In May 1722 she married Thomas Lee at her family's plantation.[3][7] She brought a large dowry, as well as social and political prestige, to the marriage, therefore increasing her husband's wealth and status in the colony.[3] She and her husband had eleven children:[8]
Richard Lee (b. 1723)
Philip Ludwell Lee (February 24, 1726 – February 21, 1775)
Arthur Lee (December 21, 1740 – December 12, 1792)
The family lived on a plantation in Machodoc until it was destroyed by a fire in 1728. Lee, who was pregnant with her fourth child, was thrown from her room on the second floor in order to escape the flames, resulting in the miscarriage of a son. The family reportedly lost no less than 50,000 pounds due to the fire.[11] The British government later gave her husband 300 pounds as compensation, and Queen Caroline gave them money to finance rebuilding the plantation.[12][13] While their home was being rebuilt, the family stayed at Lee Hall Mansion, the home of Lee's brother-in-law. The family later lived at Stratford Hall in Westmoreland County, Virginia.[14] Lee's husband built Stratford with money from her dowry. She played a significant role in the design and construction of the house.
Stratford Hall
Lee's husband served as a vestryman, a justice of the peace, as a member of the House of Burgesses, and as a member of the Governor's Council.[15] He served as de facto governor of the colony in 1749, when he was named President of the King's Council of Virginia after Governor William Gooch was recalled to England. He was nominated for an appointment as governor by George II, but died before the appointment took place.[16][17]
Death and burial
She died on January 25, 1750, at Stratford Hall.[18] She was buried in the Burnt House Fields Cemetery at Mount Pleasant in January 1751.[19] Her grave was later moved to Stratford.[citation needed]
