Abbott Lawrence Lowell

Abbott Lawrence Lowell (January 1, 1856–January 6, 1943) was a U.S. educator, historian, and President of Harvard University (1909–33). Abbott's siblings included poet Amy Lowell, astronomer Percival Lowell (Harvard 1876), and early activist for prenatal care Elizabeth Lowell Putnam. They were the great-grandchildren of John Lowell (Harvard 1760) and, on their mother's side, the grandchildren of Abbott Lawrence. As well as great-great nephew of F... more

Abbott Lawrence Lowell (January 1, 1856–January 6, 1943) was a U.S. educator, historian, and President of Harvard University (1909–33). Abbott's siblings included poet Amy Lowell, astronomer Percival Lowell (Harvard 1876), and early activist for prenatal care Elizabeth Lowell Putnam. They were the great-grandchildren of John Lowell (Harvard 1760) and, on their mother's side, the grandchildren of Abbott Lawrence. As well as great-great nephew of Francis Cabot Lowell. In retrospect, he is a controversial figure because of his racist, anti-semitic, and homophobic policies for Harvard while president. This scion of a famous family was second son of Augustus Lowell and Katherine Bigelow Lowell, and born in Brookline, MA. The Lowells, a prominent Boston family, named their 10-acre (40,000 m) Brookline estate Sevenels for the fact that there were 7 children in their family. Lowell graduated from Noble and Greenough School in 1873 and went on to attend Harvard College. He graduated in 1877... less