John Lynch (1740–1820)

John Lynch (August 28, 1740 – October 31, 1820) was an American merchant and abolitionist who founded the city of Lynchburg, Virginia.

[1] John was one of six siblings, another of whom was Charles Jr., a judge believed to be the namesake of lynching.

[2] Lynch's mother, Sarah, was an active member in the local Quaker community, and she donated land that would become the South River Friends Meetinghouse.

Her will, known as "The Last Sayings of Sarah Lynch Terrell", became a slavery abolitionist tract to other Quakers in Colonial Virginia.

[7] Lynch died October 31st, 1820, and is buried at the South River Friends Meetinghouse.