THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Mrs. Singer (Mrs. Mary Singer started the California colony of Koreshans in San Francisco) In 1890 the colony was located at 218 Noe Street in San Francisco, California. They lived as a group at that location The colony was dissolved in April 1892. They called themselves the Golden Gate Assembly of the Koreshan Unity. There were 40 members in San Francisco. Twenty-five of the California members moved to Chicago in 1892. Cyrus Teed visited San Francisco on August 29, 1896, and he stayed for one month. Between 1890-1895 there were 160 members in Illinois, 15 members in California, 15 members in Massachusetts, and 15 members in Oregon.--Information from Ranger Peter Hicks; Koreshan State Historic Site; Estero, Florida.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: John Sirolla (Miller)
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Albert Smead
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Frank H. Smith of Shippensburg, PA; left April 1910. FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: Frank Smith
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Cora Spear
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Royal O. Spear; Non-member, worked in community in San Francisco prior to 1891; strong malcontents.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Charles W. Spooner FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: Walter Spooner; "I remember where he sat in the dining room, but that is all." FLAMING SWORD, Community Current Events by Alafae Stephens, December 1933: "From Llano Colony in Louisiana comes word of the passing of Mr. Charles Walter Spooner, due to heart trouble. Mr. Spooner was a member here for a few years recently, being in charge of the culinary department." U.S. Federal 1930 Census; Estero, Lee County, Florida; Precinct 12; Koreshan Unity Home; Enumeration Date: May 5, 1930; Enumerator: William Howell; ED: 36-17; SD: 6; Page: 199; Precinct 12; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, January 2003: Charles W. Stooner (sic); Radio set: none listed; Sex: male; Color: white; Age at last birthday: 57; Marital status: single; Attended school since Sep 1, 1929: no; Whether able to read and write: yes; Place of birth: Michigan; Place of birth of father: Massachusetts; Place of birth of mother: New York; Whether able to speak English: yes; Occupation: chef; Industry: cook; Whether actually at work yesterday (or the last regular working day): yes; Veteran: no.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Lou Hosea Staton; Born: 25 Dec 1871; Died: 11 Mar 1950. FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: Lou Staton; "A barber by trade, he came into the Unity at Chicago as a young man; always wore his taffy colored hair a little longer than the other men; stayed at Englewood but came to Estero with the same group we did and was there on all of our visits until the recent one." Burial: Koreshan Unity Cemetery--lot 46; Inscription: Lou H. Staton; Mar 1950. U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida--1910; Enumeration date: 23 Apr 1910; Koreshan Unity; Enumerator: Walter S. Turner, Jr.; Microfilm number: Fl 1910-H T624; ED: 80; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, 4 Jan 1995: Louis H. Staton; Sex: Male; Race: white; Age 38; Marital status: Single; Place of birth: Illinois; Place of birth of mother and father: Illinois; Language spoken: English; Occupation: Barber; Employer or worker: worker; Can read and write: yes. U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida--1920; Enumeration Date: 2 Jan 1920; Enumerator: Henry D. Silverfriend; Microfilm number: 1820221; SD: 1; Sheet: 1; Fourth Precinct; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, December 1994: Lou H. Staton; Relation to head of family: head; Place of residence: Immokalee Road; Dwelling number: 22; Family visitation number: 25; Age 48; Single; Place of birth: Illinois; Place of birth of mother and father: Illinois; Occupation: Barber/Barber Shop. U.S. Federal 1930 Census; Estero, Lee County, Florida; Precinct 12; Koreshan Unity Home; Enumeration Date: May 5, 1930; Enumerator: William Howell; ED: 36-17; SD: 6; Page 199; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, January 2003: Louis H. Staton; Radio set: none listed; Sex: male; Color: white; Age at last birthday: 58; Marital status: single; Attended school since Sep 1, 1929: no; Whether can read and write: yes; Place of birth: Illinois; Place of birth of father: Illinois; Place of birth of mother: Illinois; Whether able to speak English: yes; Occupation: Printer; Occupation: Publishing House; Whether actually at work yesterday (or the last regular working day): yes; Veteran: no. COURT RECORD/Lee County Court House--WARRANTY DEED: Louis H. Staton; 25 Apr 1924; Deed Book 70, Page 209; Entry Number 1. BROTHERS' LAUNDRY LIST: Louis Staten #108 Evelyn Horn's notes: Lou H. Staton "A life long member of the Koreshan Unity. For many years he served on the Board of Directors. For 20 years he worked in the