From the Bremen Banner, April 30, 1885, in the Bourbon Notes column: Thomas B. Lee has purchased Bendel's lot and saloon building and will erect a large brick building after he has removed the small one occupied by the saloon.
From the Bourbon News-Mirror, February 19, 1903 (as written in the Marshall County Roots and Branches, Vol. 24, No. 4, October, 2003):
Thomas B. Lee
Mr. Lee was born in the city of Philadelphia in '32, and though 71 years of age, he is remarkably well preserved in physical vigor and mental activity, which is accounted for from the fact that he has always been in active and out-door life and employment, and is naturally prudent in habits. He operated a sawmill as manager and owner from '55 until recent years, leaving his home-place and locating in Marion county, Ohio, and operating a mill in Morrow county - a county formed from a fraction of Marion - and remained in Morrow county with his mill till '63, when he moved to Etna Green, Kosciusko county, this state, where the mill was operated till '64, then taken to Panama and remaining some two years. He removed to the "Lemert" farm in this (Marshall) county, in '66, and after working up all the available material on this farm the mill was taken and operated in what is now the "poor farm" east of Plymouth, in '78. Clearing this farm he moved the mill to Wisconsin in '81. Mr. Lee remained in the mill business in Wisconsin for several years and then removed to his home here in Bourbon some five years ago. He had first moved to Bourbon in'63, and as a citizen is known by the older and younger portion of the community, whose confidence he has had during all of these years. No citizen is better known as a man, no man better known as a citizen, for he has always had the best interests of Bourbon at heart, giving to its advancement in substantial ways, as his judgment decided.
Since he retired from the mill business he has not been engaged in any active pursuit, but has lived a retired life - not as a millionaire, but as a common-place citizen, comfortably situated, enjoying the confidence of the people. Something over a year ago he was appointed by the proper authority to fill a vacancy in the office of township trustee and his administration of the affairs of the office is an open record and his business qualifications, sound judgment, economical disposition, thorough acquaintance with the people and the needs of the township have made him an acceptable custodian of the important affairs of this public trust, for in this position he has just enough humanity mingled with his self-possesed nature to meet the demands and to discriminate judiciously and humanely between the really deserving and the would-be impostor, and to deal out even and exact justice to the deserving poor and unfortunate and to guard the people's money safely.
Mr. Lee is not an office-seeker but has always discharged his political duty as he has seen it in political matters, and his appointment to the office of township trustee was made out of consideration for his business qualifications and strict integrity, being honorable and reasonably successful with his own affairs and in his dealing with the public and individuals. His good name - which is better than riches - led to his appointment, and of him as a public servant it can be truthfully said - "well done".
The following is taken from the book "A Twentieth Century History of Marshall Co., Indiana" by Daniel McDonald Vol.II pp.615-616. The Lewis Publishing Co. , Chicago 1908:
Thomas B. Lee. To Thomas B. Lee belongs the honor of being one of the earliest residents of Marshall county, and for many years he has been prominently identified with the business interests of Bourbon. He was born in Philadelphia February 14, 1832, a son of Nathan and Urie (Wilson) Lee, natives respectively of Lancaster and Chester counties, Pennsylvania. The father, who was a cabinet-maker, moved to Marion county, Ohio, during the boyhood days of his son Thomas, and he spent the remainder of his life there. The son received his educational training in the schools of Marion county, and one year after his father's death he moved to Morrow county, Ohio, and in 1863 he came with his oldest brother, Isaac, to Panama, Marshall county, Indiana, and engaged in the milling business. At one time he was the proprietor of three saw mills, and he continued in that business with his brother until 1879, when the latter sold his interest to Dwight L. Dickinson, who remained in partnership with Mr. Lee, of this review, until 1892. During a few years thereafter Mr. Lee lived retired, and again entering business activities he was identified for four years with the carriage business in Bourbon. He subsequently turned his attention to the sale of agricultural implements in partnership with John Plant, and this line of trade has ever since claimed his time and attention.
