The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Lowell, John (publicist)

LOWELL, John, American publicist: b. Newburyport, Mass., 6 Oct. 1769; d. Roxbury, Mass., 12 March 1840. He was a son of John Lowell (1743-1802) (q.v.). He was graduated from Harvard in 1786 studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1789, retired from practice in 1803 and after travel in the East (1803-06) devoted his attention to literature. He wrote on agriculture and theology, but chiefly on politics. In various publications he attacked the War of 1812; and by his pen made himself a valuable aid of the Federalists. His interest in horticulture obtained for him the sobriquet of “the Columella of the New England States” and he was the first in the United States to build extensive greenhouses on a scientific plan. For many years he was president of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society. Among his pamphlets were ‘Peace Without Dishonor, War Without Hope’ (1807); ‘Diplomatic Policy of Mr. Madison Unveiled’ (1810); ‘Candid Comparison of the Washington and Jefferson Administration’ (1810), and ‘Mr. Madison's War’ (1812).