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Erastus H. Rudd, Sr.
(1787-1834)
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Document 1: 1878 Letter by Daniel Tyler, early Mormon convert from Erie Co., PA; addressed to editor of
the Deseret Evening News.
Source: Deseret Evening News, Salt Lake City, UT, Jan. 16, 1878. Note 1: Daniel Tyler (1816-1906) first came to Springfield with his father, Andrews Tyler (1779-1837) in 1822 (or 1823). Several members of the Andrews Tyler family became Latter Day Saints in 1832-33, including Daniel, who was baptized a Mormon in Springfield Twp., Erie Co., PA, on Jan. 16, 1833. Daniel later traveled to Kirtland and was married there in 1836 before moving on to Far West, MO. He moved west after the fall of Nauvoo and served in the "Mormon Battalion" during the Mexican War. Daniel later wrote a book on that experience. Given his residence in the Conneaut area and his interest in historical reporting, Tyler was likely a reliable witness in his telling what he knew of Solomon Spalding and Spalding's neighbors in the Conneaut area. Note 2: The Erastus Rudd who told Daniel Tyler about the Spalding MS, etc. was Erastus Harper Rudd, Sr. (1787-1834), a son of John Rudd, Sr. of Springfield, Erie Co., PA. The Rudd family and the Tyler family were close neighbors between 1823 and 1834, with the Rudds living on the shore of Lake Erie and the Tylers living a couple of miles south of them in Springfield Twp., section 531. Andrews ("Father") Tyler was one of the very first Erie Co. Mormons, having been baptized by Orson Hyde and/or Samuel H. Smith in later Feb. 1832. However, he was excommunicated on Dec. 5, 1833 and not reinstated until April 11, 1834 (almost immediately following the Chardon trial of D. P. Hurlbut.) Andrews Tyler may have been one of the first causalities of the spread of the Spalding authorship allegation -- "when Henry Lake and others began to claim that" message amongst wavering Erie Co. Mormons. Note 3: After the death of John Rudd, Sr. in 1830, his son Erastus may have taken over the occupancy of the original family cabin (on a site located a few rods north of the intersection of Rudd Road and the Old Lake Road). This or a nearby house was said to have been visited by Solomon Spalding during his residence in the area between 1809 and 1812. Spalding lived within a half-day's walk from the Rudds (just across the state line in New Salem, Ashtabula Co., OH). Erastus Rudd died near Liberty, MO on the Mormon Zion's Camp march of 1834. He is not known to have left behind any personal writings or published reminiscences regarding his old neighbor, Solomon Spalding. |
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"The Spauldin Story" The Spauldin[g] story so often exploded and so often revived I am somewhat familiar with and have been since about the year 1824 or 1825. In 1823 my father [Andrews Tyler], with his family, moved from New York State to what is now West Springfield, Erie County, Pennsylvania, about four miles from the village of Salem, now Conneaut, in Ashtabula County, Ohio where "the mound builders" had made their mark. A superannuated Presbyterian preacher, Solomon Spauldin[g] by name, had written a romance on a few mounds at the above named village, pretending that the ten tribes crossed from the eastern hemisphere via the Bering Straits to this continent, and that said mounds were built by a portion of them, to bury the dead after some hard fighting. The novel, as I was told by those who heard it read, referred to them as idolaters and not otherwise religious.I think Spauldin[g] removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, prior to my information of his tale on the mounds. In 1832 Elders Orson Hyde and Samuel H. Smith preached a few times in our neighborhood and baptized three persons, among them Erastus Rudd, in whose house much of the romance was formerly written, and from whom I received much of my information. In 1833 a large branch of the Church was raised up