LibGuides: Religious Records Research at the Archives & Library of the Ohio History Connection: United Society of Believers in the Second Coming (Shakers)

Shakers

The United Society of Believers in the Second Coming was also called Shakers because of the shuffling dance they did during their worship services. They formed communities in Lebanon, Warren County and North Union (Shaker Heights), Cuyahoga County. Shakers believed in the equality of men and women, with members of both sexes serving as leaders of communities. Rejecting marriage as a type of prison that destroyed women's health through frequent childbirth, the Shakers practiced celibacy. Since Shakers rejected sex as a sin, they had to rely on new converts to continue to exist. Shakers arrived in Ohio in 1805. The first three Shaker missionaries seeking converts in the state were John Meacham, Benjamin Youngs, and Issachar Bates Shakers made productive livings from farming, as well as from their furniture-making endeavors.

Below are lists of select archival and library materials related to the Shakers, available for research at the Ohio History Connection Archives & Library. Review the catalog links below, or explore our Online Collections Catalog using a specific church name or related search terms for more information [example search terms: "Shakers", "United Society of Believers", "Shakers -- Periodical"].