Description: This portrait shows William Bimeler (1876-1929), resident of Zoar, Ohio, posing with a cornet. He is wearing a cap and what likely is a band uniform. He was a descendant of Joseph Bimeler, founder of the religious separatists known as Zoarites. These separatists were originally from an area of Germany known as Wurttemburg. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they had separated from the official German religion, the Lutheran Church. Separatists faced severe persecution in Wurttemburg, including confiscation of their properties and imprisonment. Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled "Bäumeler) decided to bring the Separatists to the United States. They arrived in Philadelphia with few resources. The Quakers (Society of Friends) in Philadelphia helped the separatists to find jobs and eventually loaned them the money to buy land in eastern Ohio, where they established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County in 1818. The inspiration for the town's name was found in the Book of Genesis, which includes the story of Lot, who escaped to Zoar from Sodom. In Zoar the group established a communal society. Both male and female members of the community signed the Articles of Association, which created the Society of Separatists of Zoar on April 15, 1819. The Articles were revised in 1824 and in 1833 the Society was incorporated. Bimeler continued as one of the Zoarites' leaders until his death in 1853. Although the society struggled at first, it soon became economically prosperous. By the time of Bimeler's death, Zoar's wealth was more than one million dollars. In keeping with the Zoarites’ German heritage, making music was one of the community’s pastimes. Zoar had an orchestra and a brass band. After Bimeler's death, however, the society of Zoar began to decline. Although the community was still economically prosperous, the members' commitment to the society's original goals began to deteriorate in the second half of the nineteenth century. Over time, many of the original residents died. The younger generation did not have memories of the persecution back in Europe or of the society's early struggles in Ohio. The outside world increasingly influenced the Zoarites, as strangers visited Zoar and stayed in the town's hotel. In 1898 the remaining members decided to dissolve the society, and they divided up the community's property. Throughout the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Zoar has continued to exist as a small town in rural eastern Ohio. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL05973
Subjects: Society of Separatists of Zoar; German Americans; Musical instruments; Religious societies; Multicultural Ohio -- Ethnic Communities
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: This illustration, which depicts the village of Zoar in 1848, appears in "Discovering American History Through Maps and Views," published by Gerald A. Danzer in 1991. Zoar is a small community in Tuscarawas County, which was founded by a group of German separatists in 1817. These separatists, who soon became known as Zoarites, were originally from an area of Germany known as Wurttemburg. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they separated from the official German religion, the Lutheran Church. Separatists faced severe persecution in Wurttemburg, including confiscation of their properties and imprisonment. The group's leader, Joseph Bimeler, decided to bring the separatists to the United States. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, cooper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. Bimeler died in 1853, and although Zoar was still economically prosperous, the members' commitment to the society's original goals began to deteriorate in the second half of the nineteenth century. Over time, many of the original residents died. The younger generation did not have memories of the persecution back in Europe or the society's early struggles in Ohio. The outside world influenced the community more and more, and in 1898, the remaining members decided to dissolve the society, and the Zoarites divided the property among themselves. Throughout the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Zoar has continued to exist as a small town in rural eastern Ohio. Today, the Ohio Historical Society operates a portion of the town as a historic site. A number of the Zoarite buildings are restored and are open to the public. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL04204
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar--History; Historical societies
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: “Used by Joseph Bemeler, leader of the Separatists the first communistic experiment in America, located on Route #8 North from Dover, Ohio.” The Kings Palace, or the Number One House as it was later called, served as the home of Joseph Bimeler, leader of the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Built in 1835, the house was originally intended as a senior citizen home for Society members, but that purpose was rejected by the elders of Zoar. Instead, Bimeler occupied the home until his death in 1853. A group of separatists from Germany, eventually known as Zoarites, established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County in 1817. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they had separated from the official German religion, the Lutheran Church. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole. In exchange for their work, the Society would provide for them. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the separatists experienced economic prosperity. Due in part to influences from the outside world and the death of original residents, the remaining members decided to dissolve the society in 1898, and its property was divided among the Zoarites. It was an end to the communal experience at Zoar. The Village is now an Ohio Historical Society site and is open to the public as Zoar Village State Memorial. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B14F03_028_001
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works.; Society of Separatists of Zoar--History
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Caption reads: "New Zoar Meeting House." The brick meeting house was built by the Society of Separatists of Zoar in 1853. When the Society of Separatists of Zoar was dissolved in 1898 the former members of the Society formed an Evangelical church which held services in this building. A group of separatists from Germany, eventually known as Zoarites, established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County in 1817. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they had separated from the official German religion, the Lutheran Church. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole. In exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the separatists experienced economic prosperity. Due in part to influences from the outside world and the death of original residents, in 1898, the remaining members decided to dissolve the society, and its property was divided among the Zoarites. It was an end to the communistic experience at Zoar.  View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B02F01_020_1
Subjects: Tuscarawas County (Ohio); Zoar, O; Society of Separatists of Zoar; Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: This photograph shows an exterior view of the brick meeting house, Zoar, Ohio, ca. 1885-1895, built by the Society of Separatists of Zoar in 1853. When the Society of Separatists of Zoar was dissolved in 1898 the former members of the Society formed an Evangelical church which held services in this building. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL00829
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; City and town life
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: This photograph shows the last trustees of the Society of Separatists of Zoar, in Zoar, Ohio, in Tuscarawas County, from left to right; Joseph Breymaier, John Bimeler, and Christian Ruof. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: P365_B15F1_001