in our township, but no talk of the Spauldin[g] romance being connected with the Book of Mormon until about 1834 or 1835, when Henry Lake began to claim that Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith's counselor, had made the latter from the former; while it has often been proved that Sidney Rigdon never had any acquaintance with or even knew said Spauldin[g] or even heard of him, and at the time, in public print, averred that until one Doctor Philander Hurlbut, well known to the writer of this article, who had been cut off [from] the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for adultery, published said false statement, he had never heard of the romance of its author, and demanded the proof. To this day it has not been forthcoming. Previous to the publication of E.D. Howe's book (virtually the adulterer Hurlbut's) which went in his name as everybody understood because of Hurlbut's reputation, the said Doctor, who was not a doctor or anything else but an ignoramus, but so named by his parents because he was a seventh son, went to Pittsburg with the avowed intention of obtaining the romance to publish in Howe's (Hurlbut's) book. He returned and the book was published minus the romance. The statement was that the novel could not be found. Thus the story went the rounds until the year 1839 or 1840 when a relative of Mrs. Spauldin[g], now Mrs. Davidson, wrote her, asking certain questions, among others what became of the "Manuscript Found," this being the title of the tale. Mrs. Davidson, former widow of Solomon Spauldin[g], wrote for [an] answer, that this same Doctor Hurlbut came to her house and got it with the promise of publishing it in his book, and of a consideration and the return of the manuscript. Subsequently she said he wrote her that it did not read as they expected and they should not publish it, but never returned it or any consideration. Some day it will probably be found among E.D. Howe's or Hurlbut's "old letters." Mrs. Davidson's letter will be found in files of Quincy papers and the Times and Seasons published in Nauvoo at the time. DANIEL TYLER. View a computer-enhanced graphic of this article. |
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Document 2: Andrews Tyler (1779-1837) "Family Group Sheet"
Source: from information in Dale R. Broadhurst Papers, Acc. 913, Marriott Library, University of Utah. Updated and corrected from on-line genealogical information at the FamilySearch web-site. Note 1: The six-digit serial number following each name in the list below is the "ancestral family number" provided by the LDS FamilySearch web-site. Known "live" LDS baptismal dates are shown below in red. One such LDS convert was Andrews Tyler's wife, Elizabeth Cummins Tyler (1789-1880). Elizabeth's sister, Rhoda Cummins Winegar (1784-1849), was also an 1832-33 LDS convert. She was the great-great-great Grandmother of The Spalding Studies Home Page's site host, Dale R. Broadhurst. Note 2: Andrews ("Father") Tyler was one of the very first Erie Co. Mormons. He was baptized by Orson Hyde and Samuel H. Smith late in Feb. 1832, after attending Mormon meetings at the home of his neighbor, Joseph Hartshorn. Writing in 1883, Daniel Tyler said: "Before leaving the place the elders [Smith and Hyde] baptized three persons. My father soon became a bitter enemy." What Daniel does not say is that his father (along with John, Jr. and Erastus Rudd) was among those converts of Feb. 1832, and that "Father Tyler" probably remained at least a nominal Mormon until after the visit to his house of the "Prophet" Joseph Smith, Jr. in the second week of Oct., 1833. Writing in 1892, Daniel Tyler said: "...the Prophet arrived, on his way to Canada... during his short stay he preached at my father's residence, an humble log cabin." While Andrews Tyler allowed Joseph Smith to preach at his Springfield residence in October of 1833, by December his views regarding the Mormons had hardened considerably. Daniel says: "About December, 1832, Elder