Mother Ann Lee and a small band of converts came from England to New York in 1774, and she became the founder of Shakerism in America. Shakerism was introduced in Mercer County by Elisha Thomas and Samuel and Henry Banta after they attended a revival at Concord, Bourbon County, Kentucky, on Aug. 15, 1805, and were converted by missionaries to the doctrine of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearance. In 1806, believers settled at Shawnee Run on Thomas' farm near one another for religious worship and protection. On Dec. 3, the first family covenant was signed by 44 converts, who agreed to mutual support and common-property ownership, and in 1808 the first meeting house was built. The name Shaker came from vigorous worship practice. The Shakers were devout and orderly, followed celibacy, and excelled in architecture, farming, and inventions. At its height, the community had 500 members, 5,000 acres of land, and 25 miles of rock fence. In 1910, the last 12 members deeded the land to a private citizen who was to care for them during their lives. In 1923, Sister Mary Settle, the last Shaker in Mercer County, died. In 1961, the present restoration began.