From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Lee County (KY) Free Blacks and Free Mulattoes, 1870-1900
Lee County, located in eastern Kentucky, was formed in 1870 from portions of Breathitt, Estill, Owsley, and Wolfe Counties; and surrounded by five counties. It is uncertain how the county got its name. The county seat is Beattyville, established in 1872 and named for Samuel Beatty, who provided the land for the town. Lee County was established after the slaves in Kentucky were freed by the 13th Amendment. Below are the population numbers for African Americans in the county in 1870, 1880, and 1900.1870 U.S. Federal Census
- 95 Blacks
- 54 Mulattoes
- About 3 U.S. Colored Troops listed Lee County, KY as their birth location.
1880 U.S. Federal Census
- 51 Blacks
1900 U.S. Federal Census
- 273 Blacks
For more see the Lee County entry in The Kentucky Encyclopedia, edited by J. E. Kleber.