Robert R. Lawson

Robert R. Lawson (c. 1872 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York – November 24, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York City) was an American newspaper editor, lawyer and politician from New York.

Life

He was a special correspondent, reporter and editorial writer for several New York City newspapers for about fifteen years. Then he studied law, graduated LL.B. in 1905, and practiced law in Brooklyn.

Lawson was a member of the New York State Senate (9th D.) from 1915 to 1918, sitting in the 138th, 139th, 140th and 141st New York State Legislatures.

In September 1917, he ran in the Republican primary election for Borough President of Brooklyn,[1] but was defeated by the incumbent Lewis H. Pounds[2] who subsequently was defeated for-re-election.

In November 1918, he was defeated for re-election to the State Senate by Charles E. Russell. The Citizens Union said that "Senator Lawson has continued to demonstrate his unfitness for legislative office,"[3] and endorsed his Democratic opponent Russell.

In September 1920, Lawson ran in the Republican primary election for Secretary of State of New York but was defeated by John J. Lyons who subsequently was elected at the New York state election, 1920.

He died on November 24, 1934, at his home at 24 Woodbine Street in Brooklyn, after a long illness.[4]

References

  1. CANDIDATES IN FIELD FOR CITY OFFICES in NYT on September 9, 1917
  2. MITCHEL LEADS BENNETT IN CLOSE RACE FOR NOMINATION BY THE REPUBLICANS in NYT on September 20, 1917
  3. NOMINEES ANALYZED BY CITIZENS UNION in NYT on October 27, 1918
  4. R. R. LAWSON DIES; EX-STATE SENATOR in NYT on November 27, 1934 (subscription required)
New York State Senate
Preceded by
Felix J. Sanner
New York State Senate
9th District

1915–1918
Succeeded by
Charles E. Russell