London, Lawrence Foushee

Lawrence Foushee London (1908- ) is a retired Curator of Rare Books at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an active member of Chapel of the Cross (Chapel Hill, N.C.) and the Episcopal Church of North Carolina, and an avid family historian. London was blinded in a childhood accident.

From the description of Lawrence Foushee London papers, 1740-2003. WorldCat record id: 56037110

Lawrence Foushee London was born 12 February 1908, in Pittsboro, N.C., to Arthur Hill London and Elizabeth Foushee London. Though Lonnie lost his sight at age twelve as a result of a firecracker accident, it proved no impediment to academic and professional achievement. He earned a B.A. in 1931, an M.A. in 1933, and a Ph.D. in American History in 1936, all from the University of North Carolina. In 1936, he joined the University of North Carolina library staff as a Research Associate, and in 1956 he was appointed Curator of Rare Books. London held that position until he retired in 1975.

London authored numerous books and articles relating to North Carolina history and the Episcopal Church, including Bishop Joseph Blount Cheshire: His Life and Work (UNC Press, 1941); The Episcopal Church in North Carolina, 1701-1959 (editor, with Sarah McCulloh Lemmon, Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, 1987); and 22 sketches for the Dictionary of North Carolina Biography (UNC Press, 1979-1996).

London has been a lifelong and active member of the Episcopal Church of North Carolina. He served at one time as senior warden at his home parish, Chapel of the Cross, in Chapel Hill, N.C., and for 50 years (1937-1987) he was the diocesan historiographer for the Episcopal Church of North Carolina.

In 1991 he received the North Caroliniana award in recognition of his contributions to the state.

London married Emily Dewey Mitchell of Chapel Hill, N.C., in 1936. Emily Dewey Mitchell London, known as Dewey, was the daughter of Adeline Dewey Claypoole Bernard. Following her marriage, she remained in contact with relatives, including her mother, stepfather William S. Bernard, aunt Caroline Claypoole, uncle Jesse Claypoole, and other members of the Claypoole, Dewey and Mitchell families.

Lawrence and Dewey London had two sons, Lawrence Foushee London Jr. and Alexander Claypoole London.

From the guide to the Lawrence Foushee London Papers, 1740-2003, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection.)