Tunʹkers

A politico-religious sect of Ohio. They came from a small German villāge on the Eder. They believe all will be saved; are Quakers in plainness of dress and speech; and will neither fight, nor go to law. Both sexes are equally eligible for any office. Celibacy is the highest honour, but not imperative. They are also called Tumblers, and incorrectly Dunkers. Tunker means “to dip a morsel into gravy,” “a sop into wine,” and as they are Baptists this term has been given them; but they call themselves “the harmless people.” (W. Hepworth Dixon: New America, ii. 18.)

1