Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 76

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1126

USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 > Part 76

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

minded philanthropy, will never be fully known. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife belonged to the Methodist denomina- tion. Mr. Lawler died August 21, 1598. Ilis memory will long be cherished for the shining virtues of his character and for his beneficent deeds.

LAWLER, John W., one of the most sub- stantial and favorably known citizens of Rush- ville, 111., was born in Bahubridge Township, Schuyler County, October 1, Ist, a son of George E. and Caroline (Hymeri Lawler, his father having been born in Virginia. December 30, 1818, and the mother born in North Caro- lina. George E. Lawler followed farming for a livelihood. Ile went with his parents from Vir- ginia to Ohio at an early period, and during the 'thirties accompanied them thence to Illinois, the family settling in Woodstock Township, Schuyler Conty. At a later period George E. Lawler located on a farm in Bainbridge Town- ship, on which he built a dwelling and followed farming until 1873, when he retired from active pursuits, establishing his home in Rushville, where he died in 1506.

John W. Lawler enjoyed the benefits of at- tendance at the district schools of Bainbridge Township when a boy, and throughout his youth busjed himself by assisting his father in the daily routine of farmwork. On attaining his majority he engaged in farming for himself, and continued thus until 1809. At that time he secured employment in a general store, where he remained a few years. He then resumed farming operations, which he afterward again relinquished and made a trip to the West. Re- turning home he once more applied himself to farming, and was thus employed until 1884. when he embarked in the grocery trade in Rush- ville, selling out in 1906 and withdrawing from active life.

Mr. Lawler has thrice entered into matri- monial relations. Ilis first marriage took place in Rushville in 1875, when he wedded Roste Patterson, who died in 1883. Pour boys and two girls were the issue of this union, namely : Clarence, who died at the age of four years; Marvin, who married Tillie Ellis, and has one son, Lawrence, living in Beardstown, II., and employed as a conductor on the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy Railroad; Ray. also a rail- way conductor, running out of Denver. Colo. ; Carroll. of Rushville, who married Mary Walker, of the same place; Grace, wife of Frank Ross, of Galesburg. Ill. ; and Bessie, wife of Guy Pat- ter-on, who has two children.

In 1899, at Peoria. Ill., Mr. Lawler married Emma Reflin, who died in 1890. In February, 1892. at Rushville, he was united in marriage with Emma M. Harmon, who was born in the vicinity of Rushville in 1865. The offspring of the last marriage is one son, John J .. living at home. In polities. Mr. Lawler is a Democrat. Hle is a man of excellent character, and enjoys

the respect and confidence of a large acquaint- ance.

LAWLER, Oliver T .- One of the most interest- ing and valuable landmarks in Bainbridge Town- ship is that owned and occupied by Oliver T. Lawler, son of the pioneer, George Edward Law- ler. Around this old place are centered the mani- fold happenings of almost three-quarters of a century; the birth of a large family of children, their development from youth to manhood and womanhood, their departure upon their re- spective independent walks of life. and the re- turn of Oliver T. : : manager and eventual owner of the memory laden homestead. Upon this farm Oliver T. was born August 24, 1858. and here began the tasks which litted him for his large responsibility as a topresentative farmer and stock-raiser of the twentieth century. Ilis opportunities were similar to those of the other lads of his neighborhood, and included attend- ance at the district schools during the winter months, and work in the fields during the shin- mer. After the removal of the father to Rush- ville in 1873, he augmented his previous training by gradumning at the high-school of that town. and October, 1879, was united in marriage to Mary C. Morris, daughter of John W. Morris, a sketch of whose career may be found ou au- other page of this work.

In the spring of 1880, Mr. Lawler brought his young wife to the farm upon which he was born, and which he rented until 1SOS. Ile then bought the place outright, and now owns the 320 acres. all of which i under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Lawler breeds, feeds and ships consider- alde stock, and engages in general farming on a large scale. Ilis residence, barns, ontbuildings, fences, drainage and general improvements in- dicate thoroughness, method, and fine regard for the westhetic as well as financial side of exist- once, and taken all in all the property constitutes one of the most delightful homes and profitable agricultural enterprises in Schuyler County. The owner is a man of firm but progressive ideas, a conscientious student of the best ways of farming and the most enlightened ways of living. and the possessor of practical and com- mon senso ideas upon subjects engaging the pop- ular attention.

