Background
John Kearsley was born on June 4, 1684 and baptized at Greatham, Durham County, England, United Kingdom. He was the son of the Reverend John Kearsley, vicar of Greatham, a Cambridge man.
John Kearsley was born on June 4, 1684 and baptized at Greatham, Durham County, England, United Kingdom. He was the son of the Reverend John Kearsley, vicar of Greatham, a Cambridge man.
John Kearsley studied in London without earning a degree.
Kearsley emigrated to America in 1711, and settled in Philadelphia in 1717. He became one of the city's prominent citizens, appointed a member of the Provincial Assembly. While it is doubtful Dr. Kearsley had any architectural training, he demonstrated skill in preparing plans for Christ Church. He also financed the erection of the structure built between 1727 and 1744, replacing a wooden chapel on the site. In addition he was associated with architect Robert Smith on plans for St. Peter's, a chapel of east to Christ Church erected between 1758 and 1761.
Later Dr. Kearsley became an active proponent for building the new State Mouse in Philadelphia. A petition was circulated asking for the approval of a building on Market Street near Third, and the Doctor who favored the project, drew up plans for the proposed structure. The opposition was represented by Andrew Hamilton, a former Deputy-Governor of Pennsylvania. He offered a counter-proposal for a site on Chestnut Street, and when eventually
Hamilton's plan was given preference, Dr. Kearsle, resigned from the Assembly, and had no further connection with the design or erection of the building later known as Independence Hall.
Kearsley was married twice: first to Anne Magdalene, née Fauconnier, widow of Theophilus Caillé, and second, November 24, 1748, to Margaret Brand. The one child of his first marriage died in infancy; by his second marriage there was no issue.