Ann Lee
Ann Lee | |
|---|---|
Engraving c. 1871, believed by 19th-century Shakers to be a "psychometric" portrait of Ann Lee | |
| Born | Ann Lees 29 February 1736 Manchester, England |
| Died | 8 September 1784 (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 |
| Other names | Ann Elizabeth Lees Ann Standerin |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1758–1784 |
| Spouse(s) | Abraham Standerin (separated c. 1775) |
| Children | 4 (all died in infancy) |
| Parent | John Lees |
| Relatives | William Lee (brother) Nancy Lee (niece) |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Denomination | Shaker |
| Signature | |
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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 the Evangelical revival in England and greatly influenced religion of that time, especially in the Americas.
In 1774, after nearly two decades of participation in a religious movement that became the Shakers, 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. She was often referred to as, and considered, the female representation of God.