In 1855 Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Ruth Platt whose death occurred in 1893, and in the following year he married Alice Beatty. To the first union were born two daughters, Viola, now Mrs. Listenfelt, and Rosamond, Mrs. Fouts. Mr. Lee is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and fraternally is a member of the Masonic order, joining the Blue Lodge in Bourbon in 1869, and he is a member of the Chapter and Commandery in Plymouth and the Consistory in Ft. Wayne. Marshall county numbers Thomas B. Lee among her earliest and most honored pioneers. He established his home within her borders in a very early day, when the county was but thinly settled, and in those early days the residents of Panama secured their supplies from Bourbon, six miles distant, ox teams being used for the purpose, and it often took the greater part of two days to make the return trip. Mr. Lee is thus familiar with the early days of Marshall county, and he has inscribed his name on the pages of its business history.
(Note, there seem to be some inconsistencies between the above article taken from the book and facts recorded for Isaac Lee's death and Ruth Platt's death dates. Possibly this article was erroneous?)
1850 Census OHIO COUNTY: Morrow DIVISION: Cardington p. 394a
Dwelling 632 (source was online, Morrow genweb page):
Thomas Lee, 18, b. PA, carpenter
1860 US Census of Morrow County, Ohio, Cardington Twp., dwelling 825
Thomas Lee, 27, M, Carpenter, b. Pennsylvania
value of real estate: 2100
value of personal estate: 240
Ruth, 26, b. OH
Viola, 4, b. OH
Mary Platt, 16, Student, b. Ohio
1880 United States Census Bourbon, Marshall, Indiana
online at familysearch.org
Thomas LEE Self M Male W 38 PA Lumber Dealer PA PA
Ruth LEE Wife M Female W 36 OH Keeping House NY NY
Austin FOUTS SonL M Male W 24 OH Works On Farm --- ---
Rosa FOUTS Dau M Female W 15 OH PA OH
Alice GRANT Other S Female W 23 IN Servant OH IN
From: History of Marshall County, Indiana 1836 to 1880
by Daniel McDonald, printed in Chicago by Kingman Brothers, Lakeside Building, 1881
Thomas B. Lee
The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Philadelphia, Penn., on the 14th of February, 1831; at the age of eleven years, he removed to Marion County, Ohio, with his parents, Nathan and Uree LEE, and grew to maturity there. His father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and Thomas served an apprenticeship at the same trade. For a period of twenty years he was engaged at this trade as a contractor, and finally he and his brother contracted to perform certain work at Van Wert, Ohio, but after reaching that point, the party of the second part, proved unfaithful to the terms of the agreement, and the brothers started out in quest of a location. They erected a saw-mill northeast of Bourbon, in Marshall County, Ind., and conducted a satisfactory lumber trade from June, 1863, to 1875. His brother then retired from the firm, leaving the business in the hands of its present proprietors, Thomas B. LEE and Dwight L. DICKINSON. They have an extensive saw-mill and lumber-yard, at the village on Inwood, on the line of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, and transport large quantities of lumber, annually, to the western markets. There is much about Mr. LeeÂ's life that is deserving of commendation. He has risen in the world by his own exertions, and with few advantages to assist him. From his hard earnings as a mechanic he first saved sufficient capital to enable him to embark in business on a small scale, gradually enlarging, until the enterprise assumed its present proportions. He is a thorough business man, and by a course of economy and good management, has accumulated a competence in worldly goods. His transactions with the world have always been honorable, and his personal characteristics have gained him many friends; he stands high in the community, and is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity and the Order of Red Men. September 20, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Ruth H. PLATT in Morrow County, Ohio. They are the parents of two daughters - Helen Viola and Clara Rosamond.
From the Bourbon News-Mirror, February 19, 1903 (as written in the Marshall County Roots and Branches, Vol. 24, No. 4, October, 2003):
Thomas B. Lee
Mr. Lee was born in the city of Philadelphia in '32, and though 71 years of age, he is remarkably well preserved in physical vigor and mental activity, which is accounted for from the fact that he has always been in active and out-door life and employment, and is naturally prudent in habits. He operated a sawmill as manager and owner from '55 until recent years, leaving his home-place and locating in Marion county, Ohio, and operating a mill in Morrow county - a county formed from a fraction of Marion - and remained in Morrow county with his mill till '63, when he moved to Etna Green, Kosciusko county, this state, where the mill was operated till '64, then taken to Panama and remaining some two years. He removed to the "Lemert" farm in this (Marshall) county, in '66, and after working up all the available material on this farm the mill was taken and operated in what is now the "poor farm" east of Plymouth, in '78. Clearing this farm he moved the mill to Wisconsin in '81. Mr. Lee remained in the mill business in Wisconsin for several years and then removed to his home here in Bourbon some five years ago. He had first moved to Bourbon in'63, and as a citizen is known by the older and younger portion of the community, whose confidence he has had during all of these years. No citizen is better known as a man, no man better known as a citizen, for he has always had the best interests of Bourbon at heart, giving to its advancement in substantial ways, as his judgment decided.