Hyrum Smith, brother to the prophet, came to our neighborhood. My father told him that his daughter, who was present, was bent on being baptized into his church, stating at the same time, that the elder who baptized her would do so at his peril." Andrews Tyler was excommunicated on Dec. 5, 1833, probably during the time of this visit from Hyrum Smith. Note 3: Andrews Tyler's probable reason for becoming disillusioned with Mormonism is hinted at when Daniel says: "He admitted that the "Mormon" doctrines were true, but claimed that the members of that church had adopted them to cover up a fraud." The "fraud" Daniel refers to so obliquely here is likely a claim then being circulated throughout that region of the country by Henry Lake and others; namely, that the Book of Mormon was derived from the writings of Solomon Spalding. Andrews Tyler was, however, eventually reinstated in the LDS Church. This happened on April 11, 1834 (almost immediately following the outcome of D. P. Hurlbut trial at Chardon). Andrews Tyler was likely one of the first casualties of the spread of the Spalding authorship allegation, and he was likely one of the first apostates to return to the fold following the Mormons' discrediting of D. P. Hurlbut. |
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HUSBAND: Andrews TYLER {1LXH-SC} born: 17 Nov 1779, Boxford, Essex, MA LDS baptism: late Feb. 1832, Springfield twp., Erie, PA died: 2 May 1837, [Springfield twp., Erie, PA?] married: 1806, Herkimer Co., NY WIFE: Elizabeth CUMMINS (Comins) {31HT-05} born: 2 Jun 1789, Hoosic Twp., Rensselaer, NY LDS baptism: probably in 1832-33 in Springfield twp., Erie, PA died: 23 Apr 1880, [in UT?] Children of Andrews and Elizabeth: 01. Joseph C. TYLER {1LXK-0H} born: 8 Jun 1807, Sempronius, Oswego, NY LDS baptism: - none - died: 14 Nov 1860, married: 10 May 1836, Springfield twp., Erie, PA, Mary Alson DE WOLF {BCTX-6K} She was probably the daughter or neice of Debby (Derby) De Wolf. Debby De Wolf became a Mormon early in 1833 in Erie Co., PA. 02. Nathaniel TYLER {1LXK-1N} born: 25 Jan 1809, Sempronius, Oswego, NY LDS baptism: - none - died: - ? - married: 16 Sep 1830, [in Springfield?], Clarissa HARTSHORN {BCTX-7Q} She was the daughter of Joseph Hartshorn of Springfield, Erie Co., PA. Joseph Hartshorn was baptized a Mormon in June of 1835. 03. Almina (Elmina, Polly) TYLER {171Q-LQ} born: 23 Apr 1811, Sempronius, Oswego, NY LDS baptism: c. 1835, [Springfield twp., Erie, PA?] died: 29 Sep 1883, Ferron, Emery, UT married: Oct 1834, [in Erie Co., PA?], Isaac BEHUNIN {171Q-KK} 04. William P. TYLER {1LXK-2T} born: 14 Oct 1814, Sempronius, Oswego, NY LDS baptism: - none - died: - ? - married: 2 Mar 1836, Springfield twp., Erie, PA, Sally DE WOLF {BCTX-8W} She was probably the daughter or neice of Debby (Derby) De Wolf. 05. Daniel TYLER {1LXK-31} born: 23 Nov 1816, Sempronious, Cayuga (Oswego), NY LDS baptism: 16 Jan 2833, Springfield twp., Erie, PA, by Lincoln Hoskins died: 7 Nov 1906, Beaver, Beaver, UT married: 11 Sep 1836, Ruth WELTON {1K6P-T1}, Kirtland, Geauga, OH She was perhaps the "Sister Welton" who provided lodging for LDS missionaries. This "Sister Welton" lived in Austinburg, Ashtabula, OH c. 1832-34. 06. Comfort C. TYLER {1LXK-46} born: 30 Sep 1818, Sempronious, Cayuga (Oswego), NY LDS baptism: - none - died: 1837, [Springfield twp., Erie, PA?] married: - none - 07. Ira TYLER {1LXK-5C} born: 29 May 1822, [Springfield, Erie, PA?] LDS baptism: - ? - died: 12 Jan 1901 married: 14 Feb 1844, Richfield, , IL, Martha Ann COOK {BCTX-93} 08. Hyrum (Hiram) TYLER {1LXK-6J} born: 31 Mar 1824, Springfield twp., Erie, PA LDS baptism: - none - died: 1874 married: - none - 09. Uriah (Urial/Uriel) TYLER {31HT-C2} born: 6 Jul 1826 Springfield twp., Erie, PA LDS baptism: - none - died: 29 Jan 1867 married: 22 Feb 1862, Ruth Lola YOUNG {BCTX-B8} 10. John E. TYLER {1LXK-8V} born: 15 Jun 1829, Springfield twp., Erie, PA LDS baptism: - none - died: 27 Jun 1831, Springfield twp., Erie, PA- none - married: - none - 11. Henry B. TYLER {1LXK-92} born: 13 Mar 1831, Springfield twp., Erie, PA LDS baptism: - ? - died: after 1884 married: 21 Jul 1853, Mary Elizabeth/J. MOORE {BCTX-CF} |
