Born in Bristol, England, son of Samuel Atlee. Came to America about 1784 to join his father in the brewing business. In 1787 Samuel and James joined Thomas Machin in the coinage business.

Designer and engraver of dies for colonial and state coinage. Principal engraver at Raway Mills 1786 to 1787. Partner with Thomas Machin at Machin's Mills.

Atlee dies can be identified by punch linkage. Breen credits Atlee with the following dies:

Imitation Connecticut cents of 1786, struck at New York City. Machin's Mills coppers of 1787. NON VI VIRTUTE VICI coppers of 1786, struck at New York City. Patterns for Confederation coppers of 1787. Patterns for New York coinage of 1787. Vermont cents of 1787-1788, struck at Rupert mint. Vermont cents of 1788-1789, struck at Machin's Mills mint.

James joined his father briefly in Vermont. He returned to England about 1794 and joined brother John in the distilling business. Married Mary Hounsfield May 27, 1795. They had four children. Mary died in 1808. Married Esther Fisher Armroid October 22, 1814. They had two children. He died at Walworth, England.

bio: The Colonial Newsletter October, 1992