David Lee was born Apr 19, 1765 on the North Branch of the Potomac River in Allegany County, Maryland and died Feb 25, 1848 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana at the age of 82.
He married Anna Longberry on Jun 9, 1794 in Allegany County, Maryland. She was born Jun 22, 1773 in New Jersey and died Feb 28, 1861 at the age of 87 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana. She was the daughter of William and Catherine Longberry.
We can place David's birthplace thanks to statements by William H. Lee, son of David Lee Junior, which were put in the "Vevay Reveille" in the early 1900s. "The Early Settlers of
Western Allegheny County" lists Joseph and Jacob Lee as among the earliest settlers of Western
Allegheny County in Maryland. David Lee is shown applying for ownership of land near Joseph in 1788 when the area was officially opened for settlement. The settlers of Western Allegheny County were required to petition for ownership of lands they had lived on for as much as thirty years. Most of these men had served in the French and Indian War and had served under George Washington with the promise of land for their efforts in the militia.
David Lee served in the Maryland Militia in 1790.
David Lee was also listed in public records for the following:
"William Harcourt sold to David Lee, both of Alleghany County, Maryland, for 60 pounds Maryland Money, everything in his possession including his signboard, also the debts owed him by William Anderson, James O'Hara , Malen Lonsore and all book accounts. Recording fee: 19 pounds of tobacco." (P. 588, recorded Oct 16, 1798)
We can only speculate as to what David was doing to support his family. David and Anna were married June 9, 1794 with census records showing that their eldest, Josiah, being born in 1794 or prior.
Anna Lee is shown in the 1800 census,but not David. He was probably scouting the trip to Ohio or selling his product as they were building the National Trail from Cumberland up into Pennsylvania.
Later census records indicate that Anna and David moved through Pennsylvania where their fourth child was born in 1801. We can track the path thru Ohio with the birth of their sixth and seventh children who were born in 1810 and 1812. If you can imagine the efforts this must have taken in 1801 traveling from Cumberland, Maryland up thru the mountains on the National Trail by oxcart at the rate of about six to eight miles a day. They made their way to Pittsburg area crossing those cold rivers on ferries pulled by mules or horses. They then made their way to Pickaway County, Monroe Township, Ohio where Anna's father, William Longberry, settled. William died in 1814 according to the will records. Anna's brother, Charles Longberry, became a prominent citizen, being mentioned in the local history books at Circleville, Ohio.
On August 25, 1802, David Lee filed for Federal Land located Range 1E, Twp 5, Sec 24 in the Miami River Survey(A). This property was within the boundaries of Hamilton County, Ohio at that time and David's residence on the filing was listed as Hamilton County, Ohio. According to Federal Land Series, Vol I, 1788-1810, David made an additional fractional purchase for R1 Twp5, Sec 24 on November 26, 1807.
In the year 1803 Butler County was created form the northern portion of Hamilton County, Ohio.
The legal description above is located in Butler County just East of Oxford, Ohio and is currently occupied by the Miami University (Ohio) stables. Immediately to the East of this property is a nature preserve occupied by the log cabin of Zachariah DeWitt who purchase the land from David Lee about 1814. David filed on land in Cotton Twp, Switzerland County, Indiana in 1815. There are stories about family members sleeping in a giant poplar tree in their first days at the site just south of Fairview, Indiana where the big old brick house still stands. It was built in the 1840s after the previous two storey log home was destroyed by fire. David Lee was a wealthy farmer by all indications owning much farm land in the area south of Fairview. He farmed more than two thousand acres and gave away much land to his children. In the first will he had disowned his oldest daughter Catherine when she had married John Reilly in Butler Co, Ohio on August 31, 1814. He later reconsidered and put her back in the second will.
In The History of Cotton Township, it states:
"One story that was told about Indians of this area was told me by Mr. Alfred Pate of Dillsboro, Indiana, now 92 years young. Mr. Pate is the great-grandson of the early pioneer settler David Lee, Sr. that located one-half mile south of Fairview on the Fairview road where the Robert Furnish farm is located. Mr. Lee settled this land in 1813 according to land grant records.
"Mr. Lee and his family spent their first night on their land under a large cottonwood tree near the location where the Lee home was built. Mr. Lee built a log house there and lived there until it was destroyed by fire. He was determined to build a house not so easily destroyed by fire.
"The brick for the present house was fired on the farm as was the custom in those early days. The outer walls of the house are 12 inches thick--all brick. The windows have stone sills and lentils. The roof was slate and is still intact. It was imperative the building be built strong in order to support the weight of the slate roof.
"There was a friendly Indian in the area known as Friday and he would call at the Lee homestead and Mrs. Lee would give him bread and salt. He became very friendly and called frequently. One day he warned Mrs. Lee that her husband's life was in danger. He said an Indian was to kill him, that he would call on them soon.
"A few days went by and a rap came on the door one evening. Mr. Lee prepared his gun as Mrs. Lee answered the door. The Indian standing at the door was Friday himself and Mrs. Lee quickly announced his name as Mr. Lee was about to discharge his gun. Mrs. Lee apparently saved this Indian's life by her quick announcement. He said that no other Indian ever called and tried to take Mr. Lee's life. Apparently there were false rumors in the Indian camp in those days also.
"Mr. Lee died at his home February 25, 1848 and was buried in the Lee Cemetery just south of there."
The David Lee home is also featured in a 1969 publication, An Architectural and Historical Survey of Switzerland County:
"Here is an interesting bit of history about Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana, by the great great grandson of David Lee, Sr., and Ann, his wife. David Lee, Sr. was born Apr 4, 1765, in Virginia and died February 25, 1848, in the two-story brick homestead, one mile south of Fairview. The Lee family spent their first night on the homestead site under a large cottonwood tree near the present brick house. David Lee, Sr., built a log house on the section of land purchased from President James Monroe. . . Mr. Lee built two brick buildings in back of the house--one for a smokehouse and the other for wood."
On Feb 23, 1815, David Lee of Butler Co, Ohio, filed for the 5E¼ of Sec 3, Range 3, Twp 3. On Feb 26, 1833, he filed for the 5E¼ NE¼ of Sec 3 to further expand the home property. Fairview was called Sugar Branch until 1911.
In the 1820 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township (Roll 14, page 174), the David Lee family consisted of two males under ten (David, Jr. 2 and William 8), one male 26 and under 45 (Josiah), one male 45 and older (David 55), one female under ten (Ann), two females ten and under 16 (Mary 10 and Rebecca 15), and one female 45 and older (Anna 47). The family was listed just after the Miner Chambers family (Miner Chambers married their daughter Mariah Lee in 1818).
In the 1830 census for Switzerland County, Indiana (Roll 32), the David Lee family consisted of one male under five, one male five and under ten, one male 60 and under 70 (David 65), one female 15 and under 20 (Mary 19), one female 50 and under 60 (Anna 57), and one female 70 and under 80 (Anna's mother Catherine 79).
David Lee wrote his first will on Nov 7, 1836 in Switzerland County, Indiana:
"Be it remembered that on the Seventh day of November A.D. 1836 at the office of the Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County Come Samuel Beal and produced the last Will and Testament of David Lee late of Said County deceased and prayed to have the Same proven and admitted to record which accordingly is done. And Said will and proof thereof reads in the words and figuers following, to wit.
