Hamilton, William James, 1903-

Shakers were members of a Christian group originating in England in 1747 practicing communal living and observing celibacy. Shakers came from Mt. Lebanon, N.Y. in 1805 to Turtle Creek in Warren County, Ohio, and the Union Village was established. In 1806 the Beulah Baptist Congregation in Van Buren Township in Montgomery County, Ohio, adopted Shakerism and in 1813 the community, which occupied 800 acres of farmland, was renamed Watervliet. The life of Watervliet Village lasted until about 1900. From the collection it is evident that the United Order of Believers, or Shakers, formed a significant chapter in American history by virtue of its communal principles, its status as a separatist sect and its diverse social and economic contributions. Shakers made a great contribution to agriculture, wood carving, broom making and woodworking. The development of improved seed banks for many of the crops grown in southwestern Ohio contributed greatly to the development of agriculture in this state.

From the description of The Shakers : records 1808-1983. (Dayton Metro Library). WorldCat record id: 31769184