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History of the Jerks: Bodily Exercises and the Great Revival (1803–1967)
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Published Letter from James Robinson to Ashbel Green (November 10–December 10, 1804)

1802-1804, Correspondence, Dancing Exercise, Other Bodily Exercises & General References, Presbyterians

“In Greenbriar, the first subjects of these strange exercises were two firm and steady professors of religion, men of firm nervous systems…. These strange appearances have crossed the Allegany [Mountains] and seem to be progressing pretty fast eastward….”

Excerpt from the Autobiography of Peter Cartwright (ca. 1804)

Excerpt from the Autobiography of Peter Cartwright (ca. 1804)

1802-1804, Autobiographies & Biographies, Dancing Exercise, Methodists

“I always looked upon the jerks as a judgment sent from God, first, to bring sinners to repentance; and, secondly, to show professors that God could work with or without means…, and do whatsoever seemeth him good.”

Excerpt from Thomas Hunt’s “Autobiographical Sketches” (ca. 1804)

Excerpt from Thomas Hunt’s “Autobiographical Sketches” (ca. 1804)

1802-1804, Autobiographies & Biographies, Barking Exercise, Library of Congress

“This work [the Kentucky Revival] continued until the year 1805, with various manifestations and opperations of outward power, such as the jerks, barks, singing, dancing, shouting, and the like….”

Excerpt from David Spinning’s “Short Sketch” (ca. 1804)

Excerpt from David Spinning’s “Short Sketch” (ca. 1804)

1802-1804, Autobiographies & Biographies, Falling Exercise, Ohio History Center, Other Bodily Exercises & General References

“[T]o return to my narrative of the Revival, it now went on with a great increase of numbers, & extended far and wide. The falling exercise continued; also much severe jirking. There were many now converts added….”

Excerpts from the Journal of Benjamin Seth Youngs (January 22–March 21, 1805)

Excerpts from the Journal of Benjamin Seth Youngs (January 22–March 21, 1805)

1805-1809, Barking Exercise, Dancing Exercise, Diaries & Journals, Falling Exercise, Other Bodily Exercises & General References, Winterthur Library

“At 9 we eat breakfast & about 10 we went 3 Miles to Robert Tates a family of Jerkers. He is an elder of a Presbyterian society. 7 of his family have the Jerks with himself. 2 hours had conversations with several, & saw what was very wonderful….”

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