Thibodaux minerva., 1855-09-01
Abbott Lawrence.

His youth was passed in his native village, and
his education was such as could be afforded by the
village schools. He was, however early launched
upon the ocean of active life to secure for himself
a name and place among his fellows. As a self
made man he stood forth pre-emnently mode
for all young men. In 1903, when about seven.
teen years of age, he removed from Groton to
Boston, with a view Of entering upon a mercantile
career, and in connection with his elder brother,
the late Amos Lawrence, carried on a small retail
business in that city. 1t has been stated that in
after life, and even while representing the United
States Government at the Court of St James, he
was accustomed to carry about with him. in his
waistcoat pocket the identical pair of scissors with
which, some forty years ago, he clipped off tape
and trimmings in his first little store in Boston.
Nothing could better illustrate the independent
and democratic character of the man than this
little incident; for the truth of which we have ex-
Governor Briggs as our voucher. After few
years experience in shop-keeping Messrs. Amos
Abbott Lawrence established themselves, upon
larger SCALE as importers; and subsequently con-
nected with that business the manufacturing and
printing of cotton fabrics at Lowell were they made
large investments. Their extensive operations and
magnificent enterprises soon had the effect to
greatly increase their wealth, and the house finally
found it for their interest to withdraw from the
business of importing, and to confne their atten-
ton and capital to cotton manufactures at Lowell
and elsewhere. The result may be briefly summed
up, and made evident by reference to the rapid
growth and prosperity Of Lowell and Lawrence, of
which the Mcssrs Lawrence were among the first
founders, and most efficient promoters. The busi-
ness of the present firm Of A. A. Lawrence l. Co.,
extending, as it does. commercial network over
the entire range of American and foreign markets,
amounting to upwards Of ten millions of dollars per
annum-s another evidence of the energy, enter
prise and farsghted policy Of the original founders
of that wellknown house.
The fact is not noted by the Express that Mr..
Lawrence lacked but one vote in the Wing Nation
al Convention Of being the whig nominee for the
Vice-Presidency, and consequently narrowly es-
capped the Presidential chair, afterwards on the
death Of General Taylor, filled by Millard Fillmore
The same paper states that the estate of the de-
ceased is estimated at S3.OOO,O 900, and adds:
Mr.. Lawrence, although not naturally so liberal
in detail as was his brother Amos, has, upon sew
eral occasions, linked his name with magnificent
generOstes as, for instance the princely donation
of $4,000 to Harvard University, in 1917, and
also, the endowment of the Lawrence High School
Of Boston. He was muni6cent rather than bene-
VIOLENT, and seldom gave except large sums, and
under circumstances which would secure rebound |
ing upon himself OF the honor which cOmeth to |
men.
In politics, Mr.. Lawrence was of late years, |
whig of the Henry Clay school, and, of course, a
staunch supporter Of the protective tariff scheme
During few years previous to the death of Daniel
Webster, there existed cooIness between the
two favorite sons Of Massachusetts, which, we
believe, was never entirely removed-owing, per-
haps, to Mr.. Lawrences absence in Europe until |
Mr.. Webster had closed his eyes in death. Mr.. |
Lawrence, however, was among the sincere mourn
ers in the train of the Great Expounder."
In literature Mr.. Lawrence has accomplished |
little except few letters upon political economy
chiefly in support Of the protective tariff and sew
,ral State papers and dispatches, written during
,is residence at the Court of St. James, of which
after may be mentioned his letter in reply to the
Secretary Of State respecting the adequateness of
he salary of ministers abroad. In this connection
t may be stated that he expended $4,000 per
lnnum in London, though allowed by Government
,nly $4,000, besides his outfit
Mr.. Lawrence's religious preferences were to-
wards the Unitarian denomination, and he has for
Years worshipped in the Battle Street Church, of
which DR.. Lathrop is the esteemed pastor Mr.
lawrence was person Of commanding presence
md dignifed, afable and polished in his manners.