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)
................... Our Shaker Heritage ~ research on the Runyon family at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky ... and more!
12/29/2013
12/25/2013
A Shaker Christmas Song
Hail, hail, the beautiful morn hath dawned
The joy of angels and men;
The star of the east, with beauty beyond
All others has risen again.
Awake, disciples of Christ, and sing,
Your robes of gladness put on,
And precious gifts and offerings bring
Our loved Redeemer to crown.
The joy of angels and men;
The star of the east, with beauty beyond
All others has risen again.
Awake, disciples of Christ, and sing,
Your robes of gladness put on,
And precious gifts and offerings bring
Our loved Redeemer to crown.
Not gold, nor
myrrh, nor frankincense sweet
Our Savior asks from our hands,
But hearts that with love and tenderness beat
To bless and comfort his lambs.
Go seek and feed my wandering sheep,
Forgive the erring and lost,
Thus prove your love for me, and thus reap
The precious fruits of the cross
Our Savior asks from our hands,
But hearts that with love and tenderness beat
To bless and comfort his lambs.
Go seek and feed my wandering sheep,
Forgive the erring and lost,
Thus prove your love for me, and thus reap
The precious fruits of the cross
Source: J. P. Maclean, The Society of Shakers. Rise, Progress and Extinction of the Society at Cleveland, OH. Published in: Ohio Archaeological and Historical Publications. Volume IX. The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society, Columbus 1901 (online at Google Books)
The Shaker Christmas Festival
This excerpt is taken from "Christmas Among the Shakers in the Olden Time" by Elmina Phillips and published in Ohio Archeological and Historical Quarterly, Volume 9, July 1900.
There was a stir of Christmas preparation in the air two or three
weeks beforehand. Individual members had no money to spend for Christmas gifts,
since all the purchasing for the community was done by the trustee deacons and
deaconesses; but it was understood that it was to be a day of good cheer and
that there would be gifts for all.
And, as the
day drew near, the elders did not fail to counsel the People in meeting that if
there were any differences among them they should be reconciled, that there
might be nothing to mar the Christmas good-will.
On
Christmas eve, at half-past seven, at the sound of the bell, all retired to
their rooms, and one read aloud and the others listened to the story from John
XIII of the washing of the disciples’ feet. Then each two washed each other’s
feet, “and when they had sung a hymn they went out, if they chose, to make any
final preparations for the morrow.
Next morning
as early as half-past four the singers met, perhaps in the kitchen, and partook
of some light refreshment, set ready the night before just to put them in
voice, and then started out to sing, first in the halls of the principal
dwelling, then at every house in the little village, in which several people
lived.
By
the time they had gone all around the family, if there was sleighing, a span of
horses and sleigh was likely to stand convenient, and the company merrily
started off to sing their song at one of the other families a mile away. If
they met a sleighload from the other family coming to sing to them, as they
sometimes did, they hailed each other and kept on their way, sure of a warm
welcome, though not of surprising and waking the friends where they were going.
And
after breakfast, as all rose from the table and kneeled for a moment in silent
thanksgiving together, the new song was probably sung again in the dining-room,
the kitchen sisters coming in to listen to or join in the singing.
At
9 A. M. the singers met to select and rehearse the hymns to be sung at the
church meeting at the meeting house.
At
10 A. M. came union meeting, which was a number of social meetings held at the
same hour, the brethren usually going to the sisters’ rooms.
The
brethren and sisters were seated in two rows facing each other at opposite
sides of the room; doubtless it sounds more stiff to alien ears than to one
brought up from childhood in the customs of the community. There was cheerful
chat of this and other Christmas days, and singing of new and old songs, and
passing around of pans of cracked nuts and pop- corn, etc.
At
11 o’clock lunch was carried around to the rooms in big pans by some of the
young brethren and sisters—great quarter sections of the most delicious cake,
if memories may be trusted, and slices of creamy, home-made cheese and whitest
bread and pie.
At
1 P. M. all the families assembled at the meeting house. The services were the
same as at the usual Sunday meetings, except that there were special hymns and
special readings from scriptures, old and new.
After
meeting baskets of choice apples were carried around and the gifts which had
been prepared for each one—usually some article of clothing somewhat nicer than
common.
