Pioche daily record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1872-1876, 1872-09-20
THE AMANIANS.

The Amania Society Is the name OF
yery fourishing community in Iowa,
consisting of fifteen hundred members.
They own everything in common, and
present an admirable example Of the snc-
cess of the cooperative plan when intel
ligently administered. These people were
formerly know as Ebenezers, and lived
near Buffalo, NY, where they possessed
six thousand acres of land. They sold
out some fifteen years ago TOR the sum OF
Ave millions of dollars, and moved to
Iowa. They are located near Homestead
station, on the Rock Island and Pacific
Railroad, where they own thirty thous-
and acres Of the choicest lands. They
have seven distinct settlements, and their
affairs are managed by fifteen trustees or
fathers. Tie society is incorporated un-
der State laws. At convenient distances
iu the settlements they have restaurants,
to which the various families resort for
70 ID.
The Amanians cling to their good old
German ways in dress and general hab-
its, and are not in bondage to the outside
world. All have an eqnal interest in the
property; individuals are not allowed
anything for their services, or furnished
with money for their private use. Each
settlement has store, and all are allow
ed to draw certain amount yearly from
it for their private wants. A man with a
family is allowed $50, with $40 for
his wife and $40 for each child. This is
expected to keep them in clothing and
household furniture, and supply all their
little personal needs. When persons find
that the amoudt appropriated is not suffi-
cient for their acturl expenses, the mat
ter can be laid before the Board of Trus-
tees, who will exercise their judgment
about making an additional appropria-
ton. ....
They are temperate, industrious, relig-
ious people, but it is difficult to define
their theological views.
A leading principle in the society il
that all will get along well together il
every one will do right; and in this spirit,
everything is managed harnoniously
There is no better theology than this
after all.
1t is their custom to meet every day in
small companies, about the settlement,
aud in rooms provided for the purpose,
to devote half an hour to religious exer-
cises; on Wednesday they meet in the
tucf Soho eoStthCi Al
their meeting house for religious services
They do not appear to specially favor
marriage, and many Of them are living
single. When young people wish tc
marry, they generally receive the consent
of the society if they have reputation
for good behavior. If the parties have
not succeeded in commencing them.
selves, they are not allowed to marry.
The society owns the whole settlement
and carries on all the business, including
that of the lumber yard, store, hotel, etc
They hire considerably on their farm
and in factories, and claim that even il
Iowa, with 5000 acres of choice land
farming operations do not pay. Abou
three miles from Homestead, on the De
Moines river. they have fine waite
power, Touring and wooden mills, an'
manufacture an extra quality of yarn
and fine hannels in colors. The latte
goods stand high in the market, and ar
mostly bought by a few first class retail
ers in the large cities. The Amanian
have a high reputation for uprightness i
all their dealings with the outside world
and are much respected.