If the water supply is not sufficient it is hinted that
an artesian well will be drilled. Every effort is being made for the faithful
to work with ease and comfort. This new departure is under the direction
and supervision of Joseph Slingerland, called to the
ministry from the east. We did not meet him nor aspire to. He appears
to have a great undertaking and should be allowed unlimited time to carry
out his designs. We did meet the good Dr. Geopper, who
is a rough diamond.
In the afternoon we were taken to the west by a kind brother and prepared
to look like a stranger to the friend from White Water, of whom we were
in quest. We had expected to find her very feeble from an accident that
happened several years ago, which obliged her to give up the ministry.
We were agreeably surprised and found her condition much improved.
Mary Middleton is at the nurse house, always pleasant
and alert, keeping everything trim and looking after the pleasant child,
Polly Hunt, aged ninety years.
The society school is taught by Leander Divine. Our
short stay did not permit us to visit this cradle of learning.
Visiting the post-office to see if they "miss me at home, there
in harmony with his surroundings, like a jewel in its socket, we found
Ezra Leggett, courteous and obliging in the duties of
his office. This building was erected in 1811, but as it is now remodeled
and fitted with plate glass it holds its own and shares in the new birth.
Her smile, and "Yea, I know this woman," were an agreeable
tonic, and makes me believe that White Water may contain a veritable "fountain
of youth" of its own. Here reside Adaline Wells, Matilda
Butler and, Julia Ann Bear. The west is full of pleasant remembrances
of the time when it was in full tide of prosperity.
The ministry, from Mt. Lebanon, in New, York, are making their usual
visit of inspection to the different communities in the west and perhaps
have arrived at Union Village ere this.
Ellen Ross, eldress at the centre, and Miss
Goepper, the doctor's niece, are fine specimens of health at
the village, and it must be true, as a lady remarked in the Lebanon hack:
"The Shakers are looking up."
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