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Document 3: John Rudd, Sr. (1748-1830) "Family Group Sheet"
Source: from information in Dale R. Broadhurst Papers, Acc. 913, Marriott Library, University of Utah. Updated and corrected from on-line genealogical information at the FamilySearch web-site. Note 1: The six-digit serial number following each name in the list below is the "ancestral family number" provided by the LDS FamilySearch web-site. Known "live" LDS baptismal dates are shown below in red. Note 2: John Rudd, Sr. and his family came to Springfield Twp., Erie Co., PA from Richfield Twp., Otsego, NY in August of 1805, after selling a NY farm to Solomon and Josiah Spalding in April of that same year. Their new farm in Springfield was a lakefront parcel of 350 acres in the upper two thirds of "Tract B" -- bordering on the eastern edge of the old Moravian Grant.The eldest son, John Rudd, Jr., had already arrived in the same area in 1802 and is said to have operated a distillery near the OH/PA border. This John generally lived across the border in New Salem, Ashtabula Co., OH, but he owned land in Erie Co. and was listed as living there in the 1820 US Census. |
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HUSBAND: John RUDD, Sr. {31HS-Z1} born: 29 Dec 1748, Norwich, New London, CT LDS baptism: - none - died: 24 Nov. 1830, Springfield twp., Erie, PA married: 13 Aug 1778, Bennington twp., Bennington, VT WIFE: Chloe (Cloe/Cloa) HILLS {31HT-05} born: 14 Mar 1759 in Wales, UK LDS baptism: c. Apr-May, 1832, Springfield twp., Erie, PA died: 14 Aug 1836, Cleveland, Cuyahoga, OH Children of John and Chloe: 01. John RUDD, Jr. {31HT-51} born: 10 Jun 1779, Bennington twp., Bennington, VT LDS baptism: late Feb 1832, Springfield twp, Erie, PA died: after 1835 married: [1 Feb 1801?] Rosanna JACKSON {C1J2-3V} She was born 10 Sep 1782, the daughter of Lyman Jackson (1756-1835). On 8 Jan 1842 she married Robert MORRELL of Otsego Co., NY. He died 28 Jan 1843. Rosanna lived with her brother, Michael in the 1860s and died 7 Feb 1866. 02. Lois RUDD {31HT-66} born: 4 Oct 1780, Bennington twp., Bennington, VT LDS baptism: - none - died: 27 Sep 1855, Springfield twp., Erie, PA married: c. 1800, [in Otsego Co., NY?] Amassa Stewart {C1J2-42} 03. Cyprian (Cyphian) RUDD {31HT-7C} born: 12 July 1782, Bennington twp., Bennington, VT LDS baptism: c. 1833-34, [Springfield twp, Erie, PA] died: 1845, married: c. 1810, [in Erie Co., PA?] Elizabeth PIKE {C1J2-57} 04. Amantha (Seanthe) (a twin?) RUDD {31HT-9P} born: 28 Nov 1784, Bennington twp., Bennington, VT LDS baptism: - none - died: in childhood married: - none - 05. Amanda (possibly 06.: "Rosanda") RUDD {31HT-8J} born: 28 Nov 1784, Bennington twp., Bennington, VT LDS baptism: - ? - died: - after 1832? - married: [if she lived to adulthood, possibly to a Mr. HARPER] 06. Rosanda (Rosanna) RUDD {31HT-FD} born: 1784, Bennington twp., Bennington, VT, [or 1796, Otsego, NY?] LDS baptism: - ? - died: - after 1832 - married: c. 1816, [possibly NY or PA] John HARPER {C1J2-C8} 07. Phoebe (Phebe, Phoibe) RUDD {31HT-BV} born: 1786, Bennington twp., Bennington, VT LDS baptism: - ? - died: - ? - married: c. 1806-07, [possibly Franklin Co., OH] John PIKE {C1J2-7K} 08. Erastus Harper, Sr. RUDD {31HR-ZV} born: 23 Jun 1787, Bennington twp., Bennington, VT LDS baptism: late Feb 1832, Springfield twp, Erie, PA died: 27 Jun 1834, Rush Cr. [near Liberty], Clay, MO married: Nov 28, 1816, Chesterfield, Fairfield, CT, Experience (Speedy) WHEELER {31HS-01} 09. Anson (Hanson) RUDD {31HT-C2} born: 5 Jan 1789, Bennington twp., Bennington, VT LDS baptism: - none - died: Oct 1876, Saginaw, Saginaw, MI married: 1823, Erie Co., PA, Clarissa SAWDY (Soddy) {C1J2-8Q} She was born c. 1798 [prob. in Cobleskill, Schoharie, NY] She was a sister (cousin?) of John Sawdy (an Erie Co. Mormon baptized in 1833). 10. Tryphosa RUDD {31HT-D7} born: 16 Mar 1792, Coopertown, Otsego, NY LDS baptism: - ? - died: - ? - married: 1821, Hugh Brooks FLETCHER {QXRM-5J} |
