Lee was born in the 1700s in England.[1] He immigrated to the United States and worked as a plantation manager for Joel McClendon in Jones County, Georgia.[2][3] He was not likely related to the Lee Family of Virginia whose immigrant ancestor Richard Lee I arrived in America around 1639 not the 1700s.[4] Richard Lee I's ancestry in England isn't certain making any connection between him and William Lee dubious.[5] In 1810, on behalf of the plantation owner, Lee posted a notice in the Georgia Journal about a runaway enslaved person.[2][3] That same year, he served as a witness, alongside Marvelle McClendon, for his employer being granted power of attorney for Mary Partin.[3] In June 1817, he posted another notice searching for a runaway apprentice named Daniel Jefferson McClendon.[3]
Lee moved to the Mississippi Territory and purchased land in Conecuh County (later Butler County) on October 4, 1817.[2][3] His land would later be part of the Alabama Territory once the western part of the Mississippi territory was granted statehood.[3] He enslaved three black people on his farm.[3]
His wife, likely Penelope McClendon Lee, was of Scottish descent.[1][3] He had a son, Robert Scothrup Lee.[2][3]
In 1813, Lee served as captain of an infantry company in the Second Regiment of the Georgia Volunteer Militia.[3] He led the company during the Creek War.[3] He had previously served in the army during the War of 1812.[3] He was later promoted to the rank of brigadier general.[3]
On May 20, 1819, Lee was appointed as Major Commandant of the State Militia, 11th Regiment of the 1st Battalion of the Alabama Territory in Conecuh County.[3] In March 1820, he was commissioned as a colonel in the 29th Regiment, Fourth Division, Eighth Brigade of the Alabama Militia.[3]
In Alabama, Lee became a judge and played a significant role in early Alabama politics, including helping craft the Constitution of Alabama.[2][3] In June 1820, he was one of the voters for justices and constables in Captain Jolly's District.[3] In September 1820, he was elected to the House of Representatives in the Alabama Legislature.[3] In August 1820 he managed the election at Fort Dale for Sheriff of Butler County.[3] In 1821 he managed another election at Fort Dale for a senatorial seat that was left vacant after the resignation of Herbert.[3]
On June 14, 1821, Lee was appointed as a judge of the Butler County Court.[3]
Lee was the first Master of the Hiram Lodge of Masons in Butler County.[3]
Lee died around 1823 and was buried near his residence, three and a half miles east of Fort Dale.[3] The first Masonic demonstration ever made in Butler County sits atop his grave.[3]