George Lauder Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Lauder Sr.
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| Born | 9 May 1815 Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
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| Died | 18 November 1901 (aged 86) Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
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| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation | Politician, business |
| Known for | Scottish politics and surrogate father to Andrew Carnegie (nephew) |
| Spouse(s) | Seaton Morrison |
| Children | George Lauder |
| Relatives | Andrew Carnegie (nephew) Thomas M. Carnegie (nephew) |
| Family | Lauder Greenway Family |
George Lauder Sr. (born May 9, 1815 – died November 18, 1901) was an important leader in Scotland. He was the father of George Lauder, a famous industrialist. He also acted like a father to his nephew, Andrew Carnegie, who became a very wealthy businessman and philanthropist. George Lauder Sr. is known as the start of the Lauder Greenway Family. Andrew Carnegie often said that his Uncle Lauder was a huge influence on him. Carnegie even called him his "intellectual father."
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Early Life in Scotland
George Lauder Sr. was born in Dunfermline, Scotland. His parents were George Lauder and Margaret Muir. His father owned a successful snuff mill, which was a factory that made a type of tobacco.
When George Lauder Sr. was 25, he opened his own shop. It was located at 8 High Street in Dunfermline. This shop became a special place. It was almost like a school for his son and his nephew, Andrew Carnegie.
Fighting for Fairness
George Lauder Sr. was part of a group called the Chartists. This group worked hard to get voting rights for all citizens in the United Kingdom. At that time, only people who owned land could vote. Lauder believed that everyone should have a say in their government.
He also strongly supported education for everyone. He thought that learning was the best way for people to improve their lives. He believed it could help people achieve more than what they were born into.
Lauder worked closely with his father-in-law, Thomas Morrison. Morrison was a powerful speaker. He led a group of "Radicals" in their area. These groups wanted big changes in society.
How He Influenced Andrew Carnegie
George Lauder Sr. was well-educated. He had a big impact on how Andrew Carnegie saw the world. He helped shape Carnegie's ideas and beliefs.
When the Carnegie family decided to move to the United States, they didn't have much money. It was George Lauder Sr. who lent them the money to travel. He stayed in touch with young Andrew.
Lauder Sr. also encouraged his own son, George, to become an engineer. His son later worked with famous scientists like Lord Kelvin. Andrew Carnegie and George Lauder (son) were very close friends. They kept in touch as Andrew built his steel empire. George (son) became an expert in making metals.
By 1890, Andrew Carnegie and George Lauder (son) were business partners. They had a huge business empire. The influence of George Lauder Sr. was clear in their work. Andrew Carnegie wanted to make the world a better place. He wanted to give everyone chances to get an education.
This idea led to many things. Carnegie created public library systems. He also set up many organizations for peace. He helped found universities and colleges. These included Carnegie Mellon University and Lauder College in his hometown of Dunfermline, Scotland.
Lauder College: Education for All
George Lauder Sr. was very dedicated to giving everyone in Scotland a fair chance at education. Because of this, he founded Lauder College in 1899. Today, this college is known as Fife College. Both Andrew Carnegie and George Lauder (his son) helped pay for the college to open.
