The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-08-24
Death of Hon. Abbott Lawrence.

We regret to DO compelled to announce
the demise OF the Hon. ABBorT LAWRENCE,
who expired, after long and painful illness,
at his residence in Park street, in this city,
at n few minutes after II o'clock on Satur.
day forenoon. This melancholy event has
been for some time anticipated and the
public desire which has been continually
manifested for Mr.. Lawrence's recovery,
has fully demonstrated the high estimation
in which he was held by his fellow citizens.
Ills death does not leave gap in tho com.
mercial world alone. There, indeed. his
integrity, sagacity and success, made him a
man of mark; but his systematic bcncvo-
lencc, his princcly beneiactions to the cause
of science, his fidelity to tho interests OF the
State and Of the Nation, won Tor him rep
uta,ion in other than conmercial circles
lie was not the least remarkable OF a very
remarkable family, all but one Of which arc
now gathered to their fathers. VIVA. large
influences these men have excrciscd-how
much Massachusetts is indebted to them for
her signal prosperity-how many Of her
great mercantile interests were created by
their energy, 1t is not necessary for us to re-
count. They leave behind them the noblest
of monuments-two furnishing cities, ono
of which bears their name, and both Of
which sprang almost ut once into miraculous
prosperity, by tho magic OF their sagacity
and forethought.
Mr.. Abbott Lawrence WIS born in Gro.
ton, Mass, in December, 1872. His educa.
ton was that OF the common school In that
village and ho whose wealth has since Gre
atcd the most excellent school Of science In
the country, had, in his own youth, mono Of
those advantages which are now So literally
afforded to the young. lie came to Boston
in 1903, and was first engaged, in connec-
ton with his brothers, in importations,
which were subsequently, given up for the
important manufactures at Lowell. Mr..
Lawrencc's success in business Is well
known, and no leaves behind him great es-
tate, entirely, We believe, tho result Of his
own prudence and ability. How no man
aged his immense affairs, Is known to oil the
world. Most unfortunately, very few men
achieve grand success like bis without
some spots upon the character, which no
splendor Of fortune can efiace but Mr..
Lawrence was rs free as any man ever was
from the sordid vices Of pecuniary prosper
ity. lilo was not merely honest within the
letter OF the law (: but open handed and lib.
eral, with kind words oil encouragement and
kinder acts OF assistance for all who needed
them. There was not trace Of avarice or
greed in his nature II he acquired great
sums, he used them worthily; and lived and
moved among us, genial, honorable, Chris.
tan gentleman and merchant.
In early lie Mr.. Lawrence was united in
marriage with Katharine Bgelow, eldes,
daughter Of the late Timothy Bgelow, Esq,
and the union proved eminently happy
one. Mrs. Lawrence has been TO tho hus-
band she is now called to mourn, one Of the
best OF wives, encouraging and cheering
him in all the duties OF life, and carefully
and conscientiously rearing q largo family.
Her good and wise counsels ever received
from her husband their meriicd attention.
In public life Mr.. Lawrence occupied sey-
eral important positions. He was q member
Of tho House Of Representatives in the
XXlVth and XVIII Congresses and prov
ed himself In all financial and commercial
business, one Of tho ablcst men ofthai body.
In lsI3 he was appointed one Of tho Com.
missioners for The settlement Of tho North
Z stern Boundary question. In 1S49 he
was appointed the Minister OF the United
States at the Court ofSt. james. No Amer
lean dplomatist has ever won In that coun-
try such warm and substantial popularity.
In his character or manners