1854
Great Uncle of Robert Derby – Gift of the Derby family
Amos Adams Lawrence (1814-1886) was a wealthy Boston merchant and philanthropist. Mr. Lawrence gave liberally to abolitionist movements such as the New England Emigrant Aid Company, organized to promote anti-slavery immigration to Kansas from the Northeast. In 1854, the City of Lawrence was founded by settlers sent by the New England Emigrant Aid Company and was named in honor of Amos A. Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence made many philanthropic contributions throughout his life including one to help found the University of Kansas.
Amos A. Lawrence was a great uncle to Robert Mason Derby. In 1884, two years prior to his death, Amos Lawrence gave a silver plate to Robert Mason Derby engraved “To Robert Mason Derby from his Great Uncle Amos A. Lawrence 1884.” This plate is still in possession of the Derby family as are other Lawrence heirlooms. Robert Mason Derby III, formerly of Lawrence, has two sons living in Lawrence: Charles Lawrence Derby and John Chandler Derby. Charles Lawrence Derby is married to wife Kirsten and has daughters Lillian Elisabeth and Sarah Cay, making sixth generation descendants residing in Lawrence.
Step Sponsored By: Robert Mason Derby III, Charles Lawrence Derby and John Chandler Derby