Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-04-14
A PECULIAR xxLIGioUs sYCT.
TheIr OGa weys OF LivIBG-Strange
Antics or Trance Medium.
Goshen lInd) Special

In the immediate vicinity OF Goahtn
there exists q peculiar sect-peculiar by
reason Of its religious sciupes-and
known by the name OF 1.-The Amish. -
All, father and con, follow farming for
livelihood, and by their economical
manner of living have made themselves
the owners of most of the farm land III
the fertile prairies OF this section. they
are stolid, an enterprising but industrl-
ous class, and form n solid foundation for
this city's trade and business. Every
day thew are conspicuous on the
streets on account OF their odd and
striking style OF dress. They are all
attired in sombre black from head to
foot. dark slOuch hats cover their heads.
and their hair. falling down to their ears,
is suddenly cut OFF square, forming q
sort of tassel, and covering the forehead
in its circular design. A peculiar hair-
cutting practice is followed by this peo-
pie. A bowl Of sufficient size is placed
on the head Of the subject, and around
the edge the shears clip of the hair.
squarely and abruptly. The faces Of
the men are never shaven. the boards
being only trimmed at stated intervals,
dictated by their religious belief.
Their dress is of particularly odd de-
sign, and Is also governed by their reli-
gion, the idea being to secure as plain
an appearance as possible. in doing this
they but make themselves the more
prominent. They ere universally dsess-
ed in a plain black homespun cloth.
made into n sack-coat and breeches that
are noted for their disregard OF fit, and
the wintry blasts are baflied by means of
an overcoat of the same material. with n
cape thrown over the shoulders. No
buttons are to be found in their clothing,
"hook and eyes being the only means
OF fastening used.
In their homes the same eccentricities
are noticeable Even in the coolest
weather they refuse to carpet their floors
and reject all modern conveniences and
comforts. They arc in this regard also
misled by their unusual belief they
scorn all improvements ald innovations
as being conducive ofvanity, elfeminacy
and weakness, and in their manner Of
viewing life they striklngly resemble the
Spartans OF old.
OF late among this people peculiar
religious revival has been taking place.
This is due to the advent of one John
kaufman. ono OF their number. vino,
while presumably under the Divine in
fluence, holds a sort of seance ; con-
verses with the spirit world, gives a wild
and unnatural sermon-lke TRADE, and
greatly awes the hundreds that flock TO
hear and see BIN and who regard him
rs a superior being-a saint, ga favored
child Of God" These exhibitions F"
are held at no stated times those who
want to see must visit the home of the
mysterious parsonage and await the
manifestations OF the spirits For
some time previous to one OF these
frances Kaufman lies motionless. his
limbs rs rigid as in death, and his
whole body as if paraiyzed. Then sud-
denly with his eyes closed he springs TO
his feet and PAGES the floor. BE then
commences has teaching OF the Gospel,
and for an hour or so gives q violent and
wild harangue, shrieking ont his words
in loud voice, until at last he becomes
so exhausted he falls hea1long to the
fcor. The Amish go in great numbers
TO hear and see him, and are tremen-
dously agitated by his preaching. IS
be approaches the grand finale they pre-
serve a breathless silence, and at his
tragic close they quietly depart with up
lifted eyes. KGufman lies where he fell,
stif and immovahlc for some time then
be gradually awakens, Uses to his feet,
and moves about as if nothing mad hap
pened. This man is attracting great at
tention in this neighborhood, and the
Amish look upon him with an awe that
is akin to worship. OF late, however,
bis francs" have been much less fire.
quent, and his bodily strength has much
decreased,