Shakers

or Shaking Quakers, are a sect which arose in Manchester (England) about 1747, founded by Ann Lee, an expelled Quaker, who went to America in 1774, with seven friends, and formed the first settlement of the United Society of Believers Christ’s Second Appearing. Like the Quakers they object to taking oaths, they neglect the common courtesies of society, and reject the Sacraments. Celibacy is enjoined upon all, and those who enter the community as married persons must live together as brother and sister. In America there are about 20 communities with 2000 to 3000 members in each, chiefly living in the New England States.