Abbott Lawrence
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Abbott Lawrence (December 16, 1792–August 18, 1855) was an American businessman and politician, and the founder of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Born in Groton, Massachusetts, the son of Revolutionay War officer Samuel Lawrence, he attended Groton Academy, (now Lawrence Academy at Groton.) After graduation he became a merchant and importer in Boston, and became a member of the Boston Common Council in 1831.
In 1834 he was elected as a Whig to the 24th Congress, was not a candidate for renomination to the 25th Congress and was re-elected to the 26th Congress.
He was appointed a commissioner in 1842 in order to settle the Northeastern Boundary Dispute between Canada and the United States. He then served as a minister to Great Britain from (1849-1852). During his time there, he helped relieve tension concerning the status of the Mosquito Coast and of a proposed isthmian canal.
When he resigned his diplomatic posts, he returned to business in Boston. There he founded the Lawrence Scientific School at Harvard University.
He died in Boston and was interred in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
His brother, Amos Lawrence, and nephew, Amos Adams Lawrence were also well-known.
This article incorporates facts obtained from the public domain Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.