He was an ardent protectionist , and represented Massachusetts at the Harrisburg convention in 1827 .
In the 1820s , Lawrence became a prominent public figure -- a vocal supporter of railroad construction for economic benefit .
Lawrence was an ardent protectionist , and represented Massachusetts at the Harrisburg convention in 1827 .
In the 1820s , Lawrence became a prominent public figure -- a vocal supporter of railroad construction for economic benefit .