Mr. and Mrs. Lawler have had eight chil- dren. three of whom died in infancy. Of those living. Lou M. was born November 2, 1>88; Dorothy G. was born September 6, 1891; Flor- ence C., was born May 20, 1593: Bernice was born April 19, 1897; and Ernest was born Angust 20, 1902. In politics Mr. Lawler is a Democrat. but in loeal matters he is broad enough to sometimes recognize the limitations of the Dem- ocratie ticket. He enjoys social prominence in marked degree, is popular with all classes, and js an honored member of the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows.

LAWLER. Robert A .- The advantage of hon- est business principles, unswerving devotion to

J. D. Thompson

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

the best tenets of a necessary and important occupation, and appreciation of the courtesy, con- sideration and tactfulness which unfailingly am- plifies and dignities human endeavor. are factors emphasized in the enterprise of a. W. Lichey & Company, funeral directors of the city of Ru-h- ville. This firm has been in existence since IS!S. and in 1902 its working force was augmented by Robert A. Lawler, to whose far sightedness. progression and unremitting industry and good judgment is due a large share of its merited ste- cess.

Robert Alexander Lawler was born on a farm in Woodstock Township, Schuyler County, III .. December 22, 1877. and is the youngest of the four sons and one daughter of Washington M. and Lilly ( Burnside) Lawler. the former of whom was an early settler, and the latter a na- tive of Schuyler County. Washington M. Law- ler, who in early life was a farmer and cooper and. in later life, a farmer. is given attention elsewhere in this work, lle settled on the farm where his son was born in 1840, and from small beginnings arose to wealth and influence, owning. at the time of his death. November 5, 1897, 240 acres of improved land. His wife sur- vived him until February 15, 1907. Of their children. Theodore W. is a farmer of Warren County, IN. : Alice is the wife of Eugene Cham- berlain, of Bainbridge Township: Thomas HI. lives in Kewanee. Il. : and Fred II. is a travel- ing salesman. The elder Lawler was a propr- inent and publie spirited man. zreally interested in the roads and schools of the township. and though of a quiet, unostentatious nature, the soul of friendliness and good hutnor.

As did his brothers and sister. Robert A. Law- ler attended the district school in early youth. and in 1998 entered the Rushville Normal Busi- ness College, from which he was duly graduated in 1000. For two years he combined oversight of the home farm with school-teaching, that well worn thoroughfare from country to elty life, and in so doing laid aside the small competence which was to constitute his financial start in life. Angust 28, 1902, he was united in marriage to Myrtle Lickoy, daughter of J. W. Lickey, of Rushville, and immediately afterward became the business associate of his well known father- in-law. In the meantime he has advanced to a foremost place in his profession. has made a thorough scientific study of embalming, and has been granted license No. 929 by the State Board of Embalmers. He takes a keen and unfailing interest in his work, invests it with forethought and intelligence, and by his tact and under- standing, diverts from the necessarily grewsome occupation much that is objectionable and de- pressing. The firm occupy two floors of an es- tabishment on the northeast corner of the square, and their equipment is in accord with the most modern and progressive funeral di- resting and embalming methods. The confidence. of the publie has been gained by skillful and dependable service, and the exercise of those personal niceties and considerations which ap-

peal to these who have sustained the loss of their near and dear ones. In commection with their line of caskets and general funeral furn- ishings, the firm carry a stock of mouldlings, trames and art goods, Mr. 1. wier is Secretary of the National Co-operative Burial Association, which has a membership of eightrer hundred.

To train and stored o his business Mr. Law- ler has two sons, Harold and Eugene. Ile is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which both himself and his wife are very active, and, fraternally. is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Friendship Lodge No. 24, of which he is Noble Grand, and is a member and presiding officer of the Mystic Workers No. Hil his wife having been Sercary of the same for the past five years. Mrs. Lawbr also is a member of the Rebekas, as is her husband, and he is connected as well with the Modern Wood- men of America and Knights and Ladies of Security. From a business and social stand- point Mr. Lawler is one of the prominent and successful mien in his part of the State, and on- joys a wide acquaintance with many of its fore- most families.

