The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-11-24
QUAINT OHIO ZOARITEs.
wealthy Men Who Live Life of SyI-
van Simplicity.
From the Rochester Union.

From the Rochester Union.
Zachariah Wilson of Zoar O., a mem
Der of the quaint old community of the
Separatists spent few hours in Roches-
ter the other day. reporter, in con-
versation with Mr.. Wilson. learned many
facts concerning this unique religious
colony.
1.-The Zoarites,' said Elder Wilson, cor.
as We are sometimes called, the Sep
aratists, originated in Wurtemburg, Ger
many. In 1917 they emigrated to Amer
lea to escape the persecution to which
they We're subjected by their fellow coun-
trymen on account OF their peculiarlues-
Upon the voyage to this country, out of 40
20 died Of plague, ana were buried at
sea. The Separatists upon landing Went
al once to Ohio, where $500 acres of land
were purchased Here began a life of
sylvan simplicity, far from the troubles
and distractions of the world.
AT nrSt marriage was strictly pro-
hibited. After some twenty years, how
ever, a leading man named Baumeler
broke down this barrier and took wife
His example, you may be sure, the young
men OF the colony were not slow to fol-
low"
Elder Wilson was on his way from
New York, where he had been making
arrangements for the arrival of some
recruits to the colony from Germany.
Among the peculiarities of this sect, the
reporter learned, is a decided aversion
to any form of musical instruments. In
the village at Zoar the sound of music
is never heard, and wandering musicians
who may chance that way are forced
to depart. Another popularity of these
strange people is their dress. The women
wear a long brown garment resembling
a meal sack which ties at the neck. sun
bOnnets are worn winter and summer.
The men wear a sort of doeskin trousers
and short kits, with belts. No hats are
ever worn, the long hair of the men
affording protection against the cold OF
winter and rays of the summer sun.
The history of the Zoarhes since their
arrival in America has been one OF re-
markable prosperity. At first the colon
lists were crowded into small cabins, with
scarcely the necessarieS Of life. They
We're careful farmers, and men, women
and children labored in the fields or at
the looms. They grew in prosperity and
wealth. To-day they own 1900 acres OF
the finest farming land IN ONO; they
income from butter and cheese during
the year is very large. The money is all
hand at present over 100000. Notwith-
standing this great wealth, no one but
the trustees is allowed to have cent OF
money for any purpose. Any debt which
a member Of the community may incur
is paid from the common fund.
As soon as a child reaches the age of 3
years, il is taken from its parents and
placed in a school, where it remains until
completion of its rudimentary educa-
ton.
AS the young members are rapidly de-
sorting the community, the problem of the
final disposal of the immense property
arises. 1t seems probable that within the
next two years there Will be no one LETT
to preserve the old traditions.
who will come in for all the wealth."
asked the reporter.
THAT, 1 suppose. will be a matter for
the courts to settle Doubtless the young
people who have emigrated to the cities
will claim their portion, but it will be a
difficult matter to adjust the various
claims
How are your members clothed, If they
are not allowed to have any money!
THE trustees OF the community are
bound to furnish each member two suits
of clothes a year and substantial food.
These supplies are distributed from the
general storehouse at stated intervals.
I'D like to have you come out and visit
us some time" concluded the venerable
elder, as he made for his train. I'VE
haven't any newspaper and perhaps you
cnnll Introduce the innovation"