USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > The aristocracy of Boston; who they are and what they were: being a history of the business and business men of Boston, for the last forty years > Part 4
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Mr. Jackson is identified with the change, and has been a principal agent in producing it; and Lowell is as likely new to equal Manchester, as it was forty years ago to be what it now is. He is said to have lost much property in building Pemberton Square and Tremont Row
LAMB, THOMAS. President of the Washington Insurance Company.
James and Thomas Lamb were old merchants in State-street, to Holland and the Baltic. Thomas is son of one of them ; the other died a bachelor. The property of both fell to him.
LAMSON, JOHN. Long of Lane & Lamson, retailers, (now Lane, Lam son & Co.) importers of dry goods. They have a house in New York.
LAWRENCE, AMOS-LAWRENCE, ABBOTT-LAWRENCE, WIL- LIAM-LAWRENCE, SAMUEL -- Are sons of a farmer not rich, in Grotos, Middlesex Co. .
The oldest brother-Luther-studied law with Timothy Bigelow, (the Rev. Timothy Bigelow, Unitarian minister, late of Taunton, is his son,) popula! in Middlesex and Worcester Counties, and long Speaker of the House of Be- presentatives. Mr. Bigelow removed to Medford, and Luther succeeded to some of the business of his office in Grotou. He was afterwards appointed to an agency in Lowell: fell into a mill-race, and was drowned. He was a worthy man.
Amos removed first to Boston ; was joined by Abbott in the dry goods busi- ness, in a very small way, in Cornhill, (near David Greenough and old Calch Bingham's book-store.) They removed to New Cornhill, on the north side. in Chambers, near the alley leading down the steps to Brattle-street Church. While in Cornhill, their standing was jeopardized once, in consequence of come severe steps taken by Mr. Lodge, an Englishman, resident in Boso; . They surmounted the difficulty, and ever after maintained undoubted credi ?. How much of future life hangs by a thread !
Amos married a daughter of Col. Robert Means, of Amherst, N. Hampshire, an extensive country trader. Col. M. was an Irishman, who for many years travelled round the country with a pack of goods on his back as a pedler.
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He afterwards established himself in Amherst, and became wealthy. Jamez Means, of Boston, is a nephew. Thomas Means, of New York, is another. Mrs. Amos Lawrence had had a previous husband -- one of the Judges of New Hampshire.
Abbott married a daughter of Timothy Bigelow, before mentioned. Mr. B. had married into the Williams' family-a sister of Samuel Williams, of Lon- don, then doing all the best business from Salem and Boston. Timothy Wil- liams, his agent, was a Director in the Boston Bank; and William Pratt (late of Boott & Pratt,) had married a Williams also, who was another Director in the Boston Bank, David Greenough, before mentioned, a zealous friend, was a Director in the New-England Bank, where Amos or Abbott became a Di- rector also, and afterwards in the Suffolk Bank.
Williams, Pratt, Greenough:, and the New-England Bank, were all dealers in sterling exchange.
Before the war of 1812, the bulk of importations was made but twice a year. Long credits were given here. To buy well in England, and give such credits. required large capital, or ample means somewhere. From the above sources the Lawrences could always command them. Their country connexion also gave them great advantages. Means was a leading man in New Hampshire. The Brazers (large traders in Groton and Worcester,) and Timothy Bigelow, were known to all New England, and familiar with every member of a Legis- lature of six or seven hundred, whom he could call by name.
Thus few young men were better prepared to start for a prosperous career ; and their respective talents fitted them well too. Amos-mild, sagacious, quick, (he could add three columns of figures at once, as rapidly as reost men could one,) the desk man, the counsellor: Abbott-frank, bold, decided, but not repulsive-as ready to break through obstructions as he was "to break the back of a long invoice," examine the goods, and mark them for the shelves.
Industry, high honor, and vigilance in looking after debts, secured success. Vigilance was not the least necessary under the detested law of attachment on mesne process. As manufactures advanced, they felt their way cautiously, securing the advantage of consignments. The honors of bold pioneers cannot be awarded them. When less prudent neighbors were shipwrecked, they were able to profit by their disasters, and buy into profitable concems. Go- vernment had forced manufactures upon the country ; their interests became gradually identified with them ; importations of' many foreign goods could no longer be honestly and gainfully made .. Abbott Lawience was the natural trained champion of the tariff policy, and boldly appeared as such in Congress. There his open-hearted manners conciliated g md opinion, and neutralized or put to flight all suspicion of the shrewd Yankee. He spoke but seldom-with more weight, of course, when he did-readily, well-informed, to the purpose. He had a great interest to watch; animosities faust not be raised on minor questions : he was a wise representative, and dangerous opponent.
