Lawrence, John (1685–1765)

1685–1765

Parents: Captain John Lawrence (1657–1729) and Deborah Woodhull (1654–1752).
Spouse: Patience Sackett (1701–1772).
Children: John Lawrence (1721–1764), Joseph Lawrence (1723–1793), Richard Lawrence (1725–1781), Nathaniel Lawrence (1727–1762), William Lawrence (1729–1794), Samuel Lawrence (1735–1810), Jonathan Lawrence (1737–1812), Daniel Lawrence (1739–1807), and Thomas Lawrence (1733–1817).
Kinship: Second cousin eight times removed of the post–World War II Smith generation.

Biography:

John Lawrence was born in 1685, the eldest son of Captain John Lawrence of Newtown, Long Island. He inherited a substantial portion of his father's lands in Newtown and Jamaica and expanded his holdings through purchase and careful management, becoming a prosperous farmer for his time. He took part in the civic life of the community, serving as a magistrate and on several town committees concerned with local affairs. The Lawrence and Sackett families were associated with the Church of England during this period, and John appears to have remained within that tradition. Although respected in his community for his public service and integrity, he did not attain the prominence later achieved by several of his sons. He died in 1765.