Koreshan Unity press, The Guiding Star Publishing House, making up the forms for the weekly "American Eagle" and the monthly "Flaming Sword." After the Art Hall was opened to the public in 1948, Lou took special pride in lecturing and demonstrating the Koreshan Universology to give talks about the history and of the movement and its beliefs. He often told how he met the founder, Koresh, lecturing on a street corner in Chicago and demonstrating the hollow globe, now to be seen in the Art Hall at Koreshan State Park. Lou studied all the writings and religious teachings of Koresh. Lou worked in the tropical gardens planting many trees, tropical fruits, and ornamentals. He worked with the bees with good results, bringing buckets of honey to the members dining hall. Lou was an unforgettable character with his optimistic nature, his cheerful mind, and uplifting spirit. He was an outstanding personality among Koreshans. He was very close to his only relative here, Miss Cecil Hamilton, who was principal of Guynne? School and lived in Ft. Myers. Lou died at the age of 79 on March 21, 1950. Lou was very humorous in his character. His person was very neat, always wore tan colored pants and long sleeve shirts, very neat in his dress. He had clear blue eyes and snow white hair. He dedicated his life to the Koreshan Unity. Lou also was a barber by trade and ran the K.U. Filling Station (Standard Oil). In my family Brother Lou cut four generations of hair in the Koreshan Unity Barber Shop." FLAMING SWORD; Community Current Events by L. W. Bubbett, October 1947: "Fortunately our apiarist, Lou Staton, removed a large quantity of delicious honey from the hives the latter part of July, which likely would have been a total loss in the recent hurricane." FLAMING SWORD, Community Current Events by D. J. Richards, June 1937: "Brother Lou H. Staton's domicile has been moved from the Immokalee road to a lot east of the Art Hall and south of the Tea Garden. The work was done by a Fort Myers contractor. In the interim Lou has occupied a room over the Unity store, but on Saturday, May 29th, moved back into his old home which is to be wired for lights and connected up to running water. Needless to say that Brother Lou is exceedingly pleased with his new location."
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Celia Stavely U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida--1910; Enumeration date: 23 Apr 1910; Koreshan Unity; Enumerator: Walter S. Turner, Jr.; Microfilm number: Fl 1910-H T624; ED: 80; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, 4 Jan 1995: Celia H. Stavely; Sex: Female; Race: white; Age 47; Marital status: Single; Place of birth: Texas; Place of birth of father: Tennessee; Place of birth of mother: U.S.; Occupation: Dress maker in Unity; Employee or worker: worker; No. of months not employed: 0; Can read and write: yes.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: E. Benson Steele from Canada FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: Benson Steele; "One time editor of THE FLAMING SWORD."--Vesta Newcomb See the DOUBLE EDGED SWORD from February-March 1934. Steele was one of the laders of the "Order of Theocracy", the small group who broke away from the Koreshans in Estero. There is an obit (of sorts) in this issue, but the exact day/date of his death is not noted.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Alafae Stephens FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: "Cora sometimes came to Tampa and always visited us, usually overnight. She sent Mace to a "work and learn" school somewhere in central Florida. Alafae later worked in Detroit and married a Norwegian; understand she has made several trips to that country. Wade lives in Tampa." U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida--1920; Enumeration date: Jan 2, 1920; Enumerator: Henry D. Silverfriend; ED: 109; SD: 1; Fourth Precinct; Microfilm roll number: 1820221; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff; December 1994: Alaphae Stephens; Relation to head of family: daughter; Age 7; Single; Attending School: Yes; Place of birth North Carolina; Place of birth of father: North Carolina; Place of birth of mother: South Carolina; Occupation: None. U.S. Federal 1930 Census; Estero, Lee County, Florida; Precinct 12; Koreshan Unity Home; Enumeration Date: May 5, 1930; ED: 36-17; SD: 6; Page: 199; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff; January 2003: Alafae Stephens; Radio set: none listed; Sex: female; Color: white; Age at last birthday: 18; Marital status: single; Attended school since Sep 1, 1929; yes; Whether able to read and write: yes; Place of birth: North Carolina; Place of birth of father: North Carolina; Place of birth of mother: North Carolina; Whether able to speak English: yes; Occupation: none; See Stephens collection at the Koreshan State Historic Site; Estero, Florida. FLAMING SWORD, Community Currents Events by Rose Gilbert, July 1931: Miss Alafae Stephens, daughter of Sister Cora Stephens, graduated from Edison High School in Fort Myers. She