Samuel Lawrence (congressman)


Samuel Lawrence was an American politician from New York.

Early life

He was the son of Jonathan Lawrence and Ruth Lawrence. He attended the common schools, studied law with his cousin Attorney General Nathaniel Lawrence, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice in New York City. Among his siblings was New York State Senator John L. Lawrence and U.S. Congressman William T. Lawrence.
He was also a direct descendant of Capt. James Lawrence, a hero of the War of 1812, and Maj. Thomas Lawrence of the British Army who received a land grant in 1656 in what became Queens.

Career

He was appointed a judge of the Marine Court of New York City. He was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1811, and was Clerk of New York County from 1811 to 1812.
In 1814, he removed to an estate on the margin of Cayuta Lake, in Tioga County. He was a presidential elector in 1816 and voted for James Monroe and Daniel D. Tompkins. He was again a member of the State Assembly in 1820-21. Lawrence was elected as an Adams-Clay Democratic-Republican to the 18th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1823, to March 3, 1825.

Personal life

His son Samuel Lawrence was a member of the New York State Assembly from Tompkins County in 1847; and from Schuyler County in 1863.
He was buried in the family cemetery on his estate.