Page "Harmony Society" Paragraph 9

In the 1790s, Rapp ’ s followers continued to increase, reaching as many as 10, 000 to 12, 000 members.

The increasing numbers, which included followers outside of Rapp ’ s village, continued to concern the government, who feared they might become rebellious and dangerous to the state.

Although no severe actions were initially taken to repress the Separatists, the group began to consider emigration to France or the United States.

In 1803, when the government began to persecute Rapp's followers, he decided to move the entire group to the United States.

Rapp and a small group of men left Iptingen in 1803 and traveled to America to find a new home.

On May 1, 1804, the first group of emigrants departed for the United States.

The initial move scattered the followers and reduced Rapp's original group of 12, 000 to just a few followers.

Johan Frederich Reichert, who later agreed to become Rapp's adopted son and took the name of Frederick Reichert Rapp, reported in a letter dated February 25, 1804, that there were " at least 100 families or 500 persons actually ready to go " even if they had to sacrifice their property.