In 1780 communal colonists came from Pennsylvania to Mercer County, Kentucky. In 1784 thirty of the families came here and purchased 10,000 acres from Squire Boone. They lived in a log fort. The colony was managed by Abraham Banta, and George Bergen later became trustee. In 1804 Shaker missionaries from New York tried to convert the colonists. Their doctrine was accepted by a few, who followed John Banta to Mercer County.