The morning call., 1891-01-25
FREDERICK F. LOW

Was born in 1928 at FRANKFORT, now called
Winterport, Ne, and received his education
1t the common school Of that place, and also
1t Hampden Academy. He commenced his
business career in Boston, in 1876 with the
irm of F. w. Brown 81 Co., remaining with
chem until March l, 1919, at which date he
started for California. Arriving here, he
went to the mines. where he remained until
October, returning in that month to San
Francisco. In this city he formed a Co
partnership with Henry Lambert, rs Lam
bert 81 Co. II lasted until 1851, when
Mr.. Low sold out TO his partner and
formed a coparnership with his two
brothers, under the style of Low Brothers.
This firm continued until 1854, when, on the
formation Of the California Steam Naviga-
fion Company, it sold out. Mr. Low pos
sessed an interest in two steamers. which
lie put into the company, and became one
Of the Directors assuming also the agency
ct Marysvilie. In 1876, on the failure of the
clearinghouse Of Adams IL Co. and Page,
Bacon X Co.. Mr. Low formed a copartner-
snip with Captain Charles B. MACY, under
the style Of Macy, Low 81 Co. When, one
wear later, Mr. Macy died, Mr.. Lows
brother. Charles, was taken into the firm.
It then became Low Brothers Il Co. They
continued business unlnterruptedly until
the eud of 1861, when they retired, and
were succeeded by RideOut IL Smith, who
are to-day conducting the business.
In 1861 he was elected to Congress, serving
until March 1, 1868, when he was appointed
Collector Of the Port Of San Francisco by
President Lincoln. In this responsible p0-
sition lie served until September l, 1868,
when ne was elected Governor Of the State
Of California. He assumed the duties of
this, The highest Office in the gift of his con-
stituents, on the first Monday OF December,
1868, and continued in office until the end of
lis term, the first Monday of December,
1861. In October, 1863, President Grant,
recognizing him as the one best fitted to fill
the position OF Minister to China, placed
that office at his disposal On accepting it,
Mr.. Lew Immediately went to Washington
to receive instructions, and otherwise to
qualify for his post On February l, 1870.
he left San Francisco for China.
During lis mnistership, the terrible
IIehtsIn massacre took place, in which the
Catholic churches, colleges, houses of the
Sisters and other establishments were
hacked and burned. This occurrence and
the troubles arising from the excited tate
into Which the country was thrown called
forth Mr.. Lows diplomatic ability, which he
exercised ia a mastery manner, forcing the
Emperor OF China 20 recognize the dignity
and power Of foreign Ministers. Mr.. Low
thus enjoys the distinction OF being one of
the first five Europeans who were admitted
10 The presence Of the ruler Of the middle
kinedom. In the fall of 1873 he obtained
leave of absence. He rendered his Tesigna-
ton in March, 1874, which WAS tie second
Linie he had asked to be relieved from his
post. The fir,t time his resignation was not
accepted but al tie latter date he was per-
mllted to resign. Later in 1874 he entered
the Ansig-C-llurnia Bank as Chief Man
sger, wEicn I.ns.t on he still holds. In 1894
betUok ur tracted tour of the world in
search OF he'lth, his arduous duties of the
pasttwenty years being somewhat broken him
down. H. has a charming wife and very
talented daughter.