LAWLER, Robert E., an enterprising and pro- gressive young farmer whose home is in Section 22. Bahbridge Township, Selmyier County, III., and who is one of the leading citizens of his locality, was born on the farm where he now lives. Jan ry 18. 1880. a son of Jolm Ingh and Mary (O'Connor) Lawler, natives of Fauquier Com.ty, Va .. whenve the former was brought to Schuyler County. 10 .. by his father, James W. Lawler, in 1835, when he was about eleven years old. James W. Lawler was one of the earliest settlers of Bainbridge Township. Here John II. Lawler married a Miss Edmondson, and by her had two children, both of whom died in infancy. After the mother's death he married Almira Perry. and their union resulted in four children, namely : Albert, who died at the age of twenty- two years: William, who died in 1609: Nancy. wife of Edward Hood, and Ann Elizabeth, wife of James Self, both husbands being farmers in Bainbridge Township. The mother of this fam- ily died in Bainbridge Township, and John Il. Lawler subsequently married Mary O'Connor. born near Lyons, France, who was brought by her parents to this country when she was about six years old. Her father, Mathias O'connor. settled in Camden Township, Schuyler County, where he died in 1880. John Il. and Mar; (O'Connor) Lawler were the parents of six children, as follows: Clinton, who died in in- fmey : Jessie L .. deceased wife of Jona Vanghan. who died in 189>; Martha K. and Lucy D .. of Rushville, Ill .: and Robert E., to whom this personal record pertains. Jomm H. Lawler de- parted this life March 2, 1591, his widow sur- viving him until July 2. 1507. when she. too. passed away. When the former first came to Schuyler Com.ty, wild game was abundant, and deer trails were visible in all directions. The land in Bainbridge Township where the Lawlers

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

made their hon, was heavily covered with white and lack-vak timber. James W. and John 11. Lawler cleared this wilderness, and on ground then haunted by straggling Indians, whose wigwams bad scarce disappeared, now stand churches, schoolhouses and beautiful homes, to perpetuate the memory of the sturdy pioneer of the Lawler family.

Robert E. Lawler was fourteen years old when his father died, and passed his boyhood in assisting in work on the home place and attend- ing the district schools. After finishing his edu- cation in the Rushville Normal School he taught for two years, and then turned his attention to the farm containing 850 acres, which was left to his care, fourdened with an indebtedness to be discharged. Well has he performed his task, and be and his sisters have become the owners of 210 acres of the homestead property.

On April 13. 1903, Mr. Lawler was united in marriage with Grace E. Hood, who was born in Cass County. Ill., a daughter of Edward Hood. a prominent farmer of Bainbridge Township. Mr. and Mrs. Lawler have two children. namely : John D., born May 2, 1904; and Mary Lucille, born August 2, 1906.

In politics, Mr. Lawler is a Democrat, and has taken an active part in the political affairs of his township, in which he has become an influen- tial factor. In 1906. during Mr. Lawler's ab- sence from home. the Democratic Township Con- vention nominated him for the office of Super- visor, and he was elected by a decisive majority, being eight years the junior of the next youngest member of the Board of Supervisors. He is looked upon as one of the most prominent citi- zens of the community. and he and his amiable wife have a host of friends.

LAWSON, James P .- To the average farmer in Illinois horticulture, as a science. is a closed book, the study of which seems hardly justified by the results thus far achieved in the Central West in connection with the fruit-raising indus-

try. Yet one has but to sean the work of certain + ture and horticulture is presented on the beauti-

landsmen whose attention has thus been directed with snecessful results, to realize the injustice of the opinion commonly held. One of the most in- teresting and informing expressions of this sort of nature-loving spirit to he found in Schuyler County. i- the farm in Section 16. Camden Township, owned and occupied by James P. Lawson. The man bent upon horticultural or agricultural success might travel far and not find so encouraging an exposition of what may be accomplished in fruit-raising when backed by enthusiasm. broad understanding and untiring industry.

James P. Lawson was born in Bainbridge Township. Schuyler County. July 6, 1551. a son of Robert Lawson. and in boyhood removed with his parents to Camden Township. where the family settled on a farm now owned by his brother William. Here the subject of this sketch attended the puldie schools as opportunity of- fered, and upon attaining his majority, began

work on his own account, though still making his home with his mother who, by this time, had become a widow. Industrious and frugal in his habits, he had no ditheulty in securing employs- ment, and having few and simple wants, was able to lay aside a portion of his earnings for future investments. His mother in the mean- time having passed away, on March 17, 1899, he was married to Miss Hester Marlow. a daughter of Levi S, and Margaretta ( Rice) Marlow, and a native of Camden Township. A sketch of Mr. Marlow will be found in its proper place in another part of this work.