The feeble health of Amos, and more retiring habits, have made the public less acquainted with his merits. Many who Know them well. consider him the superior man.
Their best addition is, they do good with their money. A week hardly passes, without some report of large muuificence. Institutions connected with education seem to receive their first attention. Simple manners add charms to their gifts. 3
William Lawrence came to Boston after Amos and Abbott were established, and went also into the dry goods business. He married the only daughter of William Bordman, free BORDMAN, LYDIA,] with large expectations : then took as partner Samuel, (now at Lowell :) then Mr. Stone -- and the firm be-
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came W. & S. Lawrence & Stone. His career in business has been somewhat similar to that of his brothers. The source of his wife's fortune may have infused a more adhesive property into his. The Hurd concern at Lowell, [sce HunD,] forced them more into the manufacture of woollens -- not yet so safely and profitably established as cottons.
LODGE, GILES. An Englishman. Came from Liverpool 50 or 55 years ago. John and Adam Lodge, his brothers, (among the first American mer- chants in Liverpool at that time,) aided him. They were the shipping houses of the Wiggins, Appletons, and all the principal importing houses. Giles was an importer of dry goods, hats, &c. He married a Miss Langdon-a sister of the wife of Thomas Cardis, After living in Green-street, he bought the elegant house at the foot of the common in Boylston-street, built by Nathaniel Tucker, who had acquired a fortune in the wholesale grocery business in Mer- chants'-row -- first Alanson and Nathaniel, then Beza and Nathaniel.
Nathaniel Tucker was more fortunate than Thomas Day, (not the "old Thomas," nor the " young Thomas," of the old glee he loved so well -- but the author of " Sandford and Merton,") who educated tiro orphan girls, from whom he might choose a wife-but neither would have him ! Tucker educated but one-and she did have him. Tucker afterwards retired to Newtown, where he died prematurely. He was one of the early promoters of the Handel and Haydn Society.
To return to Mr. Lodge. He is a quiet, good man-and, were foreigners always as quiet, there would be less corruption in politics; few votes would be bought or sold, either for rum or office : but, for forty years, corruption has gone on increasing. Thousands of foreigners are annually bought before they are naturalized ; by many, perjury is committed ; and yet each party- that should be Americans-vies with the other for success in the damning pro- cess ! Where will it end ? This has meaning : the writer refers to what he knew in Boston, of the first men of both parties, nearly forty years ago.
LORING, CALEB. Of the late firm of Loring & Curtis, merchants, and he long a large underwriter. His first wife -- Ann Greeley, of Marblehead- was mother of his children. His second wife was the daughter of the late Rev. Mr. Lathrop. He is a native of the large town of Hull, and was a member of the Massachusetts Senate in 1S28.
LORING, CHARLES G. Son of Caleb. Studied law with Chas. Jack- son -- the best school for law, manners, and morals. He is a good scholar, and reaps his reward in a large practice and the confidence of all who know him.
LORING, BENJAMIN. Of Hingham. Whitman, the annalist, : (of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company,) says of him, that he is universally popular and justly esteemed, and that there is as much of a benediction in his countenance, as in that of the late President Kirkland. His brothers were --- George, of Malaga, (justly celebrated for his dried fruit --- " Loring's" brand being preferred to all others ;) he left a large fortune: Josiah, a stationer, and successful maker of cheap and improved globes: and Elijah, long wharfinger of Long Wharf, agent for George of Malaga, and a Director of the Eagle Bank.
LOWELL, REV. CHARLES, D. D.,-The amiable minister of the West Church. (Unitarian-formerly that of the celebrated Dr. Chauncey.) -- is son of the late Judge Lowell, of the U. S. District Court ; descended from an old Newbury family. The Rev. Dr. resides at Cambridge, and is father of Lowell, the poet.
LOWELL, FRANCIS C.,-Is son of the late Francis C. Lowell, another son of Judge Lewell, to whom, more than any other individual, belongs the credit of establishing the Waltham cotton factory, (the precursor of those at
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Lowell,) that name being given to his house. He wore out a feeble frame in study and anxiety to effect there objects. A son of the late Francis C., (John Lowell. Jr.) manied a daughter of good Jonathan Amory. Losing his wife and children, ho travelled abroad, and died in Egypt, having by will founded the " Lowell Institute." Mr. Francis C. Lowell is Actuary to the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company.
