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History of the Jerks: Bodily Exercises and the Great Revival (1803–1967)
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Letter from John King to Ashbel Green (May 4, 1802)

Letter from John King to Ashbel Green (May 4, 1802)

1802-1804, Correspondence, Falling Exercise, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Presbyterians

“I was lately informed by a neighbour of mine, just returned from the Miami country, where Mr. McNamaar is now settled (he lately moved from Kentucke) that at such meetings there, they who fall down are strongly convulsed, and so violently agitated, that it will require two or three to hold one of them….”

Excerpt from Richard McNemar’s “General Review” (July 1804)

Excerpt from Richard McNemar’s “General Review” (July 1804)

1802-1804, Barking Exercise, Books, Essays & Treatises, Falling Exercise, Library of Congress

“The jerking & barking exercises were astounding….”

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….”

Excerpts from the Journal of Benjamin Seth Youngs (March 23–May 23 1805)

Excerpts from the Journal of Benjamin Seth Youngs (March 23–May 23 1805)

1805-1809, Dancing Exercise, Diaries & Journals, Winterthur Library

“[T]he exercises by the invisible power of God went pointedly to the destruction of all antichristian forms, and inventions of men by such exercises as Jerking…& the restitution of, the true worship of God by such as dancing….”

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