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George Newbold Lawrence
George Newbold Lawrence.jpg
Born (1806-10-20)October 20, 1806
New York City, New York, U.S.
Died January 17, 1895(1895-01-17) (aged 88)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation Businessman, ornithologist

George Newbold Lawrence (born October 20, 1806 – died January 17, 1895) was an American businessman. He was also a very keen amateur ornithologist, which means he studied birds. He became famous for his work helping to identify and describe many different bird species.

Early Life and Love for Birds

George Newbold Lawrence was born in New York City on October 20, 1806. From a young age, he loved birds. He spent a lot of his free time watching them and learning about their habits.

When he was sixteen, he started working as a clerk in his father's business. By the time he was twenty, he became a partner in the family company. Even with his business work, his passion for birds continued to grow.

His Work with Birds

Lawrence became an important figure in the study of birds. He worked with other famous bird experts like Spencer Fullerton Baird and John Cassin. Together, they explored different areas, especially the Pacific region, to find and study birds.

Studying Birds of North America

In 1860, Lawrence, Baird, and Cassin wrote an important book called Birds of North America. This book helped people learn about many different bird species found across the continent. It was a big step forward for ornithology.

His Bird Collection

Lawrence collected many bird specimens during his life. These specimens are like scientific samples, often preserved bird skins, that help researchers study birds up close. In 1887, he sold his large collection of 8,000 bird skins to the American Museum of Natural History. This collection is still valuable for scientists today.

Birds Named After Him

Other ornithologists respected Lawrence's work very much. They honored him by naming a bird genus (a group of related species) and twenty different bird species after him. One well-known example is the Lawrence's Goldfinch. This beautiful bird was first described in 1852 and is named in his honor.

Later Life

George Newbold Lawrence passed away on January 17, 1895, in New York City. His funeral was held at his home in Manhattan. His wife died just five days later. Lawrence left behind a lasting legacy through his contributions to the study of birds.

See also

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