1805-1809, Dancing Exercise, Diaries & Journals, Kentucky Historical Society, Other Bodily Exercises & General References, Presbyterians
“Mr. McGready said sometime afterwards that we could not account for jerking &c. on any natural principle, that the jerks were designed to answer the end of miracles, in drawing the attention of mankind & convincing infidels of the power of God….”
1805-1809, Dancing Exercise, Diaries & Journals, Presbyterians, Union Presbyterian Seminary
“The jerks were by far the most violent and shocking I had ever seen. The heads of the jerking patients flew, with wonderous quickness, from side to side, in various directions, and their necks doubled like a flail in the hands of a thresher….”
1805-1809, Dancing Exercise, Diaries & Journals, Western Kentucky University
“In the evening most of the believers met [for] the first time publicly in this place…. A. Dunlavy who had never before been exercised, was taken with shaking & Jerking from that to dancing, which continued for 4 hours with scarce any intermission.”
1805-1809, Diaries & Journals, Shaker Museum/Mt. Lebanon
“Daniel Potters wife an unbeliever & had a for a long time been a bitter opposer in time of labouring, broke fourth by the power of God, Jerking & dancing with her hair all over her face….”
1805-1809, Christians/Disciples of Christ, Dancing Exercise, Diaries & Journals, Laughing Exercise, Union Presbyterian Seminary
“In my serious reflections and enquiries after the salvation of my soul, the various noise and exercise of the people would oftentimes stagger me. I was sometimes rather doubtful, and almost led to believe that it was all enthusiasm and strong delusion….”
1805-1809, Diaries & Journals, Handley Regional Library
“During the sermon I saw a young girl doing the strange movement that the English call the jerks…..”