Joseph N. Lee 1847-1896

LEE, RANDOLPH

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/3/2010 at 21:56:05

Joseph N. Lee Dead
Joseph N. Lee, formerly of Estherville but a resident of Des Moines for the past five years, died suddenly at this home, No. 909, Fremont St., May 17th of apoplexy.

Mr. Lee was stricken about 12 o’clock m., and when discovered about an hour later Drs. Carpenter and Shope were called in and everything possible was done for him but despite their efforts he passed away at 5:30 p.m. Mr. Lee leaves a wife and five children, Mrs. T. J. Randolph, Nelson J., Clara Wilma, Robert Martin and Josephine, besides having lost a daughter, Cora May, four years ago. Deceased was a member of Esdraelon Commandery No. 52 Knight Templars of Estherville, a member of Earnest Chapter No. 108 of Emmetsburg and member of Home Lodge A.F. & A.M No. 370 of Des Moines, Iowa. He was also a member of Kinsman No. 7 G.A.R. of Des Moines and was until two years ago, in charge of Document Room in the State House. (Northern Vindicator, Estherville, IA, May 21, 1896)

J. N. Lee Dead
Died – at 5:30 p.m., May 17, Joseph N. Lee of East Ninth and Fillmore streets, aged about 50 years.

Mr. Lee was the victim of a stroke of apoplexy which came upon him without warning. He was at his home, and all was done that could be to save him. He leaves a wife and five children. Two daughters, Mrs. Nettie Randolph and Clara Lee are in Emmet county, sons Nels J. and Robert and daughter Josephine reside in Des Moines. Deceased was a member of Esdraelon Commandary No. 52, Knights Templar of Estherville, a member of Earnest Chapter No. 108 of Emmetsburg and member of Home Lodge, A.F. and A.M. No. 370 of Des Moines, was also a member of Kinsman Post No. 7 G.A.R. of Des Moines. He was born in Norway. His parents came to this country when he was two years of age. He moved to Des Moines from Estherville in 1891 and worked two years in the secretary of state’s office and then went into the grocery business on Fillmore street. The funeral will probably be held Wednesday. – Des Moines News

The above records the death of one of Emmet County’s oldest and best known citizens. For years Mr. Lee ran a farm in High Lake township and later was elected county recorder. After several terms in that office he was in the general merchandise business until he went to Des Moines in 1891. Mr. Lee was one of those big hearted men who are kind to everybody but themselves. He had many friends to deplore his weakness and who will sincerely regret his untimely death. (Emmet County Republican, Estherville, IA, May 21, 1896)

Note: Buried in Woodland Cemetery, Des Moines, Polk County, IA