John Brown Lawrence Esq. (abt. 1728 - 1798)

Born about 1728 in Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth, New Jersey

Ancestors

Husband of Anne (Leonard) Lawrence — married 18 Jul 1753 in Middlesex, New Jersey

Husband of Martha Tallman — married 14 Nov 1759 in Monmouth, New Jersey

Descendants

Died 10 Jul 1798 at about age 70 in York, Lower Canada

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Biography

John Brown Lawrence was born to Elisha and Elizabeth (Brown) Lawrence. He was a lawyer and served as Treasurer of the State of New Jersey, 1785.

Record for John Esq. Lawrence^[1][2]

He died in York, Quebec, Canada 10 JUL 1798

Note: #N14721^[3]

York, Quebec, Canada

Census

Census: 350 Acres of Land, 13 Cattle & Horeses, 1 Servant

Date: 1770

Place: Mansfield, Burlington, New Jersey^[4]

Census:

Date: 1789

Place: Dover, Monmouth, New Jersey^[5]

Will

Will dated 29 MAR 1798, York, Quebec, Canada

Note: #N14722

Will Proved, 14 JUL 1798, York, Quebec, Canada

Wife: Anne Leonard

Child: Elizabeth Lawrence

Marriage:

Date: 18 JUL 1753

Place: Middlesex, New Jersey

Note: #N15187

Note: #N15188^[6][7]

Husband: John Brown Lawrence

Wife: Martha Tallman

Marriage:

Date: 14 NOV 1759

Place: Burlington, Burlington, New Jersey^[8]

Children of John and Martha (Tallman) Lawrence:

• Sarah Lawrence married James Bishop of New York
• Catherine Lawrence married Jackson Brown
• Alice Lawrence married John Parker of Perth Amboy
• William Franklin Lawrence died unmarried
• John Lawrence b. 9-27-1768, baptized 7-7-1769 in Burlington; married Mary Waddell, daughter of Rev. Henry Waddell and Lucy (Lawrence) Waddell; no children as recorded in St. Mary's Church, Burlington
• Lucy baptized 11-24-1771 St. Mary's Church, Burlington
• James Lawrence b. 10-1-1781, d. 6-4-1813

Siblings: Elizabeth Lawrence Elisha Lawrence Lucy Lawrence Anne Lawrence

Marriage:

Date: ABT 1727

Place: New Jersey^[9][10]

Notes

N26

A staunch Loyalist, was a member of the Council, a lawyer of distinguished reputation, and was considered by his townspeople a man of great importance. When the Hessians were marching on the town in 1775, he was mayor, and at the head of a deputation of citizens, he rode out on the old York Road to meet the enemy, and to beg them to spare the place and its inhabitants. The Hessian officers accompanied him back to Burlington and were entertained at the Lawrence mansion, and when, later on the same day, an American man-of-war at anchor in Delaware River, seeing the red coats of the enemy in the streets, and thinking that the British were in possession of the place, began firing on the town, it was Colonel Lawrence who, unattended, went down the the wharves where, although he was exposed to the fire, he remained until he succeeded in communicating with the vessel and stopped the firing.

...he was suspected by the Whigs from the first because of his official relations to the Crown. He was finally arrested and for a long time was imprisoned in Burlington jail. He was accused of treasonable intercourse with the enemy, but after a long delay was tried and acquitted.

He fled to Canada during the American Revolution...He lived in Canada until his death in 1796, and during his residence he acquired a large tract of Crown land.

Note: New Jersey, Marriages, 1678-1985. John Lawrence. Spouse's Name: Anne Leonard. 18 Jul 1753, New Jersey Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M00355-3. System Origin: New Jersey-EASy. GS Film number: 888705. Reference ID: p.76.

Notes

Note N14720John Brown Lawrence, like many of his forbears, was twice married; his first wife was Ann, daughter of Samuel Leonard, Esqr., of Perth Amboy, by whom he had one child, Elizabeth. His second wife was Martha Tallman, of Trenton. By his second wife he had seven children, five girls and two boys.