Since he retired from the mill business he has not been engaged in any active pursuit, but has lived a retired life - not as a millionaire, but as a common-place citizen, comfortably situated, enjoying the confidence of the people. Something over a year ago he was appointed by the proper authority to fill a vacancy in the office of township trustee and his administration of the affairs of the office is an open record and his business qualifications, sound judgment, economical disposition, thorough acquaintance with the people and the needs of the township have made him an acceptable custodian of the important affairs of this public trust, for in this position he has just enough humanity mingled with his self-possesed nature to meet the demands and to discriminate judiciously and humanely between the really deserving and the would-be impostor, and to deal out even and exact justice to the deserving poor and unfortunate and to guard the people's money safely.
Mr. Lee is not an office-seeker but has always discharged his political duty as he has seen it in political matters, and his appointment to the office of township trustee was made out of consideration for his business qualifications and strict integrity, being honorable and reasonably successful with his own affairs and in his dealing with the public and individuals. His good name - which is better than riches - led to his appointment, and of him as a public servant it can be truthfully said - "well done".
The following is taken from the book "A Twentieth Century History of Marshall Co., Indiana" by Daniel McDonald Vol.II pp.615-616. The Lewis Publishing Co. , Chicago 1908:
Thomas B. Lee. To Thomas B. Lee belongs the honor of being one of the earliest residents of Marshall county, and for many years he has been prominently identified with the business interests of Bourbon. He was born in Philadelphia February 14, 1832, a son of Nathan and Urie (Wilson) Lee, natives respectively of Lancaster and Chester counties, Pennsylvania. The father, who was a cabinet-maker, moved to Marion county, Ohio, during the boyhood days of his son Thomas, and he spent the remainder of his life there. The son received his educational training in the schools of Marion county, and one year after his father's death he moved to Morrow county, Ohio, and in 1863 he came with his oldest brother, Isaac, to Panama, Marshall county, Indiana, and engaged in the milling business. At one time he was the proprietor of three saw mills, and he continued in that business with his brother until 1879, when the latter sold his interest to Dwight L. Dickinson, who remained in partnership with Mr. Lee, of this review, until 1892. During a few years thereafter Mr. Lee lived retired, and again entering business activities he was identified for four years with the carriage business in Bourbon. He subsequently turned his attention to the sale of agricultural implements in partnership with John Plant, and this line of trade has ever since claimed his time and attention.
In 1855 Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Ruth Platt whose death occurred in 1893, and in the following year he married Alice Beatty. To the first union were born two daughters, Viola, now Mrs. Listenfelt, and Rosamond, Mrs. Fouts. Mr. Lee is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and fraternally is a member of the Masonic order, joining the Blue Lodge in Bourbon in 1869, and he is a member of the Chapter and Commandery in Plymouth and the Consistory in Ft. Wayne. Marshall county numbers Thomas B. Lee among her earliest and most honored pioneers. He established his home within her borders in a very early day, when the county was but thinly settled, and in those early days the residents of Panama secured their supplies from Bourbon, six miles distant, ox teams being used for the purpose, and it often took the greater part of two days to make the return trip. Mr. Lee is thus familiar with the early days of Marshall county, and he has inscribed his name on the pages of its business history.
(Note, there seem to be some inconsistencies between the above article taken from the book and facts recorded for Isaac Lee's death and Ruth Platt's death dates. Possibly this article was erroneous?)