"In the Name of God Amen
"I David Lee of the County of Switzerland and State of Indiana do make order and declare this instrument to be my last will & Testament revokeing all others
"Imprimis. All my debts are to be punctually and speedily paid and the legacies hereuntoafter bequeathed are to be discharged as soon as circumstances will permit and in manner directed --
"Item to my dearly beloved wife Ann Lee I give and bequeath so much of my estate as may be necessary for her comfort and maintenance during her natural life, my meaning is, that my wife Ann Lee Shall have one comfortable room in my house exclusively for her own benefit if She desires it and everything that is necessary to make as comfortable as the nature of her Situeation will admit of during her natural life, and I do most Solemnly enjoin it on my execetor to See that this Itemn is most releigiously observed in every point.
"Itemn -- To my eldest Son Josiah Lee I give and bequeath thirty Dollars to be paid in Six Years after my decease
"Item -- To my daughter Catharine Riley wife of John Riley I give and bequeath Seventy dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease
"Item -- To Sarah Clark (my daughter) wife of George Clark I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my daughter Polly Chambers wife of Miner Chambers I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- to my Daughter Rebecca Dearborn wife of Ruben Dearborn I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item. To my daughter Mary Pickett (wife of Benjamin Pickett) I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my Son William Longbury Lee I give and bequeath Ten Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my youngest Daughter Ann Lee I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my Son David Lee I give and bequeth all the rest and residue of my estate real and personal after the legacys are paid as before mentioned in whatsoever consisting wheresoever lying and wheresoever found. It is not my intention that my property Should be Sold. But that my youngest Son David Lee Should pay off the legacys when due and retain the property. If he neglects or refuses to pay the bequests, at or before the time mentioned of Course the property must be sold to pay them --
"Lastly. I Constitute and appoint my dearly and beloved wife Ann Lee, and my youngest Son David Lee My Executrix and Executor of this my last Will & testament
"In witness of all and each of the things herein contained I have Set my hand and Seal this eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty six in presence of
Samuel Beal David Lee Seal
W. Armington
Josiah M Doan
John K Evington"
"State of Indiana Switzerland County S.S.
"Be it remembered that now on the 7th day of November 1836 personally appeared before the undersigned Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County, William Armington & Josian M Dowen two of the Subscribing witnesses to the foregoing will. Who after being duly Sworn upon their oathes deposeth and Saith. that they were personally present when David Lee the wethin named Testator Subscribed his name to the foregoing Will and openly and loudly published and declared and declared the Same to be his true last will and Testament.
"that they these deponants and Samuel Beal & John K Evington the other Subscribing witnesses thereto Signed their names to the Same in the presence of the said Testator and at his request, and in the presence of each other, and further that the said Testator was at the time of Subscribing the same, of perfect mind and memory as they
verlily believe, and further Saith not -- Josiah M Doan
W Armington"
"Switzerland County S.S.
"I Edward Patten Clerk of the Switzerland County Probate Court, do hereby Certify that the foregoing proof of the foregoing will was taken Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the 7th day of November A.D. 1836.
"In testimony whereof I do hereunto Set my hand and affix the Seal of Said Probate Court at Vevay the 7th day of November A.D. 1836. Edward Patton Clk"
David Lee wrote his second will on Jan 14, 1837. Switzerland County, Indiana court records reflect:
"Be it remembered that on the Ninth day of March A.D. 1848 at the office of the Clerk of the Probate Court of said county in the town of Vevay in said county personally came David Lee one of the executors named in the last will and testament of David Lee Sen. Deceased late of this county and prayed to have the same proved and admitted to record, which accordingly is done, and the said will and proof thereon endorsed are in the words and figures following -Viz
"This last will and testament of David Lee.
"I David Lee of the County of Switzerland and State of Indiana, do Make and Publish this my last will and testament, Surely invoking and making Void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
"First I direct that my body be decently intered and that My Funeral be Conducted in a Manner Corrisponding with my Estate and Situation in life: and to Such Worldly Estate as it has pleased God to intrust me with I dispose of the Same in the following Manner to Wit.
"I direct first that all my just debts and funeral Expences be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of the first Monies that Shall Come to the hands of my executors from any portion of My Estate, real or personal.
The main body of the will reads virtually word for word as the first will. However, it concludes with an added provision to protect his widow. "It is not my intention that my property should be sold but that my youngest Son David Lee aforesaid Should pay off the legacies aforesaid when due and retain the property, if however he neglects or refuses to pay the legacies aforesaid at the time aforesaid, or neglect or refuse to maintain Ann Lee his Mother in the Manner and form aforesaid, then and in that case the property must be sold to pay the Several legatees & this funral Acceounts aforesaid. And I hereby Make and ordain my beloved wife Ann Lee my Executrix and my affectionate youngest son David Lee aforesaid my Executor of this my last will and testament.
"In Witness Whereof, I David Lee the Testator hair herunto set my hand and seal on this the fourteenth day of January in the year of Our Lord, One Thousand Eight hundred and Thirty Seven. David Lee Seal"
"Signed sealed published and declared by the above Named David Lee as his last will and testament, in the presence of us who have herunto subscribed our Names as witnesses thereto, in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence of each Other on the (14th) day of January A.D. 1837: -James H Deefour Joseph Peelman
"State of Indiana, Switzerland County S.S.
"Be it remembered that on the ninth day of March A.D. 1848 Personally appeared before the Clerk of the probate court of said county Joseph Peelman a man of lawful age and one of the subscribing witnesses to the following will who after being duly sworn upon his oath deposeth and saith that he was personally present when David Lee signed the foregoing will and declared the same to be his last will and testament,
"That he this deponat and James H. Deefour the other subscribing witness thereto subscribed their names as witnesses to said will in the presence of Each other, in the presence of the said David Lee the testator, and at his request, That said will was duly Executed in his the deponent's presence, That the said Testator at the time of Executing the same was of full age to devise his property, and of sound Mind and Memory, And not Under Coercion and restraint. Joseph Peelman
"I Edward Patton Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County do certify that the foregoing proof of the foregoing will, was taken sworn to and Subscribed before Me on the Ninth day of March A.D. 1848:
"In Witness Whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 9th day of March A.D. 1848 Edward Patton, Clerk"
In the 1850 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township, Ann Lee 73 was living with her youngest son David Lee 33, and his family.
In the 1860 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township, Ann Lee 83 was still living with David 43 and his family.
David Lee was buried in the Lee (Methodist) Cemetery. His tombstone read, before it was destroyed, "David Lee d. Feb 25, 1848 aged 82 yrs 8 mo 6 days". The cemetery is located in Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana on the west side of the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 3, Town 3, Range 3, and is known as Lee's Burial Ground. It is approximately one mile southwest of State Route 250, on Lee Road.
The children of David Lee and Anna Longberry were:
i Josiah, b. 1794 or before (age 26-44 in the 1820 census)
ii Catherine, m. John Riley on Aug 13, 1814, Butler County, Ohio
iii Sarah, m. George A. Clark on Jun 17, 1820, Switzerland County, Indiana
*iv Mariah (Polly), b. Aug 16, 1801, m. Miner Chambers on Jul 12, 1818, d. Oct 23, 1846
v Rebecca, b. 1804 in Butler County, Ohio, m. 1st, Ruben Dearborn on Oct 29, 1828; 2nd, Robert Drummond on Dec 14, 1839, d. Aug 24, 1845 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana
vi Mary (Massy), b. 1810, m. Benjamin Pickett on Sep 29, 1829, d. May 30, 1884
vii William Longberry, b. Jun 23, 1812, m. Mitilda Fay on Aug 3, 1830, d. Dec 12, 1872
viii Anna, b. 1815 in Butler County, Ohio, m. 1st, Stephen G. Leatherbury on May 25, 1841; 2nd, John Tague on Nov 20, 1845, d. Jun 1872, Switzerland County, Indiana
ix David, b. Dec 19, 1817 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana, m. Jane (Seymour?) Brown on Feb 28, 1834, d. Aug 26 or 29, 1906
He married Anna Longberry on Jun 9, 1794 in Allegany County, Maryland. She was born Jun 22, 1773 in New Jersey and died Feb 28, 1861 at the age of 87 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana. She was the daughter of William and Catherine Longberry.