John Lawrence, who was a staunch Loyalist, was a member of the Council, a lawyer of distinguished reputation, and was considered by his townspeople a man of great importance. When the Hessians were marching on the town in 1775, he was mayor, and at the head of a deputation of citizens, he rode out on the old York Road to meet the enemy, and to beg them to spare the place and its inhabitants. The Hessian officers accompanied him back to Burlington and were entertained at the Lawrence mansion, and when, later on the same day, an American man-of-war at anchor in Delaware River, seeing the red coats of the enemy in the streets, and thinking that the British were in possession of the place, began firing on the town, it was Colonel Lawrence who, unattended, went down to the wharves where, although he was exposed to the fire, he remained until he succeeded in communicating with the vessel and stopped the firing.

Colonel Lawrence, as a loyal subject of King George, was not inclined to take any part in the Revolution, but, as always happens in times of great political excitement, neutrals are regarded as objects of suspicion, so Lawrence was suspected by the Whigs from the first because of his official relations to the Crown. He was finally arrested and for a long time was imprisoned in Burlington jail. He was accused of treasonable intercourse with the enemy, but after a long delay was tried and acquitted.

During his imprisonment he became intimate with a Lieutenant Colonel John G. Simcoe, Commander of the Queen's Rangers, who was also a prisoner. A strong friendship was developed between the two men, and when the latter was exchanged he said to Lawrence at parting, "I shall never forget your kindness." He did not, and when afterward he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Canada, he invited Colonel Lawrence to settle there. The invitation was favored by the Governor and Colonel Lawrence accepted it. He lived in Canada until his death in 1796, and during his residence he acquired a large tract of Crown land.

After his death the land was forfeited in consequence of failure to comply with some conditions of the grant or the non-payment of dues. Many years afterward Mary Lawrence, the daughter of Captain James Lawrence*, of the "Chesapeake" and the grand-daughter of the Loyalist, claimed the restoration of this tract. The case was carried in Council before William the Fourth, the Sailor King. The monarch asked the claimant's name and the facts. On being told the circumstances of the case, he said: "She is the daughter of a brave sailor, let her take it."

_________________________

* He is probably best known today for his dying command "Don't give up the ship!"

- James Lawrence, captain, United States Navy: commander of the "Chesapeake". 1904. p. 14-16.

1795 Sept 2nd. "By Mr. Lawrence's Account £1 19s 8p: Goods on account for John Brown Lawrence who had just arrived in the Town of York encampment."

Abler Miles Day Book, King St., Toronto. Goods on account: Mr. Lawrence

Mar 18, 1795 - 1 bushel potatoes, 10s.6 p.

9 Jan 1796 - 1 Almanac 2s.

15 Feb, 7 3/4 lbs. of pork, 2s.

May 22, 21 1/4 lbs flour 10s. 8 p.

18 Mar 1796 - 1 bushel potatoes, 10s 6p, by King Kendrick

Mar 3, 6 lbs. of pork, 7s. 6p

Mar 10, 4 lbs. of pork, 5s.

May 22 - 1 bushel potatoes, 10 s. 6p.

Nov 26, 1796 (three faint items) £xx 6s. 4p. xx.

2 Oct. 1798. For your order in favor of Lester (Cast?) £2, (for unstated item - Lester was the bonded servant of John B Lawrence whose health was deteriorating at this time.) King St., Toronto.

Fri. Nov 13. 1795. "We left Navy Hall [Newark / Niagara-on-lake] at eight o'clock in the Governor Simcoe, and arrived at York at five; Drank tea with Mrs. McGill. Mr. Lawrence is come with us; he is lately from the States. "

Tues. 18 Dec. 1795 "Mr. Lawrence, who went with the party from motives of curiosity, speaks well of the apparent quality of most of the land; 20 miles from hence, near Bond's farm, he saw two small lakes near each other, from whence many fish were taken. He saw no wild animals."

Good friend of the Governor John Graves Simcoe of Upper Canada.

Built Kings Grist Mill on the Humber River [2008 now Old Mill Inn, Toronto]:

The Old Mill Inn & Spa has a cherished motto, Vallis Humbria Angliae Pars Anglisa Procul which means, “In the valley of the Humber, a bit of England far from England".

The beautiful setting, charming atmosphere and impeccable service of The Old Mill Inn has warmed the hearts of our guests from far and wide. Over the past century, The Old Mill Inn & Spa has earned its reputation as a Toronto landmark.