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; Communal Societies
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse Reads: "A residence of historic Zoar. The first home built in 1818." The picture depicts a log house on the corner of a dirt road. The house is covered in ivy with a porch facing the road. Zoar, a small community in Tuscarawas County, was founded by a group of German separatists in 1817. These separatists, who soon became known as Zoarites, were originally from an area of Germany known as Wurttemburg. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they separated from the official German religion, the Lutheran Church. Separatists faced severe persecution in Wurttemburg, including confiscation of their properties and imprisonment. The group's leader, Joseph Bimeler (or sometimes spelled Joseph B�umeler), decided to bring the separatists to the United States. Several members of the group traveled west to Ohio in the fall of 1817 and began to construct the community's first buildings. The rest of the separatists, approximately two hundred in all, arrived at Zoar in the spring of 1818. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B14F01_028_001
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works.; Society of Separatists of Zoar--History; Log structures
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: A bust photo of Mary Rieker Ruof, member of the Society of Separatists of Zoar. The small community of Zoar was founded by a group of German separatists in 1817, who later became known as the Zoarites. Originally from the state of Wurttemburg, Germany, the group moved to Philadelphia after facing persecution for separating from the Lutheran Church in their native state. With financial assistance from the Society of Friends (Quakers), the group was able to purchase land in eastern Ohio. The community’s first buildings were constructed in Ohio in 1817 and the following year marked the arrival of approximately two hundred members. The separatists chose to name their town Zoar after the Biblical account of Lot, who escaped to Zoar from Sodom in the book of Genesis. Zoar means “a sanctuary from evil.” The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole. In exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Both men and women signed the original document creating the society. Women had equal access to political leadership and had the right to vote in elections. Women also were not prohibited from holding office in the society, although no women were ever elected to these positions. Additional modifications to the society’s organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. Joseph Bimeler died in 1853. Even though Zoar was economically prosperous, the members’ commitment to the society’s original goals began to deteriorate in the second half of the nineteenth century. Over time, many of the original residents died. The younger generation did not have memories of the persecution back in Europe or the society’s early struggles in Ohio. The outside world influenced the Zoarites more and more, as strangers traveled to Zoar and stayed in the town’s hotel. In 1898, the remaining members decided to dissolve the society, and its property was divided among the Zoarites. It was an end to the communistic experience at Zoar. Throughout the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Zoar has continued to exist as a small town in rural eastern Ohio. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL05977
Subjects: Society of Separatists of Zoar; Women--Ohio; Clothing and dress
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Photograph of the Kings Palace, or the Number One House as it was later called, which served as the home of Joseph Bimeler, leader of the Society of Separatists of Zoar in Zoar, Ohio. Built in 1835, the house was originally intended as a senior citizen home for Society members, but that purpose was rejected by the elders of Zoar. Instead, Bimeler occupied the home until his death in 1853. A group of separatists from Germany, eventually known as Zoarites, established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County in 1817. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they had separated from the official German religion, the Lutheran Church. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole. In exchange for their work, the Society would provide for them. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the separatists experienced economic prosperity. Due in part to influences from the outside world and the death of original residents, the remaining members decided to dissolve the society in 1898, and its property was divided among the Zoarites. It was an end to the communal experience at Zoar. The Village is now an Ohio Historical Society site and is open to the public as Zoar Village State Memorial. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B15F01_037
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar--History; Historic houses
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Caption reads: "Kings Palace, Zoar." The Kings Palace, or the Number One House as it was later called, served as the home of Joseph Bimeler, leader of the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Built in 1835, the house was originally intended as a senior citizen home for Society members, but that purpose was rejected by the elders of Zoar. Instead, Bimeler occupied the home until his death in 1853. A group of separatists from Germany, eventually known as Zoarites, established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County in 1817. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they had separated from the official German religion, the Lutheran Church. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole. In exchange for their work, the Society would provide for them. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the separatists experienced economic prosperity. Due in part to influences from the outside world and the death of original residents, the remaining members decided to dissolve the society in 1898, and its property was divided among the Zoarites. It was an end to the communal experience at Zoar. The Village is now an Ohio Historical Society site and is open to the public as Zoar Village State Memorial. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B02F01_021_1
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works.; Society of Separatists of Zoar--History
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Dated ca. 1910-1915, this photograph shows the Beiter home in Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. David Beiter and his wife received this house when the Society of Separatists of Zoar dissolved their communal economy in 1898. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, tin, copper, wagon making, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL00888
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Houses; Society of Separatists of Zoar; Communal societies
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Dated 1892, this is a reproduction of a photograph of Alexander Gunn tending his orchard and vegetable garden in Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Gunn, a business man from Cleveland, chose to live in Zoar upon his retirement, and encouraged the Separatists to keep the commune running in the late 1890s when the community eventually dissolved in 1898. In 1901, Gunn became ill and traveled to Germany where he soon died thereafter. His ashes were sent back to Zoar where they were interred on the hillside where he grave is marked by "Gunn's Monument," a large boulder donated by friends of his. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL00863
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; Gardens; Communal societies
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)