Issachar Bates

Issachar Bates
Born(1758-01-29)29 January 1758
Died17 March 1837(1837-03-17) (aged 79)
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, fifer, missionary, Shaker Elder, preacher
SpouseLovina Maynard (married 1778, separated 1801)
Children9, including Sarah Bates
Parent(s)William and Mercy Bates
TitleElder
Personal
ReligionChristianity
DenominationShaker
Senior posting
Based inUnion Shaker Village (1805-1812)
West Union Shaker Village (1812-1822)
Watervliet Shaker Village (Ohio) (1824-1832)
Period in office1805–1835
Military career
Allegiance United States
BranchNew England Massachusetts militia
Years of service1775-1780
RankFife Major
Battles / warsAmerican Revolutionary War

Issachar Bates (January 29, 1758 – March 17, 1837) was among the most prolific poets and songwriters among the early 19th century Shakers. Several of his songs, poems, and ballads are known outside of the Shaker movement, including "Rights of Conscience", written around 1808 and included in the Shakers' first printed hymnbook, Millennial Praises, and "Come Life, Shaker Life", written between 1835 and 1837.[1]

  1. ^ "Issachar Bates, "Come Life, Shaker Life" and Richie Havens, "Run, Shaker Life". American Music Preservation.com. Retrieved 30 April 2013.