The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-12-08
A SHAKER COLONY COMING
H cad of q Colony Here Looking for
LocntiOn-AnOtherS Shaker Brother
and Two Shaker Sisters Will Ar.
rive this Morning.
Savannah Morning News.

Within short time 1t Is probable that
| colony OF Shakers will be located near Stvun-
nah. DR.. j. II. Slingerand, from Lebanon,
| o., the head of Shaker colony there, IL In
| the city for the purpose OF making prellml-
nary arrangements for the organization OF q
colony u lear the city.
The governing board of a Shaker colony
consists of four. two males and two females.
| VIC. Aver, DR.. Slingerland's assistant Il on the
board in this case, will arrive probably 70,
day, and Sisters Z. Downing and j. Foley Will
arrive from Ohio on the Central train this
morning. In this instance these four consti-
tute the governing board, and they will de-
rtermine what shall be done with reference TO
the organization of a colony In Chatham
county. -
yesterday to look at some land, which II Is
thought will be desirable for the colony. IL
cannot be stated definitely, however, just
probably be within less than ten miles Of the
city limits.
DR.. Slingerland stated to those TO whom he
talked that he would probably want l5,oCo
acres of land to begin with, but when the col
ony Is we'll underway 1t will have 10 nave
about four times that amount They have
colohies in many states In the norm, ana
IN FhsS ike eSs soil % M
mate OF this section, he said, and are satisfied
1t will be just the thing for the objects they
have in view.
As soon as a location ia decided on they
will build large brick house and other nee
essary buildings and prepareIto operate a
farm and 10 raise blooded stock. These are
the two principal features OF Shaker colony.
DR.. Slingerland las spent his time since be.
Ing here 10 looking at land near the city, or as
near the city as IL is possible to secure such an
amount of 1t. and when the governing board
gets together as II will possibly do to-day, II
| will make an inspection of the land which II
| is proposed to purchase, and decide what Is to
| be done. It Is probable that the settlement
here will consist OF fly or more persons.
| The Shakers have fifteen settlements In the
| United States and number about 1000 me- m.
bers. They have two in New York, three In
Massachusetts,, one In Connecticut, two in
and two in Kentucky. Among the oldest set.
Elements are those OF New Watcrvliet IN AL
bapy county, New York.
The Shakers originated in England In the
eighteenth century, about IVA. James Ward
law, tailor was their first leader, and 10 his
the only salvation of the human race was in
celibacy. The sect grew to some extent In
England, and suffered some indignlties and
prosecutions Jane Wardlaw and her hus-
band came to America and landed In New
York Aug. 9, 1774: Ann Lee, who was born In
ed upon as the second Christ, and among the
Shakers Is so considered 10 this day.
The Shakers take vows OF elibacy. There
are no wives anu no husbands, but number
vows comprise a settlement. and they work
together, for the common good OF all. The
principal work is in farming and raising
blooded stock. The leading authority in a
colony Is composed OF four, two members
from each sex. and these four are known as
the ministry or head family. membership In
which Is called an eldershlp. The sect Is we'll
known in many parts OF the country, and Is
noted particularly for Its peculiarities OF be-
lief and queer customs In dress.