Lawrence Kortright (1728-1794)
Privateer & Merchant, of New York City
He was "extensively engaged in privateering" during the French & Indian War. In 1756, he was part owner of the Harlequin (8-guns); the brigantine DeLancey (14-guns) commanded by the noted Captain Thomas Randall; and, the Prince Edward (8-guns). In the same year he was the owner of the Snow Royal Hester (16-guns); the Prince Ferdinand (14-guns); and, Ship Hunter (18-guns). In 1758, he bought the brigantine John (14-guns). He had large land interests in Tryon County, New York, and the town of Kortright was settled on his patent. He was a co-founder of the New York Chamber of Commerce and by 1790 he was listed as a merchant at 90 Broadway. He had a son and four daughters including Mrs Elizabeth Monroe, First Lady of the United States.