1850 Census OHIO COUNTY: Morrow DIVISION: Cardington p. 394a
Dwelling 632 (source was online, Morrow genweb page):
Thomas Lee, 18, b. PA, carpenter
1860 US Census of Morrow County, Ohio, Cardington Twp., dwelling 825
Thomas Lee, 27, M, Carpenter, b. Pennsylvania
value of real estate: 2100
value of personal estate: 240
Ruth, 26, b. OH
Viola, 4, b. OH
Mary Platt, 16, Student, b. Ohio
1880 United States Census Bourbon, Marshall, Indiana
online at familysearch.org
Thomas LEE Self M Male W 38 PA Lumber Dealer PA PA
Ruth LEE Wife M Female W 36 OH Keeping House NY NY
Austin FOUTS SonL M Male W 24 OH Works On Farm --- ---
Rosa FOUTS Dau M Female W 15 OH PA OH
Alice GRANT Other S Female W 23 IN Servant OH IN
From: History of Marshall County, Indiana 1836 to 1880
by Daniel McDonald, printed in Chicago by Kingman Brothers, Lakeside Building, 1881
Thomas B. Lee
The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Philadelphia, Penn., on the 14th of February, 1831; at the age of eleven years, he removed to Marion County, Ohio, with his parents, Nathan and Uree LEE, and grew to maturity there. His father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and Thomas served an apprenticeship at the same trade. For a period of twenty years he was engaged at this trade as a contractor, and finally he and his brother contracted to perform certain work at Van Wert, Ohio, but after reaching that point, the party of the second part, proved unfaithful to the terms of the agreement, and the brothers started out in quest of a location. They erected a saw-mill northeast of Bourbon, in Marshall County, Ind., and conducted a satisfactory lumber trade from June, 1863, to 1875. His brother then retired from the firm, leaving the business in the hands of its present proprietors, Thomas B. LEE and Dwight L. DICKINSON. They have an extensive saw-mill and lumber-yard, at the village on Inwood, on the line of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, and transport large quantities of lumber, annually, to the western markets. There is much about Mr. LeeÂ's life that is deserving of commendation. He has risen in the world by his own exertions, and with few advantages to assist him. From his hard earnings as a mechanic he first saved sufficient capital to enable him to embark in business on a small scale, gradually enlarging, until the enterprise assumed its present proportions. He is a thorough business man, and by a course of economy and good management, has accumulated a competence in worldly goods. His transactions with the world have always been honorable, and his personal characteristics have gained him many friends; he stands high in the community, and is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity and the Order of Red Men. September 20, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Ruth H. PLATT in Morrow County, Ohio. They are the parents of two daughters - Helen Viola and Clara Rosamond.
From the Bremen Banner, April 30, 1885, in the Bourbon Notes column: Thomas B. Lee has purchased Bendel's lot and saloon building and will erect a large brick building after he has removed the small one occupied by the saloon.
From the Bourbon News-Mirror, February 19, 1903 (as written in the Marshall County Roots and Branches, Vol. 24, No. 4, October, 2003):
Thomas B. Lee
Mr. Lee was born in the city of Philadelphia in '32, and though 71 years of age, he is remarkably well preserved in physical vigor and mental activity, which is accounted for from the fact that he has always been in active and out-door life and employment, and is naturally prudent in habits. He operated a sawmill as manager and owner from '55 until recent years, leaving his home-place and locating in Marion county, Ohio, and operating a mill in Morrow county - a county formed from a fraction of Marion - and remained in Morrow county with his mill till '63, when he moved to Etna Green, Kosciusko county, this state, where the mill was operated till '64, then taken to Panama and remaining some two years. He removed to the "Lemert" farm in this (Marshall) county, in '66, and after working up all the available material on this farm the mill was taken and operated in what is now the "poor farm" east of Plymouth, in '78. Clearing this farm he moved the mill to Wisconsin in '81. Mr. Lee remained in the mill business in Wisconsin for several years and then removed to his home here in Bourbon some five years ago. He had first moved to Bourbon in'63, and as a citizen is known by the older and younger portion of the community, whose confidence he has had during all of these years. No citizen is better known as a man, no man better known as a citizen, for he has always had the best interests of Bourbon at heart, giving to its advancement in substantial ways, as his judgment decided.
Since he retired from the mill business he has not been engaged in any active pursuit, but has lived a retired life - not as a millionaire, but as a common-place citizen, comfortably situated, enjoying the confidence of the people. Something over a year ago he was appointed by the proper authority to fill a vacancy in the office of township trustee and his administration of the affairs of the office is an open record and his business qualifications, sound judgment, economical disposition, thorough acquaintance with the people and the needs of the township have made him an acceptable custodian of the important affairs of this public trust, for in this position he has just enough humanity mingled with his self-possesed nature to meet the demands and to discriminate judiciously and humanely between the really deserving and the would-be impostor, and to deal out even and exact justice to the deserving poor and unfortunate and to guard the people's money safely.
