Nesbitt, John Maxwell (c. 1730-1802)

Philadelphia merchant and financier.

Immigrated to Philadelphia (1747). Apprenticed to Redmond Conyngham, a distant relative, to learn the shipping trade; partner in Conyngham & Nesbitt (1756). Served on committee of correspondence (1774). Paymaster of state navy (1775). Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, Pennsylvania navy board, and Pennsylvania board of war (1776). Inspector of the Pennsylvania Bank, to which Conyngham & Nesbitt subscribed £5000 (1780). Ally of Robert Morris. Also served in Philadelphia City Cavalry (1776-87). Director of the Bank of North America (1781-92). First president of the Insurance Company of North America (1792-96). One of the original members of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick (vice-president, 1771-73; president, 1773-74, 1782-96).

Son of Jonathan and — (Lang) Nesbitt of Loughbrickland, County Down, Ireland. Never married.