Cornelius Lawrence

Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence (February 28, 1791 – February 20, 1861) was an American politician from New York. He became the first popularly elected mayor of New York City after the law was changed in 1834.^[1] He also served briefly as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Cornelius Lawrence
From Volume 3 of 1896's History of the City of New York: Its Origin, Rise and Progress
Collector of the Port of New York
In office 1845–1849
Preceded by	Cornelius P. Van Ness
Succeeded by	Hugh Maxwell
61st Mayor of New York City
In office 1834–1837
Preceded by	Gideon Lee
Succeeded by	Aaron Clark
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 3rd district
In office March 4, 1833 – May 14, 1834
Preceded by	Seat added
Succeeded by	Charles G. Ferris
Personal details
Born	Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence (1791-02-28)February 28, 1791 Flushing, New York
Died	February 20, 1861(1861-02-20) (aged 69) Flushing, New York
Resting place	Lawrence Cemetery, Bayside, New York
Political party	Democratic-Republican Jacksonian Democratic
Spouse	Lydia A. Lawrence
Profession	Merchant businessman

Early life

Lawrence was born in Flushing, New York, on February 28, 1791. He was a cousin of Effingham Lawrence^[2] and was a descendant of John Lawrence and John Bowne, both Quakers and pioneer English settlers of Queens.

Lawrence attended the public schools and worked on his father's farm.

Business career

He moved to New York City in 1812 to embark on a business career, first at the Shotwell, Hicks & Co. auctioneering firm, and later as a partner in the wholesale dry goods firm of Hicks, Lawrence & Co.

Career

Lawrence was elected as a Jacksonian to the Twenty-third Congress, serving from March 4, 1833, to May 14, 1834, when he resigned, becoming mayor of New York (1834–1837). He also served as director in several banks and trust companies and, was president of the Bank of the State of New York for more than 20 years. From 1845 to 1849, Lawrence served as Collector of the Port of New York.

Personal life

He had a son, James Ogden Lawrence (died August 1, 1904).^[3]

Death and burial

Lawrence died in Flushing (the same place he was born in) on February 20, 1861, 8 days shy of his 70th birthday. He was interred in the family burying ground in Bayside, New York.^[4]