At
4 P. M. came the principal meal of the day, and afterwards a big basket was
carried around to the rooms to receive offerings of clothing for the poor. All
were expected to give something from their own store. And the day closed with
quiet talk, probably interspersed with singing.
Read the full text directly from the source document
12/23/2013
12/16/2013
On This Date in 1811 ...
Earthquake!
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.
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.
12/14/2013
On This Date in 1861
Betsy Runyon [age 60] died, among believers 47 yrs, 2nd Elds. First Order 15 yrs
~East Family Journal
~East Family Journal
12/07/2013
11/24/2013
11/23/2013
11/15/2013
On This Date in 1824
Martin Runyon was again appointed Family Deacon in place of Elihue Shields released.
11/14/2013
11/03/2013
On This Date in 1823
November 3, 1823 - Silas Runyon, [age 15], son of Martin and Patience, departed Pleasant Hill.
10/31/2013
On This Date in 1847
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
10/29/2013
On This Date in 1850
 |
| One of the mills at Pleasant Hill, Date unknown |
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
10/27/2013
On This Date in 1842
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)
10/22/2013
On This Date in 1834
October 22, 1834 - Matilda Runyon [age 31], daughter of Martin and Patience, departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list). Listed as Defaulter (Bio)
10/20/2013
On This Date in 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.
10/19/2013
On This Date in 1844
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
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
9/28/2013
9/27/2013
On This Date in 1840 ...
September 27, 1840 - Martin Runyon [age 62] departed this life 9-27-40 before 12 Sabbath evening (Center Family Journal).
Martin was a Deacon for several years, and an assistant Trustee awhile, "down river" trading. Office Deacons, or Trustees, handled business with other Shaker villages and the outside world. They traveled widely and handled economic and legal matters for the community.
Martin was a Deacon for several years, and an assistant Trustee awhile, "down river" trading. Office Deacons, or Trustees, handled business with other Shaker villages and the outside world. They traveled widely and handled economic and legal matters for the community.
9/25/2013
On This Date in 1862 ...
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)
Author's note: this would have been either William or George Runyon
Author's note: this would have been either William or George Runyon
9/22/2013
On This Date in 1784 ...
Embly
Runyon was born September, 22 1784 in Rowan County, North Carolina
(OP)
9/15/2013
117 Years Ago ...
Jane Sutton, last Runyon Shaker descendant
In the summer of 1897, The Shaker Hotel was opened for boarders by Sister Jane Sutton [in the former East Family dwelling]. It subsequently became known as the Shakertown Inn. (Thomas, p. 48).
8/28/2013
On This Date in 1819
Martin Runyon mov'd from the East to the CF [Center Family] and took AF [Abram Fite] place [as Center Family Deacon]
OP
OP
 |
| Sketch of Pleasant Hill by G. Zellinger, 1887 |
8/17/2013
On This Date in 1816
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)
8/09/2013
On This Date in 1827
Charity Runyon [wife of Phineas] died at Pleasant Hill.
By this time, Charity and her husband Phineas had been at Pleasant Hill for fifteen years.
By this time, Charity and her husband Phineas had been at Pleasant Hill for fifteen years.
8/01/2013
On This Date 201 Years Ago ...
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)
7/31/2013
7/19/2013
On This Date in 1823
July 19, 1823 - Lydia Runyon (age 34) deceased. She stood in the Eldership about four years in the Chh.
7/13/2013
On This Date in 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
~Benjamin Dunlavy Journal 1856-1871
7/01/2013
On This Date in 1825
Hardin Badgett [age 17] departs Pleasant Hill (Bio)
Hardin was Mercy Runyon and John Badgett's youngest son. Is Hardin an ancestor of yours? Update us on what became of him after he left Pleasant Hill.
Hardin was Mercy Runyon and John Badgett's youngest son. Is Hardin an ancestor of yours? Update us on what became of him after he left Pleasant Hill.
6/14/2013
On This Date in 1827
June 14, 1827 - Asa Runyon [age 21], son of Martin and Patience departed Pleasant Hill (Departure list)
4/01/2013
On This Date in 1841 ...
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."