We can place David's birthplace thanks to statements by William H. Lee, son of David Lee Junior, which were put in the "Vevay Reveille" in the early 1900s. "The Early Settlers of
Western Allegheny County" lists Joseph and Jacob Lee as among the earliest settlers of Western
Allegheny County in Maryland. David Lee is shown applying for ownership of land near Joseph in 1788 when the area was officially opened for settlement. The settlers of Western Allegheny County were required to petition for ownership of lands they had lived on for as much as thirty years. Most of these men had served in the French and Indian War and had served under George Washington with the promise of land for their efforts in the militia.
David Lee served in the Maryland Militia in 1790.
David Lee was also listed in public records for the following:
"William Harcourt sold to David Lee, both of Alleghany County, Maryland, for 60 pounds Maryland Money, everything in his possession including his signboard, also the debts owed him by William Anderson, James O'Hara , Malen Lonsore and all book accounts. Recording fee: 19 pounds of tobacco." (P. 588, recorded Oct 16, 1798)
We can only speculate as to what David was doing to support his family. David and Anna were married June 9, 1794 with census records showing that their eldest, Josiah, being born in 1794 or prior.
Anna Lee is shown in the 1800 census,but not David. He was probably scouting the trip to Ohio or selling his product as they were building the National Trail from Cumberland up into Pennsylvania.
Later census records indicate that Anna and David moved through Pennsylvania where their fourth child was born in 1801. We can track the path thru Ohio with the birth of their sixth and seventh children who were born in 1810 and 1812. If you can imagine the efforts this must have taken in 1801 traveling from Cumberland, Maryland up thru the mountains on the National Trail by oxcart at the rate of about six to eight miles a day. They made their way to Pittsburg area crossing those cold rivers on ferries pulled by mules or horses. They then made their way to Pickaway County, Monroe Township, Ohio where Anna's father, William Longberry, settled. William died in 1814 according to the will records. Anna's brother, Charles Longberry, became a prominent citizen, being mentioned in the local history books at Circleville, Ohio.
On August 25, 1802, David Lee filed for Federal Land located Range 1E, Twp 5, Sec 24 in the Miami River Survey(A). This property was within the boundaries of Hamilton County, Ohio at that time and David's residence on the filing was listed as Hamilton County, Ohio. According to Federal Land Series, Vol I, 1788-1810, David made an additional fractional purchase for R1 Twp5, Sec 24 on November 26, 1807.
In the year 1803 Butler County was created form the northern portion of Hamilton County, Ohio.
The legal description above is located in Butler County just East of Oxford, Ohio and is currently occupied by the Miami University (Ohio) stables. Immediately to the East of this property is a nature preserve occupied by the log cabin of Zachariah DeWitt who purchase the land from David Lee about 1814. David filed on land in Cotton Twp, Switzerland County, Indiana in 1815. There are stories about family members sleeping in a giant poplar tree in their first days at the site just south of Fairview, Indiana where the big old brick house still stands. It was built in the 1840s after the previous two storey log home was destroyed by fire. David Lee was a wealthy farmer by all indications owning much farm land in the area south of Fairview. He farmed more than two thousand acres and gave away much land to his children. In the first will he had disowned his oldest daughter Catherine when she had married John Reilly in Butler Co, Ohio on August 31, 1814. He later reconsidered and put her back in the second will.
In The History of Cotton Township, it states:
"One story that was told about Indians of this area was told me by Mr. Alfred Pate of Dillsboro, Indiana, now 92 years young. Mr. Pate is the great-grandson of the early pioneer settler David Lee, Sr. that located one-half mile south of Fairview on the Fairview road where the Robert Furnish farm is located. Mr. Lee settled this land in 1813 according to land grant records.
"Mr. Lee and his family spent their first night on their land under a large cottonwood tree near the location where the Lee home was built. Mr. Lee built a log house there and lived there until it was destroyed by fire. He was determined to build a house not so easily destroyed by fire.
"The brick for the present house was fired on the farm as was the custom in those early days. The outer walls of the house are 12 inches thick--all brick. The windows have stone sills and lentils. The roof was slate and is still intact. It was imperative the building be built strong in order to support the weight of the slate roof.
"There was a friendly Indian in the area known as Friday and he would call at the Lee homestead and Mrs. Lee would give him bread and salt. He became very friendly and called frequently. One day he warned Mrs. Lee that her husband's life was in danger. He said an Indian was to kill him, that he would call on them soon.
"A few days went by and a rap came on the door one evening. Mr. Lee prepared his gun as Mrs. Lee answered the door. The Indian standing at the door was Friday himself and Mrs. Lee quickly announced his name as Mr. Lee was about to discharge his gun. Mrs. Lee apparently saved this Indian's life by her quick announcement. He said that no other Indian ever called and tried to take Mr. Lee's life. Apparently there were false rumors in the Indian camp in those days also.
"Mr. Lee died at his home February 25, 1848 and was buried in the Lee Cemetery just south of there."
The David Lee home is also featured in a 1969 publication, An Architectural and Historical Survey of Switzerland County:
"Here is an interesting bit of history about Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana, by the great great grandson of David Lee, Sr., and Ann, his wife. David Lee, Sr. was born Apr 4, 1765, in Virginia and died February 25, 1848, in the two-story brick homestead, one mile south of Fairview. The Lee family spent their first night on the homestead site under a large cottonwood tree near the present brick house. David Lee, Sr., built a log house on the section of land purchased from President James Monroe. . . Mr. Lee built two brick buildings in back of the house--one for a smokehouse and the other for wood."
On Feb 23, 1815, David Lee of Butler Co, Ohio, filed for the 5E¼ of Sec 3, Range 3, Twp 3. On Feb 26, 1833, he filed for the 5E¼ NE¼ of Sec 3 to further expand the home property. Fairview was called Sugar Branch until 1911.
In the 1820 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township (Roll 14, page 174), the David Lee family consisted of two males under ten (David, Jr. 2 and William 8), one male 26 and under 45 (Josiah), one male 45 and older (David 55), one female under ten (Ann), two females ten and under 16 (Mary 10 and Rebecca 15), and one female 45 and older (Anna 47). The family was listed just after the Miner Chambers family (Miner Chambers married their daughter Mariah Lee in 1818).
In the 1830 census for Switzerland County, Indiana (Roll 32), the David Lee family consisted of one male under five, one male five and under ten, one male 60 and under 70 (David 65), one female 15 and under 20 (Mary 19), one female 50 and under 60 (Anna 57), and one female 70 and under 80 (Anna's mother Catherine 79).
David Lee wrote his first will on Nov 7, 1836 in Switzerland County, Indiana:
"Be it remembered that on the Seventh day of November A.D. 1836 at the office of the Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County Come Samuel Beal and produced the last Will and Testament of David Lee late of Said County deceased and prayed to have the Same proven and admitted to record which accordingly is done. And Said will and proof thereof reads in the words and figuers following, to wit.
"In the Name of God Amen
"I David Lee of the County of Switzerland and State of Indiana do make order and declare this instrument to be my last will & Testament revokeing all others
"Imprimis. All my debts are to be punctually and speedily paid and the legacies hereuntoafter bequeathed are to be discharged as soon as circumstances will permit and in manner directed --
"Item to my dearly beloved wife Ann Lee I give and bequeath so much of my estate as may be necessary for her comfort and maintenance during her natural life, my meaning is, that my wife Ann Lee Shall have one comfortable room in my house exclusively for her own benefit if She desires it and everything that is necessary to make as comfortable as the nature of her Situeation will admit of during her natural life, and I do most Solemnly enjoin it on my execetor to See that this Itemn is most releigiously observed in every point.
