Who Was James Lee?
James Lee was a British Soldier who served under General Cornwallis during the American Revolution. He married Hannah Corman and they settled down in Maryland after the war and lived there until 1792.
The British Government at that time awarded 200 acres of land in Canada to all disbanded soldiers. James and Hannah immigrated to Upper Canada and settled on lots 21 and 22, Concession 4 in Saltfleet Township. The family consisted of five sons and three daughters. The Lee family has been outstanding in various activities and played a leading role in the political affairs of Saltfleet Township from its early beginnings.
Their name is also connected with the war of 1812. A story is told that John Lee, a son of James, fought by the side of Sir Isaac Brock at the battle of Queenston Heights in October of 1812. When Brock was wounded John Lee helped to carry him off the battlefield and later he was a pallbearer at his funeral. The Lee family has also been connected with the Battle of Stoney Creek.
Abraham D. Lee was a councilor, a Deputy Reeve and Reeve in the community from 1865 to 1870. Hamilton Lee was elected and served as Councillor and second Reeve from 1861 to 1890. Marcus Lee was elected to the Saltfleet Council in 1890 and served his community for six years. Erland Lee was Clerk and Treasurer of the Township for nineteen years and is credited with founding the First Women’s Institute.
