Early records
The earliest record I can find of LEES in the parish of Arboe is in 1825. A John Lees is recorded as holding 20″3″25 Irish acres of land in the townland of Moneyhaw in the tithe applotment records.
I could not find any Lee or Lees on the 1831 Londonderry census or on the 1859 Griffith’s valuation for Arboe parish as a resident, though a John Lee does appears in the valuation as proprietor of a number of properties in Arboe mainly in the townland of Drummullan, but also in Gortnagwyg. Through the records of deeds we know this is John Lee of Cloghog.
This is likely the same John Lee from the following record on the PRONI catalogue;
Estate of John Lee and William Holmes 13 June 1862 Leasehold interests in Drummullan [Drummullen] Arboe Loughinsholin T877/598
Drummullan and Moneyhaw are separated by Annahavil townland and are both in the Co. Londonderry portion of Arboe
I cannot say at this stage whether the 1825 John Lees is the same as the John Lee in 1859-62, or where this John Lee resided.
There may be a connection to the LEES from the parish of Artrea, as Mary Lays from an Artrea family was living in Drummullan townland at the time of her 1845 marriage.