The Humber River and Valley are intrinsic to the fabric of Canadian history. Originally the site was an important area for fishing, hunting and as a travel route among the native people of Canada.

In 1615, the area was discovered by explorer Étienne Brûlé on a mission for Samuel de Champlain. Eventually, the French established a small settlement for trading with the native Canadians.

Following the American Revolution, a large number of United Empire Loyalists moved into the area and established the colony of Upper Canada, with the growing town of York named as its capital in 1793. The town would later be incorporated and renamed Toronto in 1834.

The English settlers built the King's Mill on the banks of the Humber River to process lumber for the new homes of York residents. The William Gambles grist mill was built slightly to the north and would become the site of the present-day Old Mill.

In failing health he made his will on 10 July, 1798, witnessed by John Willson, a fellow lawyer from Burlington, New Jersey (who was licensed for the saw mill on the together with the grist mill on the Humber River, Toronto. )

To John Graves Simcoe, Lieut. Gov., In Council, Petition of John Lawrence Esq. of the City of Burlington in the late Prov. and now the State of New Jersey... Petitioner desirous to become inhabitant of Prov. Upper Canada & to erect a Grist Mill on the Humber which he conceived will be of Public Utility... wants Lotts, 2 and 3 broken fronts East side Grist Mill on the Humber which he conceived will be of Public Utility... wants Lotts, 2 and 3 broken fronts East side of Humber River also Lott about 30 A West side of River at head of Lake, to build a saw mill & dwelling... at the Humber River also Lott about 30 A West side of River at head of Lake (Ontario).

- John [Brown] Lawrence, UCL Petition, Bundle L2, 1795-97, Petition 39

Land for William and James Lawrence / his two sons,

Jackson B French, James Goelet and John Parker (his sons-in-Laws), he has reasons to Expect they will come into and reside in this Province and for whose Loyalty he can Voucher for. Wants the following Lotts on Yonge Street No. 77 and 78 on the west side. Numbers 85: 85: and 87 on the same side, each containing two hundred acres or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet, etc. Signed: John Lawrence. [undated letter, envelope dated 14 Jan 1797]

Envelope: Rec. Broken Front Lots 1, 2 & 3 East side of Humber, as part or 1200 A. The Committee do not recommend the dismembering any part of the ground attached to the Saw Mill for the Reasons assigned in the Report - nor do they recommend the granting Lots on Yonge Street to Persons out of the Province. Number 506 given on Wed 14 January, 1797. Entered Page 63.

Grant #338, Lawrence, John. Esq., 228 acres, York Twp., Date of Grant 12 Mar. 1794, page 22.

Note N14721The minister from St. Mark's Anglican Church at Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake) Ontario travelled to the other side of the Lake, to the Town of York, for the burial. "Burials. Squire Lawrence at York, July 3, 1798".

- Archives of Ontario, MS545, Reel 1.

Note N14722Will of John Brown Lawrence

Witnessed, signed & sealed in the presence of the testor.

Signed John Willson, Asher Mundy, Stephen Barbere, at York, July 10, 1798.

Note: John Lawrence had his will witnessed in his extremity on July 10th, 1798. Perhaps the Minister was notified on the 3rd of July to come to York, a hundred miles distant, or when he returned to Newark, did he mean to write buried the 13th July?

Treasurer of the state of New Jersey. He subsequently removed to Canada where he died.^[11]

Sources

1. ↑ Source: #S900 Page: Database online. Data: Text: Record for John Esq. Lawrence
2. ↑ Source: #S900 Page: Database online
3. ↑ Source: #S974 Page: p. 14-16
4. ↑ Source: #S900 Page: Database online. Data: Text: Record for John Esq. Lawrence
5. ↑ Source: #S900 Page: Database online. Data: Text: Record for John Esq. Lawrence
6. ↑ Source: #S132 Page: Males. L, Page 237
7. ↑ Source: #S973 Page: p. 70
8. ↑ Source: #S974 Page: p. 14-16
9. ↑ Source: #S904 Page: p.156-159
10. ↑ Source: #S899 Page: p. 7
11. ↑ Holgate, Jerome B.. American genealogy: being a history of some of the early settlers of North America and their descendants, from their first emigration to the present time. Albany, 1848. Page 215

