The North Union Colony was founded in 1822 by Ralph Russell, the son of a pioneer settler of the Warrensville area. Inspired by a missionary, Ralph visited a Shaker settlement in Lebanon, Ohio. Based on a vision received during his stay, he returned to the Warrensville area, converted his four brothers, and founded the North Union Community. Ralph, however, did not sign the original covenant and would eventually move from the area. The Shaker community in Warrensville would continue to grow, reaching nearly 200 persons at its height prior to the Civil War.
