Ann Lee

Mother Ann Lee
Born	Ann Lees (1736-02-29)29 February 1736[1][2] Manchester, England, Kingdom of Great Britain
Died	8 September 1784(1784-09-08) (aged 48) Watervliet, New York, U.S.
Burial place	Watervliet Shaker Village, Colonie, New York 42°44′21″N 73°48′59″W / 42.73909°N 73.81637°W / 42.73909; -73.81637
Other names	Ann Elizabeth Lees Ann Standerin
Occupation(s)	Founder of the Shakers Preacher Singer Missionary
Years active	1758–1784
Spouse	Abraham Standerin (separated c. 1775)
Children	4 (all died in infancy)
Parent(s)	John Lees
Relatives	William Lee (brother) Nancy Lee (niece)
Religious life
Religion	Christianity
Denomination	Shaker
Signature

Shakers

Topics
Chronology of Shakers Era of Manifestations Shaker communities Shaker families Shaker furniture Shaker inventions "Simple Gifts" Works based on "Simple Gifts" Anti-Shakerism
Notable people
Founders Jane and James Wardley Ann Lee William Lee James Whittaker Joseph Meacham Lucy Wright Other members Shaker members
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Ann Lee (29 February 1736 – 8 September 1784), commonly known as Mother Ann Lee, was the founding leader of the Shakers, later changed to United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing following her death. She was born during a time of the Evangelical revival in England, and became a figure that greatly influenced religion at this time, especially in the Americas.

After nearly two decades of participation in a religious movement that became the Shakers, in 1774 Ann Lee and a small group of her followers emigrated from England to New York. After several years, they gathered at Niskayuna, renting land from the Manor of Rensselaerswyck, Albany County, New York (the area now called Colonie). They worshiped by ecstatic dancing or "shaking", which resulted in their being dubbed the Shakers. Ann Lee preached to the public and led the Shaker church at a time when few women were religious leaders.^[3] She was often referred to, and considered, the female representation of God.^[4]