Mr. Lee is not an office-seeker but has always discharged his political duty as he has seen it in political matters, and his appointment to the office of township trustee was made out of consideration for his business qualifications and strict integrity, being honorable and reasonably successful with his own affairs and in his dealing with the public and individuals. His good name - which is better than riches - led to his appointment, and of him as a public servant it can be truthfully said - "well done".
The following is taken from the book "A Twentieth Century History of Marshall Co., Indiana" by Daniel McDonald Vol.II pp.615-616. The Lewis Publishing Co. , Chicago 1908:
Thomas B. Lee. To Thomas B. Lee belongs the honor of being one of the earliest residents of Marshall county, and for many years he has been prominently identified with the business interests of Bourbon. He was born in Philadelphia February 14, 1832, a son of Nathan and Urie (Wilson) Lee, natives respectively of Lancaster and Chester counties, Pennsylvania. The father, who was a cabinet-maker, moved to Marion county, Ohio, during the boyhood days of his son Thomas, and he spent the remainder of his life there. The son received his educational training in the schools of Marion county, and one year after his father's death he moved to Morrow county, Ohio, and in 1863 he came with his oldest brother, Isaac, to Panama, Marshall county, Indiana, and engaged in the milling business. At one time he was the proprietor of three saw mills, and he continued in that business with his brother until 1879, when the latter sold his interest to Dwight L. Dickinson, who remained in partnership with Mr. Lee, of this review, until 1892. During a few years thereafter Mr. Lee lived retired, and again entering business activities he was identified for four years with the carriage business in Bourbon. He subsequently turned his attention to the sale of agricultural implements in partnership with John Plant, and this line of trade has ever since claimed his time and attention.
In 1855 Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Ruth Platt whose death occurred in 1893, and in the following year he married Alice Beatty. To the first union were born two daughters, Viola, now Mrs. Listenfelt, and Rosamond, Mrs. Fouts. Mr. Lee is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and fraternally is a member of the Masonic order, joining the Blue Lodge in Bourbon in 1869, and he is a member of the Chapter and Commandery in Plymouth and the Consistory in Ft. Wayne. Marshall county numbers Thomas B. Lee among her earliest and most honored pioneers. He established his home within her borders in a very early day, when the county was but thinly settled, and in those early days the residents of Panama secured their supplies from Bourbon, six miles distant, ox teams being used for the purpose, and it often took the greater part of two days to make the return trip. Mr. Lee is thus familiar with the early days of Marshall county, and he has inscribed his name on the pages of its business history.
(Note, there seem to be some inconsistencies between the above article taken from the book and facts recorded for Isaac Lee's death and Ruth Platt's death dates. Possibly this article was erroneous?)
1850 Census OHIO COUNTY: Morrow DIVISION: Cardington p. 394a
Dwelling 632 (source was online, Morrow genweb page):
Thomas Lee, 18, b. PA, carpenter
1860 US Census of Morrow County, Ohio, Cardington Twp., dwelling 825
Thomas Lee, 27, M, Carpenter, b. Pennsylvania
value of real estate: 2100
value of personal estate: 240
Ruth, 26, b. OH
Viola, 4, b. OH
Mary Platt, 16, Student, b. Ohio
1880 United States Census Bourbon, Marshall, Indiana
online at familysearch.org
Thomas LEE Self M Male W 38 PA Lumber Dealer PA PA
Ruth LEE Wife M Female W 36 OH Keeping House NY NY
Austin FOUTS SonL M Male W 24 OH Works On Farm --- ---
Rosa FOUTS Dau M Female W 15 OH PA OH
Alice GRANT Other S Female W 23 IN Servant OH IN
From: History of Marshall County, Indiana 1836 to 1880
by Daniel McDonald, printed in Chicago by Kingman Brothers, Lakeside Building, 1881
Thomas B. Lee
The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Philadelphia, Penn., on the 14th of February, 1831; at the age of eleven years, he removed to Marion County, Ohio, with his parents, Nathan and Uree LEE, and grew to maturity there. His father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and Thomas served an apprenticeship at the same trade. For a period of twenty years he was engaged at this trade as a contractor, and finally he and his brother contracted to perform certain work at Van Wert, Ohio, but after reaching that point, the party of the second part, proved unfaithful to the terms of the agreement, and the brothers started out in quest of a location. They erected a saw-mill northeast of Bourbon, in Marshall County, Ind., and conducted a satisfactory lumber trade from June, 1863, to 1875. His brother then retired from the firm, leaving the business in the hands of its present proprietors, Thomas B. LEE and Dwight L. DICKINSON. They have an extensive saw-mill and lumber-yard, at the village on Inwood, on the line of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, and transport large quantities of lumber, annually, to the western markets. There is much about Mr. LeeÂ's life that is deserving of commendation. He has risen in the world by his own exertions, and with few advantages to assist him. From his hard earnings as a mechanic he first saved sufficient capital to enable him to embark in business on a small scale, gradually enlarging, until the enterprise assumed its present proportions. He is a thorough business man, and by a course of economy and good management, has accumulated a competence in worldly goods. His transactions with the world have always been honorable, and his personal characteristics have gained him many friends; he stands high in the community, and is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity and the Order of Red Men. September 20, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Ruth H. PLATT in Morrow County, Ohio. They are the parents of two daughters - Helen Viola and Clara Rosamond.
