Biography of Seth Lee
by William Lee (Albany, Joe Munsell's Sons, 1888)
"Mr. Seth Lee was a lawyer of reputation. He began life a farmer, with only the scant education of our common schools, and did not until he was married and had a family did he enter on a course of study for his profession. (Being disabled by sickness from manual labor.) This was pursued under many embarassments but he had great courage and perseverance, adn in Aug., 1809, was admitted an attorney of the C.C.P., and at once opened an office in Barre, Mass. An inhabitant by birth, everybody was acquainted with him, and his practice soon became considerable.
"A man of rugged nature, an iron will, with strong common-sense and much shrewdness, with clear perceptions and a good grip, with a talent for raillery and sarcasm, at that time deemed indispensable in an advocate, though unlettered and without the slightest faculty for rhetorical expression, he grew to be an advocate of no mean rank, and in the various wrestling matches of the bar, was an antagonist hard to throw. His family added greatly to the attractions of Barre. Mr. Lee late in life, during the progress of a 'revival of religion' became warmly interested, and united with the Evangelical church." - Barre Centennial.
In Sept. 1811, he was admitted an attorney of the S.J.C., and in Sept. 1813 a councillor in the same. He also received a Justice's commission; was on School committee four years, Town Clerk in1811.
An amusing anecdote is told of him in connection with the religious revival referred to above. it is said that in a conference meeting, soon after his conversion, his minister asked him if he would offer prayer. It was a tight place for the old lawyer; but, after removing the contents of his mouth, clearing his throat, he replied, "I don't care if I make a short one." Rising and closing his eyes, he began as if addressing the court: "May it please your Honor," but instantly corrected himself, and almost as quickly sat down, greatly to the consternation of the meeting.