Kansas History and Heritage Project- Saline County

Saline County Bios
"Portrait and Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion Counties," 1893



THOMAS H. LAWRENCE, living on section 36, Eureka Township, Saline County, claims Ohio as the State of his nativity. He was born in Trumbull County, July 6, 1844.(khhp) His father and mother were both born in Wales, the former in Newport, South Wales, and the latter, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Smith, in Swansea, South Wales. Having emigrated to America, they lived for some time in Trumbull County, Ohio. From there they removed to Galena, Jo Daviess County, Ill., where they resided most of the time until their deaths.

Our subject was reared chiefly in Galena, and when eighteen years of age, enlisted in Company F, Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry. His services commenced August 14, 1862, and continued only a few months, when he was discharged on account of disability. Returning to Galena, he proceeded to learn the harness-maker's trade, in which occupation he was engaged for some three years. At the expiration of that time, Mr. Lawrence began keeping a hotel in Galena, and followed that business for four and a-half years. His next place of residence was in New Hampton, Iowa, where he worked at his trade of harness-making for a year, when he returned to his old home in Jo Daviess County, Ill., where he was in business for a year. During the succeeding two and a-half years, he devoted his energies to the butchering business, after which he returned to his native county and engaged in coal-mining for three years. He spent the following year in Iowa, selling sewing machines, after which he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, renting land in Kirksville, Mo., which he operated for six months. In the autumn of 1879, Mr. Lawrence went to Dickinson County, settling on section 31, Wheatland Township, where he remained until 1886, when he moved across the line into Saline County, where he now resides. Since coming to Kansas, Mr. Lawrence has devoted his time and attention wholly to farming. On his fine farm of two hundred and forty acres he has made good improvements and erected substantial buildings, which indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner.

Mr. Lawrence's marriage took place in Galena, Ill., February 6, 1866, his bride being Miss Mary Eustice, who was born in Jo Daviess County, Ill., May 7, 1845. Her father was John Eustice and her mother was Ann Ward, both of Cornwall, England. The deaths of both occurred in Jo Daviess County. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence have four living children: James G., Ella M., George C. and Ida I. They lost three children when young.

Mr. Lawrence, since coming to this State, has taken an active interest in all enterprises pertaining to the welfare of the community. He has been elected to fill a number of the township offices. and has performed his duties in those positions with fidelity and zeal. In his social relations, he is a member of J. H. Steadman Post No. 465, G. A. R. Mr. Lawrence has led an active and useful life, and, in whatever business engaged, his upright and honorable dealing has won him the esteem and respect of all.





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This website created June 15, 2011 by Sheryl McClure.
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