"Itemn -- To my eldest Son Josiah Lee I give and bequeath thirty Dollars to be paid in Six Years after my decease
"Item -- To my daughter Catharine Riley wife of John Riley I give and bequeath Seventy dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease
"Item -- To Sarah Clark (my daughter) wife of George Clark I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my daughter Polly Chambers wife of Miner Chambers I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- to my Daughter Rebecca Dearborn wife of Ruben Dearborn I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item. To my daughter Mary Pickett (wife of Benjamin Pickett) I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my Son William Longbury Lee I give and bequeath Ten Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my youngest Daughter Ann Lee I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my Son David Lee I give and bequeth all the rest and residue of my estate real and personal after the legacys are paid as before mentioned in whatsoever consisting wheresoever lying and wheresoever found. It is not my intention that my property Should be Sold. But that my youngest Son David Lee Should pay off the legacys when due and retain the property. If he neglects or refuses to pay the bequests, at or before the time mentioned of Course the property must be sold to pay them --
"Lastly. I Constitute and appoint my dearly and beloved wife Ann Lee, and my youngest Son David Lee My Executrix and Executor of this my last Will & testament
"In witness of all and each of the things herein contained I have Set my hand and Seal this eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty six in presence of
Samuel Beal David Lee Seal
W. Armington
Josiah M Doan
John K Evington"
"State of Indiana Switzerland County S.S.
"Be it remembered that now on the 7th day of November 1836 personally appeared before the undersigned Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County, William Armington & Josian M Dowen two of the Subscribing witnesses to the foregoing will. Who after being duly Sworn upon their oathes deposeth and Saith. that they were personally present when David Lee the wethin named Testator Subscribed his name to the foregoing Will and openly and loudly published and declared and declared the Same to be his true last will and Testament.
"that they these deponants and Samuel Beal & John K Evington the other Subscribing witnesses thereto Signed their names to the Same in the presence of the said Testator and at his request, and in the presence of each other, and further that the said Testator was at the time of Subscribing the same, of perfect mind and memory as they
verlily believe, and further Saith not -- Josiah M Doan
W Armington"
"Switzerland County S.S.
"I Edward Patten Clerk of the Switzerland County Probate Court, do hereby Certify that the foregoing proof of the foregoing will was taken Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the 7th day of November A.D. 1836.
"In testimony whereof I do hereunto Set my hand and affix the Seal of Said Probate Court at Vevay the 7th day of November A.D. 1836. Edward Patton Clk"
David Lee wrote his second will on Jan 14, 1837. Switzerland County, Indiana court records reflect:
"Be it remembered that on the Ninth day of March A.D. 1848 at the office of the Clerk of the Probate Court of said county in the town of Vevay in said county personally came David Lee one of the executors named in the last will and testament of David Lee Sen. Deceased late of this county and prayed to have the same proved and admitted to record, which accordingly is done, and the said will and proof thereon endorsed are in the words and figures following -Viz
"This last will and testament of David Lee.
"I David Lee of the County of Switzerland and State of Indiana, do Make and Publish this my last will and testament, Surely invoking and making Void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
"First I direct that my body be decently intered and that My Funeral be Conducted in a Manner Corrisponding with my Estate and Situation in life: and to Such Worldly Estate as it has pleased God to intrust me with I dispose of the Same in the following Manner to Wit.
"I direct first that all my just debts and funeral Expences be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of the first Monies that Shall Come to the hands of my executors from any portion of My Estate, real or personal.
The main body of the will reads virtually word for word as the first will. However, it concludes with an added provision to protect his widow. "It is not my intention that my property should be sold but that my youngest Son David Lee aforesaid Should pay off the legacies aforesaid when due and retain the property, if however he neglects or refuses to pay the legacies aforesaid at the time aforesaid, or neglect or refuse to maintain Ann Lee his Mother in the Manner and form aforesaid, then and in that case the property must be sold to pay the Several legatees & this funral Acceounts aforesaid. And I hereby Make and ordain my beloved wife Ann Lee my Executrix and my affectionate youngest son David Lee aforesaid my Executor of this my last will and testament.
"In Witness Whereof, I David Lee the Testator hair herunto set my hand and seal on this the fourteenth day of January in the year of Our Lord, One Thousand Eight hundred and Thirty Seven. David Lee Seal"
"Signed sealed published and declared by the above Named David Lee as his last will and testament, in the presence of us who have herunto subscribed our Names as witnesses thereto, in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence of each Other on the (14th) day of January A.D. 1837: -James H Deefour Joseph Peelman
"State of Indiana, Switzerland County S.S.
"Be it remembered that on the ninth day of March A.D. 1848 Personally appeared before the Clerk of the probate court of said county Joseph Peelman a man of lawful age and one of the subscribing witnesses to the following will who after being duly sworn upon his oath deposeth and saith that he was personally present when David Lee signed the foregoing will and declared the same to be his last will and testament,
"That he this deponat and James H. Deefour the other subscribing witness thereto subscribed their names as witnesses to said will in the presence of Each other, in the presence of the said David Lee the testator, and at his request, That said will was duly Executed in his the deponent's presence, That the said Testator at the time of Executing the same was of full age to devise his property, and of sound Mind and Memory, And not Under Coercion and restraint. Joseph Peelman
"I Edward Patton Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County do certify that the foregoing proof of the foregoing will, was taken sworn to and Subscribed before Me on the Ninth day of March A.D. 1848:
"In Witness Whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 9th day of March A.D. 1848 Edward Patton, Clerk"
In the 1850 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township, Ann Lee 73 was living with her youngest son David Lee 33, and his family.
In the 1860 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township, Ann Lee 83 was still living with David 43 and his family.
David Lee was buried in the Lee (Methodist) Cemetery. His tombstone read, before it was destroyed, "David Lee d. Feb 25, 1848 aged 82 yrs 8 mo 6 days". The cemetery is located in Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana on the west side of the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 3, Town 3, Range 3, and is known as Lee's Burial Ground. It is approximately one mile southwest of State Route 250, on Lee Road.
The children of David Lee and Anna Longberry were:
i Josiah, b. 1794 or before (age 26-44 in the 1820 census)
ii Catherine, m. John Riley on Aug 13, 1814, Butler County, Ohio
iii Sarah, m. George A. Clark on Jun 17, 1820, Switzerland County, Indiana
*iv Mariah (Polly), b. Aug 16, 1801, m. Miner Chambers on Jul 12, 1818, d. Oct 23, 1846
v Rebecca, b. 1804 in Butler County, Ohio, m. 1st, Ruben Dearborn on Oct 29, 1828; 2nd, Robert Drummond on Dec 14, 1839, d. Aug 24, 1845 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana
vi Mary (Massy), b. 1810, m. Benjamin Pickett on Sep 29, 1829, d. May 30, 1884
vii William Longberry, b. Jun 23, 1812, m. Mitilda Fay on Aug 3, 1830, d. Dec 12, 1872
viii Anna, b. 1815 in Butler County, Ohio, m. 1st, Stephen G. Leatherbury on May 25, 1841; 2nd, John Tague on Nov 20, 1845, d. Jun 1872, Switzerland County, Indiana
ix David, b. Dec 19, 1817 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana, m. Jane (Seymour?) Brown on Feb 28, 1834, d. Aug 26 or 29, 1906
David Lee was born Apr 19, 1765 on the North Branch of the Potomac River in Allegany County, Maryland and died Feb 25, 1848 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana at the age of 82.
