| Obituary | Sep 2, 1867 | OBITUARY: DEA. AARON LAWRENCE, Who died at Amherst, Sept. 1st, aged 63 years, was born in Hollis, but moved with his parents, in very early life to Hancock, where the writer well knew him in his boyhood; a modest, pleasant, gentlemanly boy. He was one of twelve children, three sons and nine daughters, only two of whom are now living. His father, a poor but good man, could do very little for his education, but permitted him, in his early youth, to clear a piece of woodland, and have the first crop. With this, he paid his tuition, six months in the then Hancock academy. This, aside from small advantages in the district school, was all the opportunity for education he enjoyed. Soon after, the family moved to Weston, Vt., Aaron going with them, but remained there only a short time. Leaving the parental roof to work his own way in life, his father gave him $3.00, one half of which he invested in a copy of the Bible and a Hymn Book. His first position, on beginning to act for himself, was that of a "store boy" in a store in Temple. Continuing there only a short time, he came to Amherst, and entered as a clerk in the store of an uncle, where he remained till of age. Soon after he entered into partnership, in trade, in this place, with Charles L. Stewart, Esq. Here, in this business, he continued several years. Making Amherst his family residence, for many years past he made Boston his place of business. Mr. Lawrence was a very industrious man. He felt the value of time and aimed to turn every moment to some useful purpose. This, together with great personal economy, was one of the secrets of his success in business. His accumulations, small at first and very gradual, under wise management, and with the smiles of Providence, became large. He was, from principle, a benevolent man. He felt himself a steward of God; bound to use his property, not in self-indulgence, or for hoarding, but for the welfare of others. Public spirit was a marked trait in his character. For the support of educational, humane and religious institutions he had ever an open hand. Such was his hand in private life. He honored his parents by frequent visits, and supporting them comfortably in their old age. To brothers, sisters, and other relatives, many of whom were indigent, he contributed liberally till death. But not to relatives only, was he benevolent. To the aged poor, the unfortunate, the sick, the afflicted, wherever he found them, he was always helpful. Many a kind deed did his right hand perform, unknown to his left. In his widely extended business transactions Mr. L. stood high as an honest, fair, reliable, honorable man. In his extensive business correspondence, enclosing his letters, he was wont to quote passages of scripture, calculated to direct the minds of his correspondents to God and eternity. In domestic and social relations, Mr. L. was a model. Kind, affectionate, social, gentlemanly, urbane, he made all feel at home in his presence. Little children sought his company, for he was wont to give them a kind look and word, and extend to them a sympathizing hand. A true patriot was Mr. L. He loved his country; took a deep interest in the perpetuity of our republican government and the invaluable institutions that have risen up under it. This was shown by his liberal contributions to the soldiers in the late war of rebellion; to the Sanitary and Christian commissions and other institutions organized in aid of our patriotic citizen-soldiers. The crowning excellence of Mr. Lawrence was his spiritual, practical piety. In the best sense he was a devoted, humble, prayerful Christian, always alive to the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom; to the salvation of souls. This he evinced by constant liberal contributions to the support of the ministry on the church of which he was long a member, and for many years an esteemed officer, and to all the great benevolent enterprises of the age. The high esteem in which he was held by a very extensive acquaintance, was seen in the large attendance at his funeral, not only from Amherst, but from all the surrounding towns, from neighboring cities, and from Boston, where he had established an enviable reputation among business men. Greatly will he be missed in all the circles in which he was known. But we are comforted in the feeling of assurance that he has entered on his eternal rest. W.C.
Published in The Farmers' Cabinet, 12 Sep 1867, page 2.3
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Deacon Aaron Lawrence 
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