Captain Lee was a prominent early settler in Independence. He was born on October 16, 1817, in Genesee County, New York. Following the death of his mother, the family was broken up and Captain Lee was supporting himself by the time he was 16 years old. He worked on area farms during the growing season and attended school in the winter months. He left Genesee County in 1842 with $22 and all his belongings in a small hand satchel. Lee made his way to Akron, Ohio, by way of Buffalo, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio. His resources being greatly reduced, he advertised for students and opened a school. For the next four and one half years he also studied the law with the Hon. William C. Dodge. He was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1846 and opened his own office in Akron, Ohio, in 1847. He and the former Fannie L. Brooks were married in Northfield, Ohio, in 1850. Fannie Brooks Lee was born on March 12, 1828, in Bethel, Vermont. In 1851, the Hon. D. S. Lee headed west in search of brighter prospects. He arrived in Dubuque, Iowa, where he stayed for several months teaching school and studying the law. He was admitted to the bar of the Iowa Supreme Court in 1852. He again headed west and arrived in Independence. He was the first professional lawyer in Independence and also served as land agent for a company based in Dubuque. Mr. Lee promptly requested his wife join him in their new home. In 1852, he was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney. In the middle 1850's he helped organize the first bank with partners P.E. and E.B. Older. This was a prosperous venture until the Panic of 1857 when the bank was wiped out. In 1858, Lee helped organize the Buchanan County Agricultural Society which was responsible for holding early county fairs. With the beginning of the "War of the Rebellion", Daniel Lee made a rousing patriotic speech at a mass meeting at the county court house in Independence. He ended the speech by becoming the first volunteer from Buchanan County. He helped raise a company of men which eventually became Company E assigned to the 5th Regiment Iowa Volunteers. On June 1, 1861, Lee was elected to the rank of captain. During his three years of service, Captain Lee proved to be a very capable officer. He served under General Fremont in Missouri, and under General Grant for several battles leading up the siege of Vicksburg. Capt. Lee transferred to the Army of the Gulf and was on the staff of Gen. Charles L. Matthies for eight months before mustering out of the service in August of 1864. Captain Lee returned to a newly incorporated Independence and was the first person elected to fill the office of Mayor. He served for one and one half terms before resigning to devote all of his time to personal business pursuits. Captain Lee continued his political career in 1869 when he was elected to the office of Representative to the Iowa State Legislature. He held this office through the 13th Assembly. The Lees continued to be active in the social events of Independence during their later years. In 1877, Capt. Lee became a charter member of the Early Settler's Association of Buchanan Co., Iowa.