was one of a class of over seventy students. The occasion was described as one of "grandeur and solemnity" and took place in the auditorium of the Edison High School." Notes from Evelyn Horn: Cora Stevens (Stephens) Cora Stevens (sic) came to the Koreshan Unity, Estero, Florida April 1918 with her husband J. P. who was a Baptist. From their home in Mt. Tabor, N.C. with three children, Wade only eight years old--Mace, who became a printer and barber by trade--Alafae, a beautiful teenage girl. The children were all educated at the Koreshan School. They were all active in music and performing in plays, entertaining in the Art Hall. Alafae was a dramatic reader of poetry. Sister Cora worked in the kitchen and dining hall. She loved to make beautiful cakes for special occasions of Koreshan celebrations. In late years she often visited her grown-up children, who married. Alafae Strande who lived in Phil. and the sons in Tampa, Florida.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Cora Stephens; wife of Joel Perry Stephens; Born: 27 Aug 1881, South Carolina. FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: "Cora sometimes came to Tampa and always visited us, usually overnight. She sent Mace to a "work and learn" school somewhere in central Florida. Alafae later worked in Detroit and married a Norwegian; understand she has made several trips to that country. Wade lives in Tampa." U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida--1920; Enumeration date: Jan 2, 1920; Enumerator: Henry D. Silverfriend; ED: 109; SD: 1; Fourth Precinct; Microfilm roll number: 1820221; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff; December 1994: Cora Stephens; House number: 8; Dwelling number: 12; Family visitation number: 14; Relation to head of family: head; Age 38; Married; Place of birth: South Carolina; Place of birth of mother and father: South Carolina; Occupation: None. U.S. Federal 1930 Census; Estero, Lee County, Florida; Precinct 12; Koreshan Unity Home; Enumeration Date: May 5, 1930; ED: 36-17; SD: 6; Page: 199; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff; January 2003: Cora E. Stephens; Radio set: none listed; Sex: female; Color: White; Age at last birthday: 48; Marital condition: widow; Age at first marriage: 23; Attended school since Sep 1, 1929: no; Whether able to read and write: yes; Place of birth: North Carolina; Place of birth of father: South Carolina: South Carolina; Place of birth of mother: South Carolina; Able to speak English: yes; Occupation: House keeper; Industry: General work; Whether actually at work yesterday (or the last regular working day): no. See Stephens collection at the Koreshan State Historic Site. COURT RECORD/Lee County Court House--WARRANTY DEED: Cora Stephens; 25 Apr 1924; No. 26759; Deed Book 70; Page 209; Entry number 1. Notes from Evelyn Horn: Cora Stevens (Stephens) Cora Stevens (sic) came to the Koreshan Unity, Estero, Florida April 1918 with her husband J. P. who was a Baptist. From their home in Mt. Tabor, N.C. with three children, Wade only eight years old--Mace, who became a printer and barber by trade--Alafae, a beautiful teenage girl. The children were all educated at the Koreshan School. They were all active in music and performing in plays, entertaining in the Art Hall. Alafae was a dramatic reader of poetry. Sister Cora worked in the kitchen and dining hall. She loved to make beautiful cakes for special occasions of Koreshan celebrations. In late years she often visited her grown-up children, who married. Alafae Strande who lived in Phil. and the sons in Tampa, Florida.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Mace Stephens FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: "Cora sometimes came to Tampa and always visited us, usually overnight. She sent Mace to a "work and learn" school somewhere in central Florida. Alafae later worked in Detroit and married a Norwegian; understand she has made several trips to that country. Wade lives in Tampa." U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida--1920; Enumeration date: Jan 2, 1920; Enumerator: Henry D. Silverfriend; ED: 109; SD: 1; Fourth Precinct; Microfilm roll number: 1820221; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, December 1994: Herbert M. Stephens; Place of residence: Amity Place; Relation to head of family: son; Age 10; Single; Attending school: Yes; Place of birth: North Carolina; Place of birth of father: North Carolina; Place of birth of mother: South Carolina; Occupation: None. See Stephen's collection at the Koreshan State Historic Site; Estero, Florida. FLAMING SWORD, Community Current Events by D. J. Richards, July 1929: "We are pleased to have Mace Stephens with us again the the Unity. He graduated at the Montverde Industrial School, which he attended the past four years. His mother and sister, Sisters Cora and Alafae Stephens and Miss Bertha M. Boomer attended the graduating exercises of the school. Mace is engaged at present in the Unity press room, and is of great assistance to Brother Jesse Putnam, our superintendent."
