Thomas Joseph Lawler

LAWLER, CONDON, CAVANAUGH

Posted By: Shannon Halpin Zuzek (email)
Date: 5/15/2002 at 20:16:34

January, 1901

That grim and unmerciful monister (sic) death in its endless march has again invaded Jackson township and snuffed out a bright and promising young life in the person of Thomas Joseph Lawler, at the home of his father, David Lawler.

Thomas Joseph Lawler was born on a farm 2.5 miles southwest of Clare 29 years ago, last April, on which place he claimed his home until the time of his death which occured Saturday evening, Jan. 5th, at 6 o'clock, after a brief illness of one week.

Tommy, as he was called by his legions of friends, was one of our most highly esteemed and examply (sic) young men. He was steady industrious and sober; never seen idling his time away in pool halls or saloons. He was essentially a home boy and loved his home and church above everything. Although a great lover of home he never established a home of his own. It was on the old homestead that he spent his boyhood happy days, and he clung to the old hearthstone and its hollowed memory when he emmirged (sic) into early manhood. It was here he received the wise counselor of a father and was taught to lisp his evening prayer by a loving mother and he rewarded them with a labor of love in their declining years. He was a faithful and devout Catholic and was ever about his Master's work.

Deceased enjoyed good health until Dec. 28 he was taken to his bed with a severe cold which terminated in congestion of the brain of which he died, as above stated. During his illness he was provided with the best of medical skill and tender nurses but he was beyond human aid.

Funeral services were held from St. Matthew's church Monday morning, conducted by his pastor, Father Dorcy assisted by Father Sullivan, of Gilmore City, and Father Heelan, of Barnum, after which the remains were taken to their last resting place in the cemetery south of town and was followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends, there being over 100 teams in the procession.

Besides an aged father and mother five brothers and five sisters servive (sic) him; namely; Mrs. Wm. (MOLLIE) Condon, Mrs. J.P. (MARGARET) Condon, Robert, John, James, Edward, Francis, LuElla, Annie, and Mary Carmella Lawler, of all who live in this community and were with him during his sickness, excepting one sister, Mary Carmella, that is in a convent in St. Mary's, Ind.

Thomas Joseph Lawler was born on the 12th day of April 1871; taken sick on the 28th day of Dec., 1900; died on the 5th day of Jan., 1901; was buried on the 7th day of Jan., 1901.

CARD OF THANKS.

We take this method of extending our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all who lent us their help and sympathy in the sickness and burial of our son and brother.

MR. AND MRS. DAVID LAWLER

Submitter's Note - LuElla, Thomas's sister mentioned above, refers to his sister Louise. She later married Tom Cavanaugh.