Pioneer Farmer
Thomas Lee, Sr., born in KY circa 1788, first appears in the Norman E. Gillis list of “Early Inhabitants of the Natchez District in 1810.” Research has found a Thomas Lee living in the household of Major John Lee in Woodford Co., KY in 1802, as is documented by the will of Major John Lee. Thomas married Milly Gennette Barefoot (Barfoot, Bairfoot) who was born in MS before 1810; however their marriage record has not been found in any of the southern states. Gillis’ list records him as being under 21 years of age with a wife under 25 years of age. Thomas and Milly were simple farmers who lived a meager life as is noted in the inventory of Thomas’ estate after his death.
Ten children are known to have been born to Thomas and Milly. Four sons–John Lee (1809); James P. Lee (1815); William M. Lee (1819); Thomas Lee, Jr. (1931) and six daughters–Sarah Lee McFate Boggs Smiley (1811); Martha “Patsy” Lee Brown Hughes (1814); Jane Lee Reems (Reemes) (1817); Milley Gennette Lee Stephens Emfinger (1820); Elizabeth Lee McCoy Lazarus (1821); and Adaline Lee Delaney (1829). It goes without saying that these ten children produced many descendants. These line have been traced in From these lines : Lees and related families of Southwest Mississippi.
Thomas died in Jefferson Co. on March 17, 1860. Milly moved to Franklin Co. where she last appears in the Franklin Co. census of 1870 residing in the household of her son, John Lee, in the Veto community. Thomas and Milly are either buried in unmarked graves or in a cemetery in Jefferson Co. where their markers have been destroyed by the ravages of time.
Information submitted by Billy G. Lee.