Dictionary of National Biography, 1912 supplement/Lowry, Henry Dawson
LOWRY, HENRY DAWSON (1869–1906), journalist, novelist and poet, eldest son of Thomas Shaw Lowry, bank clerk at Truro, afterwards bank manager at Camborne, by his wife Winifred Dawson of Redhill, was born at Truro on 22 Feb. 1869. He was educated at Queen's College, Taunton, and at Oxford University (unattached), where he graduated in the honour school of chemistry in 1891. His original purpose was to devote himself to chemistry, but his literary predilections gradually conquered his scientific inclinations. After contributing to the 'Cornish Magazine,' he was encouraged by the acceptance, in 1891, of bis Cornish stories by W. E. Henley [q. v. Suppl. II] for the 'National Observer. He continued to write for the 'National Observer' so long as Henley remained editor; and coming to London in 1893, he obtained a connection with the 'Pall Mall Gazette,' joining the staff in 1895. Subsequently he went to 'Black and White.' Early in 1897 he became editor of the 'Ludgate Magazine,' and the same year he joined the staff of the 'Morning Post.' Latterly he also wrote as 'Independent' in the 'Daily Express,' and he was an occasional contributor to other papers. He died, unmarried, at Herne Hill on 21 Oct. 1906. Warm-hearted, impulsive, and sociable, he was popular with his colleagues and friends.
It is in his short stories, dealing with Cornish life, which he thoroughly knew, that Lowry is at his best. Refined, sympathetic, and emotional, he was also a facile writer of tasteful verse. His works are: 1. 'Wreckers and Methodists,' 1893. 2. Women's Tragedies,' 1895. 3. 'A Man of Moods,' 1896. 4. 'Make Believe,' 1896. 5. 'The Happy Exile,' 1897. 6. A book of poems, 'The Hundred Windows,' 1904.
[Men and Women of the Time; Morning Post, 23 Oct. 1906; information from Mr. James Greig of the Morning Post and Mr. John Lane, publisher.]