LAWLER, J. Thomas - Putnam

J. Thomas LAWLER, a widely and favorably known citizen of Woodstock Twp, Schuyler Co Illinois is a native of VA having been born in Fauquier Co May 7, 1824. His parents were Alexander and Margaret White Lawler, both natives of VA. His father served with distinction in the War of 1812. His father was a cooper and followed his trade in his native state until sprin gof 1839 when he with his family drove from VA to Ohio and thence to Scuyler county bring all their worldly goods in their wagon. Arrived in Illinois, they purchased 160 acres of wild timber land in Woodstock Twp on which they built a log house and began the life of pioneers. Both father and mother lived here until their death although it had been much improved during their possession, both with buildings of a substantial kind as well as the land well cultivated. The father died here at the age of 64 while the mother survived a long time, dying at the advanced age of 73. The Lawlers were originally from Ireland where they were well-to-do-people. Our subject was one of a family of 14 children 7 of whom are now living. He was reared in Woodstock Twp and received his education at the country schools of his day. He lived at home until 22 years of age working on the farm and at his trade of coopering. He then enlisted in the army and served in the Mexican War for 13 months, and now gets a Mexican pension. After returning from the war, he married on May 7, 1848 Miss Sarah E. PINKERTON, who was born in Putnam County Indiana June 14, 1831. She was the daughter of William and Anna Jackson Pinkerton. Her father was a native of Ky while her mother a native of one of the Carolinas, having come with their parents to Indiana in a very early day. Her father die din Indiana aged about 30 years after which her mother moved to Illinois, locating in 1855 in Rushville later moving to Augusta. She is still surviving, and lives with her daughter, the wife of our subject. She had 3 children, only two of whom are living. Joseph and Sarah Jackson were mrs. Lawler's grandparents. They were pioneers of Indiana and later moved to Illinois. Mrs. Jackson died in Indiana aged 50 years, and her husband died in Illinois at the advanced age of 96. They were related to General Jackson, so famous in the War of 1812. David and Margaret Pinkerton, the grandparents on her father's side both died in Indiana at a very advanced age. They were both natives of Ky and English ancestry After marriage, our subject settled where he now lives residing there continuously ever since. He built at first a little log cabin in which he and his family lived until 1865, when he erected his present substantial and comfortable home. His farm was unimproved when he bought it, but it is now one of the best farms in the country, being highly cultivated and well improved with substantial barns for grain and stock, besides other modern conveniences for the care of grain and other agricultural products. Mr. and Mrs. Lawler have 11 children, 9 living: Margaret E. married 7 children; Henry W married 3 children; Silas E married 4 children; Albert C married 5 children; Simon A and Jane A, twins; Simon a school teacher, and Jane married with two children; Nancy E, married 2 children; Hattie E married 1 child and Thomas A, at home and works the farm with his father. Our subject and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and contributes liberally towards it support. Mr. Lawler and family are highly respected by people of the community on account of their many admirable traits of character.