Harmony Society facts for kids
The Harmony Society was a special Christian group started in Iptingen, Germany, in 1785. They were called "pietists," meaning they focused on a very personal and deep religious life. Because they faced difficulties from the main church and government in Germany, they decided to move to the United States.
In America, they bought land in Butler County, Pennsylvania. On February 15, 1805, about 400 followers officially formed the Harmony Society. They decided to share everything they owned, living together as one big family.
The Society lasted for about 100 years, from 1805 to 1905. Their leader was Johann Georg Rapp (1757–1847). His adopted son, Frederick (Reichert) Rapp (1775–1834), handled all the business. Members were known as Harmonists, Harmonites, or Rappites. They became famous for building three successful towns: the first in Harmony, Pennsylvania; the second in the Indiana Territory (now New Harmony, Indiana); and the third and last in Economy, which is now Ambridge, Pennsylvania.
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Origins in Germany
Johann Georg Rapp (1757–1847) was the founder of the Harmony Society. He was born in Iptingen, Duchy of Württemberg, Germany. George Rapp was a smart but strong-willed boy who was also very religious. His strong beliefs worried local church leaders when he stopped going to church services.
Rapp and his group of followers began meeting privately in Iptingen. They eventually moved to the United States. There, they built three communities: Harmony in Butler County, Pennsylvania; Harmony (later called New Harmony) in Posey County, Indiana; and Economy in Beaver County, Pennsylvania.
Rapp was inspired by the ideas of other religious thinkers. He wrote a book called Thoughts on the Destiny of Man in 1824, explaining his beliefs. Rapp lived the rest of his life in Economy and passed away in 1847 at 89 years old.
By the mid-1780s, Rapp was preaching to his followers, called Separatists. They met in private and refused to attend regular church services. As their group grew, they officially separated from the Lutheran Church in 1785. Even though local leaders warned them, the group kept meeting and attracted more people.
By 1798, Rapp's group wanted to create their own religious community. They wrote a statement of faith based on Christian ideas. They wanted to meet in homes, free from Lutheran Church rules. They believed children should decide for themselves about baptism when they were older. They also thought youth confirmation was not needed, and communion should only be held a few times a year.
The Separatists supported the government but refused to take a physical oath or serve in the military. They also chose to teach their children at home instead of sending them to Lutheran schools. These beliefs guided the Harmony Society even after they moved to the United States.
In the 1790s, Rapp's followers grew to many thousands. The government worried they might become a threat. Although no harsh actions were taken at first, the group considered moving to France or the United States. In 1803, when the government started to cause problems for them, Rapp decided to move everyone to the United States.
Rapp and a small group of men left Germany in 1803 to find a new home. On May 1, 1804, the first group of followers sailed to the United States. This first move caused many followers to scatter. However, Frederick Reichert Rapp, who later became Rapp's adopted son, reported that about 100 families (500 people) were ready to go, even if it meant giving up their property.
Meeting the Haugeans
In September 1817, a ship with 500 German immigrants, including some Rappites, had to stop in Norway due to bad weather. They stayed in Bergen for about a year and were given homes by the authorities. They were kindly welcomed by the Haugean movement, another religious group.
The two groups found they had much in common and prayed together. Some Germans even learned Norwegian. A Haugean leader, Samson Trae, said, "It gave us extreme joy to realize that the foundation of your faith accords with the true word of God." After Rapp's followers left for the United States, the groups stayed in touch for a while. The Rappites wrote, "Our hearts have often longed for your loving and edifying company since we came to America."
Settlements in the United States
In 1804, while George Rapp looked for a place to settle, his followers sailed to America. They went to western Pennsylvania and waited for land to be chosen for their new town. Rapp found a large area of land in Pennsylvania. He started his first communal town, called Harmonie or Harmony, in Butler County. The Society lived there from 1804 to 1815. The town quickly grew to about 800 people and became very successful.
Ten years later, the Harmonists sold their first town. They moved west to the Indiana Territory. There, they built another town called Harmony, now known as New Harmony, Indiana. They lived there from 1815 to 1825. This Indiana settlement was later sold to Robert Owen and renamed New Harmony.
After ten years in Indiana, the group moved again. They returned to western Pennsylvania and named their third and final town Economy (Ökonomie in German). The Harmonists lived in Economy until the Society officially ended in 1905.
Articles of Association
On February 15, 1805, the settlers in Harmony, Pennsylvania, signed an agreement. This document officially created the Harmony Society in the United States. In this agreement, members decided to put all their property into a common fund. This included money to buy land, animals, tools, and other things needed for their town.
