Dunkards

a religious sect originating in Westphalia in 1708. They were driven out by persecution and migrated to Pennsylvania. From this state as a center, they have colonized in various states of the Union. They refuse to take an oath in court or to render military service. Among the practices of the sect are baptism by immersion, the washing of feet, the celebration of the Lord's Supper, refraining from lawsuits, a simple style of dress and plain living. They annoint the sick with sacred oil and refuse to give medicines. They now have over a thousand congregations, chiefly within the triangle limited by Pennsylvania, Virginia and Indiana. They are not communists.