Oneida Community Perfectionists (1848–81, historical)
Historical American communal Christianity (1848–81) founded by John Humphrey Noyes. Distinctive 'complex marriage' (every adult member married to every other), 'stirpiculture' eugenic-breeding programme, mutual criticism sessions.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
+1 for systematic 'complex marriage' regulating all sexual partnerships and the 'stirpiculture' eugenic-breeding programme.
In context
Oneida Community is one of the most heavily studied 19th-century American communal Christianities. Noyes's 'complex marriage' system regulated all sexual partnerships through community elders. The 1869 stirpiculture programme produced 58 'planned' children. Dissolved in 1881; the Oneida silverware company was the commercial successor.
Legal cases & controversies
- 1879 Noyes flees to Canada to avoid arrest
Timeline
- 1848Oneida Community founded by Noyes
- 1869Stirpiculture begins
- 1881Community dissolves
Sources
- Spencer Klaw, 'Without Sin' (1993)
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. Search the source title plus the group name to find the original.