The agreement made the Society legal in the U.S. and protected it from breaking apart. Members gave all their belongings, promised to work together for the group's good, and agreed not to be paid for their work. In return, members would be cared for as long as they lived with the group. If a member left, they would get their money back without interest. If they hadn't given money, they would receive a small gift.
The Society was a religious group that followed the spiritual and business leadership of Rapp and his helpers. They worked together for everyone's benefit. The Harmonists believed that Jesus would return during their lives. So, they chose to live simply under strict religious rules. They gave up tobacco and decided not to marry or have children.
First Settlement: Harmony, Pennsylvania
In December 1804, Rapp and two others bought about 4,500 acres of land in Butler County, Pennsylvania. They later bought more land, bringing their total to about 9,000 acres by 1814. Here, they built the town of Harmony. By 1805, this small community had nearly 50 log houses, a large barn, a mill, and over 150 acres of cleared land for crops.
The climate in Pennsylvania was not good for growing grapes, and there wasn't enough nearby land to expand. So, the Harmonists asked the U.S. government for help to buy land elsewhere. In January 1806, Rapp went to Washington, D.C., to discuss their request for a large land grant in the Indiana Territory. The Senate approved it, but the House of Representatives did not. The Harmonists had to find other ways to fund their expansion plans.
By 1810, the town's population reached about 700 people, living in about 130 houses. The Society's land also grew to 7,000 acres. In the following years, the Society faced disagreements among members. Money shortages and lack of credit also threatened their finances. Still, the young community was known for being hardworking and producing many farm goods.
In Harmony, George Rapp, also called Father Rapp, was the spiritual leader. People went to him for advice, confessions, and other matters. Rapp's adopted son, Frederick, managed the Society's business and trade.
Rapp allowed new people to join the Society. After a trial period, usually about a year, they became permanent members. While new members arrived, including immigrants from Germany, some found the Harmonists' strict religious life too hard and left. Also, in 1807 and 1808, most Harmonists decided to practice celibacy, meaning they would not marry or have children. Rapp's son, Johannes, married in 1807, which was the last marriage recorded until 1817.
By 1811, Harmony's population grew to around 800 people. They worked in farming and various trades. Even though making money wasn't their main goal, their finances improved, and the community became profitable. Within a few years, the Harmonist town had an inn, a tannery, warehouses, a brewery, several mills, stables, barns, a church, a school, homes, a labyrinth (maze), and workshops. They also cleared more land for vineyards and crops. The Harmonists also made yarn and cloth.
Several reasons led the Harmonists to leave Butler County. The climate wasn't good for growing grapes for wine. Also, as more settlers moved west, the area became less isolated. The Harmonists started having problems with neighbors who were not part of their Society. By 1814, Butler County's growing population and rising land prices made it hard for the Society to expand. So, the leaders looked for land elsewhere. Once they found land with a better climate and room to grow, they planned to move. In 1814, the Harmonists sold their first settlement to Abraham Ziegler for $100,000 and moved west to the Indiana Territory.
Second Settlement: Harmony, Indiana
In 1814, the Harmony Society moved to the Indiana Territory. They first bought about 3,500 acres of land along the Wabash River in Posey County and later bought more. Over the next ten years, the Society built a successful new community called Harmonie or Harmony in the Indiana wilderness. (The town's name was changed to New Harmony after the Harmonists left in 1824.) The Harmonists started farming and manufacturing on a larger scale than they had in Pennsylvania. When they advertised their Indiana property for sale in 1824, they owned 20,000 acres of land, with 2,000 acres being farmed.
During the summer and fall of 1814, many Harmonists got sick from fever (malaria). Work on the new town almost stopped. The Society lost about 120 people, and others fell ill until conditions improved and the swamps were drained. Despite these illnesses, building the new town continued. By 1819, the Harmonites had built 150 log homes, a church, a community storehouse, barns, stables, a tavern, shops, and mills. They also cleared land for farming. As the new settlement grew, it attracted new people, including German immigrants, who expected the Harmonists to pay for their journey to America.
Visitors to the new town commented on its growing businesses and industries. In 1819, the town had a steam-powered wool factory, a brewery, a distillery, vineyards, and a winery. Not all visitors were impressed with the growing communal town on the frontier. The Society also had visitors from another communal religious group, the Shakers. In 1816, the Shakers and Harmonists discussed joining together, but religious differences stopped the union. However, members of the groups stayed in touch over the years. George Rapp's daughter and others lived for a time at the Shaker settlement in West Union, Indiana. There, the Shakers helped some Harmonites learn English.
