John Dresser Lawrence(1847-1907)

John Dresser Lawrence was born on April 11, 1847 to Ithiel Lawrence and Mary Abigail Dresser in Castine, ME. He was the second of four children. In 1850, the family was living in Castine, ME with 3 other people at least some of which were of the same profession as John’s father Ithiel. Ithiel is listed as being a House Wright in the Construction industry. He owns $2,400 worth of real estate. The family was still living in 1860. John’s father was listed as being a Master Joiner and had $3000 worth of real estate and $800 of personal property.

John married Lucy Amy Reed on May 25th, 1870 in Northampton, MA. She was the daughter of Benjamin Franklin Reed and Sarah Wheeler Sanders and was born in Whately, MA. This was their first marriage and it was conducted by Grodon Hall, Clergyman. John is listed as being a merchant. The couple stayed in Northampton and John is listed as working in Books and Stationary. His personal Estate is worth $2000. By 1873, the couple was living on West Street and John was working as an Auctioneer at 1 Masonic Block on Main Street.

In 1900, John and Lucy were living in a hotel in Pittsfield, MA at 2 South St. John is listed as being the Hotel Steward. According to the census he could read, write and speak english. Later they moved to Canton, Ohio where he was the manager of the McKinley Hotel. 

John died in Rangely, ME on July 4th, 1907. The circumstances around his death are unclear. He is buried in Bridge Street Cemetery in Northampton, MA.

 I came across this article about John Dresser Lawrence taking over management of the McKinley, Hotel in Canton, OH,  There is no date on it, but I suspect it was in 1905.  If you want to see a scan of the article, click here.

Hotel McKinley, Canton, Ohio

We take pleasure in presenting an illustration of the Hotel McKinley, Canton, Ohio, which in completeness of appointments and modern fittings would do credit to any city in the country. This hotel was recently placed in charge of Mr. J. D. Lawrence as manager, and it is safe to say the fine property could not br in better hands. Mr. Lawrence has mad an excellent record as manager of the Vanderbilt, Syracuse, N.Y.; the Wendell, Pittsfield, Mass.; the Mansion House, Greenfield, Mass. He has been filling of late years the position of steward at the Tod House, Youngstown, O, and Mr. George A. Baker, proprietor of the hotel, say that he never a better man in the position.

Besides being thoroughly conversant with the "back of the house," Mr. Lawrence is equally at home in the front, possessing an agreeable personality and the facility of making friends.

The Hotel McKinley will be conducted by Mr. Lawrence in a way that will give the maximum comfort to patrons.

Evanston, Ill.

Nov. 6th, 1889

Dear Mother,

Received your letter tonight I was to sick to go to work today. Have not eaten anything tonight. all day was to sick to eat. It don't pay to work nights until 10 + eleven o'clock a get sick.

I have to have a new pair of shoes for Sun. but don't know where the money is coming from. I owe Uncle Al. $18 + some cents now on the suit. I hope he will raise my pay soon. He says himself that he cannot fill my place short of 9 or ten dollars a week. Mr. Smith says that I earn $8 if I do a card, but I will not ask for more if I never get it.

I hear that Jim's [ILLEGABLE] are getting quite thinck.

Must close ago to bed

With love. 

Mr. J.D.W. Quinby,

    Rangeley, Me.

Dear Sir,

    Replying to your esteemed letter of the 14th, in behalf of Mrs. Lawrence permit me to thank you for giving us the particulars of Mr. Lawrence's last sickness. Will you kindly render to Mrs. Lawrence a full account of what Mr. Lawrence has paid you from time to time on this fish pond business and what you have expended on his account for this purpose. Also if not too much trouble tell us just what condition the enterprise is in and if you would be willing to take it off Mr. Lawrence's hands allowing Mrs. Lawrence something for the money that has already been expanded in bringing the pond to its present condition.

Mrs. Lawrence is hardly in shape to carry on an enterprise of that kind and as long as you are on the ground perhaps you can make it pay.

Very truly,

J. D. LAWRENCE

MANAGER OF THE MCKINLEY HOTEL DIES SUDDENLY

Left a Week Ago to Spend His Vacation in Maine—News Shocked His Friends.

A dispatch was received last evening that J. D. Lawrence, manager of the McKinley hotel had dropped dead at Rangeley, Me., where he was spending his vacation. Mr. Lawrence has been a resident of Canton for nearly two years, coming here from Youngstown, where he managed the Tod house, to take charge of the McKinley hotel. He left for his vacation just a week ago. Mr. Lawrence leaves a wife who is in this city and was about 63 years of age. He will likely be buried at Northampton, Mass. He had been enjoying good health and his death came as a great surprise to the many friends in this city.

CONDENSED TELEGRAMS.