https://electriccanadian.com/history/ontario/PioneerDaysinLondon.pdf
Lawrence Lawrason was born at Ancaster, August 10, 1803. His father was a United Empire Loyalist from New Jersey. At first clerking in the store of James Hamilton (afterwards sheriff of Middlesex), he subsequently removed with his father's family westward, and opened a store at Hall's Mills, and there a post office was established. In 1832 he came to London and joined Mr. Goodhue in business. He was an active supporter of the Family Compact, an officer of the local militia, a well-known magistrate, and for a couple of years member of Parliament. In 1847 he built for a residence a large brick house, which now forms the nucleus of the Sacred Heart Academy. He became very wealthy, but subsequently lost the greater part of his property. He was appointed the first police magistrate of London in 1865, an office which he held until his death, August 14th, 1882. His wife was a daughter of William H. Lee. One surviving child is Mrs. E. Baynes Reid, of Victoria, B.C.
