Amos Adams Lawrence Correspondence

Collection

Identifier: LU-MS-006

Staff Only

This collection contains the correspondence of Amos Adams Lawrence pertaining to his business interests in Wisconsin, primarily dating from 1844 to 1858. Letters in the collection primarily address Lawrence's investments and land matters, while a minority of letters pertain to the founding of Lawrence University. Articles and biographical information about Amos Adams Lawrence are also included in the collection.

Dates

1844-2003
1844-1858

Creator

Lawrence, Amos Adams (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Materials authored or received by Amos Adams Lawrence are in the public domain.

Extent

2.00 Linear Feet (6 boxes and 4 volumes)

Additional Description

Biographical or Historical Information

"Lawrence, Amos Adams, 1814-86, American colonizer and philanthropist, b. Boston, grad. Harvard, 1835; nephew of Abbott Lawrence. A prosperous commission merchant and manufacturer of textiles, Lawrence gave liberally to abolitionist movements such as the Emigrant Aid Company. His interest in education led him to aid in the establishment of Lawrence College, Appleton, Wis., and a college at Lawrence, Kans. (the city was named for him), which became the nucleus of the Univ. of Kansas. Lawrence was also a generous benefactor of Harvard and of the Episcopal Theological School, Cambridge, Mass." Source: "Lawrence, Amos Adams". In The Columbia Encyclopedia. New York: Columbia University Press, 2013. http://proxy.lawrence.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/columency/lawrence_amos_adams/0 (accessed January 15, 2015.)

Physical Access Requirements

As a preservation measure, researchers must consult the typescript volumes of correspondence (1844-1858) rather than the originals.

Method of Acquisition

Volume of transcribed letters (1846-1851) donated to the Lawrence University library by Amos Adams Lawrence in 1880. Four bound volumes of Lawrence's original correspondence (1846-1858) were likely donated to the University by Lawrence's heirs following his death in 1886. All other materials accumulated by the Lawrence University Archives over time.