The Galion Years Of Henry D. Lee: A Quick Story: Mr. Lee And The Tramp

Before we launch into the next chapter and begin the 1880s in our story of Henry D. Lee, there is a tale from the late 1870s I would like to share that provides a small insight into the man himself.

Among other things, we now know that despite later illness, Henry was still pretty spry at age 29.

A local newspaper from May, 1878 shared the following:

Last Tuesday H.D. Lee had occasion to go home early in the afternoon.

As he entered the house he noticed a tramp passing out by another door and walking hastily away. His suspicions being aroused he called to Mrs. Lee and upon ascertaining that she was not aware of the vagabond’s intrusion, he went to the stable, mounted his horse and started in pursuit.

The tramp was overtaken on the creek bottom near the railroad bridge, after a chase on foot across the fields and meadows.

When within a few paces the fugitive halted, and with menacing oaths threatened to shoot, but Mr. Lee, also having a revolver, anticipated the rascal’s movements, which so discomfited him that he begged for his life, and plunging into the creek waist deep, fled to the woods beyond.

Nothing was missed from the house but a cap, which was not recovered. When in the middle of the stream the thief threw something into the water, which sank to the bottom before Mr. Lee could see what it was.

Galion Sun-Review, May 4, 1878