Lee, Jason (1803–1845), a United States missionary and western pioneer. He was born near Stanstead, Quebec (then considered part of Vermont). Lee became a Methodist minister, and in 1834 was sent to the Oregon country, held in joint occupation by the United States and Great Britain. He founded Indian missions near present-day Salem and at The Dalles. On a trip to the East in 1838–39 Lee urged Congress to establish a territory for the region.