Construction of the Trustee’s Office began in 1839. James C. Thomas describes the building as "perhaps the most elegant in all Shakerdom" in his book Shaker Architecture in Kentucky:
Perhaps the most elegant building in all Shakerdom is the Trustees' House begun in 1839 at Pleasant Hill. This large building was constructed to house the Trustees, visiting Shakers, and the "world's" people. The restrained details of the exterior belie the elaboration of the interior. Brother Micajah Burnett designed twin spiral staircases that rise three floors and end in a dome. The balustrade was made of cherry and curves gracefully to its termination at the top floor. The staircases rise seemingly unsupported and both are framed with three-inch-thick white oak members. The trim is very similar to that found in the Centre Family House although Burnett introduced a light brown color for the woodwork. An arcade was built on the east side for summer use only as no provision for heating has been found. Attractive arched openings were equipped with louvered doors. Stone steps with a semi- circular iron railing to receive the louvered doors were installed at two of these openings.
Construction of the Trustee’s Office began in 1839. James C. Thomas describes the building as "perhaps the most elegant in all Shakerdom" in his book Shaker Architecture in Kentucky:
Perhaps the most elegant building in all Shakerdom is the Trustees' House begun in 1839 at Pleasant Hill. This large building was constructed to house the Trustees, visiting Shakers, and the "world's" people. The restrained details of the exterior belie the elaboration of the interior. Brother Micajah Burnett designed twin spiral staircases that rise three floors and end in a dome. The balustrade was made of cherry and curves gracefully to its termination at the top floor. The staircases rise seemingly unsupported and both are framed with three-inch-thick white oak members. The trim is very similar to that found in the Centre Family House although Burnett introduced a light brown color for the woodwork. An arcade was built on the east side for summer use only as no provision for heating has been found. Attractive arched openings were equipped with louvered doors. Stone steps with a semi- circular iron railing to receive the louvered doors were installed at two of these openings.
3/31/2013
On This Date in 1829 ...
Nancy Ryan [age 17] departs Pleasant Hill
At age three, Nancy and her twin brothers were brought to Pleasant Hill in May 1815 by their mother who arrived without her husband. Her grandparents, Joseph and Jane Runyon, had joined the Shakers two years earlier.
At age three, Nancy and her twin brothers were brought to Pleasant Hill in May 1815 by their mother who arrived without her husband. Her grandparents, Joseph and Jane Runyon, had joined the Shakers two years earlier.
3/14/2013
On This Date in 1831 ...
March 14, 1831 - Katharine (Kitty) Badgett [age 19] departs Pleasant Hill
Kitty, daughter of Mercy Runyon and John Badgett, was born June 11, 1811 and the youngest of their nine children. The family arrived at Pleasant Hill just six months after her birth.
Kitty, daughter of Mercy Runyon and John Badgett, was born June 11, 1811 and the youngest of their nine children. The family arrived at Pleasant Hill just six months after her birth.
3/02/2013
This Month 203 Years Ago ...
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.
Joseph and his wife Jane joined the Pleasant Hill Shaker community in 1809 and arrived their March 2, 1810 with their ten children, ranging in age from 1 to 25. Joseph served as an Elder and Assistant Trustee. He died at Pleasant Hill April 28, 1845 at the age of 80. Jane served as Family Deaconess and passed away five years after Joseph, at age 83. Six of their children remained throughout their lives at Pleasant Hill.
Joseph and his wife Jane joined the Pleasant Hill Shaker community in 1809 and arrived their March 2, 1810 with their ten children, ranging in age from 1 to 25. Joseph served as an Elder and Assistant Trustee. He died at Pleasant Hill April 28, 1845 at the age of 80. Jane served as Family Deaconess and passed away five years after Joseph, at age 83. Six of their children remained throughout their lives at Pleasant Hill.
2/19/2013
On This Date in 1824 ...
On this date 189 years ago Polly Badgett, one of the youngest children of Mercy Runyon and John Badgett, departed the Shaker community at eighteen years of age.
Is Polly an ancestor of yours? Update us on what became of her after she left Pleasant Hill.
Is Polly an ancestor of yours? Update us on what became of her after she left Pleasant Hill.
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