John C. Lee, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of John C. Lee
JOHN C. LEE. For thirty years Mr. John C. Lee has been a citizen of Porter county, Indiana, and he is a gentleman who has the full confidence and respect of all who know him. His life has been one of honesty and strict integrity, and it is with the greatest pleasure we present a full review of his career.
Mr. Lee is a native of Canada, having been born near the city of London in that country. His birth took place April 16, 1846. He is the third member of a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters, born to John and Mary A. (Pettit) Lee. Of these seven are now living. James resides near Sedalia, Missouri. He is an agriculturist by profession, but has been engaged for some time in the grain business. He is married, and in politics belongs to the Republican party. The second in this family is Mr. Lee, the subject of this sketch. The next member of the family is Wilson, who is a resident of Whiting, Indiana. He is employed with the Standard Oil Company. He is married. Arthur resides in Manitoba and is engaged in agriculture. George is a prosperous agriculturist of LaPorte county, Indiana. Eleanor is the wife of Andrew McMichael and resides in Kansas, where he follows agriculture. Augusta is the wife of P. D. Culver, who lives in La Porte county, Indiana, and is an agriculturist. She is the youngest member of this family. The elder Mr. Lee was born in Canada, in 1818, and died about 1884. He was an agriculturist. He traced his lineage to the Emerald Isle. He came to the United States and to LaPorte county, Indiana, in 1864, and resided there until his death. He obtained eighty acres of land in Clinton township. He was a Republican, and both he and his wife were Methodists. His wife was also a native of Canada; she was born about 1816 and died in 1869. She was a kind, affectionate mother and her lessons of honesty and integrity instilled into the hearts of her children will ever abide with them. Both parents are interred in Westville cemetery.
Mr. John C. Lee was about sixteen years of age when he came with his parents to La Porte county, and his life work has been that of an agriculturist. He received his common school education in his native land, but his practical knowledge has been acquired by actual contact in business, so he may be called a self-made man. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age. He began life for himself without any capital except his brave determination to make his life a success. He entered upon his career as a wage earner on the farm at fifteen dollars a month.
He wedded Miss Minerva Ellen Kitchen June 14, 1877. They have one child, George A., who is a resident of Washington township. He is an agriculturist and had a farm in Washington township, but he has sold this and will reside on his parents' place in order to aid his father in his work. He has, however, recently purchased sixty-two and a half acres in Washington township just across from his parents' home. George received his education in the public schools and in the Valparaiso high school. He wedded Miss Laura Blake. They have two small children, Mildred Bernice and Dorothy Irene. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. He is one of the honorable young men of the township and an honor to his parents. Mr. and Mrs. John Lee have endeavored to rear their son to the life of honesty and high morals and they have succeeded, as he commands the respect of all who know him.
Mrs. John Lee is a native of Porter county, Indiana. She was born August 8, 1847, a daughter of Jacob and Melissa (Bell) Kitchen. She has one brother living, Francis Kitchen, who resides in Valparaiso, Indiana, and is a gardener. Mrs. Lee grew up and was educated in her native county. Both her parents are deceased. She belongs by ancestry to German stock.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee began married life as renters within a short distance of their present home, and for years they continued as renters. Then they purchased ten acres of land, going in debt for it. By industry they paid for their purchase and added to their possessions, until in 1911 they own twenty acres of good land and possess one of the comfortable homes of the township. Their home is a center of peace and contentment.
Mr. Lee is a Democrat. He is a man of sound judgment and honesty. He has the universal respect and support of both Republicans and Democrats, and was elected assessor of Washington township in 1904 on the Democratic ticket, although his township is normally Republican. He was re-elected without opposition, which fact gives an insight into his standing with his fellowmen. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are members of the Christian church in Valparaiso. Their home is called "The Maples," and is one of the attractive little estates of the township. It is the abode of hospitality and good cheer, and their many friends are always extended a cordial welcome.
Some two years ago Mr. Lee met with a sad misfortune in the loss of his sight, but he is of that cheerful disposition that enables him to bear this cross with patience. In his loss he has the deep sympathy of all who know him.
We are pleased to present this text of this worthy couple to he used in the great general review of Porter county.
Source: Lewis Publishing Company. 1912. History of Porter County, Indiana: A Narrative Account of its Historical Progress, its People and its Principal Interests. Chicago, Illinois: Lewis Publishing Company. 881 p.
Page(s) in Source: 549-551
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook