Excerpts from the Missionary Journal of James H. Dickey (August 24–October 16, 1809)
“Preached to a mixed multitude of Seceders, Presbyterians, Baptists, & Methodists. One took the jirks, another old lady shouted. People in general were serious….”
Excerpt from the Autobiography of Benee Hester (August 1809)
“O Lord, if thou wilt grant me the blessing she seems to enjoy, I will willingly have the jerks or anything else thou may please to put upon [me.]”
Excerpt from The Life and Journal of the Rev’d Christian Newcomer (September 4, 1809)
“[O]ne person fell to the ground and shook in every limb in a very remarkable manner. This singular motion they called the jerks….”
Excerpt from the Journal of Benjamin Seth Youngs (December 25, 1809)
“[John Bryant Sr.] While feeling opposed [to Shaker worship practices] was taken with the jirks…. He seized a buckeye sapling, but was jerked into willing obedience & now has full faith in dancing!”
