Thomas Lee Politician

Thomas Lee (c. 1690–November 14, 1750) was a leading political figure of colonial Virginia. He was a member of the Lee family, a political dynasty which included many figures from the pre-American Revolutionary War era until the late 20th century. Lee became involved in politics in 1710 and he became the resident manager of the Northern Neck Proprietary for Lady Catherine Fairfax. After his father died, he inherited land in Northumberland and Charles County. Lee later acquired vast holdings in what are now Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties. These properties were developed as tobacco plantations.When Lee married Hannah Harrison Ludwell in 1722, he benefited by the connections of the already established Harrison family. A year later he would become a member of the House of Burgesses. After Lee's home was burnt down by criminals, he lost almost all of his possessions and a fair sum of money. With donations received from Caroline of Ansbach and English Commissioners, he built his new home on the Potomac River, naming it Stratford Hall. Four years later in 1733, he was appointed to the Governor's Council, upper house of the General Assembly. In 1747, he founded the Ohio Company of Virginia with fellow Virginian colonists who wished to expand Virginia's territory into the Ohio River Valley. For a period of less than a year, in 1749, he became the de facto Governor of Virginia in place of the absent William Gooch. Lee was favored for an appointment as governor by George II but the colonist died in 1750.

Personal facts

Thomas Lee
Birth dateJanuary 01, 1690
Birth place
Westmoreland County Virginia
Date of deathNovember 14, 1750
Place of death
Westmoreland County Virginia , Stratford Hall (plantation)
Residence
Stratford Hall (plantation) , Machodoc River
Education
College of William & Mary
Spouse
Children
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Ludwell Lee
Arthur Lee (diplomat)
William Lee (diplomat)
Philip Ludwell Lee

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Politician

office
Governor of Virginia
Council of State of Virginia
successor
Robert Dinwiddie

Thomas Lee on Wikipedia