| 59 they must sacrifice all their earthly possessions. They accordingly conveyed to him all their lands and other property, including even their wearing apparel, and the right to their services.
"Under this arrangement, 'Father Ephraim' and Baneemyism progressed swimmingly, until the autumn of 1855, when a little rebellion occurred under the leadership of an elder named Hugh Lytle, who, with some twenty of them, began a suit in the courts for the recovery of their property, but they failed, and the matter was subsequently compromised by the Lytle party receiving some of their property and withdrawing from the society.
"The remainder adhered to Thompson without serious difficulty until the autumn of 1858. During the summer of that year most of the male adults of the society were absent in other States, preaching the doctrines of Baneemyism to the Gentiles. Thompson, who arrogated to himself the title of 'Chief Steward of the Lord,' took advantage of their absence to convey all the realty to his wife, Catharine [Catherine]Thompson, and to one Guy C. Barnum, reserving only forty acres as a homestead for himself. His disciples, hearing of this transaction, returned and immediately called on 'Father Ephraim' for restitution. Being unable to obtain a satisfactory adjustment of the matter, they notified him that on a stated day he would be expected to meet them in Preparation to make settlement.
"The 'Chief Steward of the Lord,' and 'Assistant Steward of the Lord,' Barnum, had not sufficient courage to 'face the music,' however, and postponed their visit to Preparation until the day after the one appointed, doubtless thinking that the angry crowd would have become dispersed by that time. On the way they were met, about a mile from the village, by a young woman who had not yet lost confidence in 'Father Ephraim' and Baneemyism, and who informed them that the people were still congregated at Preparation, and would hang him on sight; which information had the effect on 'Father Ephraim' it was well calculated to have, especially as at about that moment of time, men on horseback were observed coming from Preparation at full speed,
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