The Parallel Lives of Elisha Lawrence
As with most families during the Revolutionary War, the Lawrence Family’s loyalties were split.
Interestingly, there were two members of this family that were on opposite sides despite having exactly the same name…Elisha Lawrence.
The Elisha Lawrence’s
When the American Revolution broke out, most members of the Lawrence Family from Monmouth County, New Jersey fell in with the Patriots.
However, two Lawrence’s who also shared a first name found themselves on separate sides of the conflict.
Today we will look at the oddly similar 18th century careers of Elisha Lawrence and Elisha Lawrence.
The Loyalist
The older Elisha Lawrence was Sheriff of Monmouth County when the Revolutionary War began.
Choosing to fight against most of his family, Lawrence was named as a Lieutenant Colonel in the New Jersey Volunteers. This outfit consisted of colonial militia members who fought with the British Army.
During the war, Elisha was taken prisoner during a skirmish with John Sullivan’s men.
After hostilities concluded, Lawrence joined the exodus of Loyalists who evacuated to Nova Scotia where he was quickly elected to that province’s Colonial Assembly.
The Patriot
As stated earlier, most of the Lawrence Family joined the rebels during the American Revolutionary War and the younger Elisha was no different.
Lawrence joined the Patriot’s Monmouth County Militia as a Major. Within two years he was also given a commission as Lieutenant Colonel.
During the ‘Forage War’ in New Jersey, Elisha was named Quartermaster for his Regiment.
As with his cousin, Lawrence spent the years after the Revolution climbing through the ranks of local government.
By the 1790’s he had become Vice-President of the State Senate. When William Livingston passed away, Lawrence became interim Governor of New Jersey for several months until an election could be held and William Paterson chosen for the position.
This means that Elisha Lawrence was the second Acting Governor of New Jersey.
If you would like to read about two other relatives who found themselves on different sides of the Revolution, check out this articles:
The Fratricide of Wyoming - John and Henry Pencel
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