William Rawle (1759-1836)

of Philadelphia; U.S. District Attorney for Pennsylvania

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Notes / Biography Associated Houses (1) References
He was born at Philadelphia and received his legal education at the Middle Temple, London. He established what is today the oldest law firm in the United States, Rawle & Henderson LL.P. He was the well-educated and cultured U.S. District Attorney for Pennsylvania and an early philanthropist. A devoted Quaker, he was co-founder and President of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. Washington admired him and offered him the post of U.S. Attorney-General but he declined that and all other attempts to lure him into politics. He had twelve children and lived at the Powel House.

Parents (2)

Francis Rawle

of "Laurel Grove" Philadelphia

1729-1761

Rebecca (Warner) Rawle

Mrs. Rebecca (Warner) Rawle, of "Laurel Grove" Philadelphia

1730-1819

Spouse (1)

Sarah Coates (Burge) Rawle

Mrs Sarah Coates (Burge) Rawle

1761-1824

Children (12)

Elizabeth Margaret Rawle

Died in childhood

1784-1794

Francis William Rawle

Died in childhood

1786-1795

Samuel Burge Rawle

Merchant, of Philadelphia & Macao (China); U.S. Consul at Hong Kong

1787-1858

William Rawle

Jr., President of the Common Council of Philadelphia

1788-1858

Beulah (Rawle) Craig

Mrs. Beulah (Rawle) Craig

1790-1876

Rebecca Shoemaker Rawle

Died unmarried

1792-1814

Sarah Rawle

Died unmarried

1794-1822

Francis William Rawle

of "Fairfield" in Lycoming Co., Pennsylvania

1795-1881

Edward Rawle

of New Orleans, Louisiana

1797-1880

Henry Rawle

Died in childhood

1799-1816

Horatio Rawle

Lawyer, of Philadelphia; died unmarried

1801-1830

Juliet (Rawle) Norris

Mrs. Juliet (Rawle) Norris

1804-1883

Associated Houses (1)

Powel House

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Categories

Abolitionists