Florence Haskell Corliss was born Englewood, NJ in 1873. She graduated from Smith College in 1893, and received an M.A. in Philosophy from Columbia University. She married Thomas W. Lamont, banker and CEO of J.P. Morgan and Co. in 1895 and they had 4 children. She was interested in philanthropic activities, especially those related to education and international affairs/peace. She served as a Smith College trustee from 1911-25. She also supported the New School for Social Research and, in 1948, donated 150 acres in Palisades, NY to Columbia University for the establishment of The Center for Geography Studies. Lamont was a supporter of the League of Nations and the United Nations. She served on the board for League of Nations Association and the Executive Committee of the American Asssociation for the United Nations until her death in 1952. She also served on various committees of foreign policy associations and was active in NY literary circles. Her friends included Robert Frost, John Masefield, and H.G. Wells. In addition to her philanthropic work Lamont wrote and published stories, poetry and articles, and contributed to the Journal of Philosophy. She also travelled frequently in Europe, Asia, Mexico.
From the guide to the Lamont-Corliss Family Papers MS 89., 1883-1975, (Sophia Smith Collection)