From the Bourbon News-Mirror, February 19, 1903 (as written in the Marshall County Roots and Branches, Vol. 24, No. 4, October, 2003):
Thomas B. Lee
Mr. Lee was born in the city of Philadelphia in '32, and though 71 years of age, he is remarkably well preserved in physical vigor and mental activity, which is accounted for from the fact that he has always been in active and out-door life and employment, and is naturally prudent in habits. He operated a sawmill as manager and owner from '55 until recent years, leaving his home-place and locating in Marion county, Ohio, and operating a mill in Morrow county - a county formed from a fraction of Marion - and remained in Morrow county with his mill till '63, when he moved to Etna Green, Kosciusko county, this state, where the mill was operated till '64, then taken to Panama and remaining some two years. He removed to the "Lemert" farm in this (Marshall) county, in '66, and after working up all the available material on this farm the mill was taken and operated in what is now the "poor farm" east of Plymouth, in '78. Clearing this farm he moved the mill to Wisconsin in '81. Mr. Lee remained in the mill business in Wisconsin for several years and then removed to his home here in Bourbon some five years ago. He had first moved to Bourbon in'63, and as a citizen is known by the older and younger portion of the community, whose confidence he has had during all of these years. No citizen is better known as a man, no man better known as a citizen, for he has always had the best interests of Bourbon at heart, giving to its advancement in substantial ways, as his judgment decided.
Since he retired from the mill business he has not been engaged in any active pursuit, but has lived a retired life - not as a millionaire, but as a common-place citizen, comfortably situated, enjoying the confidence of the people. Something over a year ago he was appointed by the proper authority to fill a vacancy in the office of township trustee and his administration of the affairs of the office is an open record and his business qualifications, sound judgment, economical disposition, thorough acquaintance with the people and the needs of the township have made him an acceptable custodian of the important affairs of this public trust, for in this position he has just enough humanity mingled with his self-possesed nature to meet the demands and to discriminate judiciously and humanely between the really deserving and the would-be impostor, and to deal out even and exact justice to the deserving poor and unfortunate and to guard the people's money safely.
Mr. Lee is not an office-seeker but has always discharged his political duty as he has seen it in political matters, and his appointment to the office of township trustee was made out of consideration for his business qualifications and strict integrity, being honorable and reasonably successful with his own affairs and in his dealing with the public and individuals. His good name - which is better than riches - led to his appointment, and of him as a public servant it can be truthfully said - "well done".
The following is taken from the book "A Twentieth Century History of Marshall Co., Indiana" by Daniel McDonald Vol.II pp.615-616. The Lewis Publishing Co. , Chicago 1908:
Thomas B. Lee. To Thomas B. Lee belongs the honor of being one of the earliest residents of Marshall county, and for many years he has been prominently identified with the business interests of Bourbon. He was born in Philadelphia February 14, 1832, a son of Nathan and Urie (Wilson) Lee, natives respectively of Lancaster and Chester counties, Pennsylvania. The father, who was a cabinet-maker, moved to Marion county, Ohio, during the boyhood days of his son Thomas, and he spent the remainder of his life there. The son received his educational training in the schools of Marion county, and one year after his father's death he moved to Morrow county, Ohio, and in 1863 he came with his oldest brother, Isaac, to Panama, Marshall county, Indiana, and engaged in the milling business. At one time he was the proprietor of three saw mills, and he continued in that business with his brother until 1879, when the latter sold his interest to Dwight L. Dickinson, who remained in partnership with Mr. Lee, of this review, until 1892. During a few years thereafter Mr. Lee lived retired, and again entering business activities he was identified for four years with the carriage business in Bourbon. He subsequently turned his attention to the sale of agricultural implements in partnership with John Plant, and this line of trade has ever since claimed his time and attention.
