Representative Warren Isbell Lee

Warren Isbell Lee (February 5, 1876 – December 25, 1955) was a U.S. Representative from New York and a member of the Republican Party who served one term in the United States Congress from 1921 to 1923. He was born in Bartlett, Oneida County, New York, on February 5, 1876. Little is recorded about his early family life, but his upbringing in upstate New York preceded a long association with higher education and public service that would shape his professional and political career.

Lee pursued his early education at Colgate Academy in Hamilton, New York, from which he graduated in 1894. He continued his studies at Hamilton College, also in Hamilton, and received his degree in 1899. Seeking a career in law, he moved to New York City to attend New York Law School, from which he graduated in 1901. That same year he was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law in New York City, beginning a legal career that would run parallel to his growing involvement in state and local politics.

Lee entered public office as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing Kings County’s 18th District. He served in the Assembly for five consecutive years, from 1906 through 1910, during a period of significant urban growth and political activity in Brooklyn and greater New York City. His legislative experience in Albany helped establish his reputation within the Republican Party and provided him with a foundation in state-level governance and public policy.

After his initial legislative service, Lee held a series of important legal and administrative posts in New York. From 1912 to 1914 he served as an assistant district attorney of Kings County, participating in the prosecution of criminal matters in Brooklyn. He then became First Deputy New York State Comptroller, serving from 1914 to 1917, where he assisted in overseeing the state’s financial administration. From 1917 to 1919 he was one of the counsel to the New York State Public Service Commission, contributing legal expertise to the regulation of public utilities and services. Concurrently, from 1917 to 1921, he served as a trustee of Hamilton College, maintaining a formal connection to his alma mater and participating in its governance.

Lee returned to elective office in 1920 as a member of the New York State Assembly from Kings County’s 21st District, reflecting his continued prominence in Brooklyn Republican politics. He was also active in party affairs beyond elective office, serving as a delegate to the Republican state conventions in 1920, 1922, 1924, and 1926. Through these roles he helped shape party platforms and candidate selections during a transformative era in both state and national politics.

Warren Isbell Lee was elected as a Republican to the 67th United States Congress, representing New York in the U.S. House of Representatives from March 4, 1921, to March 3, 1923. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, in the early years following World War I and during the beginning of the 1920s economic expansion. As a member of the House of Representatives, Lee participated in the democratic process, contributed to the legislative work of the 67th Congress, and represented the interests of his New York constituents. His tenure encompassed debates over postwar economic policy, regulation, and federal governance, although he served only a single term and did not return to Congress thereafter.

Following his congressional service, Lee resumed the practice of law in New York City, continuing his legal career in private practice. In addition to his work as an attorney, he served as a director of the Flatbush National Bank, reflecting his engagement with the financial and commercial life of Brooklyn. He remained a figure in professional and civic circles in the borough during his later years.

Warren Isbell Lee died in Brooklyn, New York, on December 25, 1955. He was interred at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, a historic burial ground for many notable New Yorkers. His career encompassed local, state, and national public service, including legislative work in the New York State Assembly, key administrative and legal posts in state government, and one term in the United States Congress as a Republican representative from New York.