He married Anna Longberry on Jun 9, 1794 in Allegany County, Maryland. She was born Jun 22, 1773 in New Jersey and died Feb 28, 1861 at the age of 87 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana. She was the daughter of William and Catherine Longberry.
We can place David's birthplace thanks to statements by William H. Lee, son of David Lee Junior, which were put in the "Vevay Reveille" in the early 1900s. "The Early Settlers of
Western Allegheny County" lists Joseph and Jacob Lee as among the earliest settlers of Western
Allegheny County in Maryland. David Lee is shown applying for ownership of land near Joseph in 1788 when the area was officially opened for settlement. The settlers of Western Allegheny County were required to petition for ownership of lands they had lived on for as much as thirty years. Most of these men had served in the French and Indian War and had served under George Washington with the promise of land for their efforts in the militia.
David Lee served in the Maryland Militia in 1790.
David Lee was also listed in public records for the following:
"William Harcourt sold to David Lee, both of Alleghany County, Maryland, for 60 pounds Maryland Money, everything in his possession including his signboard, also the debts owed him by William Anderson, James O'Hara , Malen Lonsore and all book accounts. Recording fee: 19 pounds of tobacco." (P. 588, recorded Oct 16, 1798)
We can only speculate as to what David was doing to support his family. David and Anna were married June 9, 1794 with census records showing that their eldest, Josiah, being born in 1794 or prior.
Anna Lee is shown in the 1800 census,but not David. He was probably scouting the trip to Ohio or selling his product as they were building the National Trail from Cumberland up into Pennsylvania.
Later census records indicate that Anna and David moved through Pennsylvania where their fourth child was born in 1801. We can track the path thru Ohio with the birth of their sixth and seventh children who were born in 1810 and 1812. If you can imagine the efforts this must have taken in 1801 traveling from Cumberland, Maryland up thru the mountains on the National Trail by oxcart at the rate of about six to eight miles a day. They made their way to Pittsburg area crossing those cold rivers on ferries pulled by mules or horses. They then made their way to Pickaway County, Monroe Township, Ohio where Anna's father, William Longberry, settled. William died in 1814 according to the will records. Anna's brother, Charles Longberry, became a prominent citizen, being mentioned in the local history books at Circleville, Ohio.
On August 25, 1802, David Lee filed for Federal Land located Range 1E, Twp 5, Sec 24 in the Miami River Survey(A). This property was within the boundaries of Hamilton County, Ohio at that time and David's residence on the filing was listed as Hamilton County, Ohio. According to Federal Land Series, Vol I, 1788-1810, David made an additional fractional purchase for R1 Twp5, Sec 24 on November 26, 1807.
In the year 1803 Butler County was created form the northern portion of Hamilton County, Ohio.
The legal description above is located in Butler County just East of Oxford, Ohio and is currently occupied by the Miami University (Ohio) stables. Immediately to the East of this property is a nature preserve occupied by the log cabin of Zachariah DeWitt who purchase the land from David Lee about 1814. David filed on land in Cotton Twp, Switzerland County, Indiana in 1815. There are stories about family members sleeping in a giant poplar tree in their first days at the site just south of Fairview, Indiana where the big old brick house still stands. It was built in the 1840s after the previous two storey log home was destroyed by fire. David Lee was a wealthy farmer by all indications owning much farm land in the area south of Fairview. He farmed more than two thousand acres and gave away much land to his children. In the first will he had disowned his oldest daughter Catherine when she had married John Reilly in Butler Co, Ohio on August 31, 1814. He later reconsidered and put her back in the second will.
In The History of Cotton Township, it states:
"One story that was told about Indians of this area was told me by Mr. Alfred Pate of Dillsboro, Indiana, now 92 years young. Mr. Pate is the great-grandson of the early pioneer settler David Lee, Sr. that located one-half mile south of Fairview on the Fairview road where the Robert Furnish farm is located. Mr. Lee settled this land in 1813 according to land grant records.
"Mr. Lee and his family spent their first night on their land under a large cottonwood tree near the location where the Lee home was built. Mr. Lee built a log house there and lived there until it was destroyed by fire. He was determined to build a house not so easily destroyed by fire.
"The brick for the present house was fired on the farm as was the custom in those early days. The outer walls of the house are 12 inches thick--all brick. The windows have stone sills and lentils. The roof was slate and is still intact. It was imperative the building be built strong in order to support the weight of the slate roof.
"There was a friendly Indian in the area known as Friday and he would call at the Lee homestead and Mrs. Lee would give him bread and salt. He became very friendly and called frequently. One day he warned Mrs. Lee that her husband's life was in danger. He said an Indian was to kill him, that he would call on them soon.
"A few days went by and a rap came on the door one evening. Mr. Lee prepared his gun as Mrs. Lee answered the door. The Indian standing at the door was Friday himself and Mrs. Lee quickly announced his name as Mr. Lee was about to discharge his gun. Mrs. Lee apparently saved this Indian's life by her quick announcement. He said that no other Indian ever called and tried to take Mr. Lee's life. Apparently there were false rumors in the Indian camp in those days also.
"Mr. Lee died at his home February 25, 1848 and was buried in the Lee Cemetery just south of there."
The David Lee home is also featured in a 1969 publication, An Architectural and Historical Survey of Switzerland County:
"Here is an interesting bit of history about Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana, by the great great grandson of David Lee, Sr., and Ann, his wife. David Lee, Sr. was born Apr 4, 1765, in Virginia and died February 25, 1848, in the two-story brick homestead, one mile south of Fairview. The Lee family spent their first night on the homestead site under a large cottonwood tree near the present brick house. David Lee, Sr., built a log house on the section of land purchased from President James Monroe. . . Mr. Lee built two brick buildings in back of the house--one for a smokehouse and the other for wood."
On Feb 23, 1815, David Lee of Butler Co, Ohio, filed for the 5E¼ of Sec 3, Range 3, Twp 3. On Feb 26, 1833, he filed for the 5E¼ NE¼ of Sec 3 to further expand the home property. Fairview was called Sugar Branch until 1911.
In the 1820 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township (Roll 14, page 174), the David Lee family consisted of two males under ten (David, Jr. 2 and William 8), one male 26 and under 45 (Josiah), one male 45 and older (David 55), one female under ten (Ann), two females ten and under 16 (Mary 10 and Rebecca 15), and one female 45 and older (Anna 47). The family was listed just after the Miner Chambers family (Miner Chambers married their daughter Mariah Lee in 1818).
In the 1830 census for Switzerland County, Indiana (Roll 32), the David Lee family consisted of one male under five, one male five and under ten, one male 60 and under 70 (David 65), one female 15 and under 20 (Mary 19), one female 50 and under 60 (Anna 57), and one female 70 and under 80 (Anna's mother Catherine 79).
David Lee wrote his first will on Nov 7, 1836 in Switzerland County, Indiana:
"Be it remembered that on the Seventh day of November A.D. 1836 at the office of the Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County Come Samuel Beal and produced the last Will and Testament of David Lee late of Said County deceased and prayed to have the Same proven and admitted to record which accordingly is done. And Said will and proof thereof reads in the words and figuers following, to wit.
"In the Name of God Amen
"I David Lee of the County of Switzerland and State of Indiana do make order and declare this instrument to be my last will & Testament revokeing all others
"Imprimis. All my debts are to be punctually and speedily paid and the legacies hereuntoafter bequeathed are to be discharged as soon as circumstances will permit and in manner directed --
"Item to my dearly beloved wife Ann Lee I give and bequeath so much of my estate as may be necessary for her comfort and maintenance during her natural life, my meaning is, that my wife Ann Lee Shall have one comfortable room in my house exclusively for her own benefit if She desires it and everything that is necessary to make as comfortable as the nature of her Situeation will admit of during her natural life, and I do most Solemnly enjoin it on my execetor to See that this Itemn is most releigiously observed in every point.
