Lawrence - Edward - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Source: History of Montgomery County, Indiana. Browns Valley, 1857, P. 1127

Montgomery County can boast of few more progressive and successful agriculturists, stock dealers and business men than the well know gentleman whose name furnishes the caption of this review. He has long been considered one of the leading farmers of Browns Valley and as a citizen is intelligent and enterprising, combining within himself those sterling qualities of manhood that make not only a useful member of society, but a leader in whatever he undertakes. He has ever had an honest determination of purpose and an obliging nature which impels him to assist others on the Highway of life while making plain the path of prosperity for himself and family. He is a public-spirited man and has not withheld hid aid from any worthy movement having for its object the general improvement of his township and county. Mr. Lawrence is the scion of a fine Old Southern Family, many of whose winning personal attributes he seems to have inherited. He was born July 7, 1857 in Montgomery County, Virginia, and there he grew to manhood, received his educational training and remained in the Old Dominion until he was twenty years old when he came to Indiana where he has since remained. He is a son of Francis W. And Gertrude (Grills) Lawrence, both natives of Virginia, the father's birth having occurred in March 1826, and he died in October, 1895; the mother was born in 1828, and her death occurred in 1884. The father or our subject was a Carpenter by trade. His family consisted of eight children, five of whom are still living. Ed Lawrence of this sketch, was married on August 1, 1880, to Martha A. Bennett, a native of Indiana. Her death occurred on February 15, 1890. On November 26 of that year, Mr. Lawrence Married Kate Armstrong, who was born in Montgomery County, this state, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of a highly respected old family. Four children constituted our subject's family, two of whom are still living. One of these children was by the first wife, the other three by the second. The were named: Frank, who is deceased; Willa is living at home; Mary Fern and Forest E., twins, the latter being deceased. Mr. Lawrence began life for himself as a farmer and this he has continued to follow to the present time in connection with the stock and grain business, in all of which he has been very successful. He was located at the town of New Market, shipping cattle, hogs and sheep, and buying and selling grain. He built up a very extensive business and is widely known all over this section of the state. He is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of fine land in Brown Township, all tillable, but about thirty -two acres. It is substantial and convenient set of buildings. Mr. Lawrence in his fraternal relations is a member of the Masonic Order at Waveland, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at New Market. Politically, He is a Democrat and he has long been an influential factor in local political affairs, being a leader in his part. He was elected Sheriff of Montgomery County in 1906, and served in that capacity for a period of four years in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, irrespective of party alignment, in fact, according to the consensus of opinion he proved to be one of the most faithful and popular officials the county has ever known. He looked after the interests of the people with just the same care and sound discretion that has always characterized his personal life. No shadow of suspicion ever rested on his official record, and he fearlessly and impartially discharged his duties under the law, as he saw and understood the right. Personally, he is a man of pleasing address, genial, obliging and neighborly, and he has so ordered his everyday life that he has won the confidence and good will of all with whom he has come into contact. - typed by kbz

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Edward Lawrence died at his home north  of Browns Valley early on  Sat. morning. He had been in failing health for several years.  Funeral services were held at the home on Mon. afternoon by Rev.  SK Fuson. The Waveland Lodge F&AM of which he was a member,  had charge of the ceremony at the grave in Indian Creek Cemetery  Every part of the County was represented at the funeral, as he  was widely known and respected. He was b. in Montgomery Co, Va.,  July 1857 and moved to Montgomery Co IN when he was 20. He married Miss Martha A. BENNET Aug 1, 1880 who d. Feb 15, 1890. Nov 26,  1890 he marr. Mrs. Kate ARMSTRONG. One daughter, Mary Fern,  survives him. He was elected sheriff in 1906 and reelected two  years later. He was an extensive and successful farmer.  - typed by kbz