In 1855 Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Ruth Platt whose death occurred in 1893, and in the following year he married Alice Beatty. To the first union were born two daughters, Viola, now Mrs. Listenfelt, and Rosamond, Mrs. Fouts. Mr. Lee is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and fraternally is a member of the Masonic order, joining the Blue Lodge in Bourbon in 1869, and he is a member of the Chapter and Commandery in Plymouth and the Consistory in Ft. Wayne. Marshall county numbers Thomas B. Lee among her earliest and most honored pioneers. He established his home within her borders in a very early day, when the county was but thinly settled, and in those early days the residents of Panama secured their supplies from Bourbon, six miles distant, ox teams being used for the purpose, and it often took the greater part of two days to make the return trip. Mr. Lee is thus familiar with the early days of Marshall county, and he has inscribed his name on the pages of its business history.
(Note, there seem to be some inconsistencies between the above article taken from the book and facts recorded for Isaac Lee's death and Ruth Platt's death dates. Possibly this article was erroneous?)
1850 Census OHIO COUNTY: Morrow DIVISION: Cardington p. 394a
Dwelling 632 (source was online, Morrow genweb page):
Thomas Lee, 18, b. PA, carpenter
1860 US Census of Morrow County, Ohio, Cardington Twp., dwelling 825
Thomas Lee, 27, M, Carpenter, b. Pennsylvania
value of real estate: 2100
value of personal estate: 240
Ruth, 26, b. OH
Viola, 4, b. OH
Mary Platt, 16, Student, b. Ohio
1880 United States Census Bourbon, Marshall, Indiana
online at familysearch.org
Thomas LEE Self M Male W 38 PA Lumber Dealer PA PA
Ruth LEE Wife M Female W 36 OH Keeping House NY NY
Austin FOUTS SonL M Male W 24 OH Works On Farm --- ---
Rosa FOUTS Dau M Female W 15 OH PA OH
Alice GRANT Other S Female W 23 IN Servant OH IN
From: History of Marshall County, Indiana 1836 to 1880
by Daniel McDonald, printed in Chicago by Kingman Brothers, Lakeside Building, 1881
Thomas B. Lee
The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Philadelphia, Penn., on the 14th of February, 1831; at the age of eleven years, he removed to Marion County, Ohio, with his parents, Nathan and Uree LEE, and grew to maturity there. His father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and Thomas served an apprenticeship at the same trade. For a period of twenty years he was engaged at this trade as a contractor, and finally he and his brother contracted to perform certain work at Van Wert, Ohio, but after reaching that point, the party of the second part, proved unfaithful to the terms of the agreement, and the brothers started out in quest of a location. They erected a saw-mill northeast of Bourbon, in Marshall County, Ind., and conducted a satisfactory lumber trade from June, 1863, to 1875. His brother then retired from the firm, leaving the business in the hands of its present proprietors, Thomas B. LEE and Dwight L. DICKINSON. They have an extensive saw-mill and lumber-yard, at the village on Inwood, on the line of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, and transport large quantities of lumber, annually, to the western markets. There is much about Mr. LeeÂ's life that is deserving of commendation. He has risen in the world by his own exertions, and with few advantages to assist him. From his hard earnings as a mechanic he first saved sufficient capital to enable him to embark in business on a small scale, gradually enlarging, until the enterprise assumed its present proportions. He is a thorough business man, and by a course of economy and good management, has accumulated a competence in worldly goods. His transactions with the world have always been honorable, and his personal characteristics have gained him many friends; he stands high in the community, and is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity and the Order of Red Men. September 20, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Ruth H. PLATT in Morrow County, Ohio. They are the parents of two daughters - Helen Viola and Clara Rosamond.
Inscription
THOMAS B. LEE
DEPARTED THIS LIFE
MAR. 4, 1909
AGED 77 YRS. 21DS.
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