Owen Lee.

Mr. Lee’s information is easily found on the internet, but after I read his story I know I had to have his story on my site. I tried to find his service record while he was in the 7th., and 8th., Missouri State Militia but was unable to do so. As for being in the 9th. Kansas cavalry, I found no record of him being in Co. G., in Co. M., there was a Owen Lee, but the dates did not match up. But non the less it’s a interesting story.
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OWEN LEE, real estate and loan agent, was born in Gasconade County, Mo., January 24, 1846; son of Drury and Matilda Lee. He lived in his native county until 1858, and then moved to Cedar County, Mo., where he remained until July, 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, Eighth Missouri M. S. M. and did home guard service six months, then entered Company E, Seventh M. S. M. and was actively engaged about one year. Was in the engagements at Carthage and Wilson Creek. He was also engaged in skirmishing, part of the time served as a spy for Brig. Gen. Carr. He was taken prisoner while scouting by Gen. Price's command at Boston Mountain. Four days after the capture, he, in company with two companions, made their escape from the guards, and mounting rebel horses ran through Price's camp, and rode all night; two of the horses were run down and all three of the escaped prisoners mounted the horse on which Lee rode; but the horse soon gave out, one of Lee's companions was shot and killed, the other wounded and re-captured, while Mr. Lee was hunted down by bloodhounds and finally recaptured.

He and his companion were then tied with ropes for a few days, and for several weeks were fed on bran bread and water; about six weeks after the capture he again effected his escape and eluded his pursuers by jumping into a stream and taking refuge under a drift where he lay in the stream with only his head above water over twenty-four hours; when his pursuers had given up the search he proceeded on his way, and was three days and nights without food. On the evening of the second day he found in the road a $5 bill, and soon after an abandoned Government mule. He manufactured a bridle of bark, mounted the mule and rode all night, the mule gave out the next morning. He stopped for refreshments at a log hut occupied by a colored family.

He was here provided with shoes to protect his lacerated and bleeding feet. He then continued his journey on foot, taking only one meal per day and sleeping out nights until he finally completed the distance of over 250 miles and arrived at his home in Osceola, Mo. He then returned to his regiment and completed his term of service, which was one year. He then came to Kansas in March, 1863, and on June 1, 1863, was mustered into Company G, Ninth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, was afterward transferred to Company M, same regiment. Was in the engagements at Newtonia, Prairie Grove, Cane Hill, Vanburen, Little Rock, Bull Bayou and many skirmishes; was finally mustered out August 15, 1865. He then returned to New Albany, Wilson County, where he clerked at an Indian trading post two and a half years. Then spent two years in Indian Territory trading with the Indians, after which he farmed in Wilson County, Kan., about two years.

He then went to Elk County and was there dealing in stock until he came to Fredonia in 1882. Since coming to Fredonia he has been engaged in the furniture, lumber and grain business three years, and in the harness business several years. On January 21, 1880 was burned out and suffered a loss of $3,200. He is at present engaged in the real estate and loan business and is serving as Constable. He was married at New Albany, May 13, 1868, to Salatha Law, by whom he had five children, two of whom are now living, viz.: Jonathan W. and Rosetta. His wife died in 1875. His second wife, Miranda Walden only lived five months after their wedding, and he was married to Miranda A. Libby, January 6, 1877, by whom he has one child, viz.: Dora Belle Lee. Mr. Lee is a worthy Mason, a member of the G. A. R. and is deputy grand dictator of the State for the Knights of Honor.