• Source: S132 Author: Nelson, William Title: Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey. Vol. XXII: Marriage Records 1665-1800 Publication: Name: Press Printing and Publishing; Location: Patterson, New Jersey; Date: 1900;
• Source: S899 Author: Stout, Herald F. Title: Stout and Allied Families Publication: Location: San Diego, California; Date: 1986; Repository: #R6
• Repository: R6 Name: Monmouth County Historical Assoc. Address: 70 Court St. Freehold, NJ 07728 E-Mail Address: Phone Number:
• Source: S900 Author: Jackson, Ronald V., Accelerated Indexing Systems, comp. Title: New Jersey Census, 1643-1890 Publication: Name: Ancestry.com Operations Inc; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 1999; Repository: #R3
• Repository: R3 Name: www.ancestry.com Address: E-Mail Address: Phone Number:
• Source: S904 Author: Nelson, William Title: New Jersey Biographical and Genealogical Notes Publication: Name: New Jersey Archives; Location: Newark; Date: 1916;
• Source: S973 Author: Jenkins, Edward O. Title: Historical Genealogy of the Lawrence Family Publication: Location: New York; Date: 1858; Repository: #R3
• Source: S974 Author: Gleaves, Albert Title: James Lawrence, captain, United States Navy: commander of the "Chesapeake" Publication: Name: G.P. Putnam's Sons; Location: New York; Date: 1904; Repository: #R5
• Repository: R5 Name: Google Books Address: E-Mail Address: Phone Number:

• "New York Marriages, 1686-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F6HN-D5D : 12 December 2014), John in entry for Daniel P. Lenahan and Ann Barrett, 13 Sep 1877; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 1,562,242.
• "New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FZ64-TZH : 12 December 2014), John Lawrence in entry for Catherine Lawrence, ; citing SAINT MARYS CHURCH FORMERLY SAINT ANNS CHURCH,BURLINGTON,BURLINGTON,NEW JERSEY...
• "New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FZ64-RLD : 12 December 2014), John Lawrence in entry for Elizabeth Lawrence, ; citing SAINT MARYS CHURCH FORMERLY SAINT ANNS CHURCH,BURLINGTON,BURLINGTON,NEW JERSEY...
• "New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FZ6H-M4R : 12 December 2014), John Lawrence in entry for Elisha Talman Lawrence, 13 Feb 1775; citing , reference ; FHL microfilm 0962650 IT 1.

• "New York Marriages, 1686-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F6HN-D5D : 12 December 2014), John in entry for Daniel P. Lenahan and Ann Barrett, 13 Sep 1877; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 1,562,242.

• "New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FZ64-TZH : 12 December 2014), John Lawrence in entry for Catherine Lawrence, ; citing SAINT MARYS CHURCH FORMERLY SAINT ANNS CHURCH,BURLINGTON,BURLINGTON,NEW JERSEY, reference ; FHL microfilm 0962650 IT 1.

• "New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FZ64-RLD : 12 December 2014), John Lawrence in entry for Elizabeth Lawrence, ; citing SAINT MARYS CHURCH FORMERLY SAINT ANNS CHURCH,BURLINGTON,BURLINGTON,NEW JERSEY, reference ; FHL microfilm 0962650 IT 1.

• "New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FZ6H-M4R : 12 December 2014), John Lawrence in entry for Elisha Talman Lawrence, 13 Feb 1775; citing , reference ; FHL microfilm 0962650 IT 1.

• "New Jersey, Marriages, 1670-1980," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FZKF-FQV : 31 March 2016), John Lawrence and Martha Tallman, 14 Nov 1759; citing , , New Jersey, United States, Division of Archives and Record Management, New Jersey Department of State, Trenton.; FHL microfilm 888,705.

Acknowledgments

• WikiTree profile Lawrence-2431 created through the import of WORCESTER_2012-07-31.ged on Jul 31, 2012 by Bob Worcester. See the Changes page for the details of edits by Bob and others.
• Thank you to A Schiwitz for creating WikiTree profile Lawrence-2778 through the import of ACS_Family_Jan2013.ged on Jan 31, 2013. Click to the Changes page for the details of edits by A and others.