Shaker papers, 1769-1893

Descriptive Summary

Title
Shaker papers, 1769-1893
Creator
Shakers.
Extent
842 pieces
Subjects
Shakers.
Business records--Kentucky--South Union.
Shakers--Records and correspondence.
Shakers--Kentucky--South Union.
Land titles--Registration and transfer--Kentucky.
Slavery--Kentucky--South Union.
South Union (Ky.).
Logan County (Ky.).
Pleasant Hill (Ky.)--History.
Accounts.
Agreements.
Powers of attorney.
Wills
Arrangement
Arranged by material type and thereunder chronological.
Finding Aid Author
Processed by: Archives Staff ; machine-readable finding aid created by:Eric Weig
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
The United Believers, or Shakers, came from New York in 1805 arriving in South Union, Logan County, Kentucky, where they established a neat and attractive conservative religious community. Through their farming and livestock, the communal Shakers became completely self-supporting. Often despised by the neighboring community because of their successful economy, they always conducted themselves with dignity and honor. From a population peak of 349 in 1827, the life of the colony drew to a close in the first decades of the 20th century. The Shaker lifestyle, arts and crafts are preserved today in an authentic village on the original site, now called Shakertown, Kentucky.
Scope and Content
This collection is comprised of photostatic copies, the majority of which are business, legal and contractual papers of the Shakers. Present in the collection are accounts, agreements, broadsides, land and property material, law suits and court costs, letters, documents about Mill Point, land plats and maps, powers of attorney, receipts, a school class list, notes on slaves and wills. The agreements are divided into those with the society, those among members and Brethern and Sisters agreements.

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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

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Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.