This is the strangest sect I've ever heard of. It existed in Chester in the 1840s, and had a number of followers in the northern part of the county. In 1844 a number were arrested, some actually tried and convicted. It's principals were essentially those known as "free love" , the leading idea being that all connection between husband and wife was severed and to possess all things in common, in "every sense of the word". Theophilus Gates. of Philadelphia, was the societies leader, but a woman, Hannah Williamson (single), was a female votary of the soc.....pretty durn risqué for the 1840s! S.