Lee, Joseph E., 1849-1920.

Joseph E. Lee was a prominent black attorney, federal officeholder, and Republican Party official from Jacksonville, Florida.

He moved to Florida from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1873, and was elected to the state legislature from Duval County in 1875, 1877, and 1879; he was elected to the 18th District of the State Senate in 1881. In 1880 and 1884, he represented Florida at the National Republican Convention.

Lee subsequently held several federally appointed positions including Deputy Internal Revenue Collector and Deputy Collector of Customs. In addition, he was appointed to a Municipal Judgeship in 1888. Active in the Republican Party until his death in 1920, Lee served as secretary of the Florida Republican State Central Committee from 1912 to 1920.