Thomas Ludwell Lee - The Revolution's Older Brother
Thomas Ludwell Lee was the oldest, though arguably least famous, of the Lee Brothers who participated in the Founding of the United States.
This is largely due to his desire to keep out of the spotlight and his untimely death.
Thomas Ludwell Lee
Thomas Ludwell Lee was born into the wealthy Lee Family of Virginia.
Lee was most likely educated in England before returning to run a plantation and become involved in public life.
Although Thomas was a member of the House of Burgesses and a firm Patriot, he preferred to keep to a quiet life at home over going out and seeking recognition.
The Mississippi Company
Lee was a founding member of the Mississippi Company, which attempted to purchase property for its investors (which included George Washington) in modern-day Kentucky and Tennessee.
Unfortunately, the Proclamation of 1763 prohibited this as a means of separating the colonials from the Native Americans.
Since these Virginians had just fought the French and Indian War with the hopes of obtaining this land, the Proclamation became one of the many causes of the Revolutionary War.
Lee, who had the first meeting of the Mississippi Company at his house, was one of the most incensed.
A Family of Patriots
Thomas Lee felt it his duty to participate in politics and therefore remained in the Virginia Assembly through the opening of hostilities with the Mother Country.
Meanwhile, his more outspoken younger brothers became figures on the national stage. Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot went to the Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence, while Arthur and William became important diplomats in Europe.
Thomas, for his part, helped draft sections of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and reorganize his State’s Government after independence.
Sudden Demise
Sadly, Thomas Ludwell Lee passed away from a six week battle with ‘rheumatic fever’ in 1778.
More than just a traumatic loss to his siblings, the entire State of Virginia mourned.
It is interesting to reflect on the role he may have played in the American Founding had he survived. Although he was in a position to be a leading Founder, his character traits seem to indicate he would have avoided taking a major Federal office.
Want to learn about other REVOLUTIONARY SIBLINGS?
Great! Try these:
The Edwards Brothers Fight Tyranny Together
First Siblings - George Washington’s Brothers (And Sister)
Want to learn more about the Lee Family?
I am currently reading ‘First Founding Father’ about Richard Henry Lee and it is a great book so far. It’s actually what inspired me to look into Thomas Ludwell Lee.
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
Want to get fun American Revolution articles straight to your inbox every morning?
Subscribe to my email list here.
You can also support this site on Patreon by clicking here.
