Photograph, Cabinet
Portrait Eldress Mary Ann Gillespie (1829-1887), Church Family, Sabbathday Lake, ME
1880-1887
Description
Portrait of Sister Mary Ann Gillespie (1829-1887) probably made while she was in her early 50s. Born in Portsmouth, NH, Sister Mary Ann was orphaned when three and raised by a Mrs. Akerman who placed here with the Canterbury Shakers, May 10, 1841. There she was caretaker of the girls and a nurse. In 1852 she became Second Eldress in the Novitiate Order. In 1860 she was appointed Second Eldress in the Maine Ministry where she served until 1886. [Source: The Shaker Image, 2d edition, p. 240]