William Lawrence (September 2, 1814 – September 8, 1895) was a state legislator and one-term member of the United States House of Representatives from the 17th District of Ohio, serving from 1857 to 1859. He also served as President of the board of directors of the Ohio Penitentiary.

Biography

Lawrence was born in Washington, Guernsey County, Ohio. He graduated from Jefferson College (now Washington & Jefferson College) in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania in 1835.

Early political career

After farming for a few years, Lawrence was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1843. He was a Presidential elector in 1848 for Secretary of State Lewis Cass, and Congressman William Orlando Butler. He was a delegate to the Ohio State constitutional convention in 1851. From 1856 to 1857, he served in the Ohio Senate.

Congress

On March 4, 1857, William Lawrence (D) was sworn-in as the Representative from the 17th Congressional District of Ohio to the 35th U.S. Congress. Lawrence served only in this Congress, as he was elected only to one term in office.

Later career

Upon leaving Congress, Lawrence served again in the Ohio Senate (in 1867, 1885, and 1886). He also served as president of the board of directors of the Ohio Penitentiary, a prison in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

Death and burial

William Lawrence died in Old Washington, Ohio on September 8, 1895, and is interred at the Washington Cemetery.

Family

Lawrence was father of Ohio Attorney General James Lawrence.