Francis "Lightfoot" Lee
Colonial People
Early Life/ Education
- Francis "Lightfoot" Lee was born on October 14th, 1734 in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
- Francis was the 4th son of Thomas Lee.
- He was educated at home by Dr. Craig, here he found his love of reading and became well acquainted with the branches of science and literature.
- Parents died in 1750, left under care of oldest brother Phillip Rudwell Lee (ended up suing him)
Political Career
- 1758-1768 Francis was elected to The House of Burgesses as representative of Westmoreland
- Noted Major Radical
- Signed Westmoreland Resolve
- 1769 Elected to The House Burgesses as representative of Richmond county; acquired land in Richmond
- Elected to represent Virginia in Continental Congress 1775-1779
- Signed Declaration of Independence 1776
Signing the Declaration of Independence
Francis Lightfoot Lee
family tree
Family Life/Late Life
- Married Rebecca Tayloe in 1769, received land from her father
- Never had children, but later adopted Will's three children after he died.
- "Retired" from politics 1774, to become a farmer and more devout husband
- Although always remained interested in politics.
- Rebecca died January 7th, 1797, Francis died 10 days later, January 17th, 1797