As I do more research into what happened to the children of Joseph Lawrence (who were probably born in this house!) and update the Lawrence family portion of the site accordingly, I’m finding that all 3 of his sons were politicians at either the state or federal level. Some of their sons and/or grandsons went on to become politicians, lawyers or judges as well. Very interesting! Pictured below is George Van Eman Lawrence, son of Joseph Lawrence II and grandson of Joseph Lawrence who built and owned the house.
According to FindAGrave.com:
Birth: Nov. 13, 1818 Death: Oct. 2, 1904
US Congressman. Elected to represent Pennsylvania’s 24th District in the United States House of Representatives, he served from 1865 to 1869, and 1883 to 1885. He also served as a Member of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 1844, Member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1850 to 1851, 1861 to 1863, and 1876 to 1882, and Delegate to the Pennsylvania State Constitutional Convention in 1872. (bio by: K)
I have to wonder how closely George Van Eman Lawrence resembled his grandfather Joseph as well as his great grandfather John. His father, Joseph Lawrence II (probably born in this house!) was also a US Congressman. Here is his bio listed on the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress:
There seem to be plenty more in addition to the 3 sons and grandsons, but I’m only going to research so much as it can become overwhelming. |