The Harmonist community continued to do well in the 1820s. They shipped their extra farm goods and manufactured products throughout the Ohio and Mississippi valleys. They also sold them through their stores in Harmony and Shawneetown, and through agents in Pittsburgh, Saint Louis, and Louisville. Under Frederick Rapp's financial leadership, the Society became very rich. However, he soon wanted a location better for manufacturing and trade. They had chosen the land near the Wabash River for its isolation and room to grow. But now, the Harmonites were far from eastern markets, and trade in this location was not what they wanted.
They also had problems with unfriendly neighbors. As people who were against slavery, the Harmonites faced difficulties from slavery supporters in Kentucky, which was only 15 miles away. By 1824, they decided to sell their property in Indiana and look for land to the east.
On January 3, 1825, the Harmonists and Robert Owen, a social reformer, agreed to sell the Society's land and buildings in Indiana for $150,000. Owen named the town New Harmony. By May, the last of the Harmony Society's members had returned to Pennsylvania.
Third Settlement: Economy, Pennsylvania
In 1824, Frederick Rapp first bought 1,000 acres along the Ohio River, 18 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for $10,000. He later bought another 2,186 acres for $33,445. This gave the Society over 3,000 acres to build a new community. The Harmonites named their third and last town Economy. They chose this name from a spiritual idea of the Divine Economy, meaning "a city where God would live among people" and where everything would be perfect.
In Economy, the Harmonists planned to focus more on manufacturing. Their new town on the Ohio River gave them better access to eastern markets and water routes to the south and west than they had in Indiana. By 1826, the Harmonists had woolen and cotton mills running, as well as a steam-powered grain mill. The Harmony Society also ran a wine press, a hotel, a post office, sawmills, stores, and various farms. Here, under Frederick Rapp's smart business management, they became so successful that by 1829, they controlled trade and markets in Pittsburgh and down the Ohio River.
The Harmonists' rivals accused them of creating a monopoly and asked the state government to break up the group. Despite these attacks, the Harmonists developed Economy into a thriving factory town. They farmed on a large scale and ran a brewery, distillery, and wine-making business. They also were pioneers in making silk in the United States.
The community also cared about art and culture. Frederick Rapp bought artworks and created a museum with paintings and interesting old items, but it didn't make money and was sold. The Harmonists also had a deer park, a flower garden, and a maze. They loved music, and many members were skilled musicians. They sang, had a band, composed songs, and spent much time on music. By 1830, they had a library with 360 books.
In 1832, the Society faced a serious split. Out of 750 members, 250 left because of Bernhard Müller (who called himself Count de Leon). He came to Economy with 40 followers, hoping to join the Society. Rapp and Leon could not agree, so they decided to separate and divide the property. This split, which included many young men and women who did not want to continue the practice of celibacy, deeply saddened Frederick. He passed away within two years. This caused a big crack in the community. However, the Society remained successful in business for many more years.
After Frederick Rapp's death in 1834, George Rapp chose Romelius Baker and Jacob Henrici to manage the Society's business. After George Rapp's death in 1847, the Society reorganized. A board of elders was chosen to make sure rules were followed. Business management went to its trustees: Baker and Henrici (1847–68); Henrici and Jonathan Lenz (1869–90); Henrici and Wolfel (1890); Henrici and John S. Duss (1890–1892); Duss and Seiber (1892–1893); Duss and Reithmuller (1893–1897); Duss (1897–1903); and finally to Suzanna (Susie) C. Duss in 1903. By 1905, only three members were left, and the Society was officially ended.
The settlements in Economy remained successful until the late 1800s. They produced many goods in their cotton and woolen factories, sawmill, tannery, vineyards, and distillery. They also made high-quality silk for clothes. Rapp's granddaughter, Gertrude, started silk production in Economy on a small scale from 1826 to 1828 and later expanded it. This had been planned in New Harmony but was completed in Economy. The Harmonists were hardworking and used the newest technologies in their factories.
Because the group chose not to marry or have children, their numbers decreased. As members grew older, they had to hire more outside workers. As their membership dropped, they stopped manufacturing most goods and started investing in other businesses. These included the oil business, coal mining, timber, railroads, land development, and banking. The group invested in building the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad. They also started the Economy Savings Institution and the Economy Brick Works. They ran the Economy Oil Company, the Economy Planing Mill, and the Economy Lumber Company. They even gave some land in Beaver Falls for Geneva College. The Society had a major impact on the economy of Western Pennsylvania.
