Edmund Jennings Lee I (May 20, 1772 – May 30, 1843) was a lawyer and politician in Alexandria, Virginia. A member of the Lee family of Virginia, he lived for some time at the Lee-Fendall House in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
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Early life and career
Edmund Jennings Lee was born at Leesylvania plantation on May 20, 1772 and was the fifth son of Henry Lee II and Lucy Grymes. Although his brothers Charles Lee and Richard Bland Lee held federal office, Edmund Lee may have been the member of the Lee family most intimately involved in the economic and political fabric of Alexandria, Virginia society. As a young man, he earned a law degree from Princeton University. Upon returning to Alexandria, Lee began his own law practice and eventually became one of the most renowned and erudite members of the bar. He argued cases not only at the local level, but was also a skilled Supreme Court advocate.
Political career
Edmund Jennings Lee followed his brothers' path andentered the political arena early in life. He was first elected to the Alexandria Common Council from the third ward in 1809. in 1810, he became the President of the Common Council, but resigned the position in June 1810. Lee was later re-elected to the Council and served on a number of committees. He was elected Mayor of Alexandria in March 1815 and served in that capacity for the next three years. His administration was characterized by austerity; even Lee's own friends were prosecuted for gambling. After stepping down as Mayor in 1818, Lee continued to exercise considerable influence in the community. Appointed Clerk of the Circuit Court for Alexandria County in July 1818, he served until retiring in 1840.