Ann Lee

Ann Lee (29 February 1736 – 8 September 1784) was the leader of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, or 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 dubbed them as the Shakers. Ann Lee preached to the public and led the Shaker church at a time when few women did either.