Oil production in the mid-1860s brought the Society its greatest wealth. By 1868, the Society's wealth was probably around $2 million. However, by 1890, the Society was in debt and almost bankrupt. Its members were few and old. The Society also faced lawsuits from former members and people claiming to be heirs. The Society's trustee, John S. Duss, settled the lawsuits, sold off their businesses, and paid their debts. The stress of this work affected his health, and he resigned in 1903. With only a few members left, the remaining land and assets were sold under the leadership of Duss's wife, Susanna (Susie). The Society officially ended in 1905. At that time, its net worth was $1.2 million.
In 1916, the state of Pennsylvania bought 6 acres and 17 buildings of Economy. This became the Old Economy Village historic site. The American Bridge Company had already bought other parts of the Society's land in 1902 to build the town of Ambridge.
Characteristics
Religious Views
In 1791, George Rapp told a German official, "I am a prophet, and I am called to be one." He was then put in prison for two days and threatened with being sent away if he didn't stop preaching. To the surprise of church and government leaders, this simple farmer from Iptingen became the outspoken leader of thousands of Separatists in southern Germany. By 1802, the Separatists had grown to about 12,000 people. The German government decided they were a dangerous threat. Rapp was questioned, and the government took away Separatist books. When released from prison in 1803, Rapp told his followers to combine their money and follow him to the United States for safety. Soon, over 800 people were living with him there.
The Harmonites were Christian pietist Separatists who separated from the Lutheran Church in the late 1700s. Led by George Rapp, they left Germany and came to the United States in 1803. Because of the problems they faced in Europe, they wanted to create a more perfect society in the American wilderness. They were nonviolent pacifists who refused to serve in the military. They tried to live by George Rapp's ideas and his strict reading of the New Testament.
They first settled and built Harmony, Pennsylvania, in 1804. They officially formed the Harmony Society in 1805 as a religious commune. In 1807, they suggested that not marrying or having children (celibacy) was the best way to live. They believed this would make them pure for the coming Millennium. Rapp thought that the events and wars happening in the world at that time confirmed his ideas about Jesus returning soon. He also saw Napoleon as the Antichrist. In 1814, the Society sold their first town in Pennsylvania and moved to the Indiana Territory, where they built their second town. In 1824, they decided it was time to leave Indiana. They sold their land and town there and moved to their final settlement in Western Pennsylvania.
The Harmonites were Millennialists. This means they believed Jesus Christ would come to Earth during their lifetime. They thought he would help bring in a thousand-year kingdom of peace. This is likely why they believed people should try to be "pure" and "perfect." They also shared everything, living in communal "harmony" (Acts 4:32-35), and practiced celibacy. They believed the old ways of life were ending, and a new perfect kingdom on Earth was about to begin.
They also practiced forms of Esoteric Christianity and Mysticism. Rapp often wrote about the virgin spirit or Goddess named Sophia. Rapp was very influenced by the writings of thinkers like Jakob Böhme and Emanuel Swedenborg. Also, in Economy, there are glass bottles and writings that suggest the group was interested in (and practiced) alchemy. Other books in the Harmony Society's library included works by authors like Paracelsus.
The Harmonites generally thought that living a single life without marriage was better than being married.
George Rapp predicted that on September 15, 1829, a special time would end, and Christ would begin his rule on Earth. Disagreements grew when Rapp's predictions did not come true. In March 1832, one-third of the group left the Society. Some began following Bernhard Müller, who claimed to be the Lion of Judah. Still, most of the group stayed, and Rapp continued to lead them until he died on August 7, 1847. His last words to his followers showed his strong belief in his mission.
The Harmonites did not mark their graves with headstones. They thought it was not needed. However, one exception is George Rapp's son Johannes' stone marker in Harmony, Pennsylvania. This was put there by non-Harmonites many years after the Harmonites left that town. Today, Harmonist graveyards are fenced grassy areas with signs explaining this practice.
Architecture
The Harmony Society's buildings showed their German traditions from the Swabia region. They also showed styles that were developing in America in the 1800s. In the early days, many homes were log cabins. Later, Harmonist builders made timber-frame homes. In Economy, their homes were mostly two-story brick houses. These showed the influence of their American neighbors.
Generally, Harmonist buildings were strong and useful. They had central heating, were cheap to maintain, and resisted fire, weather, and termites.