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Joel Perry Stephens; Born: 2 Dec 1866, North Carolina; Died: 4 Nov 1923, Age 56 years and 11 months; Joined K.U. Estero 13 Mar 1918. FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: Perry Stephens, father; "Cora sometimes came to Tampa and always visited us, usually overnight. She sent Mace to a "work and learn" school somewhere in central Florida. Alafae later worked in Detroit and married a Norwegian; understand she has made several trips to that country. Wade lives in Tampa." U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida--1920; Enumeration date: Jan 2, 1920; Enumerator: Henry D. Silverfriend; ED: 109; SD: 1; Fourth Precinct; Microfilm roll number: 1820221; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, December 1994: Joel P. Stephens; Place of residence: Amity Place; Family visitation number: 18; Relation to head of family: head; Age 53; Married; Place of birth: North Carolina; Place of birth of mother and father: North Carolina; Occupation: Farmer/ K.U. farm. Burial: Horseshoe Bend on the River--Koreshan Unity Cemetery/Estero, Florida--13; Inscription: Joel Stephens/Nov. 4-1923 See Stephen's collection at the Koreshan State Historic Site.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Wade Stephens FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: "Cora sometimes came to Tampa and always visited us, usually overnight. She sent Mace to a "work and learn" school somewhere in central Florida. Alafae later worked in Detroit and married a Norwegian; understand she has made several trips to that country. Wade lives in Tampa." U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida--1920; Enumeration date: Jan 2, 1920; Enumerator: Henry D. Silverfriend; ED: 109; SD: 1; Fourth Precinct; Microfilm roll number: 1820221; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff; December 1994: Wade C. Stephens; Relation to head of family: son; Age 3; Single; Place of birth: North Carolina; Place of birth of father: North Carolina; Place of birth of mother: South Carolina; Occupation: None. U.S. Federal 1930 Census: Estero, Lee County, Florida; Election Precinct 12; Koreshan Unity Home; Enumeration Date: May 5, 1930; ED: 36-17; SD: 6; Page: 199; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff; January 2003: Wade Stephens; Radio set: none listed; Sex: Male; Color: White; Age at last birthday: 14; Marital status: Single; Attended school since Sep 1, 1929: yes; Whether able to read and write: yes; Place of birth: North Carolina; Place of birth of father: North Carolina; Place of birth of mother: North Carolina; Able to speak English: yes; Occupation: None. SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH INDEX: VOLUME 2; M-Z: Wade Stephens; SS#: 263-05-5012 in Florida; Date of birth: 24 Apr 1916; Date of death: September 1976; Residence: Tampa, Florida. See Stephens collection at the Koreshan State Historic Site.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Bertha Sterling Boomer; (Barthaldine Matrona) Born: 12 Nov 1850 in Bridgeport, Conn.; Died 11 Jul 1935 in Estero. FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: "Louie, a violinist, and Harry, a cornetist, were both talented musicians. Louis became owner of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York and wealthy; died in Norway, the home country of his wife. He built a home for his mother across the river from the Unity. Bertie lived with her and afterward in Fort Myers. She was killed on Fort Myers Beach by an automobile driven by Carlton Case. Harry served in the Spanish American War and died in an Army hospital in Texas. Ruth married a Philadelphia architect and they were the parents of one son." *1860 U.S. Federal Census; State: Connecticut; County: Fairfield; Town: Bridgeport; Post Office: Bridgeport; Series M653, Roll 75; Page: 499; www.HeritageQuest; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, 20 Mar 2004; Enumeration date: 21 Jul 1860; Line Number: 20; Dwelling Number: 1715; Family Number: 7947; Name: Bertha Sterling; Age: 10; Sex: female; Color: Nothing listed; Occupation: Nothing listed; Birthplace: Connecticut; School in year: yes. (*Bertha Sterling is living with the David H. Nash (a physician) family.) *1870 U.S. Federal Census; State: Connecticut; County: Fairfield; Town: Bridgeport; Ward: 1; Post Office: Bridgeport, Connecticut; Page Number: 83; Enumeration date: 20 Jul 1870; Enumerator: Philo L. Benner, Ass't Marshal; Series M593, Microfilm Roll Number: 96; Page: 71; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, 20 Mar 2004; www.HeritageQuest; Line Number on page: 38; Dwelling house number: 518; Family number: 649; Name: Bertha Sterling; Age last birthday: 19; Sex: female; Color: white; Profession or occupation: School Teacher; Value of real estate owned: $3500; Value of personal estate: $500; Place of birth: Connecticut. (*Bertha Sterling is living with the David H Nash (a physician) family) 1880 U.S. Federal Census; State: Illinois; County: Cook; Town: Chicago; Family History Library Film: 1254186; NA Film Number: T9-0186; Page number: 161B; www.familysearch.org; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, 21 Mar 2004; Name: Bertha Boomer; Relation to head of family: wife; Marital Status: Married; Sex: female; Race: white; Age: 29; Birthplace: Connecticut; Occupation: Keeping house; Father's Birthplace: Connecticut; Mother's Birthplace: Connecticut. 