Lees, Isaiah W., 1830-1902

San Francisco policeman. Served as Chief of Police and Chief of Detectives.

From the description of Isaiah W. Lees Collection, 1863-1903. (California State Library). WorldCat record id: 58855222

Biography

Isaiah W. Lees was born in Lancashire, England, December 25, 1830. When he was nine months old, his family settled in Patterson, New Jersey. He sailed to San Francisco aboard the Mary Francis, arriving on December 20, 1848. He joined the San Francisco police force on October 26, 1853. He served continuously forty-seven years, retiring in January 1900. Mr. Lees was promoted to Chief of Police and served as Chief of Detectives. As a criminal officer, he travelled to Scotland Yard several times and his picture hangs there to represent one of the great criminal officers of his day. It was Captain Lees who founded the Rogues Gallery, using his own money to make the original collection of pictures. He died on December 21, 1902, president of the Veteran Police Association. He and his wife had five children, two of whom survived him.

From the guide to the Isaiah W. Lees Collection, 1863-1903, (California State Library)