Henry Kisner Lee
BIRTH: 1825 in Columbiana County, Ohio, USA
DEATH: 13 Jun 1890 (aged 65) in Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, USA
Embedded Files
Henry K. Lee was born in 1825 in Columbiana County, Ohio, a son of George Lee and Mary Ann Elizabeth Kisner. He came to Mankato in 1857 during the city’s formative years and soon became associated with Abel and Josiah Keene and A. D. Seward in the operation of a large saw and grist mill. Until its destruction by fire on August 19, 1862, the mill was one of the most important industrial enterprises in early Mankato.
On the very day the mill burned, Mr. Lee enlisted at Mankato as a corporal in Company E, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He mustered into service on August 19, 1862, and served with his regiment in both the Dakota Conflict and the Southern campaigns of the Civil War. On June 10, 1864, at the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads, Mississippi, he was captured. He endured nine months of imprisonment at Andersonville, one of the most notorious Confederate prison camps. Surviving the severe privations of captivity, he was eventually exchanged and returned to duty, serving with his company until his discharge on August 15, 1865.
After the war Mr. Lee returned to Mankato and entered the paint business in association with Mr. Manderfeld. Later he became superintendent of the Mankato Manufacturing Company. The success and development of this important plant were largely attributed to his management and industry.
Active in civic affairs, Mr. Lee was repeatedly honored by his fellow citizens with public office. In 1859 he served as chairman of the Mankato Board of Supervisors, a position that also made him a member of the Board of County Commissioners. He was later elected County Auditor. In 1886 he was again chosen as Mankato’s representative on the Board of County Commissioners and was made its chairman.
During his administration the present Blue Earth County Courthouse was erected. The work required constant oversight and careful administration, and Mr. Lee devoted his full time and energy to the project. The successful completion of the courthouse stands as a lasting testament to his patriotic and painstaking public service.
Henry K. Lee died on June 13, 1890, shortly after the completion of the courthouse and before the expiration of his term of office. He was never married. His life was marked by industry, civic dedication, and honorable military service, and he remains one of Mankato’s respected early leaders.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse