| Notes |
- Francis Lightfoot Lee, the fourth son of Thomas Lee, was born on
the 14 October, 1734. His father for several years held the office of
president of the king's council of the provincial government of
Virginia. He had several sons, all of whom were highly distinguished
for their talents, and for the services which they rendered their
country. Philip Ludwell, a member of the king's council; Thomas
Ludwell, a member of the Virginia assembly; Richard Henry, as the
champion of American freedom; William, as a sheriff and alderman of
London, and afterwards a commissioner of the continental congress at
the courts of Berlin and Vienna; and Arthur as a scholar, a
politician, and diplomatist.
Francis Lightfoot, the subject of the present memoir, was perhaps
not less distinguished, although he had not the advantages, which were
enjoyed by the eldersons, of an education at the English universities.
His advantages, however, were not of a moderate character. He was
placed under the care of a domestic tutor of the name of Craig, a
gentleman distinguished for his love of letters, and for his ability
to impart useful knowledge to those of whom he had the care. Under
such a man, the powers of Francis Lightfoot rapidly unfolded. He
acquired an early fondness for reading and mental investigation, and
became well acquainted with the various branches of science and
literature.
The fortune bequeathed him by his father rendered the study of a
profession unnecessary. He, therefore, devoted himself for several
years to reading, and to the enjoyment of his friends. He was a man,
however, in whom dwelt the spirit of the patriot, and who could not
well be neglected, nor could he well neglect his country, when the
political troubles of the colonies began.
In 1765, he was returned a member of the house of burgesses from
the county of Loudon, where his estate was situated. In this
situation, he proved himself to be a gentleman of strong good sense
and discriminating judgment; and to this office he was annnally
re-elected until 1772; when having become connected by marriage with a
daughter of Colonel John Tayloe, of the county of Richmond, he removed
to that county, the citizens of which soon after elected him a member
o[ the house of burgesses.
In 1775, Mr. Lee was chosen a member of the continental congress,
by the Virginia convention. This was an eventful period in the annals
of America. It was the year in which was shed the first blood in the
revolutionary struggle. It was emphatically the year of "clouds and
darkness," in which indeed the hope of better days was indulged, but
in which, notwithstanding this hope, "men's souls were tried."
Mr. Lee continued a member of congress until the spring of 1779.
During his attendance upon this body, he seldom took part in the
public discussions, but few surpassed him in his warmth of patriotism,
and in his zeal to urge forward those measures which contributed to
the success of the American arms, and the independence of the country.
To his brother, Richard Henry Lee, the high honour was allotted of
bringing forward the momentous question of independence, and to him,
and his associates in that distinguished assembly, the not inferior
honour was granted of aiding and supporting and finishing this
important work.
The home of Francis Lightfoot Lee as it stands today in Warsaw,
Virginia. The home was built in 1769 and today stands in ruin. The
structure over the home was built to protect the home from further
deterioration from the elements. For more information please contact
The Menokin Foundation. Photo taken by John Vinci.
As already noticed, Mr. Lee retired from congress in the year
1779. It was his wish to be exempted from public care, and in the
pleasures of home to seek those enjoyments which were eonsentaneous to
his health and happiness.
This seclusion, however, he was not permitted long to enioy. The
internal condition of Virginia, at this time, was one of much
agitation and perplexity. His fellow citizens, justly appreciating the
value of such a man, summoned him by their suffrages to represent them
in the legislature of Virginia. Although reluctantly, he obeyed the
summons, and took his seat in that body. He was fond of ease, and of
the pleasures of domestic life; still he was conscious of his
obligations, and most faithfully discharged them. While a member of
the continental congress, he had been characterized for integrity,
sound judgment, and love of country. In his present office, he was
distinguished for the same virtues.
He could not content himself, however, long in this situation. He
became wearied with the duties of public life; and at length,
relinquished them for the pleasures of retirement.
In this latter course of life, he not only enjoyed himself
highly, but contributed greatly to the happiness of many around him.
The benevolence of his disposition, and the urbanity of his manners,
recommended him both to the old and the young, to the gay and the
grave. The poor shared in his benevolence and advice. In his
intercourse with his particular friends, he was uncommonly pleasing
and instructive.
Mr. Lee, having no children to require his care and attention,
devoted much of his time to the pleasures of reading, farming, and the
company of his friends. His death was occasioned by a pleurisy, which
disease about the same time, also, attacked his beloved wife, and
terminated the life of both, within a few days of each other. It is
said, that he had embraced the religion of the gospel, and that under
its supporting hope and consolation, he made his exit in peace from
the world.
(Source: Rev. Charles A. Goodrich Lives of the Signers to the
Declaration of Independence. New York: William Reed & Co., 1856. Pages
416-418)
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1734 - 1797 (62 years)