Part One--Before the Gathering of New Lebanon

During the earliest years of Shakerism in America, 1774-1780, Mother
Ann was the religious leader of the small group of Believers. After the
Opening of the Gospel, in the spring of 1780, large numbers of men and
women became Shakers. These were scattered throughout New England
and New York. Mother Ann, Father William Lee and Father James Whittaker
labored to establish union and c e a s e l e s s l y traveled
from place to place
strengthening faith. In these tasks they were assisted by Father Calvin
Harlow, Father Joseph Meacham, and others, Such work greatly
abbreviated the lives of Mother and Father William, both of whom died in
the summer of 1 784.

1774-1779
Mother Ann Lee assisted by Father William Lee and Father James
Whittaker

1779-1784
Mother Ann, Father William, Father James, assisted by Father Calvin
Harlow, Joseph Meacham and others.

1784-1787
Father James Whittaker a s s i s t e d by Father Joseph Meacham, Brother David
Meacham, Father C a l v i n Harlow and others.'