In my family tree I have the Lee family, who were millers in County Durham in the mid 19th century. Thomas ( and for a while his brother Matthew) was miller at Alwent, Gainford and then Ingleton windmill. I then discovered that their older brother William was miller at Bitchburn (Beechburn) until his premature death in 1838. Since their father, John Lee, was a miner and farmer in Weardale and Roddymoor, there didn't seem to be any family tradition of milling.
However, I have since discovered several other Lees who were millers, although they do not have any obvious link to John Lee's family or to each other.
Robert Lee, who died at Staindrop in 1805, was the miller at Staindrop in the late 18th century.
John Lee (yes, I suppose he might be linked to the other John Lee, but I'm not sure how at the moment) of Pinfold House, St John's Chapel, (died 1776) and his son and heir John, had a mill on their property.
John Lee of Elswick Windmill Newcastle died in 1729.
I think in the past I have come across a Lee at the windmill in Washington. but of course I can no longer find the reference, now that I think it might be significant.
I wonder if I could ask Rootschatters to keep an eye out as they follow their own Durham interests, for other Lees who are millers. I know milling did run in families, but I also know that Lee is a fairly common name, so all this could be coincidence. However, i must admit I am intrigued!
