JOHN WALKER MAURY

(1809 – 1855)

14th mayor of the District, lawyer and banker, born in Caroline County, Virginia. Elected to the City Council in 1835 he served continuously until he was elected mayor in 1852. He succeeded John P. Van Ness as president of the Bank of the Metropolis, and he held that position until his death. Among his major accomplishments were his work with William Corcoran to lobby Congress for funds to establish St. Elizabeths Hospital for the Insane. He provided money (later repaid) to Clark Mills so that he could continue work on the bronze statue of Andrew Jackson, now located in Lafayette Park.

Image Courtesy of: D.C. Historical Society

Maury School
1250 Constitution Ave. N.E.

Built in 1886
Architect: Architect of the Capitol, Edward Clark

Image Courtesy of: Sumner School Museum

Congressional Cemetery
Range 49 Site 171

John Maury died at age 46. He left a wife and twelve children. President Pierce attended his funeral. Although an ineffective mayor, he was beloved by his friends and associates as indicated by the inscription on his monument:

His character was blended with all
that can elevate and adorn
And his life was a bright example
of the nobility and power of
Virtue.