January 21 - On This Date in 1831

The Shaker journal entry recording the death of the oldest of the Runyon clan simply reads, "Phineas Runyon, age 87, dies at Pleasant Hill."

Very few headstones exist in the Pleasant Hill graveyard. Although no markers remain for them (if they ever existed), many members of the Runyon family are among those buried in the here.

The cemetery at Pleasant Hill, photo by Nancy Reddy

On This Date in 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. What a contrast with the above! (Benjamin Dunlavy Journal 1856-1871)