After his marriage, Mr. Lawson resided on the old home farm for one year, when he removed to Camden, remaining there for about five years. In 1896 he bought ninety acres of the paternal farm, to which he later added by purchase eighty acres more on Section 16, making a total of 170 acres, of which twenty acres is in Section 9 in Camden Township. This property he has improved by the erection of farm buildings. setting out orchards and a variety of small fruit- bearing shrubs, besides developing a vegetable growing department that will add materially to the production of the farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Lawson have had two children. one son. Vernie, who has received a good edu- cation and is now assisting his father in the supervision of the farm, and one daughter. Gracie, who died as the result of injuries re- ceived by being accidently sealded. although she lingered for a week after the accident-a ca- lamity which left a pall of gloom upon the fam- ily. depriving them of the society of a bright child who was a source of happiness to the household. Mr. Lawson is a Democrat in poli- tics, while Mrs. Lawson is a member of the MI. P. L. and Star Lodge of Camden, their son. Vernie being identified with the A. F. & A. M. and M. W. ..

LAWSON, Joseph Robert .- An interesting and instructive demonstration of scientific agricul- ful farm of Joseph Robert Lawson, in Section 22. Camden Township. Eighty-two aeres in ex- tent. this farm represents the acme of comfort and utility. and makes strong appeal to the :tr- tistic. refined and home-loving nature of the man who has presided over its developing for- tunes for the past twenty-three years. Hither he came as a renter in 1554. two years later pur- chasing the property from ils owner. Prew Dawes, and thereupon instituting a systematic renovating of its facilities, which were sadly in need of repair. There was much timber to be cleared away, fences to be renewed and build- ings to be repaired. in the meantime there being erected upon it the modern two-and-a-half story honse, which compares favorably with the best in the county, besides capacious barns and out- houses, and many other general improvements to which the average, plodding farmer, is a total stranger. While engaging to some extent in gen- eral farming. Mr. Lawson's greatest pride and

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

pleasure is his fruit, to the raising of which he has devoted a large share of his time, and has made exhaustive research among recognized authorities. He has set out strawberries, rasp- berries, entrants, grapes, apples, plus, pears, and practically all of the fruits which flourish in Illinois, besides introducing a variety or de- sirable vegetables for the early market. An additional resource is blooded English Berk- shire hogs, English horses and Short-horn cattle. also a variety of fowl. which here attain to rare breeding.

Born' in Bainbridge Township. Schuster County, Ill .. ' February 6. 1556. MIr. Lawson is a son of Robert and Mary (Moore) Lawson. who were born in Hamptoushire, England, and settled in Schuyler County at a date which has not been attainable by the writer of this sketch, Joseph was educated in the public schools and remained at home until his eighteenth year, when he went to work by the month tor a farmer living near Peoria, his services netting him $22.00 per month, In 1874 he returned to his father's farm, and the following year went to work at the blacksmith trade for William Cody, with whom he remained four years. In 1879, on account of the death of his father, he returned to the old homestead, this time remain- ing until 1882. when he rented the Melvin farm, north of Camden, for two years, thereafter lo- eating on his present farm in Section 22. Camden Township. He never has lost track entirely of the blacksmith trade, and during the winter season the blows of his hammer resound from the auvil, while his summers are entirely de- voted to the general duties of the farm. At first he was obliged to incur indebtedness on his farm. but this long since has been cancelled, and a comfortable balance is increasing for his de- clining years.

The marriage of Mr. Lawson and a daughter of William Wightman mentioned elsewhere in this sketch, occurred August 21. 1550, and of the union there are four children, of whom Walter Whitson, a farmer in Bainbridge Town- ship, married Maggie Lashbrook, and has three children : Wayne, Pauline and Allen ; Curry Del- bert. Guy and William are living on the farm with their parents, Mr. Lawson is a Democrat in politics but never has been active in local party affairs. He is a firm believer in churches, charities and social organizations, and while contributing generously towards their financial support, has thus far not seen his way clear to tender his personal association.

Hle has been a resident of Schuyler County fifty-two years, has grown from boy to manhood within sight of many who still make Camden Township their home, and it is safe to say that no man whose home has been in the same town- ship forty-six years, has a larger claim upon the confidence and friendliness of the people of Camden.

