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Orati! nr a Vixr.RABL': Pa jwarcii.—On Saturday hut, t|*g voneiahlc George Rapp tin* founder and Jic.id r»f the 44 Harmony Society/’died at his residence at Economy, at the advanced age of 92 j years. The lo-^s of l?»i*-. extraordinary man will be j Aovcrely loin by n people who, for over forty years ! *ri yotilJi, in manhood,and advanced age, have been ! hound to him by the closest atiachinmt, and ties of | nff« clion and confidence. Mr. Rapp came from the “ Fatherland” to America about the year ISO I, and i ■'.nun after organized an u^m.elation at Harmony,in Butler County, where the 44community system, or union of labor and prnprity, was fairly tested. For some ten year-, the society continued to reside there, in the enjoyment of tranquility and pros, petity ; but to secure to his people a better caitl.lv inhciil.incc, the venerable patriarch led them to the rich valley of the Wabash, where they' remained until 1S21, increasing in numbers and the world's good-, setting a good example of industry, morality mil probity, and accomplishing all that was expect-cd in their association. For the sake of health, however, they returned to Pennsylvania at the period last mentioned; and for twenty odd years have resided at Economy in this comity, where they have continued to prosper, with little to disturb the quietude and happiness of their lives,It has been supposed that the affection of the people toward their venerable head, and his un-hounded influence over them, was the chief bond of attraction of the society ; and that upon his death a separation would take place. Those who entertain such opinions forget that each member is governed by fixed principles, which at this period of their lives generally have become almost a part of their nature; and that their only ambition is to pass their days in peace and contentment, and die in the faith of their fathers. The society will not only remain together, hut wiil'continuc to enjoy the con. fidcnce and good will of all by whom they arc sur. rounded. They have met with a great loss in the death of Mr. Rapp, who was their spiritual teacher as well as their secular head, retaining his powers of body and mind in a remarkable degree to the end of his long life; yet they should be, and they no doubt are thankful, that intelligent minds and true hearts arc left to them, capable of conducting anil j managing all their affairs.It may seem impertinent in us to refer to matter? entirely personal to the society; hut to satisfy public curiosity we may be permitted to state that the power heretofore exercised by Mr. Rapp, will be ( vested, separately, in two individuals, whom it is certainly unnecessary to mention by name; and ' who in all matters of importance will confer with a. Council of Seven, composed of the most intclli. gent members of the society; and we are pleased to learn that among these exists the most cordial harmony and confidence, giving promise of permi.nonce and continued prosperity to the association__Reader {Pa.) Argus, Aug. 12. j
Newspaper Details
Columbia Spy And Lancaster And York County Record
Columbia, Pennsylvania, US
Sat, Aug 21, 1847
Page 2
Full Page
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Mark B.
IN, USA 10 Sep 2023
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