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I, Ann Lee or Mother Ann to my followers, created a utopia for the members of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing in Watervliet, New York. I have seen Christ in my visions and he has guided me to establishing a safe haven for my followers and I did anything to gain more members, by taking in orphans and other families with no place to go along with the other converts. It was my goal for this country to develop better morals through adopting practices such as celibacy, gender equality and doing everything for the glory of the Lord.

I was born in Manchester, England in 1736 and worked as a cook and in a cotton factory until I married a blacksmith at a young age. I then left my marriage after two years to join the “shaking Quakers.” Our services are physical and intense, and mainstream America frowned upon our practices. On a few occasions I was arrested and punished by authorities for my practices, such as the time I spoke out against marriage and was imprisoned. After being persecuted for too long, I had a vision which told me I needed to migrate myself and my people to the new world, and formed a communal utopia for my followers. We moved into Watervliet, New York in 1774. Even in America, I was accused of witchcraft and even treason based on my opposition of war. I then toured through New England to establish new branches and convert new members. I died shortly after returning to Watervliet in 1784.

My objectives in reform were to preach my ideals of celibacy and god’s opposition of marriage, seeing labor as bliss and collaborative effort, and the equality of men and women. To promote these things more efficiently throughout my people, I established a quite functional utopia. Also, my movement produced music used for worship which continued to be popular after the movement had died down.

The government could have been of assistance when I was being persecuted for nothing more than disagreeing with the American ways of life, instead of throwing me in jail. Also, I would support legislation which allowed women to be men’s equals.

References: Doctor Sylvester Graham: Though he lived a decade or so after me, him and I would have agreed on our disgust with American’s sexual behavior. Susan B. Anthony: Though once again she lived in another time, her and I would have agreed on our feelings that women should be equals to men.

Sources: "Ann Lee." // Hall of North and South Americans //. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. . "The Shakers." // UNC // // School // // of Information and Library Science //. 1 Dec. 2001. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. .