 The 1820s were filled with financial woes for Fendall, which were compounded by his mother's financial difficulties, and by 1821 the Fendall's were forced to mortgage the Lee-Fendall House on Oronoco Street, Alexandria, Virginia, which Fendall's father built.In 1822, Fendall was elected President of the Periclean Society of Alexandria.This organization was composed of 24 men who met and debated philosophical and political questions.