Once settled in Harmony, Pennsylvania, the Society planned to replace log homes with brick ones. But the group moved to Indiana before this plan was finished. In Indiana, log homes were soon replaced with one- or two-story houses made of timber or brick. They also built four large dormitories for their growing members. The new town also had shops, schools, mills, a granary, a hotel, a library, distilleries, breweries, a brick kiln, pottery ovens, barns, stables, storehouses, and two churches. One of the churches was made of brick.
In 1822, William Herbert visited Harmony, Indiana. He described the new brick church and the Harmonists' building skills: "These people show great taste and bold design in some of their works. They are building a grand church. Its roof is held up inside by many tall columns. These columns were made from trees in their own forests. The wood used is black walnut, cherry, and sassafras. I think nothing can be better than the woodworking. The stone and brickwork seem to be excellent. The church is shaped like a cross, with short, equal arms. The four doors are at the end of these arms. So, the inside of the building, seen from the entrance, looks very large and open... I could hardly believe I was in the woods of Indiana, by the Wabash River, while walking the long, echoing aisles and looking at the tall columns of this church."
Frame buildings were built on piers to allow air to flow under them, helping with the damp soil. Brick buildings had a root cellar with a drainage tunnel. Inside, Harmonists built fireplaces to the left or right of the center. This allowed for a long center beam, which made the structure stronger and supported its heavy, shingled roof. "Dutch biscuits" (wood strips wrapped in straw and mud) were used for insulation and to block sound between floors. The outside was insulated with bricks between the unpainted wooden siding and the plaster walls inside. Buildings had standard parts and pre-cut wood. These pieces were put together on the ground, adjusted to fit, lifted into place, and locked with pegs. Two-story homes had a large living room, kitchen, and entrance hall, with stairs to the second floor and attic. In Indiana, Harmonists baked in shared ovens, so stoves could be used instead of fireplaces.
Living Styles
In Harmony, Pennsylvania, four to six members lived in each home, like families. Not everyone in a house was related. Even if married couples lived there, they lived as brother and sister, as celibacy was suggested and practiced. In Indiana, Harmonists continued to live in homes, but they also built dormitories for single men and women.
Society members woke up between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. They ate breakfast between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., lunch at 9 a.m., dinner at noon, an afternoon snack at 3 p.m., and supper between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. They did their chores and work during the day. At the end of the day, members met for meetings and had a curfew of 9 p.m. On Sundays, they respected the "Holy day" and did no unnecessary work. Instead, they attended church services, singing groups, and other social activities.
Clothing
Their clothing style showed their German roots and traditions from Swabia. It was also adapted to their life in America. The Harmonites usually wore plain clothing. They made these clothes themselves using their own materials. However, on Sundays and special occasions, they wore their finer clothes. In Economy, on special days, women wore silk dresses made from their own fabric. Clothing colors varied, but the designs were often similar. On a typical day, women wore ankle-length dresses. Men wore pants with vests or coats and a hat.
Technology
The Harmonites were successful farmers and factory workers. They had many machines that helped them in their trades. They even had steam-powered engines that ran machines in some of their factories in Economy. They kept their machines modern and had many factories and mills. For example, they bought the Beaver Falls Cutlery Company in 1867.
Work
Each member of the Society had a specific job or trade. Most of the men's work involved physical labor. Women mostly worked with textiles (making cloth) or in agriculture (farming).
As Economy became more advanced with technology, Harmonites started hiring people from outside the Society. This happened especially as their numbers decreased due to celibacy and as they allowed fewer new members to join. Although the Harmonites hired outside help for work, they were known as a community that supported itself. They kept their way of life within their community, mainly sold goods, and tried to buy as little as possible from outside.
Rise and Fall of Harmony Society
George Rapp had a powerful way of speaking and a strong presence. He was the leader who guided the group through all their different settlements. After Rapp's death in 1847, some members left the group. They were disappointed that his predictions about Jesus returning during his lifetime did not come true. However, many stayed. The Harmony Society went on to become an even more profitable business community. It had many financial successes under the leadership of Romelius L. Baker and Jacob Henrici.
Over time, the group became more protective of itself. They did not allow many new members. They also moved away from their religious foundation to a more business-focused way of life. The practice of celibacy eventually caused their membership to shrink. The land and money of the Harmony Society were sold off by the few remaining members. This happened under the leadership of John Duss and his wife, Susanna, by 1906.
Today, many of the Society's remaining buildings are preserved. All three of their settlements in the United States have been named National Historic Landmark Districts by the National Park Service.
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