About William Lynch
Lived 1742 – 1820 (aged 77–78). William Lynch was an American businessperson.
William Lynch (1742–1820) was an American military officer from Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He claimed to be the source of the terms "lynch law" and "lynching".
Lynch's Law The term "Lynch's Law" was used as early as 1782 by a prominent Virginian named Charles Lynch to describe his actions in suppressing a suspected Loyalist uprising in 1780 during the American Revolutionary War.
The suspects were given a summary trial at an informal court; sentences handed down included whipping, property seizure, coerced pledges of allegiance, and conscription into the military. Charles Lynch's extralegal actions were legitimized by the Virginia General Assembly in 1782.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in William Lynch's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped William Lynch's
Frequently asked questions
Who was William Lynch?
American military officer
When was William Lynch born?
William Lynch was born in 1742 in Virginia.
When did William Lynch die?
William Lynch died in 1820.
What was William Lynch's occupation?
William Lynch was a businessperson.
What nationality was William Lynch?
William Lynch was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: William Lynch (Lynch law)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Lynch. https://biography.guide/william-lynch-businessperson/
MLA: "William Lynch." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-lynch-businessperson/.
Chicago: "William Lynch." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-lynch-businessperson/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:01 UTC