"Itemn -- To my eldest Son Josiah Lee I give and bequeath thirty Dollars to be paid in Six Years after my decease
"Item -- To my daughter Catharine Riley wife of John Riley I give and bequeath Seventy dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease
"Item -- To Sarah Clark (my daughter) wife of George Clark I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my daughter Polly Chambers wife of Miner Chambers I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- to my Daughter Rebecca Dearborn wife of Ruben Dearborn I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item. To my daughter Mary Pickett (wife of Benjamin Pickett) I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my Son William Longbury Lee I give and bequeath Ten Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my youngest Daughter Ann Lee I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my Son David Lee I give and bequeth all the rest and residue of my estate real and personal after the legacys are paid as before mentioned in whatsoever consisting wheresoever lying and wheresoever found. It is not my intention that my property Should be Sold. But that my youngest Son David Lee Should pay off the legacys when due and retain the property. If he neglects or refuses to pay the bequests, at or before the time mentioned of Course the property must be sold to pay them --
"Lastly. I Constitute and appoint my dearly and beloved wife Ann Lee, and my youngest Son David Lee My Executrix and Executor of this my last Will & testament
"In witness of all and each of the things herein contained I have Set my hand and Seal this eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty six in presence of
Samuel Beal David Lee Seal
W. Armington
Josiah M Doan
John K Evington"
"State of Indiana Switzerland County S.S.
"Be it remembered that now on the 7th day of November 1836 personally appeared before the undersigned Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County, William Armington & Josian M Dowen two of the Subscribing witnesses to the foregoing will. Who after being duly Sworn upon their oathes deposeth and Saith. that they were personally present when David Lee the wethin named Testator Subscribed his name to the foregoing Will and openly and loudly published and declared and declared the Same to be his true last will and Testament.
"that they these deponants and Samuel Beal & John K Evington the other Subscribing witnesses thereto Signed their names to the Same in the presence of the said Testator and at his request, and in the presence of each other, and further that the said Testator was at the time of Subscribing the same, of perfect mind and memory as they
verlily believe, and further Saith not -- Josiah M Doan
W Armington"
"Switzerland County S.S.
"I Edward Patten Clerk of the Switzerland County Probate Court, do hereby Certify that the foregoing proof of the foregoing will was taken Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the 7th day of November A.D. 1836.
"In testimony whereof I do hereunto Set my hand and affix the Seal of Said Probate Court at Vevay the 7th day of November A.D. 1836. Edward Patton Clk"
David Lee wrote his second will on Jan 14, 1837. Switzerland County, Indiana court records reflect:
"Be it remembered that on the Ninth day of March A.D. 1848 at the office of the Clerk of the Probate Court of said county in the town of Vevay in said county personally came David Lee one of the executors named in the last will and testament of David Lee Sen. Deceased late of this county and prayed to have the same proved and admitted to record, which accordingly is done, and the said will and proof thereon endorsed are in the words and figures following -Viz
"This last will and testament of David Lee.
"I David Lee of the County of Switzerland and State of Indiana, do Make and Publish this my last will and testament, Surely invoking and making Void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
"First I direct that my body be decently intered and that My Funeral be Conducted in a Manner Corrisponding with my Estate and Situation in life: and to Such Worldly Estate as it has pleased God to intrust me with I dispose of the Same in the following Manner to Wit.
"I direct first that all my just debts and funeral Expences be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of the first Monies that Shall Come to the hands of my executors from any portion of My Estate, real or personal.
The main body of the will reads virtually word for word as the first will. However, it concludes with an added provision to protect his widow. "It is not my intention that my property should be sold but that my youngest Son David Lee aforesaid Should pay off the legacies aforesaid when due and retain the property, if however he neglects or refuses to pay the legacies aforesaid at the time aforesaid, or neglect or refuse to maintain Ann Lee his Mother in the Manner and form aforesaid, then and in that case the property must be sold to pay the Several legatees & this funral Acceounts aforesaid. And I hereby Make and ordain my beloved wife Ann Lee my Executrix and my affectionate youngest son David Lee aforesaid my Executor of this my last will and testament.
"In Witness Whereof, I David Lee the Testator hair herunto set my hand and seal on this the fourteenth day of January in the year of Our Lord, One Thousand Eight hundred and Thirty Seven. David Lee Seal"
"Signed sealed published and declared by the above Named David Lee as his last will and testament, in the presence of us who have herunto subscribed our Names as witnesses thereto, in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence of each Other on the (14th) day of January A.D. 1837: -James H Deefour Joseph Peelman
"State of Indiana, Switzerland County S.S.
"Be it remembered that on the ninth day of March A.D. 1848 Personally appeared before the Clerk of the probate court of said county Joseph Peelman a man of lawful age and one of the subscribing witnesses to the following will who after being duly sworn upon his oath deposeth and saith that he was personally present when David Lee signed the foregoing will and declared the same to be his last will and testament,
"That he this deponat and James H. Deefour the other subscribing witness thereto subscribed their names as witnesses to said will in the presence of Each other, in the presence of the said David Lee the testator, and at his request, That said will was duly Executed in his the deponent's presence, That the said Testator at the time of Executing the same was of full age to devise his property, and of sound Mind and Memory, And not Under Coercion and restraint. Joseph Peelman
"I Edward Patton Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County do certify that the foregoing proof of the foregoing will, was taken sworn to and Subscribed before Me on the Ninth day of March A.D. 1848:
"In Witness Whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 9th day of March A.D. 1848 Edward Patton, Clerk"
In the 1850 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township, Ann Lee 73 was living with her youngest son David Lee 33, and his family.
In the 1860 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township, Ann Lee 83 was still living with David 43 and his family.
David Lee was buried in the Lee (Methodist) Cemetery. His tombstone read, before it was destroyed, "David Lee d. Feb 25, 1848 aged 82 yrs 8 mo 6 days". The cemetery is located in Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana on the west side of the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 3, Town 3, Range 3, and is known as Lee's Burial Ground. It is approximately one mile southwest of State Route 250, on Lee Road.
The children of David Lee and Anna Longberry were:
i Josiah, b. 1794 or before (age 26-44 in the 1820 census)
ii Catherine, m. John Riley on Aug 13, 1814, Butler County, Ohio
iii Sarah, m. George A. Clark on Jun 17, 1820, Switzerland County, Indiana
*iv Mariah (Polly), b. Aug 16, 1801, m. Miner Chambers on Jul 12, 1818, d. Oct 23, 1846
v Rebecca, b. 1804 in Butler County, Ohio, m. 1st, Ruben Dearborn on Oct 29, 1828; 2nd, Robert Drummond on Dec 14, 1839, d. Aug 24, 1845 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana
vi Mary (Massy), b. 1810, m. Benjamin Pickett on Sep 29, 1829, d. May 30, 1884
vii William Longberry, b. Jun 23, 1812, m. Mitilda Fay on Aug 3, 1830, d. Dec 12, 1872
viii Anna, b. 1815 in Butler County, Ohio, m. 1st, Stephen G. Leatherbury on May 25, 1841; 2nd, John Tague on Nov 20, 1845, d. Jun 1872, Switzerland County, Indiana
ix David, b. Dec 19, 1817 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana, m. Jane (Seymour?) Brown on Feb 28, 1834, d. Aug 26 or 29, 1906
He married Anna Longberry on Jun 9, 1794 in Allegany County, Maryland. She was born Jun 22, 1773 in New Jersey and died Feb 28, 1861 at the age of 87 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana. She was the daughter of William and Catherine Longberry.
