A member of the Christian sect of the United
Society of Believers in Christ's Second
Appearing, so-called because of their
ecstatic shakings in worship. The movement
was founded by James and Jane Wardley in
England about 1747, and taken to North
America 1774 by Ann Lee (1736-84). They
anticipated modern spiritualist beliefs, but
their doctrine of celibacy led to their
virtual extinction. Shaker furniture has been
admired in the 20th century for its simple
and robust design.