I'm currently reading 'Made In America' by Bill Bryson which takes a wry look at the development of America and what it contributed to the world as a whole and found a couple of interesting snippets I thought I'd share with you guys.
Under 'Pursuit of Pleasure' we are told the Puritans disliked anything ungodly such as smoking tobacco....
"Connecticut had a statute forbidding inhabitants from 'taking tobacco publiquely in the street, nor shall any take yt in the fyelds or woods'."
As for the punishment of those found to be flouting such a decree we can only guess but based upon the below I would imagine it would be harsh.
One unlucky chap in Hartford, Connecticut by the name of George Spencer caused a bit of a stir. Apparently a one eyed piglet was born in the town and the local magistrates cast around for how this came to be before coming across the hapless Mr. Spencer who happened to have but one eye himself.
Questioned about the possibility of him practicing bestiality the man confessed (why???). He later recanted his confession but it was too late. Under Connecticut law, to convict Spencer of bestiality two witnesses were required. No problems there as the powers that be decided to hang the fellow using the piglet as one witness and his own statement as the other.
Indiana doesn't fare much better in the crazy laws league. As late as 1905 a law was passed which reads as 'Whoever entices, allures, instigates or aids any person under the age of 21 years to commit masturbation or self pollution, shall be deemed guilty of sodomy'.
Indeed, as late as the 1950's, in Indiana one could spend up to 14 years prison time for 'self pollution'.
Just thought I'd brighten your day by sharing these nuggets with you :
:
Regards,
Jay.
Under 'Pursuit of Pleasure' we are told the Puritans disliked anything ungodly such as smoking tobacco....
"Connecticut had a statute forbidding inhabitants from 'taking tobacco publiquely in the street, nor shall any take yt in the fyelds or woods'."
As for the punishment of those found to be flouting such a decree we can only guess but based upon the below I would imagine it would be harsh.
One unlucky chap in Hartford, Connecticut by the name of George Spencer caused a bit of a stir. Apparently a one eyed piglet was born in the town and the local magistrates cast around for how this came to be before coming across the hapless Mr. Spencer who happened to have but one eye himself.
Questioned about the possibility of him practicing bestiality the man confessed (why???). He later recanted his confession but it was too late. Under Connecticut law, to convict Spencer of bestiality two witnesses were required. No problems there as the powers that be decided to hang the fellow using the piglet as one witness and his own statement as the other.
Indiana doesn't fare much better in the crazy laws league. As late as 1905 a law was passed which reads as 'Whoever entices, allures, instigates or aids any person under the age of 21 years to commit masturbation or self pollution, shall be deemed guilty of sodomy'.
Indeed, as late as the 1950's, in Indiana one could spend up to 14 years prison time for 'self pollution'.
Just thought I'd brighten your day by sharing these nuggets with you :
:Regards,
Jay.
