Lawton, J. Fred (James Frederick), 1888-1969

Insurance executive, poet and composer, and University of Michigan alumnus.

From the description of James Frederick Lawton papers, 1908-1969. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34422905

James Frederick Lawton graduated from the University of Michigan with an A.B. degree in 1911. While at the University, Lawton played end on football team coached by Fielding H. Yost. Lawton had a deep affection for Yost and for the University, and though his career was spent as an insurance executive, he maintained ties with the U-M through his poetry and musical compositions and through his activities as a loyal alumnus. In 1911, later in the year of his graduation, Lawton with Earl V. Moore composed the words and music to "Varsity" a song that became traditional to the U-M Marching Band.

From the guide to the James Frederick Lawton papers, 1908-1969, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)