Militia officer and legislator.

Studied law as a young man. Ensign, lieutenant, and finally captain (1759) in French and Indian War; twice held prisoner. Farmed near Lancaster, Pennsylvania (c. 1762-75). Colonel in Pennsylvania militia (1776). Captured at Battle of Long Island; remained a prisoner until 1778. Served in U.S. Congress (1778-82, intermittently). Later served in Pennsylvania Assembly, on Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, and as an Indian commissioner.

Son of William and Jane (Alcock) Atlee. Born at Trenton, New Jersey, but grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Brother of William Augustus Atlee. Married Sarah Richardson (1762); nine children.