KEARSLEY, John, physician, born in England about 1684; died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in January, 1772. He was educated in England for the medical profession, and before 1719 emigrated to Philadelphia, where he became eminent. He served for many years in the assembly of Pennsylvania, became a vestryman of Christ church in 1719, and continued to serve in this capacity or as warden until his death. Being known to possess skill and taste in architecture, he was selected by this church in 1727 to direct the remodelling and enlarging of their edifice, which work he performed under plans that were drawn by himself. The building at the time of its erection surpassed anything of the kind in this country. In 1729 he was one of a committee that was appointed by the assembly to select a site and prepare plans for a state-house (afterward Independence hall), and direct its construction, ile was the founder of Christ church hospital, having by his will bequeathed a large estate for this purpose. He was the author of "A Letter to a Friend; containing Remarks on a Discourse proposing a Preparation of the Body for the Small-Pox, etc." (Philadelphia. 1751); and" The Case of Mr. Thomas" (1760). See Dorr's "History of Christ Church" (1841).