Lawrence Brainerd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lawrence Brainerd
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| United States Senator from Vermont |
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| In office October 14, 1854 – March 3, 1855 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel S. Phelps |
| Succeeded by | Jacob Collamer |
| Member of the Republican National Committee from Vermont | |
| In office 1856–1864 |
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| Preceded by | None (position created) |
| Succeeded by | Abraham B. Gardner |
| Member of the Vermont House of Representatives from St. Albans | |
| In office 1834–1835 |
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| Preceded by | John Smith |
| Succeeded by | John Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 16, 1794 East Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | May 9, 1870 (aged 76) St. Albans, Vermont, U.S. |
| Resting place | Greenwood Cemetery, St. Albans, Vermont |
| Political party | Republican |
| Other political affiliations |
Jacksonian Whig Liberty Free Soil |
| Spouse | Fidelia B. Gadcomb (m. 1819-1852, her death) |
| Relations | Joseph Hungerford Brainerd (cousin) J. Gregory Smith (son in law) F. Stewart Stranahan (son in law) |
| Children | 12 (including Ann Eliza Smith) |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | Vermont Militia |
| Years of service | 1812- |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Dixon's Regiment 1st Artillery Company, 1st Regiment, 3rd Brigade |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 |
Lawrence Brainerd (March 16, 1794 – May 9, 1870) was an important American businessman and politician from Vermont. He was known for his strong beliefs against slavery. Brainerd served as a U.S. Senator for a short time. He also helped create the Republican Party, which became the main group fighting against slavery in the 1850s.
Brainerd was born in East Hartford, Connecticut. He moved to Troy, New York and then to St. Albans, Vermont as a child. He started his own business when he was still a teenager. He owned a successful store, a large farm, and had interests in banks, railroads, and steamboats. Brainerd was also a strong supporter of the temperance movement, which worked to reduce alcohol use.
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Lawrence Brainerd's Early Life and Work
Lawrence Brainerd was born on March 16, 1794, in East Hartford, Connecticut. He was one of thirteen children. When he was nine, he moved to Troy, New York to live with his uncle. In 1808, they moved to St. Albans, Vermont.
Brainerd went to school in Troy and St. Albans. He even taught school for two years. After that, he began his business career as a clerk in a store in St. Albans.
Serving in the Militia
During the War of 1812, Brainerd served as a sergeant in the Vermont Militia. This was a time when the area around St. Albans was a busy place for smugglers. British and Canadian forces also raided northern Vermont.
After the war, Brainerd stayed in the militia. He became a first lieutenant and later a captain.
A Successful Businessman
In 1816, Brainerd opened his own store, which did very well. He was smart about business. He bought 1,200 acres of swampy land near Lake Champlain. He drained the land and turned it into a successful sheep farm.
Brainerd partnered with others, like John Smith, to build and run railroads. These railroads later became part of the Central Vermont Railway. He also owned banks and steamboats that carried goods on Lake Champlain. Brainerd owned many properties in St. Albans, including farms where he raised horses.
Helping Others: The Underground Railroad
Because Lawrence Brainerd was strongly against slavery, he used his home and other properties to help runaway slaves. These brave people were trying to escape to Canada using the Underground Railroad. Brainerd provided them with safe places to hide.
A Local Hero: The Wolf Hunt
In 1839, a large, fierce gray wolf was causing problems for farmers in Franklin County. It was attacking their animals. Brainerd was known for being strong and good outdoors. He successfully hunted down the wolf. A monument was later placed on Aldis Hill in St. Albans to remember his brave act.
In 1856, Brainerd was chosen to be the president of the Vermont Agricultural Society. He was also a very active member of the Congregational church. He supported the American Missionary Association and even served as its president for a time.
Lawrence Brainerd's Political Journey
Brainerd first got involved in politics as a deputy sheriff. In 1834, he was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives. He was part of the Jacksonian party then.
Changing Political Parties
As Brainerd's views against slavery grew stronger, he left the Jacksonians. He joined the Whigs. However, he soon felt that the Whigs were not doing enough to stop slavery.
So, in 1840, he joined the new Liberty Party. This party was completely against slavery. Later, he joined the Free Soil Party, which also opposed slavery. Brainerd ran for governor of Vermont several times as a Free Soil candidate, but he did not win. However, his campaigns helped more people learn about the anti-slavery movement.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
In October 1854, Brainerd was chosen to fill a short-term vacancy in the United States Senate. This was a way for anti-slavery lawmakers in Vermont to honor his many years of fighting against slavery. He served from October 14, 1854, to March 3, 1855. He was not a candidate for a full term.
A Leader in the Republican Party
In 1855, Lawrence Brainerd played a key role in starting the new Republican Party. This party was formed to be the main political group against slavery in the country.
Brainerd became the first chairman of Vermont's Republican Party. He was one of the few state chairmen who called for the party's first national meeting in 1856. Brainerd was a delegate at this meeting. He even called the convention to order as its temporary chairman. He was also chosen as a member of the Republican National Committee.
In 1856, Brainerd was chosen as one of Vermont's presidential electors. He and the other electors from Vermont voted for John C. Frémont for president. Frémont won in Vermont but lost the national election.
Brainerd also led Vermont's group of delegates at the 1860 Republican National Convention. At first, they supported a local candidate, Jacob Collamer. But then, Brainerd and the Vermont delegates supported Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln went on to win the nomination and later became president.
Lawrence Brainerd's Family Life
In 1819, Lawrence Brainerd married Fidelia B. Gadcomb. They had 12 children together.
Their daughter, Ann Eliza Brainerd Smith, became a well-known author. She married J. Gregory Smith, who later became the Governor of Vermont. Another daughter, Miranda, married F. Stewart Stranahan. During the Civil War, Brainerd's son Herbert served in the military as a quartermaster.
Death and Burial
Lawrence Brainerd continued to be active in his businesses until he passed away. He died in St. Albans on May 9, 1870. He was buried at Greenwood Cemetery in St. Albans.
