Andrew Lee and his Family
Andrew Lee, an African American, owned the property during the 1890s. According to the census, he was born in Mount Vernon, Fairfax, Virginia around 1841. His presence in Mount Vernon on both the 1870 and 1880 census indicated that he was a resident of Mount Vernon even before he had purchased the property in 1890. Andrew's occupation was a farmer laborer, and at that time, he could not read or write.
Andrew's spouse was Monica Lee, also an African American, who was born and lived in Mount Vernon (Maria Lee in the 1870 census). Her occupation was a housewife, and she too could not read or write. Andrew and Monica had three sons and three daughters: William Lee, Henry Lee, Javis Lee (John Lee in the 1870 census), Mary Lee, Emma Lee, and Annie Lee.
Andrew Lee Death Newspaper
The newspaper reported that Andrew Lee died in a house fire in West Mount Vernon.
The death record of Andrew Lee could not be located as the death register had incomplete oversized sheets between 1870 and 1897.
In the Mt. Zephyr tract of the Mt. Vernon district, an incident occurred where Andrew Lee was involved in a fire accident. Andrew was ill with "the grip" (influenza or severe cold), which likely contributed to his inability to escape the fire. He had placed his bed near the fire for warmth, and the fire presumably started accidentally from the fireplace. His remains were discovered by his wife. Andrew's ownership of a few acres of land was uncommon for African Americans at the time, and highlighted his relative standing in the community. This tragic story sheds light on the living conditions, social challenges, and safety standards of the era, particularly for African Americans.
Based on local news and the last appearance of Andrew Lee on the census after 1880, it can be assumed that he was dead in 1892.
By Haram Kim