Note by poster -- I am not related in any way to the family below.

Allegany County Reporter (weekly newspaper)
Wellsville, Allegany Co., NY
Issue date: Thurs, Apr. 2, 1891

John J.S. LEE Dead
John James Speed LEE, died at his home on Harrison Street in this village at one o'clock, last Thursday, after an illness of many years. Mr. LEE was born on "Spring Hills" plantation Fairfax County, Virginia, Sept 20, 1824. This was his grandmother's estate, a portion of which was an inheritance from Lord CHICHESTER, of Chichestershire, England, whose granddaughter she was. His grandfather was a descendant of "Light Horse" Harry LEE of Revolutionary fame and his mother was a NICHOLSON, who was a naval officer onboard the Frigate Constitution at the great battle with Guerriere. Mr. Lee was also second cousin of Gen. Robert E. LEE, the late confederate chieftain.

In early life Mr. LEE left Virginia and resided with an uncle, John James SPEED, at Cortland, NY, and from whom the name Speed was taken, out of regard for the uncle. He was educated for a surveyor and civil engineer returning to his home in Virginia to stay but a short time when he came north to seek a fortune and make a home. For a time he was associated with Ezra CORNELL and John James SPEED in the construction of the first telegraph lines between Cincinnati, St. Louis, Detroit, Milwaukee and other western points.

Mr. LEE was married Nov. 27, 1845 to Miss Emeline FROST of McDonough, Chenango County, in this state who survives him. He took up his residence in Wellsville in 1853, clearing the land ever since occupied by them as their home. Two children were the fruit of this union, Richard H. and Emma C., both living in Wellsville at this time.

Mr. LEE came to Wellsville as a civil engineer and surveyor, at the same time having charge of some large land tracts.

His illness and the cause from which he died was a heart trouble which developed in 1882. A shock of paralysis occurred Feb. 26, 1888, since which time he as been a great sufferer, but during which, no word of complaint has ever been known to escape his lips. His brother, Dr. G.W. LEE, the father of Mrs. I.N. FASSETT, of our village, the last survivor of the family except himself, died two years ago this morning and within a few hours of the same time.

The work of John J.S. LEE appears in the records and surveys of our town and county for a period of many years. He was an upright and highly esteemed citizen of Wellsville, careful, conservative, in his views and action, and a man much respected where ever he was known. He has held with credit many positions of responsibility and trust, both of a public and private nature, all of which were terminated with credit to himself.
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On Saturday afternoon the funeral services of J.J.S. LEE were held at his late residence. The house was filled with the attending neighbors and friends. The service were conducted by the Rev. F.W. BEECHER, the pastor of the Congregational church. The singing was by the choir of the Baptist church, and was very appropriate and beautiful.

The floral decoration mostly composed of lilies and callus were very beautiful. The pall bearers were Messrs. H.N. LEWIS, Hiram L. JONES, Wm. POOLER, Samuel ROLFE, E.B. HALL and Samuel CARPENTER.