My Genealogy Hound

C. T. LEE, formerly one of the able attorneys-at-law of Cass County, Mich., but now retired from the active duties of his profession, is proprietor of the widely-known and valuable Dowagiac Stock Farm, which contains three hundred and fifty finely cultivated acres. It is noted as the home of “Sable Guy” and possesses one of the best half-mile tracks in the State. Our subject is a native of Canandaigua County, N. Y., and was born February 29, 1836. The birthplace of his father, Mason Lee, was Taunton, Mass., but early in life he removed to New York State, where he established a home for himself and family. Determined finally to see and judge of the broader opportunities offered by the West, the father, leaving behind him his wife and family, visited Michigan on a prospecting tour. He came to the town of Jefferson, Cass County, in 1833, when about forty-two years of age, but it was five years before his family rejoined him in their new home m Michigan. Our subject received his preparatory education in Jefferson, but when fourteen years of age went to Kalamazoo, Mich., where he entered the Baptist Theological College and took a four-years course of study.

Before attaining his majority, Mr. Lee entered into the bonds of matrimony, in 1854 wedding Miss Sarah H. Lockwood, of Cazenovia, N. Y. Mrs. Lee was the daughter of Dr. Henry Lockwood, of Edwardsburgh, Cass County, who came from New York State in 1837, and settled permanently in I the township of Ontwa, where, after thirty years of professional usefulness, he passed away, mourned by all who knew him. An upright man and skillful physician, Dr. Lockwood was honored by the community to whom he gave valuable service, and his memory will long be green in Cass County. His good wife, Sophia Peck, was a native of Connecticut, but her near ancestors were of English birth. Five children have blessed the home of our subject and his estimable wife. The sons and daughters are in the order of their birth: Henry M.; Fred E.; Elma S., wife of Capt. Leroy Cahill, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Mabel C. and Ray E. Each and all of the brothers and sisters have received excellent educations and are occupying influential positions in business and social circles. Mr. Lee began his business experience as clerk in the first hardware store established in Dowagiac, and enterprising and energetic, soon developed a talent for winning his upward way.

In 1854, our subject engaged successfully in business for himself in his home city. He subsequently decided to adopt a profession and studied law with James Sullivan; he was admitted to the Bar in 1864, being received into partnership with Mr. Sullivan. Mr. Lee was an excellent attorney, thoroughly versed in legal lore, and acquired a large practice, but in 1875 he devoted himself to the banking business. June 1, 1885, he purchased the magnificent Dowagiac Stock Farm, which, aside from the celebrated “Sable Guy,” shelters many promising roadsters, who are duly exercised upon the fine half-mile track. The commodious buildings on this property were erected by the Lee family and are perfect in their appointments. The Lees also own an extensive farm of six hundred acres, lying five miles north of Dowagiac, and situated in Wayne Township. Thirty men are constantly employed there, cutting on an average four thousand cords of wood annually, all of this large product finding a ready market in the works of the Round Oak Stove Company of Dowagiac. Our subject has ever been numbered among the public-spirited citizens of Cass County, and has materially aided in the promotion and development of the progressive interests of his home locality. He enjoys a wide acquaintance throughout the State and possesses a host of friends. Politically, Mr. Lee is and always has been a stalwart Republican.