LEARY, Jeremiah R .-- An important factor in the management of public institutions in Schuy-

Jer County is Jeremiah R. Leary, Superintendent of the Anus House for the past four years, and formerly one of the extensive and successful 1: rivers and stock-risers of Buena Vista Town- Sap. Mr. Le ry swells the larze percentage of a. tt of Irish jarentige who mountain high stand- ards of work and character in this county, and he is eminently med by natural ability and ex- Perience for his present humane and widely in- duential position. Born in H: hrock County. 11 .. January 21, 1557, he is a son of Timothy and Julia (Haggerty) Leary, both of whom came to America from Ireland in the same sailing was l. and who later were married in Column.bus. Ohio, which remained their home for some years. Alent JS4. they located on a farm in Hancock County. Ill., where Mr. Leary assisted in the construction of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. continuing thus until the road had been completed between Quincy and Galesburg. 1 !!. About 1466, he came to Schuyler County and rented lini in Buena Vista Towp -hip, later purchasing forty acres, and operating an ad li- ti mal 120 acres, until his death, May 29, 1905. Ilis wife survived him but a few months. her death occurring JJanuary 7. 1896. Mr. Leary was a Democrat in politics, giving that party supreme allegiance from the time of his arrival in the county, In religion he was a devout Catholic. Of his eight children. three sons only are living: John. a barber in Rushville; James. assistant superintendent of the Alms House; and Jeremiah Rt.

Jeremiah R. Leary acquired the rudiments of his education in what was known as the old Taylor School, of Woodstock Township, and he was early taught to make himself useful upon the home farm. lu 1STS he had saved sufficient money to enable him to purchase a forty acre tract in Section di, Buena Vista Township, to which he added forty acres, the entire traet hav- ing no improvements upon it and a large part of it being covered with timber and underbrush. Eventually his industry created a fine and valua- ble farm. having modern buildings, fences and machinery, and upon disposing of it in 1802 he realized a protit of twenty-four dollars per acre over the purchase price. He next bought 116 aeres in Section 8, the same township. adding to this until he owned 134 acres, which, in turn. le converted into a profitable farm and beautiful home. In January, 1904. he disposed of this property also, determined to enter upon some less arduous means of livelihood.

March 1, 1904. Mr. Leary was appointed Super- intendent of the Alms House by the Board of Supervisors of Schuyler County, and since has managed the home and farm of 310 acres. Ilis administration has met with general approval. and has been the means of vastly improving the output and general advantages of the farm. At the present time there are on the place about eighty-one head of cattle and sixty head of hogys. and each year he has raised on an average two colts and eighteen calves. About fifty acres of the farm are under corn each year, and this

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

amount has been sufficient for all feeling pur- poses. During the past three years the wheat yield has been 600 bushels. The general atmos- phere of the place is kindly and homelike, al- though idleness is never encouraged or per- mitted when the inmates are able to make them- selves usetul. One is impressed with the abso- Jute cleanliness which prevails in house and field. and with the strictly enforced sanitary observ- ances. The financial affairs of the institution are in every way satisfactory, eronomy and thrift being the keynote of the present man- agement.

Like his father before him, Mr. Leary is a Democrat, and was a member of the Board of Supervisors of Buena Vista Township during 1859-01. In religion he is a Catholic.

On January 25, 1803, Mr. Leary was united in marriage to Martha E. Hare, who was a native of Schuyler County. born June 15, 1870, and for several years previous to her marriage, a snecessful teacher in the public schools. After marriage they began housekeeping on a farm Mr. Leary had purchased the year previous, and in the neighborhood of their parents they lived until they sold their farm and Mr. Leary was appointed Superintendent of the County Farm March 1, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Leary have one son, James Harold Leary, born January 21. 1900.

LEWIS, Isaac .-. Men who are wont to declaim upon their seant opportunities, the vicissitudes of even the most fortunate life or the slow re- wards of practical industry, should take heart from the experience of Isane Lewis, than whom no citizen of Schuyler County has been handi- capped in greater degree in his struggle for a recompense. Nevertheless, great usefulness has come out of his adversities, political and social prominence bas followed in the wake of his keen mentality und philosophieal acceptance of fate. and many friends brighten his life with their appreciation and good will. This well known resident of Rushville was born on a farm in Woodstock Township, Schuyler County. Ill., July 9, 1865, a son of Jolin R. and Martha ( Kon- nedy) Lewis, the former born in Alabama, and the latter in Ohio. John R. Lewis came from Alabama to Brown County, Ill .. in the early days of State history and finally settled in Woodstock Township, which then was very sparsely populated. Here he cleared his land, engaged in farming for the balance of his active life, and died on the farm which represented the best industry of his life, in 1901, at the age of eighty years.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 76

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1126

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1126