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 &ldquo;the Columella of the New England States&rdquo; 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 &lsquo;Peace Without Dishonor, War Without Hope&rsquo; (1807); &lsquo;Diplomatic Policy of Mr. Madison Unveiled&rsquo; (1810); &lsquo;Candid Comparison of the Washington and Jefferson Administration&rsquo; (1810), and &lsquo;Mr. Madison's War&rsquo; (1812).