Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-04-16

John Humphrey Noyes, the founder Of the Oleida
community, died at his home at Niagara Falls, ont.
on Tuesday IN the 10th year OF his age. Mr.. Noy,s
born in West Brattleboro Sept. g. 1871, being the
eldest son of Hon. John Noyes, formerly Represen-
tatiVe ia Congress from this district. His mother
was Polly Hayes Of West BrattlpborO, aud his eldest
sister was Mrs. L. q. Mead Of this place, mother Of
the artist. John Humphrey Noyea was graduated
from Dartmouth college In 1880, at the age Of 10.
Soon after leaving college be began the study Of Law
but IN 1851 having made profession Of religion at
a protracted meeting held In Putney-where he then
lived with bis pareuts-he joined the Congregational
church and decided to study for the ministry. In a
few weeks he entered Audoyer theological seminary
where be remained year, and Ia the fall Of 1882 Gu
tered Yale theological seminary at New Haven. In
August, 1888, he was licensed to preach by the New
Haven Association, and for six weeks he labored
pastor Of smallichurch In North Salem, n Y. 1t
was in February, lS34that Mr.. Noyes announced his
"Perfectiunist" doctrines. Soon after this took
place tue New Haven Association Withdrew his H.
cense to preach, aud subsequently he eIcommuIp
cated from the Putney church for hereay aud breach
Of covenant. After some time spent as wandering
preacher, during which he made few converts Ia
this section and elsewhere, he returned TO Putuey
unfutled his banner Of "petfectouism' in
culcatinR his doctrines by means Of published vol
umes, aud through the medium " a paper called
The spiritual Magaziue'-and gathered some Of his
followers about him IN tue form OF a community.
Here in spite Of much local hostility, he maintained
himself aud his peculiar institution" for several
years. At length, facts Of a scaudaous character
coming to light In regard to the conduct Of Mr.
Nuyes and certain members Of his flock, he was r.
rested Oct %, l6li, charge Of adultery and for
nicaton. Waving examination he placed un-
der heavy bonds, but AbscOnded soon after his ar
rest. With some Of his followers he located In
Madison county New York, where he established the
widely known Oneida community, branch Of which
was afterwards located at Wallingford, Conn. For
many years the Oneida community had hourishiug
existence in 4 business point Of view. Though be-
ginning with only 40 acres Of neglected land aud
hampered by debt of $1,000, the community grew
under Noyess leadership 30 that In 1870 there we're
over 200 members, aud they owned 664 acres Of iue
land with brick buildings and manufacturing inter
ests valued at upwards Of f2OO,OOO. But the moral
aana Z fna ~ M Var
reyoted, dssensous arose, and few years the
experiment came to an end and MIR. Noyes fled 10
Canada. Notwithstanding his advanced age be had
recently completed his resi- ence school build
ing aud printing Office where it il said he intended to
educate the community children and resume the dis
seminaton Of his peculiar social and religious doe
trines which he maintained to the last. Though Mr.
Noyes was, in bis way, q remarkable man, he lacked
the qualities Of martyr, and his lie work, in-
spired by religious fanatcism, ended IN failure.