Reprinted from the Winter 2018 edition of the Watervliet Shaker Journal.
Written by John Behan
The two journal excerpts below depict two of the most dramatic events of 1872 for the Watervliet Shaker settlement. On October 28, 1873 the West Family’s barn was set on fire in three separate places. The blaze was apparently the work of an unknown arsonist. The fire quickly spread to other buildings. Fortunately, with the help of the South Family and some neighbors, the West Family was able to save their ox barn but lost at least two buildings and much of their autumn harvest. Mindful of this attack, the Watervliet community set a night watch. Nevertheless, eight days later, the South Family barn was also destroyed by fire.
These dramatic excerpts come from a journal recording the events of the West Family from 1857 to 1893. Though the journal does not explicitly name the author, research by Heritage Society volunteer Elizabeth D. Shaver indicates that it was kept by Shaker Rachel McDonald. Compared to other entries in journal, these excerpts are exceptional in their length and interest. The average entry records the weather and the daily farm chores with the simplicity and plainness that the Shakers prized. By contrast, with their dramatic narrative and breathless lapses in grammar, these passages race along and convey some of the excitement and heartache that accompanied these crises.
McDonald records nothing more about the arsons, and it seems likely that the culprits were never caught. McDonald attributes the arson to a local crime problem, citing a nearby neighbor who was robbed. Modern readers are more likely to suspect that the Shaker settlement’s unusual religious beliefs and practices had aroused the ire of the local community. It is one of the ironies of history that in seeking to create a peaceful and harmonious utopia on earth, the Shakers sometimes incited distrust and persecution from those around them. McDonald tellingly records that though some neighbors rushed to douse the flames, other on-lookers watched and laughed.
Journal of West Family Watervliet
Excerpts from the presumed Journal of Rachel McDonald, West Family (Collection of the New York State Museum). Spelling and grammar have not been corrected but paragraphs were added to aid readability.
Oct. 29, 1872
FIRE! Last night the family had mostly retired to rest excepting Elder Augustus who with a hired man was still making cider when about quarter to 10 o’clock, our big bell began to ring. Instantly, the whole family was aroused, and to our horror and amazement, our big barn was all ablaze, the flames roaring and crackling with seeming eagerness striveing to devour, all that was within their reach.
Charles Pretch was the first to discover it, had been tending engine all day and had come up from the engine room about 9 o’clock said he went around some, did not notice anything unusual, he retired to rest but could not get to sleep, he turned over, and saw the windows all lit up. He said to Shubel, “I believe there is a fire.” They both got up and saw it was a reality. Shubel went and began to ring the bell immediately, this of course aroused us, and never will that night be forgotten by us, to see the hard earning of our Brethren so suddenly laid waste.
It was a grand but awful sight to behold, all our hay, grain and everything was burnt. The cattle were all saved thro the presence of mind of Isaac, who as soon as possible ran to the barn, threw open the gates, and let the panic-stricken animals go their way, they ran moaning down the lane. As it was not very late in the night and outsiders had not gone to bed, we soon had a great crowd. Br. Albert and his Brethren were soon on hand not haveing gone to bed, and did all in their power to help us, especially Elder Albert. He worked nobly, calm and self possessed he gave orders and executed them with the help of others.
For a time we did not know how it would go with us, whether we should have to stand and see our buildings burned down or not. The ox barn and wagon house was still standing, what would be their fate we could not tell. The Sisters worked nobly carrying water to the Brethren, which was freely thrown on the ox barn, which with great difficulty was saved from the flames, the wind being very much in our favor, and the Sisters carrying water alone saved the ox barn for the flames soon seized the wagon house, and once within the flames it soon went.
The barn was set afire in three different places, it was supposed and known to be the work of incendiaries, but who they are we know not. The fire was seen for miles around, men came from far and near, some 2 or 300 were soon collected, many did all they could, others stood around gazeing at the fire and did not offer to help in the least. The South Family Sisters were very helpful and carried a great deal of water. The Sisters came from all parts, it was a strange and solemn sight. Some were crying, some running here and there to get something to do with, and again loafers standing and laughing grated harshly on the ear.
There was no more sleep for many of us that night. With tearful eyes, we waited for the dawning of the day which we at last gladly hailed — The Church and South Family Sisters came today to see the ruins and sympathize with us. Matilda Wells and Laura Prentiss came this afternoon and helped us cut apples to dry. A boy and two Brethren here from the South Family helping our Brethren gather apples. The South Family Sisters here picking up some for themselves.
Nov. 5, 1872
We were again startled about half past four this morning by seeing the South Family’s barn on fire. It seems they had been watching all night till just 12 o’clock, and thinking all safe went to bed. A little after 4, Clarrisa was suddenly awakened, and running to the window she discovered their barn to be on fire. She immediately alarmed the Family. In a short time a large crowd had gathered, but nothing could save the barn or contents.
Their loss was not so great as ours, as they had no grain to lose, and their barns were not so large as ours. It is supposed the same ones that fired our barn had a hand in this. Things begin to wear a rather gloomy aspect, we seem to be surrounded by a gang of robbers, who are doing all the mischief in their power, both to us and our neighbors outside. About a week or fortnight ago Galen Richmond was attacked by a couple of desperadoes who demanded his money or his life, he gave them what he had with him — a watch and $15 which they took. They searched to find more but failing they let him return home in safety.
The Brethren will commence to watch our premises tonight to see that no more fires are set. John Decker, Alexander, and Isaac with three of the hired men will watch tonight. They will take 3 hours apiece with one of the hired men to assist. We are trying to fill the kiln in the midst of all this confusion. Elder Daniel and Elder Giles here figuring up our loss by the fire —$11,000.
