Samuel Crocker Lawrence.
The tolling of bells on Sunday evening, September 24, 1911, announced to the community the passing of its leading citizen, Gen. Samuel C. Lawrence,
General Lawrence was born in Medford, November 22, 1832, and with the exception of two years spent in the west, after his graduation from Harvard College in 1855, was a life-long resident of his native place, which he loved, and to which he was ever loyal.
General Lawrence was prominent in financial, military, Masonic, and charitable circles.
His record as a soldier was honorable; he had held the highest offices in the Masonic Order, and his ability as a financier brought him large returns.
A man of wealth, he lived modestly, and his charities were generous and widely extended.
He was the first Mayor of Medford, yielding against his personal inclinations, to the imperative call of his fellow citizens to take the office.
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He was a charter member and a life member of the Medford Historical Society and aided it by his financial contributions.
His death was a marked loss to every circle in which he moved.
