Edward Rawson

Edward E. Rawson (1818—April 10, 1893) was an important early businessman in Atlanta, Georgia. Rawson was born at Craftsbury, Vermont, seven generations removed from Edward Rawson, a politician who had emigrated from England in 1636 and settled at Newbury, Massachusetts. Most of his early life was spent on the plantation of his father, Elijah Rawson. Though accustomed to hard work young Rawson found plenty of time for study, and he was encouraged by parental influence and example to make the most of his educational opportunities. He attended the district schools, which were exceptionally good, but before reaching his nineteenth year his father died, making it necessary for him to leave home and to shift for himself. Georgia Coming to Lumpkin, Georgia, he entered the employ of his brother W.A. Rawson, as clerk, remaining in this establishment until 1841 when he embarked in the mercantile business on his own account. Sixteen years passed and during this time he built up an immense local trade and he was married there in 1846 (they had nine children together) but ill-health made it necessary for him to seek higher latitudes and accordingly he closed out his establishment at Lumpkin and came to Atlanta. He lost no time in starting up again in this place, as he not only brought with him an experienced business head but also enough capital to meet competition. When the war broke out he was doing an excellent business. Sturdy integrity and wide-awake enterprise secured for him the patronage of the community, and he retained the good will and friendship of every customer whose name was once entered upon his books.