Ephriam Justin Lee
Ephraim Justin Lee was born near Oldham SD on 1901. Born into the middle of a large family of 9 boys and 1 girl. Parents where and Tena Lee. Ephraim went to country school and farmed near Oldham. He grew up into and a young man and decided to homestead with his brother Lewis in Montana. There he met his future wife Gwen Olive Bridger. They married and 2 children were born in Montana. Born were the oldest Gilbert and first daughter Joyce. The young family moved back to South Dakota and lived in Ramona SD before settling near De Smet SD. More children were born; Evelyn, Betty, Muriel and twins Norma and Norman. Babies lost were a twin of Muriel, Pearl and a in named baby girl. Gwen was warned to not having any more children related to a heart condition. Gwen passed during childbirth 1936 along with baby girl.
Ephaim was a young widowed father with 7 children. Times were tough, but Ephraim managed to keep the children together. Living just southwest of De Smet, the family stayed together with the help of family and hired help.
Ephraim met Dorothy Florence Smith, a young single lady who was a household helper for the family. She was also from De Smet. Born from Dakota and Florence Smith, Dorothy grew up in the area. Ephraim married Dorothy in Seattle after he followed her there. Dorothy had gone there to help with the WWII efforts as a welder. Returning to De Smet, the family grew with a birth of a son Richard James Lee and later Roger Gene Lee. The family moved to Mathews Township In Kingsbury County in 1944. This is where Ephraim and Dorothy farmed and lived most of rest of their lives. This continues to be the Lee Family Farm yet today. Ephraim passed in 1975 after a heart attack. Dorothy and Roger continued the farm. Dorothy later passed in 1990 after a vehicle accident. Roger’s family has kept the farm in operation.
The world Ephriam knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
Be the first to share a memory
No account needed. Have one? Sign in
Help manage Ephriam's memorial
Family members and close friends can help add photos, stories and moments from Ephriam's life. Ask the family to add you.
Sign in to ask