The American Shakers were founded by ANN LEE, also known as Mother ANN or ANN LEE. She was born in Manchester, England in 1736 and was the leader of a religious group called the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, commonly known as the Shakers. ANN LEE and her followers emigrated to America in 1774 and established several Shaker communities in New York, Massachusetts, and other states. ANN LEE died in 1784, but her teachings and beliefs continue to influence the Shaker movement today.