Elisha Lawrence (1746 – July 23, 1799) was an American Federalist Party[1] politician, who represented Monmouth County in the New Jersey Legislative Council, the precursor to the New Jersey State Senate, from 1780 through 1783, from 1789 through 1792 and in 1795.
As Vice President of the New Jersey Legislative Council, Lawrence served as acting governor of New Jersey from July 25, 1790, to October 30, 1790, following the death of Governor William Livingston.
[3] Lawrence is buried at the Yellow Meeting House Cemetery in Red Valley, New Jersey.
The tombstone reads, “A stranger to all ambition but that of being useful, he was twice vice president of New Jersey for several years presiding judge of the pleas, and after a series of faithful and gallant services in the Revolutionary War he was appointed by his county brigadier general of the Monmouth militia of the surveyed blazing line when wars loud conflict racked the brain.
Now sheltered in the realms divine he treads heavens ever-peaceful plan lead on by softer, mercy’s mildest ray while fellow warriors hail him on his way.” The bottom of the stone reads, “By indulgence of the general’s family, his companions in arms erect this tribute of affection the first day of January 1800.”[4]