1900 U. S. Federal Census; Calumet Township; Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Film roll 285; Page No. 285; SD No. 1; ED No. 986; Sheet No. 12; Ward of City 31; Enumeration Date: 13 Jun 1900; Enumerator: Ernest E. Ellington; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, 24 May 1999: Bertha Boomer; Residence: 99th Street, Dwelling 133; Relation to head of family: Boarder; Color, white; Sex, female; Month of birth: October; Year of birth: 1855; Age at last birthday: 44; Married; No. of years married: 1*; Mother of how many children: 4; Number of these children living: 4; Place of birth: Connecticut; Place of birth of father: Connecticut; Place of birth of mother: Connecticut; Occupation: Nothing listed; Can read, yes; Can write, yes; Can speak English, yes. (*Except for 5 married residents in this dwelling, all married residents living in this dwelling listed their number of years married as 1.) 1910 U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida; Enumeration date: 23 Apr 1910; Koreshan Unity; Enumerator: Walter S. Turner, Jr.; Microfilm number: Fl 1910-H T624; ED: 80; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, 4 Jan 1995: Bertha Boomer; Sex: Female; Race: white; Age 59; Marital status: Widow; Mother of 4 children; Number of children living: 4; Place of birth: Connecticut; Place of birth of mother and father: Connecticut; Language spoken: English; Occupation: Student; No. of months not employed: 0; Can read and write: yes; Attending school: yes. 1920 U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida; Enumerator: Henry D. Silverfriend; Enumeration Date: 5 Jan 1920; Microfilm number: 1820221-T625-221; ED: 109; Precinct 10; Outside the Koreshan Colony; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, January 1995: Bertha S. Boomer; Living outside the Koreshan Colony; Address: Ft. Myers/Naples; Age 69; Widow; Place of birth: Connecticut; Place of birth of mother and father: Connecticut; Occupation: None. Burial: Koreshan Unity Cemetery--lot 13--Inscription: B.S. Boomer/1850-Jul 1935 The Flaming Sword, August 1935; Community Current Events: "We regret to record the passing of Mrs. Bertha S. Boomer (Berthaldine Matrona), at her residence here in Estero on Thursday, July 11th, 1935, the eighty-fifth year of her age. Her Health had been failing for some time and her death was not unexpected. She was one of the early and most loyal followers of Koresh in his great work, contributing in many ways to further his cause. A brilliant and able writer and speaker on the subject of Koreshan Universology over a period of many years she will be very much missed by all those who knew her. Mrs. Eleanore Castle of Chicago conducted a brief funeral service, paying a touching tribute to the memory of her generous nature and unusually fine and superior character. She was interred in our local cemetery. Surviving her are two daughters and one son, Miss Bertha M. Boomer of Estero, Mrs. Ruth Boomer Thomas of Philadelphia, PA, and Mr. Lucius M. Boomer of New York City. Mr. Boomer arrived the following day from New York, coming via plane to Miami. Notes from Evelyn Horne: Berthaldine Boomer: "She came to Estero with the second group of Koreshans on January 31, 1894, from the home in Chicago. (College Place 3 and 4) Two daughters: Miss Bertha M. Boomer and Mrs. Ruth S. Boomer Thomas. Two sons: Louis M. Boomer and Harry. Husband Lucius S. Boomer remained in New York. Berthaldine was a student of Koresh. She wrote many beautiful writings of the Koreshan religion in "The Flaming Sword." Son, Louis, had his mother's home built in 1916 by Koreshan brother Steven Chislett. They planted an orange grove with choice citrus. They name the Place "Mirasol Grove." Sister Berthaldine and daughter Bertie lived there until Berthaldine's death on July 11, 1935. The Boomer home was a place for entertaining. Many Koreshan parties were enjoyed there, especially over the holidays. Many Koreshan sisters and brothers celebrated birthdays there. Berthaldine's diary was reprinted