Lownes, Caleb (1754-1828)

Philadelphia engraver.

Die-sinker, seal-cutter, and engraver. Engraved “A New Plan of Boston Harbour,” which appeared in the Pennsylvania Magazine (June 1775). Returned to Philadelphia and was chosen to cut the seal for the Pennsylvania Board of Admiralty (1779). Became an iron merchant. Prominent advocate of prison reform. Charter member of Pennsylvania Prison Society (1787); one of the first inspectors of Walnut Street Jail (1790). Author of An Account of the Gaol and Penitentiary House of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, 1793) and An Account of the Alteration and Present State of the Penal Laws of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, 1795).

Quaker. Son of John Lownes of Philadelphia. Married Margaret Robson (1790).