Gaston, Joseph.  "Oregon Pictorial and Biographical."  Chicago: S. J. Clarke
Publishing, Co., 1912.  p. 463.
 
JOSEPH DUNN BRADFORD LEE

     During the seventy-two years which made up the span of his life J. D. B.
Lee attained a great degree of prominence in farming circles of Coos county and
his death deprived that district of a valued and representative citizen.  He was
born in Iowa, December 11, 1830, and was the only surviving member of a family
of nine children born to his parents.  He resided in the state of his nativity
until he came to Oregon.  His history is intimately connected with the early
development of that state and he was among the many pioneers who crossed the
plains with ox teams and were influential factors in the upbuilding of the
American northwest.  Mr. Lee located first in Polk county, Oregon, where he made
his home with his brother for one year.  At the expiration of that time he
removed to Douglas county and later to Jackson county.  He finally located in
Coos county, Oregon, and made this section his home from 1874 until his death,
which occurred December 24, 1902.  He took up a homestead claim and was
prominent in agricultural circles during his entire active life, with the
exception of a short period when he operated a harness business.  Even then he
made this enterprise subservient to his farming.  He was constantly adding to
his holdings during his life and finally became the owner of four hundred acres
of fine ranch land near Myrtle Point.  His harness shop was still in operation
at the time of his death but has since been sold by his widow.  The agricultural
interests of Coos county are the principal source of its wealth and prosperity
and the life of Mr. Lee was a contributing factor in farm development.  He was
an expert agriculturist, keenly interested in modern ideas along this line and
thoroughly versed in the details connected with his activities.  His early days
were spent among pioneer conditions but his late life was crowned with a degree
of success which his labors justified.  He served in the Indian war of 1855 and
1856 and his services merited the pension which  his widow now receives.
     On June 8, 1856, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Marilla Huntley,
whose birth occurred in one of the central eastern states.  Her father was among
the pioneers of Oregon and crossed the plains with ox teams in 1847.  Her
stepmother died during the journey and is buried near Willow Springs.  By the
father's first marriage nine children were born, of whom Mrs. Lee is the only
one now living.  By his second union was born a son, who is now living on a
ranch on the north fork of the Coquille river.  Mr. and Mrs. Lee became the
parents of four children:  Sylvia C., who passed away in the twentieth year of
her age; Alva, born January 12, 1859, who is now managing and operating the home
farm; Milton R., of Myrtle Point; and one who died in infancy.
     Since her husband's death Mrs. Lee has disposed of his harness shop and
given the homestead over to the management of her son.  She herself has bought a
very fine home in Myrtle Point and is now living in that district, where she is
well known and widely respected.
     Politically Mr. Lee gave his allegiance to the republican party and was
always intelligently interested in the affairs of his community although he
never sought public office.  He was a member of the Christian church and an
active worker in religious circles.  He labored diligently during his life and
his efforts were rewarded by continuous and rapid success.  Since his death
others have followed where he led the way, and the agricultural resources of
Coos county have gained by his activities, and his many friends in the district
are richer by the memory of the life he lived. 


 
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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2006 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.