in the "Koreshan Unity Settlement" in "The American Eagle", issues October, November, and December 1978. Son, Louis Boomer built his Florida vacation home at River Bend next to the Koreshan Unity property and named it "Tarter Place." It was picturesque on the bend of the Estero River. It also had a large tennis court and a large concrete boat dock and steps down to the River. It was built about *1920. (*1916, See The American Eagle, April 1993 note below.) Louis Boomer was president of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and spent his vacations at Estero and also Norway where he died in 1949 of a heart attack while on a summer vacation in Norway. Berthaldine was a beautiful lady, a large person about 5 foot 7 inches with dark brown hair and blue eyes. She carried herself so graciously. She loved boating on the Estero River and picnics at Carlos Point and the beaches. She was a perfect hostess and loved entertaining. She was a real active person until her death on July 11, 1935, which came very suddenly of a heart attack. She was 85 years old. The community mourned her departure. The Estero Grammer School lowered its flag half-mast for her mourning. She was buried in the Koreshan cemetery." Mrs. Lucius S. Boomer, father and husband, died March 6, 1897. He was in the steel business in Chicago and was loved by all who knew him. He gave great love and support to the Koreshan Church.--Flaming Sword 1897. Miss Bertha M. Boomer died on September 3, 1941, in a tragic accident on Ft. Myers Beach where she was run over by a truck driven by H. C. Case. Mr. Case was also from a Koreshan family. THE AMERICAN EAGLE; Vol. 79; April 1993; Page 1: "The beautiful Planetary Court residence, so named for the seven planets then known to exist, still stands proudly in the Koreshan settlement. It was built in 1904 to house the original seven Koreshan women charged by Koresh to manage the affairs of the Unity. Each had her own bedroom, and the eighth room, on the main floor, served as their council chamber or meeting room. These Stellar Women Were : Virginia Andrews, Berthaldine Boomer, Evelyn Bubbett, Eleanor Castle, Rose Gilbert, Ella Graham and Etta Silverfriend." BERTHALDINE BOOMER: This lady moved to the Estero settlement with her daughter among the first contingent of Koreshans in 1894. Her husband and two sons remained in Chicago, but Berthaldine was among the first students of Koresh in Chicago and gave the Unity her full support the rest of her life. Dr. Teed gave her the title of "Matrona" and made her the head of domestic affairs. Much of life in the early days in Florida is recorded in her diary, which has been published in The American Eagle. She lived with the sisters until 1916, at which time she and her daughter, Bertie, moved into a lovely home near the Unity compound which her son, Louis, built for her. Berthaldine died in 1935.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Sarah Romelia Stevens; Born: 10 Oct 1830, Delaware Co., New York FOLKS WE KNEW WHILE IN THE K.U. by Marie McCready: Romelia Stevens--"Was very fond of green tea; often made it and brought cups to Mamma and Lovelle, who says it is still her favorite kind of tea." 1900 U. S. Federal Census; Calument Township; Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Film Roll No. 285; Page No. 285; SD No. 1; ED No. 986; Sheet No. 12; Ward of City: 31; Enumeration Date: 13 June 1900; Enumerator: Ernest E. Ellington; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, 24 May 1999; Koreshan Unity:: Romelia Stevens; Residence: 99th Street; Dwelling 133; Relation to head of family; Boarder; Color, white; Sex, female; Month of birth: January; Year of birth: 1827; Age at last birthday: 72; Married: Number of years married: 1*; Mother of how many children: 0; Number of these children living: 0; Place of birth: New York; Place of birth of father: Ohio; Place of birth of mother: New Jersey; Occupation: Nothing listed; Can read, yes; Can write, yes; Can speak English, yes. (*Except for 5 married residents, all married residents living in this dwelling listed their number of years married as 1.) U.S. Federal Census/Estero/Lee County/Florida--1910; Koreshan Unity; Enumeration Date: 25 Apr 1910; Enumerator: Walter S. Turner, Jr.; Microfilm No.: Fl 1910-H T624; ED: 80; Transcribed by Joyce Nelle Ratliff, January 1995: Sarah R. Stephens; Sex: Female; Race: white; Age 79; Marital status: Widow; Mother of 2 children; Number of children living: 0; Place of birth: New York; Place of birth of father: New York; Place of birth of mother: Massachusetts; Language spoken: English; Occupation: None; No. of months not employed: 0; Can read and write: yes.
THE KORESHAN UNITY MEMBERSHIP LIST by Claude J. Rahn: Edith Stiles