LOWELL, JOHN A,,-Is son of the late John Lowell, another son of Judge Lowell. He was au able lawyer, and zealous in politics and all useful public works. His ardent spirit gave impetus to, and carried through, the pro. ject of the Mill Dam ; in fact, he gave fire to all be did, and great knowledge and sagacity. As zealous in horticulture and agriculture-residing in Rox- bury. He was the " Boston rebel" of forty years since. The Lowell Build- ings in School-street were put up by him. By the will of his late nephew above named, he was made First Curator of the Lowell Institute, with power to appoint his successor -- which he did, in the person of his son, Mr. John A. Lowell, who is agent also for several Lowell factories.
LYMAN, GEORGE H. Son of the late Theodore Lyman, who came to Boston from York, Me. (where his father was minister,) on board a wood sloop, to reek his fortune. He had great success in the North- West Coast and Can- ton trade. Deep animosity existed between him and the Perkins' house for a long time-law suits. He agreed not to pursue, for a certain time, within certain limits, the North-West Coast trade. George W. Lyman-his son- went into the trade, for the first time !
Wm. Sturgis had been in his employment to the North-West Coast and Canton. On the return of the ship, her teas were sold at avetion. Sturgis bid off a large lot at the sale, under the usual conditions of satisfactory endorsed paper. No paper could be satisfactory, though it were covered with the best names in Boston. He was a man of strong mind and bad passions. Such men are not serupulous in the choice of means to effect their purposes. Shy. lock could sacrifice wealth to revenge.
It is delightful to see and feel sach a character softened down by association with his retreat at Waltham -- long the most elegant among the many elegant seats around Boston.
George is President of the Lowell Rail- Road Company. Married a daughter of H. G. Otis for his first wife, and of Wm. Swett for his second. His manner is coldest of the cold.
MARETT, PHILIP. Formerly Cashier, and since President of the New- England Bank, His father died when he was young, leaving two children --- Philip, and a sister, married to Aaron Baldwin. His mother kept a small shop in Washington Street, near Boylston Miket. Philip get much credit in the city councils. His recent unfortunate difficulties with the N. E. Bank, have made much noise. He now resides on Long-Island.
MASON. WILLIAM P. Son of the late Jonathan Mason. Studied law with Charles Jackson. Is an excellent man -- of winning deportment-and, as he deserves to be, in good practice, and highly respected.
MASON, JEREMIAH. Was President of the late U. S. Branch Bank at Portsmouth. N. H. President Jackson's filme in attempting his removal, was the first public intimation of his intention to control or destroy that iusti- tution. Mr. Mason is one of the great men of New Hampshire, and au abk: lawyer. His wife is a daughter of the late Col. Me ms, of Amherst, and a sister to the wife of Amos Lawrence.
MAY, SAMUEL. The oldest hardware-dealer in Boston. Kept many years in Union-street, near Marshall's-lane, and removed to the corner of State- street and Broad, when the latter street was opened, and has remained there ever since.
٠١ اندڵبه.
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THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON.
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He is a pattern of industry and exactness, and has prosperously glided through many changes. He is the beneficial author of one general and useful reform.
His late brother. Col. Joseph May, was long Secretary of the Boston Marine Insurance Company, where George Cabot was President. He was much em- ployed on arbitrations. Misfortunes in business had not diminished general respect and confidence.
With Perez Martin, Ebenezer Oliver, and others, he took an active part in changing the Episcopal King's Chapel into the Unitarian Stone Chapel. Mor- ton, Oliver, and May, ordained the late Dr. Freeman. The Liturgy of the Church was castrated. The Church remains the only eunuch in the country.
MINOT, WILLIAM. A good lawyer and a gentleman. Son of the late Judge Minot. His wife is a daughter of the late Judge Davis. Mrs. Robert Sedgwick, of New York, is a sister. His grandfather was the historian of Massu- chusetts.
NILES, W. J. Livery-stable keeper. Once of Newell & Niles, merchants and speculators, in Dorchester. They failed, and Niles took up his present business.
ODIN, GEORGE. An old bachelor. Long a hardware dealer in Dock Square --- as was his older brother John, whose retail department was a noted curiosity shop. John Breed, of Ebenezer & John, opposite to him, once made a bet with a person, that he could not name an article of hardware that would not be found in John Odin's shop. The man named a pig's muzzle. John found it, and won his bet. Of course, the man would not quiz John, who was from " pig town," and had bought Hog Island, and noted for-personal neat- ness !
John Odin married a Miss Walter, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Walter, for- merly of Christ Church, Salem-street-the steeple of which blew down during the great October gale of 1803.
Lynde Walter, a brother of this lady -- once a merchant -- was father to the " Transcript" Walter.
