WILLIAM LAVERY, who is engaged in the abstract business in Carrollton, and is well known and highly respected in the business circles of Greene county, was born in New York city, on the 4th of November, 1852, his parents being James and Jane (Davison) Lavery, both of whom were natives of County Antrim, Ireland, whence they emigrated to America in 1849, settling in New York city. There they continued to make their home until October, 1864, when they came to Carrollton, Illinois, and the father followed his trade of tailoring. For many years he conducted a merchant tailoring business and was very successful, enjoying a large and profitable trade until his retirement from business in the year 1903.

William Lavery, the eldest in a family of six children, of whom four are now living, completed his education in the schools of Carrollton, and in 1871 he entered the public service, being employed in the county clerk's office and in others. Gradually he drifted into the abstract business, in which he has since continued, opening an office on the east side of the square, in partnership with F. M. Roberts, under the firm name of Roberts & Lavery, this connection being maintained until 1900, when they dissolved partnership and Mr. Lavery has since conducted an abstract business on his own account in the Masonic Temple. He has a large clientage, having secured a liberal share of the public patronage in his line. In all his business dealings he is reliable, prompt and accurate, and he is now meeting with gratifying success, which is well deserved. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and he has the warm regard of his brethren of the order. He is progressive and public-spirited in citizenship and he has the entire confidence of the business community.