in tolerable health with the above exceptions. The weather is rather more coll at present than usual for the season of the year & has been for some time past. There has of late been considerable of religious awakening in the neighborhood round about us, meeting preaching & praying day & nigh, exhorting each other to the works of love, mercy and charity, to the whole human family,  I heard Elder George Runnion say a few days ago he had met and conversed with a couple of preachers just from meeting in harrodsburg who expressed more of the love & goodness of God than he had experienced for a good while with those with out. Sister Nancy says she feels anxious to know whether the pain and weakness in your knees & limbs is any better, and if the prepiration she furnished while you were here had been any benefit or not, also how your wife felt about the little trinkets and presents we sent her if she was pleased with them or not. We are very sorry to hear of your afflictions but very glad to hear of your & wife's safe arrival with the above exceptions, to your home in Oregon we believe you will have the best sucess and finally the best Out come in things both temporally and spiritually. no more at present but will be glad to hear from you as soon as convenient.  So Farewell in the best friend ship love and well wishes both to yourself wife and family all. Nancy and Phebe Harris [Letter from Phebe and Nancy Harris at Pleasant Hill to their brother John Moses Harris.  John Moses Harris left Pleasant Hill on April 1, 1821, lived in Indiana for 25 years, then moved first to Illinois, then to Oregon] July 22, 1876 - George [Runyon] mov'd to the West Family (Hortensy Hooser Journal) July 25, 1877 - Charlotte Runyon 92 years old (Hortensy Hooser Journal) May 5, 1878 - Charlotte [Runyon] crazy all day long; 1st Last night before 11 oc Sister Charlotte took uncommonly bad (Hortensy Hooser Journal) April 20, 1879 - Demise Charlotte (Sally) Runyon 20 minutes before 1pm at Center Family in 94th yr since 25th of last July & thus another bright Star hath disappeared from our firmament she embraced the faith at the age of 24 in Sept 1809 & has stood unshaken (Filson Club, Volume 16) 1880 - on - George Runyon dies in 1884. Jane Sutton, great granddaughter of Phineas and Charity Runyon and the last Runyon descendant to live at Pleasant Hill dies at the end of 1912. 1880 - Jane Sutton listed in 1880 census as age 58, a seamstress and Trustee (Bio) August 16, 1883 - Jane Sutton fell crossing fence toward tanyard, slipped fell on side on top rail, serious, not dangerous injury (Bio) May 24, 1884 - Demise, Elder George Runyon [age 88] at 8,40 p.m...united in this Society in spring 1810 at age of 14 & continued steadfast & unwavering to the end...an able minister"(Filson Club, Volume 17).  [A number of George Runyon's hymns appear in Paulina Bryant's hymnbook, one is a Christmas hymn] August 18, 1895 - At 8:10 Mr. James Sutton departed this life suddenly after a brief illness (FC23) 1896 - The East Family was dissolved because of financial troubles and its members were removed to the Centre Family. (Thomas, p.48) Summer 1897 - The Shaker Hotel was opened for boarders by Sister Jane Sutton [in the former East Family dwelling]. It subsequently became the Shakertown Inn. (Thomas, p. 48) September 1910 - The eleven remaining members agree to dissolve the Society at Pleasant Hill December 29, 1912 - Jane Sutton deceased. Obituary published Jan. 3, 1913 lists Polly Runyon [who departed Pleasant Hill in 1825] as her mother and Polly's parents as Joseph and Jane Runyon (N-HH). "[Jane Sutton] was brought to Pleasant Hill by her mother. She faithfully served as Deacon, Elder, and Trustee. Her high degree of intelligence, zeal, and noble character well fitted her for the trusts imposed on her. Her business acumen equaled that of any of her co-workers. In the closing years of the community all accounts made by the Shakers were charged to Shelton & Sutton, Trustees." (Hutton, p.47) Sources: The Origin and Progress of the Society at Pleasant Hill (OP)  Biographical data gathered by Pleasant Hill curator from miscellaneous Shaker documents (Bio) Hutton, Daniel Mac-Hir, Old Shakertown and the Shakers, Harrodsburg, Ky, 1982-1987 Miscellaneous letters to and from Pleasant Hill Shakers Pleasant Hill list of departures Draper Collection Manuscripts" Vol 12CC225-29  Various Family Journals of Pleasant Hill South Union Journal including 1836 - 1840 A Shaker Journal, transcribed and indexed by Richard C. Reynolds & Elizabeth H. Reynolds, Briar Hill Press, 1996 The Spiritual Journal Patterson, Daniel, The Shaker Spiritual Neal, Julia, The Kentucky Shakers, The University Press of Kentucky, 1982 Clark, Thomas D. and Ham, F. Gerald, Pleasant Hill and Its Shakers, Pleasant Hill Press, 1968, 1983 Benjamin Dunlavy Journal Filson Club records Hortensy Hooser Journal Lloyd's official map of the State of Kentucky, 1862 Shakers Compendium of the Origin, History, Principles, Rules, and Regulations, Government, and Doctrines of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearance, 1859 (SC) The North American Review, Volume 16, Issue 38, January 1823 Cedar Falls, Iowa Morse, Flo, The Shakers and the World's People, New York, 1980 Desroche, Henri, The American Shaker - from Neo-Christianity to Presocialism, University of Massachusetts Press, 1955 Thomas, Samuel W. and Thomas, James C., The Simple Spirit: A Pictorial Study of the Shaker Community at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, Pleasant Hill Press, 1973 Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) Amos Stewart Journal Zachariah Burnett's Journal (ZB) Mercer County, Kentucky marriage records Fayette County, Kentucky marriage records Madison County, Kentucky marriage records Edward Andrews, The People Called Shakers: The Search for the Perfect Society, Oxford University Press, New York, 1953