OLIVER, HENRY J. A North-End boy, and of the firm of Oliver, Bor- land & Abbott, when they began the auction business; afterwards in City and State employments, the duties of which he performed with punctilious fidelity.
OXNARD, HENRY. Was an intelligent shipmaster, in the employ of Wm. Gray, David Hinkley, and others ; afterwards merchant, and sent as agent to New Orleans, for Lowell factories. Confided in, deservedly, by all, for fidelity, sound judgment, and integrity.
PARKS, ELISHA. Formerly Elisha & Luther Parks, auctioneers, it Kilby-street. corner of Doane, where Barker & Bridge had been-now, Parks, Baldwin & Parks, dry goods and domestic commissions.
PARKER JAMES -- PARKER PETER-PARKER CHARLES .- Sons of the late John Parker-a man made to have his mark. Said to have begun life by driving a country butcher's cart. At any rate, he soon had a good commission business ; then a heavy one, to which he admitted several of his sons as partners-the late John, jr., being the first. His business was mostly from Newburyport, and towns east of that, and Newpost and Bristol. The business of the De Wolf's was very large.
It was a sure proof of credit to be able to buy of John Parker. He was exact in selling, and looked more to security than to strained price. He had often made advances. He was said to go early to his commanding seat in Roxbury, to avoid Boston taxes. Bizcarrolaya's shop in Congress street, for years his resort, was once a droll scene. John had been dressed, quene-ta !! tied and powdered as usual, and gave Biz money. In receiving change, he was short a half cent. "How's this ?" " What, sir ?" " I want half a cent."
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"O yes, sir-yes, sir !" The wag took a cent, put it in a vice, and began to bend it. " What are you doing ?" " Going to give you half a cent, sir." It was soon broken --- but John was off. That half cent was kept for many a joke.
Wm. Shimmin married his only daughter.
PARKER, MRS. JOHN. Widow of the late John Parker-the oldest son of the noted John. Born a Sergeant.
PARKER, SAMUEL D. Son of the late Rev. Dr. Parker. Rector of Trinity Church, and Bishop of the Eastern Diocese, who remained faithfully with his church during the Revolutionary War. The Bishop once preached a sermon before the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, with great applause. A few days after, he was complimented in one of the papers for the eloquence of his discourse ; and a conclusion of its excellence was given, by its agreeing so closely with a sermon of the celebrated Saurin! The first five volumes of Saurin's sermons had just appeared, translated by Robert Ro- binson, a noted Baptist minister of Cambridge, who afterwards became an Arian or Socinian. Robert Hall was afterwards minister of the same church,
PRATT, GEORGE. Son of the late Capt. John Pratt, who followed a successful trade in the Gulf of Mexico, while Spain was at war with England. Retired from sea, and was the first to run regular packets in the New Orleans trade; and after George had had a good training, formed with him, John Pratt & Son-still keeping in the New Orleans packet and cotton trade. John bought the large house at the head of Pearl-street, formerly owned by Jona- than Ilarris, called "Harris's Folly ??
George married a daughter of Giles Lodge. Excellent parentage on both sides ! His industry and prudence have deserved and secured wealth; and his kind heart and cheerful temper will make him happy.
PRESCOTT, WILLIAM B. Son of that safe, industrious, sagacious, and eminent lawyer, the late William Prescott, and grandson of Col. Prescott, who commanded the American troops at Bunker Hill.
Mr. Prescott studied law with his father, and inherited a large fortune from him, which was increased by marriage in the Amory family. But he has dis- tinguished himself above all the honors of wealth, by his ability as an his- torian-one of the first (perhaps the first) of the age. His Histories of " Fer- dinand and Isabella," the ". Conquest of Mexico," and the ".Conquest of Peru," have achieved European reputation. American books are read, and praised. The merit of these books is enhanced by the perseverance that has overcome . the difficulties under which they were composed. While at the University. he received an injury in one of his eyes, that deprived him of the sight of it. The other became so much debilitated, that for many years together it has been useless for reading and writing. The reader is referred to the Preface to his " Conquest of Peru," for an affecting account of his disadvantages and inge- nions contrivances. Manly courage and cheerful piety have sustained him in his struggles.
PUTNAM, MISS CATHARINE. Daughter and only child of the late Jesse Putnam, of the firm of Putnama & Ingalls, in Kilby-street. Mr. Putnam was deservedly and highly reputed for mercantile knowledge, good judgment. and undoubted integrity. He was much called upon in cases of reference and arbitration. His steady democracy never lost bim a friend in the hottest party times. Suavity and good nature, such as his, softened baser tempers in others. As might be expected, from being long the companion of such a father, Miss Putnam's mind is highly accomplished by extensivo reading and study.
