Fredson, Jean Todd, 1869-1964.

The Indian Shaker Church is a Christian denomination founded in 1881 by Squaxin logger John Slocum in Washington. The Indian Shaker Church is a unique blend of American Indian, Catholic, and Protestant beliefs and practices. The Indian Shakers are unrelated to the Shakers of New England (United Society of Believers) and are not to be confused with the Native American Church.

Jean Todd Fredson was born in 1869. She was a teacher in the Mason County, WA area. In her manuscripts there are reports from eye-witnesses to events leading to the founding of the Indian Shaker Movement and information about the history of Mason County, WA. Fredson passed away in 1964 and is buried at the Shelton Memorial Park cemetery.

Auntie Slocum was a familiar figure in Shelton, WA in the late 1890's. She was the third wife to "Old Slocum." The founder of the Indian Shaker Church, John Slocum's father was known as "Old Slocum." His first wife was John Slocum's mother. After she passed away, Old Slocum took two wives. When the government said he could only marry one at-a- time, he chose the older woman, who became the mother of two sons, Tom and Jack. The wife he abandoned was Auntie. When old age and blindness overcame him, he came back to Auntie. It is unclear if his other wife passed away or he left her. Auntie and Old Slocum lived on a houseboat that was anchored near the Fredson's place on Oakland Bay. Auntie took care of him for many years until she predeceased him in 1900.

From the description of Washington State Library's collection of Jean Todd Fredson's manuscripts, circa 1950-1952. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 297120365