John Lawrence

John Lawrence, Esq. (May 20, 1724 – January 1799) was the 39th Mayor of Philadelphia and the third in his family to hold that title.

Early life and family Lawrence was born on May 20, 1724. He was the second son of Thomas Lawrence I, who was Mayor of Philadelphia from 1727 to 1729, 1734, 1749, and 1753. His elder brother, Thomas Lawrence II, also served as mayor in both 1758 and 1764. Their only child, Betsey Lawrence, married to James Allen, Esq. (later to Judge John Lawrence of New York City). His prior estate there was visited by General Washington and Martha Washington on May 30, 1760.

Career Lawrence was appointed Clerk of Quarter Sessions in 1747, of the Supreme Court on September 14. 1767, serving until the American Revolution.

He was a common councilman for Philadelphia starting in 1762, became an alderman two years later, and was unanimously re-elected for another term in 1766, serving until October 6, 1767. Due to his family's influence on the position in the 18th century, he was considered a "very notable mayor" of his time.

Lawrence travelled back to England after the Revolutionary War, although returned back to Pennsylvania in his final years, dying in January 1799 at Longbridge Farm in South Brunswick, New Jersey.