The Sedalia weekly bazoo. [volume] (Sedalia, Mo.) 187?-1904, 1884-09-02
AMONG THE SHAKERS,
The Bright and Shady Side Of
Their Life Portrayed

In thus giving snoTl 5hQu nasty
sketch of this interesting and truly
worthy people, the writer Will here
say it is for no other, purpose than to
correct the many erroneous ideas and
impressions prevalent boneernlng
them, as web as to Inform marry how
they may improve their moral and
physical relations, in life, thereby add
ing to their happiness Gin this world
and developing themselves for q tu-
ture existence. -
The particular branch of this people
[ row speak of is located about four
miles from Pittsfeld, ON the Boston
and Albany railroad, in a most beau
iful and productive valley in the midst
of the most charming mountain seen
cry and an abundance of the best
spring water, SO plentiful as to permit
its use for manufacturing purposes,
which they do TO some extent, and
would to much greater did not their
members and the care of their farm
ing interests fully absorb their time
and attention. . They own a large
tract of the best land in the country,
their buildings are frst-class, and COM
modious enoug h to accom- mOdafe and
furnish employment to several hun
dred persons. They raise and market
many beef cattle, keep a fine dairy
and raise all kind Of fruit and yege-
tables in great variety, which: always
finds ready market In Pittsfeld at
good prices, as a Shaker brand is GER
tain to insure the best The extent
of their land and the many facilities
they possess might greatly increase
their productions were not their num-
bers greatly diminished. The reason
for this state of affairs lies chiefly in
the fact that celibacy is the main
plank in Shaker religion, and to this
plank they most rigidly adhere. ]
can not think of, nor can | see, any
other reason why they are not gorged
with applications for membership.
The balance Of their creed is of the
most liberal character in fact, simply |
requiring a belief in Christ, and the
living of virtuous, honest and tenn
perate life, which all should know is
the only true road to happiness in this
world or the world to follow.
In regard to their government, it is
vested in a few of the elder members
of both sexes and ministers, who labor
daily with their own hands; in fact,
none in health are exempted from do
ing their part or such duties as they
are best fitted to perform. Yet none
are expected to work hard or do an
allotted task. Their labors are Just
about what nature requires for good
bodily and mental, health, and, as
the plain marble headstones In the
cemetery indicate, most of them live
to good old age. Their religious
services are not SO lengthy as to make
them monotenous and tiresome, but
are rather inspiring, and create, even
in the visitor, a strong impression of
their sincerity. truthfulness and high
moral character. They consist in
each sex taking position separately,
generally standing a. few feet apart,
and. singing soul inspiring anthems
and songs and short words of encour-
agement to high moral and spiritual
life from any disposed TO speak. Then
by the twos or threes, they march to
the time of their music, round the hall
which, by the way, is no ordinary
one, as any one can testify who ever
saw the beautifully oiled and polished
floors In fact, this matter of neat
ness is carried to a greater extent
among them than in any other sect
or even private family ever visited.
if any wish to live a life
of scrupulous cleanliness, Join the
Shakers.
Unlike many farmers that raise
many good things to eat, but never
nave the best themselves, their table
s of the best and the food uncommon ,
y we'll cooked. Here may anyone, /,
regardless of poverty, if he possesses
4 good moral character, find friends
and home, provided he desires to lead
/ pure life and conform to few neces
sary rules for their government and
general welfare IN closing this .
sketch let me invite any disposed 10 ,
investigate and learn, by actual con-
act with this people the truths herein
'taled to visit them, stating their OBJ
ect, and | will assure them of cor
lial reception, friendly greeting and
warm good-by if they are not dis
posed to remain.