Definition
Gazaway Bugg Lamar (1813 – 1883) was an American merchant, planter, and financier who operated primarily in Savannah, Georgia, and later in New York City. He was a member of the prominent Lamar family and was involved in shipping, banking, and the cotton trade during the mid‑19th century.
Overview
Born on February 18, 1813, in Savannah to a wealthy Southern family, Lamar entered the mercantile and shipping business at a young age. He managed a fleet of vessels that transported cotton and other commodities between the Southern United States and international markets, notably Europe and the Caribbean. In the 1840s he co‑founded the Savannah Bank, which provided credit to planters and merchants.
During the American Civil War, Lamar supported the Confederate cause, acting as an agent for the Confederate government in foreign financial matters and supervising the export of cotton to fund the war effort. Following the Confederacy’s defeat, he relocated to New York City, where he re‑established his commercial activities, including involvement in insurance and railroad financing. He died on April 1, 1883, in New York.
Etymology / Origin
The given name “Gazaway” reflects a family surname used as a first name, a common practice among Southern families in the 19th century. “Bugg” was his mother’s maiden name, incorporated as a middle name to preserve maternal lineage. “Lamar” is of French origin, derived from the old French “la mer” meaning “the sea,” which aligns with the family’s historic involvement in maritime commerce.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Profession | Merchant, ship owner, planter, banker, insurance and railroad financier |
| Key Ventures | Ownership of a shipping fleet; co‑founder of the Savannah Bank; participation in Confederate cotton export operations; post‑war insurance agency in New York |
| Geographic Focus | Savannah, Georgia (primary base); New York City (later career) |
| Family Connections | Member of the Lamar family, related to other notable Southern figures such as L. Q. C. Lamar |
| Historical Impact | Played a significant role in the Southern cotton trade and in financing Confederate operations; contributed to post‑war economic reconstruction through investment in transportation infrastructure |
Related Topics
- Lamar family – a prominent Southern political and commercial dynasty.
- Cotton trade – the primary export commodity of the antebellum South, central to Lamar’s business activities.
- Confederate finance – the mechanisms by which the Confederate states secured foreign credit and exported cotton during the Civil War.
- 19th‑century American banking – institutions such as the Savannah Bank that facilitated regional commerce.
- Railroad development in the United States – post‑war investments that Lamar participated in, contributing to national transportation networks.
Note: The information presented reflects documented historical records. Where specific details are scarce or uncertain, the entry refrains from speculation.