We can place David's birthplace thanks to statements by William H. Lee, son of David Lee Junior, which were put in the "Vevay Reveille" in the early 1900s. "The Early Settlers of
Western Allegheny County" lists Joseph and Jacob Lee as among the earliest settlers of Western
Allegheny County in Maryland. David Lee is shown applying for ownership of land near Joseph in 1788 when the area was officially opened for settlement. The settlers of Western Allegheny County were required to petition for ownership of lands they had lived on for as much as thirty years. Most of these men had served in the French and Indian War and had served under George Washington with the promise of land for their efforts in the militia.
David Lee served in the Maryland Militia in 1790.
David Lee was also listed in public records for the following:
"William Harcourt sold to David Lee, both of Alleghany County, Maryland, for 60 pounds Maryland Money, everything in his possession including his signboard, also the debts owed him by William Anderson, James O'Hara , Malen Lonsore and all book accounts. Recording fee: 19 pounds of tobacco." (P. 588, recorded Oct 16, 1798)
We can only speculate as to what David was doing to support his family. David and Anna were married June 9, 1794 with census records showing that their eldest, Josiah, being born in 1794 or prior.
Anna Lee is shown in the 1800 census,but not David. He was probably scouting the trip to Ohio or selling his product as they were building the National Trail from Cumberland up into Pennsylvania.
Later census records indicate that Anna and David moved through Pennsylvania where their fourth child was born in 1801. We can track the path thru Ohio with the birth of their sixth and seventh children who were born in 1810 and 1812. If you can imagine the efforts this must have taken in 1801 traveling from Cumberland, Maryland up thru the mountains on the National Trail by oxcart at the rate of about six to eight miles a day. They made their way to Pittsburg area crossing those cold rivers on ferries pulled by mules or horses. They then made their way to Pickaway County, Monroe Township, Ohio where Anna's father, William Longberry, settled. William died in 1814 according to the will records. Anna's brother, Charles Longberry, became a prominent citizen, being mentioned in the local history books at Circleville, Ohio.
On August 25, 1802, David Lee filed for Federal Land located Range 1E, Twp 5, Sec 24 in the Miami River Survey(A). This property was within the boundaries of Hamilton County, Ohio at that time and David's residence on the filing was listed as Hamilton County, Ohio. According to Federal Land Series, Vol I, 1788-1810, David made an additional fractional purchase for R1 Twp5, Sec 24 on November 26, 1807.
In the year 1803 Butler County was created form the northern portion of Hamilton County, Ohio.
The legal description above is located in Butler County just East of Oxford, Ohio and is currently occupied by the Miami University (Ohio) stables. Immediately to the East of this property is a nature preserve occupied by the log cabin of Zachariah DeWitt who purchase the land from David Lee about 1814. David filed on land in Cotton Twp, Switzerland County, Indiana in 1815. There are stories about family members sleeping in a giant poplar tree in their first days at the site just south of Fairview, Indiana where the big old brick house still stands. It was built in the 1840s after the previous two storey log home was destroyed by fire. David Lee was a wealthy farmer by all indications owning much farm land in the area south of Fairview. He farmed more than two thousand acres and gave away much land to his children. In the first will he had disowned his oldest daughter Catherine when she had married John Reilly in Butler Co, Ohio on August 31, 1814. He later reconsidered and put her back in the second will.
In The History of Cotton Township, it states:
"One story that was told about Indians of this area was told me by Mr. Alfred Pate of Dillsboro, Indiana, now 92 years young. Mr. Pate is the great-grandson of the early pioneer settler David Lee, Sr. that located one-half mile south of Fairview on the Fairview road where the Robert Furnish farm is located. Mr. Lee settled this land in 1813 according to land grant records.
"Mr. Lee and his family spent their first night on their land under a large cottonwood tree near the location where the Lee home was built. Mr. Lee built a log house there and lived there until it was destroyed by fire. He was determined to build a house not so easily destroyed by fire.
"The brick for the present house was fired on the farm as was the custom in those early days. The outer walls of the house are 12 inches thick--all brick. The windows have stone sills and lentils. The roof was slate and is still intact. It was imperative the building be built strong in order to support the weight of the slate roof.
"There was a friendly Indian in the area known as Friday and he would call at the Lee homestead and Mrs. Lee would give him bread and salt. He became very friendly and called frequently. One day he warned Mrs. Lee that her husband's life was in danger. He said an Indian was to kill him, that he would call on them soon.
"A few days went by and a rap came on the door one evening. Mr. Lee prepared his gun as Mrs. Lee answered the door. The Indian standing at the door was Friday himself and Mrs. Lee quickly announced his name as Mr. Lee was about to discharge his gun. Mrs. Lee apparently saved this Indian's life by her quick announcement. He said that no other Indian ever called and tried to take Mr. Lee's life. Apparently there were false rumors in the Indian camp in those days also.
"Mr. Lee died at his home February 25, 1848 and was buried in the Lee Cemetery just south of there."
The David Lee home is also featured in a 1969 publication, An Architectural and Historical Survey of Switzerland County:
"Here is an interesting bit of history about Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana, by the great great grandson of David Lee, Sr., and Ann, his wife. David Lee, Sr. was born Apr 4, 1765, in Virginia and died February 25, 1848, in the two-story brick homestead, one mile south of Fairview. The Lee family spent their first night on the homestead site under a large cottonwood tree near the present brick house. David Lee, Sr., built a log house on the section of land purchased from President James Monroe. . . Mr. Lee built two brick buildings in back of the house--one for a smokehouse and the other for wood."
On Feb 23, 1815, David Lee of Butler Co, Ohio, filed for the 5E¼ of Sec 3, Range 3, Twp 3. On Feb 26, 1833, he filed for the 5E¼ NE¼ of Sec 3 to further expand the home property. Fairview was called Sugar Branch until 1911.
In the 1820 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township (Roll 14, page 174), the David Lee family consisted of two males under ten (David, Jr. 2 and William 8), one male 26 and under 45 (Josiah), one male 45 and older (David 55), one female under ten (Ann), two females ten and under 16 (Mary 10 and Rebecca 15), and one female 45 and older (Anna 47). The family was listed just after the Miner Chambers family (Miner Chambers married their daughter Mariah Lee in 1818).
In the 1830 census for Switzerland County, Indiana (Roll 32), the David Lee family consisted of one male under five, one male five and under ten, one male 60 and under 70 (David 65), one female 15 and under 20 (Mary 19), one female 50 and under 60 (Anna 57), and one female 70 and under 80 (Anna's mother Catherine 79).
David Lee wrote his first will on Nov 7, 1836 in Switzerland County, Indiana:
"Be it remembered that on the Seventh day of November A.D. 1836 at the office of the Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County Come Samuel Beal and produced the last Will and Testament of David Lee late of Said County deceased and prayed to have the Same proven and admitted to record which accordingly is done. And Said will and proof thereof reads in the words and figuers following, to wit.
"In the Name of God Amen
"I David Lee of the County of Switzerland and State of Indiana do make order and declare this instrument to be my last will & Testament revokeing all others
"Imprimis. All my debts are to be punctually and speedily paid and the legacies hereuntoafter bequeathed are to be discharged as soon as circumstances will permit and in manner directed --
"Item to my dearly beloved wife Ann Lee I give and bequeath so much of my estate as may be necessary for her comfort and maintenance during her natural life, my meaning is, that my wife Ann Lee Shall have one comfortable room in my house exclusively for her own benefit if She desires it and everything that is necessary to make as comfortable as the nature of her Situeation will admit of during her natural life, and I do most Solemnly enjoin it on my execetor to See that this Itemn is most releigiously observed in every point.
