Laurence Kavanagh

Laurence Kavanagh (1764 – August 20, 1830) was a merchant, judge and political figure in Nova Scotia.

He was born on Cape Breton Island, probably at Louisbourg, the son of Laurence Kavanagh, an immigrant from Ireland, and Margaret Farrell.

With his brother James, who relocated to Halifax, Laurence took over the operation of his father's business, becoming one of the major suppliers for settlers in the region.

Kavanagh in 1823 broke 100+ years of precedent when, as the first representative of Cape Breton Island in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, he became the first English speaking Roman Catholic to serve in a legislature.

He also served as a major in the militia, justice of the peace and as a member of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for Cape Breton.