Lydia (Dillon) Haworth

The year 1833 was difficult for Eli and Lydia, but not uncommon for the time and place. Younger Quakers were often in rebellion against the strict rules of the Society, particularly those concerning marriage. Eli was disowned for unbecoming conduct, while Lydia was under criticism for her marriage to Eli, "contrary to discipline", and was facing probable disownment. However) Lydia "condemned her marriage which in effect, was a public confession of error and regret, and was reinstated in the Monthly Meeting.

For twenty-five years (1833-1858) the Minutes of Vermilion Monthly Meeting made no reference to Eli or Lydia. Eli was not a member and Lydia was much occupied in the rearing of her nine children. In 1858 (December 4) Eli came back into membership, with the five younger children; (Mary 13 Christopher 10, William 8, Rachel Alice 5, Charles 2). Earlier that year the eldest child, Margaret 24, had died. The following year (April 29, 1859) Rachel Alice had passed away. Eli, who may have been ill for some time, died in 1860 (March 11). Lydia had then to face alone the illness and death of the boy Christopher on January 22, 1883.

Eli was about 46 years of age at his death. He and Lydia had been married 27 years.

Both Eli and Lydia had been members of the Society in their early years but through misconduct had forfeited any Birthright standing that might have come to their children. Lydia, alone, had condemned her action and was reinstated before the birth of any child, but both parents were required to be in good standing. This question, which was of concern a century ago, no longer applies to the children of Quakers.

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