Miss Sarah Fiske Lee Obituary

Town Historian

January 8, 1933

January 8, 1933

Death Closes Life of Service In 95th Year

NEW IPSWICH, N. H., Jan. 10- Miss Sarah Fiske Lee, who died at her home here Sunday night, was for many years the oldest resident of New Ipswich. Her life of more than 94 years, had been continuouly identified with all that was best in the life of the town.

Born Sept. 14, 1838, Miss Lee was the daughter of Rev. Samuel Lee (1803-1881) pastor for 24 years of the First Congregational church in New Ipswich and Emily (Fiske)

Miss Lee's grandfather, Samuel Lee, performed active service in the American Revolution. He was a descendant in the fifth generation of John Lee, born in the county of Essex, England, 1620-an emigrant to New England, who settled and dwelt at Farmington, Conn.

Miss Lee's interest in the history of her native town has a monument in the edition of the History of the Town, published in 1914, it having been left unfinished at the death of the beginner of the work, Prof. Charles H. Chandler. Miss Lee, in 1897, had collaborated in the compilation and publication of a genealogical work, "John Lee of Farmington, Hartford County, Conn., and His Descendants." Her interest in local history was further shown by her active work in connection with the local historical society, and that of the New Hampshire State Historical society. When over 80 years of age she performed the laborious task of assembling and typing for the last-named society the long baptismal and member ship lists of the First Congregational Church, covering 160 years. Miss Lee's devotion to life was by no means confined to the past. With the past. that of each rising generation she was sympathetic, and scores of as their friend. Her interest in New Ipswich Appleton academy was life-long. After her student days at Bradford, Mass., she served for some time at Appleton teacher. During the later years, she was an active and honored member of the academy's board of trustees. She participated with interest in political affairs: she was present as a voter both at the September primary and the November election.

Devoted to the town, she recognized the changes that come with time, and had a most cordial interest in the Finnish element of its population, a cordiality which was fully recognized and returned in kind, In In recent years the Finnish citizens of the community gave a public reception at which Miss Lee was the guest of honor.

The last years of her life have been as the peaceful closing of a long bright day, with promise of a brighter dawn.

MILFORD CABINET OBITUARY

NEW IPSWICH

Miss Sarah Fiske Lee, aged 94 years, died at her home Sunday afternoon. Miss Lee contracted a cold and her weakened condition did not allow strength to recover. She was the oldest person in the town.

Miss Lee was the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Samuel Lee and was born in the house where she died and never was away from it over a week during nearly 100 years. She was a devoted friend of Appleton Academy at which she was a teacher in her younger days. Miss Lee completed the last town history and was active in the Historical Society, the Congregational church and all worthy town activities.

Miss Lee was a trustee of Appleton Academy for the last three years of her life and gave the faculty and students many pleasant parties, trips and dinners.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the Congregational church. Rev. John Elliott Bowman officiated, assisted by Rev. Stanley Holton. Mr. Lavery conducted. Burial was in the family lot in the east side of Center cemetery. Vernon Ames, Alfred Hildreth, Dixon Wheeler, Edward Wheeler, James Barr and George Helsberg were bearers.

Judson Fiske Lee, nephew of Miss Lee, arrived Tuesday and will remain a few days. Professor Lee, an instructor at Chicago, is the only living relative of Miss Lee.

Appleton Academy was closed all day Tuesday out of respect for Miss Sarah Fiske Lee.

Sarah Fiske Lee

Sarah Fiske Lee

James Roger diary entry

29th May 1913

Showery; wind north to west; cold high wind. David and W. Hardy fixing W. Davis’ lot in forenoon and whitewashing with Lonie in afternoon. Also went for load of wood for Chas. Knowlton. I swept Hall and arranged settees for Memorial Day. Mother did not sleep so well owing to the music from the dance but has had a good day. There were very few at the dance last night. Got few lines from Hamish who is sending flower

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