pagbe 2
In 1822, when the SF was set apart from the Second Family, Calvin Wells was
appointed Elder, with Ezekial Copley; Elizabeth Youngs was Eldress with Ann Bowser.
Earliest journal of the South Family found at present was one in the NYS
Library's collection (CM 10403), a record of important happenings in the SF from
the spring of 1800 through 1887. The earliest regular journal is one that is
in the collection of Western Reserve, available on microfilm as VB-305. This
begins in June 1830 "with the adoption of amended Covenant" with the author pro-
baly Oliver Prentiss, and continues to September 1833. VB-306 continues from this
(Y^i
date but the author is now probably Issachar Bates} VB-307 through VB-314 continue
the details of the family, with different authors, up until the end of 1894. ^^2^
A journal kept by one of the SF sisters (also in the Western Reserve collec-
tion as VB-352) covers the years 1889-1896. However, the most delightfully readable
are the journals kept by Anna Goepper for the years 1915 through 1922, at the re
i
quest of EldressjAnna Case. Eldress Anna had so many problems to cope with that,
instead of keeping the journal herself as earlier^ elders and eldresses had, she
asked a trusted friend to take on the chore.
Because the SF was the gathering order, the journals are full of notations
about those who come to join. "July 28, 1830 - A man from Albany came to offer
himself and wife as candidates to save them from going to the poor house." July
31, 1830 - "A Methodist preacher and wife came here but not after any good."
18 October, 1830 - Charity Sanders (45) conies from Otsego Co. width children
Harriet 11 and Laura 9. December 20, 1830 - William Richardson and woman come
from Albany to join. Februrary 2, 1831 -"William Richardson goes to seek a privi-
lege among the world." February 3, 1831 - "Nancy Richardson goes, praysti the Lord
it is no sin to marry."
14 May, 1831 - Jacob Simons comes from Troy; a poor man (David Cammel) from Liver-
pool; and Joseph Dixon all come.
15 Mayth - Jacob Simons goes; May 20th - David Cammel goes; May 24 - Joseph

Dixon goes. "He is a turnoff from Tyringham."