Bryan Lawrence : Short Biography

BRYAN LAWRENCE (1817‐1896)
Born in Ireland. Possibly County Waterford or County Tipperary. In his obituary it is stated he grew up
between the River Blackwater and the River Suir.
He was a successful New York businessman and instrumental in the founding of the Irish Emigrant
Society and Emigrant Savings Bank. He gave liberally to Catholic charities, being a free contributor to
nearly all the Catholic benevolent societies of NYC.
Born Abt. 1817 in Ireland, and died March 10, 1896 New York City, NY
He married MARY CORBETT4 Abt. 1840. She was born
Abt. 1818 in Ireland, and died October 01, 1883 New York City, NY
More on Bryan Lawrence
Bryan came to America along with his mother, Mrs. Frances
(Fanny) Lawrence, and two brothers Thomas E. and Timothy. They arrived in New
York City on 9 Sept 1836 aboard the Ship Suviah. For many years he was a
butcher in the Centre Market in New York City. He was one of the founders of
the Emigrant Savings Bank, 51 Chambers St., and NYC at its inception in 1850. On
June 11, 1868 he was elected a trustee of the Bank and in 1879 became a member
of the Finance Committee. At his death he was the second vice‐president.
About 1866 he retired from business and devoted himself to charitable work. He
gave liberally to Catholic charities, being a free contributor to nearly all
the Catholic benevolent societies of NYC. He also remembered in a generous way
the Catholic hospitals and institutions. In 1868, he became a member of the
Board of Managers of the NY Catholic Protectory, an orphanage in Westchester
County, NY. In 1892 he became president of the Board of Managers of that
institution and served in that capacity until his death. Bryan had a second
residence, presumably a summer home, in Red Bank, NJ, on Shrewsbury River,
which must have been sold in the early 1890s. The contents of the house were
sold at auction in 1891, with Bryan L. Kennelly (possibly his grandson) acting
as auctioneer. Bryan was a devout Catholic and, even when well advanced in
age, felt it his duty to set a good example, always attending High Mass, though
it was lengthier and he had to travel a great distance to his church, St.
Agnes. He was a member of the Catholic Club and the Irish Emigrant Society.
Though he appeared to be in exceptionally good health for a man of his age,
Bryan died suddenly of a heart attack while taking a drive with a friend in
Central Park. He left behind a widow and two children, a son and a daughter.
A memorial service was held at St. Agnes Church, NYC of which he was a trustee.
He is buried in Calvary Cemetery.