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Document 4: 1828 John Rudd, Sr. Land Indentures
Source: Springfield Twp., Erie County Land Records, Court House, Erie, PA. Note 1: In February of 1828 John Rudd, Sr. was 79 years old and obviously at the end of his career as a working farmer. His original 350 acre farm had, no doubt, already been parceled out in prior sales and allotments to his sons. The 1823 Springfield tax assessment shows him paying taxes on 150 acres in "Tract B," but perhaps this should read "250 acres." In the three land indentures documented below sons Cyprian, Erastus, and Anson each received a share of the family farm. The strip of land (of approx. 90 acres) adjoining the Rudd lands on the east was already in the hands of Oliver Smith by 1828 (and probably by 1823, if not earlier). This Oliver Smith may be the same person whose statement regarding Solomon Spalding occurs on pages 284-285 of Howe's book. Note 2: A certain Rosanda Rudd is mentioned in the transfer to Erastus. This is likely the same daughter of John Rudd, Sr. who married John Harper in about 1816. Why she had resumed using her maiden name in 1828 is uncertain. Along with her the document mentions Hugh B[rooks] Fletcher, who married Rosanda's sister Tryphosa in 1821. It is possible that by 1828 Rosanda was a widow or divorcee and that Hugh was a widower. The small parcel(s) of land they owned must have been located on the northwest corner of the crossing of Rudd Road with the Old Lake Road. The Amanda Harper mentioned as owning lands directly south of Erastus Rudd's 75 acres was likely a widowed daughter who had been born to John Rudd, Sr. in 1784. The witness, Medad Thompson, was the husband of Phebe Hobart (a step-daughter of Erastus Rudd). Note 3: The 1832-33 Springfield tax assement shows Erastus paying taxes on 75 cares, Cyprian on 90, Anson on 60, John Jr. on 3, and the "John Sr. heirs" on an additional 18 acres, all in "Tract B." Another Anson Rudd (perhaps the son of Cyprian) resided at the corner of Rudd Road and Old Lake Road until at least 1855, but seems to have been gone by 1865. |
Document 4-A: 1828 land transfer to Erastus Rudd
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Deed John Rudd & wife No ___
| This Indenture
Erastus Rudd Recorded 29 September 1831 | Made this tenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven between John Rudd of Springfield Township County of Erie and State of Pennsylvania Farmer and Chloe his wife of one part and Erastus Rudd of the Township County and State above written for and in consideration of moneys paid by the said Erastus Rudd before the sealing and delivery hereof by these present have granted al[i]ened conveyed released and confirmed unto the said Erastus Rudd unto his heirs and assigns all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in the Township of Springfield Erie County and State of Pennsylvania bounded as follows to wit. Beginning at a Buttonwood at the northwest corner on the beech of the Lake thence running East fifteen and one half rods to a stake and stone thence running south twenty nine rods and one half on lands owned by Hugh B. Fletcher and Rosanda Rudd to a stake on the north side of the road thence north sixty four degrees East twenty rods along the lake road to a stake thence south three hundred six and one half rods along the cross road that leads from John Rudd Juni[ors] to Jacob Raymonds to a stake thence west eighty five rods by lands owned by Amanda Harper to a stake thence north thence north thirty nine rods along the Moravian Grant to a stake thence east fifty two rods on lands owned by Cyprian Rudd (to a stake thence north two hundred and twenty six rods on lands owned by Cyprian Rudd) to the Buttenwood tree['s] 90 place of Beginning Containing seventy five acres [in] the same