First settlers included farmers, mechanics

With the city set to celebrate its 150th birthday Sept. 18, the Journal-World is taking a look at early-day life in Lawrence:

Farmers and mechanics were plentiful in 1854 Lawrence.

Eight mechanics and five farmers were among the 29 men in the first party of settlers sent to establish Lawrence by the New England Emigrant Aid Co., according to David Dary in “Lawrence: An Informal History.”

There were two physicians and two merchants in the group. Other occupations represented by one man each were banker, carpenter, lawyer, reporter, architect, clerk, speculator, laborer, clergy/speculator and sportsman. Two men did not list an occupation.