Although no authorized sources have been found that can confirm the family background of Lee, it is widely accepted that he came from a prestigious family, given that he was able to afford the tuition from multiple expensive institutions such as Colby, and has many personal collection of items, such as rare art and books.
Before coming to Colby, Lee had already shown an early interest in education and finance in China. He attended the Tientsin Private Middle School, the Principal Tientsin Social Middle School, Peking College of Commerce, and the Tientsin Anglo-China College.
Lee probably met Arthur G. Robinson at the Tientsin Anglo-China College, who graduated from Colby class of 1906 and later went to China for the Y.M.C.A related work. Robinson saw his talent and recommended him to Colby College without second thought. Upon arriving at Colby College, Lee was “adopted” by Principal Roberts, who fostered a close relationship with Lee. A letter here shows some of the details:
