This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (June 2021) |
John Lynch (August 28, 1740 – October 31, 1820) was an American merchant who founded the city of Lynchburg, Virginia.
Early life edit
Lynch was born on August 28, 1740, in Albemarle County, Virginia. Lynch's father was Charles Lynch Sr., who was born in Galway, Ireland, but immigrated to Virginia in 1720, marrying John's mother, Sarah.[1] John was one of six siblings, another of whom was Charles Jr., a judge believed to be the namesake of lynching.[2]
Founding of Lynchburg edit
The Lynch Ferry across the James River was established by the family in about 1745.[1] In 1757, seventeen-year-old John Lynch took over control of the ferry business. Years later, first in 1784 and again in 1786, Lynch petitioned the General Assembly of Virginia for a charter to establish a town on the bluffs above the ferry upon land Lynch had inherited from an older brother. The 1786 petition was granted, and the town of Lynchburg was founded.
Lynch freed all of his slaves by the mid-1780's,[3] including the slave who was suspected of killing his son,[4] and consistently supported the antislavery movement.[5]
Death edit
Lynch died October 31st, 1820, and is buried at the South River Friends Meetinghouse.[4]
References edit
- ^ a b "Lynchburg History: John Lynch". LYH – Lynchburg Tourism. 2020-05-22. Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ Melli-Huber, Santiago (5 February 2024). "Breaking down the history behind how the City of Lynchburg was named". WFXR. Archived from the original on 20 February 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ Smith, Samantha (7 May 2021). "'We can be proud of what the real story is': Meet Lynchburg's namesake and learn how his spirit lives on". WSLS-TV. Archived from the original on 22 May 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ a b Langeland, Stephen. "Manumission in Virginia: The Anti-Slavery Legacy of John Lynch". Liberty University Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy. 2 (1). Liberty University. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024 – via Digital Commons.
- ^ "John Lynch to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1810". Retrieved May 17, 2017.
Sources edit
- Elson, James M. (2004). Lynchburg, Virginia: The First Two Hundred Years 1786 – 1986. Lynchburg, VA: Warwick House Publishing. ISBN 978-1-890306-72-4. LCCN 2004111050.
- Loyd, Richard B.; Mundy, Bernard K. (1975). Lynchburg: A Pictorial History. Virginia Beach, VA: Donning Company. ISBN 0-915442-06-X. LCCN 75020230.
- Chambers, S. Allen Jr. (1981). Lynchburg: An Architectural History. University Press of Virginia. ISBN 978-0-8139-0882-3. LCCN 81003000.
- Scruggs, Philip Lightfoot (1978). The History of Lynchburg, Virginia 1786–1946. J. P. Bell. LCCN 78184897.