John Lawrence (mayor of Philadelphia)

Lawrence was born on May 20, 1724.^[1] He was the second son of Thomas Lawrence I,^[2] 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.^[1] Although he was born and worked in Philadelphia, he travelled to England during his formative years for his education.^[2]

He married Elizabeth Francis (1733–1800), the daughter of Tench Francis Sr. Late in their lives, they lived on 6th and Chestnut.^[3] Their only child, Betsey Lawrence, married to James Allen, Esq.^[4] (later to Judge John Lawrence of New York City).^[2]

From 1756 to 1765, he owned the Rockland tract of land in Fairmount Park as part of his estate; following his death, it would be sold before becoming the Rockland Mansion.^[5] His prior estate there was visited by General Washington and Martha Washington on May 30, 1760.^[6]

Lawrence was appointed Clerk of Quarter Sessions in 1747,^[1] and became an associate justice^[7] of the Supreme Court on September 14. 1767,^[8] serving until the American Revolution.^[9]

He was a common councilman for Philadelphia starting in 1762, became an alderman two years later,^[1] and was elected mayor on October 1, 1765,^[10] and was unanimously re-elected for another term in 1766,^[11] 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.^[12]

Lawrence travelled back to England after the Revolutionary War, although returned back to Pennsylvania in his final years,^[13] dying in January 1799^[1] at Longbridge Farm in South Brunswick, New Jersey.^[13]