QUINCY, JOSIAH. Descended from a time-honored ancestry, has been distinguished by great ardor and energy through a long life. Previous to the war of 1812, he was a ranting Federal spouter in Faneuil Hall; and in Con-
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gress uttered the foolish taunt, that the Government could not be " kicked into a war." It was about the time that he said of Henry Clay, that "he spent his days in a gambling-house, and his nights in a brothel !" Mr. Clay, however, paid him in his own coin, when he remarked of him, in a debate subsequent to this, that "he soiled the carpet on which he stood !" and that as Judas Iscariot would be remembered through all time, for his betrayal of the Savior, so he (Quiney) would be held in abject remembrance for his remarks upon Jefferson. He was Judge of the Municipal Court on the trial of Buckingham for a libel on Maffit. His charge denied the old doctrine, -- " the greater the truth, the greater the libel." As Mayor of Boston, he projected the new mar- ket, and the noble ranges of stores where formerly stood the dangerous and unsightly buildings of Merchants' Row and Codman's Wharf. He was un- wearied in his efforts to promote cleanliness in the streets, remove obstruc- tions from the sidewalks, and to purify the hill. Benj. Pollard was his licu- tenant, and was closely trotted after by the Mayor on his pony. He was afterwards elected President of Harvard University.
Mr. Quincy married into the Phillips' family. He has been a zealous co- operator in agricultural improvements. Brighton Fair and Cattle Show always found him there. Hearty, fearless energy, has made Mr. Quincy a useful man.
QUINCY, JOSIAH, JR .-- The present Mayor of Boston, inherits many of the good qualities of his father, softened by greater amenity. Like him he is fortunate by the progress of great public improvements during his mayoralty. The new water-works will eclipse the new market.
He married the only daughter of the late Samuel R. Miller, [see GORE, Mrs. JouN, ] with a moderate fortune. His principal wealth is the reward of merit, from trusts faithfully executed.
REED, BENJAMIN T. President of the Eastern Rail-Road and of the Shawmut Bank. His father married a piece of the late Mrs. William Gray, (Miss Blackler.) He had not been successful in business at Marblehead ; and for him Mr. Gray built the mill in the Mill Dam, for grinding corn and wheat, and furnished money to carry it on. This investment has resulted badly for the Gray family. They could not get rid of it. The iron works were added by Horace Gray, to use the whole water power.
Benevolence prompted the first purchase. The property is now carried on by Wm. Appleton.
REVERE, JOSEPH W. Son of Paul Revere, of venerable revolutionary memory, and eminent as a bel !- founder and copper-smith. Joseph W. succeeded his father in the same line, conducting it with sagacity and prudent enterprize. He has a son, (Dr. Revere.) who is distinguished as a professor in the Medical and Surgical College of the University of New York. Dr. Mott, (the Warren at least of that city, ) is a professor in the same College.
RICE, HENRY G. From Brookfield. Formerly an importer of British dry goods, first as Rice & Reed -- then Rice, Reed & Co., who were not suc- cessful. Mr. Rice married a daughter of Wm. H. Boardman, of the firm of Boardman & Pope, and by her inheritance the fortunes of Mr. Rice were much bettered. His lady is sister to the celebrated and accomplished widow of the late Harrison Gray Otis, jr.
RICHARDS, REUBEN. Served his time with John Odin, long in tho hardware business in Dock Square-now in metals, in South-Market Street. The hardware business requires very close application ; this, and constant deal- ing in files and sharp instruments, may give a keen edge to tho faculties.
RICHARDSON JEFFREY -RICHARDSON JAMES B. - RICH- ARDSON BENJAMIN P. Brothers, extensively in the wire trade, of long
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THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 1
standing and great industry and shrewdness, at the head of Central Wharf on India Street.
ROBBINS, EDWARD H. Son of Lieutenant-Governor Robbins, of Mil- ton. Was educated for a physician, but preferred speculation in real estate, and finally succeeded in securing a fortune. He has a vigorous and manly mind. He married a daughter of Barnabas Hedge, of Plymouth, once very wealthy.
Lieutenant-Governor Robbins was celebrated for great powers of memory. and for his loose manter of business, under many embarrassments. He will be remembered " down cast," as having been the original proprietor of what is now Robbinton, in Washington County, Me. He was in the habit of visiting that place frequently about forty years ago. He was Lieutenant-Governor at the time Caleb Strong was Governor.
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