FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE 1734-1797

This signer of the Declaration of Independence and a Patriot is the younger brother of Richard Henry Lee.
Born in Westmoreland County of Virginia Francis was too young when his father died to be educated in England as his brother was.  Instead he received a good and true education from the Reverent Doctor Craig, a Scotch Clergy of eminent learning.  He was just becoming a man when his brother Richard returned from England and Francis was much impressed by his older brother and listened to his opinions of what the King was doing to the Colonies. 
Richard Henry was soft spoken and of good manners but worked hard at trying to impress upon his fellow Americans of how serious the actions of the English were.
Francis was caught up in the spirit and when he was old enough to become involved in politics he was a full fledged patriot, and with pure heart and clean hands he backed the cause of freedom.
In 1765 he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses for Loudon County.  He remained a member until 1772 when he married the daughter if Colonel John Richards of Richmond and moved there.  He was at once elected a member for Richmond and remained in that position until 1775 when he was elected to the Continental Congress.
Lee was not a good speaker so seldom took the floor but his sound judgement and unwavering principles plus his high energy made him a valuable member of the Congress. He continued in that position until 1779 and was on the committee to frame the Articles of Confederation.
Francis left public service, or tried to, but his fellow citizens made him a member of the Virginia Senate where he served briefly and retired to follow his agricultural pursuits and be with family.
In 1797 he was struck down by an attack of pleurisy which took his life at the age of 63.....Medicineman!