John Lynch (1740–1820)

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

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

Founding of Lynchburg
The Lynch Ferry across the James River was established by the family in about 1745. 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, including the slave who was suspected of killing his son, and consistently supported the antislavery movement.

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