Amos Adams Lawrence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Amos Adams Lawrence
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Amos Adams Lawrence seated at desk, c. 1880
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| Born | July 31, 1814 |
| Died | August 22, 1886 (aged 72) |
| Education | Groton Academy |
| Alma mater | Harvard |
| Occupation | Merchant, abolitionist |
| Known for | Giving money to create the University of Kansas; anti-slavery movement; Jayhawker movement |
| Political party | Whig Republican |
| Spouse(s) |
Sarah Elizabeth Appleton
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| Children | William Lawrence |
| Parent(s) | Amos Lawrence |
| Relatives | Samuel Lawrence (grandfather) Luther Lawrence (uncle) Abbott Lawrence (uncle) |
Amos Adams Lawrence (born July 31, 1814 – died August 22, 1886) was an important American businessman. He was also known for helping to end slavery in the United States. His father, Amos Lawrence, was a well-known person who gave a lot of money to good causes.
Amos Adams Lawrence helped start two important universities. These were the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas and Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Early Life and Family
Amos Adams Lawrence was born on July 31, 1814. He was born in either Groton, Massachusetts or Boston.
He later married Sarah Elizabeth Appleton. They had four children together:
- Amory Appleton Lawrence (1848–1912)
- William Lawrence (1850–1941), who became a bishop.
- Susan Mason Lawrence (1852–1923)
- Harriet Lawrence Hemenway (1858-1960), who helped start the Massachusetts Audubon Society.
Lawrence passed away at his summer home in Nahant, Massachusetts.
Fighting Against Slavery
Amos Adams Lawrence strongly believed that slavery was wrong. He gave a lot of money to the New England Emigrant Aid Company. This company helped people who wanted to move to new territories. Their goal was to make sure these new areas would be free states, meaning slavery would not be allowed there.
He also provided weapons to a group called the Jayhawkers. These were anti-slavery fighters in Kansas. They fought against people who wanted to bring slavery into Kansas. This time was known as "Bleeding Kansas" because of the violence. Lawrence's support helped the anti-slavery cause before the American Civil War.
Supporting Education
Lawrence was a big supporter of education. He played a key role in creating the University of Kansas. The city where the university is located, Lawrence, Kansas, was named after him. He also helped establish Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. His work helped many students get an education.