more or less Together with all and singular the privileges and appurtences thereunto belonging and all the claims and demands of John Rudd and Chloe his wife in law or equity to the same To have and to hold the said Land with the appurtenances there unto same the said Erastus Rudd his heirs and assigns forever. And the party of the first part unto the party of the second part against all lawful claims an[d] demands whatsoever warrant and defend. In Witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written John Rudd |Seal|Sealed and Delivered in presence || ----- Chloe Rudd |Seal| of Jonas Scott. Medad Thompson || -- Erie County |to wit| Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Commonwealths Justices of the Peace in and for the County afforesaid same John Rudd and Chloe his wife acknowledged the above deed to be their free act and deed that the same might be recorded as such She the said Chloe being of lawful age and the contents made known to her Sh[e] voluntary and of her own free will and accord consented thereto In Witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 18th day of February one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight |
Document 4-B: 1827 land transfer to Cyprian Rudd
Document 4-C: 1828 land transfer to Anson Rudd
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Deed John Rudd & wife to || This Indenture made the twenty four
Anson Rudd Recorded 8th February 1831 || th of February in the year of our Lord one one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven Between John Rudd Senr. of the Township of Springfield County of Erie and State of Pennsylvania, and Chloe his wife of the first part, and Anson Rudd of the Town County and State aforesaid of the second part Witnesseth that the said party of thw first part for and in consideration of the sum of Six hundred dollars paid by the said Anson Rudd before the sealing and delivery hereof by these presents have granted aliened conveyed released and confirmed unto the said Anson Rudd his heirs and assigns all that tract or parcel of Land lying being and situate in the Township County and State aforesaid and bounded as follows to wit Beginning at a stake and stones on the beach of Lake Erie at high water mark and cornering on Land belonging to Oliver Smith thence running South two hundred and sixty rods to a stake thence west thirty five rods and one half a rod to a stake thence north along land belonging to Erastus Rudd two hundred and forty eight rods to a stake thence north seventy two degrees East thirty nine and one half rods to a stake and stones at the place of Beginning containing Sixty acres of neat land be the same more or less Together with all and Singular the houses buildings ways waters woods rights priviliges and appurtenances thereunto belonging and the rents and profits thereof and also all the estate interest claims and demands whatsoever of them the said John Rudd Senr. and Chloe his wife in law or equity to the same To have and To hold the said land with appurtenances unto the said Anson Rudd his heirs and assigns forever And the party of the first part unto the party of the second part against all claims and demands whatsoever Will forever warrant and defend In Witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written attest Oliver Smith John Rudd |Seal| Sophie Stow Chloe Rudd |Seal| Erie County ss. personally appeared before me the subscriber one one of the Commonwealth Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid came John Rudd & Chloe his wife & acknowledged the above deed to be their free act and deed that the same might be recorded as such She the said Chloe being of lawful age and the contents being first made known to her She voluntarily & of her own free will and accord consented thereto In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of February one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight. Miron Hutchinson J.P. |Seal| |
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