"Itemn -- To my eldest Son Josiah Lee I give and bequeath thirty Dollars to be paid in Six Years after my decease
"Item -- To my daughter Catharine Riley wife of John Riley I give and bequeath Seventy dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease
"Item -- To Sarah Clark (my daughter) wife of George Clark I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my daughter Polly Chambers wife of Miner Chambers I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- to my Daughter Rebecca Dearborn wife of Ruben Dearborn I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item. To my daughter Mary Pickett (wife of Benjamin Pickett) I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my Son William Longbury Lee I give and bequeath Ten Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my youngest Daughter Ann Lee I give and bequeath Seventy Dollars to be paid in Six years after my decease.
"Item -- To my Son David Lee I give and bequeth all the rest and residue of my estate real and personal after the legacys are paid as before mentioned in whatsoever consisting wheresoever lying and wheresoever found. It is not my intention that my property Should be Sold. But that my youngest Son David Lee Should pay off the legacys when due and retain the property. If he neglects or refuses to pay the bequests, at or before the time mentioned of Course the property must be sold to pay them --
"Lastly. I Constitute and appoint my dearly and beloved wife Ann Lee, and my youngest Son David Lee My Executrix and Executor of this my last Will & testament
"In witness of all and each of the things herein contained I have Set my hand and Seal this eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty six in presence of
Samuel Beal David Lee Seal
W. Armington
Josiah M Doan
John K Evington"
"State of Indiana Switzerland County S.S.
"Be it remembered that now on the 7th day of November 1836 personally appeared before the undersigned Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County, William Armington & Josian M Dowen two of the Subscribing witnesses to the foregoing will. Who after being duly Sworn upon their oathes deposeth and Saith. that they were personally present when David Lee the wethin named Testator Subscribed his name to the foregoing Will and openly and loudly published and declared and declared the Same to be his true last will and Testament.
"that they these deponants and Samuel Beal & John K Evington the other Subscribing witnesses thereto Signed their names to the Same in the presence of the said Testator and at his request, and in the presence of each other, and further that the said Testator was at the time of Subscribing the same, of perfect mind and memory as they
verlily believe, and further Saith not -- Josiah M Doan
W Armington"
"Switzerland County S.S.
"I Edward Patten Clerk of the Switzerland County Probate Court, do hereby Certify that the foregoing proof of the foregoing will was taken Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the 7th day of November A.D. 1836.
"In testimony whereof I do hereunto Set my hand and affix the Seal of Said Probate Court at Vevay the 7th day of November A.D. 1836. Edward Patton Clk"
David Lee wrote his second will on Jan 14, 1837. Switzerland County, Indiana court records reflect:
"Be it remembered that on the Ninth day of March A.D. 1848 at the office of the Clerk of the Probate Court of said county in the town of Vevay in said county personally came David Lee one of the executors named in the last will and testament of David Lee Sen. Deceased late of this county and prayed to have the same proved and admitted to record, which accordingly is done, and the said will and proof thereon endorsed are in the words and figures following -Viz
"This last will and testament of David Lee.
"I David Lee of the County of Switzerland and State of Indiana, do Make and Publish this my last will and testament, Surely invoking and making Void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
"First I direct that my body be decently intered and that My Funeral be Conducted in a Manner Corrisponding with my Estate and Situation in life: and to Such Worldly Estate as it has pleased God to intrust me with I dispose of the Same in the following Manner to Wit.
"I direct first that all my just debts and funeral Expences be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of the first Monies that Shall Come to the hands of my executors from any portion of My Estate, real or personal.
The main body of the will reads virtually word for word as the first will. However, it concludes with an added provision to protect his widow. "It is not my intention that my property should be sold but that my youngest Son David Lee aforesaid Should pay off the legacies aforesaid when due and retain the property, if however he neglects or refuses to pay the legacies aforesaid at the time aforesaid, or neglect or refuse to maintain Ann Lee his Mother in the Manner and form aforesaid, then and in that case the property must be sold to pay the Several legatees & this funral Acceounts aforesaid. And I hereby Make and ordain my beloved wife Ann Lee my Executrix and my affectionate youngest son David Lee aforesaid my Executor of this my last will and testament.
"In Witness Whereof, I David Lee the Testator hair herunto set my hand and seal on this the fourteenth day of January in the year of Our Lord, One Thousand Eight hundred and Thirty Seven. David Lee Seal"
"Signed sealed published and declared by the above Named David Lee as his last will and testament, in the presence of us who have herunto subscribed our Names as witnesses thereto, in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence of each Other on the (14th) day of January A.D. 1837: -James H Deefour Joseph Peelman
"State of Indiana, Switzerland County S.S.
"Be it remembered that on the ninth day of March A.D. 1848 Personally appeared before the Clerk of the probate court of said county Joseph Peelman a man of lawful age and one of the subscribing witnesses to the following will who after being duly sworn upon his oath deposeth and saith that he was personally present when David Lee signed the foregoing will and declared the same to be his last will and testament,
"That he this deponat and James H. Deefour the other subscribing witness thereto subscribed their names as witnesses to said will in the presence of Each other, in the presence of the said David Lee the testator, and at his request, That said will was duly Executed in his the deponent's presence, That the said Testator at the time of Executing the same was of full age to devise his property, and of sound Mind and Memory, And not Under Coercion and restraint. Joseph Peelman
"I Edward Patton Clerk of the Probate Court of Said County do certify that the foregoing proof of the foregoing will, was taken sworn to and Subscribed before Me on the Ninth day of March A.D. 1848:
"In Witness Whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 9th day of March A.D. 1848 Edward Patton, Clerk"
In the 1850 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township, Ann Lee 73 was living with her youngest son David Lee 33, and his family.
In the 1860 census for Indiana, Switzerland County, Cotton Township, Ann Lee 83 was still living with David 43 and his family.
David Lee was buried in the Lee (Methodist) Cemetery. His tombstone read, before it was destroyed, "David Lee d. Feb 25, 1848 aged 82 yrs 8 mo 6 days". The cemetery is located in Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana on the west side of the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 3, Town 3, Range 3, and is known as Lee's Burial Ground. It is approximately one mile southwest of State Route 250, on Lee Road.
The children of David Lee and Anna Longberry were:
i Josiah, b. 1794 or before (age 26-44 in the 1820 census)
ii Catherine, m. John Riley on Aug 13, 1814, Butler County, Ohio
iii Sarah, m. George A. Clark on Jun 17, 1820, Switzerland County, Indiana
*iv Mariah (Polly), b. Aug 16, 1801, m. Miner Chambers on Jul 12, 1818, d. Oct 23, 1846
v Rebecca, b. 1804 in Butler County, Ohio, m. 1st, Ruben Dearborn on Oct 29, 1828; 2nd, Robert Drummond on Dec 14, 1839, d. Aug 24, 1845 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana
vi Mary (Massy), b. 1810, m. Benjamin Pickett on Sep 29, 1829, d. May 30, 1884
vii William Longberry, b. Jun 23, 1812, m. Mitilda Fay on Aug 3, 1830, d. Dec 12, 1872
viii Anna, b. 1815 in Butler County, Ohio, m. 1st, Stephen G. Leatherbury on May 25, 1841; 2nd, John Tague on Nov 20, 1845, d. Jun 1872, Switzerland County, Indiana
ix David, b. Dec 19, 1817 in Fairview, Switzerland County, Indiana, m. Jane (Seymour?) Brown on Feb 28, 1834, d. Aug 26 or 29, 1906
Inscription
"David Lee d. Feb 25, 1848 aged 82 yrs 8 mo 6 days".
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